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THE

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE,

COTTAGE GAEDENEE,

COUNTRY aENTLEMAN.

A CHRONICLE OF THE HOMESTEit), POULTRMAED, APIABY, .( DOVECOTE.

CONDUCTED BY

GEORGE W. JOHNSON, F.R.H.S., and ROBERT HOGG, LL.D.

THE FEUIT iND KITCHEN GAJRDENS, bj Mr. J. Mdie; and
Mr. J. Tayloe, The Oardeus, LonRleat.

VILLA AND SUBURBAN GARDENING, by Mr. J. W. Moormsn.
GARDENING CALENDAR, by Mr. J. DoudLAS. Loxford Hall.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS AND FLORICULTURE, by the Rev. H. H.
DoMBRAiN, Mr. J. DoDGLAS, and Rev. J. B. M. Camm.

POULTKY-KEEPINQ, by Mr. J. Baily ; and E. Hewitt, Egq.

BEE-KEEPING, by " B. & W.," Mr. A. Pettiorew, and Mr. J. Hdnter.
HOUSEnOLD ARTS, by several Ladies.

LIBRARY
NEW YORK
BOTANICAL

tlAKDEN.

VOIjUME XXXII., NEW SERIES.
VOL. LVII., OLD SEKIES.

LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, 171, FLEET STREET.

3877.

A4

/?f?

LONDON :

PRINTED AT THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE,

171, FLEET STREET.

July 13. 1877. 1 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

TO OUll READERS,

Praise totally unexpected and disinterested is the superlative of commendation. The
celebrated beautiful Duchess of Devonshire said, " No compliment ever equalled that of the
coalheaver who asked me to let him light his i^ipe by my eves." One of our Editors travelling
in Wales saw a cottager reading " our Journal" as she sat in the sunshine before her door,
and who said in answer to a query, " We could not get on without this Journal." Nor is
the aid we are able to afford confined to the British Isles, for we have letters asking for
information from the Cape of Good Hope and from the Himalayas, and the day Ave wrote these
words we received the following letter from Canada: —

" Ecceut articles in the Journal show that this Ontario of ours is not such a far-off province
as to be beyond the reach of your interest and influsnce, so I have sent you by this mail the prize
list and regulations for our horticultural shows here, thinking it might interest you to know a
little of what is being done here in that direction. For my own part, I know, I look forward month
by mouth to the arrival of my " Cottage Gabdener," for it speaks to me of home and all I left
behind me there."

Such testimonies are most gratifying, and we again thank our contributors for enabling
us to say without self-laudation that we know that the commendations are merited and that
they will continue to be deserved.

JOUllNAL. OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

INDEX.

Aberdeen Poultry Show, 71
Abuiilous and cultnre, 444
Acaci<i, Kiceana noi flowering, 161;

Beeds, 80W1UK. 54
Arcrinnton Pigeon Show, 72
Achimenes caltare, 2*Jl
Acid, mariatic, for Peach trees, 395
Adelaide Palm House, 269
Adiantum, Caiiilliis-Veneris, 64 ; cune-

atum. winterinfF. 64; farlejense,

186; palmatum. S8t
Agave, Elemeetiana. 175 ; Sartorii, 4:8
* flgTostographi

Ailanttisbilkis

, 4:)!

Alexandra I'alace hoaltry Show, 452

AlknnctR, 870

AliJiinundaM. training bush, H\ ; cul-
ture. 6

AUutment gardens, id

Alternantheras, calture. 145 : preserv- ,
iug, 136; wintering, 216,443 I

Amar.vliia after flowering. 221

AmftrylliBCa for outdoors, 182

Amateur defined. 164

American blicht, destroying, 145

" American Wild Flowern," 187

Ammonia, effects cf, 155 ; v. insecta,
SOS; Bulphateof. S6

Amsterdam Horticuliural Exhibition,
124. 136, vEl)

Anchusa sempcnircns, 870

Anemone fulgens, G4

Anemones, ttaviug tteed from, 489

Ai grrecum citraiuro, 1189

Animals, our duty io. 108. SOI

Annnalsfor bedoing. US!), b91 ; for cat
flowers, 201; at Royal Botanic, 48 j ; I
for spring, 4ir

■ '■ um, ■

- ,86

Aniwerp Koyal Horticultnrai Society,

Apbides on Rose tree, 4Sil
AphjB, woollv, on Auricalaa. 177
Apples— from America, 448; culture,
ai.1, 2C6, fcfcS; D'Arcy Spice. 239; on
walls. 8; Nfcwtown H'>pn>. 18;
KuBbian Transpareut, 25; Slirliug
CaBtle, 82 : Hambledon Ueux Ans,
i88: for cool climate, 3ri8: liitle
known, 80s; Reinette Grise. 319;
■Winter CalviUe, 4'.8; list of, !t21 ;

for, 341 ; aphis. 3i2; Not them Show
of. flSl; diviriioc plants of, 853;
laising from seed. 378; numbe'- of
exhibitors of. 401; potting, ILO;
hospital treatment. 488

Aviary in conservatory, 92

Azalea peste. 166

Azalean, Apollo. 384 ; imbricata, 402 ;
gro\ving before flowering. 299; in-
.licas, early-flowering, 3»; cnltnre.
86; Japanese. 212; nnhealthy, 24i;
repotting before flowoiintr, 242;
leaves falling. 107: new varieties,
136; repotting. 259. 372; Duke of
Edinburgh, 267

' Ranburv Poultry Show, 412

' Barham C.«n»t. 48

I Barlevnipal for fnwln. 244

I Barres. Mr.,<ieath of. 4'ja

; Barometers, floral. 4'i2

I BasbetB, hanEing. 448; plants for. 310

Bath and West of England Snci"ty,
KS : Ponltrj' Show, 431, 451 ; Flower
I Show. 420

Ranhinia pptiola*a. 256

Beans, forcing French, fi6R; inju'-ecl
bv TDillirc'IcH. 4311 ; snwing. 145. 181

BefidingplnriN r,-. n. --■, .1, ii.'"., 16S

Bcdli "

,107

Apple election, 12. 81. 144. 1 3, 251, 481
Apricots, failure of. 419; pruning, 419
Aquarium, Royal Westminster, 62;

Jfoultry Show Bchedule, 54; Show,

140. 165 •

Araucarla Imbricata cooing, 47
ArbutUH barren, 221
Ardi.sia crenulata culture, 0

Ari^

spec

,4' 9

tof spring flowers. 304

ArtificiHl Flower Show. 174

Asijarugus, bed making. 259 ; planting,
4 1; *'xbibiiine, 853; salt and nitraie
of soda for. 8Sfl

Aspidistra punctata, 125

A&ters, culture, 273 : failing, 299; in
pots, 107 ; for fihowing, 145

Atmospheric moisture in vineries,
379

Anbrictias, raining from seed, 4 2

Ancnba. Japonica fruitful, 15b ; poll n
of. 353

Aucnbaa, secdlintr, 107

Auricula Society's show, f 88

Auricula show, exui'itnrs at, 422;
Cr>htal Palace Show. 44'i; National
Sociel>'rt Show, 236; r-hows at
Manchester and Ireland, 328

Auriculaw, 176, 177, 870; Alpine, 180,
234; cultnre. 29H, SOC, 498; wuollv
aphis on, 96, 132. 145, 15y, 197, IW,
li-Ti: variftji-s, 187; in frarr.es, 17;
for show, lot, ISl ; self AlpineH nixl
Alpine selfa, 2Ci ; and Americiin ;
bhght, 267; Tarieiies, 310; polling, I

BftcH-d.. 11, > , ,

for. 21 : i^M ' '
TctrnBpect, -':> ; ]
73; hivpB. ekin;:
flowers for. 74 ;
knowledge, mn"
irmbo, 91: hiv.= ^

Jfln

, hi'

of the hives. IMi: -■: , v. •■ M- ■
ton. 150: stewa'tnn v. iarjji' Mv:^
hive"*. 168; crude honey. >kr . K.i

Birds, their dangers, 28 ; depreda-
tions of, 421 ; preperviug seeds from,
190: eingular nests of. 422 ; singular
nestinff places, 385. 391; and squir-
rels, 349 ; and telegraph wires, 354

Black thread for seed beds, 405

Blossom, effects of frost on. 418

Bofitswam. Lord Bvron's dog, 1*

Boiler cannon, setting, P54

BooVr for younff gardeners, 144

Bo-th's florists' flowers. 468

Border flowers, 15, 8 ', 199, 315, 370, 401,
469

■poruTiia mpgisfgma. 240

poiflDic (Rovai) SociPtv of London,
234, 210; garden, 4d2 ; Show, 287,
3fi4. 440

" Bo'any— Tpx* BnoTt— ivranual." 191

Bonrnemoiiih Winter Garden, 85

Bournflmouth Poultry Show, 145. 165.
1HP,2J2; noD-pavraent of prizes at.
3f)2

BoiKniet in Augupf, 88

Bnu(|iietR leaves for. 186

Bouvardia culture, 201

Box e.iping. 2.58

Brahma and Houdan cross, 262

Brahma hen ill, 74

Briars. peedliDET. 163

Brighton. Mr. Miles'a Nursery, carpet
bedding at. 424

Bristol Poultry Show, 108

Broccoli, Leamington, 85; Veitch'd
Au'umn. 8

Brofiirea. crilifomica, 270 ; cu'turp, 363

■Ri-oughtv Ferry Ponllry Show, 19

Brovntail catei-pillars. 198

Tiruof^plH SprnutH, 26; early, 76; va-
rir-./nl^rl.^.l

^,^,,. - , r,.iu-,.jn'-inn.2.1

I3nl]1in<^,hes. -21)2, 2^9, 314,333: charac-
ter of . 856; and sparrowp. 392; and
fruit buds. 402. 4n3 : trapping, 4'6

Cahnationb— Continued,
iniured by slugs, 373 ; and Picotees,
398; propeitiea of, 411; number of
petals, 442

Carpet-beddingplants, 128, 471; green,
164 ; sowing, 8(1

Carrier's liability. 279

Carrot culture, 124

Carrots, forcing, 16. 75; avoiding mag-
got. 60 ; forcing, 75 ; and giubs, 313

Catalogues, 68

Caterpillars, 105; destroyed by ashes,

I June, 150
CpanothuB denlatus.422
Cedars at Shobdon Court. 485
Cclerv, culture, 133; select. 115;

iflaiit?, raiping. 227 : sowing, 2 0
CentaureaB frnm seed, 8.8
Ontipedes, 450

Centropogon Lucyanus culture. ?fiO
rhenopi dium bonuB-Heuri*nw, 58
Chicltpns, 299: m sreenhouMe, '.)> ;
management of, 376; fouil lor, 450 ;
reariug in June, 434; staggenug,
206
Children cultivators, 86
ChimonanthuB fragraos, pruning, 128
Chimonanthuses, 62
Chiswick, 98

Chrysanthemum cuttings, 17
t hrjsHnthcmuraB, autumn-Blruck,177 ;
dwarflng, 445; for non-exhibiturM,
25,6): Japaneae,26; old, 36 ; tram-
1 IDg. 107

; Cinerarias, blind, 88: culture, 811;
I double varieties of. 422
' riematis sucker, remnving. 54
Clf matises, for fluwerinn in .luly nnd
August. 338; at K» gent's Park, SW ;

flo

384;

Butttrflies. 118

rnfte and perfect, ho
straw hives, 2M; hives, trial of, do
ihey make or gather honey? 'i4S ;
Stewarton and Carr hives. V44 ;
procreea of knowledRe of, i(;i ;
driving, tiee of hives, probable pro-
duce, 262; relative queries. '^81:
hives and Lisfurions, wintering, on I
cress. Ste\Yarton hivea. 282: timely I
preparations. 801 ; crude and perfect
honey, straw hives, Stewarton and
Carr hives, SO'; feeding, do they
make honey V 321; crude and per- >
fpct honey. 322; death in one
hive. 322 ; in super. 822 ; shifting,
322; ligurianising, 840: toads eating,
citching a queen, 340 ; hive compe-
tition. 856 : Italian Alp, 3.57 ; cross
sticks in hives, driving. (158; arti-
fitiat comb foundations, 874; sec-
tional tupers, 875; ojirly swarm,
taking honey. 876 ; honey crude and
perfect, Stewarton hive, 393; pro-
spects, early Bwarms. 394; pro-
spects of, dying. 414; transferring.
433; loB" of stocks, 434: hives, 434 ;
management 434; improved know-
ledge of, 4.55; do they remove
honev? 453; foul brood, l.'iS: ' Cnrbol:
swarm 8tTaying,454; swarming iind 1 201 : fnrv
non-swarming, 473: d' ' '

201;

nai superp. 474,491; stuicr by.
474; straved swarm. 474; en'arving
hives, 433; artificial and abundant
(.warming, 494; super full of brood,
491

Beetles. 450

Beetroot culture, 343

Begonias, management of, 411 ; nltidi
odoraia. 34; propagating, 70; seed,
319: from feed. 491

fientley Pigeon Show, 243

Cabtinges, cutting. ar5

*' Cactus and Other Succulents,

Cn'salpinia braziliensis, 107

Calardrinias, 324

CalanlhpR culture. 246

Calceolarias, stopping heddin
sowing Reed of, 411

riRlico lights, 354

Caliphmria sabedentata, 4C7

CiiDas. culture of, 411

Camellia flowers spotted,??

Camellias, culture, 36; buds dropping,
54 ; white, 212; gum on. 212; plant-
ing, 283; repotting, 259; white for
vinery. 319 ; for back walls of vino-
ries, 835: planting-out, 878; leaves
ppotted, 471

Campanula, cymbalaria in pots, 482;
pusilla alba. 419

Campanulas, culture of, 403

Canada, tempernture, 34

Canaries, mortality in, 892

Canarv breeding. 261, 339; msnage-
ment, 493 ; beak overgrown, 92

Canker. 216

Cankered fruit trees. 52

Cannas, calture of, 411

rant*rbury Bella. 456

■ •' :id. for mice, 69; for walks,
.105

Carlisle International Show. 8, 192

Carhslf Fruit and Flower Show, 481

* arlisle Poultry Show. S7

Carnation and Picotee Show, 1S5,

r.ter.flowerinp. 2 1; nrd
Piebtees from seed, 263; Trre, 198;
wititering and propagatiug, 319;
dressing flowers of, 348, 898, 459, 484 ;

flowering, 34 ; Jackn
234; for low wail, J82 ; at Wor-
cester, 480

Clerodendmn jplendens. 250

Clianthua Damjneri, and culture, 252

Climbers, for screen and corridor,
164: for stove, 107

Club Moss, Toothed, 100

Club root, 128

Cocksconih culture, 190

Cock's comb diBcoloured, 858

Cockerel catarrhed. 70

ror-logyne corymbosa, 402

Cultures, propagatiun of, 411

Composts for plants. 427

Conifer plantinR. 125

Conifers in gardens, 148

Conservatory, arrangement, TO ; east
anpected. 107; and room heating,
164: plants for,128

Cordia decandra,256
Cordon fruit-tree planting, 86
Cottage Garden Society, Yorkshire,

Covf nt Garden Market. 22. 40. .'^6, 74.
92, lir. IPO. 150, 170, 186, 206, 2?4, 244,
2G^ 282. 302, 322. 340. 858. 876, 394. 414,
434, 45U, 454, 474, 491; vegetables ai,
366

Cramb, Mr. A., death of. 846

Crocus and Snowdrop. 240

CrotODs.new.Earl of Derby and gucen
Victoria, 4C4 ; culture of, 407

Crowfoots. 4C9

Crowle PouHry Show, 4S2

Crystal Palace plants, 260

Crvatal Palace. Bird Show. ICi), J47,
184, 203: Pigeon Show, 89; Rose
^how, 479; Summer Show.S61

CucumbeiB. culture, 162, 245, 279: in
cold frame. 182 ; in small house,
201 ; planting, 211; large produce.
8 ; productive, 70 ; plants, 88 ; ridge
failing, V99; in frnnies and houeea,
809.818: for till- miia(in.HI5 : pit for.
Slfl; Biir. , lul , I.. I ^; mai.ac<-

JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 19, 1877.

87

" Cultivated Plants." 219
('npar Poultry Show, 55
Cuttings. 70
Oycasrevolcta, S09
Cyclamen, corms mouldy, deformed,

36; ciiltare. 66,3'8
Cyclamens after flowei-ing, 259
Cyences, 298
Cypress, plant, 182 : of Somna, 288

402
CytiBUS racemosas out of doorB, 46

Dahlias in pota, 107
Daisies on lawn, lfi4
Daphne indica culture. 838
Darlinirtonia calif omica, hardiness

of. 409
Darlington Gardeners' Institute, W,

125

. Dr. F., 1%

ii«l. 156
Dear, Mr.H.C. IGJ
December aspects. 32
Details deBiraMe, '2^i
Dicltson.Mr T.. 253
DielJ'tra spectabiha cuUnre. 315
Districts, early and late, 314

Doin ; as he would be done by, 81

Dorset Poultry Show. 71

Douglas mixture for fowls, 55

Dracrena australis, 469

Dracrenas, hardiness of, 403 ; calture

of. 407
Dracocephalum speciosum, S56

Dubbing illeKal. 819

Duck's eggs unfertile, 224

Ducks, Fou6n,92, charaeteuslics. 53 ;

pinioning Carolina, I'D; breeding,

876
Dunfermline Poultrv Show, 38
Dust bath for fowls, 9 J
Dynamite for uprooting, 250

Earthino-dp. 843

Farth Nats, destroying, 411

Echeveria retusa culture. 63

Edinburgh Columbarian Society's Ex-
hibition. 110

Egg in egg, 92

Egtfs, preserving, 21, 494: pul'et drop-
ping her, 180; hen retaining, 13 »;
for sitting, 259 ; hen unfertile. 262 ;
Abtaining laree. 262; of Ducks end
hers, 82'^ ; impnrtaHon of, 891 ;
cracked, 391 ; unfertile. 454

Rlephantiasisin fosvls, 110

Elm. the Prophet. 82

" Entomology, Economic." 277

Entoniologv, practical, 446

Epacris, double, 19V

Erica mediterranea.S04

Essex (South) Horlicultural Society's

sho

.441

Eucalvptas. ficifolia, 268: globulus,
85. 430. 443, 483, in flower, 288

Fucharis, Candida. 41 9: culture, 242

Euonymuses. propagating, 144

Furvclea australasica. 192

Evergreens, hardy in London, 335 ;
prunin;;, 52

Everlastings, 80

EwpU Castle, 867

Kxptpr Hose Show, 4k!i

Extiibiting plants, large i'. small, 248,

FaIBFOBD POULTRY'YARI

Fairlawn.222
Faaciated branches. 46
Feather Grass sowing, 2
February aspGcto, 19a

' boiler cellar, floor fur,
878

Ferns, exhibiting exotic, 28; insects
on. 70; unhealthy, 70; scale on, 280;
tratllo in, 28S; peat for, 817 ; plant-
ing hardy, 317 : liquid manure for.
8'i9; new book on. 422; in Fiji
Islands, 462

Fertjlisers, 456; application of, 415,
47rt

Flcus Parcollii, 214, 216; fruiting, 176,
104

Fig trees in pots, 53

Figs, culture uf in pots, 4'1) ; In Bpan-
roofod bouse. 88; iu pot», 144, 2M;
foroiug in pol s, 342

Flagged floor for fowl lioasc, 244

Fleaworttt, 80

Floods, 62 ; damage from, 86

Flora's domain. 312 ; flowers in Lon-
don. 897

Floiists' flowers, from seed, 151;

den notes, 153 : February flowers,
155; dressing, instruments for, 411 ;
shows, special, 51, 85 ; fixtures, 232

Flower sermon, 3s3

Flowers, for cutting, 61 : spring. 34 :

and autmnn, 437 ; exhibiting, 450

*' Foreign Cage Birds," 473

Forestry schools, 288

*' Forestry, Journal of," 384

Forethought in gardening, 6G

Forget-me-nots. 880

Fossil plants, 31

Fowls, colour of, 414 ; feather-eating,
282; feeding, 206; vermin on, 414;
weakly, 40

Foxglove, 456

Frame, Boulton & Paul's, 120

Frames for seed sowing, 237

Franciaceas and culture, 272

Fraud, suppression of, 164

Friends and enemies, 255. 333

Fruit— blossom, effef^ts of frost on,
339, protecting. 209; cn.p in North-
amptonshire, 482: crop, proep-cts
of, 308, f52, 490; in pots, mauage-
nient of. S52 ; not setting and drnp-
ping, 477 ; Show at Alexandra
Palace, 481; trees, disbudding, 850.
culture. 323. 866, 455, ties f^r, 51,
newly-planted, 7), pruning, 70, 299,
protecting, 128. right to remove,
257. washing, 329 ; thinning, out, 377

Fruits for small garden, 98 132

Fuchsia, culture. 2-8,212; story of its
introduction, 399

Fuchsias for gardens, 284

FumewortB. 315

Fungus, cultivated at Dangstein, 316;
on leaves, 318

Gaillabdia seed not g

450
Galanthus imperati, l.Sfi
Game fnwis. Indian. 108
Gapes. 45'

^ 4ii6 ; friends and foes, 370

399; notes in 1876. 59; notes from
my, 119. notes, 188, 251, 310, 898
Gardener's epitaph. 463
Gardeners' Royal Bpuevolcnt Insti-
tution, Mr. Cutler, 846
Gardening reminiscences during fifty

years, IH
Garrya ellipfica, 212
Geeae management, ?8l
Geranium'!. cuUur''. 242 ; double, 482:
for cut flowers. 2t'S; mixed beds of,
402; niilriewcii. 45n ; Mrs. Pollock,
18: pruning, if.l, 201, repotting, 161,
201; snotted. 21-2
Ghpnt HorticuUural Exhibilipn, 124
Gladiolus, bulbs, planting. 234; cnl-
ture, 145, 175. 2?6. 251: disease. 194;
ochroleucus, 408; from seed. 145
Glass, case, plants for. 18; insuring,
2ft2 ; roof, utilising, 144 ; toughened,
268
Glazing without putty. 93, 196, 231
Gloxinias from peed. 491
Godetia Lady Albemarle, 164
Gold fish, in garden pond, 372; ma-
nagement of. 384
Gooseberries, thinniuK shoots of, 430
Gooseberry analysis, 1F6 ; culture. 162
Grafting, 199; roots, 144; wax, 144
Grapes— Olive House Sf edliog. 5>,6S,
97,193; late-keeping, 5: election, 8;
Mrs. Pince'fl Black Muscat, 8, 88, 34,
42.329: Madresfield Court. 12: crack-
ing. 14; latehancin- ^r, :^(i: \'onr>\-i
Black Muscat. Dukp "f l;;irri, urb.
27.83.47: keeping lit*'', l-; marrii-
ing. 54; GrosGuillaii

lU. 1G4 : rust on. 229 ; rapid forc-
ing. 250; shanking. 285: thinning
and setting, 377; scalded. 450, 471;
setting. 457; mealy bug on, 471;
spotted, 491
Grass under trees, 164
Gravel, quantity needed, 318
Great Harwood Poultry Show.S.'O
Greenhouse, converting to vinery,

lagcmrnt of, 410; lieutiog,
491 ; plant* for cut flowers. 430

Grubs io kitchen garden. 430

Guano for Vine border, water for
damping fli

ling of fruit trees, 264, 264, SU
Gunncrasi 15

Gvmniigramma peruviana argyro-
■phylta, SI

Hamburgh fowls, characteristics of
Black, 56 ^ „

Hamilton, Eight Hon. K. A. C. N.,
44-2

Hampton Court Palace gardens, 214

Hardy plants from seed, 456

Harrison. Mr. .T., 125

Hawk Moths. 276

Heating a lean-to. 107

Hedgehogs, 184. 203. 289, 314, 328, S33 ;
and cows, 31fi

Heliotropes, standard, 32

Hen sitting freiiuently, 319

Hens, for one cock, 92; sitting, ma-
nagement of, 433

Herb garden, 103

Hereford Rose Show. 482

Herefordshire pomology, 158

Hermit fowl, 224

Hibiscus, variegated flowering, 164

Hippeastrum culture, 233

Hogg, Thomas, 347

HoUv berries. 46 : scarce. 8

Holy Ghost Plant, 373

Hooevdew on leaves. 186

Honey Show, 494

Honeysuckle, French, 199

Hooker, Sir Joseph, 421

Hop planting, 70

Horticultural Club. 192, 442; Dinner,
267

Horticulture, industry of in America,
422

Horticultural (Royal) Society. 12, 34,
4*. 63, 79, 94. 9S, 112. 125, 133, 1S5. 155,
156, 157, 191. 288, 808, 481; Com-
mittees, 45. 126,173, 175, 249. 287,927,
363, 421, 462; distribution of medals.
•121 ; election of Fellows, 346, 383,
442 ; exhibitions, chanee of days for,
267.346; Kensington Gardens, 16 1;
letter from the Queen. 346; of Ire-
land. 105 ; Show, 210. 218, 445 ; Great
Summer &how, 459; provincial
.^how, 421; Queen's visit to, 324;
local societies, affiliation of, 136;
unwarrantable insinuations, 328

Horticultural Society, a National, 6

Hotbed making, 107

Pumea elegans unhcaUhv, 242

Hvacinths. after culture in water. 145 ;
failing, 18; after flowering. 213; in
glasses. 164: in London, 229; in
pnts.f-upporting. 89

Hyde Park spring flowers, 285

Hvdrangea Hort^nsiia, 68

Uypolytrum latifolium, S-ie

Illinois gardening. 199

Inarching. 258

India, seeds from, 128

Indian Pink, 456

Insecticides. 77

Insect pests, 194

Insect plagues. 483

iQsrcta. for gardeners. 103. 118, 276.

4i7; and ammonia. :i57 ; in orchard

house. 395 : extirpation of, i'lG ; prc-

ventim of. 423
Intermediate house, plants for, 128
Ivv, Iiish, on surface, 86; training,

299
Ixia cultore, 435

JaCABAKPA FILICiroLIA CUTTINGS, 239 ;
MIMOS.T.FULIA.268

January aspects. 122
Jerusalem Artichokes. 152
Jubiea BpectLibilia culture, 299
Jussiani grandiflora. 5
Justicia, camea culture, 145; ftavi-
coma,82,156

Kidney Beans, forcing, 75

Kitchen gardening. 161, 188

Kitchen garden, nrrangoment. S6J ;

memoranda, 57 ; notes, 99, 305, 843
Kleinia repens, propagating, 468
Knight, K, P., 81

Langshan Club. 145

Langshan fowl, 330

Lapageria rosea culture, 298

Larch, raising from seed, 338; tree

culture, 228
Laurels, pruning, 181
Laurustinus, flowering, 135; flowers

abundant, 155
Laurustinuscs blooming profusely,

174

Leeds Pigeon Show, 492

Lee, James, 64

Lee,Mr. J.,dinnerto, 187

Lcttsom. Dr., 38.'".

Let'B'H Diaries, 125

Lcucophyton Browni propagating, 4C8

liibonia floribunda culture, 175

Lidgard.Mr. C..487

Lilac, white by forciiiK, 06 ; forcing.

Lilium candidum in pots, 482

Liliums, protection of, 4SU

Lily, culture, 77, 185 ; White Tiumpet,

201; Jacobrean, 215
Lily cf the Valley, 338; culture. 299;

forcing. 172; management of, 411;

pots, '259
Limatodes rosea culture, 9
Lime, for fjwls, '22; for garden, 450

on fru;t trees, 164
Liquid manure, 18
Liamore Castle, 273
Livistonia australis, 117
London climate, 192
London poultry shows. 373
London market gardens and nurse-

iie3.488
Lonicera fragrantissima, 81
Loudon, J. C, 292, 833
Looking forward, 59
Lowestoft Poultry Show. 128
Lychnis Viacaria for bedding, 288
Lycopodium denticulatum, 8 ; hardy,

62

March aspects, 274
Market gi.rdening, 164
Market gardens and nurseries, old
London, 14, 2S7,315

Melianthus major, culture cf, 40L

Melou, an.il.vsiBOt. 491

Mehms, culture, 87,279,318; diaeast-d.

early, 70; early ript^ning of. Slo ;

in cold frames, succession of, IHi;

planting, '2il
Melrose Jr-oultry Show, 121)
Melville, Mr. W., 1x5
Mercury, 58

Merryweather, Mr . death of, 402
Meycnia erecta, 372
Mice and red lead, 195
Mignonette, good variety, 442
Mildew, destroying, 338
Mimulu:i moschatua HarrlBOQi, 268
MiBtlet De, SG
Moles beneficial, 268
Miiormau's, Mr , gardening, 283
Moricandta sonchifolia. 'iSt
Moss, on fruit trees. 62 ; salting, 22L
Mulching, effects of, tj2
Musa sanguinea,Jt31
Mushroom, beds, 17; culture, 70, 435;

failing, 242; fereing iu wet oeason.

192; growing. 132; preserving, S22 ;

spawn pUnting, 49i
Myosotis, (tisbitifiora, 34 ; culture, 217 ;

Weirleigh Surprise, 38j

NAI!CISSDSE8,3Sfi; AT TOOTI.SO, 805

Nastui'tiums, double, 4H0

National Auricula Society's southern

Show. 332
Nectarines not setting, £80
Ntuthead Poultry show. 38
Neottopterls nidus, management ol,

43U
Nepenthes, culture of, 897 ; sanguinca,

Netherbv.lOO

Newcastle Flower Show. 482

Newcastle Horiicoltural Society, 1''5

Newstead Abbey , 9

Nitrate of soda, 2:^1 ; for lawns, 338

Nitrates for liyht soil, 251

Northampton Poultry Show, 14S

Norwich Poultry Show, 87

Notice to leave, 18

Nurseries, Mr. Miles's Brighton, 424

Nursery, removing trees from, SS

Nut crop prospects, 125

Oak, a labge, 116; polished, Ladt

DORUTHY NEVILL'fl,846

OdontoglosRum, Koezlii, 329; vex

iilarium, 360
Okefunl Filzpaiuc gardening, 439
Oleander unhealthy, 182
Oncidium chcironhorum, 256
Onion plants curled. 491
Onions, keeping. 18 ; Queen for spring

sowing, rJit; Tree,6J
Ontario fruits, 104
Orang* graitiPg.70

iii;ii. I '. :ir.i, 4'2:i ; poor

"Or.:iii,i-V.i...wi^ r-lanual," 464
Orchids. culLurc, 200, 818: flowering,
58; at Guiinetsbury. 85; for impor-
tation, 450; potting and macaec-

Jaly 19, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Orchids— Contioaed.

raent of. 393 ; 8ale of, 192 ; at Messrs.

Voitoh"8, 192, 402
Oriole, Golden, in 'Wiltflhire, 391
Orleans Clab Flower Show, 40G
Ormson.Mr. H., 156
Ornamental-foliage plants, 83
Ornamental ground planting, 297
Orobanche major, 213
Oven, heating by, 221
Oxalis verBicolor not flowering, 12S

P.EONiEB, Tree, 174

Palm a 254

FansicB. 213; exhibition. 93, 134, 178,
195.227; from seeds, 819; show va-
rieties of, S53

Paper Bemi-transparent, 107

Paraffin oil, on plants, 182; to trees,
201

Parrots, feeding, 394

Peach— aphis on, 54; blister, 484; on
border fence, 54; forcing, 171. 217;
crimson - flowered, 2C8 ; crop on
walla, 437; in house, 449: Grosse
Miemonne, 3GC; not setting:, 2S1;
trees, deatroyiuK insects on, 354-
forcing, 53, ni unintr, 338, in shade, 819

Peaches ami Vines, house for. 88

Peaches— Belle Imperla)e, 256: early
ripening in orchard house, 887, 805 ;
exhibited, 62 ; failure on open walls,
380 : thinning fruits, 377

Pea sowing, 69. 145 ; for exhibition, 83

Pear, Souvenir du Congr&a,97

Pear tree and other blossom, protect-
ing, 239, 241

Pears, Amiral Cecile and Beurre de
JoDghe. 408: effect of frost on, 413;
large, 174; Marechal de Cour, 32;
two crops, 34

Peas, in Covent Garden Market,
charter concerning, 402 : obtaining

314

Pelargonium Show, 461

Pelargoniums, flowering in winter,
16; stage, 293; tricolored fading;,
45'); propagating tricolor, iOJ: va-
rieties, 188; Society. 191; Zonal for
winter, 201 ; zonal for exhibition, SS

Peristeria clata, S73

PersimmoD, 5

Petunia culture, 17S ; double fim-
briated, 179; scented, 491

Petunias from seed, 217

Phlox cuttings, 163

Phoenix rupicola. 868

Phylloxera, 63; Irom America, 268

pjcotees, number of petals. 44^

Pigeons, salad (or, 20 ; National Peris-
teronic Show, 21; wing diseased,
an; notes on, 322; history, :6'3;
diseased, 262; garden enemies, 262;
markine. 319; tbe Barb, 854; colour
of eyes of English Owls, 358, 414

Pine Apple, culture, 4. 51. 52 ; forcing,
87; stems shrivelling, 77

Pine Apple Nursery. 19j

Pine Apples from Madeira, 247

Pink for forcing. 3' 8

Pinks, Mule, for borders, 250; fron

seed. 21)4
PinuB tubercalata, 137
Pipes, jointing hot-water, 70
Pit in Iront of greenbouae, 260
Plants, preserving, 491
Plum trees pruning, 207

Polands, characteristics of Black, 451

Polyantbus-Narcisaus, new, 250

Polyanthuses, double, 4Si; qualities
of, 353: raisinf,' from seed, liG; Bow-
ing. 299

Portland cement on ir'ass, 161

Portsmouth Poultry 6bow Committee
sued. 145

Potatoes— sets for an acre. 854; new
American. 208; Colorado beetle,
212; culture, 21; cultiog, 283; die-
eased, 164; disease, preventive, 191;
early, H'Jl ; oatimiitt; of sorts. 60;
forcmg. 36. 75 ; manure for, 279. 285 ;
plaoting. 9t ; preparing lor plant-
ing, 83; planting' early, 43, 269;
sprouting for planting. 1S9; seed,
S54 ; from 1 lb. of seed. 145 ; BowiQg,
164; storing. 491; International
Show. 124, 289

Pot plants, compost for, 274

Potting, 16i

Poultry and Pigeon Club, 261

Poultry club, united. IHi

Poultry, keeping, 55; news. 36; ma-
liciously injured, 108 ; preparing for
market, 109; sale, South London,
145

Primroses, Chinese for cuttings, 3G ;
Evening, 160

Primula am(i_-nn,298,830; cortusoidcB,
!t9; culture, 187; ttinenaii* culture,
123; decora. Si; double, 125; inte-
grifolia, 140; intermedia, 269; mar-
ginata. 231; verticillata, 328; vil-
luaa, 48

Primulas, 189; double, 174, 219; mi-
nima, 193; sowing seed ot, 411
Propagating house, 221
Pruning or non-pmning, 24G
Psidiam pyriferum, 484
Pyrethrum (Golden) for bedding, 221

QCISCE TREES, SIS

Belgian hare, 73, 90. 92 ; the Dutch,
472; Himalayan. 433: Patagonian,
183 ; Polish, 260 ; Siberian, 82 ) ;
Silver Cream, 874
Radish culture, 107
Railway companies' liability, 183
Railway embankment, evergreens for,
18

442

Raspberries, culture, 67, 93 ; planting,
87 ; selection, 107

Raspberry, McLaren's, 154

Rats in poultry house, 130

Reading Bird Show, 129

Reading Flower Show, 401

Recreation ground, 86

Red-leading seeds. 176

Red spider, 285. 298 ; destroying, S38

Reeves, Mr, J. R., death of. 351

Rendle's glazed houses, 478

Restrepia antennifera, 407

Rhododendrons— forced at Chelsea,
346; at Duneevan,443; greenhouse,
182 ; new varieties of for a green-
house, 849; EarlvGem,155; list of,
18; layers, 18; Nuttalli, 235; Prin-
cess of "Wales, 118 ; and

Rhubarb, forcing, 35; not growing,

221
Ribbon border, 114 ; border plantmg,

107
Richmond Horticultural Society, 481
Ricinus Gibsoni, culture of, 351
Riddings House, 424
Ridging, 16
Ridpeth, Mr.irs

Rockwork, plants suitable for in
shade, 391

RoUisson'a Nursery, 190

Romford Horticultural Show, 480

Rondeletia Backhouaii, 408

Koot-prunins, 199

Rose-Uampion, 456

Rose garden, a miniature, £89

Roses, 359; New Year, 8; in small
gardens. 6; under unfavourable cir-
cumstances. 8 ; on poor soil, 25 ; now
blooming, 84 ; climbing, 41.77 : new,
48 ; monstrosiiv. 46 ; National So-
ciety. 47, 124. 173, 211. 239. 267, 3 19, 442,
482; leaves falling, 53; transplanting
and Briars. 54; Tea-scented. 58;
G*oire de Dijon. 60: in Yorkshire,
81; for exhibition. 88; a good old,
85; old-fashioned. 95. 96 : Tea-ecented
at Leek, 119; Galloway Society, 124 ;
against brick wall, 145; new, 153;
Tea, 160; seedling, 163; under glass,
on Manetti. 164; Leek Show, 174;
pruning, 176: for low wall, 182;
damping, 201 ; Beauty of Glazen-
wood, 209.228,265,289.296; pruning,
and Onions, Marechal Niel, 242 ;
Su3Bes Association, 250; "Journal
des," 255; rendered black, 268; Tea-
acented, Eob; button-hole. 808; re-
novating Marechal Niel, 329; prun-
ing Princess Louise Victoria, 838;
in England, number of varietiep,
344; watering in spring. 850; old
varieties of. 350; exhibiting, 353;
dealer and amateur, 3.i8 ; in pots,
; Marechal Niel for Christmas,

450,

aterij

exhibiting, S9i}; a chat about, 395:
deteriorating, 596; hardinebs of
Teas. 896; Triomphe de France. 400 ;
in potB. 400; new varieties of, 400;
d>-ing, 411 ; not opening, 4U ; bbfrbt-
cd, 411; old, 417; under gliisw, IIH;
destroying aphides on, 418; late-
ness of. 4i0; attar of in Bulgaria,
422; deteriorating, 436; manure for,
437; in Hants, 439. 463; estimate of
some, 445 ; leaves black, 450 ; t ungua

45« ; mildew and red spider on. 471 ;
judging, 478; election. 481; culture,
483 ; pruning, 486; manures for,
487; in height, 490; aphis on, 491;
La France, 491 ; about Roses, 476

Rosaendale Poultry Show, 354

Russian gardening. 174

Ruat on Grapes, 189

Sage. Mr. T , 45 ; bdbbcrii'TION, 212

Salading forcing, 85, 2S3

Salt, for manure, 299; and Boot ma-

Saxifraga ligulata forced, 80
Scale, destroying, 105
Scarecrows, 125
Scarlet Runner, 273
Schaueria calicotricha, 156
Schizostylis

111

Sea sand for plants. 45)

Seasonable hints. 471

Season and calendars, 177

Season's mildness, 125, 156

Sedums, spectabile, 198. 207 ; specta-
bile and azoricum variegatum, 270

Seeds, changing. l;7S, 283; old and
new, 256, 296; early v. late sowing,
863; hygroscopic, 213; mode of sell-
ing, 105 ; obtaining unadulterated, 8 ;
selection of, 42

Shaded border plants, 319

Shobdon Court, 481

Shows, defaulting, 202; special, 187

Shrubs, in small gardens, 1C5; hardy
in London, 885

Silkworms' eggs exported, 46

Simonite, Mr. B., 463

Slime, green, in water. 221

Slough, Royal Nurseries at, 371

Smee. Mr.A., 46

Smith, Sir J. E., 120

Snowdrops, sowing seed of, 430

Societies, horticultural and cottage
garden, 78

Rulunum acanthodes, 277

Solanums for decoration, 47

Solomon's Seal forced, 85

South Kensington Show, 450

Sowing, 305 ; in wet weather. 143

Spanish hen, Mr. Powell's, !6S

Sparmannia africana, 108, 338

Specimens, collecting, 18

Sphagnum for Orchids, 128

Spirfea japonica, 338 ; culture, 214, 433

SpiTfcas, forcing. 201

Spring, backwardness of, 366 : flowers,
planting, 53; gardens, plants in, 4i(6

Sprinkling hothouses, 457, 483

Squirrels, 202. 289; as depredators,
139 ; eating fruit, 403

Standish memorial, 13)i

Statice, Holfordi, culture of, 411;
pruning. 221

Stigmaphyllon ciliatum, culture ot,S43

Stocks, 457; double, 373; Lothian, cul-
ture, 75 ; influence of scion upon,
422; Ten-week in pots, 88

Stoves, portable, their use, 54

Stranraer Poultry Show, 38

Strawberries— aphis on, 201 ; British
Queen in cool greenhouse, 487 ; cul-
ture. 317, 818, 417; forcing. 18. 54,
417, shelves for, 329; Garibaldi, 122;
Sir Harry, 406; mulching. 391; in
pots. 125; planting, 70, 87, 20D;
plants blind, 412 ; removing run-
ners from. 412; selection, 201; La
Grosse Sucree early, 250

Strawberry bed, grubs in, 54

Suburban gardening, 16, 52, 86, 143,
180, 219, ■i78, 317, 336. 851, 389, 428, 469

Summer flowers, early, 475

Summer work in the flower garden,
455

Surfaces rough and fine, 305

Sutton, Mr. M.H., 156

Swampy ground planting. 201

Swans, number of eggs of and inculia-
tion, 358; sex of, hatching eggs, 8TG

Swede Turnip, 182

TABLE-DECOEiTlON, 33 ;' PLANTS FOB,

4';8
Table plants, 259
Tacsonia insignis blichted, 18J
Tan for manure, 242, 269
Tavistock Poultry bhow, 413
Tea culture in India, 105
Telfairia occidentalis, 117
Temple Gardens, London, 462
Thorne Poultry Show, 492
Thrips on Cucumbera.SlO
Thyrsacanthus rutilans culture, 175
Tiilandsta argentea culture, 299
Toads, 82; eating bees, 3U0
Tomatoes in winter, 164
Tom King's garden. 13
Tomtits, 310. 328. 833
Training fruit trees, 126
Tree, oldest, 288

Trees, favourite, 212; hardy in Lon-
don, 835: metropolitan, 427 ; custom

of planting in Switzerland, 421, 421 ;

longevity of, 883; in towns, 46;

water in, 189
Trellis, West's patent adjustable, 97
Trenching wet soil, 85
Trifles— giving air, 879 ; consequencea

of, 899
Trimming poultry, 242
Triteleia unitlora, bed, 288; culture,

266
Tropffiolum specioaum culture, 201
Tulip Society's Show, 467
Tulips, in beds, 259; Greigii, 288;

shading, 298 ; late planting of, 8:i8 ;

new blue variety, 846 ; protection

of, 3.^8; malformed, 411
Tupistra macroutigma, 25G
Turkeys, 491 ; bronze, rearing, 413
Turlti-tnn flora, 25)

Ulveeston BiED Show, 55

Vallota purpurea, cdltdee, 860;

Vegetables, for small gardens, 2, 28 ;
for under ga'deners, 853 ; small sup-
ply of, 866 ; succession of, 208

Vegetation in Madagascar, 881

Venidium calendulaceum, 445

Verandah, climber for, 201

Verbena venosa culture, 259

Vertigo, 150

Victoria Colony, 156

Villa gardening, 16, 52, 86, 143, 180, 219,
278, 317, 836, 851. 889, 428, 469

Vine bleeding, 128 ; border, bones for,
242, management, 69, soil, 450, turf
for, 259

Vineries, blue glass for, 353

Vinery, amateur's, 137; failure, 201;
ily in, 280 : heating a lean-to, 88

Vines, grafting, 14 ; pruning, 16, 76,
8:17 : milew on, 18 ; training, 26 : ma-
nagement, 83; border soil, 45; in
conservatory, 53 ; in pots failing,
51; insects on, 70; in greenhouse,
in pots, 88 ; cuttings, 86 ; inarching,
107; in pots, 144, 201, 258; forcing,
145, 201 ; leaves spotted, 182 ; cultu-
ral experiments, 236 ; thinning, 2^3 ;
tailui'e of early-started, 271; leaves,
279; management, 285; training;
Bhoots curled, 299 ; pruning outdoor,
319; air roots, 819; culture, 3i9;
leaves scorched, 3i9; insect in
vinery, 319; unhealthy, 345. 863, 379;
treatment of, 315 ; shoots scalded,
353; over-luxuriant, 853; untruitfal.
858; mildew, 369; management of
borders, 379; thinning fruit of, 377;
covering borders, 391 ; bones for
border, 391; management of, 397;
disbudding, 897; washing of foliage.
897; on walls, 410; colouring of
fruit, 410; inarching. 410; foliage
scorched, 41i ; destroying scale on,
412 : leaves many-lobed, 491 ; nerial
roots on,491 ; stopping, 450

Violet, culture, 182; odoratissima, 240,
250

Violets, blighted, 163; Neapolitan, 213

■• MATEETAL FOB

Walk;

Wallflower, Belvoir Yellow/ 441
Wall plants, for covering in vinery,

391 : select, 172
Walpole, Horace, 252
Wansbeck Poultry Show, 303
Wasps. 466
Waterfowl, 491
Water (hard) for plants, 393
Watering, 18 ; can, ladieb', 44 ; plants,

4i7
Weather, 8. 14. 86; sudden change of,

422; results, 62 ; in Yorkshire, 171
Weeds, destroying on walks, 854; in

wheat field, S54 ; on gravel walks,

471
Weekg, doings of last and present, 17,

85, 52, 69. 87, 115, 126, 143, 16^ 181, 199,

21?, 211, 258, 278, 297, 817, 337, 352, 371,

389. 19, 429, 449, 470. 489
Weigela8,486
Wellingtonia, height of, 85
Wellingtonias, 27; in England, 63;

large, 482 ; the original. 63
Westminster Aquarium Poultry Show,

221
Wharfedale Poultry Show, 873
Wheat from North Pole, 125
Wheelbarrow, 309
Whitney family, 136
Wilkma's, Mr., plant sale, 240
Williams's Nuraeries, 124
Wilson, Mr., 884

Wimbledon House Gardeners' So-
ciety, 289
Window-box, plants for, 280
Window boxes, 852
•• Window Gardener," 315
Winter Cherry, 145
Wire fencing standard , 209
Wireworm, 221; in Vine border, 201,

212
Witloof blanching, 51
Wolverhampton Poultry Show, 89
Woodlawn gardens, 419
Woodlice,de3troying, 212
Worms, destroying, 161, 4.'3; driving

from pots, 201
Wortley Hall, 140
Wylde, Mrs. J., 319

ZiNNI/S, CULTURE I

JOURNAL OP HOKTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ July 19, imi.

WOODCUTS.

Abatilon rosieflonim Hi

Apiary, American 1h5

Applo bloBBom froBted SI)'.)

Burham Court 4'J

Botanic Gardens, Koyal 2^5

Carpet-bed iH

Cedarat Shobdeu Court iSf,

Clianthufl Dampieri 25 j

Coop for hen 452

Croton. Earl of Derby 404

„ Queen Victora 405

Cyprlpedium Atamori 466

„ (^ttatum 465

Darwin, Dr. E ]t)7

Doddiugton Halt 813

Ewoll Castle SUN

Ficas Parcellii leaf -2\i

Garden frame. Boulton & Paul's 1-20

Glaziner without putty m

Hampton Court Palace 215

HiveB— sectional supers S7S

Hogg. T 348

Horticultural Society's Kensington Garden lijl

Hyacinth Buppi^rt HH

Juflsiiea grand iflora 5

KDiRht. H. P 81

Lee. James 65

Lettsom, J.C 886

Lismore Caatle '273

Loudon. J. C ays

Lycopodiuiii Jielvcticum 100

MyoBotis Weirleigh Surprjee 3«U

PAGE.

Nepfinthes sauguinea Sti^

Neiherley Hall mi

Newettad Abbey— Koatswain'a Tomb ii

OdontoglosHuni Roezlii sso

Peai- blossom frosted 41k

Peiuuia, doublo-flmbriated 179

Phoinix rupicola stitJ

Primula, amceoa s»i

„ cortaaoides 3n

„ decora 82

„ integrifolia Hn

„ Intermedia 2(ii)

„ marginata '/Si

miuima mi

„ villosa 4s

Prophet Elm hh

PBidinm pyrif ernm 4^.1

RhndodendroQ Taylori S4!)

liiddings House , . 4^5

Rose Garden at Coombe Purn 2B9

Schizoatylifl cocctnea 64

Shobflou Court 485

Simonite, B 464

Smith, Sir J. E '.'.'...'.'. '.. 121

Stigmapbyllon ciliatum . sifi

Trellis, West'a adjustable 97

Venidium calendulaceum 415

Walpole, Horace .'.,.'..'.".'.' asa

Watering-can '" 4^

Wheelbarrow .'.*.'.*.*.*'.'.*".'.".'.'".'.".'.',".'* 3iy

Wire fencing standurd ']q\j ai 9

WortleyHall .' ui

Jauaary 4, 1377. )

JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY

CALENDAR.

Day 1 Day

of ' ol

Monlh Week.

JANUARY 4—10, 1877.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Snn
Biaes.

Snn
Sets.

Moon
Rines.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
betore
Sun.

Day
of
Year

4 Tn London Institution at 7 p.m.

5 F I Gcolosists' Institution at 8 !■ Ji.

6 1 S

7 Son I l Sunday after Epiphany.

8 M Royal Geographical Sncitty at 8 30.

9 Tn Boyal Medical and Cliirargical Society at 8.30.

Day.
42 2
41.4
41.1
41.7
41.0
41.2
420

Night. Mean. h. m.
27.3 34,4 8 8
28.6 84.8 8 8
29.1 .S5 4 8 7
30.1 S5-5 1 8 7
SO.l 359 ■ 8 e
30 8 36 0 1 8 6
30.5 86.1 8 5

ta. ni.

4 3
4 S
4 4
4 6
4 7
4 9
4 10

h. m. h. m.

10 83 10 36
10 65 10 49
mom. 11 0

1 14 , 11 18

2 34 11 28

3 63 , 11 48
5 9 0al5

Days.
21
i2
(

24
25
26
27

5 2.3

5 60

6 16

6 42

7 8
7 S3
7 67

4
5
6
7
8
9
10

From observations taken near London daring forty<three year?

the average day temperature

of the week is 41,5' ; and its night temperature

NEW
BOTAr
QARI

A NEW YEARS WELCOME.

" Welcome ever smileB,
Thoagh Farewell goes out fighiog ;
For time is like a faebionable host,
That slightly shakes his parting guests by the hand,
But with his arms out-stretched, as he would fly,
Grasps in the comer."

O Baitli Shakppeare. We learn, therefore, that
fashionable hosts were about the same three
hundred years ago as now. The guest has
told his tale and acted his part, contributed
to the amusement of others, and he may go;
or he has failed, and outstayed his welcome.
In any case he may go; his time is over,
and his presence not needed. The old year
is the old guest to us ; we have shaken hands
with him, we gai-deners, not very cordially,
for he has not been a very good friend— too cold for too
long a time at the beginnins : half his time over nearly
before he was warm and genial. May gone before spring
came. Then he warmed indeed, and such heat ! so scorch-
ing, so killing to flowers, that his July and August were
terrible. With floods and storms he ended. He is gone,
may the next year be better. We stretch out our hands
to 1877 and bid him welcome.

Next to the farmer, how much the gardener depends
upon the weather ! The farmer cannot indeed spread a
tent over his hayfiekl, but the gardener can protect his
flowers ; yet the gardener has not only to f:ght against bad
soil, but bad seasons as well. He can, in fact, overcome
the former, but who can overcome the troubles the latter
bring ? Yet who would give up gardening because of its
difficulties ? Scotchmen are said to be superior gardeners,
because they come from a country where they have more
difficulties to contend against than their brethren in
England. Besides, Englishmen like to fight against odds.
"Hard fighting, gentlemen, to-day," said an English
general, when (he foe fought hard and the cause seemed
doubtful; but he added, with a true English disregard
for odds, "let them see who can fight the longest."

'lis wonderful how fond of overcoming difficulties we
are. Last Crystal Palace Pigeon Show 1 heard one gen-
tleman drawing the attention of another to a certain class
of birds, saying, "Those are good, are they not?" Mark
the answer given : " Ye.i. pretty enough ; but too easy to
breed." The English spirit spoke out then. So I would
say, Gardeners, in welcoming in the present year, not
knowing what you may have to face, be determined to
succeed. Read and work, study in the dark long winter
evenings, and by day watch and work ; don't be content,
young men, with the knowledge you have acquired.
Gardening is not like Chinese painting; there is always
something new to learn, and some progress is to be made,
some region unexplored, and profitable. Mot like the
Arctic regions desolate and dreary, but pleasant and
cheery. There is something very fascinating and attach-
ing in gardening. Collectors notoriously take up and
drop their hobbies : now coins, then stamps, then china,
bat these are human arts, and often and very soon tire,
No. 823.-V0L. XXXIL, New Series.

because soon exhausted ; but who that once loved a gar-
den ever tired of it? Who delights most in the gardens
in the London parks? People bred in the country, and
who had gardens, but who being in London cannot have
any : hence they adopt the gardens the Statb supplies
as their own, and enjoy them, not quite as if their oivn,
but still how much they enjoy them.

One old Roman story — that of Cincinnatus refusing to
leave his farm for great civic honours — is well known ;
another is not so well known. It is this: The Emperor
Dioclesian after he had resigned the purple retired to
Dalmatia, and his successor tried to induce him to return
to the cares of state, but without avail. His answer was,
" If only you could see the Cabbages which I have planted
with my own hands you would not ask me to return."
True, Cabbages do not indicate what we should call high-
class gardening; but more, I dare say, remained unmen-
tioned. One garden amateur takes to vegetables, another
to some fruit — Grapes, or Pears, or Apples ; another to
some flower or arrangement of colours ; while the artisan
of the north bestows loving pains on Gooseberries, or (oh !
" D.," of Deal, though of Deal no longer, yet thine is not
unfair dcaliurf) to Auriculas. There is room abundant
for all tastes, all choices at the great banquet of nature.
A garden is the greatest recreation of the mind ; aud says
one, "My ideal of as perfect a life as is attainable in this
world would be a hfe of a modest and serene man of
letters, loving and loved ; within surrounded by his books,
without encompassed by his Roses." Truly a charming
ideal. And perhaps because his study looked into a con-
servatory at his last residence was one reason why Ma-
caulay, after describing his home, wrote, " I do enjoy this
invalid life extremely." And in truth I cannot imagine
any man moi-e miserable than one obliged to live in the
country, yet with no love of the country. There is a
sweet aud gracious presence of a noble lady of the highest
rank upon which I sometimes look, and always with,
respect, but with greater respect and reverence now that
I know that she goes up to the London season as late as
possible, and returns to her noble country home as soon as
possible, in order to enjoy her flowers and country duties
and pleasures. It is this living in the country among
tenants large and small — the great-acred farmer with
humble cottager — that binds rich and poor together in a
loving bond in this England of ours. Mr. Gladstone
once boasted in an eloquent speech of his that "in foreign
countries a piece of ground laid out with a view to pro-
ducing a picturesque effect was always called an English
garden ;" aud no compliment to English tastes or to
English gardeners could be greater.

I have sometimes wondered that better gardens arc
not, as a rule, to bo found attached to farmhouses. Good
orchards often, but good gardens seldom. It seems that
this is also the case in America, for I read in a New York
periodical — " How seldom do you see a good garden
attached to a farm, jet no one has the facilities in this
respect commanded by the farmer. With abundance of
land, fresh stable manure with which to make a hotbed
of any extent, choice of soil and exposure, steam imple-
No. U75.— Vol. LVlI., Old Sebles.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jauairj 4, 1877.

ments always at hand, and odd minutes that cannot be better
tamed to account than in making ho'me boautifnl ; ha need
play second fiddle to no one a« a horticulturist. A garden
adds immensely both to the charm and the value of a country
place. 'A love of a oottaije' eoibowered in trees and en-
compassed with fruits, Uowers, ivid vegetables, i3 the i'3eal
home about which merchant prinues immured ia the city are
evermore dreaming. This dream evtry farmer can convert
into a reality. Taking the purely utilitarian view of the sub-
ject, a well-kept garden ia tlie most remunerativo part of an
estate. Leaving the flowers out of account — though the ladies
will not fail to appreciate theee — the fruits and vegetables will
be a rich source of family supply, comfort, and health." Now
all this, true no doubt of America, is true also of England.
I believe it is customary to say " farmers are bad gardeners,"
and there ia a prejudice ou this subject, just aa there used
to be in the old-fashioned farmer against the use of ma-
chinery. For some years every ordinary farmer espectcd and
prophesied that he who used machinery would ba certain to
become a bankrupt. The prejudice against gardening neat-
ness and goodness at a farm will also soon pass away, and then
we may expect the farmers of England to be proud of and
show gardens superior to any other class in the country. Pro-
fessional men delight in their gardens, so do tradesmen, so do
artisans and the higher class of cottagers.

The subject of hardy fruits is occupying much attention in
England. Cue writer suggests that all railway cuttings should
be planted with Apple trees, and calls attention to the subject
in a pamphlet entitled " Ten thousand Miles of Apple Trees."
The title is sensational, but the plan might be carried out,
and vast quantities of land be utilised ; and I should hardly
think traffic would be iulerfered with, unless a train full
of schoolboys overpowered the guard, held a pistol to tho
head of the eogiue-driver and bribed the stoker, and then
made a raid upon the trees on their way to school after their
summer holidays. We are told by trav^^ilers that in Java the
birth of every child is celebrated by planting a fruit tree,
which is carefully tended as the record of the age of the child
whose birth it registers. This wise regard for the future
deserves imitation. There is another plan I should like to sse
adopted — that is, that landlords of cottage property ia the
country should plant a couple at least of good Apple trees ia
each cottage garden. These would como in useful to a family,
and a well-stocked garden helps to keep the tenants iu the
country, much to their true interests and the benefit of the
farmer. It is a curso to a country when its peasantry rush
into the iargo towns. Emigration of tho labouring class has
been carried far enough, and when a shipload of poor creatures
arrives in Australia, instead of being welcomed they are re-
ceived with hisses and groans and told to go back to England.
How discouraging such a reception must be to poor English
husbands with their wives and children, who, having escaped
the perils of a three-months voyage, are looking forward to a
plentiful and comfortable home in a foreign land.

A good bint is given by Mr. Holgate which I would recom-
mend to the attention of workhouse masters in rural districts.
He says, " I think a good opening for boys might be found if
the master would take an elder boy under his charge and
teach him some of the more advanced points of garden work,
such as taking cuttings, budding Rosea, planting and potting,
&a. This has been done in one school with such good effect
" that boys," says Mr. Holgate, " so taught are snapped up
immediately by the neighbouring families. School gardens
for vegetables and flowers might also be arranged. All this
has been done in a union workhouse in which I have been
interested for many years, and in addition tho boys have
gardens of their own ; and the master, himself a very success-
ful prizataker both in flowers and vegetables, gives prizes to
the boys for the best-kept garden, an example which might be
followed with advantage. Iu tho same workhouse the aged
people's wards are full of flowers, and thoy have charge of
some bedding plants in the winter, while thoir court is bright
during summer with Geraniums, Hollyhocks, Dihlias, &a.
AU this adds an interest to their live?, and, liko the bright
piotnres pat by the matron on their walls, mukes them a great
deal happier. The monotonous regularity of a workhouse lite
ia to all strangely depressing, and nothing tends so much to
remove this weariuess as a plentiful supply of flowers."

Before leaving horticultural subjects one word about our
Apple and Pear elections. These will, I hops, go forward, and
will be a means to a very desirable end — viz., clearing from
our gardens and orchards bad and half-bad varieties.

I must now turn to that other department of " our Journal "
which takes in birds of all kind^, but chiefly tho fowl and the
pigeon, and excludes uot the rabbit, while it gives great pro-
minence to the houey bee. Prize poultry seems to be esteemed
more than ever. Where tea men wished to keep them tea
years ago a hundred men do now. Tho-ie who prophesied
that the love of keeping these birds would cease, and who
called it a mania — a rage, hive proved to be false prophets.
A spelling bee may be a mania, but not poultry. Then when
a man moves near Londoa or into a town, and has to give up
fowls, he only goes iuto the kiadred fancy, that of pigaons. H9
only transfers his pets to the other part of the show. Where
people cannot keep living things of value, how they will take
up with living things of no value I A pet they must -have.
This is well illustrated by an extract which follows, from the
visit recently paid of an Euglishmau to a Spanish prison.
"As I passed," says he, " into the last court of the prison I
had a view of ths prison pets. Hern a poor lad from his lone
charcoal-cutting hut in the wild sierra, a child of ten years old,
had brought his father a mountain fox, which strained at the
leash and darted about in all directions. Here a tearful-faced
dark-eyed girl had brought a tiny cageful of birds; others had
brought other psts. A little cluster of the men were kneeling
dowD, I observed, iu a corner of the courtyard ; and" when I
peered over their shoulders to see what was the attraction, to
my surprise thoy were feeding two tiny sparrows, which, they
told me, had fallen out of their uest into tho courtyard and
were now the pets of the prison." So have I seen iu anEaglish
hospital a poor consumptive lad whose greatest delight was
rearing a nest of young liuuet8,aud he was as proud of them as
possible, pointing out to me which he considered the best, and
how this or thst delicate one had improved under his care.

I think tho advantage of a hobby for the artisan class, now
that their hours of Ubour are shorter, is even greater than
ia former days, and ivould prove a counter-attraction to the
public house and the skittle alley ; and the more energetic a
man is, the more he needs some outlet for his energy which
will occupy time and thought. An engine wants a safety-valve,
and without a resource of some kind a man is apt to become
the victim of too much tobacco, or of something mora hurtful.
Heuco I am very glad to see prizes offarad at our large showa
for the less expscsive classes of pigooua, as, for instaucs, for
flyiug tumblers. This class at Bristol was well filled. So also
I advocate everywhere a class for mo-ily pouters ; their price
is within the means of artisans. The mealy, well barred and
coloured, is a handsome bird and is a true pouter, and existed
years before the whites were made. I want hours of relaxa-
tion to be harmless hours, and not, as they often are, harmful
hours.

But there are not only artisans with more time to enjoy or
waste, but there are men whose lives are very dreary at times.
For instance, there is the bachelor curate in a big out-of-the-
way straggling village, where his duties are spread over a large
tract of country ; where he has no neighbours, no society, no
amusements but what he can make for himself; where he leads
the life of a veritable hermit, and looks upon a face from the out-
side world as a perfect blesaiag. The poor mau oaunot always
read, what is ha to do? Wby, if he had only a pet or two he
woald ha much hippier. Garden iu his lodgings he cannot
have; but if ho could only have, say a pair of fancy pigeons,
or even a pair of canaries, he would be the happier ; or experi-
mented upon breodiog goldfinch or linnet mules. He would
be sure iu his parish to find some man or boy who was a
fancier, and who would listen to a brother fancier in the pulpit
with mora respect than to one who only knew " parson talk."

Bstura we iu thought to the new year. Let us welcome the
new comer with a warm grasp. May he prove a happv one to
all. A welooine, too,l sen J oat in ttiese lines to all. Welcome
new correspondents who send us their observations ; welcome
old and tried correspondents. Welcome new readers, and may
you enjoy and profit by our pages; nor let us forget our old
readers, who have stood by us so many yoars. Welcome one,
welcome all. — Wiltshire Reotoh.

SELECT VEGETABLES FOR SMALL

GARDENS.

Readers of the Journal should now have little diCioully in

ordering tho best Roses, as the lata eloctiou and all its bearings,

every line of which I have read with profit, has made us all

nmiiiar with the cream of the "queen of flowers" and the

Januaiy 4, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HOBTI1.ULTOBB AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

emblem of " oki Eoglaud." Now I have been thinking lately,
that if a flower which only blooms with most people for sbont
two months out of the twelve, is ni:der the neoeseity cf being
ao prominently brought befcre the publie, surely the space eonld
not be considered ill applied that brought a few good vegetables
under the notice cf jour reader?. I have beard most entku-
Biastic admirers of flowers confess, that after all wa? eaid and
done about their pets, the flower they esteemed most in the
garden was the Cauliflower.

At the present time, when your advertising columns advise
the pablication of seed catalogues and many will be receiving
their annual seed list, it may seem unnecessary to call atten-
tion to any particular class or variety of vegetable ; but many
would no doubt feel thankful enough to have some " practical
hand " to look over and mark the best varieties from amongst
the hosts in the catalogues. I have received my seed list to-
day, and with the exception of a few new things I will mark
the same this time as I have dona on former occasions, aad it
is these I have selected .n years past that I now wish to recom-
mend to others ; and I 'particularly wish it to be understood
thiit every one of them has proved to bo of a very superior
deae iptiun under no very "highly favourable " oiroumetances,
but jnat with the attention given in au ordinary kitchen garden.

I will begin with what are always soeeptahle to everybody —
Potatoes. For earlies I plant the folloniog kidneys : — Hyatt's
Prolific, Early Sandringham, and Kivers' Royal Ashleaf. Se-
cond early — Huntingdon Kidney and Rrctor of Woodstock.
Late— Red-skinned Flourball, the Old Regent, and Porter's
Excelsior. Of the newer American varieties I mean to devote
a good breadth of ground tbis incoming season to Soi.w-
flake. I am fully convinced this is an excellent "poor man's"
Potato, as it bears enormously, and the produce is of superior
quality.

The most profitable crop of Cabbage I find to be that pro-
duced from seed sown in the autumn. Wheeler's Cocoa Nut
and the old Early York are eown in August, planted out when
reedy, and cut for use in May and June. The stems are left
in the ground, when they throw out many small sprouts,
which are much thought of in the kitchen in auturaii and
winter. Drumhead stands the weather well, but it is coarse.
Bed Dutch is the only sort grown for pickling.

Early Loudon is the variety of Canliflowar used for early
produce, and after midsummer it is succeeded by Veitch's
Autumn Giant, which is still fit for use out ef doors, and is
nndonbtedly the best Cauliflower extant. Snow's Superb
Winter White and Waloheren are two excellent Broooolis.
Dalmeny and Scrymger's Giant Brussels Sprouts when true
are always worth their ground. The best Celeria.? aro Major
Clark's, Leicester Red, ami Sandringham Dwarf White. Early
Horn Carrot Ehould always be sown for the first crop, and
•James's Intermediate Scarlet or Altrinoham to coma in late.
Dell's Crimson Beet is not only the best for culinary purposes,
but its foliage is more attractive than any other sort, and it
does quite well to associate with flowering plants. The Student
Parsnip is the only sort I find it neoess.ary to grow. When
Myatt'fl Garnishing Parsley can be had true ih is unsurpassed
by any other I have seen. Onions are genfrally coneidc-red an
important crop. The sorts of these I will name aro James's
K'^eping and Nuneham Park for summer sowing, Silver-
Bkianed for pickling, and Tripoli and Giani Kocca for autumn
sowing.

Peas are always an important crop in ail gardens. I will
only name six sorts out of the many varieties now in cultiva-
tion. Early — Sangster'a No. 1 end William I. General
crop — Yeitoh's Perfection and Champion of England. L.ite
— Ne Plus Ultra and Maclean's Premier. Dwarf Kidney Beans
— Canadian Wonder end Osborn's New Forcing. The latter I
find excellent for either forcing or growing in the open air.
Broad Beans — -Windsor Green and Btck'a Dwarf Green Gem,
and there are few which surpass the old Scarlet as a tall or
running Bean for general usefulness, but Carter's Champion
has larger pods. Small gardens should always be well pro-
vided with salads. The best way of doing this is to grow
Lettuces of the All-the-year-round, Hardy White Dutch, and
Victoria varieties in the Cabbage section, and Bath and Paris
Green among the Cos or tall-growing sorts. Endive — Green
Curled. Turnips— Early Snowball and Golden Ball. Spinach
— Prickly. Rhubarb — Royal Albert and Myatt's Victoria.
Leek.s — Henry's Prize and Musselburgh. Radish — French
Breakfast ami Wood's Early Frame. Savoy — Drumhead and
Tom Thumb. Vegetable Marrow — Custard and Moore's Vege-
table Cream. Tomatoes — Hathaway's F.scelsior and New

Green Gage. Cucumber — for early spriuf, Telegraph ; for
summer. Telegraph; for winter, Telegraph. — A Kitchen
Gaedeser.

THE NEW EOSE YEAR.

" The harvest now is ended; the summer days are gone,"
and yet every heart is joyous, every mouth uttering good
wishes.

And why? At a time of the year when all nature is dead,
when the sky is lowering, and the daylight eo dim that the
room in w'aioh I write is in semi-darkutss ; when snow or sleet
is falling, and except in the conservatories of the rich no
flowers are to be seen ; — why should we be thus glad at heart ?
It is because at this season were brought gifts, the value of
which is more than tongue can tell or voice express ; flowers
that never fade, but bloom on and on through all eternity.
Yes, it needs not flowers to make our homes gay at this season ;
the evergreens do this, and also remind us of the life that
never ends. And besides, now the darkest and gloomiest
months of the winter season are over, the shortest day is past,
and each day we live brings us nearer to the time when our
Roses again will bloom, and onr woods and lanes be carpeted
with those wild flowers which Nature gives with so hounteona
a hand to this favoured land of ours. When, therefore, I wish
our readers a happy new year, I do so with all the heartiness
with which this most hearty of ell seasons inspires us.

This Journal has ever had a more personal and closer con-
nection with its subscribers than most others can boast of.
It has ever tried, and I think has succeeded in the attempt,
to make it a friend and adviser to each one of its readers. ItB
colnmns will attest that there is no subject in horiiculture, or
indeed in any other department with which the Journal has to
do, on which advice is not sought for, and the best assistance
that is procurable is given with readiness and pleasure. But
more particularly have I welcomed all contributions and
questions upon the subject of the queen of flowers. I think
that it has earned, as indeed it possesses, the name of " The
Rose Journal," although that name is not emblazoned on your
coat of arms (the writer of this most heartily wishes it was).
There is scarcely a number issued which does not contain an
article or letter upon that subject of eubjeots — the queen of
flowers, and I consider it a very black Thursday indeed when
the Rose is not mentioned in our loyal Journal. To rosarians,
then, and others also, I offer sincerest good wishes, and
also congratulations. I consider that the last year saw a
very great increase in the number of the cultivators of this
lovely flower, and from t'ao letters I receive I think I am
entitled to form a good judgment on this point.

The horizon for Roees is very clouded, for somo of the great
companies who used to entertain the worshippers of Rosa have
closed their doors, and for a time a deluge of insolvency ,=.eemed
to be sweeping all Rose Ehows away ; but the storm has lifted,
and the dawn suddenly brijihtencd. Loudon will not be with-
out its Rose show, and the Rose's liege and loyal subjects will
not have to be contented with paying their addresses in pro-
vincial courts.

Undoubtedly the event of the Rose year has been the forma-
tion of the National Rose Society. I never remember to
have attended a meeting where mora unanimity of feeling and
enthusiasm was evoked than at the Rose conference held on
that gloomy day in December at iha Horticultural Club ; and
the mention of this Club reminds us that another step has
been taken in advancing horticnllure, which it v?ould be diffi-
cult to overvalue. It will be evident to all how useful and
convenient it must be for horticulturists from all parts of
England to have a placo in the metropolis where they can
meet and discuss horticultural matters or arrange shows ; and
a most telling proof of its value was afforded by the very meet-
ing of which I am speaking. If the Club had not opened ita
doors to us on that occasion we should have had to engage a
room, and at the very outset a difficulty would have been felt
in the worst of all troubles — who is to pay ? But now we
always shall have a Club where we can meet, converse, and
enjoy ourselves, as well as hold committee and annua! meet-
ings. I wish, therefore, every eaccesa to the Horticultural
Club.

Once more,'then, let me wish you all a very happy new year.
I thank yonr contributors, and hopo they will continue to
instruct and entertain us. Nor do I forget your staff, and
all the rest who have helped to make this Journal what it now
ia ; and I hope that it may long continue to bear the name of,

JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUBK AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

L Jannary 4, 1877.

and prove worthy of ;the hononr of being, the " Eoee Jonrnal
of England."— Wtld Savage.

NOTES ON PINE APPLE CULTURE.

The Pine Apple is found growing wild in Brazil and in
different parts of the West Indies, from whence many inferior
frnits are still imported. It was introduced into this country
in the eighteenth century. For many years afterwards its culti-
vation was very imperfectly understood ; but this has not been
the case for some time, as many intelligent gardeners have for
years paid great attention to its requirements, and in many
placps it is well managed. It has never been grown in this
country for market bo extensively as Grapes or some other
frnits, but it was grown remuneratively for this purpose by
some until its cultivation was begun on a large scale a year or
two ago in St. Michael's. The low prices at which the showy
fruit from there can be sold in our markets has caused some
market growers to cease its cultivation; and some would have
US believe that the St. Michael's fruit will be the means of
stopping the cultivation of Pine Apples in many private gar-
dens. But that is not my opinion, nor do I think it can be the
opinion of any person who reads the Journal of Horticulture,
as there is hardly a week passes without one or more Pine
Apple questions being replied to through your answers to corre-
spondents, and this, I think, is a very good proof that the
queen of frnits is still in as great demand as ever. Besides,
consumers of market fruit are, as a rule, those who have no
means of growing it themselves, for those who are in a position
to grow it must prefer that of home production to the very
best of that imported. However, I have no intention of writing
an argument in favour of the continuance of Pine Apple-grow-
ing ; tbat would be quite unnecessary.

Propagation is accomplished from suckers, which are pro-
duced from the main stem of the plant. It is the best plan to
have some regular time to take off the principal batch of
suckers ; but at the same time suckers may be taken off and
rooted successfully at any season. They do not root so quickly
or freely in the winter time, however, as in the long days, and
those inserted in winter must have the assistance of a steady
bottom heat of 'M°, with a top beat of 00' and a moist atmo-
sphere. In taking the suckers from the old plants at any
time they must always be carefully severed close to where
they adhere, to as to keep all the little roots entire which are
clinging round the base of the sucker. A few of the lowermost
leaves must be pulled off with the hand, and then the suckers
are ready for potting. I may remark here that very large
suckers are not the most desirable, as they seldom make the
best plants in the end. Suckers from 12 to 18 inches in length
are the best. When they have to be planted prepare as many
clean 6-inch pots as there are suckers ; put about 1 inch of
broken crocks in the bottom of each with a little moss over
the top, and then pot a sucker into each pot, using good fibrous
loam mixed with a little bonemeal or fiae bits of charcoal.
The plunging material may consist of either tan or leaves,
some prefer the former, others the latter. Both are about
alike good, but the tan is much the easiest worked amongst.
Its depth for all kinds of plants should be from 18 to 30 inches.
The suckers may be pluBged 1.5 inches apart each way. The
soil should be moderately moist at potting time, and no water
should be given until the joung roots are at the edge of the
ball. In warm weather, or when the air is rendered dry from
strong fire heat, the suckers must be moistened overhead
occationally. As soon as the roots have made their way into
the soil give it a good watering. September is the best time
to take off the main lot of suckers, when they soon root and
do well throughout the winter.

After they are rooted and watered once they frequently do
not need any more water for six or seven weeks. When
the soil of those rooted in September ia matted with roots
the plants should be turned out of their pots, reducing the
balls, disentangling the roots and repotting into the same
sized pots. Eeplunge the pots, and as soon as the young roots
begin to spread in the new soil the plants must be shifted into
their fruiting pots. Those put in as suckers from now until
February or March will need no other potting before going into
the fruiting pots. The fruiting pots should be 10 and not ex-
ceeding 12 inches in diameter ; as good fruit may be grown in
these sizes as a IGinch pot. More drainage is needed in the
fruiting pots, and the soil must be rougher at this than the
former potting.

In potting let the top of the Email ball be an inch or so below

the surface of the fresh soil, and it should be left at least
1 inch below the rim. The soil, too, must be made very firm
with a blunt-ended piece of wood, and after potting the pots
should be firmly plunged in a freshly made up bed, where the
bottom heat will soon rise to 85 or 90°. The plants must be
treated like rootless suckers until they begin rooting into the
fresh soil. In the summer they will need water about once
a-week. This with air-giving and keeping the atmosphere
moist are their principal requirements throughout their grow-
ing period.

The Qaeen variety needs different treatment from any of the
others when the plants are of a fruiting size. All the other kinds
may be kept growing-on slowly until they fruit, but the Queen
has to be rested and partially starved before it can be made to
show fruit. Plants put in their fruiting pots in April should
be grown sharply on until the end of September, when water
and heat must be gradually withheld from them until the
plants have ceased growing, which they will do in a heat of
f)0'. They should remain like this until about the first week
in January, when a fresh bed must be made ready for them,
and in this they must be plunged and started as they were
when shifted first into their fruiting pots, but with this differ-
ence, that they must be watered thoroughly immediately they
are plunged, and the soil and atmosphere must be kept moist,
and the temperatures should be, bottom 85 ', top 70° and 75°,
until the fruit appears and for some time afterwards. This
treatment seldom fails to bring up the fruit, and if the plants
have been well grown and matured in autumn there is not
much danger of failure. Still, even with the best of growers
the Queen is often found to be uncertain, and those with little
experience would do well to increase other surer sorts. Smooth-
leaved Cayenne, Black Jamaica, and Charlotte Kothsohild will
all show fruit without being starved or started with a bounce.

All plants with green fruit should be constantly kept in a
moist condition at the roots. As soon as the fruit begins turn-
ing yellow give the plants no more water until the fruit is out,
then water liberally to bring on the suckers. When manure
water is used a little guano is the best.

I have said little about syringing and temperature, nor are
any lengthened instructions necessary. The temperature should
always be regulated by the condition of the outside atmosphere.
It is always better for the temperature to rise and fall with this,
than fire hard to keep up a given heat in extreme cold
weather. I have seen Pines kept at nearer 60° than 66°
throughout the winter with the very best results.

Qaeens produce suckers more freely than any other sort.
When the fruit is cut the suckers may be taken off and potted,
or the plants with the suckers attached may be laid in a spare
corner until a lot of them can be put in together. In the dull
winter days all Pine plants, especially those in fruit, should be
exposed to all the light possible, and no drops of water from
the roof must be allowed to fall into the centre of any of the
plants or they will decay.

It often happeue, especially with Queens, that a number of
them will ripen their fruit at one time. This ia not desirable,
as a succession of fruit for a long period is what is wanted.
Laying a piece of newspaper over a few of them so as to
partially exclude the light for a week or two before they begin
colouring will make them longer in ripening than those not so
treated ; and when they are ripe, by removing the plant and
fruit into a cool room will preserve them in good condition for
six weeks or two months, so that with a little of this kind of
scheming a long succession of fruit may be had from a number
of plants that showed fruit together.

In some large places there is house after house devoted to
Pine culture ; but although this is necessary to keep a large
supply of fruit, small demands may be met from a limited
space. A good many fruits may be cut annually from one
small fruiting house, a pit for euocessional plants, and a frame
for suckers. Some growers approve of planting them out in
beds; I would not advise small growers to adopt this plan.
Good fruit may be had from it, but there is much inconveni-
ence attached to it. Supposing a bed to be full of large plants
now, some of them may show fruit at once, while others may
not do so for six months after this, and the bed cannot be
cleared or replanted until the last of the plants have been re-
moved ; whereas when in pots the late-fruiting plants can be
gathered together from amongst the early plants, plunged to-
gether, and the vacant space filled up with others.

Insects are not very partial to Pines. Mealy bug and scale
are their greatest enemies, and they are generally introduced
by other plants. WTien the Pines do become infested to any

Jmuary 4, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

great extent the best way is to clear them out, clean the house
thorongbly, and begin with a fresh stock. — M.

.JDSSI.a:A GBANDIFLOBA.
"We are indebted to Carolina for the plant onr figure represents.
It is said to have been introduced in 1812, but appears to have
found little favour among cnllivatore. Loudon pajs a poor com-
pliment to this family of plants, regarding them as unworthy of
the name of Jaseien. JussitBa grandiflora is an aquatic plant.
A greenhouse is suitable for its cultivation. Though possess-
ing no great beauty it might be included in the collections of
those desirous of growing plants of this nature. It may be
increased by seed sown as soon as ripe, in pots drained and
filled with a compost of loam and sandy peat and placed in

Fig. 1. — Jaseitpa grandifl<

•water ; also by division. Where there is no aquarium large
hasins or bowls may be substituted, I have sometimes beaten
clay firmly in the bottom of ordinary garden pots for some of
my aquatic pets, and they have succeeded beyond my expecta-
tion. It is to be regretted that there is not more interest taken
in the various species of water-loving plants, which when once
established require but little attention. — N.

LATE-KEEPING GEAPES.

Eaely decaying in many instances would be more correctly
■deecriptive than late keeping as applied to bunches which were
intended to hang until March, but decnyed before January.

A variety of causes may have contributed to the decaying
of Grapes, such as too much moisture in the air, too much
foliage on the Vines, too many plants in the vineries, too late
or insufficient ripening of the fruit, and insufficient tbinning-
ont of the berries. These are contributary causes of early
decay, and they have all of them been aggravated or intensified
by a peculiar incidence of the autumn and winter which has
not been sufficiently understood.

There have been periods during the present autumn when
good housewives have been sorely puzzled at the unwonted
dampness of their dwellings — the " walls have ran down with
vater," the floors and ceilings have been damp, and even the
" bedding has felt clammy." Such household complaints
must have been very familiar to many gardeners, some of whom
have not been able to account for the cause of the " walls
sweating," while others — who are " given to thinking " — have
understood the matter perfectly. But what has this to do with
-Grapes? Much, for Grapes will "swiat," as it is erroneously

termed, under the same conditions as will walls. But in truth
it is not " sweating " at all. The moisture which has puzzled
good women did not come out of the walls, nor did that pfr-
plexing some men come out of the Grapes.

The season has been unusually mild and damp, yet occasion-
ally a few very cold days have been experienced. These cold
days have been followed suddenly by unusual mildness, and
it has been on the sudden rising of the temperature after the
cold days when the '■ sweating " has occurred. If the surfaces
of walls, glass, calico, or Grapes become unusually cold and
the temperature surrounding them suddenly rises, the cold
surfaces become condensers, and the moisture of the air is
transformed by them from the invisible to the visible state.
The greater the difference in the temperature of the surfaces
end that of the surrounding air, the greater is the quantity of
moisture that is precipitated. The moisture does not come
out of the walls and the Grapes, but out of the atmosphere.

That is an important fact to be remembered ; and another
equally important is, that the moisture is governed by the
temperature. It is not enough that the air of a vinery where
Grapes are required to be kept dry should be provided with a
steady or a mimimum temperature of 40' or 45°, for if a house
has been at 45° for a week, and the outside temperature
suddenly rises to 55° (which has more than once been the case
lately), moisture will inevitably bo condensed by the cooler
surfaces of the Grapes. Wheu the air outside is clear, cool,
and dry, as it frequently is iu winter, then there is little or no
moisture to precipitate on the Grapes, and a house temperature
of 40° is safe ; but when the prevailing outside temperature is
high, also moist, then the inside temperature must be high
too, or the Grapes cannot be kept diy.

'J he condensation of moisture is doubtless understood by
many gardeners ; a few there are, however, who do not fully
appreciate it, and for the sake of these few the matter may
well be made plain. Take a cold slate — a common school
slate — and cover it with writing on a wintry day; step with it
into a heated plant stove, and in less than five minutes the
writing will be invisible, the slate having become covered with
dew condensed from the warmer atmosphere. Now place the
slate on the hot-water pipes and heat its surface, and the
writing is again visible, and continues so as long as the slate
is kept in the house. That is jast what walls and Grapes do
after a week of cold weather being followed by a sudden rise of
temperature. Their surfaces do not become warmed so quickly
as does the air Burrounding them, and hence the " sweating"
— the condensed moisture — causing in one case decay, and In
the other discomfort.

By taking cognisance of the principle of dew-formation, and
guiding the temperature accordingly, much may be done in
preserving Grapes in a Eeason like the present, but without
this knowledge, or without having acted in accordance with it,
many Grapes have decayed prematurely. Yet after doing all
that was possible the fact still remains that the season has
been unfavourable for the sound keeping of Grapes, and it is
only fair that all concerned should "know the reason why." —

A N0BTH£BN QaBDENEB.

THE PEKSIMMON.

In your Journal of November HOth in an article on Diospyros
Kaki you repeat the popular opinion that the Diospyros vir-
giniana's fruit "is not palatable until frozen." Allow me to say
that this is a fallacy. The Persimmon, as it is known througti
the southern half of the United States, is quite variable in the
size, season, and quality of its fruit, and 1 have no doubt will
be ultimately developed by selection into a valuable species
of fruit. I have seen ripe specimens in this latitude (69* N.,
about St. Louis) as early as the end of August, whilst the
fruit of some trees hardly ripens at all, or if so, imperfectly,
by the time cold weather begins. But the ripening and sweet-
ness seem to depend entirely on the length and heat of the
summer, and not at all on the subduing powers of early
frosts. Hot summers produce early-ripened delicious fruit ,
cold seasons and high latitudes produce poor fruit. Arthur
Bryant (a brother of the poet Bryant), living at Princeton,
Illinois, about latitude -ill N., tells me that in some seasons
the Persimmon with him does not ripen, and he thinks the
frost has nothing to do with its maturing. He has trees nearly
forty years old of his own planting, and has observed them
closely.

The Persimmon varies also a gocd deal in size. I have
heard of specimens 2 inches in diameter, and have teen thtm

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE.

[ Jannary 4, 1877.

ds Email RB threeqaatteiB of sn inch. They vary in quality.
Some are delicious, others always dry and taEtoItes or astriu-
gent. The feaEon of ripenicg by sik-dion of varietioa conld
nndcubtedly be nja(3e to cover two montha or more. It seems
to be a finit of gieat cnpabilities ; fend hut for the fact that we
had EC maby Apples, Penrp, &c., provided ready to onr hand
by the mother countiy, thid, 83 well as other native fruits,
would now be well on iu the ooutee of amelioration.

This was a favourite fruit of thH aborigines, who dried it
for winter UEe, and it is mentioned by all the early travellers —
John Smith, Marquette, Charlevoii, Ac, under various hard-
spelled names, tnch as Placquen.ine, Patchumtu, &a. It is
still Eaid to be a great favourite with the Indians of the south-
west.

I am inclined to think that the aetiiugency eemplained of
in the D. Kaki by your correfpocdent, and which is a, marked
characteristic of the uniipe I), virpiniana, will be found to be
the result of ineufEcient light and heat in jourEDglieh climate.
Judging from analogy a high and long-continued temperature
under bright ekies will give the bett fruit.

I have omitted to add that there are several cases on record
of seedless varieties of the Persimmon. In one case an
attempt made to perpetuate this peculiarity by grafting failed
from the curious fact that the seedless varialy when grafted
on a non-bearer began to produce fruit with seeds. (See
Gardeners' Monthly for 1876).— W. C. Flagq, Mora, III, U.S.A.

BOSES IN SMALL GARDENS.

I AM glad to see that " E. M., Cro_i/rfo«," has modified his
sweeping condemnation of poor Bose-gro'ver?,and I think if he
would take the trouble to go to a village tiuwer show the Koses
he would see there would make him more lenient still. But as
he seems a Rose enthusiast I would Eutgest that he publish
a pamphlet at a cost of Id. or 2d., with lules for general Eose-
growing, which I feel sure would be gladly welcomed by vicirs
of rural parishes anxious to encourage the cultivation of
flowers among their parishioners.

I think " E. M.'s" condemnation too sweeping when he says
every other garden throughout Eose-growing Ejjgland can only
produce " miserable starvelings." I have been enrprised in my
country wandtrings at the beauty of the Roses generally grown,
especially by cottagers. Granted "the names of the varieties"
would prove them to be old-fashioned, but these are still
admired by some people, as I was glud to read in the pages of
this Journal a few weeks ago. liefore iinally quittiDg this
suliject I must just add, that I write entirely on behalf of
cottagers and ethers with small plots of ground who are Eose-
lovers, for I do not cultivate one. — E. S.

ALLAMANDAS.

Amongst the many stove plants cultivated for exhibition
purposes or otherwise none are more frequently met with than
Allamandap, and, apart from exhibition purpoees, none are
made less use of. The flowers are considered by most
gardeners as worthless for decorative purposes because they
will not last long. It is true thiy will not last if cut wiih a
long portion of wood attached to them and arrangid loosely in
trumpet-Ehoped vase.s, fur in this way tbo leaves soon become
like Eo much wet rap. A system that I have praotiEcd for
Eome time past is to till a glass vase, similar to a dessert dish
(with or without a pedestal), with Swiss moss, and elevate the
centre above the Eides of the dish and fill it with water ; then
gather a quantity of single blooms, and arrange them so that
the broad seg:.aents of the flowers will rest on the moss.
Certainly they have a flat appearance, but the introduction of
foliage or a few Fern fronds wonderfully relieve the arrange-
ment, and a vase tilled in this way is not to be despised, par-
ticularly at this dull season of the year, when good flowers are
6C<ircp.

Allamandas are not at all diflrcult to please with soil. I
have ft number of plants growing most luxuriantly iu road
Ecrnpings and horse droppings. They have rambled over all
the root of the aquatic hnuse, and frequently require thinning
to admit ligbt to the Nympbieaa in the tank below. The
plants commenced flowering in March, and have continued
produritiR tbocsauds of flowers until the last fortnight. When
the wet W( alher Ect in the plants began to relax. I feed liber-
ally with liquid manure, and allow the long shoots to rambU
about and hang loosely from tbo roof. In this way they
preetnt a natural and wild appearance, and look much better

than if tied closely to rods anJ rafters, as nothing mars the
effect of a plant more thau by tj ing and twitting it the reverse
of nature. The variety I grov piincipa'ly is A. Hendersonii
or Wardleana graudiflora. It is of a beautiful straw-yellow
colour, and well deserves more extensive cultivation. — James
Olleehead.

A PRACTICAL GAEDENEB'S IDEA OF A
NATIONAL HOBTIGULTUBAL SOCIEIY.

A cBisis appears to have overtaken the Royal HottioTlI.
tural Society. It is proposed by an influx of Iresh blood to
resuscitate the Society. Guinea fellowships are proposed as
(1 suppose) the nucleus around which horticulturists will rally.
Whatever may be the npthot with the Royal Commissioners,
It may be that the Society will make a retreat to Cbiswiok,
coming to arrangement with the Commissioners for the fort-
nightly meetings at South Kensington and periodical exhibi-
tions. This would undoubtedly help the Society in its present
dilemma, but the privileges likely to acoiue to the guinea
fellowship — viz., admittance to all the Society's shows in
London and the provinces, and to all minor exhibitions of
fruit and flowtrs held at the fortnightly committee meetings,
and daily admission to the Chiswick Gardens, are privileges of
no very great importance to provincial Fellows, who would be
very little benefited by its shows and gardens, though of great
value to those within easy distance. Distance alone would
influence many to withhold their support from a central
society having no advantages to offer except shows they can
at moat but oooasionally visit, the garden for the same reason
being practically sealed. " Old asBcciatious " would not avail
to retain any great number of patron Fellows, who principally
are most interested in the gardens at South Kensington.
Their luxury gone, what could they be expected to do but to
become guinea FtOlows or turn their backs upon the Society ?
Some would no doubt take so great an interest in horticulture
as to continue their subscriptions as patron Fellows, and would
not experience any disappointment in having few or no privi-
leges. It is, however, proposed that patnn Fellows subscrib-
ing four guineas receivd a ticket admitting self and friend, and
the right to a second ticket admitting their head gardener to all
the Society's shows.

Now, it appears that privileges are after all to be meaEured-
by the amount of guineas eubscribed. Four-guinea subscrioers
are to have practically three tickets, and guinea subfcribers a
ticket to all the Society's shows, exposing the broad basis upon
which a socif ty of this kind ought, if it is to prosper, to be
founded. There ought not in any national horticultural society
to be any fancy privileges, but an equality of subscription con-
ferring equal advantages. It ought to he instituted upon
piirciplea of reciprocity, subsciibers encouraging by their sub-
scription the advancement of horticulture, and receiving in
return the gratiSoation that the Society is doing useful work —
ttul.? horticultural work — by investigation and propagation.

The class most directly interested are those contributing with-
a view to benefit direct or indirect, and those will include its^
workers, who will by investigation and information do the
society much valuable service, far exceeding any money Bub-
Bcription. I need not do more than mention the advantages
accruing to possessors of gardens, gardeners, and nurserymen.
Employers would have the advautage of the society's work, be
served by a higher stamp of gardeners, and those would, from
their increased proficiency, attain to a better social poeitioD.
Commercial memhers prospering from demand for the plEmts
required for embellishment and for useful purpoEes.

I have an idea of a Eoyal horticultural society. The present
one rid of the South Kensington Gardens would, with its
chaiter aud the Chiswick Gardens, bo the soundest foundation
upon which to build a Bchool or college of l.orlieultnre os free
in principle and constitution as are most of similar institutions
upheld by subscription. Before proceeding with an outline of
a national society, it may be as well to begin with the Eoyal
Horticultural Society's disaster— namely, its league with the
Royal CommisBiouers. The only way to satisfy tbo debenture-
holders would probably be for the Commissioncr.s to take upon
themselves the responsibility of the whole or pait of the de-
benture-holders' claim, and convert the gardens into a recrea-
tion ground or fasbional'le garden, maintained by the licuse-
holders in the neiijhbourhood, orconveiting it into a company.
The Commissioners to compensate the Society for its outlay
upon the gardens by a grant of so much of the building
and gardens as would be required for the Society's require-

J-muMj 4, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTDBa AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

menta for offices, meetingg, an3 exhibitione, or, failing that,
graDtiDg a monetary cou?iiieration. Bat ns there is each
unacituity ehowu ia respect to the euitabiHty of the present
eite or looality for the Society's meetingg and ehow?, why not
seek government aid in respect of the prepent baildings and
ground requisite for the euooessful oarrjing-out of the Society's
objects ? Surely the time has arrived wheu horticulture should
take its rank aa one of the institutions of a great people.

The Chiswiok establishment (should be continued as an
experimental girdeii and school of hortioalturo. Students
qualifying for gardeners to be admitted npon the recommenda-
tion of Fellows, and these studeuta to form the labour staff
of the garden at stipends suitable to their respectable main-
tenance, or such remuneration as the labour performed de-
serves. Other 6tude:it3 to pay a fixed rate per annum as
may be determiueu oa from time to time by the executive,
and if boarded pay for their maintenance ; they not to per-
form any menial woit, or only at the instigation of the pro-
fessor, as may be necesaary tor instruction such labour may be
performed. This latter class of students it is presumed will
be sufficient to meet the salary of the Society's professor of
horticulture, the students to have free admission to all lectures
given in aay of the Society's places of meeting, whether the
lecturer gives his services gratuitously or otherwise. The
Society to hold four exhibitiouB in each year in London or its
environs, and prizes offered at each for plants, flowers, fruit,
and vegetables, and once every year a national exhibition in
the provinces, commencing with London the first year. Its
first provincial show might be held in the north, its second in
the east, third ia Scotland, fourth weet of Eagland, fifth Ire-
land, sixth that locality or place in Eogland holding out the
greatest inducement to the Society for the holding of its exhi-
bition, the seventh to be an international one held in London,
the second international held in Scotland, and the third in
Ireland, every seventh exhibition held by the Society to be
international.

Assist-TOce should be given to provincial horticultural societies
in the framing of their schedules and rules, placing at the
■com^md of Eoeiaties in union with the Society a censor or
judge to act with those appointed by the Society, and between
whom the Society's official shall act a? umpire. No fee to
be given by the local society to the judge or charged by the
Koyal Hoiticultural Sjciety; but the society makiog use of
the Sjoiety's officer to pay his travelling expenses, with such
allowar.c) for hotel expenses as shf-.U be determined by the
Royal Hortienltural Society. It shall be the duty of the
judge to award, with the approval of four Fellows of tho Royal
HortiBultnral Society, the silver and bronze medals to such
productioas as in his and the Fallows' judgment are most de-
servi-jg of special recognition through ovi.ienco of superior
cultivation. N.B.— If there be a difference of opinion in regard
of the awarding of tbo medals, there shall bo no award in that
cise unless two of the Fellows agrse with the Soointy's censor.
In the absence of Fellows of ths Society the censor shall have
the aid of four horticulturists approved of by the local society's
secretirv, ani with their assisteinea award the medals of the
Royal Hjrticultural Society, having at least two approvers in
each ca*o of his award.

The Royal Horticultural Society should encourage ia con-
nection with provincial horticultural societies the establishment
o£ gardeners' institutns by corrfspoadenoe, and a copy of its
jonroal in exchange for pcpsrs read at the institute.

Correspondence to be opened and maintained by tho Royal
Hortioaltacal Society with colonial and foreign horticultural
Boeiotiea, and an exchange of publications.

A library to be formed of as complete a kind in respect of
hortioultare and allied sciences as possible, which shall be free
to all members of the Society.

The Sicioty to pnblioh a journal monthly containiug a full
report of the work performed by the Society, and if this be of a
kind exceeding li. ia coat monthly, papers sliallform a separate
pabliotUiou, aud sold in book form, but from publication in
the girdening periodioils would be of little valao; and at tha
end of each year a omplete account ha published of the state
of the Society's finances and affairs.

Riportera to have free access to all the meetings of the
Society with a view to greater publicity than would be afforded
by the joarnal.

I ebail say very little of the Society's constitution. It needs
not revolution but reform. The present Couuoil is peril ops as
good 88 any of its predecessors. Whatever the Council be it
mast bo prepared to do the bidding of the subscribers. No

constitution would answer so well as a crowned republic. A
President — His Royal Higbnsss the Prince of Wales, with
power to approve a deputy appointed by tho Council. A
Council of Vice-presidents to cDusist of thiri;oen members
elected by the Executivo Council from those deserving of dis-
tinction from advancing horticulture, but none but noble or
wealthy iiidividuals (patronising horticulture enthusiastically)
to bo eligible. An Elective Cjuncil of thirteen elected by the
votes of the members for seven yeara, vacancies to be filled by
the Elective Couucil nominating the most likely person or
persons for the vacancy or vacancies, whose election shall be
consequent upon the votes of the subscribers, provided the
nomination does not receive the approval of tha Council of Vice-
presidents aud President. Wheu those approve the nomina-
tions of the Elective Council, that bcily shall by vote fill up
vacancies in its ranks. The Vice-prsside-jts' Couucil to make
suggestions to the Elective Council npon subjects it may see
fit, which the latter shall consider and take such action upon
them as in their opinion would be for tho interests of the
Society. The Elective Council shall ti'ausact all the Society's
business, having full control of departments ; aud all its meet-
ings public — open to reporters.

Fellows subscribing £5 5s. to have two ivory tickets, each
ticket admitting two persona to all the Society's meetings,
shows, gardens iu London or elsewhere, promoted by the
Society, with copy of journal, and the right of nominating one
candidate to the school ol horticulture, aud five votes upon an
election. Fellows subscri'^ing £i is. to have one ivory ticket,
admitting two to all the meetings, shovs, and garden of the
Society, two tickets admitting to all shows and garden, with
copy of journal, right of nominating a candidate for admission
to Bchool of horticulture, and four votes. Fellows subscribing
£3 3s. to have three tickets (one ivory admitting two) for all
shows, garden, and meetings, with copy of journal and three
votes. Fellows of £2 2s. to receive an ivory ticket admitting
two, and one ticket of admission to all the meetings, shows,
and garden, with copy of journal and two votes. Fellows sub-
scribing £1 Is. to have ticket for all meetings, shows, garden,
with copy of journal aud one vote.

No Fellow to have any right to cuttings, seeds, or plants,
nor any produce or result of the Society's garden or labour,
but the whole products of the Society's garden to be disposed
of to the best advantage for the general benefit of the Society.

Provincial horticultural societies cootribatiug £10 10s. per
annum to receive the services of a judge appointed by the
Royal Horticultural Society, and three silver and three bronze
medals, with copy of jonroal, and ten votes. The subscription
being given ia the name of the committee of tho society wishing
for union with the Royal Horticultural Society 'oy their secretary.
Societies subscriWiog £5 5s. per annum to have the services
of the Society's judge, two silver aud two bronze medals,
with copy of journal, and five votes. Societies subscribing
£i is. to have services of judge, one silver and two bronze
medals, with copy of journal, and four votes. Societies con-
tributing £3 3s. per annum to have services of judge, one silver
and one bronze medal, with copy of journal, aud three votes.
Societies contributing £2 2s. per aunum to have one silver and
one bronze medal, with copy of juuraal, and two votes. So-
cieties subeciibing £1 Is. per annum to have one silver and
one bronze medal, aud one vote. The medals in the two last
instances to be awarded by a judge appointed by the committee
of the respective society, and approved iu his award by at least
one Fellow of the Society.

Gardeners' institutes or improvement societies contributing
£2 2s. per annum to have presented one silver medal, which
shall be awarded by the votes of its members, choosing three
persons to adjudicateupon tho papers read before the members
of the institute, who sbsU award the medal to the writer of the
paper w'uioh in their opinion appears most deserving, but the
Royal Horticultural Society shall have the right of rescinding
any award which shall be found undeserving, advising the
institute to select other two for distinction, and upon the
three being submitted to tbo Royal Horticultural Society tha
latter shall name the mo:-t desirable, and tho medal shall be
awarded accordingly. The institute to receive copy of journal
and have two votes. Institutes contributing £1 Is. to have
copy of journal aud a bronze medal for awarding to the writer
of some approved paper read before the Society, and one vote.

All voting to ba by voting papers, stating the cause and ob-
ject of the election, and forwarded to every Fellow, society,
or institute entitled to v. .to, which filled up ore to be returned
to the Secretary. The voter not to sign his or her name, but

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jinaarj 4, 1877.

distinguish by marks X prefixed to the name of the candidate
or object voted for the desire of tlie voter in marks he may be
entitled to. Number upon the voting paper will be sufficient
to prove the voter's right to vote, checks being kept by the So-
ciety.

All etndents passing the examination of the School of Hor-
ticulture to be admitted Fellows free for three years, conferring
the privileges of a guinea-subscribing Fellow, but without right
to vote, except by contributing £1 Is. per annum.

I have only to say a few words in respect of gardeners.
They ought to contribute of their own accord and not have
any inducements held out to them by their employers being
Fellows. — G. Abeey.

VEITCH'S AUTUMN BROCCOLI.

This variety of Broccoli sent out by the Messrs. Veitch
seems to me to be quite distinct from any other I know, and,
like the Autumn Giant Cauliflower, is a grand acquisition to
our list of autumn and early winter vegetables.

Having been once or twice " smitten " with the glowing de-
Ecriptions of some newly-introduced vegetable, but found after
trial to have been "bitten" by them, I did not last spring order
this Broccoli; but my friend IMr. Louden, The Quinta Gardens,
kindly sent me a number of plants for trial, and these have
turned out all that has been said of this Broccoh. The stem
is short and stout, the heads well " protected," close, and com-
pact, and of excellent size for table use. I out the first early
in November, and am still cuttiLg as wanted now (December
2'2nd.) We had 10° frobt in November, and while numbers of
Autumn Giant Cauliflowers were destroyed, this Broccoli was
uninjured.

By making an early and late sowing of this Broccoli the cut-
ting season might be much prolonged. To those who have not
grown it the past Beasou 1 would say, Do so the next, and you
will not be dijappoiLttd. I miyadt that Snow's Winter Broc-
coli 18 now (last week of Docembei) comiug in, and although
useful, cannot for a moment compare with Veitch's, the heads
of Snow's beicg rather open and yellowish in colour. — James
Adamson, Bnjnkinalt.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.
We are informed that at a meeting recently held at Carlisle
it was decided to offer £1000 in piizes at the Inteiinatio.-jal
Snow to be held in September. We are glad to learn that
the Committee have met with much encouragement and many
supporters, and they confidently expect that the Carlisle Show
will be a great success.

" J. N." states in reference to the habdiness of Lyco-

PODIOM DENTiciLATOM Tcceutly alluded to by Mr. Luckhurtt,
that It does not succeed well in his garden in Cambridgeshire,
and asks if Mr. Luckhurst will state bow many degrees of frost
the plants he refers have endured without injury.

At a recent meeting of the Scottish Seed .vnd Nubseey

Tbade Association an important discussion was conducted as
to ihe best means for securing the sale of unadulterated seeds.
Mr. D. Cross, Glasgow, was elected Tresident of the Associa-
tion for the ensuing year; Mr. Muir Crawford, Leith, Vice-
president ; and Jlessrs. Syme, Mackintosh, J. Walsh, Laird,
Edinburgh ; Huuter and Sadler, Glasgow ; Ballantyne, Dal-
keith; Alex. Cross and Hope, Leith; and Palmer, Annan, were
appointed the Acting Committee. On the motion of Mr. Sadler,
Glasgow, it was remitted to the Acting Committee to consider
the propriety of drawing up, in conjunction with the law agent
of the Association, a non-guarantee clause for seed to be
adopted by the members of the Society.

It is seldom that Aitles are atYorded the assistance of

SOUTH WALLS to lipen them, yet some of them cannot be had
in perfection in the open garden, notably the Calville Blanche.
The plan of growing tbia distinct and desirable Apple as
adopted by Mr. Haycock at Barham Court, Maidstone, is
hignly wortby of notice. Good crops of it were growing on
horizontal cordons trained by the sides of the walks, but the
beat were on a wire trained about a foot from the ground and
the same distance from tho south wall of the garden. Thus
trained the heat reflected by the south wall was utilised by
the fruit without the trees encroaching on the wall's surface.
Neither does a strand of wire stretched in such a position
interfere with tho crops of the border, but it does enable Apples
of splendid quality being produced when they cannot be had

of similar excellence by the usual mode of growing them in
exposed places. The plan is of course equally adaptable to
Pears, and it appears worthy of being more extensively adopted.
If it answers, as it undoubtedly does answer, so well in the
south, it may be supposed to be of still greater value in colder
localities.

The cold we.atheb in London which suddenly set in

immediately before Christmas, changed as suddenly after th&
" festive day." The temperature has been unusually high for
several days, higher indeed than the average for the same
period for a great number of years past. Autumn-sown crops,,
both of vegetables and flowers, are very forward, and fruit
buds are swelling freely. Cauliflower plants in frames and
under hand-lights are much larger than they should be, and it
is feared that many of the plants will " button." Those who
have plants in this state will do well to sow seed at once under
glass, and thus make timely provision, preventing as much a9
possible the prospective blank in the supply of an important
crop— early Cauliflowers.

Mr. Mooeman writes to us as follows in reference to

the scAECiTY OF HoLLT Beebies : — We have six large trees,
which are noted for their bearing propensities. During the
eight winters I have had them in my charge I have never
known them without a crop before this year. One of my
workmen says we ought to have dug around the trees and
watered them, for quantities of berries were swept up during
the past summer. Doubtless the drought had something to
do with the failure, but I also think the severe frosts occurring
during thjir blossoming period was the principal cause of the
scarcity. The trees in question, which cast their berries in a
green state, were growing under some large Oaks and may have
been sheltered.

A coEEEsroNDENT Writes to us as follows: — "I think itt

these days of elections of fruits and flowers that an election-
OP Grapes would be both interesting and useful, and would
prove a guide to many amateurs and others who contemplate
planting, but who are bewildered amongst such a number ot
varieties and likewise conflicting opinions. Perhaps some of
your readers will kindly enlarge on this subject."

Mb. Christie, The Gardens, Orton Hall, Peterborough,

communicates his success in CnccjiBEE-GBOwiNO. Last year
he cut nearly two thousand Cucumbers from one epan-roofed
house 30 feet long by 11 feet wide. The sort he grew was-
Dixon's Imperial Frame; fruit about 15 inches long, of supe-
rior flavour. He grew Telegraph in the same house from seed
sown ten days before the Imperial Frame, yet the latter was
much the earliest in use, and he recommends it both for
summer and winter culture.

EOSES UNDER UNFAVOURABLE
CIRCUMSTANCES.

Mccn valuable information has been elicited through your
Journal for the benefit of those Kose-growers who are favoured
with fairly good soil and situation ; but others also wish to
know how much can be done by skill and proper selection for-
such unfortunates as are on a barren sand and in a smoky
cold situation.

I have with scant success tried numbers of Rosea recom-
mended for smoky situations, but my experience does not
accord with the lists sent out by nurserymen for such situ-
ations. The only Roses which will thrive and bloom satis-
factorily through plentiful manuring are Gloire de Dijon,
Prince Camille de Rohan, Baronne de Rothschild, Countess of
Oxford, GC'D^Tal Jacqueminot, Fisher Holmes, John Hopper,
Madame de Cambacores, Victor Verdier, Anna Alexieff, and
Duke of Edinburgh, all on the Manetti, and Souvenir de la
Malmaison on its own roots.

My object in writing is to give and to draw forth experience'
from those in like localities and placed on dry barren sand.
Doubtless many other Roses besides those named may grow
equally well, and hoping to elicit information I sign myself —
Sand Hills.

MRS. PINCE'S BL4.CK MUSCAT GRAPE.
I HAVE grown the above-named Grape for a great number of
years, both in an intermediate or mixed house and in a late
house, and, except on one occasion, the Grapes in the earlier
coloured better than those in tho late house. We have gene-
rally had fruit hanging in the late house until April, and tho

January i, 1877.

JOOBNAIi OP HORTICULTORE ANlJ COTTAGE GARDENER.

Vines natnrally Btart growing at that time ; but this Reason
has proved too ehort for the ripening of eome sorts of Grnpes
which were started at the time named. Alicantea and Lady
Downe'a have finished fairly, bnt Mrs. Pinoe is badly coloured,
and even White Tokay is not what it should be for hanging
late. We have reaolved to start our late house a month earlier
this year, and do not think that Lady Downe's or Alicante will
Buffer by the change.

With regard to there being two varieties of Mr?. Pince, I
Boaroely think there is sufficient grounds for supposing that to
be the case. I believe I suggested some two or three years
sgoin these pages the possibility of there being two varieties,
my remarks being based on the apparent difference between
Vines growing in an intermediate house and others in a late
house, yince then the Vine in the late house has become
much more vigorous, the berries swelling more regularly, and
in every respect except colour are quite equal to those on the
Vines in the other house.

I have found Mrs. Pinje a Grape that is much slower in
starting, and keeps lagging bahind in all stages of its growth
when grown with other sorts, but more especially at the
ripening period. I think if it was grown in a house by itself,
and received suitable treatment, it would reward the cultivator.
Would any who have had the opportunity of growing it alone
give ne the benefit of their experience: — B. Inglis.

LIMATODES ROSEA.

WiiH no special accommodation for Orchids I do not at
present grow this plant, but I mentioned it as a very desirable
Orchid, unapproached in my opinion in loveliness by any other
of its season, except perhaps by Calantho Veitchii, the r'^'sult
of a cross by Mr. Pominy between Calanthe vestita and Lima-
todes rosea. Yet I have previously had experience with the
plant and never found it difficult to cultivate, hence my sur-
prise at reading that bo able a cultivator as Mr. Pouglaa could
•■ make nothing of it."

It was treated the same as Calanthe vestita was — namely,
potted in March or when the least signs of growth appeared,
for on no account must it be allowed to root into the old
effete soil. All the old soil and roots were removed. The
pots were well drained, and the compost used was composed
of equal parts of very fibrous loam and sandy peat, with the
smaller particles or dust rejected, a third part in equal propor-
tion of old cakey or drycowdung aud leaf soil, with a half part
or piece of charcoal or potsherds, the whole well mixed together,
potting rather firmly and rather high.

The plants were then placed at the back of a Pine stove, a
succession house, having Vines upon the rafters at every ij feet.
The plants of Limatodes would be not more than :i feet from
the glass, and as the Vines were introduced in early March a
slight shade was afforded. Water was given rather sparingly
until roots were emitted freely into the fresh soil, and after
that took place and the growth was free the supplies were very
liberal, and after the leaves were full-sized liquid manure was
given twice a-week — diluted drainings of a dunghill — of the
same strength as applied to some Fig trees. The Limatodes
were sprinkled overhead twice a-day, and the house was
damped at noon.

In September the plants wore placed on the back flue of
another Pine pit and fully exposod to light. They were kept
well supplied with water and liquid manure until the flower
ecapss appeared from the bases of the pseudo-bulbs, when the
watering was gradually reduced; but they were still kept moist,
not being allowed to go dry until they had almost ceased
flowering, for too sudden dryness teUs disastrously upon the
flowers.

After this, as long a rest as possible was given, keeping dry
in December, January, and February, and until growth com-
menced, bat not so dry as to cauie the pseudo-bulbs to shrivel.
The summer temperature was b5 to Go at night, 70" to 7o' by
day, up to >>5 or 00' occasionally, and in winter >'>'>' to 70',
down to 00 , or lower in very cold weather.

The reason that I do not now grow Limatodes rosea is, that
it does not usually do well in mixed collections of stove plants,
but with the culture I have described it never failed to thrive
satisfactorily.— G. Abbev.

early ppring they are covered with a shower of golden-yellow
Pea blossoms.

I have two varieties, the arborescens and the C'hamlaga. I
much prefer the latter, both for its miniature tree form and its
richer and more profuse bloom. As a dwarf tree either in leaf
or flower, I know of no plant which so exactly takes on this
tiny form of not above 4 or 5 feet high. Our public grounds
should not fail to present these shrubs to the study of the
people.

The Chamlaga grafted on the arborescens is said to make a
very pretty weeper. I have never seen it; but I doubt not,
like many plants, it would gain by the stature and force of the
more vigorous relative. This saves time and the torment of
having every plant bobbed to the flat-topped style, in which the
average gardener delights. — {American Gardciicr'e Monthly.)

ARDISIA CRENULATA.

This is a most appropriate plant for decoration at the pre-
sent season when IloUy berries are scarce. A few plants of
the Ardisia in (j-inch pots are valuable for table decoration and
for the ornamentation of rooms in general. Larger plants can
be placed in the entrance hall, &c., where their scarlet berries
and green foliage will produce a charming and seasonable
e fleet.

The plants are easily propagated by cuttings placed in a good
bottom heat, but I find a ready way of providing a good stock
of plants is to sow the berries in the spring and plunge the
pot or pan, as the case may be, in a hotbed or heated pit, never
allowing the soil to become dry afterwards. They take a con-
siderable time to germinate. When the seedlings are large
enough to handle pot them off singly in small pots in a mixture
of peat, loam, leaf soil, and silver sand, and grow them
on in a heat of TO or 75 . The old plants will require to be
repotted and grown-on in the above heat so that the berries
may be well coloured before autumn, when the plants will last
good all the winter it they are accommodated with a green-
house temperature. The berries can then be picked off, washed
and sown, if the stock is required to be increased. — J. A.

THE SIBERIAN PEA TREE.
Tni> tribe of hardy yellow-blossoming plants deserves a
place in e^ ery shrubbery. They are as hnrdy as Oiks. In

NEWSTEAD ABBEY,

THE KEMDENCE OF W. F. WEBB, Bv:.

There are but few places of such historic interest as the
subject of the present notice. Xewstead Abbey and the name
of Byron, the celebrated poet, are so intimately connected
that it is impossible to think of one without the other. New-
stead has not only been the residence of a long line of a noble
race, bnt kings, sculptors, poets, statesmen, philosophers, and
other great men have done homage to its ancient shrine.
Not the least of the long Hst of worthies who have here found
a hospitable home is the great philanthropist, missionary, and
difcoverer, Dr. David Livingstone, who about ten years ago
visited the Abbey, and daring his stay wrote his last great
work, " Travels on the Zambese."

Newstead Abbey was founded as a Priory of Black Canons
in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1170 by Henry II.
From that time until nearly the middle of the sixteenth century
there is little or nothing recorded of its history ; no doubt for
the simple reason that there was nothing worth recording.
However, successive kings were frequently the guests of the
abbot — probably having come to enjoy the chase. At the dis
solution of the monasteries the Abbey was surrendered to
Henry VIII. in July lo:j'.i, amd the following year it was granted
to Sir John Byron, at that time Lieutenant of Sherwood Forest
and Constable of Nottingham Castle. After the monks had been
forced from this sanctuary, where, according to tradition, the
poor, the sick, and the weary traveller had at all times forcentu
ries found an asylum, it was converted into a splendid residence
by its noble owner ; but the church was suffered to decay. The
west end is still a majestic ruin and an elegant specimen of the
Early English style of architecture. The house is quite in the
antique style, with towers and battlements ; it was thoroughly
restored about forty-five years ago, having sufiered much by
the neglect of the two last previous Lords Byron. The Byron
family is very ancient, and had large possessions near Roch-
dale in Lancashire, where they had their principal seat till
after the Reformation, when they obtained a grant of Newstead.
Charles I. raised Sir John Byron to the peerage in 1613, but
as the Byrons were active partisans in the cause of royalty
their estates were sequestered by Parliament, but afterwards
restored to them by Charles II. From the time of Charles II.

10

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jamary 4, 1877.

until the accession of William the fifth Lord Byron, commonly
called the " wicked Lord," there is nothing of interest to re-
late of the Abbey or its inmates. The " wicked Lord" died
without issue in 17H0, when he was succeeded by his grand-
nephew, the illustrious poet.

George Gordon Noel Byron, sixth Baron Byron of Rochdale,
was but ten years old when he succeeded to the title and estates,
and at that time he was in the Grammar School at Aber-
deen, where he received the rudiments of His education. The
old lord had permitted the Abbey and grounds to fall into a
miserable state of decay and ruin, and he terminated his wild
and graceless career almost alone, without a sympathising
friend, in the only room in the Abbey which did not atimit the
wind and the rain.

Soon after this event young Byron's mother sold her effects,
which only realised £71 17s. id., she having been obliged to
endure great pecuniary difficnlties in consequence of the
licentious habits of her husband, wlio had fled to the Continent
while his only son was still an infant. She and the youth-
ful poet arrived at Newstead, where they took up their abode
in the year 17!I8. The first sight of the dilapidated Abbey
made an impression on the mind of Byron that could not be
effaced. These impressions continued, and formed the text
for some of his famous poems. I will heregive one quotation —

" Through thy battlements, NewpteaJ, the hollow winds whistle ;
Thou, the hall of my fathers, art gone to decay :
In tby once smiliuf,' garden the Hemlock and Thistle
Have choked up the Hose which late bloomed by the way."

Byron came of ago on the 22Qd of .(anuary, 1800. Previous
to this he had formed associations which were not in the least
degree in harmony with the dignity of his genius and the high
position he ought to have taken in society. His companions
and associates were of the lowest order, and they indulged in
wild and extravagant games. lie kept the wolf and bear that
he had with him at college at each side the hall door, and when
he and his companions were tired of other games, these animals
came in for a good share of torture. When he came of age the
event was celebrated with a good deal of merry-making. An
ox was roasted, and ale flowed in a perpetual stream. The
Abbey was thrown open, and people flocked from all quarters,
but Byron dinrd on eggs and bacon and ale. Soon after this
he set off on his foreign tour, but returned to England in 1811,
and published some of those poems which immortalised his
name. He subsequently married Miss Milbank Noel, but the
union was not productive of happiness, and he soon again bid
adieu t» the shores of Britain. His pecuniary difficulties in-
creased ; and though he had vowed he would never part with
the Abbey, yet in 1818 it was sold to his old friend and school-
fellow, the lato Colonel Wildman, for £100,000. This gentle-
man set about putting it in thorough repair, and spent a
fortune in its restoration. At his death it was bought by its
present proprietor, W. P. Webb, Esq. Byron died at Misso-
longhi, in Greece, on the 19th of April, 1824, at the early age
of thirty-six.

Newstead is delightfully situated about sis miles south of
Mauafleld, and eleven from Nottingham. There is a private
station on the Midland railway for the use of Mr. Webb, his
family, and visitors to the Abbey. As soon as the visitor
alights from the station he enters a long avenue of Welling-
tonia giganteas ; they are planted alternately with Limes and
Chestnuts, and in a few years will make a splendid approach
to the Abbey. At the end of this avenue, which is about a
mile long, we reach the lodge, the entrance to the Newstead
demesne. There is nothing special in the appearance of the
lodge ; it is a plain unpretentious building, wearing an air of
comfort, with the walla covered with Roses and Pyraoanthas.
Another quarter of a mile and wo reach the Abbey —
" An old, old monafltory once, and no«'
t^till older luansiou, of a rich and rare
Mix'd Gothic, such as artisth; all allow
Few speoimons yet left ns can compare
WUhal : it lies perhaps a little low.
Because the monks preferred a hiU behind,
To shelter their devotions from the wind."

The Abbey is charmingly situated and commands some
pleasant views of the surrounding landscape. Nearly in front
of the mansion there is a spacious lake, thirty acres in extent
supplied by the river Seen. Formerly the borders of the lake
were thickly wooded with majestic trees, but the " wicked
Lord" cut them down. On either side there is a miniature
fort built by the pool's great uncle, and by him mounted with
cannon. The " wicked Lord " having been formerly in the
navy he called this lake the Mediterranean Sea, and filled it

with miniature craft, and carried on mimic naval fights between
his lilliputiau fleets. The fort, the nearest to the Abbey, is
now converted into a useful cowshed, which is admirably con-
cealed by the fort walla. Near to this spot Mr. Webb has
erected commodious stablea, built in a stylo of architecture as
near as possible to coircspoud with that of the Abbey. The
fort on the opposite side of the lake is used as a boat house.
Byron when at Newstead was very fond of bathing in the lake
and rowing on its placid waters, often accompanied by his
faithful dog " Boatswain." He would precipitate himself into
the water, when his dog would rush after him, and seizing his
clothes would drag him ashore. The water escapes from the
lake by a caecade, and as it murmurs downwards it becomes
picturesque and beautiful. After passing underneath the
carriage drive the btieam is formed again into another sheet
of water near to the pleasure grounds.

^Ye now enter the interior of the grounds, and starting from
the ruin of the old church we find our way into what is called
the " monk's garden." It is a sort of shrubbery and wilder-
ness, just in the form as it was left by the monks. It consists
of cross walks overshadowed by tall Elms and Sycamores,
having an undergrowth of Yews and Laurels. Here also is
an ancient Clematis, perhaps the oldest in England, clinging
to one of the tall trees, with a stem as thick as an ordinary
man's body. We emerge out of this grove on to the broad
terrace walk, 720 feet long by 15 broad. It runs parallel with
the herbaceous border that was laid out by the monks, and
never altered in the style of planting. To infuse a little life
and freshness into the border a few Roses, Tritomas, and
Pceonies have been introduced. The old wall is furnished with
Pears planted by Col. Wildman. About half way on the
terrace there is a semicircular opening in the wall, from which
we catch a glimpse of the Forest Pond. Turning to the right
the Eagle or Mirror Pond lies at our feet. It is a splendid
sheet of water, so constructed as to represent a mirror. It is
about 100 yards long and 50 broad. The grass borders, which
represent the frame, are beautifully arranged, aifd fall down
to the water's edge with a regular gradation. The pond is
9 feet deep, with a perpendicular wall all round, and stone
steps at each corner, which load to the bottom. It is fed by
springs that rise in the paik, and on a fine day the photograph-
like appearance of the Abbey on its placid surface is very
beautiful. It was here that the brass eagle was discovered
that is now placed in Southwell church.

The grounds in proximity to this pond present a unique
appearance. They were designed by Le Ni.tre, the celebrated
landscape gardener, and are laid out in square beds and walks
in the same style as Hampton Court and Versailles. Aa we
wander on this terrace wo next reach a flight of rustic steps
that lead down to the " Devil's Wood." It was formed by
the fifth or "wicked Lord," and is characteriatic of the man.
The walks are narrow, overshadowed by lofty trees, which give
it a sombre aspect. It is in this grove that the twin Beeches
were growing on which Byron inscribed his own and his sister's
name during his last vieit to Newstead in 1814. These two
trees were growing with youthful luxuiiacce at the time Byron
carved his name on one of them. The one on which the
inscription was made afterwards began to droop, and exhibited
symptoms oi decay. Mr. Webb, in order to preserve this
lelic of the poet's from destruction, had the tree taken dbwn
in IwCl, and that part containing the inscription was placed
in the Abbey under a handsome glass case, along with other
Byron rehos. The inscription can still be traced as followB :■—

"BYRON.
ZOSeptembek, 1814.
AUQI'STA."
In this ancient grove are two satyrs ' ' behoofed and beborned ,' '
male and female, playing with a child, which the " wicked
Lord " brought from Italy. They are placed ou pedestals
where the walks intersect each other, and are such grim-looking
objects that the neighbouring peasantry regarded them as
" the devils the old lord worshipped." As we pass from under
the shadow of the old trees we reach the east terrace. There
is the " Devil's Wood " to the right, and on the left a broad
border, which forms the boundary of the pleasure grounds.
A broad border 0 or 8 feet wide is covered with Ivy, and down
the centre is a row of Piuus Douglasii. Oa lbs south terrace,
which skirts the southern portion of the " Devil's Wood,"
there is a row of Thnjopsis dolabrata producing a fine
( ffect. Retracing our steps a little we again come to the
Mirror Pond above described. Turning to the loft there is
another fine sheet of water known as the Stew Pond. It is

.Tannarj 4, 1877. 1

JODRNlIi OF HOKTIGDIiTDaS AND OOTTiGE GA.HDEt?ER.

II

said that here the monks preserved the fish for their private
use. It is in the same state of preservation as it was at the
dissolntion of the monasteries. It is flanked on each side by
a row of magnificent ancient Yews. Tlaey have been planted
for npwards of seven hundred year?, acd exhibit no signs of
decay. At the bottom end of the ppnd there is a fine bank of
Cotoneaster microphylla.

At the top of the Stew Pond is the Monks' Well, whijh is
deserving of mention on account of its historic associations.
The quality of the water is much esteemed, beinpf singularly
clear, sparkling, and of great purity and sweetness. The monks
formerly fetched their water from this well, and it is now used '
in the Abbey. It rises out of the sand rook, and is of the
same temperature all the year round. The fernery is situated I
in a shady portion of the grounds. It was designed by Mrs.
Webb about twelve years ago, whose taste in this respect is of ,
the very highest order. It is constructed of stones taken from I

the ruins of the old church and Derbyshire tufa. There is a
raised embankment with a hi^h mound in the centre. The
Btones are so airanged as to leave space for Ferns, of which
there are many hundreds. On the east front of the Abbey
there is the flower garden, laid out in long narrow beds, and in
the recesees of the curves are other smaller beds. No doubt
in the summer season this garden is bright and gay, but at the
time of my visit, the middle of dull November, the beds were
cleared of their summer flowers. At the end of this square of
grass and just opposite the semi-detached part of the building
is the French garden. It is a small space enclosed by a low
balnstrade, and laid-out in quaint-shaped bfds edged with Box
in the Louis Qaatorze style. Some oi the spaces between the
Box are filled with different-coloured material, such as white
spar, blue slate, red briokdust, &a. This little garden con-
trasts well with the other part of the grounds, which are mixed
in the style they were laid out.

At the opposite end of the flower garden and near the ruin
of the old church ig the monument erected by Byron to the
memory of his faithful dog, " Boatswain." Near the tomb
stand two grand old Tews and a fine specimen of i.'edar of
Lebanon. Byron manifested more sorrow at the death of his
dog than he did at the death of his mother. The monument
stands on a base of six steps, crowned with a lambent flame
and panelled in white marble. The monnment, the Yews,
the Cedar, and the monkb' burying ground adjoining, give the
(•pot an air of gloomy solemnity. The monument, of which
on engraving accompanies tbeee note?, bears the following in-
scription on one of the panels : —

"Near thi.^ Spot

Are DepoBttc-d the Bemalns of One

\S*ho Po^90SBe{l B'iaaty without Vtinity,

Strenj^'th witboQt InBolence,

Coarftgo witboat Ferocity,

Aod ;dl the Virtues o( Man without bis Vices.

Thifl Praise, which would be unmeaning Tiaf U-i \

I( luscrihed over Human Ashea,

W but a just Tribute to the Memory of

IMMTSWAIN, A DUG,

Who was Bom at Newfoundlu lul, May, Iwo:;,

And Died at Newitead Abbey, Nor. IK, lMfl8. '

do the pouth front there is a stone terrace with flower beds
laid-out and margined with raised ttone edf;ing8. From this
terrace a broad awtep of grass rnns down to the lake. On this

lawn there ia another intere.sting object to the visitor ; it is
the Byron Oak which was planted by the poet.

On tho opposite side of the lake there is a flourishing
Wellingtonia gigantea planted by Dr. David Livingstone
during his lengthened visit to Mr. and Mrs. Webb in 18G5 0.
The room that Livingstone occupied in the Abbey, and the
table that he wrote his last wojk on, remain just as ho left
them. There is no room in the Abbey of greater interest to
the visitor. Near to the Wellingtonia is a Cedrus atlantica,
planted by Mr. Stanley, whom I heard relate, in the Town
Hall, Mansfield, an account of his travels, and " how he found
Liviugatono."

Passing on to the kitchen gai'deus, we cioes over a small
ravine on a rustic bridge that brings ns to the American
garden. It is a large piece of ground, formerly the wilderness,
but now planted with choice Rhododendrons. In the spring
season they must be beautiful. The American garden is sepa-
rated from the kitchen garden by a hedge of Thuja gigantea.
The hedge is IC or lf< feet high, and has been planted nine
jeara. The kitchen garden is in all respects in character with
this ancic-nt and noble place. It ia in two compartments, and
oovera 'J.Vacre.s. We first make our way to the vineries. The
first block is 00 feet long and 17 feet wide, in two divisions.
The first division had all Black Hamburgha in fine condition.
The Grapes were well coloured, the letries of more than

I'i

JOURNAL oy HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Jauuary 4, 187'

Bv^rage Biz9, and altogether they were most beautifally
finished. One thing I noticed— the Vines at their winter
dressing had never had any of the old bark rabbed ofi, and
they were (luite free from spider, mildew, and the other ills
the Vine ia heir to. The second division contained a mixed
collection, including Trebbiano, Mn^cat Hambnrgh, Champion
Hamburgh, Trentham Black, and I'nchese of Jjaccleuch, the
latter having very small berries ; but Mr. Lawrence, the head
gardener, informed me that they were intending to destroy it
this winter. The next house was just erected. It was 50 feet
by 17, and was for late Grapes, such as Lady Downe'e and
Black Alicante. The border was being made, and from the
quality of the material employed, and the skill jlr. Lawrence is
able to bring to bear on their culture, superior Grapes may be
predicted. Between this house and the before-named vineries
there is space left for a range of Peach houses, which are to be
erected shortly. We next enter a range of span-roofed houses
76 feet long, in three compartments. The first was used for
Melons during the summer. The crop had been excellent, and
the sorts grown were Golden Gem, Hybrid Cashmere, and Little
Heath ; the fruit of the latter weighed from 0 lbs. to 11 lbs.
each, and three fruits to a pbint. The second compartment was
partly devoted to winter Cucumbers, Telegraph and Master's
Prolific being the most useful for the purpose. One half of the
house was occupied with dinner-table plants. The third part
contained a useful selection of plants reipiired for the embellish-
ment of the Abbey. I specially noticed as being worthy of men-
tion a fine selection of Ferns, including Lomari* gibba, Pteris
argyrea— a very fine batch, Crotona in great variety. Begonias,
Dieffenbachias, Poinsettia pulcherrima pleniesima, I'raciLuas,
Pandanue, and many other fino-foliage plant3, every one useful
for the purpose for which they are grown. There was also a
geod specimen of the curious Testudinaria elephantipes, a
plant only met with occasionally.

^-everal lean-to pits are used for' forcing flowers and Aspa-
rigu'", but now filled with Alternantheras, Bouvardia jasmin-
oides, and B. Vreelandii. A most useful plant for the dinner
table, and also for cut flowers, ie Abutilon Bcule de Neige.
which is grown here in large quantity. Several ranges of cold
pits were filled with Echeverias, and cold frames were full of
Lettuces for winter salads. Large breadths of winter vegetables
bore the traces of superior culture and good management.
There is a broad gravel walk down the centre of tbe garden.
Ribbon borders were planted along each side during the
summer, backed up with pyramid Apples and Pears. The
gardener's cottage stands at the east corner of the kitchen
garden, the back part overlooking the garden, and the front a
portion of the pleasure grounds. The walls were mantled with
Roses and other climbirg plants, and both internally and ex-
ternally the appearance of comfort was manifest.

I have now finished my journey through this grand old
place, and, apart from its Byron associations, it is of great
interest and well worthy of a visit at all seasons of the year.
The culinary and fruit departments are undergoing a decided
improvement, and the plants are in a flourishing condition.
Mr. Lawrence has already made his mark on the place, and
progreEswas everywhere appsrent.— Q. H.

APPLE ELECTION.

As this ie one of my kindred subjects and emanating from
Buch an authority as is Mr. Robeon, I believe if a returning
officer can be procured there is no danger but the readers of
this Journal will have a treat, and a knowledge of the Apple
they bad not hitherto posseseed. It is with very great caution
that I offer any suggestion on Mr. Robson's ten claesej, still I
am inclined to think they are a little too numerous. I would
suggest — first, tJummer dessert Apples six or eight varieties in
order of ripening or marked according to merit ; AVinter dessert
Apples the same, but as they are more numerous, better say
twelve kinds or eo in order according to merit. Then baking
summer or autumn Apples, six. eight, or ten, for keeping and
baking i|unlities, and winter baking Apples after tho same
manner. This arrangement, if carried out, I believe would
give general satisfaction. It would meet both exhibition and
utilitarian purposes. — B. G., Cv. Douu.

rOINSETTIA PDLCHERPJMA.

At this season of tho year the brilliant flowers of Poinsettia

pulcherrima put all other plants in tho shade, but growing it

in a pot. as is generally the case, cannot bring it out in its true

character ; in a pot a plant produces a few dozen flowere, but
on tho wall we have 250 or more dazzling heads.

I planted out one plant about fourteen years ago against a
back wall, it now covers a space of '24 fquare yards and has
'2.50 flower heads. Its beauty when the snn is out quite dazzles
the eyes, and viewed at a distance it looks like a wall of red
tire. This plant seems to do so well that I have to take ofl
yearly about 10 square yards to keep it within the house. The
treatment it has is simply to leave it alone, except to keep it
clean and to tack the shoots to the wall when growing. The
fire ia discontinued in May up to September, and from Septem-
ber to May the house is kept at about .■>5".

I am told that it is the largest plant in England, whether it
is the case I should like to know. Perhaps some of your corre-
spondents will state the sizes of any large plants. — R. Dkaiee,
S,'ah,nii Hall Gnr:li,.<.

MADBESFIELD COURT GRAPE.

This is a magnificent Grape when well grown, but in many
places it has been cut out because of that evil propensity — its
besettiog fault — cracking of the berries just as they bfgin
colouring, which has been fully described in your pages in
previous numbers.

I had almost committed the rash act myself of cutting it out,
but I am very glad I did not do so now, for it produces each
season a heavy crop of Grapes with scarcely a cracked berry.
For the first two or three years it behaved very badly with me,
nearly every berry having cracked before it was ripe, cauerd, 1
have no doubt, by the superabundance of sap, as this Vine
inherits great vigour and strength in its young stages, and the
berries are very thin-skinned. But I now find that when the
Vines become established and carry a good crop, and the atmo-
sphere of the house is kept rather dry when colouring commences ,
there is very little cause for complaints about cracking, and
with the roots entirely under control I consider the results
would bo more satisfactory in the early stages of the Vine.
As a market Grape I consider it a first-class variety, its noble-
looking berries always commanding a high price. — J. A., 7/i7/
Grori\

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The last paragraph of the circular lately issued by the
Council of the Royal Horticultural Society proposes guinfa
fellowships without the right of voting. Judging from the
tone of very many letters which I have received, conntry
bellows will not be satisfied with semi-fellowship. Those who
live at a distance who will give a guinea to support a Society
they believe to be useful, though they derive little direct good
from its shows and meetings, have a right to expect the honour
of full fellowship, and will assuredly after a little longer wait-
ing obtain it. The first bid for their support was a guinea
associateship, a guinea part-fellowship is now oiitered, a full
fellowship is not far off.

The Council have a hard task before them. There was great
difiiculty in keeping old and in bringing in new Fellows, even
when the South Kensington Garden was well kept up. In its
present neglected state the difficulty is greatly increased. Let
us hope tho neighbourhood will generally subscribe, otherwieo
it is not a pleasant reflection, that however economical the
expenditure on the garden may be, as long as it is kept open
there will be a charge of soma £(300 a-year for rates and texts
— a severe tax for this land of now little use if paid out of
horticultural money.

I hope that those who believe in guinea fellowships, and
who are canvassing their friends through the country, will not
relax their exertions. A year ago I should have tried to com-
monce this canvass, but was led to believe that the Council
were likely to undertake it. Judging from the great number
of first-class names collected in two months, a year's work
would have given us enough Fellows to mate us independent
of South Kensington. By this time next year we ought to
have completed the necessary number. Strong societies have
grown up, starting with supporters less in influence and in
number than we already have.

It is now almost necessary to justify the independent course
I am taking, though let me say it is no longer I who am ad-
vocating guinea fellowships as the one means of making the
Society what it should be. I am merely the mouthpiece of
very m?.i\v of the best and most experienced horticulturists of
the country of all ranks, who urge me not to let the matter

Janaory 4, 1S7"

JOURNAL OF HTOTICUIiTURE AND GOXrAGE GARDENER.

15

rest till the guinea fellowship has been aooomplished. Ou a
former occasion I had to take independent action, having
means of knowing more of the oircnmBtauoes of the time than
some of my friends had. I was so certain that it was for the
interest of the Society that the Coancil of 1873 should be con-
tinned in office, that on my own responsibility and at my own
expense I circnlarised the lady Fellows asking for their proxies
to support the Council. One hundred and fifty ladies trusted
me with their proxies. Twenty more proxies would have
carried the vote of confidence and kept in the Council, and
this means that the arrangement with the Commissioners on
the eve of settlement would have been accomplished, with the
result that the Society would now have been free from its de-
benture debt, free from rent, and with a conditional accession
of income, then estimated to amount to £1000, but which last
I doubt the continuance of. Therefore, having been proved
right once, I claim the inference.

I hope that nothing more will be said about turning out the
present Council. On more than one ocoation there has been
great diihculty in finding at all suitable men who would under-
take the office. The present work is both unpleasant and
thankless. When we get a really good Society with only hor-
ticultural work, there will be plenty of first-class men only too
glad to serve. — Geoege F. Wilson.

TOM KING'S GABDEN.

Amongst the moat pleasant episodes connected with the
garden are instances of the power of its attractiveness over
those to whom at first sight it might be thought to have no
sharms. We read of martyrs to the love of flowers — those
who have lost their lives in the pestilential swamp, and have
braved death in the wild beasts' haunts. We are reminded of
others who have endangered their existence by sharing their
last drop of water with plants which they have been trans-
mitting by land and sea. Such devotion we note with un-
bounded admiration. It evinces a deep-eeated burning love
for flowers implanted in the breasts of the votaries of botani-
cal science and horticultural enterprise. Yet such zeal on the
part of such men does not evoke nearly to much surprise
as a triumph of cultural skill secured by any not known to
be intimately associated with the gentle craft ; hence the sur-
prise— almost incredulity — which followed when the announce-
ment was made in these columns that the redoubtable athlete,
whose popular and familiar name is above quoted, vanquished
all comers in the principal cla^s for cut blooms of Chrysanthe-
mums at the late Brixton Show.

When the prize card'? were placed on that ocoision, and
" Mr. Le';, gardener to T. King, Efq.," had the foremost posi-
tion, the Judges not only delivered a just but a popular ver-
dict. Mr. King's blooms were not only decidedly superior, but
their owner was esteemed as a good neighbour and supporter
of the Society. "Do von know who Mr. King is?" inquired
an official. "No," was the reply; "well, then," continued
the official, " he is the champion." " Yes, that is clear ; some-
one must be the champion." "Oh! you don't understand me.
He is Heenan's victor, and we are proud of him. It's true,
honour; but don't say anything." A reporter must at times
be faithful to the public, and give the exact words of a speaker ;
and Mr. King being an adnairer of flowers, and keeping a com-
petent gardener to grow them for him, was an " item of news "
not to be curtailed in its telling. And now it remains for the
dual champion to pay the penalty of his floral fame by per-
mitting the many who are interested in his prowess, and who
rejoice in his new honours, to be made acquainted with the
garden which yields him, all earnestly hope, solid pleasure —
real happiness.

Tulse Hill Lodge is a suburban residence — one of many in
its district which speak of well-appointed homes and neat and
cherished gardens. At the front" of the large light-coloured
residence is the little enclosure, containing its few ehrubs, its
bit of lawn, its miniature flower beds, its shady deciduous
trees, and its semicircular carriage drive. On each side of the
building stand two sentries — Birches, drooping in silvery
gracefulness. Next to the public road is a row of pruned
Limes, breaking but not hiding the view from the windows.
That is the "little front;" but the garden proper is in the
rear— an enclosure perhaps 100 yards in length by 40 in
breadth, bounded on both sides with brick walls, and terminat-
ing in open meadows. The first half of tho long slip ia a well-
kept lawn containing shrubs and flower beds. Prominent are
two large beds of Roses. To the inquiry, " Does Mr. King like

Roses?" was received the reply, "Don't he, though? look aft
'em," from one who was charmingly innocent of being " inter-
viewed." One look was enough. There were the Roeea planted
regularly, staked, labelled, and the surface of the ground well
mulched with manure, nooristied and protected at this period
of the year as all Roses should be which are cared for. Y'ep>
it ia ceitaiu that Mr. King " likes Roses."

Beyond these Rose beds, and partially separating the lawn
from the kitchen garden, are the glass structures. The most
prominent is a new span-roofed house about 3G feet long and
perhaps 18 feet wide, divided into two compartments — stove
and greenhouse. Aflat stage for plants passes round (minus
the doorways) this house, and is filled with gay-flowering plants,
mostly Primulas. The centre is open, and arranged ou the
ground level are specimen Camellias in large pots. Some of
the plants had recently arrived from the nurseries, one plant
having cost five and another four guineas, and the rest were
much of the same value. On the roof was being trained
MarCobal Niel Roses — an excellent idea — the queen of winter^
the Camellia, being crowned with the queen of summer, the
Rose. Than the varieties of these justly admired flowers none
I associate better and none are more easy to grow. Any amateur
may furnish a house and provide for himself during winter
and summer a supply of the finest flowers of earth by growing.
Camellias and Roses, the former in the body of the house
planted out or in large pots, the latter covering the roof, their
roots being planted outside after the manner of Vines. The
roof covered with Roses ia not only not detrimental to the
Camellias beneath, but is of the greatest value in affording the
shade which is indispensable to the well-being of these plants.
Mr. King may well plant other free-growing Roses, especially
Teas, which will produce the requisite shade for the Camellias^
and almost every day in the year he may have " button-hole
flowers " of the most lovely tiuta and perfect forms.

In the other compartment are tropical plants. The central
bed is mostly occupied with a luxuriant Banana (Musa Caven-
dishii) showing a tine cluster of fruit. When this has ripened
it is proposed to uproot the plant and devote the pit to orna-
mental-foliaged plants of brighter colours and dwarfer atature.
Some of these have been already purchased — Dracaenas,
Crotons, &a., also Ferns and Orchids. An old house is devoted
to utilitarian purposes ; but a third, a Cucumber house, is a
very useful structure. From three Cucumber plants Mr. Lee
last year out upwards of four hundred fruits, and plants are
now being raised for the ensuing season's supply. At one end
of this house a few Pines are plunged in the pit, and on the
shelf above Strawberries are being forced.

In the garden are vegetables and fruit trees, the only vacant
space in the garden being the lofty shaded north wall. Mo-
rello Cherries would grow admirably here, but they are not
liked. Plums, some Pears, Currants, and Roses would also
thrive if the walls were limewashed to destroy the moss, toning,
down the white glare with soot to any tint desired. Were this
wall covered the garden would be more complete. A garden,
such as this and similarly cheriahed cannot fail to aSord
healthy exercise to its owner, and the hope cannot be withheld
that many gardens are as heartily enjoyed and as well cared
for aa the garden of our " dual champion," the wide-famed
and highly-respected " Tom King." Long may he reign to wear
the peaceful emblems on his breast — Roses and Camellias, and
" Place them near his aoul.
Not in Ilia heart, indeed, but in liis button-hole."
— Visitor.

GARDENING BEMINISCENCES OP THE PAST
FIFTY YEARS.

Having omitted from my notes on page 552 one of the most
important features of the whole period — namely, the hot sum-
mer of 1826, I desire to make good that omission.

I verily believe that if its effects on the various garden
crops had been as duly chronicled as has been done very often
since that time, the year mentioned would have atood out aa
the most remarkable of the present century. I well remember
a field of Barley in a remote district the very reverse to an
early one, and yet that crop being shaken with the wind and
losing a good deal of corn speedily produceci a second crop,
which ripened the same year in as good a condition as the
first. This is very seldom done even in districts more fa-
voured than the one alluded to, and I do not remember a single
cjse where so good an example occurred. I have seen corn
standing out till after Chiistmaa in the same neighbourhood,.

14

JODBNAIi OF HORTICUIiTUSE AND COTTAGE G\.EDENSa.

[ Jiaaary i, 1377.

and on one coeasion witnessed sons uncut when a heavy fall
of enow broke it down — so mneb for 1826. Uafortnaately iny
recollection of it3 effects on gardea crops is limited to tba ra-
mambriuce of its baiog au exoaileut season for small fruits,
wMeh were uansnally good in quality. Oaions, I thiak, wore
also good, but Turnip? were poor, aud pasturage wan also
mnch burnt up, and there wti-a greit outcries for witer in
places where that article was never wanting before, whik there
were nnm"rou=i aiies of spontanaous coaabustion, and largs
districts of moor or forest in Scotland were on fire for weeks,
creating groat alarm. This, I believe has been repeated since,
but not to the extent of 1826. I well remember 1816 being a
very dry year, and more recently 1868 and 1870 were both so,
but the summer of 1826 baa left the greatest impressio.i on my
memory as the hottest sammer on record. — J. Eobson.

THE PRESENT WINTER.
The snow hid from view for a time some of our winter pets.
Had last summer's drought something to do with our Ciirist-
mas Roses being in bloom on St. Thomas's day? I mean
HsUeborug niger. It 13 an unusual circumstance in our
northern region. Eranthia hyemalia I have not noted so early
in bloom before as this season. The Bear's-foot (HaUehorus
ffletidua) wan a sight with its bundles of flower heads above the
snow, and then drooping down to it. Helleborua viridis is on
its way. Diphne M-zereoQ, Jasminum nudiflorum, Lanrus-
tinnr., and others are indicating the spring time, and are very
welcome to us at this spaaou. We do not expect the ppring
just yot. Cbtistmas day has been on the Monday, and some
of our old progaosticators have dark forebodings arising from
that circamst;inoe ; nevertheless we hope on, and if spared we
will work and wait. — Observer.

THE CEA.CKINa OF GRA-PES-QRAPIINa

VINES.

"Cracking is usually attributed to excess of moisture at the
roots." So wrote Mr. Cakia on page 557. It is true, but only
just half of the whole truth, the other half b.<iiug a defieienoy
of foliage to appropriate the excess of moisture, withdrawing
it from the bunches and relieving the berries.

Soma varieties of Grapes are more prone to cracking than
others, owing to the peculiar brittleness or inelasticity of the
Bkiue of the berries, and also the same varieties vary in their
liability to crack according to their state at the time of the
influx of water. Up to the psriod of being fully ripe the skins
of Grapes are at the fall point of distension by the swelling of
the iut-rior of the fruit. At that stage they cannot resist
further p-eesure from within by a sudden influx of water being
absorbed by the roots. After having become fully ripe there
is a perceptible shrinking of the interior of the berries, and
their skini rI^o become more tough. This shrinking ia oeoi-
aionally very manifest in the case of Black Hamburglrs, espe-
cially on old Vines, when the bsrriea lose mu^h of their colour
in cousfiiueuca of it. This loss of colour must have been
noticed by many cultivator?. In August their Grapes have
been quite black, but on hanging until November they have
" turned brown"— a simple result of the internal shrinking of
the berries, taking, as it wore, the backing from the mirror
and enabling one, ai it were, to look through, quite through,
the pkin.

Now after this shrinking has taken place Grapes seldom
crack — that is, so long as the foliij-'o remains on ths Vines;
but if the borders become saturated with water b-ifore the
shrinking, cracking almost certainly follows. Grapes intended
to keep well must therefore be ripened early, and pirticularly
if the borders containing the roots cannot be sheltered from
the lieavy autumn rains. With early ripening and plenty of
foliage Madresfleld Court Grape will not crack; but late or im-
perfect ripening, and a deficiency of foliage at the time of
heavy rains, almost certainly loads to rupture of the berries.

Mr. Cakiu's Lady Dowue's were not ripe, and hia Black
Hamburghs wore ripe before the damp days of autumn Eet in,
hoDco the failure of the one and the success of the other. Ha
is not alone ; several others are in the same position this year
in consequence of the exceptional mild and wet autumn, which
could not have been anticipated. No doubt the limewaah was
left on the glass too long and aggravated the evil complained of.

As to the substitution of another white Grape for the White
Frontignan I should have Bucklaod Sweetwater. If the Vmes
are young and the border comparativoly new I should plant a

young Vine, but if old I should graft or inarch on one of the
older Vines. It is not of much use planting a young Vine iu
an old Vine border. I havj had no experience of the White
Frontignan as a stock for other varieties, but I know the Black
Hambiirgh is an exaellont stock for Backland Sweetwater, A
Biack Himburgh stem and roots will support two rods as well
ai one. Perhaps the safest aud simplest form of grafting is
bottlo-grattiog. Take grafts now of etout well-ripened wood.
Keep them fresh until the stocks have commenced growing iu
the spring ; then take adeep slice 6 inches long from the middle
portion of the graft and a corresponding slics from the stock,
aud fit them together, tving with tape aud surrounding with
mo?s. Place the lower end of the graft or scion in a large
bottle of water, filling up the bottle as the water wastes, say
until July, when the union will be complete and tho graft will
have grown hall way up the house. — A Retired Gardknee.

THE OLD MARKET GARDENS axd NURSERIES
OF LONDON.— No. 14.

Those individuals who have been acquainted with tho
suburbs of London for the last forty or fifty years have aotioed,
if observant persons, a psculiar order of succession in tho
oecupincy of the land. In Georgian days districts now covered
t'nickly with houses were more than half rural, and thofa''mera
cultivated Wheat, while herds of good-couditioned cattle grazed
on the grassy fields. After a time the cattle began diEaiuishing
in number; aud though many cows w^re still pastured, the
farmers found it to their advantage to plough up some of the
fields, and send from them Potatoes, 'Turnips, and Cabbages
to the Loudon markets. By an easy transition the whole of
the land thus disposable came into the hands of professed
market gardeners, and even the cows had to withdraw, to bo
immured iu unwholesome houses and sheds, for tho best (or
worst) part of their lives. The next change would be, that the
demand for building sites seriously entrenching on the garden
ground, the grower of vegetables removed farther away, and
gave place to the nurseryman, who generally needs less space.
He, devoting himself to fruits and flowers, has most of hia
plants under glass, and only a few ia the open ground at
London, drawing fresh supplies froca orchards and plantations
out iu the purer air of the country. In some suburbs, how-
ever, ovau nursery gardens disappear, and only the " florist "
as he calls himself survives, with no laud at all attached to
his place of business, except enough to admit of the erection of
one conservatory for the temporary accommodation of the
plants he sells off rapidly. Ojiiasionally, as in parts of West-
minster and Eelgravia, so fast has been the growth of London
that this succession has been broken-iu upon, and laud has
passed at onco from the market gardener to the builder, leaving
scarcely a nurseryman or florist behind to tell tho tale of
other days. The like cironmstanee is to be recorded of Isliugton
and some northern suburbs.

There is a largish district of London, situate on tho Middle-
sex side of tho Thames, within a bond of that river, and
bounded on the north by the West End par'KS and squares,
which ia notable as having been early occupied by market
gardeners. Belonging to the city of Westminster it was
originally iu the paviahes of St. Martiu-iu-tbe-Fields and St.
Mirgaret's; subsequently by change oi boundary a considerablo
siction has been transferred to St. George's, Hanover Square.
Centuries ago much o( this land was overflowed at certain
btitts of the tide; it is even yet, decpite the largj deposits
which have been made unou it, below the levsd of the stream.
When it first cama under cultivation, iadeed, the earth had
th>( character of peat or bog, but it was partially drained by
numerous little cuts or streamlets. This region we now know
as MiUbank and Thames Bink, and some part of it constitutes
South Bilgravia, with, as must be acknowledged, not at all a
desirable fubsoil. There are many open places ia the district,
thickly as it is studded with houses, aud here and there factories,
but it is diffioult to realise that it was formerly fields, gardens,
and commons; for Tothill Fields, borderiur^ on St. James's
Park aud formerly extending towards Millbauk, was grazed on
far centuries by cattle, and city herbalists gathered Coltsfoot
with other wild plants u-:ed as medicameuts on its eloping
banks ; and from one of these, which rose to tbo height of a
hill and served as a watchman's statiou, it had its name of
Tot or Toothill (Z'o toot, was to look out from an elevation
over the lower country). Millbank doubtless had its designa-
tion from an ancient mill, which was a landmark to those

January 4, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBXICULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

15

moving up and down the liver ; and much of WeBtminster
proper was garden gronud Rttaclied to hon6e3 down to Stuart
times ; not to speak of tlia SpriiJB Gardeua, open to thepnblic,
and the wel!-!aid-out rardens of Whitehall Palace, though then
St. James's Park was wood and Bwamp. Rfminiecences of
the past remain in anch names as " Gardeners' Row," in Vine
Street — for Westmineter once had some choice Vines — and in
Orchard Street, supposed to mark the situation of the old
orchard belonging to tho monastery. (The name "orchard,"
however, may be misleading in a London locality, thus Orchard
Street, Portman Square, and is really derived from an estate in
Somersetshire). One ppeculates as one walks. Where was the
garden belonging to Mrs. Cope, the plants from which were
bongbt by the Apothecaries' Company inlGTO, and removed to
their Chelsea e^tablifhment ? Was she a pionetr nurseryman —
nnrsery-womsn I should say :' Vain it is also to seek for traces
of Switzer, whose name bespeaks his foreign extraction, and
who advertised that he might be seen at the " Sign of the
Flower-pot over against the Court of Common Pleas," and at
his gardens on Millbank. He was a man of some impoitanee,
at least, in his circle of friends, the author of " louographia
Bnstioa," and designed various gardens in England and
Ireland.

Of the other ocenpants of garden gronud at Millbank during
the eighteenth century there is nothing of importance asoer-
tainable, bat soon after George III. came to the throne they
began to give place to houses and factories, and a huge prison
or house of corrtction was erected on one plot cloee to the
liver. A view of Westminster, taken from Millbank in 1807
for publication in " Smith's Antiquities" of that place, is taken
from a wood yard, and b;;tween this and the streets surround-
ing the Abbey is shown a patch of garden ground on whic'a
men and women are gsthering produce. I surmise this is in-
tended to represent a market garden, probably occupying a
portion of the land onco attached to the old mansion called
Peterborough House. In thrd nussvonry locality, the Horse-
ferry Boad, there waa a market garden at the commencement
of the present century, where there is now a gas factory, this
garden being agreeably shaded with rows of Poplars and Elms ;
and at an earlier date still, being a place of popular resort for
tea-drinking and the like, not far distant from that remarkable
district "Palmer's Village," which served to furnish some
years ago a sensational article descriptive of a Westminster
slum. An old resident remembers a Email market garden
which would be on the line, I suppose, of the modern Victoria
Street ; for after Millbank was built on there was much open
ground at Pimlioo, where Mr. Elliot the brewer had an en-
closed space which was actually called a park.

And here, before we proceed further in our exploration of
the Pimlico district, let me rfmind the reader that the iirst
nnrserymau in Piuilico was King James I. He had an idea
that tho culture of silk could bo made highly profitable in
England, so he obtained from the continent many thousands
of youD;.' Mulberry treec, and in 1609 spent about a thousand
pounds in planting a nursery of Mulberry trees at Pimlico, on
the site of Buckingham Palace or its grounds. He also distri-
buted Mulberry plants in various districts of England, and it
would appear that at this Pimlioo establishment, which was
Oilled the '-Mulberry Garden," the experiment had a measure of
success. We have no weather registers of so old a date as the
Stuart period; but some think that as the average Euglijh
winter was far colder then than it is now, the summers were
warmer and more equable, allowing under certain conditions
of the breeding of tilkworms in the open air. Charles I. in
1629 frranted by letters patent to Lord Aston the custody of
" the gar.leus, Mulberry tree?, and silkworms near St. James's,"
for his own and his son's life ; the Civil War and its troubles
probably put an end to this little arrangement. Are there now
any descendants of those Mulberries surviving ? Pimlico was
open enough in that day ; and long subsequently its common,
locally known aa the " Five Fields," and to which reference has
been made in a previoun paper, was partially cultivated by
Chelsea maiket gardenerti, though more of the garden land lay
in the vicinity of the Neat hcuses. Many living in tho neigh-
bourhood can rememlier when nearly all South Belgravia was
fields ; and as a proof how sparingly the houses wore scattered
in this mighbourhood and in tho opposite districts of Surrey,
an old gentleman has been heard to relate how he had, when
out for a mor&ing walk, stood on a hill at Norwood and seen
by a glass his children playing in his garden at Pimlioo. There
are traditions, to", of nightingales having been heard singing
in Bhrubberies at Kaightsbiicgs.

I But the story of the Neat houses, so far as the horticultural
history of the locality i^ coueerced, goes back to Strype's time,
whose entry on the matter is as follows : — "These houtes are
seated on tbe banks of the Thame?, and inhabited by gardeners,
the place beirg of note for the supplying London and West-
mini-ter markets with Asparagirs, Aitichokes, Cauliflowers,
MuskmelouB, and the like useful thifgs, which hy reason of
their keeping the ground so rich by dunging it, doth make
their crops very forward to their great profit." The dwellings,
however, did not receive their appellation from their neatness
or elegance, but because they stood on a part of tho manor of
Neyte or Neate, belonging to the Abbey lauds.* And a later
chrotieler remarks that this land, originally under water, was
kept in high fertility by quantities of stable dung to the amount
of sixty cartloads an acre. Liquorico is also stated to have
been grown here to some extent. When Lyeons wrote towards
the close of the century, market gardening was already on the
decline in this district, from, as I should conjecture, an increase
of market gardeners in more favourable spots. But the state-
ment must surely be erroneous that there was ever as much as
two hundred acres of laud under cultivation, even if Millbank
be joined with the Neat district.

When the last market gardener withdrew from South Bel-
gravia I am unable to say positively, but I believe there were BtUl
a few fields there in 1849 and 1850. An entomologist formerly
resident in Belgrave Place has told me how be obtained cater-
pillars of the common white butterflies, for the sake of breed-
ing varieties, from the gardeners across the Grosvenor Canal
opposite his house ; this would have been about the year 1840.
An old house called the White House, once frequented by
anglers, overlooking the Thames, long since removed, has been
conjectured to mark the position of some one of the Neat
houses, but this is doubtful. The ground acquired by Lord
Ranolagh when he built his mansion in 1690, end called in
old maps " Thames Shot" and "Arnold's Mead," amounting
altogether to more than twenty acres, was adjoining or belong-
ing to the Neat estate. " Ebury " is a familiar name in
Pimlico to this hour — a reminiscence of an old manor called
Ejbury, from its watery character, ere the land was under
drainage; it is needful, however, to show that " Avery," also
occurring here, is no corruption of the former name, but de-
scends from the Avery family, who for generations had a farm
in Pimlico. Avery Farm was afterwards subdivic'ed into two
or thiee market gardens. Where St. Barnabas College now
ttands was, at the close of last century, the Orange Tavern
and Tea-gardens, and when that establishment failed the ground
was still used to produce vegetables for the market. Neiir this
spot was the garden belonging to Mr. Dennis, who removed to
the King's Road, Chelsea, near Cremorne, some thirty years
ago, I think. He was a nurseryman as well as a market gar-
dener, and his name is associated with one or two novelties.

The departure of the nursery which once occupied the centre
of a small square in Pimlico, called Ebury Square, was the
final knell of the nurseries in the district : this took place
about 18G9. The last occupier, I believe, was namid Prior;
before him Mr. Larkham, and his predecessor Mr. Brown,
carries the history back as far as I can trace it. Possibly be-
fore the square was built the garden ground was more exten-
sive.— C.

OUR BOBDER FLOWERS-GUNNEBAS.

Plants, like old robes, are liable either to bo cast to on©
fide, or stored away for nee at another and more convenient
time. The world is being sought through lor novelties in the
way of plants, but it is astonishing how socu a new intro-
duction loses its attractions and is counted as " old." Now
that now places are springing up on every side many old
plants are also being sought after, and when found they tecure
favour. But it must 1 o remembered that border flowers re-
quire looking after, or many of them may take their departure
without giving us any warning.

The family of Gunner!\ is small. G. perpensa is figured
in the " Botanical Magazine," 2376, and is said to have been
introduced in 1688, but I fear that it is smoug the plants
of the past. It is a native of the Cape of Godd Hope,
yet we have Fome among us of more recent introduction.
From South Brazil we have Gunuera manieata, having leaves
which with a little support might afford our youngsters a
useful fchado in the shape of a parasol. G. tcabra is perhaps

16

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK.

[ January 4, 1877.

the most generally known of the family ; it has a Ehnbarb-like
appearance, and by some the acrid stalks are eaten. The
Ganneras are what are termed coarse-growing plants, and to
Bome tastes may be unsightly, but where change and diversity
of foliage are required in large borders, shrubberies, and out-
of-the-way places they are suitable plants. They are increased
by division in spring, and if they have the same treatment
afforded that ia given to Khubarb there need be no fear of
their not succeeding. Large clnmps in woodland walks and
by the margins of water are very bold and imposing.— Vebitas.

FLOWERING PELAEGONIUMS IN WINTER.

Our collection of Geraniums has proved of so much value to
ns since the beginning of October until now, and apparently
will continue equally valuable for some time yet, that we can-
not refrain from recalling attention tn the qualities the Gera-
nium possesses as a winter flowerer. Until the end of Novem-
ber Geraniums of different shades of colour, from pure white
to the darkest maroon crimson, were almost the only flowering
plants on the side stages of the conservatory ; a few Epacrises
and foliage plants being intermixed to avoid tameness in the
arrangements. We have now a goodly number of Chinese
Primroses, the earliest Cyclamens, Roman Hyacinths, &o., to
take the place of the earliest flowered Geraniums ; but those
Btill in flower attract most attention from visitors. One of the
vineries has also been nearly filled with plants more or less in
flower during the above-mentioned period, so that we have
been at no loss for plenty of flowers of the brightest kind. We
liave a pretty good collection of Chrysanthemums in flower,
mostly in a late Peach house, and very interesting they are ;
iut as long as the Geraniums are to the fore, with many of
them with trusses of bloom as large as the individual blooms
of the Chrysanthemums, the latter hold only a secondary posi-
tion with us. Fine as they areas plants for decorating conser-
vatories and show houses, they are probably even more useful
when cut for mixing with other flowers in epergnes, glasses for
rooms, and for dinner-table arrangements. At the present
time Chrysanthemums and Geraniums form the staple of the
■cut flowers we use; both kinds are arranged so as to stand en-
tirely free from other flowers, so that not only are the beauties
of the flowers thoroughly open to view, but the time they last
fresh in a cat state is wonderfully extended. Large trusses we
employ mostly singly in glasses, merely adding a Geranium
!eaf or a spray of Fern as a setting. From about the 25th of
2^ovember I find the pips are less subject to damp-off than
they are for a month before that date ; in fact, if the plants
merely have suilioient water to keep them healthy, a full open
truss may be expected to keep in good condition for nearly a
month, and two or three weeks longer in a cat state if not
allowed to remain too long on the plant before cutting.

As already mentioned, one of the vineries has been nearly
filled with plants ; it is a late Hamburgh honse, and up to this
date there are still leaves on the Vines and some fruit hanging.
Under these disadvantages the Geraniums have not only
bloomed well, but flower trusses are still forming on many of
the plants and opening every day. We may also note that
Bome of the newer kinds which were planted out on trial and
potted into 5 and Oinch pots in the beginning of October,
have done us good service, some of the finest trusses lately
developed being on these plants. Every individual plant is
allowed clear standing room, and arranged on the stages with-
out raising the plants higher than they have grown. Every
plant is thus directly under the eye, and no harm is done
them from overcrowding — a point of importance.
■'; Now as to varieties. We have added about seventy varieties
to our collection during the past year, and have been tempted
io try a few more of the new sorts this next spring. After
that we intend to select and keep only the best ; but this is a
Jiffioult thing to do unless one is thoroughly imbued with the
spirit of the Auricula fancier Alpbonse Karr paints so graphi-
cally. Though one may not have such perfect-shaped pips as
it might have, still the truss may be fine or the colour unique;
or though the truss may be a long way off the " baby's head "
standard, yet the form of the pips or freeness in blooming may
hold one's hand from utterly destroying those found wanting
in other respects. The varieties we name below we can
thoroughly recommend as good for the purpose of sapplyicg
blooms during the dreariest months of the year. Vesuvius
&nd other small-trassing varieties we have found wanting ;
those that have given most aatiefaotion in all respects are
the larger-trussing kinds, some ot the newer sorts being re-

markably free flowerers. It is somewhat curious that the
darkest crimson flowers and the pnrple-shaded varieties are
the best late-blooming kinds; the deep-shaded, large-trussed
pinks are the kinds least adapted for very late work; light
pinks, scarlets, and salmon-shaded flowers being useful, but
not BO good as those possessed of the first-mentioned shades
of colonr. Of the dark crimson, purple, and cherry-shaded
flowers the following have been best : Earl Manvers, Mrs.
Huish, Brutus, Jessica, Colonel Holden, General Ontram,
Diana (the most useful). Purple Prince, John Fellowes. From
amongst the scarlet shades the following are recommended :
A. F. Barron, Mrs. J. George, Sir John Moore. Some of the
small-trussed kinds with scarlet flowers, though not so showy,
are good for cutting from and save the others : we note Mrs.
Leacroft, Mrs. Whiteley, De Lesseps, and Richard Dean as
good, the first three more especially. Princess of Wales is
much liked at this season ; it is rosy-scarlet in colour. Onr
best pink is still Master Christine. Mrs. Qailter is also good
for late flowering. Metoalf is also a good sort ; but the best
large-trussed varieties, as previously noted, do not succeed.
Polly King, a salmon-shaded flower, is one of the very best.
Bev. S. Hey is a good companion flower. White Perfection ia
still a good white-floweriug kind. White Swan proves a late
bloomer and verv pore, but the trasses are very small. Of
the above. Earl Manvers, Diana, Sir John Moore, and Princess
of Wales should be grown in quantity, as they will keep on
flowering when all other kinds we know are over. — E. P.
BBOinEKsiONE (in The Gardener).

NOTES ON VILLA, and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Kitchen Garden. — With the beginning of the new vear, if the
weather should prove drier, gardening operations will begin to
revive. Not only will it be necessary to sow seeds for the early
outdoor crops, but I fear before that can be done much lost time
will have t« be made up on account of past delay through the
continued wet. About this iieigbbourhood amateurs are be-
ginning to be anxious about their soil not being trenched; but
then I consider it is much beHer not to interfere with it while
so fully charged with water. When it is convenient to work it
I advise its being ridged instend of flut-digging it. Eidgingnot
only exposes the soil more, but water will drain and dry from it
better than if the surface is left level. The plan of leaving the
digging of tbe soil till the time of planting is fast being given
up, even by the humble cottager. The importance of preparing
the soil beforehand is now generally ailmitted. The farmers
about here, whose land is highly rented, find it profitable to
adopt a system of deeper cultivation than orce prevailed. The
same system may be applied to a gardtn; therefore as soon as
dry enough dig the soil deeply, and if manure is to be added
let it be much more decomposed than is usually the case when
digging is done in tbe autumn. The soil is so beaten down with
heavy rains that it should, when a little dry on the surface, be
lightly stirred up between young growing crops.

I advise the sowing now of Early Mazagan or Early Lonepod
BeauB.also Peas, on a border exposed to the south. Sutton's Ring-
leader. Kentiph luvicta, Laxton's Alpha, and William I. are good
early Peas. The latter is the strongeFt grower and is a good
cropper. Tbe seed should be sown in shallow drills at this time, or
it is liable to rot. Those who desire early Carrots should sow seed
in a frame at once. A deep frame ia necefsary so that the dung
may be put inside, and as it is to be dfeply covered with soil it
need not be previously heated so much as if for Cacumbers. I
generally make a sowing at this timp in rows as near the glass
as reasonable, sowing between the Carrots rows of Radishes.
These come off in time to allow the Carrots the necessary room.
Continue to place Asparagus roots in frames if a succession is
wanted. On the surface of this I also sow Radishes. Both the
above vegetables require gentle heat.

The ground allotted for Onions must, if it has been previously
prepared, be forked over again the first ovportunity. While the
weather is mild plenty of air must be admitted to Cauliflowers
in hand-lights and frames, for if they prow too large before the
lime for planting-out the check causfd by that operation turns
them into " buttons." Lettuces at the fronts of walls must be
looked after, as slugs are very busy, and if a little lime and soot
is applied occasionally to the surface, and pointed-in it will be
beneficial. Prepare all kinds of soils and manures likely to be
wanted when fine weather comes, and the work at that busy
pr-riod will be expedited.

rituiT Garden. — Pruning Vines would appear to bo one of
the most difficult operations for an amateur to do well, not so
much perhaps from a want of knowledge, but from a fear of using
tbe knife too freely. I notice in many small houses that too
many rods are grown. In some cases they are'uot much more
than a foot apart. Now the Vine is very accommodating, but it
can be oveicrowded. The rods ought to be 3 feet apart, so that

Janaary 4, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

17

the shoots can become strong and the foliage large and healthy ;
then the weight of Grapes will be heavier and the fruit finer
than if the canes ^vere trained closely together. I recently ob-
served Vines which had been so much crowded that some of the
rods though only four or five years old had gone blind half the
way np, though vigorous for the first year or two. The want of
light and air were the causes of their producing weak shoots and
imperfectly ripened woLid, which could not break into growth
safficieotly strong to continae from year to year. Therefore
thin out the rods freely, and if pruned on the spur system the
buds close to the main rod will be plump and able to carry a
bunch successively, and if grown on the long-rod system there
is a capital chance of the canes being well ripened and the buds
prominent, so that they can always be depended on for a crop.
As to cleaning the Vines after pruning, I agree with only taking
off the loose bark, and not picking and scraping till the fresh
bark is exposed to view, for I am of opinion that while the bark
adheres to the Vine it is still of essential service to it. — Thomas
Becobd.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WOBK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GABDEN.

The continued wet weather has rendered it impossible to
work with profit, especially on clay soil. On our light garden
soil we have been enabled to complete the pruning of Apple,
Pear, Plum, and Cherry trees. Pyramids and bushes have a
great tendency to become crowded through continued summer-
pruning or pinching of the growing shoots; and if the trees are
planted closely together, as they are in some f/ardens, the evil
is apparent in weak unripened wood, and fruit of inferior quality. I
It requires some degree of courage on the part of the inexperi- !
enced to attack his trees with a pruniug knife for the small
branches, and a hand saw for those of larger growth; but unless
this is done sometimes, it is not possible to attain success.
Amateurs who are fond of fruit culture, and many are, would do
well to take a lesson from an experienced gardener on pruning
their small bush and pyramid trtes. A few minutes spent in ]
looking at a man proficient iu bis work would do more to impress |
the principles of pruning on the mind than pages of instructions. ;
In thinning-out the old branches it is best to remove those that !
cross others, and it is also desirable to avoid pruniug the main >
branches, so that they become too weak to support their load j
of fruit; many persons prune the main branches so that they
become long cordons of closely-cut spurs. They cut the young
wood closely back, and annually just shorten the leader. When
this goes on for a number of years it will be necessary to cut
back the branches, and to encourage them to branch out
laterally.

In shallow light soils, or where there is a bad subsoil, it is
Tery desirable to encourage the formation of surface roots, and
this is best done by mulching over them with short litter. In
some cases it is also best not to fork amongst the roots at all;
bat if digging is desirable, it must be done in a careful manner.
When the surface is loose the roots have the greatest tendency
to work into the subsoil, aud if the operation of forking the
ground is carelessly performed many of the surface roots are
broken off.

The late Mr. Robert Fish used to complain much about the
injury to his fruit trees from the attacks of small birds, tomtits
and bullflnches especially. Except the homely sparrow, and a
few blackbirds, no other feathered friends visit our garden, and
in severe frosts a few Gooseberry and Currant buds are eaten,
but other fruits are not touched. Mr. Fish used to syringe his
trees with lime whitewash until all the branches and buds were
covered with a white coating. He preferred this to mixing the
lime with soot, and it used to stick to the trees, even after
heavy rains. It also effectually prevented the birds from eating
the bads.

MUSHROOM HOUSE.

Materials which are being prepared for new beds must be kept
dry during preparation. An airy shed is the best place. There
is no danger of the manure becoming too dry. It ought to be
thrown up into a heap or ridge for a few days, but when sufii-
ciently heated it should be turned every day, and when dry
enough it may be used. Those who are not able to obtain large
quantities of stable manure at once, but who must be content
with driblets, ought to spread it out on the floor of a shed until
BufBoient has been obtained, and always keeping it iu the dry.
Another plan that has been successfully tried is to place the
manure in the bed as it is obtained, and this is certainly the
most convenient, for very few gardens are overdone with shed
room. It is best to jdace a thin layer iu the bottom of the bed,
beating it down firmly, and adding from half an inch to an inch
in depth every day. When sufficient depth has been obtained the
bed may be spawned — that is, if the temperature is not likely to
rise above 80', and in a week or so attar spawning the surfacing
of loam may be added in the usual way. When beds are made
up in this way the largest proportion of the properties of the

manure is retained, its valaaMe constituents not being driven
off by excessive heat.

CUCUMBER HOUSE.

Seeds have been sown to produce plants in succession to those
which have been in bearing for some time. They are sown in a
little bottom heat, but this can only be obtained by keeping the
pots at a considerable distance from tht- glass. As soon, there-
fare, as the seed leaves are formed the pots will be placed on a
shelf near the glass, and in a few days afterwards each plant will
be potted separately iu a small pot. We like to pot the young
plants well down into the pot, burying the stem quite to the
seed leaves. When the soil is sufficiently moist at the time of
sowing the seeds, it will not be necessary to water it until the
plants are pott ed-off ; indeed it is dangerous to the plants to water
them at that stige, causing many of them to damp off. After
potting them singly this will not likely occur. The temperatiura
ought to be from 60" to 65°.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

Great care is necessary now to prevent plants and flowers from
being injured by damp. It will be necessary to warm the hot-
water pipes to expel moisture, but the fires must only be lighted
when the ventilators can be opened, and that is when the air
is dry and light outside. The frequent thick foggy weather
about London tells upon the plants, and it is much better at
such a time to keep all the ventilators shut. At such a time
the fires ought not to be lighted unless, which is sometimes the
case, intense frost is accompanied by damp. When other work
is not pressing is a good time to tie down and train into position
the growths of Cinerarias, and stage and fancy Pelargoniums,
if they are intended for specimen plants. If this operation is
delayed the growths become stiff, and they are liable to snap off
at the joints. It is best to lay the foundation early and then work
upon it as opportunity offers, tying down the growths just a
little at a time. There ought not to be any decaying or spotted
leaves ; if there are it is a sign that the plants are not in very
healthy condition; indeed, if it is a case of spot it is certain
that the functions of the plants are very much deranged. One
cause of spot is deficient drainage, aggravated by too much
water at the dullest period of the year, or cold hard water having
been used instead of rain water rather warmer than the tem-
perature of the house. Fancy Geraniums require a much lighter
compost than the stage varieties, but all of them must be grown
in well-drained pots, and with judicious ventilation and watering
there is little danger of the plants suffering from damp or any
other cause.

We have been inserting cuttings of the different varieties and
types of Chrysanthemum. The sooner this work is done the
better, both for growing large flowers and specimen plants. It
is necessary to be very careful that the plants receive no check
to their growth, else they will not unlikely start into premature
flower. We have inserted at this time of the year cuttings of
the Pompon section, and they have made splendid specimens.
We have done so on another occasion, and every plant has started
into flower by May. It is well to put in cuttings in February or
March in case the early-rootedfplants should run into flower.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Attention must be given to bedding plants. Calceolarias
winter best iu cold frames, either behind a north wall or the
frame placed with its back to the south. Ours were put in about
the end of October and have required no attention since, as the
frame is on the north side of a wall, and the boxes in which the
cuttings are do not require much water. We have commenced
pottiug-off and boxing zonal Ptlargoniums of the different sec-
tions, beginning with the variegated and tricolors. They do
not require much water in winter, and it is better to allow the
soil to become quite dry before applying water; the plants
should also be in a dry airy place. Under such circumstances a
few degrees of fiost will not injure them. Verbenas are much
subject to the attacks of green fly, red spider, and thrips. Dip-
ping them in the solution recommended a fortnight ago for
Azaleas will destroy all these insects. Fumigating with tobacco
smoke occasionally is a very good practice for keeping the plants
clean. The surface soil of the pots should be occasionally stirred
with a pointed stick to prevent green mould from forming.
Weeds and decaying leaves to be removed. Time can be afforded
for such work at this season when the weather is rough or the
ground frost-bound out of doors.

Auriculas iu frames continue losing their foliage, and it must
be removed as it decays to prevent spreading decay to the vital
parts of the plants. Damp is very destructive to the plants, and
it is important to see that the lights are watertight before the
winter sets in. The soil just requires sufficient water at this
time to prevent the leaves from (lagging. The lights are re-
moved by day in fine weather, but on no account should the
plants be exposed to cold winds or severe frost.

Carnations and Picotees must also bo kept clean. The first
trace of green fly should be the signal to fumigate the frames
with tobacco smoke. Some growers complain of the prevalence
of spot on the leaves. This is caused by damp. Mr. G. Rudd
of Bradford, who, like many more ardent amateurs, grows his

JOUKNAL OF HOBTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Januaij 4, 1877.

plants under unfuToarablo oircnmetances, finda that ho can keep
them free from f^i>ot- hy piuoifg the pots ttii boerda and raieiog
the frame a iittle cff itia ground, thus allowing the air to circu-
late freely amontjat ihu plants night and day. He eaya they do
net suffer anything from frott if the soil is as it onsht to be^
moderately dry. Pinks are looking very healthy in the beds, but
the ground is t-pongy with eo much wet, and frosty weather
would throw many plants oat of the ground. Dahlias should
now be examined, and all decaying portions of the tubers be
removed.— J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. — Descriptive List
of Nev; Dahlias.

S. Dison & Co., 34, Moorgate Street, London, and Amhnrst
Norseries, Acton. — Select List of Vegetable and Flower Seeds,
Potatoes, <ff.

B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper
Holloway, London, N. — Descriptive Catalogue of Flower, Vege-
table, and Agricultural Seeds.

Dauirla Broihere, Norwich. — Illustrated G-uide for Amateur
Gardeners and General Seed Catalogue.

WiUiam Rnmsey , Joyniugs Nurseries, Waltham Cross, London.
— Catalogue of Select Garden and Farm Seeds, Potatoes, cOc.

Francis & Arthur Dic^kson & Sons. 106, Eistgale Street,
Chester.— Catalogtie of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, d-c.

Little & Ballantyne, KnowtieldNur8eriea,Carliale. — Catalogue
of Stove and Greenhouse Plants, Hoses, Rhododendrons, d-c.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*,* AI! correspondence should be directed either to " The
Editors," or to " The Pabliaber." Letters addressed to
Mr. Jobnaon or Dr. Hogg of tea remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no ona will write privately to any
of our oorreapondects, as doing so Bubjects them to un-
justifiable trouble ani expense.
Correspondents should not mis np on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and thoae on Poultry and Bee sub-
jects, and ahoaM never soad mora than two or three
questions at ono3. AH articles intended for insertion
Bhould be written on one side of the paper only. We
cannot reply to qaeationa through the post.
Books (Bcc(or).— " Thorarson's Gardeners' Asiiotant" contains in one
volame all that yon requiie. ill.. BtunhainK — Any book^.eUor can obtain the
book for you and tell you the price.

Plants for Glass Case in Window (IlovocastriaH).—ks snch plants as
Primnla sinensis are kil cii by frost we advise you to grow some Datch bulbg,
Bueh as Hyacinths, Crocus, Tulips, Narcissus, &o., and fill Iho case wiih
greenhouse plants daring the summer and autumn months.

EvEBGREENs FOR RaiLWAY E.MBANFiiBNT IE.).—V/a would advise plant-
ing it with Spruoo and Scotch Firs, with an undergrowth of common Laurels.
Or if you felt inclined tor more eipensiva trees there are many coniferous
trees adapted for your pnrpof^e. Piuus insignis grows rapidly and f jrmg a
dense screen, but it is not sofflciently hardy in exposed placps. Your soil is
a good one for fruit trees, and if they havo become covered with moss the
prolable cause is that thegrouudis not well drained; this might also account
for the bark crackirg. The roots may have gone deep in the subsoil, and
lifting th^m out of this might check the growth of the moS3. Try draining
if the soil is wet.

Mildew on Vises IE. S.).— We had a case timilar to yonrs some jeors
ago, when Bulphnr failed to keep the parasiti in check. The roots had
worked into an unsuilable subsoil, nod when tUey were lifted out and some
turfy loAm had been placed round thorn the mildew disappeared. You may
try this if you find the roots are not in good condition.

FoHciNQ Strawberries {Captain Lyon).— It you have good plants of
Keens' Seedling in the open gruuud from young" runners last season, lift
them at once ano pot in 6 or viuch pots, and plase the pots in a cold frame
or cool house. They will require very litlla forcing to havo fruit ripe by tho
time you name. We have galhered British Queen from ti;e open ground
about tho middle of .Tune. Joung plants will produce most ruuntrs nest
season if they aro potted now and grown-on in pots to be planted out iu
April. You niiyot put the Keens' Seedling in a forcing houee about the
midiUe of April.

Hyacinths Failiho (Wcml.— We cannot account for th<) Hyacinths doing
badly unless tho bulbs were of interior quality. As tho p)ts are well tilled
with roots it could not bo the soil that is at fault. Tho treatment bas been
right.

List of Evergreen SHRrDS and Hydrid Ehododendrons U. C. H.).—
Elwilodendrons : Alorm, Album elegans. Amilca, Arcbiluo Etienne, Atro-
saigninenm, Baron Oay, Barclnyaunm, Blandyanum. Comtfsse Solvi, Con-
oessom, Chianoides, Elfrida, Frederick Waterer, II. W. Sargeant, John
Waterer, Joseph Whitworth, Minnie, Schiller, Tho gueen, Tippoo Sshib,
luwordil, and Vandyke. Svcrprem Shrubs ; Juoipcrns i-ineusis, English Yew,
commoii ond Portugal Laurel, Sweet Bay, Aueuba jnponioa in variety, vaiic-
tles of Box »ud Privet, Phlllyrea, Mahouin, and Holly.

BcssiAN Transparent Apple (W. S.}.—\fa hope shortly to be able to
give tho mformatiou you desire.

Keepino Onions iSlapenhUll—Tloat Onions were probably exposed to
rain after they wero barvostul, which would much affect their keeping.
Tho vei7 best method of keeping Onions is lo string them iu bunches and
hang them in an open lodge where they are dry yet fully exposed to air and

Bhododendron Layers (J. C). — Cut the branches iaomediately and plant
on the fir.it favourable opportunity. You may be glad to leain that any
Rbododen.irou having a good b.Ml of roots and soil may b9 transplanted in
perfect safety at any period of the year.

Notice to Leave I A Constant ReatUr). — If a gardener lives in his em-
ployer's cottage, has bis wages p.iid weekly.and the cottage is considered part
of the gardener's wages, his employer can tarn him out after a week's notice.

Selection of Strawberries (Amateur, Norivich). — We published very
full soleclions in our numbers 608 and 610.

Newtown Pippin {J. E ). — Fruit medium-sized, roundish, broadest at the
ba<*e, with broad obscure ribs extending to the apex, which give it an irregu-
larity iu its outline. Skiu at first dull green, but ohauyiug as it ripens tu a
fine olive green or greenish yellow, with a reddish brown tinge Kext the sun,
snd dotted a 1 over with pmall grey russety dots. Eye small and cloaod, set
in a small and ratljer shallow basin. Stalk half an inch long, slender, aud
inserted all its length in a deep round cavity lined with delicate russer, which
extends over a portion of the base. Flesh yellowish white tinged witti green,
firm, crisp, very juioy, with a rich and highly aromatic flavour. A dessert
Apple which, when in perfection, is not to be surpassed. It is in use from
December to April. This description being taken from an imported specimen
it must not be expected that fruit grown in this country will attain the same
perfection, for like moat of the beet American Apples it does not succeed in
this climate. Even with the protection of a wall and in the most favourable
situation it does not possess that peculiarly rich aroma which characterises-
the imported fruit.

Mas. Pollock Geranium (P. Bourkc). — The lady iu whose honour it was
named lived, perhaps lives, somewhere near Belfast. There is no later
edition of the dictionary.

Watering (ilfr. BoclfciK).— Water from a metal tank is not injurious to
pUnts. No one could advise decidedly about diluting liquid manure not
knowing what it is. The draining from a stable may have seven times its
bulk of water added.

Anti-mildew Liquor (J. Mackenzie). — The ammonia is the most potent
ingredient, but soma of the saline conatltueats are destroyers of fungi.

CoLLECTiNQ SPECIMENS (C F. W.). — Tho most coutteous aud most effec-
tual way is to write for permission.

Bulbs in Beds (Alpha). — Your bulbs by the addition of 4 to 6 inches of
fresh soil will ue 7 to 9 iochos beneath the surface. They will be much later
iu flowering by the additional soil, but wo do not think they v,-!!! bo materially
iujured, the bulbs being taken up after floweriu.;. Any small plants of an
ever^treen character will from covering up become llauctied, aud in a majority
of instances be ruined. We should remove the soil at once, as it can do na
good even to the bulbs, and will certainly injure herbaceous plants.

Names of Fruits (A ftuh^cribar). — 1, Black Hamburgh; 2, judging from
its shape, is Mill Hill Hamburgh ; S is much like Butch Hamburgh, but
richer lo flavour than we usually find it. How can anyone expect us to namo
Grapes from three miserable berrie i ? A bunch aud leaves of each variety
should be sent.

Names of Plants (H. rcnfjwr).— Rusooa racemosus. (H. S. iS,).— 'W»
cannot name from leaves only.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHEONIOLE.

1876.

There is always the fear when underttiking an annnal tasb
for the twentieth time that the siyings aud opinions of previous
years will repettt themselves, and that the whole will become
"tedious as a iliricetold tale." But our task is a kindly one,
aud the kindlier feelings of our nature never grow old, in th&
ordinary sense of the word. They, like generous wine, mellow
and beoome better as time steals on. This is especially tbe case
when wo have to review the past, and to address tho^e who, we
believe, share our feelings, and with common gratitude praise
the Goodness that has spared us to exchange our kindly greet-
ings once more.

A review of tho past is of necessity full of anticipations of th9
future. All be.ieve none of the trials and shortcomings of 1876-
wiU repeat tbetnaelves in 1877. Experience sUoiild enable us to
avoid the rooks on which we split, and should be a constant
beacon warning us when we approach danger.

It appears t ) us that poultry has a twofidd mission to fulfil.
First, it has to help to produce food, next it is calculated to
afford a harmless, healthful, and plea-iug recreation. We
beli-^ve these purposes have not been fnltiUud, tho ([uantity of
poultry has not increased, and shows have in too many iustances
been very losing speculations. We will eodeavour to trace these
facts to their origin, and to point out a remedy.

It, is au established fact that the supply of choice poultry does
not increase; that during tho scarce limo cf year, April, May,
and June, it seems to diminish. It cannot be from lack of en-
couragement in the way of price. Thousrinds of fowls were last
year sold at 7s. (jd. and Ss. each. A mtrii many years ago made
a bet that six hens should iu a year pay better than SiX ewes.
Ho won easily. T«"o things are needed — lirft, to have the beat
breed, next to produce tho chickoLS at Che niostpri.'fitable time.
It was hardly necessary to seek the best breetl ; that was and is
known. Practical tuition was required, aud that has often been
given in our pagen. We might take a leaf out of the book of our
trrst great agriculturists. They soneht to produce at once the
most symmetrioal and the most profitable animals whether for
food or inilk. They persevered, and they succeeded not by
seeking all sorts of slrtiugo breeds and auimal.s, but by improving
thoae they had. Xhis was done so judiciously that the qualitisa

January 4, 1877- 1

;OUP.KAL 01-' U0STICULTUR3 AND COTTAGB GAKDESEK.

19

bftve become heieditary, and with a guaranteed pedigree certain
qnalities may be depended upon.

It is iu thia sense shows are useful. Tieymake comparison
€aay, and they afford an open book in whicli anyone mav reafi ;
they are always well atteuJed, and consequemly proQtalile.
They attain the end they bava in view, for it is known to Ihose
■who have t.) do with them that some breeds cannot be kept lean,
and are obliged to be reduced at certain periods of their lives.

Our poultry shows have differed, inasmuch as mauy have not
daring the year been ancoeasful. With a very few exceptions
they have shuwn a falling-off, and have ended in a loss. Com-
mittees and exhibitoi-s do not understand each other. The first
bowto dictition in tbe matterof publishing judges' names be-fore
the show ; the others fancy the show cannot go on without them,
when in fact their birds are valueless and useless without shows.
Th^y forget nuiess they attract the public their birdH mi>»ht as
well stay at home- This is true of the largest as well as the
smallest shows, and independent exhibitors are in consequence
oanvassed and solicited to exhibit. The shows are too numerous
by half, and tbe best class of exhibitors have ceased to show,
hence the widesproid discouragement. Tbe declension has
been gradual but incessant since new rules and practices sprung
up. Admission while the judges are at work, surronnded by
people with open catalogues in their hands; tbe kno vb'uge
that any good cheap bird will be snapped np by those who
attend for that purpose — these thingi do mischief that no
nnmber of selling classes will remedy. The strainiug after a
large number of entL-ies, and the accomplishment of the fact by
showing only single birds, causing a weariness of sight and body
at the monotonous class of fifty hens, each occupying a single
pen, and all so much alike that an unpractised eye can see no
difference in them.

Those who eschew the shadow of exhibiting, and seek the
snbstance in the shape of table poultry, dream only of very large
establishmente of thousands of hens, rows of buildings and
poultry farms. There is always an idea that the supervision
necessary in a small place may be avoided in a larger. This is
a mistake : success in poultry as in anything else is the result of
labour and painstaking. We hear much of eking out a small
income by its means, but we are sorry to say such *' eking"
meauB to put more work on a maid who has already more than
she can do. Nine out of ten of the failures of those who have
tried poaltry only to be deceived, arise from the fact that pride
is too powerful with the ladies who wish to adopt poultry an a
means of income. They would exact from the buyer as much
deference as from a seller. It cannot he- Just as Solomon said,
" the borrower is aerviut to the Imder," so the seller must give
way to the buyer. There is not the semblance of anything bat
" kindliness " in this, but we must tell the truth. As usual she
is at tbe bottom of t je well, but we will guarantee when she is
found she will say there is help to be had from poultry. There
will always be a difference between buying and selling. Bat it is
not so marked as people fancy. A m*n who wants to bny will
buy where he gets the best quality at the lowest price without
asking the social standing of the seller.

There mu?t be a limit to everything, and it Dorkings were
had larger than they were some years ago they would rival
Geese. They maintdn their fall weight, nor do we think tbey
decrease in numbers. There were formerly but t-s-o claessa for
each breed, now there are six — adult and young cocks, hens and
pallets, Belling classes of cocks and hens. The same may bo
said of almost all the classes. Cochins are stationary, if not
inferior. Brahmas increase in numbers but not in quality. In
these two breeds the competition decreases for tbe reason that
prizes are awarded to hideous vulture hooked birds. People
know not what to breed or what to show. Spanish havrj re-
mained stationary, but they will again come to tho fore. Game
as usual hold tboir own, and always will ; as a rule at all our
large shows they are the best judged of any of our classes- The
cross of the Malay is visible in many of tho birds shown, but Iho
jadgHB avoid it. The Malays are on the increase in numbers;
there are not wanting excellent specimens among them, bnt
there are also many birds that are not pare-bred — for instauce,
many are shown with an ample dewlap. We do not know to
what to attribute it, but among the Hamburghs, favourites
with everyone, in both breeds the Golden are much better than
the Silvers. Some of the Golden-pencilled have been almost
everywhere perfect. The Silver-spangled are better than the
Silver-ppucilled.

The French breeds, if by that name we mean the Crcve-
Cojar and the Hondan, show excellent birds, but they have jet
to prove they briug us any quality we did not already possess.
The La Flt-ohe show poorly.

The Polish increase in numbers and maintain their quality;
we are glad of it. Tuey are old and worthy favourites. Bantams
are always popular. Sebrights make smaller classes yiar after
year. Tbe G-tme iucrease in numbers and are good in quality.
VVe Btill mourn the Cochins. In these as in their larger hrtjlbron,
the variooa class gives any meritorious breed the opportunity
of distinguishi'jg itself. Thsse seem to be the ante-rooms from

which birds pass either to be returned tj their varied companion-
Hhip or to form classes. An attempt was made by the Le^horn8
to claim a class, and their claim was admitted. They contrived
to send three pens to compete for two prizes. We suppose they
should bo Bent back again. Turkeys appear stationary, Imt they
for some time took giant's strides, and cannot always do so.
The pure American seems to be disappearing from onr birds.

Geese are as heavy but not as numerous as ever. The Rouen
Ducks have beaten Aylesburys in everyway, weight and num-
bers. The Labrador or Buenos Ayrean Dtick deserves every
mention of praise for symmetry, brilliancy of colour, and
diminutive size. The class for fancy Ducks has been a great and
a deserved success. Birds that a fow years ago were kept oat of
siijht and only looked at by stealth, now bear the scrutiny of
hundreds without blinking, and care nothing for it. Thay are
also shown in exquisite condition. Caroliuiia aud Mandarins
are become common. Tht y make room for Casarkas, Whistling
Ducks, Bar-headed Geese, Chilian Pintail, and many others.

Oar task draws to a close. It has not been a satisfactory one,
but we have felt it our duty to speak plainly to our friends and
readers. Committees will find it difficult to please the business
and pleasure element at the same time- Tho latter will come
when it pleases, the former must come; " 'Tis its vocation, Hil."
There is no reason why they should be antagouistic, _ Every
pursuit under the sun ebbs aud (lows, and ao a rule it is at the
ebb it is most inclined to learn.

We always defer speaking of ourselves till the end. It is tha
least pleasing of all our duties. There is no reason why it
should be so. We can lay onr hands upon onr waistcoats and
say we try to do right and to fill worthily tho place our friends
have given us. That which has been given us we will do our
best to keep. We never have nor will we cause undeserved pain to
anyone. We will be parties to nothing that may not he openly
published in our pages. We will, to the best of our ability, deal
kiodly tind seek the merited esteem of all with whom we hav.e
to do. We have prospered during the past year, and with full
hearts we wish, in this our first number of 1877, to eubscribers,
contributors, and all friends —

A Happy Kew Yeab.

PBEPABING FOWLS FOP. EXHIBITION

When wb exhibited fowls, which we did at one time quite
largely, our birds intended for exhibition were taken in hand
some two weeks in advance, aad kept in a room or peu well
littered with straw or hay, under which wan spread sufficient
earth to soak up all moisture which might be dropped. Tho
morning feed was always cooked meal and bran, aud about a
table-spooufal of linseed oil-cake to each fowl. At noon it was
cooked meat and chopped onions, cabbage or other vegetables.
At night, raw meat and whole grain, either corn, wheat or barley.
Gravel and lime rubbish was always wittiin their reach, also
fresh wat^r with a little tincture of iron or tonic of soine kind
added. Twice a week we gave each bird a bit of assafmlida the
size of a hazel nut ; this increases the appetite, as well as acting
as a corrective and preventive of disease.

Birds thus fed will acquire a hardness and lustre of plumage
which is forsigu to those picked up at random from among the
flock.— (--ImCTiCfHi Pet Stock Bulletin.)

BROUGHTY FSRET SHOW OF PODLTEY, &c.

This was held in the Good Templar Hall, Broughty Ferry, on
the 22od and 23rd ult. The foUowiugis the list of awards :—

POULTRy.-Dop.ii[NG3-Coc*--lanaCup.G. S. Eobb 2, R Cram. 3, Mrs'
Armitstead. i,-1 Mackenzie, v^c, Mrs- J. Smart £f60i — ^ Mrs- Armitstoad*
2, G. S. Robb. S, J- Arthur, vhc. A. Tho
J. Wyde. 2, Mrs. Davidson. 3,"'

1. CocfiiNa-— C06'te.— 1 and Cap*

„. „ _, _. Arrnitatcad. -1, Mrs. W. Steven. hen.~l*

Mrs. Davidson. 2, J. VVyse. 5 and -t, Mrs W. Steven, vhc, Mrs. Armitstead'

2, J. H Winter. S, M'

„„„. ^ ., „. 3, Lioot--Col. Rice, i, J. A. Dempster"

he, Mrs. J. Smart. Hauz.— Brown Red.— Uock— I andCnp, J.Salmond. 2. W
Webster. 3. J. Barrie. u/ic, J- M'Ueth.W. Webster. Any other colour.— Cock'
— ], W. Baillie. 2- A. Brown. 3, J- Ramsay- Anit colour.-Hen—i and 2, J'
Barrie. 3, J. Mackintosh, vhc, W. calder. Hamburohs.— Spanffied-— 1, J'
.lackion. 2, W. Abel. 3, T. Gilruy. 4, J. Masterton. vhc, W. Straton, W
Lums ten. Pencilled.— \ and 3. W- Milne- 2, J. Cochrane. Blac>!.—1 a'ld Cap>
Mrs- Spence. 2, 3, and 4, T. Gilroy. vhe, J. Giierson. LeoBiaNs.— CocK — 1>
H. CunliSe. 2, S. Bradbary. 8, W- Baillie Hen.— 1 and Cup, S. BradbaiT. 2-
Mrs. Spenco. 3, A. Walker. FaESCH Fowls. -1. J. B. Brown. 2. J. M*
stronner. S.M.Todd. BiNTAMS —Game.— Coct.—l, A. Walker. 2, J. Dargie-
3, . I. D. Donald, ti/w. J. T. Shield. Hen.— 1, J. Kidd. 2. J. D. Donald. 3. A.
Walker. Any other varietij.-l. Cup. and vhc, J. U. Donald- 2, A. Pratt. 8. 8.
Milner. Spa»ish.—1 and Cnp. A. Grieve. 2 and 3, J. Maokie. ^/lo, W. H.Low.
Asv OTUIH Vamstv.-I, J. & A. Laird- 2. K. Scotl S, A. Walker. DucKB.—
l.A. Mackie- 2, D. A. Smaat- n. 3. Admiral M. Donjall. d)ic. I>. A. Smealon.
Sellisq Ci.iSS.— OocS: or ben.-l, J. Barrio. 2, Mrs A. G. Uancan. 3. D.
Ross 4, W. Smith, vhc, J. f oihtringham, Jan., T. Gilroy, A. Williamson, J.
Sftlmoni, A. Mackie- _ « . « a l ^ xr

PlGEOMS.-PoDTKBS.— CocJe.— 1, .1. C. Lycll. 2- J. Uiuo. 8 and tiW, G. Ure.
Hen. -I. 2, and 3. G. Ure. i, J. 0- byell. Yoanr, Coekor Hen.—l, Cap, a d 2.G.
Ure. 8. O. Alexander, vhc. J Mitchcl'. i'ahbibi'.s or BAnB8.-Cpc« or Hen.
-I and 2. K. VV. Bryee. 3. J. Laniont- i'ln. vhc, D. Paton. loMBL,"Rfl.-
Shotlfueed.-Cock or Hen.-l. R. w. Br.v.ie, 2. .1. -M. Iv-.lil. 8. l). Brash.
Common-Cock or Hen.-1 and Molal, VV, & A. Crawford. 2 and 3, W- Steven-
son. 4, J. Cowe- JiO .mss.-Cocft or lien - 1, W. H. Poberls. 2 and 8 K. W.
Bryco. FAKTAH,8.-t'ocft or Uen.-\ and Cup. G. Ure. 2 and 4, A bimth. 3, L
Spence. vhe, W. H. Roberts, J. F. Loversi-Jgc. Tobbits.— C'ocA; or Ucn.-l, J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDE NEB.

t Jana&ry I, 1877.

4. E. W. Bryce. vhc, G. Ure, R. W.
i.-Cock or Hen.—l, J. Glenday. 2, J.
Sp'ence. 8, T. L. Johnstone. 4, Fairlie 4 Mildane.
Jddges. — Poultry : Mr. M, Leno. Pigeons : Mr. A. Frame.

RIPON SHOW OP POULTRY, &c.

The second winter Show was held at Ripon on the 27th and
28th nit, when entries were far a-head of those of last year. Un-
fortunately the hall in which the Show was held was LOt large
enoagh, and several rooms had to be brought into use, the
lower one where the poultry were placed being very dark, and
candles were requisite for the inspection of the birds.

Turkeys and aquatic fowls headed the list with some good
classes, the special jirize goin^ to a grand pen of Turkeys. Dor-
kings good, and Bralnnasa, fair lot and well placed; the Cochins,
however, fairly leading this section with a grand pen of Buffs.
Sj:>anish not a large class, but the winners good. Hamhurghs
were heavy classes, the special prize being awarded to Gold-
spangles. <7omc had three classes. In Reds a substantial pen
of Brown Reds were placed first ; the second being Black Reds,
both old peiis. Any other than Bed were first Piles and second
Duckwings, the first iu splendid style, the last superb in colour;
but we preferred pen lG-1 (Nelson), Duckwings, which might
have been placed without fear of contradiction. Single cocks,
first and special a Brown Red cockerel, grand in colour and
with the most perfect breast, but as yet he does not know how
to behave in a show pen, showing some timidity. Game
Bantams, any variety, the first we thought amietake, for though
good in style they were decidedly rusty; but some allowance
may be made on account of the light ; second (Nelson) by far the
best. Single cocks, first a grand fellow, a true Black Red; the
eecond, a Brown Red, we thought a little large, but stylish
withal. Bantams, any other, were first Silver Sebrights, second
and third Blacks. In French the winners were Cruves. In
Polish the winners were Silvers ; but the second had a very
bad shaped crest, although the hen was a good one. The point
cup for poultry was won by Mr. Beldon.

Pigeons being single birds were a good entry, and some grand
birds put in appearance ; but, as will be seen, we did not think
them well handled in judgment. Carriers a good class and
well placed, the first and special being given to the first Black,
which is a grand bird in all particulars; second a Dun, also very
good. Pouters were good; firt-t a Black cock in grand order,
closely run by a Blue cock, the best blown bird in the class ;
pen 291 (Beckwith), a Red, was also a grand one. Barbs, any
colour, was a decided mistake, first being a poor Black cock with
email head and sickly eye ; the second was rightly placed and
a good bird, but perhaps a little more pinched than we have
Been him shown. Pen 304, the best Black hen in the fancy, was
passed without a commended, and should have been placed
first without a second look. Tumblers, Short-faced Almonds,
were quite as bad ; first was a cock that has seen better days,
and should not have marked here, being a deep mahogany
ground colour, and quite black on breast, throat, and neck
hackle; pens 312 and 313, which, if we mistake not, won the cup
and secondat Birmingham, and also winners at the Palace, but
only second here, should have been an easy first and second ;
pen 312, highly commended, was by far the best. Both birds
are a beautiful almond ground and thoroughly spangled, and
very good in head, beak, and eye j roperties. Tumblers, Short,
any other, were good and well placed ; first an Agate, second
Red, and third a Kite. In Tumblers, Long-faced, the best bird
in the class was left out — viz , a Black Bald hen, first and medal
at Newcastle, and first at Leeds, this being a most brilliant-
coloured bird, very small, and a true Long-face; pen 331 (Thresh)
first was a good Black Bald, but not equal to the above ; second
a Yellow Mottle, very pale in colour ; third a Rosewing, a good
one.^ In English Owls first was a bird of very washy colour,
straight and spindly in beak, with little skull over the eye. The
best, and which stood clear of all others, was the extra second-
prize bird, a bird which the Fame Judge has often pkced first in
several competitions; pen 3r.2 was a grand young bird and placed
third. In foreign Owls wc preferred pen 3G4 (Alderson) to all
others as small and most correct in skull ; the second was rit;htly
placed; the first bird was both fiatskulled and large. These
were all Whites, hut a grand little Blue was shown by Mr.
Baker. Turbits, 371 (Alderson) a Blue, was a-head of all others,
Buch quality of spike, mane, and gullet is rarely seen, aud this
we should have jUced first; the first a good Blue, was well
worth a third position. Pen 381 (Seanori ought to have been
second ; this is a Yellow, small and grand in every particular.
Pen 382 also a Yellow, and quite to our taste. Nuns well placed,
as also the Magpies. The rest of the classes were good, and the
awards were generally well placed. The point prize was won by
Mr. Baker.

liahhits had but two classes, and several pens were empty.
In Lops first was a Fawn-and-white doe ; second Sooty Fawn,
22 by Is; third Black-and-white doe, 22i by il. The latter is

quite worn ont for the present, and needs a long rest. In the
next class a Grey Dutch faulty only in size was first, eecond a
Silver-Grey, and third a Silver-Cream.

Cage Birds were a good entry, and, as before stated, were
judged by candle-light; but when the light became good wo
saw no cause to alter any decision. Belgians had bat three
entries, but these were good ; the first also taking the special
for the beet bird in the Show, it being without exception the
best we have seen for some years, the daintiest head attached
by a long neck to a superb pair of shoulders, which were
carried in grand style, the body and tail long and straight, and
in the finest possible order. Yellow Norwich good, the first a
grand sound-coloured bird, second losing in little. In Buffs,
also, the class was good. The Marked classes were two of the
lest we have seen for some time, a very slight muddicess ou
the flue or fluff only deciding between the winners and losers.
The whole of the winners in both classes were four-pointed
birds, the same remarks applying also to the Y'orki-hirs-marked
birds. In Crested Norwich were a few good birds, but the
class was not one of the best. Lizards are on the improving
scale, and these were really grand in both classes, ground
spangling, cap, and size alike good, the first-prize Silvers run-
ning very hard for the special. In Mules first was a Clear
Buff, and second a four-pointed Yellow. In the Variety class
first was a Jouque Cinnamon, second Coppy, and very highly
commended a Cinnamon. The Local was a good class ; the first,
a Belgian, was well equal to a second position in its own class;
second a Scotch Fancy, and third a Coppy. English birds were
a splendid class ; first a Goldfinch, second a Finch, third a.
Linnet. In Parrots were some grand King Parrots ; a good
Grey was, however, placed second. The Selling class waa a.
good one.

P0ULTRY.-Tdekey3.-1 and Special, F. Parker. 2,G. Mangles. Extra 2,
Mrs. Kirk. Geese.— 1, G. Pounder. 2, L. Mo.irey. Ducks.— 4j/tc8bari/.—l, C.
Holt 2, J. Newton. i!oucn.—l, J. Newton. 2, G. Mangles. Any other variety.
-1. R. Wiles. 2, A. & W. H. SilveBter. Bhihmjs.— 1, Dr. Holmes. 2, G. A.
Eastwood. Extra 2, H. Beldon. Dorkinos.— 1. J. Stott. 2, H. Beldon. CocHisa.
—1. 2, and Special, G. H. Procter. SPiNlSH.— 1, H. Beldon. 2, J. V. SUlitoo.
Hamburghb.— Gotden-«l)a;i(7l(!d.— 1 and Sppcial. J. Rawnsley. 2. H. Beldon.
Extra 2, Holmes 4 Destner. Golden pencilled —\, 3 . RawnsUy. 2, H. Beldon,
Extra 2, .T. Anderton. Silver-span(iled,~l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Kawnsley. Siiver-
poicillfi.—l.H. Beldon. 2. J. Kawnsley. Btack.—l.H. Beldon. 2. J. Rawnsley.
UAMB.-B(ncfc or Brown Red— I. H. Beldon. 2. H. C. & W. J. Mason. Extra 2,
J. Rawnsley. Any other variety— \, H. C. 4 W. J. Mason. 2, O. Venables.
Extra 2, Holmes & Destner. Coct.— 1 and Special. T. Mason. 2, H. C. & W. J.
Mason. Bantams. Oame.—\ and Special, S. Carter. 2, J. A. Nelson. Cock.—

1. J. A. Nelson. 2, T. Putman Any other vanety.—i, T. P. Carver. 2, A. ami
W. H. Silvester. Extra 2, U. Beldon. Polands— I and Special, H. Beldon.

2. Miss P. Gallway. French.— 1, W. Jackson 2. J. Johnson. Ant otheb..
Variety.-I. R. Hawkins. 2, Mrs. Hawkridge. 3, Mias E. Whitaker. gELLiNa
CLAss.-Cocts.—l.H. Beldon. 2. C. Holt. rAc.W. Kudd. Hfns.—l, H. Beldon.
2, J Johnson. Extra 2, Higlett& Johnson. Point cup, H. Beldon.

PIGEONS. — Carrierb.-I and 2. J. Baker, vhc, E. Beckwith, J. Baker.
PocTERS —I. E. Beckwith. 2 and vhc, J. Baker. Barbs.— 1 and vhc, J. Baker.
2. E. Beckwith TcniBLERs.- Short-faced Atmond.—l and vhc, J. Baker. 2, H.
Yardley. Short-faced, Any other variety.-l, E. Beckwith. 2, S, and vhc, J.
Baker. i:,ong-/a«(t.—J, K. Woods. 2. J. Thresh. 3, W. B. Mapplebeck, jun.
vhc, E. Beckwith. A. & W. H. Silvester. OvrL%.— English.— 1 and 2, J. Baker.
Extra2, J. Thresh S. J. W. Btansaeld. l)ftc, Ward & Rhodes. Ford>n.— 1 an*
»ftc, J. Baker. 2, Ward & Rhodes. Extra 2, Miss F. Seanor. Tdrbits.-I. G.
Alderson. 2, R. Woods. NoNs.—l. Miss F. Seanor. 2. J. Young. Magpies.—
I.E. Beckwith. 2. W. Garbutt. Jaoobins.- iied or Tettou'.- 1, Miss F. Seanor.
2, J. Baker. Any other colour.— I, J. Young. 2, J. Baker. Antwerps.- 1 and
2. B. Rawnsley. vhc, H. Yardley. Fantails.— 1, J. Baker. 2, E. Beckwith..
vlic, J. Walker, J. F. Loversidge. Tbompeters.- 1 and 2, T. Rule, vhc, Tr
Rule, J. Baker. Draooons.— 1, 2, and 3. R. Wools. Extra 3, W. Smith. AmI
other Variet\'.-1 and vhc, E. Beckwith. 2, H. Yardley. Any Variety.— 1 au
2, J. Baker Extra 2. E- Beckwith. 3, T. Rule, ii/ic, R. Bland. Selling Class,
-Single Bird. -I. J. Baker. 2. T. Rule, J. Peacock. 3. W. Chappelow, S. Hill,
H. Yardley, R. Gibson. Pnir.— 1, W. Scott. 2, W. S. Clark 8, W. S. Claili
Cargili & sidgwictr, T. Rule, J.Baker. Champion prize, J. Baker. Point priza
J. Baker

CANARIES AND CAGE BIRDS.— Relgian.-I and Special, W. Addison,
a, C. J. Sat. Norwich -reHoic—l. W. Smith. 2. C.J. Salt. Bi/#.— 1,0. J.
Salt. 2. W.Smith. £r<'ii-«iorkf<i I'dlou'.— 1, C. J. Salt. 2. T. Cleroinson. vhCy
C. J. Salt. W. Smith. Even-marhed Buff.— 1,C. Barioa. 2,C.J.SaU. vhc.C.l.
Salt, W. J. Hampton. YoRRSHiaE.-reiloM! or Bii,ff.—1, W. Addison, a, B.
Scott, vhc, W. Lickley. Any other variety.— \, W Goodall. 2. W. Addison.
Chested.— 1, W. Goodall. 2, W. J. Hampton, vhc, J. Eawlin. LiZABD.—
6old-spangUd.—\, T. Tenniswood. 2, W. J. Hampton, vhc, T. Cleminson, <'. J,
Salt. Silver-spangled.— 1, T. Tenniswood. 2, W. Addison, vhc, C. J. Salt.
Goi DFiNCH MDI.E -1 and 2, C. J. Salt. 8, J. Stevens. Canary.— .4ni/ other
variety.— 1, W. Smith- 2. C. J. Salt, vhc, U. Burton, Cage op Six Canaries.
—1 am 2, C. J. Salt. Canaries.— Locat Clasa.—\, Miss Faiibank. Equal 1, H.
Ellis. 2. R. Atkinssn. Equal 2, J. Rawlin. S. B. Atkinson. W. Pickard. iiiie,
L.Dawson, J. Waite. English Bird.- Any varietu. ~1,C. Burton. Equal 1,
B. Humphrey. Equal 2, J Marshall. 3. W. Addison, vhc, W. Addison, J
Hebden. Foreign HiHD.-Aiiy variety —1, Mrs. R. Williamson. 2, F. Barwick.
Parrot —1, R. Pearson 2, H. Wescoe. vhc, Mrs. KoUinson. M. Appleton,
Selling Cuss.— 1, W. Addison. 2, C. J. Salt. Extra Stook.—2, Miss Baines.
Point prize, C. J. Salt.

RABBITS.— Lop-EARED.-Bucfc or Doe —1, T. Myton. 2, Wharton 4 Halm
shaw. 3. E. Pepper, vhc, J. S. Robinson, any other Varietv.— Biicfc or
Doc— 1, J. S. Robinson. 2, E. Pepp.:r. 3, E. McKa.v. I'lic. H. E. Gilbert.

Judges.— Mr. J. Dison, Bradford; Mr. W. Cannan, Bradford^
Mr. J. Hawley, Girlington; Mr. E. Hutton, Pudscy.

SALAD FOR PIGEONS.

Pigeons need some green food, aud especially when they have
been long deprived of it. devour eagerly tender and succulent;
leaves. A year or two ago my flock of Tumblers cultivated a
close acquaintance with a bed of young beets in the gard*?u, not
assisting greatly thereby in the successful cultivation of those
vegetables. Pigeons, however, are almost harmless in this re-
spect when compared with fowls; but the kitchen garden will

Jiouary -J, :877. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE! AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

21

Sonrish as well some distance from a loft coutainitig a large
flock at liberty aa near it — provided the soil is aa good. I have
also known a plant in a flower garden to be much injured by
them, owing to its poasessiag such tender and succulent leaves,
"when all the many plants around were untouched. A head of
lettuce occasionally given is recommended for birds that cannot
get youQg beet tips in a neighbouring garden ; and fanciers sow
rape or other seed for them, that they may peck at the young
plants as the latter stand in the earth. I should think it would
be a good plan to plant the seeds of some tender vegetable in
boxes, at such times that the plants may attain the height of
several inches, at different periods through the winter. These
may ba placed in the lof ' in the succeasion in whicli they were
plante 1, say at intervals of a week or two. This would be some-
what liborions. In the summer I find the common purslane or
"pusley," answers excellently for a salad. It is abundant, and
eaten with a relish by the Pigeons. I reserved a small corner of
the garden for its growth, and now and then threw a bunch or
two into the loft where my Pigeons were confined. The sterna
are about all they leave untouched. It is a troublesome weed ;
bnt cherish a few roots of " pusley " for your cooped-up Pigeons.
Don't allow it to go to seed, unless it is scarce in your neigh-
bourhood.

[Commenting npon the above extract from the American
Fanciers' Journal, I would say that only in summer Pigeons
need or seek any green food. In winter or in cold chilly weather
it would do them harm. I have found that Tumblers chiefly
care for green food. In the summer I have had them walk
through rows of Potatoes, pickiog at the weeds and returning to
the loft with their beaks quite green. Jacobins, the variety I
now keep, never seem to eeek it. One condiment or helper of
digestion all Pigeons want, and seek for greedily — viz., gravel.
I have a large space of gravel, and they are frequently pecking
it, especially new comers. I would say that salt, broken up old
mortar, and gravel are requisites to health ; but green food is an
open question, and I am not sure it does the birds any good, but
rather harm, as I have noticed it produces purging. — Wiltshire
Rector.]

The annnal Show of Pigeons by the NationaJ Peristeronic
Society is to be on the 9th and 10th of January at the Crystal
Palace.

TO PRESERVE EGGS.

I HAVE experimented with many nests of eggs this year, and
find that butter or grease of any kind with me will certainly
keep the eggs clear, hut incubation will not begin. I have tried
a solution composed of glycerine and olive oil with the same
result. It you wish to keep eggs fresh for six months, tike
4 0Z9. of the beet glycerine and 2 ozs. of the best olive oil,
shake well np together and rub on the eggs. I had some eggs
for breakfast that were put down last January in a cool cellar
that were treated with a coat of this egg-preserver, and packed
the large ends down iu flue sand or salt, and you c Aild not tell
them from freshly-laid egg.?. Out of twenty-four dozen that we
have used this month that were put down iu that way in January
and February, five only were bfid, nnd they only had a strong
musty smell. — Dr. W. C. Munhoe (in American, Fanciers'
■Journal).

DO BEES MAKE HONEY?

In the Rural New-Yorker, Mr. A Wilson of Onondago, New
York, asks this question, and then answers in the following
words : — " I do not know why there should be any mystery
about this question of bees m-iking or gathering honey, for to
me it is as clear as sunshine. Suj^pose we take the best sugar,
and make a gallon of molasses or syrup, and put it where the
bees can get it, and they take it into their hives, and in time cap
it over in the cell ; but, in the meantime, let us keep a little
syrup for comparison. After a while take an extractor and
remove the syrup from the comb, and it will be found to be
honey, and quite different from the reserved material; iu fact,
the one is honey and the other is not. The bees, of course, did
not make the honey, but changed the fl>ivour only. It will not
be clover honey, linden, or buckwheat honey, but syrup honey.
Their Creator has given the bees the power of changing the
flavour of the sweets gathered, and it is then called by us honey.
We may say that bees made it, and so we may say that cloth
made of wool is woollen; and of flax, linen; of cotton, cotton-
cloth; and 80 with honey. Bees cannot make buckwheat honey
into clover honey, any more than we can make cotton-cloth out
of wool."

In the above quotation Mr. Wilson's ideas appear to me to be
pretty accurate and intelligible. His advice, to keep a little of
the crude syrup to compare with tbat which is refined by the
bees, is very good indeed. Mny I aek the readeiM of this Journal
who have any doubts on the question to tske his advice, and test
the matter for themselves ? The experiment will be found both

simple and satisfactory. In a summer day any unprejudiced
person may settle the question to his own satisfaction in a few
minutes by extracting both crude and perfect honey from a hive
at the same time, and comparing them. It will be found that
the honey which has been re-swallowed and stored-up has both
body and flavour, in every sense different and superior to the
crude honey as it is carried from flowers and disgorged iu the
Centre combs of hives. Mr. Wilson says syrup made of sugar
and water becomes syrup-honey. Though the hees thicken and
sweeten the syrup, and greatly improve the flavour, I do not call
it honey. It is, after all, only syrup refined and improved by
bees, and is minus the smack and appearance of all kinds of
genuine honey. To sell syrup honey iu any form as genuine
tifjwer honey would be a fraud and imposition. For many
years past I have denounced this practice as dishonest, and
raised my voice against it.

The American writer is quite right in his remarks about the
distinct difference of this and that kind of honey gathered from
this and that kind of plant. Last week a Welsh lady sent me a
small bottle of honey which she obtained at Arundel iu Sussex,
on making a visit there last autumn. She did not like it, but
wanted my opinion of it, and to know the kind of plant that
yielded it. This Arundel honey pleased me much, as it was ex-
cfedingly clear and highly scented, and with a rich aromatic
flavour, I never tasted better honey, and fancy it was gathered
fiom wild thyme.

As the question of crude and perfect honey has been often
before the readers of this Journal I need not dwell longer on it
here. Young apiarians will fiud the su-bject a very interesting
one, and if they could only be induced to put the question to the
test of a simple experiment, they would iind that bees not only
gather honey, but refine and remodel it after it is gathered. la
this remodelling process there is much water eliminated. This
watsr escapes as vapour generally by the doors of hives, and
during the nights much of it may be coudensed and caught as
it escapes. — A. Pettiseew.

BEE PASTURE.

A coBEEsroNDEST "P. B. P." has asked for a short desca'iption
of places and flowers from which large harvests of honey have
been obtained. It is no easy matter to convey in words what is
and what is not a good district for bees. Though some districts
are much bett'-r than others for honey-gathering, success is often
attained in apparently unfavourable places. Fruit trees and
pasture fields (for cattle) are properly considered the best provi-
sions for bees in Great Britaiu. Orchards and dairy-farms are
the principal features in the landscape from abeekeeper'a stand-
point. All other things beiug equal, the south aud warmer
counties are better than the northern districts. The south ia
better than the north in more senses than one. Bees in the
south begin breeding earlier, and as the climate is warmer the
flowers yield greater supplies of honey ; for climate favourable
for honey-gathering in this country can never equal France,
Italy, and America.

With a view to assist "P. B. P." and others iu forming a
pretty correct notion as to the best places and pasturage for
bees, I will here name some of the most common and best kinds
of plants for honey which grow in Great Britain. There are
about one hundred kinds of plants grown in this country which
yield food for bees; in this letter about twenty only will be
mentioned.

In early spring the flowers of crocuses and some kinds of
willows (Salix) are very tempting to bees; border hyacinths,
single wallflowers, and an early tussilago are haunted for their
sweets. But the real honey season begins when the fruit trees
come into blossom. The flowers of all our fruit trees yield large
supplies of excellent honey, I may safely say super-excellent.
Gooseberry, plum, currant, cherry, peach, apricot, pear, apple,
raspberry, and black or bramble berry, are all honey-yielding
plants, and are well known everywhere.

Field mustard (Siuapis arvensis) a mere yellow weed in com
fieldri, is a most valuable plant to bee-keepers in some districts,
for it continues a long time in flower and yields great stores to
bees. The honey from this plant soon candies, and the comba
built from it are tinted yellow. The flowers of turnip, cabbage,
and all the braasica trilje are of the same cruciform shape, and
yield honey in abundance. They are seldom allowed to flower
in this country.

The field bean is another valuable plant for bees, and it con-
tinues a long time in flower, and is extensively cultivated. The
flowers of this plant have to be tapped near their bottoms in
order to obtain tbeir honey. The flowers are so deep (like those
of the red clover) that bees cannot reach |the honey in their
receptacles from the top, hence the flowers are pierced below,
and much rich treasure is extracted from them.

Sycamore (or plane) trees are valuible to the bee-farmer, as
they come into flower before the apple blossoms are over and
continue till white clover comes iu. In this country the honey
lies on sycamore flowers and is clammy to the toach; from

22

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEa,

[ January 1, 1&77.

Bvcameres beea pather honey very fast ; it is of a greenish hno,
Tery rich and highly flavoured. This green honey from sycamore
and gooseberry trees is preferred by my palate before all other
kinds of honey.

White clover, the qneen pf all honey plants, comes next in
season. It lasts from the beginning of June till the end of July.
In the year 1843 bees in Middlesex gained weight till the end
of September, chiefly I believe from white clover. The honey
gathered from this plant is clear and transparent to the eye, and
imparts to the palate a rich, pleasing, smart smack which every-
body likes. Some farmers in laying down grass land use more
white clover seed than otheis, and wherever lime and bone dust
are used as manure white clover is most abundant. It is incom-
parably the best plant for bees in Great Britain, and is found in
every county.

Lime trees flower in July for a short time and yield honey
freely. The American bee keepers, both in Canada and the
States, have a great deal to say about basswood or the linden
tree as a honey-producer. I fancy it is a kind of lime troa,
coming into^ower late in the season and lasting a long time.
Some bee-keepers speak of making plantations of basswood for
bees alone. The climate of Great Britain is not so trustworthy
and certain as that of America and some parts of southern
Europe. If mignonette grows as well in those favourable cli-
mateo as it does in our country I fancy it woiild be the best and
most profitable plant to cultivate for bees. I have no hesitation
in saying that an acre of mignonette would yield 20 lbs. of honey
every Sne day in this country — what would it not do in warmer
countries?— it continues three months in flower, and grows
almost in any kind of soil.

Heather, wild heather, the last in flower but not the last in
importance and value of our honey plants, comes into flower in
August and lasts about three weeks only. In this year (1876)
my bec-s failed on the heathery hills of Derbyshire, but for ten
years previously they stored up large supplies there, and during
some of those years they failed on the clover. It is hardly
possible to convey a correct idea to the uninstructed bee-keeper
as to the great work done by bees on the moors in a short time.
The moorland honey is high-coloured, and stronger in flavour
than any other English honey. The Scotch people like it, but
generally speaking it does not suit the English palate so well ;
but even in Glasgow fifty years ago flower honey was sold at a
higher price tbau heather honey.

Having lived in several counties I may here give my opinions
of them from an apiarian standpoint. My native county (Ijanark)
is comparatively cold aud bleak with a heavy clayey soil. Ou
the Clyde, which runs through its centre, there are some large
and fruitful orchards, which greatly help the bees in several
parishes of the county. The fruit-tree blossoms are followed by
field mustard, white clover, and heather. The bees there do
well. Ayrshire is probably a richer county for bees than Lanark.
I have not li •■ ed elsewhere in Scotland, but fancy that the rich
land of mid and east Lothian are rather too much devoted to
the production of graia crops for bees to do well there.

Around London for many miles grass land prevails. Fruit
and forest trees and white clover are what the bees work on
there. Some five aud thirty years ago I lived near Bavnet, and
found bees to do exceedingly well. I formed a favourable
opiuion of the whole district between London and St. Alhaus.
I have not seen much of Kent, bat from all I have heard of it I
should say it is a good place for bees. Lancashire, ia which
I have spent twenty yesra of my time, taken as a whole is one
of the worst counties in England for bees. On the bank of the
Mersey between Manchester and Liverpool they do pretty
■well.

Cheshire, as a whole, isagoodandeligibleplaceforbee cuKure,
presenting a fair pasture of varied kinds. Around some of
the larger towns, such as Chester, Knutsford, and Altrincham,
we find much fine pasture laid and fruit and forest trees. On
the large dairy and cheese-producing farms bees will not fail to
do well. Sale being on the north corner of the county and
butting against the river Mersey, near Manchester, is chiefly
used for market-garden puipones, and is therefore deficient in
white clover. Cheshire is perhaps as good a county for bees as
any other in the north of England. About Buxton in Derby-
shire, which is so high and bleak that corn does not grow well,
bees gather great stores of honey. The calcareous soil of the
Buxton district yields plenty of white clover, aud heather
abounds within easy distance of the place.

In the East Eiding of Yorkshire bees do very well — wedging
their hives full i.f honey on every favourable season, and this
without mach care or attention.

In closing this letter Itt me refer to a riueation often put as to
a district or pasture being overstocked with bees. " la it possible
to overstock a parish ?" Yes, though I have never seen one
overstocked. I believe it is often done in America by apiarians
who keep hundreds cf hives. It is but reasonable to believe
that the bees of fifty hives will do better than the beta of one
hundred hives on a given pasture. But all bee-farmers may
add farm to farm by spreading their hives over a wider area,

aud this may bo done without having to pay a heavy rental. —

A. PETTICaEW.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Lime for Fowls (W.B. TF".).— Quicklime ond sand siftin^s from a brick-
layer's yard would not be injarious to fowls. Give your mopiug cockerel eome
bread soaked la ale.

Dark Bra^ha Hen (4 Victim). — Yoar only remedy is to lie had in the
County Court.

Jersky Poultry Show {Exhibitor), — We received the prize list joetes-w©
were going to press.

Fowls for Winter Laying (Mrs. FT.).— Early-liatched pullets of almost
any breed will, if properly fed, lay dnriDg the winter months, and eh you
Puissess botb Durkiogs and Erahmaa you have no need to seek for other breeds
for the purpose required.

Purchasing Bees (Suss^a;). — The beat time to pnrchaBe hives cf bees is
in autumn or winter, for then they may be removed without risk of bieakiug
combs or suffocating beee. In winter, too, bees do not go far from home,
and may be safely removed from a garden at no great distance dfT. eay a mile,
witLout danger of the bee^ returulag to it. We advice to begin ^ith two
stocks, and purchase them of a cottager in your own neiyhbourhood, lor if, a
communcement be made with only one hivo and something go wrong with ife
much discouragement maybe felt. The " Handy Book of Beep" is one .of
the beat for boginnere ; in it you will find all the information you are seekisg.

METEOEOLOaiCAL OBSEKVATIONS.

Camden Square, London,

Lafc. 51* 33' 40" N. ; Long. O'' 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 A.H.

In the DAT.

I87n

iS.«

H.^ronre.

OTS

?- .

Radiation

.g

ait'l

|g

i|g

peratnre.

Temperatare.
In 1 On

a

De«.

Jan.

Dry.

Wet.

Msi.

MiD.

grass

iDObes.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

des-

In.

59.763

45.0

44 6

S.

S7.3

66.2

31.8

63 S

31 6

0.087

Th. 28

29.676

Ei.8

53 7

s.w.

42.3

55.6

44.6

66.6

42 4

0 106

Fri. 29

51.1

49.9

s.

44.6

54.8

49 1

65 8

44.6

0254

29 53S

50 3

49.7

s.

45.1

55.2

44,7

628

40.0

C.218

29 26J

53 5

49.6

w.

45.5

55 8

49.4

73 9

43.6

0.M8

Mo. 1

i8.733

EDO

49.5

s.

45.3

54.0

49.3

70.0

43.3

0176

Ta. 2

29 652

86.5

86.0

N.W.

45.3

49.2

SS.4

58.2

S6.6

0.07

Means.

29.487

18.7

17.6

4S.6

54.4

43.6

61.8

IDS

1.S6S

REMARKS.
27th.— Raiuy all day, at limes snow or sleet ; wind hi^-h and very cold.
28th. — Rainy morning and afternoon; windy but starlit night.
29th. — Wet in early morning, fair forenoon ; rain in afternoon and evening;

fair but wiody at night.
30th —A beautiful day throughout; warm, dry, and bright.
81st.— Windy and showery all day ; at times very bright, but only for a Bhort

1st.— Tery wet all the forenoon ; at times after very bright, and at times very

heavy rains.
2nd — A very pleasant fine day throoghont ; rain in evening and night.
Another wet week, and a very warm one, the temperatore beiEg nearly 12?
higher than the previous one. — G. J. Simons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— January 8.

Our market has been so quiet Bince ChristmaB that we have i
to quote.

Apples

..dozen
bnshel
1 sieve
i do.
dozen

1
0
0
0
0
0
0

1

0
2
6
1

o'

0
0

1
1

8

1
0
1
8
1
2
1
1
0
0
0

i
1

d. B.
6 to 5
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
0 8
6 10
0

TE

d. s.
OloO
0 0
0 0
0 1
C 8
9 1
0 4

0 a

4 0

6 a

0 6
6 2
0 4
0 2
0 2
8 0
6 0
8 0
0 0

0 a

d.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0

)E1

d.
0
0
0
6
0
6
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
6
u
0
0
0
0
0

DIT.

Nectarines

Oranges

dozen 0

Curraiita

black

Figs

Fears. kitchen...
dessert

. dozen 1
. dozen 8

Plums

Quinces

Raspberries

Gooseberries....

. quart
.... lb.
., '(f 100

lb. 0

dozen

ABLE3.

Mushrooms

Mustard & Cress

Onions

pickling

Parsley.... doz.
Parsnips

French

Be»nn. Kidney...

Beet, Red

Hrocooli

Brussels Sproats
CHbnano

bundle
..rioo

.. dozen
bundle

.l^sieve

. bunch
. »• 1 0
. d^zen
bundle
bunches
.. each
. dozen
. bunch

lb.

. buDcb
bundle
. dozen

punnet 0
bushel 0
. . qu>irt 0
bunohes 2
. dozen 0

OitpsieUDis

Cauliflower

Kidney

Radishes., doz

Rhubarb

Saleafy

Scorzonera

Seakale

Shallots

Spinach

Tomatoes

do. 8

bunches 1

tloleworts.. doE.
Cueumbrrs

bundle 0

bundle 1

. basket 1

lb. 0

Qarlio

. bushel a

Vegetable Marrows 0

January 11, 1877. )

jaua>(\L OP uosriGULCURS and cottage gardenss.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

of

Month

11

12
13
14
15
IB
17

Week.

JANUARY 11-

-17.

1877.

AveniKe 1 g,.„
Temperature near r,,„.

Snn

bel.j.

Moon

Moon
Seta.

Moon's
Age.

Cloch
before
bnn.

Pay
o(
¥e«r.

Th

r
s

Sos
M
To
W

Rorat Society at 8.S0 p.m.
Quectott lilwrosoopicali Clob

Tjoadon lostitution at 5 P.M.
Zooloj;iflftl Society at ^.30 p a
Royal Hortioultaral Sooiety-

at 8 P.M.

Day. jNisM.

41.5 ' 801
43.1 1 20.5
4:3 0 1 29.3
4U i 29 9
41.7 28.9
42.0 31 0

43.6 28 7

.Mean.
35 8
B5.8
8V2
SB.O
35 3
06 5
35.6

b. in.

8 5
8 4
8 3
8 2
8 1
8 0
8 0

b. m.
4 11
4 18
4 14

4 IS
4 18
4 19
4 21

1. ml

6 18 1

7 17

8 1
3 33

8 53

9 13
9 27

fc. ra.

0 53

1 41

2 42
S 511
5 6
S 211

7 sa

3^

2
3

"a" 21

8 44

9 7
9 29
y 50

10 11

la 31

11
12
IK
14
15
16
17

[ mittees at 11 a.m.

29.0

Trom 0

bservatioQS takcu neir Liadoadar

iag forty-threo year.-',

the average

Jay tempei-ituva of tlie vi

eek ia 43.1^; audita uigM

temperatoi'd

HORTICULTUr.E IN 1876— A EETROSPECT.

ORTICDLTORB liii which term I would
compivlitud all the various dcpartmeuts of
^iirdcciu^'l has, like everything here, its
varied scenes of prosperity and adversity,
and on looking back over another year we
have to chronicle gains and losses. In
givin?, then, my view of matters connected
with it during 1876 I do to only from my
own ttandpoiut; by no means claiming for
myself any right to do so, but at the same
time believing that I have had some facilities for forming
an opinion. It is kiiovva to the readers of '"our Jourual"
that I have every year opportunities not only of 6«c-iug
what is doing iu tho metropolis, but also in various parts
of the country, and during that now closing have visited
the west and Lortli of England, and crossed the border
into Scotland ; and as I have recoi'ded the results of these
visits from time to time, I have no intention of doing
more now than making a few general observations con-
nected with them.

I think it is very clear that if amongst the arts of peace
thei-e is one at any rate that increasingly finds favour
with all classes iu our favoured laud more than another
it is gardening ; and that if our neighbours on the Conti-
nent twit us with the low character of our schools of
painting and sculpture, with our poverty iu music and
want of taste in architecture, we may fairly take our
stand on our gardening powers and defy the world. And
this love for our gardens has suffered no diminution in
the past year. Whether one visits the stately grandeur
of Chatsworth, I)rumlauri.g, or Trenthanj, the wind-swept
garden of my friend Mr. Mackenzie at Newton Stewart, or
the densely smoke-pestered garden of good Ben Simonite
at Sheffield, it is over the same. Where princely fortunes
and grand facilities combine there is such a completeness
that one wonders what can be tho meaning of -^ Iterations
and additions, or what there is to alter or add to; while
to surmount obstacles and overcome difficulties is the
task that loving hearts and hands desire to aocomplieh
and bend their energies to effect, and I know not if real
gardening power is not displayed in the latter rather than
in the former case. Through all classes and iu all ways
this love holds good. Enterprising purveyors for novel-
ties send their collectors all over the world to rifle nature
of its treasures, and give them to us for our gardens ;
while hard-working men at home strive to increase our
pleasures by producing new varieties of flowers, frnite,
and vegetables; and if at time? they give us novelties
which are only so in name, aud improvements which are
improvements at tho wrong end — -why, wo must not set
them down as dislionest; they have looked at these
things with a parent's fondness, and have been unable to
see the defects which strangers do, and we must pardon
what we suffer in such cases for the good thoy have done
us in others.

In looking back on the past year I do not call to mind
at present anything very remarkable that will make this

No. 824.- Vol. Xxxn., New Series.

year notable in novelties ;. while of such aa have come
imder my own special obsarvation I shall hope to say
something when 1 send forward my annual '' notes from
my garden," While, however, admitting all this, I think
it becomes a question whether flower shows are increasing
in favour, 'ihe past year has been such a one with
regard to meiropolitau exhibitions as will probably never
be seen again ; they came so rapidly one after the other
that exhibitors must have been at their wit's end. Tha
Royal Botanic Society wiJl no doubt hold its usual exhi-
bitions ; and as to the Boyal Horticultural Society, I think
we may conclude that its days of grand flower shows will
be fewer, even should Mr. Wilson's plan for its resuscitatioa
be successful. The opening of the Aquarium at West-
minster, and the placing of the floral department under
tho care of Mr. J. Wills, gave an opportunity for tire in-
auguration of a series of shows which for muuiiicenoe Iq
the amount of prizes we can never expect to seo equalled.
Tho attempt to break through the ordinary arrangement
of flower shows was not very suocesslul, but better or
more extensive collections of plants and flowers have
hardly been brought together before. But this is all a
thing of the past. Ihe Alexandra Falaee, which has vied
with its sister at Sydenham in the matter of flower shows,
is shut up, after the testimony of all concerned that they
did not pay. Ihe Crystal Palaco authorities say the
same, and have in consequence out-down their sehedules
of prizes. While in the provinces there seems to bo
an increasing tendency to try and attract people by
other things ; and horae shows, dog, cat, aud poultry
shows, iireworks, and amusements of various kinds have
been added to tho more legitimate charms of music.
This is not a healthy sigo, and either indicates want of
taste or that there is so much sameness year after year
that people tire of shows. There are, it is true, some no-
table examples t j the contrary, but that this is the general
stale of things is, I fear, too true. There also seems to
be an increasing unwillingness on the part of owners of
large gardens to go in for exhibiting, and were it not
for the eserlious of professional horticulturists oven our
metropolitan shows would be meagre indeed.

I have been twitted for saying that I believe florists'
flowers are at a discount iu the south, and wliile I cheer-
fully acknowledge the attempts that are being made to
revive an interest in them, 1 am compelled to abide by
my view. I have been accused of disloyalty to the causa
for having said so. To all who know the deep and hearty
interest I have taken in florists' flowers all my life this
will seem simply an absurdity. No ! I am no more dis-
loyal to them than the ''Iron Duke " was disloyal to his
country when he stated, soma years before the Crimean
war, that our field artillery was the worst in Europe ; for
it led to that thorough reorganisation of that important
branch of our service which has made it what it is, and no
cause is served by being blind to its defects. There is one
flower tho votaries of which seem every year to increase,
and it is moro especially a southern flower, and that is
the queen of them all — " the Rose." Not an exhibition
of it is held but numbers of amateurs crowd forward to

No. 1170.— Vol. LVII., Old Sebies.

21

JODBNAL OP HORTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE QARDENEB.

t JaDuary 11, 1877.

contest the palm. It alone of all flowers can snpport a distinct
show for itself; and Maidstone, Hereford, Exeter, Chipping
Norton, Helensburgh, Newton Stewart, Birmingham, Ac, besides
the Kose shows of the Crystal Palace, Alexandra Palace, and
Aqaariam, are undeniable proofs how popular, and increasingly
popnlar, the Bose is ; and the cloeing month of the year has
witnessed the auspicious beginning of a National Rose Society,
which it is hoped may foster and still farther increase this
widespread interest.

And while speaking of gains and losses we must not omit
those personal losses which horticulture, like all other things,
has to count up as the years roll by. All who knew kind and
genial John Pearson of Chilwell will feel that he has left a blank
behind him not easily in his way filled up, and the growers of
Pelargoniums and Grapes will long cherish his memory for the
pleasure he has afforded them. Less conspicuous, but equally
loved by a large circle of his acquaintances, William Cutbush
of Barnet has passed away ; his business having been taken
up by his hearty and widely-respected brother, James Cutbush
of Highgate. The florists, too, have to lament the loss of two
well-known men in their day and generation — Richard Headly
of Stapleford, a moat successful grower and raiser, whose
name will ever be regarded by all who love the Auricula, Tulip,
Carnation, and Picotee. Headly's George Lightbody, Alderman
Wisby, Petronella, Sarah Headly, King James, Chancellor, Ao.,
all testify of his success. Practically he had been dead to the
horticultural world for some years. Nathaniel Norman of
Woolwich, too, is a name which Picotee and Pink growers
cherish. He was the raiser of Mrs. Norman, Favourite, Lord
Nelson, Mrs. Williams, and other Picotees ; and of Charles
WiUiams and other Pinks. Lastly, all have also lost, not
through death but ill-health, as a grower and exhibitor, that
most successful cultivator of the Ranunculus Mr. Carey Tysoof
WalUngford. On tho side of gains we may record the re-appear-
anoe in the arena after an absence of sixteen years a most
energetic and successful florist, Mr. E. S. Dodwell, well known
in former years for his success as a grower of Carnations and
Picotees.

Such is my retrospect. I confess the onlook does not seem
to me very hopeful, but unexpected things may turn up, and
at any rate all good gardenere know they cannot always have
sunshine. — D., Deal.

POTATO CDLTURB.

The notes under this heading on pages 403 and 510, vol.
xxxi., brief as they are, ought not to be let pass unnoticed,
because the arguments of the writers are unsound and their
deductions false and opposed to the teachings of experience.

The fallacy of the early-planting system has long been
exploded, and the fact established that frost-bitten haulm is
never so robust in its subsequent growth as that which has
sustained no check. What happens when the haulm is out-
down to the ground by frost ? Precisely the same thing as
when we nip-oH the leading shoot of any other plant — a num-
ber of lateral side shoots of moderate strength spring np in
place of the one vigorous shoot, inducing a crop of numerous
under-sized tubers iaatead of a lesser number of large tubers.
Apart from the great risk from frost which such untimely
planting entails, the condition of the soil would in most years
be unfavourable ; and even if it were tolerably dry the evil
effects of trampling upon it in midwinter, especially if at all
of a close heavy texture, would be perceptible throughout the
season.

It is just at this time of year that seed Potatoes so often
snstain irremediable iojury ; and as this is one of the primary
causes of failure, it may be well once more to describe briefly
the most important points of what may not inaptly be termed
oommon-sense Potato-culture. These points are four in num-
ber, and may be stated as — 1, The management of the seed ;
•2, The time to plant; 3, The time to take up the crop; and
4, Storage. Taking them in this order we have

1, The management of the seed. It was once thought that
seed Potatoes must be made green by exposure to light before
they were stored for the winter. How or whence the idea
arose that the tabers could derive any beneiit from this pro-
cess I am at a loss to comprehend, for it is quite cartain that
it is unnecessary either for the promotion of ripening or the
keeping of the tubers, and I fail to see how else it conld be
thought to affect them. Throw Potatoes in a heap, and whether
they are green or any other colour they will sprout ; lay them
oat thinly and they will sprout — nothing can prevent it ; but

then in the heap the sprouts growing long and weakly mast
be broken off, hence arises wasted tissue and weakly growth.
Laying thinly upon the seed shelves with the air and light
playing among them, the sprouts growing slowly are propor-
tionately stout, are not broken off, but cherished with jealous
care, and by the time they are planted are just so many small
plants crested with miniature leaves, bristling with rootlets,
and with such a reservoir of nutritious juices in the plump
tabers that they spring to the surface as if by magic, growing
with vigour and precision as though each plant were cast
in a common mould. It was a good many years ago that I
learned this lesson, but I suppose the feeling of astonishment
and of pleasure withal which was experienced when its full
importance was grasped will never be forgotten. At that
time I was, like " A Yocno Amateur," an advocate and prac-
titioner of early planting, doing all that lay in my power to
get the seed in the soil in January. I had done so, and am
afraid that I congratulated myself upon being ahead of my
neighbours when I went into a certain garden two months
afterwards and found that not a Potato had yet been planted.
Fortunately for me I had to repeat my visit a little later on,
and there were the Potatoes not only planted, but with their
shoots growing strongly well above the surface, without a
failure or break of any kind, offering a striking contrast to the
ragged appearance and weakly growth of my mismanaged beds.
Before I left that garden I learnt more about Potato culture in
one half-hour than I had done in all my previous experience,
and ever since then I have applied to practice the lesson so
fortunately learnt.

2, The time to plant. This should in all cases be ruled by
the weather and condition of the soil. Very calmly and con-
fidently can we now await a favourable time, a glance at car
seed shelves showing us that our seed tubers selected and
laid on end in single layers at the time of lifting are slowly
yet most surely making such progress that of the two we would
prefer planting at the end rather than the beginning of March,
not much oaring if wo have to wait till April, for we know
that once in the soil growth will be eo strong, rapid, and cer-
tain as to lead to early maturity and an abundant crop, which
we will not subject to the slightest injury by exposing any part
of the growth to the influence of late frosts.

3, The time to take up the crop. This is undoubtedly the
most important point of all, for upon it success or failure
depends in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred. You may have
the best soil, carefully prepared seed thoroughly well planted
and cultivated, and yet a fine crop will be spoilt and all your
labour lost by a single blunder in the lifting. I have repeat-
edly called attention to the importance of this matter in the
pages of the Journal, and yet, to my very great regret, I find
no general improvement taking place. Lift jour crop the
moment growth ceases, and you will save every tuber. Is not
that plain teaching? Who is there so obtuse as to be unable
to comprehend this ? Do you wish to avoid the blight and
preserve the entire crop? Well, you can do so ; at any rate, I
am able to do so year after year, auJ I possess no special
advantages (rather the reverse), and therefore I fail to under-
stand why everyone else cannot do the same. All that is
necessary is simply to watch the growth of the haulm closely,
and so soon as you are convinced that it has stopped you have
nothing to do hot to dig up the tubers and convey them to
the storage without the loss of a single day. " What !" you will
say ; " dig up the Potatoes while the haulm is green and the
tubers unripe ?" Yep, I answer ; that is precisely what I want
to persuade you to do. I know it ia a stumbling-block diflioult
to get over, because it is so different to the old easy-going
method of letting the haulm decay and the crop remain in

i the soil till late in autumn ; but I hope to convince you that it
1 is worthy of adoption for every reason, and to this end I can-
not do better than explain its beneficial effects as realised in
my own practice. In doing so I can write with confidence, for
I am telling no new thing, describing no novelty, advocating
no rash or untried theory. Six years ago I urged upon the
public the importance of early lifting, and subsequent experi-
ence has proved that I was right. In the year which has just
passed away the main crop ceased its legitimate growth some-
what sooner than usual, so that I was able to begin lifting on
the 10th of August, and to finish on the loth. It was glorious
weather, bat intensely hot. The soil was so warm and dry
that the tubers were literally thrown into the sacks " all hot."
The crop was a flue and most abundant one, without a trace of
blight or a blemish of any kind ; so that while our neighbours
are all complaining of the ravages of the blight (many of them

Juiaary 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTOBE AND OOITAGE GARDENER.

25

have lost quite two-thirds of a really fine crop), we revel ia
abnndanoe of sound tubers. Why ? Not because peculiar ad-
vantages of cUmate, soil, or cultural skill are found here, but
simply because timely lifting is practised.

Never was there a more favourable season for the lifting
than that of last year, and yet it was lost. The fine hot dry
weather departed, the usual rainy season set in, second growth
followed in the haulm, the tubers became changed into seed
and put forth an abortive crop of other tubers, blight followed,
and then arose the outcry at the severe but not unmerited
loss. Why will not good people help themaolves a little, and
avoid an evil when it is in their power to do so ? All that is
wanted is a Uttle care, energy, and forethought. Only resolve
to save the crop if it is possible, and little difficulties will
easily be overcome ; and this brings me to my last point —
sometimes made a difficulty of.

4, The storage. A short time ago when explaining the
beneficial results of early lifting to a gentleman having the
management of several large estates in the south of Ireland, I
was asked, "How about the storage? Starting from the
admitted fact that most of our people are without storehouses
or sheds of any kind, how can the Potatoes be stored so as to
avoid injury from the excessive sweating or heating to which
they would be liable when lifted in an immature condition ?"
I replied, that the storage might be a difficulty, bat it was not
insuperable, far from it. Given a field of Potatoes, a tree or
two, and a bog covered with Heather, and it seemed to me
that I had everything ready to my hands. In a corner of the
field I would make a pit, taking care to surround it with an
open drain to carry oS water ; from the trees I would cut poles
to make a roof to be thatched with Heather brought from the
bog, and I should have an excellent storehouse quite dry and
impervious to frost. I quote this partioalar case as it is an
extreme one, my object being to show that there is no difficulty
in this respect which might not be oveicome by adapting our
plans to existing circumstances. Of course everybody would
like to have a storehouse replete with shelves and every con-
venience, but the want of such desiderata ought not to hinder
the practice of early lifting, nor can I suppose a case in which
the method of culture once more set forth might not be
followed. If such a case is supposed to exist I invite dis-
cussion in the pages of the Journal for the general good. Tell
US your difficulties and let us see if we cannot find a remedy. —
Edwabd LucKHuasi.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR NON-EXHIBITORS.

There have lately appeared in the Journal some excellent
articles on growing Chrysanthemums, chiefly addressed to
those who wish to grow them for exhibition. There is, how-
ever, another and larger section of the community who would
like to grow Chryeantbomuma, bat hesitate to do eo on account
of the expense incurred to grow them as they are grown for
exhibition, and it is to those I wish to address these remarks.

Growers for exhibition recommend the cuttings to be put-in
in November. Whether thi3 is absolutely necessary I am not
in a position to decide, as I have had no experience iu the
matter ; but this much I can say, that for growing for home
decoration November is quite four months too early to strike
the cuttings, and if very large plants are not required the last
week in May is not too late. This will give time for the plants
to fill 8 to 10-inch pot?, and with twice stopping (which must
be performed as soon as there is anything to stop) they will
make very fair specimens, requiring no training beyond four or
five small stakes and a little matting or twine ; and the large-
flowering section, if disbudded as soon as possible to a single
flower on a stem, will produce from ten to twenty flowers, per-
'fect in form and large as Dahlias. Plants of this stamp are
much more useful for general decorative purposes than those
which are much larger, and the expense of growing them is
probably not a tenth.

Cuttings may be inserted under hand-lights any time between
March and June, potted-oS singly as soon as struck, placed
under hand-lights or in a cold frame again for three or four
•iays, and then gradually inured to the weather, by which time,
•eay in about three weeks or a month from the time the cuttings
are put in, they should be potted into their blooming pots and
placed outside, where they may remain till the blooms are
.partially expanded. In the absence of a glass house or pit
they would expand very fairly in a cottage window, but light
and shelter from rain and wind are absolutely necessary at this
atago if clean and perfect flowers are required.

This treatment also suits the eccentric-looking Japanese
varieties, amongst which I think Pair Maid of Guernsey the
most beautiful of all Chrysanthemums. Of course florists
would not agree to this, but there is no reason why they
should have it all their own way.

Many of the Pompons in a mild autumn will flower very
fairly outside, or placed where they can be merely sheltered
from frost by boards or canvas, the wet not hurting them as it
does the large-flowering kinds ; but the Anemone-flowered
section is much improved by glass.

Disbudding and watering should be attended to in the same
way as is directed to be done when growing for exhibition,
but the training is altogether different ; the shoots are never
turned back or twisted, but are allowed to grow in a more
natural manner, and as the plants are grown so quickly and
are never stunted, insects and mildew are generally unknown.
Should it, however, be necessary to apply sulphur, it is beat to
mix it with water and apply it with a syringe. — Wm. Taylok.

THE RUSSIAN TRANSPARENT APPLE.
Having received through the Editors of the Journal of Horti-
culture many inquiries relative to obtaining trees or grafts of
the above valuable Apple, I regret that I am unaware that
trees can be obtained from any nursery. I am cognisant that
trees are purchasable under the names of White Transparent,
Transparent Codlin, &c., and I know of many which have been
bought under these names, but iu no instance have they
proved identical or of equal value with the real Russian va-
riety. In order, as far as possible, to accommodate those re-
quiring this Apple, I have communicated with a cottager in
my native village with a view to purchasing grafts for dis-
tribution. Grafts, he informs me, are scarce, for even during
the past season, when almost all other trees were barren, the
BuEsian Transparents were so heavily laden with fruit that
very little young wood has been made. He is willing, how-
ever, to send what grafts he has, and purchase others which
both he and myself know to be genuine. I have offered to
give sixpence each for grafts, and I am willing to distribute
them at the same price, with the addition of two penny
stamps per dozen grafts to pay postage. I will guarantee
that the grafts are true to name, but beyond that I incur no
responsibility, and cannot entertain any complaints as to their
size, either as being too large or too small. As a matter of con-
venience the whole of the grafts will be sent to Mr. Wright,
41, Ashbury Koad, Shaftesbury Park, London, S.W., who has
kindly consented to distribute them (on receiving stamps) until
the small supply is exhausted. As I have nothing to gain by
this arrrangement, my only object being to extend the culti-
vation of one of the most useful of Apples, the Editors will
perhaps permit this announcement being made in their columns.
The grafts will be posted iu the same rotation iu which applica-
tions are received, and stamps will be returned in full whea
grafts can be no longer supplied. — J., Lincolnshire.

ROSES ON POOR SOIL.

A coERESPONDENT fpage 8) asks for information concerning
Roses which are to be grown in poor sandy soils and in a
smoky atmosphere. He gives a list of the Roses which he has
found answer in smoky neighbourhoods, but does not say any-
thing of those he has tried on very sandy soil.

I do not think it is possible for anyone to have a worse soil
for Rose cultivation than I have. Some years back I sent a
sample to the Editors of the " Rose Journal," and they for-
warded it to the Rev. C. P. Peach, who described it as the very
worst he had ever seen. I also sent a hamperful of this
miserable apology for soil to Mr. Rivers of Sawbridgeworth,
who promised me to try what he could do with it. He potted
some Roses in it, but his foreman when repotting forgot to
leave those alone that were iu my soil, so when I went to
Sawbridgeworth I could learn nothing of the experiment.

My soil is mostly greensand and flinty gravel, which the
people in Dorset call " ridscript." It certainly is the worst
stuff 1 have ever seen. " Hercules " used to laugh at ma
when I spoke of my soil being bad. "What! Amanshowlike
you do, and then to pretend that he has a bad soil ! — it is simply
ridiculous." After a time, however, he came to see me and
walked all round my place, his eyes here, there, and every-
where, never saying a word. Suddenly he halted and said,
" Now I see that you have iniieed a bad soil."

The question then arises, How with such a soil did I contrive

JOURNAL OF HOETICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ Jannary 11, 1877.

to show at all ? Well, at tirst in tie hottest time of my ycuth
and when the Kose fever had its strocgest hold on me, I re-
moved the soil to the depth of 2 to 3 feet. Yes, and wheeled
it away and bronght the top spit cf Rraas, not from meadows,
for no one dare let me have that, but from the tides of roads.
I mixed this with manue, and the Eoses did splendidly.
These were raostly on the Briar, plants purchased from the
great nurserymen, and the year alter I made the beds I showed
in two classes (thiriy-tix and twenty-four) at the Cryttal Pulaoe
(my ch'hiit there), r.nd I was placed first in each class. Afttr a
year or two, however, ihis soil became a little stal*, and I
found I could not afton! to make Bose soil at the cost of about
£1 for each fquare y.".!.!, to I was obliged to thiLk of soma
expedient.

I had never given the Manelti a trial, and as many fiienda
advised me that Eoe£s would grow anywhere and in anything
(Mr. W. F. Eadclyfi'e asterting that they would grow even in
brickdust), I bought a lot and tried them in a field of the very
poorest soil in this poor county. Every plant died, and I
was that year dependant upon the standards which were grow-
ing in the prepared Eoil for my show blcoms. Still I was
determined to try (he eoil sgain, but this time I selected an
old pasture which forms a part of my glebe. It faces the
south and has a low kitchen-garden wall at (he ba:k. I cul-
tivated this and dressed it with pig manure, ard I certainly
expected to do something there. But last year I was very un-
fortunate. The plants grew uncommonly well and gave great
promise of bloom, when one night in May a neighbour's sheep
broke into it and ato all my yourg shoots, and put me bcek at
least a month, and so niado me too late again for the shows,
and so I had once more to depend mostly on standards in pre-
pared soil. This year I hope io have no such bad Inck and to
do something with these plants. I should stror gly advise
your correspondent to remove the F.oil if he only wants to
grow a few Eoses. If, however, he aspires to hnudreds or
thousands let him buy up all the road drift or pay some farmer
to let him remove the grass at the sides of the lanes, mix this
with manure, lay it on the sandy soil, trench deep, and plant.
A certain amount of sand suits the Manetti very well.

During the summer I should certainly advise him to water
both the roots and the foliage, for these hot sandy soils re-
quire a great deal of moisture. If be does this I think he
will find that he can grow good Eoses even in sand. — Wild
Savage.

I SHOULD lite to supplement " Sand Hill's " list of Eoses
by adding a few which hare done well upon a sandy soil in the
neighbcurhood of one of cur large manufacturing towns
(Manchester). They are — Alfred Colomb, Boule de Neige,
Charles Lefebvre, Dupuy Jamain, La France, Marie Baumanu,
Madame Victor Verdier, Paul Neron, Princess Mary of Cam-
bridge, and Senateur Vaisse. I could mention many others
which will grow and bloom with more or less snccese. But
in Teas, in addition to Gloire de Dijon, Belle Lyounaise and
Homer are the only two which do any good without protection.

While writing about Eo?es I should like to ask if there are
two varieties of Gloiie de Dijon ? Messrs. Cranston & Moyos
sent me some plants last season which are quite different from
any I have ever eeea, the young wood being of a deep red
colour, very tine foliage, end the blooms are tmall but of a
beautiful deep salmon colour. I have been told by a friend
that there is a kind known as the red-wooded Gloire. What
do the roearians s?y ?— J. B.

JAPANESE CHK\'SANTHEMUMS.
I HAVE read with much pleasure the remaiks of Mr. Moorman
upon the Japanese Chrysanthemum?, which I am pleased to
see are gaining favour, and will cc nie into general cultivation
for their usefulness as decorative plants. Uy object in penning
these few remaiks is for the infoimation of your ablo corre-
spondent and other readers of this Journal, that the Japanese
varieties can be grown into specimens in any trained form the
cnltivator may require for home or exhibition purposes. I
will name a few that will make specimens which may be relied
upon, as I have grown (hem, and which have been 6tng(d on
the exhibition table and won the approval of Mr. Nawton from
the Inner Temple Gardens, London, who was a Judge at the
Liverpool Chrysanthemum and Fruit Show. The first seven
below have been grown into fpecimens, mushroom shape,
3,Uet over — James .Suiter, Ked Dragon, Comet, Eiidue, Yeitdo
Lilac,|Hero oI'Msgdalo, and Ecstum Album. Fair Maid of

Guernsey, one of the best, will make a specimen. The follow-
ing I have grown, but they are too stiff growers to make good-
shaped plants — Dr. Masters, Wizard, Tasselltd Yellow, Eegalia,
Eobert Fortune, Auratum, Prince Satsuma, Nngasaki, The
Daimio, The Mikado, and Bronze Dragon. — W. Biggs,| Sand-
field Park.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS.

A GARDEiJER to be sucoosstul must be prepared for all emer-
gencies, and especially must he havo a full supply of the staple
vegetables at their several periods cf uso. An unusually hot
and dry summer has been followed by an unusaal scarcity of
Brussels Sprouts. The late planting of other greens, and the
prolonged autumn, have resulted in a tolerably good supply of
produce, but late-planted Biussels Sprouts have proved, as
such planting always must prove, a failure.

For the production of " Sprouts " in great quantities and of
the fiist quality a long season of growth is essential. In
order to ensure this, and to have a supply of this esteemed
vegetable as early as possible and irrespective of the seasor,
I have for many years raised plants similarly to raising Cauli-
flower plants — that is, sowing the seed early in September and
wintering the plants in frames, and sowing again iu January
in boxee, snd transplanting the plants in a sheltered place to
ba ready for final planting in April or May. I have many
times — indeed every year — found the advantage of that prsc-
tice, but never more so than after hot and dry summers.

Autumn-sown Cauhflower plants are now fully too early.
It has been impossible to prevent them from growing too freely,
and theiG is a danger of many of them " buttoning." This
emergency must be provided against by now sowing a pinch oi
seed under glass, and let me advise that a little seed cf Brussels
Sprcuta be sown at the same time. It should be sown very
thinly— I mean that the seeds should not be nearer than a.
quarter of an inch from each other ; the plants will then come
up sturdily, and will not damp-cff as they c'o when town thickly.
Tbe seed pans or boxes should be placed in a very light honso
or frame from whence frost is excluded. When the plants
show their primary leaves they should be pricked out in other
boxes. About March they will be stout plants ready for being
planted at wider distances near a wall or other place where-
they c;in be sheltered with a spare frame-light, hand-lights, or
mats. They will be of full planting size iu May, and are cer-
tain to produce a valuatle crop of Sprouts early in antnmn.
No more trouble is incurred in raising a hundred or more of
these plants than in raising Stocks, Asters, or Lobelias, snd
the vegetables will bo of far more value in due time than the
flowers, more serviceable and more appreciated. In produeing
the best possible supply of Bvussela Sprouts in the autumn
and throughout the winter, the plants cannot be raised too
early in the spring. I recommend, therefore, that a portion at
least should be raised under glass in tbo manner described,
and they will produce a crop which cannot fail to be extromely
useful let the season be of whatever nature it may. — Maekbt-
Gaedekee.

TRAINING VINES— LATE-HANGING GEAPES.

The observations and suggestions by " A Noeidees Gae-
DENER " upon training Vines at page 549 of the Journal of
the 28lh of December, are most instructive. I never could
conceive any common stnao iu growing Vine rods like broom-
sticks, denuded of branches and foliage, contrary to the natural
habit of the Grape Vine itself. Of course there is a medium
" 'twixt wild luxuriance and stinted growth," and that is a
moderate extension by which fruit, leafage, and wood bear
relative propoitions, and thus preserve the health and sym-
metry of the parent stock, or Vine. Imagine the distortion of
Vines, thickened iu their upper length of rod, and spindle-
shanked at the base of the bole, or with pot-bellies and drum-
stick legs. How can the circulation of the sap be equal and
regular so as to feed branch, twig, leaf, and fruit alike of such
Vines ? The question is aimply that of pruning and training,
as " A NoETHEKN Gaedeneb " evidently has perceived. I will
relate my own experience,

A few years ago I erected a new vinery some 'J5 feet long by
18 feet wide, the front lights of which I had constiucted nearly
0 feet high from the border to the eaves of the roof lights,
thus forming a glazed frontage on each side of the vinery,
along which wires were drawn from end to end horizontally,
the wires of the loof lights being alto drawn across the house,
and not perpendicularly as is utual. My object was the

Janaary 11, 1877. J

JOURNA.L OF HORTIOCLTURB AND COTTAGE GAUDKNER.

formation of a wired trellis np the front and roof lights upon
which to train Vine branchlets, Eomewhat lilca a garden wall-
fruit tree of pyramidal shape, broad at the bottom and gradn-
ally tapering upwards uiitil at the top of the Vines spurs or
twigs only grow. My Vines were planted and trained ac-
cordingly, and need it bs said have grown as a tree onglit to
do, stout in the stems and branched as pyramids from bottom
to top, each branch being allowed to carry three, two, and one
hunch of frnit ae its length and strength mny indicate suffi-
cient. The Vines are planted 5 feet apart, thuu having 2 feet
6 inches branch space on each side of every Vine. Ttie wood
is clear nut-brown, and the eyes stand out like po many horse
beans on the branchlets, which I shorten-back to about six,
four, and three to two eyes, progressively upwards when
pruned. Laterals are stopped as is usual, but not at less than
two, three, or four leaves beyond the fruit, or if not a fruit
lateral, four to five leaves from thoir base, jnst as fancy may
incline for ontUne and necessary foliage. This system appears
to answer my purpose, that of a medium fstoaeion. The
frnit along the front lights from the Buu'd rays beiog more
oblique there than upon the roof lights, is not so highly
finished as under the latter lights, yet is large and plump and
fnll-flavoured. I am only an amateur growing halt a score of
Vines, and copying Dame Niiture; but I have no doubt that
this copy under ''A Nobthekn Gaedenee's " hands would
prove a BUC3es3, perhaps initiate a new era in Vino culture.

Tour correspondent S. M. L. Cakin, at page .557, may try
Duchess of Buccleuch, or Graham's Muscat Muscadine, or
Chasselaa Mueqne de Silhry (Golden Frontiguan), the last
one of Mr. Kivers's choice Vines, as a white or yellow Grape,
and better graft or inarch, &e., than plant a young Vine: so,
I think, Mr. W. Thomson, author of " The Grape Vine," recom-
mends.

Very likely the Lady Downe's and White Frontiguan Grapes
have shrivelled for lack of moisture or nutriment in an inside
border not mulched with horse manure, or fed with manure
water sufBoiently. Vine roots aro the bettor for a run into an
outside border for air and rain in proper season. — Keadek.

WELLINGTONIAS.

The inquiry of " What is the height and circumference of
the outside branches of the largest Wellingfonia ?" ought to
evoke some interesting commuuioations on the rapid growth
of this remarkable mammoth tree, for its introduction to this
country is of so recent a dats that there cannot ba any trees
planted that are past the memory of the present generation.

When I was in the gardens of Poltimoro Park during the
years of 1861-5 there were growing in these princely grounds
two Wellingtonias. The heights of these trees were not less
than .SO feet — they might have been more, and were looked
upon as remarkably fine and well-furnished spncimeus. One
of them by some cause lost its leader, when the topmost shoot
was tied upright to a stick, and when on a visit to Poltimore
last autumn the leader was in no ways wanting; in fact the
tree referred to was the better-grown spscimen of the two, and
I could not help admiring the symmetry and stateliness of
both; and I made a note iu my pocket-book at the time—
*' CO feet or over." I had no means of asoertainisg their exact
heights. My impression was that they would po'sibly measure
70 feet in height, or even more. They aro perfect specimens
and well furnished to the ground ; but it appeared to me that,
owing to the excessive drought of the pist summer, they had,
in common with other trees, made less growth than usual, yet
receiving no iujury.

I have read somewhere that the raising of plants from part of
the first introduction of the Welliugtonia seed was at the late Mr.
Yeitch's Exeter Nursery. This being so, and Lord Poltimore's
grounds being in cloEe proximity to thesp nurseries, and in
which grounds all choice and rare Coniferm found a good home,
I think it more than probable the specimens alluded to were
■of the first batch of plants raised and planted in bis lordship's
gardens by the late Mr. Manning, who was for more than
twenty years gardener there.

I have been told that the discovery of the first germination
of seed ia Mr. Veitch's Ei^-tor Nursery was on a Christmas
day, and that the first Welliogtoaia planted out in this country
was near the rockery iu these nurseries under the direction of
the grandfather of the present representatives of this firm.
Whether this specimen ii still to be found there I am unable
to say. Perhaps some of your Exeter correspondents can
supply this information. Although this might have been the

first tree planted out in this country, it is not therefore neces-
sary it must be the largest or tallest, as different soils may
make a difference in growth, a cool clayey bottom apparently
sniting the Wellingtonia beet.

I hope shortly to be able to give fuller information of these
trees, as also several other fine specimen Conifeife which adorn
the noble grounds of Poltimore. — J. W. Moorman.

Ik ansv/sr to your correspondent we have here eome fine
Bpeoimcns of the Wellingtonia gigantea. The finest is over
50 feet high and 90 in circumferecce, and 12 feet 4 inches in
girth of the trunk.

I have enclosed a seed of the Araucaria imbrieata, of which
I have several seeds. Cau you inform me if it is usual for the
above tree to bear seed to perfection in this country ? We
have trees here which have coned for several years. One tree
is showing at this present time a hundred blooms. — Edwaed

COVENEY.

[Trees at Strathfieldsaye have conod freely for several years.
Mr. Gordon ia his " Pinetum" says that the seeds ripen at
the end of March. — Ens ]

VENN'S BLACK MUSCAT AND DUKE OF
BUCCLEUCH GRAPES.

" An Aspibinc. Amateur " (see page 553 of last volume)
will do well to keep his aspirations in check iu the matter of
Venn's Black Muscat Grape; at least he should not aspire (o
plant it as a late Grape, for moot assuredly it does not belong
to that class. We have here three sturdy Vines of it, two of
which have borne good fruit, the last having been sent to table
early iu December, but very badly shrivelled. Indeed the
fruit began shrivelling before I thought it ripe; and this could
not have been owing to bad treatment, as other kinds, such as
Gros Oilman, Burchardt's Princo, Trebbiano, Mrs. Pinoe, and
Gros Guillaume, growing in the same house and border, were
in every way good, and kept quite plump and fresh to the last.
Venn's Muscat is a free grower and fruiter, a rather shy setter,
but of the most exquisite flavour; and from my first season's
experience of it I should say that it is best adapted for plant-
ing in an early house, but amateurs of limited experience had
better have nothing to do with it.

Duke of Biicclfiich. — This was also fruited in the same house,
and was ripe at least a week before Venn's Black Muscat, BO
that I am inclined to set the Dake down as the earliest Grape
in commerce. The frnit was every way maguifioeat, some of
the bsriias measuring over '1 inches in circumference; but it
will not keep— at least it did not with me — more than three
weeks after being fully ripe. So that this also must be classed
as not adapted for an amateur, but it is the Grape for a market
grower who is certain of a customer the moment the fruit is
ripe. I may add, that though evidently it is a near relative
of Golden Champion, it possesses a better constitution and is
not liable to bo affected with spot ; fit least it was not so here,
as Golden Champion always was.— W. Wildsmith, lleckfield.

In reply to " An Aspiriiio AiiATEnK," I bought a Vine of
" the Duko " when it firtt came out, and planted it in a vinery
iu which there are eleven other Vines. The first season I did
not expect a Grape. The Vine was pruned at the usual time, and
I sent the top to a friend as something special, and he raised
from it two strong canes. The following spring aiy Vine brofie
strongly, but not a Grape was pio.iuced. In the summer I
called on my friend and inquired alter the Du'ko, and there
saw the two canes which had been forced with several others
for first crop, but not a Grape was on either rod. We agreed
to grow it on. The new wood was shortened to four eyes. It
broke very strongly last spriug, but did not show a single
bunch. In July I again called on my friend to inquire of his
success with the Duke, and his answer was, "Not a Grape,
and I have turned it out." I allowed the two leading rods to
grow, and in the autumn one was shortened to three eyes and
the other was cut back to the last plump eye, leaving about
5 feet of well-ripened wood. I have again started the house,
with what, result I wait to learn. I find that the Dake requires
slightly shadiug, as the sun scalds or burns its leaves. — Geo.
W.'Gbeenhill, WhiH House, Afliford, Kent.

"An Aspiring Amateur" asks for experience on the Pake
of Buccleuch Vine. I have not had much personal experience
with the Duke, but I have seen it as grosn at Clovenfords.

JOURNAL OP HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 11, 1877.

From what I have seen there, and from what I grew of it last
BeasoD, I would say Plant a Vine of the Duke, as I am con-
fident it is one of the finest Grapes for invalids in cultivation.
Its large berries, few seeds, and delicate flavour makes it suit-
able for that purpoee. I may add that it kept plump with me
three months after being ripe, which is another recommend-
ation.— James Dickson.

SELECT VEGETABLES FOR SMALL GAEDENS.

"A Kitchen Gakdkner" has rendered a service to many
amateurs in publishing such an useful list of vegetables as that
on page S. It is a reliable list, for the vegetables named are
sorts of proved worth. Bat little room is left for criticism
with a view of making the list still more perfect, and what I
have to say will be directed solely with that objeot in view.

In the list is one important omission, only two varieties
of Broccoli are named — namely. Snow's Winter White and
Walcheren, and the latter is more a Cauliflower than a Broccoli';
in fact as a Broccoli it is of no service, but as a Cauliflower it
is valuable. The list, therefore, contains only one real Broc-
coli, which is generally in use during December and January,
sometimes lasting into February. Yet Brocoolis must be had
throughout March, April, and May. Three varieties which, if
obtained true, will produce heads throughout that period are
Adams' Early White, Wilcove Late White, and Cattell's
Eclipse, which follow in the order named. Other varieties will
also come into use during the same period. These I will not
name, but will give advice that may be more serviceable.
Every seedsman or firm of reputation pay special attention to
some few varieties of vegetables — pinning, as it were, their
faith on the excellence of such varieties. Consult, therefore,
the catalogue of your seedsman, and select for the seasons
required such Broocolis which are specially recommended for
those seasons. Probably you will obtain varieties, under what-
ever name, which have been selected from the three I have
named, or from others equally good, and you will be satisfied ;
but to order the veritable three you may not obtain the exact
varieties which I mean. Does anyone whisper " dishonesty ?"
He need not do so. Dishonest seedsmen cannot long flourish
now-a-days. The fact is Broccolia to preserve them pure
require special care, and it amounts to an impossibility that
anyone can give that care to every variety in cultivation :
hence each grower selects a few which he can emphatically
recommend, knowing that particular care has been exercised
in the selection of the stocks and the growth of the seed. But
to make doubly sure of a crop so important as Broccolis it is
advisable to procure small packets of seed of six sorts rather
than large packets of three sorts. There is such a confusion
in the nomenclature of Broccolis that it is far more diffioult to
advise a selection than in dealing with Peas and Beans. Per-
haps that is the reason wby " A Kitchen Gabdener" left late
Broccolis out of his list.

I would say a word on Snow's Winter White Broccoli. It
is one of the most important and valuable of early vegetables,
and gives more satisfaction and causes more disappoiulment
than almost any other — satisfaction when it produces heads,
as it should do, in midwinter ; disappointment when it does
not " throw up " until spring. If there is one vegetable more
than another to which the warning may be applied " Beware
of cheap seed," it is to this Broccoli. If ever I see it offered
at less than 2.s-. an ounce I regard the price as a " danger
signal." The cheapest way is to give an additional price for
a guaranteed packet. It is one of the vegetables worth buying
true or not at all.

I will now turn to Cauliflowers. " A Kitchen Gabdener "
recommends Early London as being the earliest. It is not so.
Early Erfurt, or selections from it sold as Dwarf Mammoth by
the principal EngUsh seedsmen, is in my experience the first
and the best of early Cauliflowers. I have bad feed direct
from Erfurt, alEO seed of Dwarf Mammoth and Early London
from English firms, and my verdict is as above given. By
sowing Dwarf Mammoth and Walcheren in September and
again as required in the spring, also one good Eowing cf Veitch's
Antnmn Giant in April, Canlillowers may be had over as long
a period as they are obtainable. Walcheren resists drought
better than does Early London, and better than either does
Autumn Giant.

The next omission to refer to is the " Winter Greens," or
Kales. These are indispensable in every kitchen garden. I
do not hesitate to say that the best and most useful of all is
Cottager's Kale — the beet in quality, the most productive, and

the most hardy. I have known all others killed by frost, also
all Cabbages, Savoys, and Brussels Sprouts, while Cottagers'
Kale was uninjured. That was in 1800, when the thermometer
was 6° below zero. I have ever since grown Cottagers' Kale,
and shall continue doing so as long as I am accountable for
the vegetable supply of a garden. The Dwarf, or Tall Curled
Scotch Kale, is also valuable, and Buda Kale is useful for its
lateness. For sowing at the same time as the above for winter
use Conve Tronchuda is a delicious vegetable. It is also as
hardy as Savoys, the best of which are Tom Thumb or Early
TJlm and Dwarf Green Curled. There is one other vegetable
which should be named with every seed order however email —
Kosette Colewort. Seed of this sown at the end of June or
early in July wUl produce plants for planting closely together
in vacant ground, and which will yield a supply of " Wintei
Greens " of the first quality. — An Old Hand.

EXHIBITING EXOTIC FERNS.

Having been sent for to this island (Isle of Man) for a six-
weeks supervision by my doctor, a source of rejoicing to me
is that my old favourite crotchet Ferns crops up ; and as I havB
not been writing about them for a considerable time, let me
hope that those notes may prove of utility to some young, or
perhaps inexperienced, exhibitor, and it so the pains bestowed
on their composition is at once more than repaid.

But first I would atk. How is it that this, to my thinking,
exquisite tribe of plants ia so sparingly exhibited by amateurs ;
and when staged, why are the specimens, with comparatively
few exceptions, so very second-rate ? My own idea is that
societies do not encourage them enough in their schedules. I
have heard people say, "Anybody can grow Ferns; they are
as easy as A B C." My own experience leads me to a con-
trary conclufion altogether; and indeed if their cultivation ia
Eo fimple, how comes it that I rarely find my favourites at any
show displajiog the perfection of high cultivation, discrimina-
tion in selection, and last though not least, in point of staging
without a fault?

I do not propose now to touch upon the cultivation of Feme,
but to treat them purely as exhibition plants. I could say a
word or two upon the queer way in which I see them judged here
and there, but not now. Most good judges cf stove and green-
house plants think, no doubt, that they are quite competent to
judge Ferns. I entirely disagree, however, with any such
notion. To enable any man to judge Ferns without the rea-
sonable danger of making mistakes he ought to be thoroughly
conversant with the not unlrequent intricacies in their culti-
vation, and also with their comparative rarity or otherwise in
this country. Judging them, as is often the case, merely by
their tout cnscnil/le ia entirely wrong. Every point (I mean con-
dition, which is high cultivation, quality, equality, and 80 on)
for and against each individual plant should be minutely con-
sidered and weighed, and then the sum total made up.

One rarely sees now in the schedules of any society mor&
than one group provided for of six, eight, or nine plants at the
outside (stove and greenhouse plants and Orchids we often find
in tens, twelves, sixteens, and twenties). We need to have a
class for twelve at the Provincial Royal, and a silver medal was
awarded, together with the money, to the gainer of the first
prize ; but just now such things are numbered with the past,
not, I hope, for ever.

In my opinion at every show claiming to hold a high posi-
tion one group of twelve or more Ferns should always be pro-
vided for, with, of course, others of say six or eight; and I
would preclude exhibitors from either entering for or com-
peting in more than one class, as by that prudent course you
give to others the chance of winning a first or second prize,
and I know there are many would-be exhibitors who calculate
beforehand that at this or that show " Mr. Smith and Mr.
Jones are always first and second ;" so others can only at the
best be third, or not even that, and so, quite difoonraged,
they leave the plants at home, not relishing what by them is
coneidcred a diecreditable position in the prize list. Now, I
would far rather be a good third at a fine show than a bad first
at a second-rate one with nothing below me worth defeating ;
for where is the honour in the last-mentioned case ? If, how-
ever, a further chance were provided in the Ehape of another
group of six or eight, and if (as I contend should always be
done) exhibitors were precluded from enteiing for or competing
iu both, probably several young, or it may be entirely fresh,
aspirants for fame eagerly enter the lists, and the result is a.
lively, keen, and much-to-be-desircd competition.

.tanuarj H. 1877.

JOOBNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE ANli OOTTAGS GAEDEKEB.

2S

Again, much monopoly is a great evil. This I have long [
felt to be trno; it dispirits and scares away many exhibitors,
and perhaps if a handicap could satisfactorily be dovieed that '
improved resnlte wonld be obtained. I

I am not a great advocate for mixing Tree and other exotic
Ferns together at ehows, beeauee I consider it is wiser to have
the former exhibited by themselves ; and when we see, as wo
often do, three or four monster specimens with long stems put
up in groups of fix, eight, or nine, it is not easy to find others
of equal proportions to go along with them, and eo sometimes
a very incongruous and extremely uneven lot is staged — giants
and dwarfs in close company ! Take as one example a fine
PicUsonia antarctici, with a (J-foet stem and a h?ad perhaps
V2 or 14 feet in diameter, and a Todea superba not more than
3 fret over and a few inches high only from the top of the pot.
Tree Ferns are noble and magniticent objects, very stately
and imposing. That I readily admit, for I grow many of them ;
but from the comparative ease of cultivating them they would
not weigh much with me were I judging, and I should certainly
award the palm to a tine group of eight or nine evenly-matched
specimens, distinct in species (not merely in variety), highly
cultivated, fresh, bright, vigorous, and healthy, the perfection
of good staging (a point sadly neglected by many now-a-days)
in preference to another, though much larger, composed of
enormous Tree Ferns and Gleichenias. Give us one good
large group, at any rate, limited to one plant of each spe-
cies, and the overwhelming advantage at present enjoyed by
those who, like myself for instance, revel in a lot of fine
Gleichenias, those invincible XeUon-like heroes to a judge's
eye wonld be, most properly, done awny with. I once aeked an
old juilge how many Gleichenias I ought to put in a group of
eight Ferns. " How many V" said he. " Why eight, of course,
if you have thei::.'' Now I had them, fine plants, distinct
species too. What a wonderful sight they would have been ;
they were every one pictures of health and beauty ; but yet I
dare not stage them, and if I had done so, greatly as they
might have been stared at and admired, it is more than doubt-
ful whether they would have been placed first, though perhaps
worthy of even the Liudley medal.

Let me here name twelve exotic Ferns to the notice of some
young exhibitor, which I toneider a first-rate selection, and
which, if staged thoroughly up to the mark and of goodly pro-
portions, would be, I am bold to say, nearly invincible. Each
is a distinct species, and the monster Tree Ftrns are left out.
Gleicheuia rupestris, Cibotium Sobiedei (not a Tree Fern), Da-
vallia Mooreana, Adiantum Furleyeuse, Todea superba, Erainea
insignis, Platycerium grande, Lomaria zamiit-folia or cjcadie-
folia, Leucostegia immersa, Cheilanthes elegans, Goniophle-
bium Bubauricuiatum, and I'teris eerrulata major maguifica —
a truly goodly company, gerus of the aristucracy. The last-
named ie a Fern hardly known, yet richly deserving the title
" magnifica," so broadly and superbly ia it crested. My own
plant is some -t to 5 feet high and as much in diameter, and
ia a beautiful object just now, as handsome and graceful as
need be ; it ia bound to make its mark some day. Now put
with these, for the purpose of completing, a tine group of, sny
fifteen, Dicksonia antarctica, Cyatbea meduUaris, Dickeouia
Bquarroea, Cibotium r^-gale, and Cyathea Burkoi, and I defy
any man to find a mi re perfect lot.

I come now to wa'.rh you stage, say, eight of them. Let
Bae here first warn \ou, whatever show you propose going
to, invariably to take your best plants. Do not imagine
that this or that lot are quite weighty enough for your ad-
versaries, inasmuch as Mr. .Jones or Mr. Smith are sure to
" turn up " at the last moment with the " big Forleyense" so
dreaded by you — the finest plant in the country — as you find
to your dismay when it ia too late. Always take your best
with you. If yon win easily — a mere walk over — the victory is
the more decisive ; if closely run, and you win notwithstand-
ing, your quiet satisfaction is of course the more enjoyable.

Now then, begin your staging ; it ia quite time. Mr. Smith,
whom you dread most, has already finished hia lot. They are,
of course, " nowhere ;" but, by the way, you notice that he
has put a young frcah Gleicbenia, say :) feet in diameter, juat
in his front row, making it bis centre plant. He has another
() feet through in hia van. A sly dog that Smith 1 You know
you hft your best, 7 or 8 feet over, in splendid condition at home,
as it would not bo wanted. As soon as your back is turned,
and precisely at the critical moment, before tlie judges come in,
Smith, finding himself too closely run, quietly trota to his van,
exchanges the dwarf for the giant Uleichenia, and you are
much surprised when yon return, in order to ascertain the

result of the judges' fiat, to find that you are " second " only,
and your " friend," the artful dodger Smith, " first ! "

But to return. Come along, and stage your eight. Now, do
not be content with simply placing your plants down in double
rows of four (as many do), with your best specimen in front,
exactly iu the centre, to catch, as you imagine, the eye of the
judges, and so insure your being first. They will not look well
that way, but, on the contrary, very prim. Take your largest
plant, and put it in the centre of the back row on a large pot,
so that it may stand rather higher than its right and left-hand
neighbours, and leave a moderately wide space between the
three. Now, put two more in a second row, between, so to
apeak, the plants behind, and to hide the empty spaces. Your
front row c;in then be easily managed ; very similar to the
back one, only draw iu slightly the two outside plants. Now
gently tilt the whole lot, so as to produce one solid graceful sea
of lovely green waving fronds, therebyhiding, though of coureo
as unostentatiouely as yoa can, the pots or tuba (these must be
scrupulously clean), thc-n take your labels, write them in a
bold legible band (the plainest and least inexpensive method
is always the beet), place them lightly in the alit of the sticks
(these too mnet not be clumsy unpninted abominations so often
seen, but thin and neat-looking), push each down firmly into
the soil at the back (not in the front, or centre, or anywhere
you can, which I often see done), adjust your private " number
card " in front, and quietly wait your fate. It is not easy to
estimate the great importance of each of these minor details,
which you perhaps may think inaignificant, but remember that
the keen eye of an old experienced judge looks not merely at
the plants, but also to aee whether the group is, as a whole,
slovenly staged or thoroughly up to the mark ; and when your
neighbour's plants, say your friend Smith's if you like, are
evenly balanced with your own, and it is found perhaps not
easy to decide between them for premium honours, then it is
that the (by you) despised details of each lot are weighed
deliberately by the judges one by one, Euch as the clean pot or
tub, the masterly tying-out, tlie upat stake, the tidy and legible
label, and also that somehow or other indescribably wonderful
finishing touch to his pete, which the old hand learns by long
experience to " put on " at the last moment, with such a fatal
result to you ; and whilst the fir-st-prize blue card (taking with it
too that long and much-coveted pilver medal) hangs elegantly
though modestly from Smith's " despised lot," you are obliged
to be content with the, to your mind, humiliating colour on
which you find the sickening words " second prize." Nay,
further; you must also endure the unpleasant reflection that
the plants which could have landed you easily at the goal are
snugly at home, some 150 miles away, a fact, too, kncwn per-
fectly by your adversary, who is watching you with grim satis-
faction round the corner, and laughing in his sleeve at your
unmistakeable astonishment, con-tornation, and discomfiture.
— T. M. SnoriLEvoiiiu, l/.lt.H,S.

N.B.—Frum fiitt to last there is not a word in these notes
containing a double consonant, except, of coarse, the uamps of
the Ferns. I undertoo.k to try and do this to please a valued
friend of mine, who thinks that double coueonanto ought to be
entkely done away with iu writing tho Anglo-Saxon language,
and who rather doubted. I think, whether I could write so
long an article as I contemplated without using some few words
containing the obnoxious double consonants. — T. M. S.

Pkoi'oseo Show of CAiix.vnoNS .\Nt) Picotees. — The under-
signed desire to state that, in consequence of the uncertainty
as to the action of the Koyal Horticultural Society, they intend
to promote a Show of Carnations and Picoteea to be held in
London during the season (July), and they will be glad of the
co-operation of their brother florists in the work. A meeting
to arrange preliminaries and commence a subscription for the
needed prize fund will be held at the rooms of the Horticul-
tural Club, I, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, on Wednesday, -lanuaiy
:il6t, at one for two o'clock, when the attendance of all in-
tereated will be greatly esteemed. — Chahles Tueneb, Royal
Nui:<eni, Sloii'ili : Jaiies Houolas, Loxfonl Hall Gardens;
E. S. DoDWLLi., Larkhall llUe, Clapham', S.IV.

SOME SPECIES OF PRIMULA.— No. i.

Pi.i.MCLA (outusoides, — The normal species ie a native of
Siberia ; it is well adapted for pot culture, and if a mass of it
is grown in a shallow pan the numerous umbels of bright
rose-coloured flowers have a very pretty etiect. I have grown
it out of doois in the neighbourhood of London very auccess-

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I Iauaai7 11, 13^7.

fully; but to grow it well the plants ought to be renewed every I water, but must not be " dried off." Aa the old leaves fade
tlireeypttrs from seed. I sow theeoeda in April or May in a pot, | they should be removed, continuing to water juat enough to

pirtoing in a gentle hotbed, and when
the young plants are large enough to
handle they are pricked out an inch
apart in boxes coutaining good soil
— loam three parts and leaf soil one
part answers admirably. In August
or September the plants will have
become sufficiently large to plant out
in their permanent beds. The object
of planting at this time is that they
may become establifhed before the
winter. The soil ought to be mode-
rately rich, but should not contain
any crude manure, which causes some
of the plants to canker. I do not know
how they would do in soil composed
entirely of peat, but they do well in
half peat and loam, or in a soil com-
poEed entirely of loam. They will
flower well the following season, and
also the next year, and probably a year
more ; but after that they decline in
vigour and do not give satisfaction.
It is a lovely plant for the rock gar-
den ; 1 had one in a shsltered position
which grew and bloomed well annu-
ally for nearly a decade.

P. c. AMa:sA and varieties of it are
beautiful objects for the decoration
of the greenhouse or conservatory in
April. I have not tried any of them
out of doors, but they are so very
nearly allied to P. cortusoidea that
probably the same treatment out of
doors would answer for them. When
grown in pots they are very liable to
be attacked by

keep the soil moist. About Septem-
ber all the leaves will have been
removed, and the plants should be
shaken out of the pots and repotted.
— .T. Douglas.

red spider, and
if this gains
upon the leaves
they soon be-
come sickly and
ultimately pe-
rish premature-
ly, which seri-
ously diminish-
es the vigour
of the plants.
They do best in
a well-drained
compost of turfy
loam four parts,
leaf soil one
))art, a little de-
cayed stable ma-
nure, and sand
is added, if ne-
cessary, to keep
the compost
open. From the
time the crowns
begin growing
until the first
flowers open
early in April,
the pots must be
kept near the
glass to prevent
the leaves and
flower trusses
from being
drawn up weak-
ly. They also
require plenty of
air, but they are
impatient of being e.xposed to scorching suusliiue about the
end of March or early in April, and a thin screen of light
shading thrown over the glass for a few hours at midday is
very beneficial. When the flowering period is over remove
thg plants to a shady position. They do not require much

Fit'. ". — Primci.a coktu^oides.

LATE-HANGING GRAPES-
VINE MANAGEMENT.
At page 557 Mr. Cakin asks for the
advice of some of your Vine-growing
correspondents in connection with
his Lady Downe's and White Fron-
tignan Grapes. Every competent
Vme-grower knows that imperfectly
ripened Grapes will not keep so well
aa others which are fully matured.
Proof of this Mr. Cakin has in his
own greenhouse, aa he says that " not
a few of the Hamburghs are still hang-
ing in excellent condition."

ily opinion is, that the Vines have
been kept too dry during the time the
Grapes were swelling, and in Septem-
ber when the fruit was colourinR
they have had too much atmospheric
moisture with a too low temperature.
Proof of this was the "tiny drops of
moisture, like dewdrops on some of
the berries in the morning," a sure
indication of a too low temperature
before the Grapes were thoroughly
ripe. This sudden check no doubt
was the cause of the shrivelling. To
prevent a recurrence of the evil com-
plained of, my
advice to Mr.
Cakin is that as
soon as the fo-
liage is off the
Vines to prune
them immedi-
S ately, rubbing
the stems well
with the hand to
remove all loose
bark from them,
then with a
hard brush give
all the wood and
glass a scrub-
bing-down with
a strong solu-
tion of hot water
and soft soap,
giving the Vines
a good scrub-
bing with the
same solution,
making sure
that the water is
aa hot as he can
bear his hand in
it. Finish off
with giving the
wood, glass, and
Vines a vigorous
syringing with
pure hot water,
which takes off
all the soapy
matter and pre-
vents dust from
adhering to the
Vines and other

parts of the house. This done, give all the walls of the house
a whitewashing with hot lime, then remove 2 or 3 inches of
the surface soil of the borders, taking care not to injure the
roots, and give a top-dressing of something like the follow-
ing:—To six barrowloads of good turfy loam add one of half-

Januiiy 11, 1877. ]

JOUSNAIi OP flORTICOLTURE AND OOirAGE GARDENER.

31

inch boues, ons of wood or stick ashes, one of horse droppings,
and half a ba3h6l of soot. This compost may be laid all over
the border to the depth ot o or t inohoa, and forked sliphtly in,
taking oare not to injure the roots.

became one ot the chief occnpations of his life. Shortly after-
wards he visited Italy, principally on account ot his health ;
and here he seems to have formed the taste for the fine arts,
and especially for the productions ot the Greek sculptors.

Next season be careful with firing and airing, never allow I which was his most prominent characteristic. Subsequently
the roots to be too dry while the fruit is swelling. Guard ! to his father's death he inherited the large estate of Downton,
against a stagnant atmosphere, as the Vine does not delight I near Ludlow, from his grandfather, on which, after his return

in an atmosphere overcharged with moisturs, neither in one
too dry. To this pay particular attention. Throe or tour times
before the fruit sliows signs of colouring give good aoakings of
liquid manure. When colouring commences ksep-up the re-
quired heat and never allow the houses to be kept close, but
allow a little air at top
and bottom (according to
the state of the weather),
night and day. If these
instructions are attended
to I am certain that Lady
Downe's will be grown in
a satisfactory manner pro-
vided the border is good.

In regard to White
Frontignan my opinion
is, that it should not be
rooted out, but inarched
with Buckland's Sweet-
water, which is a Grape
that will give satisfaction.
— A Gbape-Gkower.

[The practice here de-
tailed is from one who
has won a foremost place
amongst British Grape-
growers. — Eds 1

from Italy, he built a mansion, and he devoted much time to
improving and ornamenting his grounds. In 1780 he was
elected to serve in Parliament for the borough of Leominster,
and in the following Parliament of 17S4 for the borough of
Ludlow, for which he continued to sit until the year 1800,
when he retired from Par-
liament. While a mem-
ber of the House of Com-
mons he acted with Jlr.
Fox, but he never took
any part in debate, nor
did ho ever interest him-
self about politics. In
1814 he was appointed a
Trustee of the British
Museum, as the repre-
sentative of the Townley
family.

Early in his lite he
commenced the formation
ot a collection ot antiques
and other works of art,
to which his large fortune
enabled him to make con-
stant additions. It con-
sisted principally of an-
cient broEzes and Greek
coins ; and it was pre-
served in his London
house in Soho Square,
which contained a large
room fitted-up for the
purpose. He bequeathed
his collection (the value
of which was estimated at
£."iO,00OJ, to the British
Museum. He had origi-
nally intended to be-
queath it to the Eoyal
Academy. The bill legal-
ising the acceptance ot
this collection by the
Trustees of the British
Museum received the
Boyal Assent on the 17th
ot June, 1824. Mr. Knight
died in his house in Lon-
don on the 24th ot April,
1824, and he was buried
at Wormesley church,
in Herefordshire, where
there is a monument to
his memory, with a Latin
epitaph written by Dr.
Cornwall, Bishop of Worcester. In 1704 he published the
" Landscape," a didactic poem in three books, addressed to
Uvedale Price, Esq. ' This poem contains many precepts, marked
by sound judgment and good taste, on the subject to which it
relates. It appears from the preface to Mr. Price's " Essay on
the Picturesque" (published in 1794), that Mr. Knight pro-
posed to Mr. Price that the papers written by tho latter on rural
improvement should be published with his poem ot the " Land-
scape," in the same manner Sir J. Reynolds's notes were pub-
lished with Mr. Mason's " Du Freanoy ;" but that the proposal
came too late to enable Mr. Price to accept it.

Deprecating the formal style ot laying-out the grounds
around a mansion, Mr. Knight describes it as the style which
"bade the Btream 'twixt banks clo-^e-shaved to glide ;
B:ini8hed the thictetn of UiRh-boweriiig wood,
Which hung reflet-ttd o'er the glassy flood.
Dear peaceful Bcenes, that now prevail no more,
Your losa shall every weeping muse deplore ! "

BlCHABD PAYNE KNIGHT.

EAELY WBITEKS

ON ENGLISH

GARDENING.

No. 25.
laCHAED PAYNE KNIOHT.

Havinii written in a re-
cent Journal ot Humphry
Repton, we may now re-
cord a few observations
on the gentleman who ad-
vanced still further to-
wards copying nature in
garden designing.

After studying the writ-
ings of the several parti-
sans wn have been able to
draw but one conclusion,
which is, that the prin-
ciples ot Knight and Price
are correct it impartially
considered, and have been
acted upon by the general
consent of modern de-
signers ; nor can there be a greater proof of this position than
that in his maturer practice Kepton acted upon them him-
self. They differed in no one point ot importance, that we
have been able to discover, as to what constitutes beautiful
points in a landscape : ot course they agreed that such should
ije imitated ; and we have read not one passage in any of their
writings which will warrant the conclusion that, if assembled
together, there would have been a dissentient voice to the ob-
servation of Price, that regular beauty and utility must not be
neglected in the pursuit of the picturesque, tor that would be
opposed to the dictates ot common sense.

Richard Payne I'Cnight was the eldest son of the Reverend
Thomas Knight, ot Wormesley Grange, in the county ot Here-
ford, and was born in 17.^0. He was a weak and sickly child,
and his father did not send him to school , or Buffer him to learn
either Greek or Latin at home. Soon after his father's death,
which took place in 17G4, ho was sent to a grammar school in
the neighbourhood, where he made a very rapid progress in
the Latin language. After leaving school he did not go to a I

university, but at the age of eighteen he commenced the study Fossil PLANis.—The large number of fossil plants brought
of Greek, which ho pursued with great diligence, and which 1 home from Greenland and Spitzbergen by the two Swedish ex-

32

JOtJENAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEft.

r Jahnajy 11, 187?.

peditioDB of 1870 and 1872 havo been carefully examined by Dr.
Oswald Hetr, and they appear to throw important light on the
geological development of the plant world. An account of bis
study of the remains from the chalk period appears in a recent
number of the " Naturforscher," and in the summary of his
results Dr. Heer points out that the facta are against a gradual
imperceptible transformation of plant types ; from the upper
chalk the dicotyledons appear suddenly in great variety with-
out auy transition, whereas other forms at this period wholly
disappear from the scene. Further, these researches make it
very probable that a whole series of genera have had their origin
in the Arctic zone, and have thence " radiated " southwards.
Lastly, Dr. Heer shows that the facts at present known of
plant palajontology do not point to any alternation of climate
or repeated ioe-peiiods in these regions, a view which has also
been developed by Professor Nordenskjold. — [Nature.)

JUSTICIA FLAVICOMA.

This is a most useful plant for the decoration of the green-
house or conservatory at this season of the year, its yellow
flowers contrasting well with scarlet bracts of the Poinsettia
pulcherrima. Plants of the Jueticia from 1] to •-' feet high
dotted amongst plants of a dwarf habit have a very striking
tffcct, and never fail to attract the attention of visitors.

The plants require a little rest after flowering, and in the
spring I cut them down and encourage them with heat and
moisturo to break, when the old soil is shaken away and they
are repotted. They are then encouraged to grow freely during
the Bummer months, so as to make strong plants by autumn,
and according as they are required I introduce them to stove
heat • and when they come in bloom they are taken to the
greenhouse or conservatory, and a very pleasing effect they
produce, and continue a long time in beauty, which a groat
many of the other species of Justicias do not. It is very
seldom one meets with the above old Justicia, but I think it
inherits properties which might entitle it to more general
cultivation.— J. A., Ilill Grove.

a wire hoop at the top, will make plants of almost any desirable
size by June, when, if planted out carefully, they will flower
abundantly till the frost puts an end to their existence. This
did not happ.°n till the 1st of November in the past season :
they were certainly as beautiful on the last day of October as
they were any time during summer. They had half-globular
heads about 2 feet through, and were encouraged to assume a
partially drooping form. Any strong-growing variety will do
for the purpose ; but one I met with last autumn at Ashton
Court, called Mies Lewington, will I think prove the best, it
being a vigorous good-habited grower and of a brighter colour
than any variety I have hitherto seen.

Standard Geraniums do not form very good heads in one
year, but they lift well in autumn (which Heliotropes do not),
and they improve as they grow older. — Wm. T.\ylok.

STIRLING CASTLE APPLE.
Foe dwarf trees especially I cannot recommend a more suit-
able Apple than this. It appears to me to have all the good
qufthties of the Hawthornden— earliness, productiveness, high
culinary quality, and compact growth, yet without the prone-
nees to canker which recdera the Hawthornden unsuitable to
many soils. Were I planting dwarf trees largely with the
view of deriving the earliest profit by the sale of their fruit, I
should certaialy have a good number of Stirlicg Castle. In a
long row of trees in twenty-five varieties, the three which have
proved the most valuable by their free and constant bearing,
and the excellence of their produce for culinary purposes in
the autumn, are Lord Suffield, Stirling Castle, and Cellini,
coming into uee in the order named. I am scarcely able to
say which of these three I have found the most serviceable for
home use. For travelUng the Stirling Castle U the beet, not
bruising so much as the other sorts named. The soil of the
garden is rather light, and Hawthornden cankers excessively.
In this soil Stirling Cactle requires no root-pruning and but
little tummer-pinchiiig, but grows into a n,itural and fruitful
bush which anyone can manage. Does "WiltoIUBe Eectok"
grow this excellent culinary Apple :•— B. B., Birlx.

MAEECHAL DE COUR PEAR.

Many useful fruits havo been mentioned in your columns
during the planting season, and information of great value has
been communicated. Acting on your advice, some years ago
I planted at the gable end of my house the Pear above named,
and I have had good reason to be satisfied with the result.
I have not only won local prizes with fruit from this tree, but
have been FAtcccsstul with it at one of the greatest shows of
the Koyal Horticultural Society. This Pear appears to me to
possess a more than usual number of good properties. It is of
noble appearance, of splendid quality, productive, and hardy.
It ripens early in November, and is esteemed as the best Pear
in its season. I have many applications from would-be pur-
chasers, who pass by and admire the fine specimens which
annually clothe the wall whereon the tree is trained. The
aspect is nearly due east. To anyone having wall epace for
a tree and desires superior Pears in November I say. Plant
Maruchal de Cour. I have young Pear trees growing ae pyra-
mids, and amongst them the Marochal is most promising. I
havo also seen it -vevy fine in other gardens in this district. —
M. A., Liiicoliisliire.

STANDARD HELIOTROPES.

EvEEvr.ODY agrees that sweet-scented flowers are desirable
in the flower garden, but everybody does not agree to put them
there, because as a rule sweet-scented flowers are not showy
or do' not last in good condition throughout the summer, and
are consequently almost inadmissible to the formal garden.
Were a highly-coloured Heliotrope which was at the same time
sweet and frcc-flowcring to present itself we should never again
lack sweetness on the parterre, but for the present we must
make the beet of such as wo have.

If the Heliotrope is not showy in colour it can be grown into
a very pretty foimal shape as a standard, and is then admissible
to the mostformal of gardens for the centres of circles or long
rectangular beds. I used many of them in this way last summer
alternately with standard scarlet Geraniums, and they were
greatly admired both for their beauty and perfume.

Cuttings struck now and grown-on in an intermediate tem-
perature through the winter, each trained toa straight stoke with

ASPECTS OP NATURE— DECEMBER.

" O, Winter ! rukr of th' inverted year.
Thy ticatter'd liair with sleet-like ashes fill'd.
Thy breath cooaeal'd upon thy li])g, thy cheek?
Fring'd with a beard made white with other enowa
Than those of a^e. thy forehead wrapp'd in clouds,
A leafless branch thy sceptre, and thy tluono
A sliaing car indebted to no wheels.
But urged by storms along thy slipp'ry way^
I love thee, all unlovely as thou seem'st.
And dreaded as thou ait."
Decemi'.ek, although the last, and generally looked upon as
the most barren month of the year, has, flowerlesa and almost
leafless though it bo, an aspect of cheerfulness for those who
seek Nature in her most favourite haunts. The forest trees
are bare, and only the iirepreosiblo Primroeo and equally hardy
Violet among spring flowers dare show their bright Irtsh
foliage on sheltered banks, where they peep forth from among
the dried and rustling grass, forming an almost spring-like
contrast to the scarlet berries of the Cuckoo-pint or Wako
Eobin, which may still be found in many places, although they
have but little time to remain with us ; for even should bitter
frost and heavy snow not hasten their disappearance, they will
fall from the stem into the earth beneath to give us fresh
plants for another season. But the Arums are not the only
plants with berries of gaudy hue making spots of brightness
in the landscape ; the essentially winter plant the Holly, should
at the beginning of the month — before violent hands have been
laid upon the shrubs and they have been divested of half their
glory, their berry-laden branches — be in the plenitude of its
beauty; and this season, which has been exceptionally mild
though wet, the dark sombre foliage of the Yew is still re-
lieved by the rosy pink of its wax-like berries, many of which
the birds have as yet spared.

Of plants made beautiful by their fruit at this season a
charming garland might be formed. Those we have already
mentioned, the Arum, the Holly, and the Yew, would be suth-
cient for brightness, while the Ivy, the Privet, the sacred
Mistletoe, the evergreen Thorn and others would servo for
contrast. But it is not alone in the berries or in the glossy-
varied foliage of our evergreen trees and shrubs that beauty
may be found. The Mosses and Lichens attract attention at
tbia season, not only because they are in the fulness of their
beauty, but because at this time they are less hidden by larger

Jannaiy 11, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HOKTICULTUBB AND OOTTAGB GARDENER.

and more attractive plants. Small and inconepicuoua to or-
dinary observers, the Lichens and Mosses gain their full meed
of admiration from the stadent of Nature, who sees within
their tiny cups and the manifold diversity of their miniature
forms a marvellous instance of the limitless wonders of
Nature. This is the season also of their fructification, when
the exquisitely delicate greens and greys, so distinctive of these
families, are in many instances relieved by thread-like roseate
stems and blossoms, if we may so term them — so lilliputian as
to appear like tinted hairs. The old orchard trees in Devon-
shire are so covered with grey Lichens that, save on the youngest
wood, the bark of the tree is never seen ; and this is the time,
too, when in Worcestershire and other counties the Mistletoe
in its peculiar hue of faded green, appearing like Lichens of a
larger growth, is cut from the Apple trees on which it grows
so abundantly.

When, as so frequently of late,

" The tain and wind beat dork Cecember,"

the wintry aspect of Nature is almost forgotten, the grass re-
mains so fresh and green beneath repeated showers that a few
hours' sunshine makes us almost believe it is spring, even
while yet the winter solstice has not been passed. Bat the old

and so we may still believe that Winter in his old-fashioned
garb of frost and enow will yet come to us. But whatever the
weather — boisterous wind and driving rain, hard frost and
deep snow — December brings us to the end of the year, and
with the opening days of January we feel a change, too subtle
to be seen, in all around. It is, as it were, the mysterious voice
of Nature which speaks to our inner consciousness of reviving
life. Day by day a few more minutes of light, and day by day
we breathe an atmosphere which inspires hope, for the darkest
days are past and the months to come are full of promise.
'* These as they change. Almighty Father, these
Are bat the varied God. The roDingyear

l9 fall o( Tbee

In winter awfal Thoa I with cloads and atorms
Around Thee thrown, tempest o'er tempeat roU'd,
Majestic darkness ! on the whirlwind's wing
Biding snblime, Thoa bidet the world adore.
And humblest nature with Thy northern blast.
Mysterious ronnd I what skill, what force divine.
Deep felt, in these appear 1 A simple train.
Yet HO delightful, rais'd with such kind art,
Sach beauty and beneficence combin'd ;
Shade, unperceived, so soft'ning into shade;
And all so forming an harmonious whole,
That, as they still succeed, they ravish still."

— T. S. J.

MES. PINCE'S BLACK MUSCAT QBAPE.

Hy experience of this Grape coincides with Mr. Anderson's
given on page 516. My Vines of it are all grafted, chiefiy on
Black Hamburghs. It is a Grape evidently requiring a long
season to ripen thoroughly, and hence should be started earlier
than Lady Downe'e or Black Alicante. I have never seen it
really well coloured, there being always more or less of redness
at the stalk end of the berry. In appearance it cannot compare
with Alicante, but is quite equal to it, if not superior in keep-
ing qualities, while in point of flavour it is far before it ; in
fact, so far as my experience goes it is the finest fiavoured of
all late-keeping Grapes. I have had it in good condition until
April. I find it sets freely in a low temperature, if care be
taken to shake the bunches or draw the hand carefully over
them once a-day when in bloom. I have tried it in several
vineries, but always obtain by far the beet coloured and finest
fruit off a Vine growing within 3 or 4 feet from a hot-water boiler,
where when in growth the roots always have a very consider-
able amount of bottom heat. In this position the Vine of
course requires abundance of water.

With regard to late-keeping Grapes generally, I give the first
place to Lady Downe's, and putting aside the question of
bloom and colour, the second place to Mrs. Pince, Black
Alicante standing third on my list. If appearance alone must
decide the merits of the last two, Mrs. Pince mast necessarily
occupy the third place. — J. E.

PREPARING POTATOES FOR PLANTING.

I CANNOT quite agree with "A Nohtdern Gaeheneb" (see
page 62HJ in his mode of preparing the Potato before planting.
He advises that the sets should be carefully looked over and

set upon their ends in a light place, so that the tubers may
be able to strengthen their growths before they are planted.
Now my opinion about this is that if those Potatoes, such ae
early kinds, were at this period of the year carefully planted
on a warm border at the depth of 6 inches, that the tnbers
would grow quite as strongly on the ground if not stronger
than if placed in the light.

I think we should have better crops if we planted earlier in
the season than is usual. They should all be in by the latter
end of February, and I advise that we grow more of the kidney
and what we called the second early kinds, and not so many
of the late sorts ; for I am of opinion that if more of these
kinds were grown we should not be troubled nearly so much
with the disease as we have been of late, for we shotild be
able to have the Potatoes out of the ground, dried, and stored
away before the autumn rains set in. During the past season
all the early sorts of Potatoes, not only when dug turned oirt
a fair crop, but not a bad one was seen amongst them, but the
later kinds when taken out of the ground were quite half of
them bad. That is why I advocate growing more of the
earlier kinds. — A Young Amateur.

EARLY-FLOWERING AZ.VLEA INDICAS.

Plants flowering in advance of the generality of their kind
are very valuable, inasmuch as they are more readily forced ,^
and by their earliness contribute to producing a long season of
bloom. Irrespective of forcing. Azaleas may commence flower-
ing in February and be continued to June by a selection of
early, midseason, and late varieties, ordinary greenhouse treat-
ment being given the plants.

The early-flowering varieties are the most desirable for
forcing; they are more readily excited into growth, taking
less time and a lower temperature to have them in bloom by
a given time than the midseason kinds. The new year usually
brings along with its festivities a great demand for flowers.
None are more desirable than Azaleas both as plants for deco-
ration or as affording flowers for oatticg. Small standard
plants a foot to 15 inches high, with heads as round as a ball,,
covered with flowers, are admirably adapted for table decora-
tion. Pyramids are certainly very gorgeous when in flower,,
and exhibit great skill in training ; but why not have variety
in form ? Why not more plants be allowed to assume their
natural bush-like habit ? A half-ball is no despicable form of
Azalea.

Double flowers as a rule are not only more beautiful but
more lasting than singles : hence their greater value for cutting.
In Azaleas we lose in doubles the beautiful marking of the
singles, the doubles being mostly selfs or their marking and
shading are indistinct. Nevertheless the doubles have a ful-
ness and an endurance fully compensating for any loss of
marking.

Amongst the best of the early-flowering Azaleas are *Narcis-
siflora, double white, very profuse-flowering, and certain ;
"Borsig, double white, very fine and equally free ; Bernhard
Andreas is another fine double white; 'Franc^oisDevos, double
deep crimson, is of capital habit and very free ; Eoi des
Doubles, double rosy carmine, very free ; Eoi des Beiges,
double bright red; and * Am ana, violet purple, small, semi-
double, well known, excellent for forcing. In singles we hav e
•Alba, pure white ; 'Fielder's White, Magnet, rosy salmon ;
Madame Van Houtte, white, flaked rose and crimson ; Eoi
d'HoUande.deep red ; and *Vittata elegans, white, red edges.

Those distinguished by an asterisk are fine for forcing, and
ought to be grown in quantity by those having flowers largely
in demand. They can be had in flower at the dullest season
with alight forcing. — G. Abbey.

TABLE DECORATION.
The following arrangement came under my notice at a dinner
table the other day, and I write, as I consider it worth copying.
The foundation of a centre bouquet at table was a plant of
ordinary Maidenhair (Adiantum) in an 8-inch pot. The pot was
screened by one of the expansible wooden screens, and among
the fronds of the plant were inserted, at the height proper to
be effective, flowers tied to sticks or wires concealed by the
Fern, notably AUamanda Schotti, Lapageria rosea, Poinsettia
pulcherrima, a solitary Rose, Primula sinensis, various Gera-
niums, and other flowers not so noticeable. The effect was
charming, the more so as the fronds of the Fern were naturally
disposed more gracefully than they could have been done had

JOtTRNAL OF HORTICtTLTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 11, 1877.

they been culled and insertetl among the flowers, and the plant
itself was nriiDJare'3. — A Scbsckibeb.

BEGONIA NITIDA ODOBATA.
In reply to Mr. Seers I may say that I have this Begonia
planted oat in a narrow border against the back wall of a stoYe,
the shoots being trained to a wire trellis, and are bearing
panicles of flowers, than which few others at this season
are more attractifo. The plant ia question was a year old
when planted out in Mny last. It is now several feet high, and
will go on growing and flowering continuously until it over-
grows its space and becomes bare and legay, when it mns' give
place to a young plant. I grow all my Begonias for winter-
flowering from cuttings struck in April, growing them on
during the summer, and they bloom all the winter. They are
not kept a second year, as young plants give finer flowers and
fresher foliage. B. infiguis is very free. It is now flowering,
as also are the following species and vaiitsties : — B. Ingrami,
Sanudersiana, erecta mnltiflora, purvifiov^, Weltouiensie,
fuchsiodes and hybrida floribunda. B. manicata it throwing
up its great feathery forked panicles, which are very elegant
whilst they lest for vaso decoration. — G. A.

MYOSOTIS DISSITIFLOBA.
Not many gardener?, it is to be hoped, are without a stock of
this charming Forget-mn-not. Its worth is now well proved
and its value admitted. The plants for early flowering should
now be robust and about 6 inches in diameter. These planted
closely in lines or beds will in the earliest days of spiicg pro-
duce an effect that will not be surpassed during the whole
season of the year. But I alludo to this plant now for the
purpose of noticing its great value when grown in pots for ia-
door decoration. Plants for this purpose should ba taken-up
and potted without delay. Already the flowers may be per-
ceived in some oi the shoots, and which may bo injured by a
poaeible visitation of frost and snow. These plants, it potted
in rich soil and placed in a cold frame or on the shelf of a
greenhouse, and kept wall supplied with water, will produce
dense masses of lovely colour in February and March, contrast-
ing admirably with all kinds of Dutch bulbs, and rendering
the conservatory specially attractive and enjoyable. 1 know
of no plants which with equal ease and so much certainty
produce such a chaste, distinct, and agreeable effect in the
earliest months of spring as this charming Forget-me-not. It
should be grown in quantity iu all gardens where spring
flowers are cherished, and especially should it be employed for
indoor decoration. — A Consekvatory Fokejian.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

We have had acaounts sent to us from many places of
the injury ciusej to garden crops by the excessive wet. Not
the least of t^e iuconvauieneas of the seaioa has been the
floodmg of stokeholes and the extinguishing of fires, rendering
other adjuncts necessary for the provision of heat. The most
prompt and handy of these adjuncts aro port.ible stoves,
which aro made in metal and terra catti after the principle
adopted by the late Dr. Arnott. We have fouad by experience
that these Etovae introduced into forciug houses and tropical
ferneries are of eubstaoti>»l value in keeping up the heat, and
at the same time without iujuriog the most tender vegetation,
provided — and this is of the greatest importance — thit th-j
elements of combustion are carried away by a pipe into the
open air. A shallow dish of water placed on one of these
stoves secures atmospheric moisture proportionate to the heat
of the stove. Oae or two stoves of this nature ahould ba had
in reserve ia gardens where the regular means of heating is
liable to interruption by excsssive rain or other causes.

The gontlemen recommended by the Council of the

Royal HoRTicuLTURAt, Society to fill the vacancies for the
ensning yeir caused by the retirement of Mr. Robert Warner,
Hon. and Rev. J. T. Bosoawen, and Sir Trevor Lawrence, are
Sir Charles Strickland, B»rt., Mr. H. J. Elwes, and Mr. T. M.
Shnttleworth.

An instance of Pear TnEES bipenino two crops or

TRUiT IN ONE SEAS 'N lias been communicated to us. The trees
are standards in the garden of S. Lutwyohe, Epq .Bramertone,
Lower Tuhe Hill ; the variety Williams' Bou Ciiritien. From
these trees the gardener, Mr. Gates, gathered the first crop at

the beginning of Septeml:er of last year (1876), and in Novem-
ber he gathered a second crop from tlie same trees. The
latter were quite ripe, and equsl in quality but not in size to
those of the first or principal crop. It is not uncommon for
Pear trees to blossom twice a year, but it is a very unusual
circumstance for them to perfect two crops of ripe frnit. The
circumBtance is no doubt attributable to the extreme heat and
drought of summer ripening the wood prematurely, followed
by the moist, mild, and prolonged autumn, which has proved
in the case of these trees a second spring and summer. It
will be interesting to note the condition of these trees during
the next spring and summer, after having so clearly " lost
their reckoning " ia the past year.

SrRiKG Flowers are welcome to all, and especially

such which have long been familiar — the cottagers' flowers —
Crocuses, Snowdrops, &a. These flowers aro now showing
their '-grass" above the surface of the ground, and these
established clumps if potted will force with the greatest
certainty, and unfold their flowers in windows and green-
houses seme Wt'eks before tboy would expand in the open air.
It is not everyone who em purchase a supply of these bulbs
"fresh from Holland" every year for forcing, but all who
have them in their gardens may dig-up the clumps and place
them in pots in light soil. All that ia afterwards necessary is
abundant supplies of water and the lightest position at com-
mand, and masses of purity and beauty will shortly be pro-
duced. Many humble dwellings may be made cheerful and
many window-sills bright by these home-grown and home-
forced bulbs. They are flower?, too, for the town as well aa
flowers for the country, and are fo easy of culture that even a
child m<iy manage them. For miniature suburban green-
honses those home-grown bulbs aro very suitable.

— — • As an instance of the mildness of the season a Not-
tingbamshiro correspondent informs us that he has the old
Monthly China Rose flowering freely in bis garden, and that
ha has lately gatherad lovely blooms of Gloiro de Dijon. He
thinks these good old Roses worthy of being extensively grown
as the hardiest and most persistent bloomers in cultivation.

At this period of the year when preparations are being

made for the spring and early summer decoration of the con-
servatory, the value for this purpose of the Early-flowering
Clematises should not be overlooked. Plants of these
Clematises in 8-icch pot^, or even less, flower most freely and
produce an effect which cannot be surpassed by any other
plants. All that is required for success is that tho last year'd
shoots be matured, and a vinery being started will do the rest,
for the steady progressive temperature necessary for the A'incs
is suitable also for the Clematises. A few which are suitable
for early flowering are Albert Victor, lavender; Miss Bateman,
white; Lord Londcsborough, mauve; L»dy L jndeeborough,
silvery grey ; Fjiir Eosomond, blush white, scented ; Standishii,
light purple; Stella, de-p mauve ; The Queen, lavender; and
the double varieties Fortuneii, John (jould Veiteh, Lucie
Lemoine, and Countess of Lovelace. No other conservatory
plants can excel theso in beauty during their flowering period,
April, May, and Juiie, aeoordiDg to the amount cf forcing to
which they have been subjected.

Prominent attention has recently been given to the

deficiency of culour of Mrs. Pince's Muscat Grape. There is
reaeon to suppose that this Grape has been, as a rule, sub-
ji'ctod to an extreme of cool treatment. When it was found
that it would lipcu without the hit^h temperature usually
given to Muscat of Alexaniiria, the fiict was interpreted too
freely, and Mrs. Pince was extensively planted in houses
altogether too c.ild for its requirements. It is a Grape which
is long iu ripening, and if it is grown iu a cool house the
Viae must bs started early with the assistance of fire heat in
order to proviiio a long season of growth. It is a Vine, too,
having smiU foliage, and should not be subjected to such
close piuohiags in summer as other varieties will endure with-
out injury. With a higher temperature and a longer period
for m.ituriition, and a more liberal allowance of foliage, there
is good reason to expect that the appearance of this Grape
would bo much improved, its good quality being generally
admitted.

In a letter received from Newbury, Canada West,

dated December ir,th, 187('i, it is stated that Fahrenheit's ther-
mometer has already registered 42" of frost — that is, 10' below
z^ro ; and on the above date, with a high wind drifting the
snow about, tho glass stood at 5" below zero. Last summer

. was intensely hot, and the Wheat crop which promised well

Januaiy 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HOBTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

35

up to within a few days of ripenicg was attacked with rust,
and the final reenlt only oame up to one-third of the average.
Indian Corn was a heavy crop. Apples were most abundant,
many of them having been sold at Wd. per bushel to be shipped
to Great Britain. Trade is eaid to be veiy dull in that colony
this winter.

Owing to the protracted wet many bulbs, euch as

Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocuses, etc., which ought to have been
planted in the autumn, are still in paper bags. If these bulbs
have not grown too prominently they may still be planted,
especially if covertd with light soil such as decayed leaves or
cocoB-nnt fibre refuse. We li&ve seen excellent beds of
Hyacinths and Tulips from bulba planted in January, but
Crocuses planted at the same period have many of them de-
cayed. The decay of bulbs is accelerated by making smooth
holes for them with a blunted dibber — water traps. The bulbs
should be planted in open drills in well loosened soil and be
carefully covered with light mateiial, eo that the water can
pass freely away. Bulbs planted now should not be covered
bo deeply as when planted in November ; 1 or IJ inch of light
covering ia sufficient at this period of the year.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WOBK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The weather is slill so excessively wet tbat very little can be
done to the quartera or borders in the way of digging or even
wheeling the manure to them. "We have continued pruning
dwarf and standard tiees, and also have proceeded with nailing
the wall trees. Itstiuctjons for this work were piveu in recent
numbers. Slugs Lave flourished amazingly owing to the wet
and mildness of tho wep.thsr. Frost and f reat dei^lhs of tnow
have been recorded from the north, but we have had uo snow to
speak of; it fell for a few hours a forlnight ago, but did not
remain on the ground. The glass fell for a few nights below
the freezing point, but not enoogh to arrest vegetatitn, and
Roses and many flowering deciduous shrubs are bursting into
buds. The most effectual way to destriy slugs amongst Let-
tuces, Cabbages, ttc, is to duet the plants with quicklime by
the aid of a lantern when the skigg are feeding. Dusting the
leaves thickly does to harm to the plants. The lime may be
applied a second or third time if the slugs are not destroyed.

Those who have to do with heavy clay soils which have been
well drained will be sensible ot the advantages cf the draining;
the ground will dry eo much sooner after rains, and, if it has
not been brought into good condition by trenching, this should
be done at once. Wo have years ago seen tte evil of trenching
clay soils too deeply without taking care tbat the work was done
gradually. For instance, say that a portion of gond soil over a
clay subsoil has been dug for many years to the depth ci
10 inches, it would net be wise all at ence to trench this to the
depth of 20 inches or 2 feet; the pulverised soil on the top
would then be the bottom 10 inches, and there would be
10 inches of unworked clay soil on the top, a bad medium in
which to trust seeds or rmall plants in a ^et season. Our plan
with such soils is to woik-up a depth of 2 cr 3 inches of the
subsoil at each time cf trenching until ihe required deplh is
attained. The vegetable refuse heap comes in useful for mixing
with the subsoil, atd if leaf soil is plentiful it is equally well
adapted for the purpose. Stable manure is also much better
adapted for such sells than that obtained from the cow or pig.

Pay strict attention to the beds of Lettuces out of doors, and
see that decay and weeds are removed from them, and Ihe
ground is stirred w,th a Dutch hoe when the weather is snfli-
ciently dry. Tboso plaints utder hand-lights, frames, or any of
the numerous glass protectors should receive plenty of air, and
the ground ought to be ttirred with a pointed stick frequently.
Caulitlower plants under glass require the same treatment.

FtRCXSG HOUSES.

With the advent of the new yer forcing of vegetables must
be commenced in earnest. The Potato is easily forced, and is
much Esteemed early in the year. It may be grown on a hot-
bed, or what is better in a heated pit. Only thoeo torts that
have short haulm should be planted, and they ought to be
freely ventilated after tlieir growth has commenced. The pits
and frames require to he fumigated occasionally to prevent the
attacks of, or to destroy green tiy. The Potato plants oogbt to
be in a position where they receive the direct rays (f the sun;
a close moist aimcspbere is net at all desirable for them. The
best sorts are the tru(i old Asbleaf Kidney if it can be obtained.
There are many "improved" vaiielies, most of which ate not
so early, althcuyii they are prolific and have generally too much
haulm. The Walnut.Ieaf Kidney ia distinct from the above,
and also well adapted for frame or pit cultru-e.

Dwarf Kidney Hiaiis when well grown afford a supply cf
most acceptable dishes. The Beans can be rown in any tempe-

rature from 50° to 65°. In the higher temperature]^ they come
on more rapidly. What they require to produce abundantly is
moderate pot room, a good rich loam, and being placed near the
glass in a moist a'mosphere. Some gardeners use pots as large
as 12 and 15 inches in diameter, brrt such ruke up much room
and are troublesome to move about ; 7 atd 8-inch pots are quite
large enough with five or six plants in each. It is a good plan
to sow thickly iu a box, and when the eeed leaves have grown
to the full size to pot the plants, buryir g the ttems in the soil
up to the bottom leaves. It is necessary to syringe from the
first to keep the plants free from red spider and thrips, and the
pots should not be too close to each other. The blossoms must
be exposed to light and air or they will not set well, and some
of the pods will die off prematurely. A few sprays of Beech or
Hornbeam should be placed in each pot to support the plants.
Directly the pods are large enough they ought to be removed
from the plants, whether they are reqirired iu the kitchen or not.
A good plan is to tie them up in bundles of say fifty, and place
each bundle in an upright position with the ends of the pods
just covered with water ; they keep best iu a cellar. If the plants
are supplied with m.anure water they will continue bearing for
a long time.

Dishes of early Jeas may also be obtained by placing tho
plants on a shelf near the glass. They require more air and
light than the Beans, and cannot stand such a high temperatcro ;
in other respects the treatment required is the same. A light
or two over a hotbed may be used for a crop of French Forcing
or Early Horn Carrots ; a gentle heat from a bed of leaves is as
good as anything. Six inches of soil should be placed over the
bed, and the seeds be sown in shallow drills. A sowing of tte
French Breakfast or Dwarf Turnip Eadish may also be made
on the same bed at the same time. The Eadishes can be re-
moved before they do any iojury to the Carrots. Lettuce ot the
Paris White Cos type should also te sown urder glass at this
time, to produce a succession crop to tbat put out in the open
ground or on a warm border facing south iu the autumn.

Succession lots cf Seakale and Rhubarb should be put into
any place where the temperature ranges from 50 to 65°, instruc-
tions for which have been given so recently that uo more need be
added at this time. Some persons may not have the convenience
of forcing houses or frames ; such may have a supply of Sea-
kale and Rhubarb by covering a portion over with fermenting
material of some sort. It ia neoetEary first to cover the crowns
with pots made for the purpose. Tbey are iu the form of a
cylinder, 2 feet high and about 15 inches in diameter, rounded
at the top in the form of a bell-glass ; a hole is made iu the top,
to which a lid is fitted, a bed of stable manure and leaves is then
mai3e amongst the pots, et:ongh to cover them G inches deep.
Excellent Rhubarb and Seakale is produced in that way, but it
does not come on so fast, and the method is not so convenient
as forcing the roots in houses.

Plenty of variety may be obtained in salads. Chicory may be
had with the greatest ease. Eighteen roots may te potted in 10
or 12-inch pots, and the pots placed in forcing bcusea as they are
required. Mustard and Cresa will do anywhere if there ia suiS-
cientheat. The Eeeds ought to be scattered thickly on moist
soil, and it is belter not to cover the eeeds, as the leaves that
V ay are more free from grit, which is liOt eaEily washed from
the salad. Mint, Tarragon, Tansy, and other herbs should be
potted if thsy have not already been done, and they must be
p'aced iu heat accorditg as there is likely to be a demand foir
them. The pots may either be forced upoir hotbeds, or they
may be placed in forcing hcuses wbeie there is artificial heat.

Forcing Flowtrs. — A heated pit with a bed for plunging the
plants in ought to be devoted to this purpose. A small house
20 or 30 feet long and 12 cr 1-1 feet wide will produce a large
quantity of flowering plants durirg lie season, becauEC as the
flowers open they can be removed to tbc greenhouse and others
be brought in to supply their place. Foremott on the list is the
Rose. The last Rose of summer is a poor thirg, although it
may be found much later in the jear thun formerly; but tho
first Rose of spring is a treasure indeed. To be forced early
the plants must be pruned early, and the birds will start strongly
and well in a temperature of from 50° to 55°, and with a bottom
heat of 85° or 90°. Water the roots moderately, and syringe
overhead at least once a day with water rather warmer than the
temperature of the house. Some of tho most free-growing
Hybrid Perpetuals and Teas are best adapted for forcing.

Hybrid Rhododendrons, which have uow become so popular
for shrubbery planting, may be forced with the greatest ease;
but it is well not to place the pots in the plunging material,
and it israot at all necessary that the plant) should be near the
glass, but may be relegated to the darkest part of the house.
Let them be freely syringed and not snlltr for the want of
water at the roots, and iu the same tcmierature as the Rose
bushes they will soon come into flower. The plants may be
lifted from the open border, potted at once, and forced almost
immediately. Of course, only these well set with bloseom buds
should be chosen. When the first flowers oj en remove the
plants to the greenhouse, where the remaining flowers en tho

36

JOURNAL OP HORTIOUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARUENBR.

[ Janaary 11, 1877-

trasses will grddaaUy expaad, aad they remam along time in
beauty. After fljwerin^ let the plants be f;rada4lly exposed to
the open air, and in May they should be planted in the border
from whence they were lifted.

Dentzia gracilis is a fivoiirite plant, easily forced, and con-
tinues for a long time in beauty; its clustsra of pure white
flowers have a charming effect, aad are a most distinct feature
amid the dark foliage of Rhododendrons aud the lively green
leaves of the Rose bushes. Lilacs, too, are most enjoyable, and
who would be without a few small bashes now that they can
be obtained at such a cheap rate ready for forcing? They
are easily managed, and the abovd directions apply to them.
Shelves near the glass may be fitted-up for Hyacinths, Tulips,
Polyanthuses, Narcissus, and other Dutch bulbs. A few pots of
Dielytra spectabilis ought also to find a place. Clumps of this
when well grown form a very striking feature. The roots, as also
those of the Lily of the VaUey, are better with a little bottom
heat. — J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Downie & Laird, 17, South Frederick Straet, Edinburgh.—
Descriptive Catalogue of Vegetable, Flowery and Agricultural
Seeds.

John JefEeries tt Sons, Market Place, Cirencester. — Illustrated
Garden Guide, and Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds,
&c.

Vilmorin, Andrieux it Cie., 4, Qaai de la M^gisserie, Paris. —
General Catalogue of Flower and Vegetable Seeds, Strawberry
Plants, tC'c.

H. & F. Sharpe.Wisbeach, Cambridgeshire. — Wholesale Cata-
logue of Agricultural arid Garden Seeds, and List of Seed
Potatoes.

Richard Bradley & Sons, Halam, near Southwell, Notts. —
Abridged Catalogues of Roses and General Nursery Stock.

James Wm. Mackey, 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. — Illus-
trated Seed Catalogue and Attiateur's Guide.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*.* All correspondence should be directed either to *' The
Editors," or to " The PabliaUer." Letters addressed to
Mr, Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing bo Bubjeots them to un-
jastiflable trouble and expense.
Correspondents Bhoald not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sab-
jeots, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion
should be written on one side of the paper only. We
cannot reply to questions through the post,
Violets. — "D. W." iuqairea wliera Violets odorata peodula, Blandyana,
Itcine Louise, Beauty ot Louth, and Wileioii caa ba purchased. Ha hai
applied to several anrderymen, but cannot procure them.

Sulphate of Ammonia {Red Hill).— It dried it may contain 24 per cent,
of ammonia, bat if cryBtallised it contains about 22^ per cent. It may be
applied to any growing plant. Half an ounce to a gallon of water is
«tifiicient.

Attrigtjlas, — *' G. S." wishes for the dirflction of florists in the north of
England who can supply Auriculas. If ther advertised, our correspondent
sAys '* a briak demand wonid soon sell out any grower."

CoBDON Fruit Tbees (P. Af.).— The diatanco of :t') yards will take fire
trees, the fii6t trees to be 9 feet from the ends of the wire, and the three
intermediate trees being 18 foat apart. They miy ba plantei wider than
that, but the trees will take so much longer to fill the space.

Management op Camellias and Azaleas (Youthful ^nuirur).— We
think yon are rather impatient. If the Camellia buds do not drop they will
swell oat and open in due time. We are afraid the compos" will not d > for
Azaleas. They ought to be potted in turfy sandy peat, not bog peat, wlthont
any loam. Bog peat does not answer for Caraelliaa either. Good turfy loam
one-half and the other half turfy peat, the eaiio as that used for Azaleas,
will answer. The temperature is all ri^ht, and so is the other treatment.

PoiNBETTiA rci.cHEHRiMA (W^rm).— This plant blooms beat in a tempe-
rature of from 60^ to 6J-, bat will do with a lover minimum, say oS"^ for an
average, a tew degree* lower and hii^her than this according to the weather.
The leaf enclosed sooms to be from a species of Fuokia.

Mould on Cyclamen Corms (A. F. i?.).— The mould will not injure the
corms, aa we apprehend it is a mossy coveriug cooseqneut upon the plants
having been kept very moist in an ill ventilated atmosphere, the enrfaoe of
the pota as well as the corms having t!ie same green miuldy covering. lie-
move it from the aurfaco of the soil with a piece of wooi, and also from the
corms if it comoa away readily and may be done without injury to the akia,
leaves, and flowers, which must not be damaged.

Chinese PRIMROSE!* pbom Cuttings (/-("m) —Except for the double
virieties propagation from cuttings is not nearly so goo I as raiding plants
from seed. The cuttings are boat taken so soon as the flowering is past, or
from March to June, they reiiairing a rather close aud warm atmosphere
with shade to root freely.

Old Plants of CnavsANTnEMUMs {Wfm>.— We should mt keep the old
plants only to give what outtintja were needed in March, aud if none were
required at that timo we should throw the old plants away. We have fre-

quently disrooted the old plants after flowering, cutting away moat of the
old roots and potting in entirely fresh compost (all the old being shaken oat)
into 5 or 6-inch pots, keeping the plants in cold frames until April with
abandanco of air daring mild weather, and shifting into larger pots then, and
giving the flowering pots early in June. They did fairly, but the flowers were
neither so large nor well formed as those affjrdod by plants from cuttings.

Carpet-bedding Punts from Seed (P.F.S.). — The Coragtium, Cinera-
ria, and MesembryantheiHums may be raised from seed, bat are much better
raised from cuttings. The seed may ha sown thinly in pota of light soil,
oovarinj,' the seed very slightly and keepin* the soil regularly moist, the pota
being placed in a hotbad until tha seedlings appear. After that a light and
cool position mast be afforded to harden the seedlings, which must, when
largo enough, be pricked-out in bjie3 or be potted singly in very small pota.
Coleuses mast be raised from cutttu-js. These and cuttings of all the plants
mentioned will strike readily in sandy aoil iuyoar hotbed, affording moisture
and shade to prevent the cuttings from flagging. We advise your procuring
cuttings of the plants you require.

Lily of the Valley (Fifteen-years Subscriber).— The roots are not dead,
bat will grow and produce flowers in due time.

CrcLAMENS Deformed [R. 3. F. Qillinghani]. — Remove the decayed flowers,
and, if possible, place the plants in a little more heat. They will improve as
the season advances. Tae name of the plant is Garrya elliptica.

REMOvisa Trees from a Nursesy (E. E. £.).— All trees, shrubs, and
plants that you, as a nurseryman, have planted in the naraery as etook-in*
trade you caa remove. If any of the trees have become too large for removal
you must leave them nniajurad, aud cannot enforce payment for them from
the landlord.

Names of Fruits (Bo5).— Your Apple U Court of Wick. (J. J. S.).— The
Fears ware nnripe, aud we are sorry that we are unable to identify them.

Names of Plants ilrl.^). — All forms of the very variable V. salioifolia.
f.4itefl<f.T».— 1, Polypxliam vaL-are; 2 and 3, La^trea apinuUsa; 4 aud 5,
Soolopendrium valgare. [R. Alaitlanii. — Loucadendron argeuteam.

POULTfiY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

POULTRY AND BIRD NEWS.

In the Journal of Horticulture for Augast 3rd laat we de-
scribed the result of a sitting of Leghorn eggs sent from Mr. G.
Brown of Brooklaadville, U.S.A., to Mr. Norwood of Salis-
bury. The eggs hatched on Jane 23rd last, and several of the
pullets frona them laid when only five months old. We learn
that the third-prize pair of this breed at the Ute Show at Kings-
tjn-on-Thames came from this hatch. We observed them
there because of their spotless purity of plumage and the colour
of their legs, which were of a deeper orange hue than any wa
have before seen.

We know of one amateur who keeps two breeds of poultry,
and those of kinds which most frequently have to go into a
variety class. He has exhibited seventy-two pens in 1876 and
won eistytwo honours. Of the ten other pens twice the judge
missed them when making his awards. We consider this good
work, and it shows us what au amateur can do. These birds
have only been kept in enclosed runs in town gardens.

We wonder Silkies are not more kept for useful purposes.
They can always be depended upon for laying or being broody
at this season. It is true they do not cover very many eggs,
but they take every o.ire of what they have, and rarely does one
come to grief. We know of one exhibitor iu the midland
counties who has seven of these birds now sitting, and we have
some broody hens ourselves waiting for eggs. The breed is to
have a class at the coming Aquaricm Show at Westminster,
and as a certain number of entries had to be guaranteed wa
hope all will enter a pen who keep the variety, or the loss will
fall up jn private shoulders.

Turbitj seem to be the present fashion in Toy Pigeons. Mr.
SaltiT ha? lately sold a Black for ±'40. Mr. O. E. Oresswell has
recently refused i*20 for one of the same colour, and a Blue was
sold at Birmingham we believe for .i'12.

It will be remembered that a few weeks back we recommended
the fanciers of the various breeds to make themselves into
clubs like the Leghorn fanciers had done. We hear the Spanish
breeders have done this, aud that one or two more such clubs
are on the tapis. After this we shall want one large general
club to embrace all these subdivisions, and so make, if possible,
all fanciers members of one body without cliques or petty
jealousies.

The Oxford Committee are already at work getting ap caps
and classes for the neglected breeds for another year's show.
There will be, we hear, i'lO lOs. cups for Black Red cockerels
and pullets, and a large sum of money has been offered to pro-
vide Langshau classes. We hope tbe Committae will refuse
thij offer, or suggest that the money should be expended in
classes for Pekin Ducks or some other breed where there really
is something worthy of encouragement.

We are glad to say the defaulting Committee of the Ports-
mouth Summer Sliow have bean brought to book. The Hon.
and Rev. F. Dutton placed the matter in the hands of his soli-
citor, who issued a summons for the amoant owing. Not only
has the prise money tj be paid in full, but they have also tha

Januaiy 11, 1877 ]

JOUKNAL OF HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

37

costs to pay as well. We thick all owe Mr. Datton a debt of
gratitude for taking the steps be has dune, and we recommend
the Committee to pay the other claims before they are pnt to
further expense and annoyance, as they most certainly will be.

We are greatly pleased to see that the prices of selling-class
pens are being increased. We have often before now said how
impossible it is to sell a pen of any value for 30s., which is often
the price that sale-class specimens must not exceed. At Swin-
don, Bristol, Fakenham, Kingston, and other shows there have,
however, been classes for pens which were not to exceed i'i and
,i'5 per pen. Here there is a chance for parchaser and vendor,
while in those 20s. and 30s. classes nothing but rubbish can be
expected.

We hear with much sorrow of the very serious illness of that
veteran Poland exhibitor and breeder, Mr. T. P. Edwards of
Lyndhurst. From the accounts we receive we are afraid his
medical m.in and friends think very badly of him.

In taking a retrospect of the various shows of the year — and we
have been able to attend the majority of the important of them
— we are inclined to think that Polands, Cochins, and Dorkings
have maintained their reputation, and have in many cases
rather improved than retrograded, while until lately Dark
Brahmas have been poor. French few compared to former
years. Game rather backward all along. Spanish few and far
between. Leghorns improving. Silkies scarce. Malays on the
mend certainly, and Waterfowl in static quo, while the market
for all breeds has been depressed and bad. — W.

CARLISLE SHOW OF POULTRY, Ac.

The first Exhibition of the Border Counties Poultry, Pigeon,
and Canary Show was held at Carlisle on the 4th, 5tb, and Gth
inst., when an excellent list of prizes and specials were com-
peted for. Clark's pens were used; the room being small but
jiretty well lighted, the pens being arranged three tier high.

Black Red Game cocks headed the list with a grand class,
the best in fact we have seen of late, and the tielections were
very well made, as also in cockerels, the first of which will no
doubt lead for some time to come ; the second also good, but
.a little striped in hackle. Brown Bed cocks. — The first and
special went to a most perfect bird with a beautifully marked
breast ; the second and third failing to some extent in that
respect. Cockerels also good, but the first somewhat dark on
breast and reddish on back ; second a splendid-coloured bird,
bat a little backward in body; third we did not like, as he was
too much goose-winged and full coarse for our taste. Dorkings
very good in all sections, but many pens were empty, the Dark
Greys and Silvers being equally good, and the awards well made ;
Brahmas, many pens empty. The hens were good, far better in
fact than the cocks. The above were shown singly, but Cochins
were in pairs ; the first and special rightly going to a very ex-
cellent pen of old Buffs. Uainbtirghs had but two classes, but
there were some good birds, but not nearly the number that
might be expected if the Society would give a more extended
list. Sjianisli were poor except the first and special, which
were capital chickens. Houdans good, and a much closer
ailherance to the .style of some was made in the awards, a point
we contend which should never be lost sight of. French, other
kinds, were first Crevrs, second La Flcehe, and third CiOves,
a poor class. In the Variety class first was a mistake, probably
by the birds being placed too low for inspection, as the cook
had a horrid comb and a sqairrel tail ; second Gold Polish, and
third Whits Dorkings. Game Bantam?, Reds, a capital lot of
single cock^ ; first and second Black Reds, well placed; and
third a Brown Bed, large but good in colour. Any other were
first and second Duckwings, and third Piles; the first requires
a little of the shears to his face and ears. Red hens very neat,
and placed in the same order as the cocks. In hens Piles won,
as also the special, the winner a grand one. Variety class a
good one ; we never saw the Sebrights better than here ; tut
the oream of the lot were a pen of Rose-combed Whites, which
certainly have not been excelled for the last ten years ; second
Silver Sebrights ; third Blacks. There was a fair show of JJucks,
the special going to Bouecs.

Singular to relate the show of Pigeons was very small as
compared with what we might have expected for the money.
These were in good pens for examination. In Tumblers first
were Almonds, and a very neat pair indeed, capital in colour
and well broken. In Carriers the first were Duns, the hon a
grand one, bat the cock would do with a better pair of spectacles ;
second Dun cock strong and young, hen marvellous in eye
wattle, but deficient in beak wattle. Single Carrier cocks. —
First and special was a grand Black cock, and the selection
good ; second, also Black, was good. First in Pouters were
Black, the cock a very bad colour ; second White were a grand
pair, being a long way first in form, carriage, and quality ; both
from the same exhibitor. Cocks.— The winners White and well
placed. Fantails in pairs showed to great disadvantage. In
Jacobins first were a handsome pair of Reds, u^itrimmed and

honest in all particulars, which is something to say of this
class at present ; the second also good Reds. Trumpeters bad
except the winners. Turbits were first Reds, well placed;
second Blue, foul on thigh and patchy on wing; and third good
Reds. Owls.— The first-prize Blues were very good; and Barbs
were Blacks in both cases. In Antwerps a fair pair of Long-
faces were first; but we much preferred Mr. Yardley's unnoticed
Short-faced Silver Duns, and the dark Blue Chequers which
were second, to the winners. Single Antwerps might also have
changed places; the second Dun was a grand one; the first
was good, but more of a Medium-faced, a Red Chequer. In the
Variety class first were Bed, and second Black Magpies.

In Canaries the Belgians were well placed, but were not a
good lot. The Scotch Fancy did not come up well, but there
were two grand Yellows. In Crested birds the first and special
went to a Coppy, but must have been awarded to the cage,
which was the best in the class, the bird was neither clesu nor in
good order ; the second was a good Norwich. Goldfinch Mules
were well placed. In Jouques first was a grand four-pointed ;
the two equal seconds were a little broken about the eye. Buffs.
— First a rich Buff, witU eye marks; second a good bird, but
uneven on one wing. Mules, any other, were first a variegated
Greenfinch, a splendid Yellow of high colour; cecond a Linnet
Mule, almost clear Buff. Goldfinches a very large and good
class; and Linnets also very good.

POULTRY.— GAME.-Btocfc ned.-Cock.—\. J. A. Mather. 2, T. Bellman. S
J. Robertsoo. Cockerel— 1 and Cap, J. Bell. 2, T. Mason. 3, .T. Mackerelh
Heti—1, T. Bellman. 2, L. Casaon. 3. J. A. Nelson. Brown lied— Cock.—
land Cup, J. A. Nelson. 2. K. Gamett. 3, J. J. Bobineon. Cockerel.— I, T. and
J. C. Parker. 2. R. Garnetl. 3, E. awainson. vhc. 1. Mason, T. C. Leishton.
a«ii.— 1 and Cup. H. Leigbton. 2, R. Garnett. 3, T. Mason »ftc, J. Booth.
Master F. W. Poole. Any other variety,—! and Cup, J. C. Dixon. 2. J. Nelson.
8, H A.Clark. Dubkings.- DarA:.— Cocfc.— 1, T. Raine. 2,J. T. Pronl. 3 w W
Kuttlidge ffen— land Cup, J. T. Proud. 2, J. Walker. S. Mrs T.W. L. Hind.'
Hilver-arey.—Cock.-l, Hon. Mrs. Howard. 2. J. Cnnniogham. 3, J. Booth.
Hen.—l, W. W. Buttlidge. 2. J. Cunningham. 3, Hon. Mrs. Howard, vhc. W.
Wallace, T. L. Jackson. Brahmis.— Cocfc.— 1 and Cup, J. Walker. 3. E. Reed.
3, J. F. Smith, flen.-l, T. Pye. 2, J. F. Smith. 3, R. Hargraves. vhc, K.
Errington. Cochins. -Special and 1, G. H. Proctor. 2, J. VFalker. 8, W. Shaw.
Chickens.— I and 2, G. H. Proctor. 3, J. O. Rigg. HiiiBCHGHs. -Ooid or Silver-
spangled.— 1 and Cup, A. Stirling. 2, J. Roberts. 8, W. Crosthwaite. Gold or
bilver'penciUed.—UP.McLean. 2, W. Crosthwaite. 8, A. N. Ecktord. Spanish.
— Black— 1, K. Newbitt. 2, C. K. Kay. 8, W. Wallace. Houdanb.-1. H.
Rubinson. 2, Misa M. Carter. 3, J. Graham. FRsyca.—Any other variety.—
I.T.Nixon. 2, H. Stephens. 3, C. M. Saunders. Any otseb Varibti except
Bantams —1, C. S. Hall. 2, H. A. Clark. 3, R. A. Boissier. Sellino Class.—
Special and 1, W.R. Bull. 2, S.Walton. 8, R. Reed 4. W. Crosthwaite. 6. J.
Broush. vhc. Rev. J. Benn, G. Little, W. G. Appleby. Bantams.— Game,
Black-breasted or other Eeds.- Cock.— I and Cup. J. A. Nelson. 2. T Sharpies.
3, T. Putnam. Hea.-l, J. A. Wilson. 2, Mrs. Wardle. 3, H. A. Clark. Game,
Any other variety.— Cock —1, E. Newbitt. 2, H. J. Nicholson. 3. J. A. Nelson.
ifcH.— Special and 1, R. Brownlie. 2, R Newbitt. 8, G. Coulthard. Any other
variety except Game.— I, T. Green. 2, H. Stephens. 8. W. Shaw. Docks.—
iJoufii.—l and Cup. J. Walker. 2, F. G. S. Rawson. S.D.Bragg. Any other
Dcr!>(j(.—1, J. Walker. 2.T. Blaylock. 8,J.Booth. t>Ac, J. Walker, W. Wallace,
E. P. Snell.

PIGEONS.— TnMBLEES. -I, H.Yardley. 2,J. Conpland. S.J.Cook. CABaiEBS.
—1 and Cup, J. Walker. 2. J. Kendall, vhc, J. & W. Towerson Cock.— I and
2, J. Kendall. Podtebs.— 1 and 2. J. Booth. CocA:—!, J. & W. Towerson. 2, J.
Booth. Fantails.— 1 and 2. J. F. Loversidge. u/tc. H. Yardley. Jacobins.-

1, W. E. Fasten. 2. J. Gardner, vhc, J. & W. Towerson. Tbuupetebs.— 1, J.
Gardner. 2, J. & W. Towerson. 3, J. Cook. Tobbits.-I. J. Gardner. 2 and
vhc. U. S. Temple. Owls.— I, J. Gardner. BisBj.- 1, A. & R. Hutchinson.

2. H Yardley. 3, J. Walker, vhc, J. Eo..th. NoKS.-l, J. Gardner. 2, J.
WilUamaon. Dbagoons.-1, W. Smith. 2, J. Kendale. «))m;, W. Puiman, Jan.,
A. McKenzie. Antwerps. -I, A. McKenzie. 2 and ufeff, J. Gardner. Cock.—
I and 2, J. Gardner. Any other Vabiety.— 1, J. Williamson. 2, J. & W.
Towerson. vhc. Dr. Hodgson. Selling Class.— 1, J. & W. Towerson.

CAGE BI'JD-'.- Canaries. -BELQUN.— re!!oir.—l, H. Connerton. 2, J.
Alderson. Buff.— I, J. Davidson. 2, J. Alderson. Scotch.— yelfou' —1, J.
Thorpe. 2. J.Sowerby. d/ic. Miss A. Jardine.C. Wright iJ»#—l. J. Thorpe.
2, J. sowerby. Cbested.-I, J. Hamilton. 2, J. Davidson. Lizard.— GoWen-
sp(i«p/ed.—l, J. Stephens. 2. J. Chambers. ANY other Vabietv of Canaby.-

1, J. Strong. 2, C. Wright, vhc, P. Lawson, J. Voce. Goldfinch Mule.—
ietlow — 1, J. Robson. Equal 2, W. cSt C. Burniston. J. Stevens, vhc. Miss M.
Duncan. Buff.— I, J. Robson. 2, J. Stevens, vhc, Mrs. Al'mistead, D. Spoor.
Any other variety of Mule.— I and 2, J. Stephens. Goldfinches.- 1. W. Pool.

2, J.P'enderlaith. 8, W. & C. Burniston. Linnets —1, J. Yorke 2, W. Carrick.
Any Variety of British Birds.- 1, Master W. Forster. 2, E. Taylor. Any
Variety of Foreign Birds.- 1, Mrs. E. Ward. 2, W, T. Armstrong. Sellinu
Class —1, J. McVittie. 2, J. Davidson.

JvDo-s,a,— Poultry: Mr. R. Teebay, Mr. E. Hewitt. Pigeons:
Mr. E. C. Stretch. Canaries : Capt. H. Ashton.

NORWICH SHOW OF POULTRY, Ac

The second Exhibition of the Central Norfolk Poultry Club
was held in the Corn Hall en the Sid and 4th inst., when the
following prizes were awarded : —

POULThY.-DoRKiNoB.-Colourid— CoeJc.-l, Cup. and Members' Prize,
Mrs. B. B. Sap«ell. 2, O. E. CressweU. 3, H. J. Gunnell. Hen.-l and Mem-
bers'Prize, O. E. Cresawell. 2, F. Parlett. S.Mrs. Allsopp. Any other variety.
—Cock.— I, W. Roe, inn. 2 and Members' Prize, O. fc. Cresswell. 3, E. V.
Snell. Hen— I and Members' Prize, L. Wren. 2 and vhc, O. E. Cresswell. S,
W. Hoe, jun. Cochins.— Cinnnmon or Buff.-Cock.—i, Cup, and Members'
Prize, K. P. Percival 2, La-ly Gwydyr. 8. S. R. Harris, vhc, Mrs. Allsopp.
Hen— I and Members' Prize, R. P. Percival. 2, W. A. Bindley. 3, Lady
Gwydyr. Any other variety.— Cock.— \ and Members' Prize. R. P. Percival. 2,
Lady Gwydyr. 3. Duke ot Hamilton. Hen.—l and Members' Prize, R. P.
Percival. 2, C. Bloodworth. 3, E. Pritobard. i-Jic, Lady Gwydyr. Bbahuas.—
Dark.—Cock.-\, Cop, Members' Prize, and 2. Horace Lingwood. 8, E. Prit-
chard. Hen.—\, Rbv. J. D. Peake 2 and Members' Prize, J. S. & O. S. Pearson.
8, E. Pritchard. Liyht.-Cock.—l and Members' Prize. P. Haines. 2, Horace
Lingwood. 3, R. P. Percival. vhc. P. Haines, Lady Gwydyr. Hen.—\. Mem-
bers' Prize, and 3. P. Haines. 2, J. Swinson. Spanish.— C'ocfc —1 and Mem-
bers' Prize, li. Newbitt. 2, Mrs. Allsopp. 8, J. Boulton. vhc, Mrs. Hewea.
Hen.—l, J. Boulton. 2 and Members' Prize, Mrs. Allsopp. y, J. T. Mumby.
vhc, T. Aldridge. LvoBoaNS.- Broicn — 1, Members' Prize, and 2, A. Kitchen.
8, E. W. Pickard. H'hite.-l, Mrs. W. P. Hughes. 2 and Members' Prize, Rev.

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTURB AND COTTAGE QABDBNKB.

[ Jaauary 11, 18'!7.

W. C. Safford. 3. P. Dell. HonDANs.— 1, Mrs. Vallanco. 2. S. W. Thomas. S,
J. E. Pilgrim, vha aod Members' Prize, R. V. HneU. Malays.— 1. Cup. and
Members' Prize, E. B. Grimmer. 2, J. Hiuton, ,1, t'. B. Lowe. Game.— CJae/B
lUd.-Cock.—l and Members' Prize, A. Webster. 2, H E. Martin. 8, W. H.
Stair^. uftc, T. Hawkins. Brown Rtd.—Cnck.—I, Cup, and Members Prize, A.
Webster, a, W. Ravner. 3 and vhc, H. E. Martin, Black or Brown Red.—
He»— 1, Members' Prize, and S, H. E.Martin. 2, P. Piggott. h/m:, W. Eajner.
Dueku>ing.—Cock.—l, Mtmbers' Prize, and 3, H, E. Martin. 2, A. P. Bsfard.
PUe.—Cock.~l and Members' Prize, C. Everitl. 2. G. Rarneabv. R, H. R. Emms.
Duckuing or Pile.— Ben.— I, Members' Prize, aod 2, H, E. Martin. 3, P. Pigott.
HkTdBORGB9.—Gold-pencilled.—l and Members' Prize, W. K. Tickner. 2, J.
Smith 3, J. Lont', vlic, J, T, K. Cast»le. H. Pieklcs, O. E. Cresswell. Ookl-
spangkd -I, T. E. Jones. 2, W, N. Marlow. 3 and Members' Prize, J. Long.
vhCf T. Moy. 8Uver-iienc'illed.—l and Members' Prize, E. V. Snell. 2, Jd.
Pickles. 3, J. Losg. SUver-s}jangled.—\t Cup, and Members' Prize, H.
Pickles. 2, J. K, Harris. 3, Kev. T. L. Fellowea. Black— I and Members'
Prize, E, ^V. gnell. 'i, C. P, Copemnn. S, J. Long. Anv other VABtETY.-l, T.

Duke of Brmilton. 2 and 3, F, Bullard, vhc, Rev. A. S. Webb. Goslings.— 1,
Members' Prize, and 3, E. Y. Snell. 2, J. Everett. Podltb.-1, W. Wykes.
3 and Members' Prize, H. J. Gunnell. .<!, J. Everett. Selli:^g Class.— ^»j/
variety except Bantams.— Cock or Drake— 1, R. Newbitt. 3, Lady Gwydyr. 3,
G. E. Potter, vhi:, A. W. Darley, J, Strugnell, T. Docwra. Rem or Dwks.—
1, Nntman & Wright. 2, W. Carter. 3, Mrs. B. B. Sapwell. BaiUams.—l,
Members' Prize, and vlic, W, Holmes. 2, F, W. Anns. 3, L. G. Morrell.
Bantams.— B/acfc or Brown Ited Game.— Cock.— 1, W. Roe, juo. 2 and Mem-
bers'Priee, H. R Newbilt. 8, W.Adams. Hen.— 1, Members' Prize, and 3, J. S.
and G. S. Pearson. 2, W. Long, vhc, W. White. Pile or Duckwing Game.—
Cocfc.—]. Cup, and Members' Prize. W. Adams. 2, W. Jones. 3, W. Hoe, .inn,
Hen.—1 and Members' Prize, W. Adams. 2, W. M. Rumbelow. 3, Bellingham
and Gill. Any other variety except Game —1, Members' Prize, and 2, W.
Holmes 3, Lullow & Rackham. vhc, W. Holmes (2). A. & W. H. Silvester.

PIGEONS.— Carbiebs.-CocS—I, Cup, Members' Prize, and 2, R. fulton. 3,
J. Chandler, vhc, K. George. Hen.— I and Members' Prize, K. Fulton. 2, H.
Yardley. 3, W, J. Nichols. Pootebs.- Coc*.— 1. Members' Prize. 3. and vhc, H.
Thnrlow. 2, A. P. Byford. Hen,— 1, Members' Prize, and 2, R. Fulton. S and
vhc, A. P. Bjlord. Dbagoons.— Cock or Een.—J, Cup. Members' Prize. 2, and
3, R. Woods. Extra 3, E. Burrell. vhc. A, A. Vaider Meersch, R. Woods,
Anxwebps.— Cock or Ben.-l and Members' Prize. H. Yardlpy. J, 3. Thurlow.
8. J. T, Theobald. Babbs,— Cocfc or Hen.—l, Member.,' Prize, and 3, P. H.
Jones. 2. B. Fulton, vhc, H. Yardley, H. Thurlow, A. 'Vander Meerseh. Fas-
tails.— Cocfc or Hen.— I and Members' Prize. H. Thurlow. 2, O. E. i'roPS^ell.
8, J. F. Loversidge. Tumbleeb.— ^(moild.-Coclt or He«.—L Cup, and Members'
Prize, B, Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. 8, L. E. Willett. Any other variety.— Cock
or Hen.— J, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2 and Members' Prize, H. Yardley. ?,. L. E.
WiUett. Jaoodiks.— Coct or Hen.— 1 and r';i^, A. V.inderMeer.r'i. " -rl 't -i.
bers' Prize, G South. S.R.Fulton TDentT.-Ooc* or //■ >. ! i !: v u-

bers' Prize, and 2, O. E. Cresswell. 3, A. G. Avenell. Aky c i

Coc/c or Hen— 1, A. Vander Meersch. 2. H. J. Dwelly. 3 ;,i.it ' : i,i

P. H. Jones, vhc. A. & W. H. Filvester, G. Souih. Sfllis(, i i , , ; ., .1
Members' Prize, H. Yardley. 2, A. G. Avenell. 3, C. Howard. C.i.i.fcti.in- ti'
FODB BiBDs.-l iind Members' Prize. L. B. Will*tt. 2, A Vander Meersch, ii,
H. Thurlow, NoEwicn Cboppees,— Cocfc— I and 2, W. Perowne. Hen.— I, S.

Buff.—l, Mackley Bros. 2 and 8, J. Yallop. vhc, BorreU & Wright, Mackley
Bros. Any other variety Yellow.— \. 2, and 8. Mackley Bros, vhc, BuiTcU and
Wnght, F Wright. Any other variety Buff.-I. 3, S, and vhc, Mackley Bros.
Evenly-marked Crested Yelloic —1, 2, and 3. Mackley Bros. El'enlymarked
CresfedBuJf-! and iiJic, Mackley Bros. 2, J. Thompson. S, J. Yallop. Any
other variety Crested Buff.—l and 2, Maokley Pros. S, W. B. Hovell. vhc, J,
Yallop, Mack'ey Bros. Any other variety Crested Yellow.-l and 8. J. Yallop.
2;,.^.»<^''l''' S'""- <^<'0C of four Yellow —I, 3, and vhc. Macklev Bros. 2, F,
Wilhs. Catico//oKrfi«jr,. lands, Mackley Bros. 2, DurrcU & Wright, vhc,
J. Yallop.

Judges.— Mr. J. Dixon anil Mr. J. Percival).

DUNFERMLINE SHOW OP POULTRY, &c.

This Show was held in tbe Mtisio Hall nu tie 30!li uU.
Generally speakiUR poultry were sro d eb f-ir as the winners were
concerned, and in fome olassea many received commendations.
Hamhurghs, thoush mixed claEsss, were quits a feature ; but
though good in other respects, the great fiult was in combs,
which were too largo and coarse, eapecially in the spaogles.
Game were very g.-od in bith oUssea, as also the Bantams, in
which a pen c f Pilci won the cup for the best pen of Aoy br. ed
in the Show. Pairs of Bantam hens, as also tlie single cock^,
were capital claries.

Pigeons were in pairs, but some of the classes, especially the
Pouters, wero well filled ; the latter a capital class.

Cage Birds wero mostly of the Scotch Fancy Canary, gnii of
these the entries were very good.

POULTRY -.spjMBH. - I, J. Korval. 2. W. M Bcath. Card, T. Fawn».
DoFKiNGS.-l and -i. Mrs. Spalding. 8. H. Richardson. Card, J. Arthur.
Bbahma PooTBA.-l, W. G. Duncan. 2 acd 3, J, Nfll.,8, Card, J Barclay.
Hambubobs.— Go(cfenorS>iMr-<pnno(ed.— 1 and 8, Mrs Reidie. 8, G. Walker.
^rd, J. Yoimg, A. Gcmmcll Golden or Sili>er-pen'iUed-—\, Stevenson and
a.™^''^ J' ''^*'l'""; ,"■ •>• Meldtum jun. card. D. Izatt. OiiiB. - Black and
Brown Bed.-Cock-l H. Drummoud. 8. W. Webster. 3. D Bowman. Card.
p.Drysdttle. I'/ic, G. A A. Blair. .Inj, ot'ier co/onr.-l, R. Speiice, 27 J. Wilson
?' °-,^ 5- .P'^'^-^'^l'l"' " Stewart BAST.-m.-Gnm-, Black or Brown-
breaeted Beds -1, W. bherwood. 'i J. narrower. OAr.l. W. Barbour, vkc, .\.
Duncan. Game, anj/ other colour -I and Medal, J. narrower. 2. W. Sher-
wood. 8. J. Penman. Caid.J. K.Kilgoiir Gamt. Viidubljed.—l, J Tod. 2, J.
Fothermgham, jun. 3 J. Yonug. i aid. Mast-r A. I'rew. Any other variety
except G<ime. - 1, Miss fe, P Frew. 2 an.) 3. J. Meldrum. a^n. Card, Miss C. M.
Mrs. Frew. 3. J. Tod. vIk. J. Mel-

Adam. Hens— Pair.— 1, J. Penman. .. „ „ .„,. ,.,„., „ ^^^.

Feknoh FOWLS.-I, A .shand. a and 3, li, Melhven, Car.1, H.

" .— -.-.-. J 2. J. Falconer. 3, J. Todd.

2 and 3. A. Adamson. Card,

drum, ...

Fairley, Anv otubk Vabieiv.— L 'w'Tt^
Card, Miss U, Frew. Ddoks.-!, W. Mori

2, P. AiKlcraon. 3, J. Walker.

Mrs Aitken. Seluno class.— 1, K. Adi
Card. G. Bower.

POULTRY iSiiju'. I, ,1,,. ,AMsn.-!. J. Norval. 2, W. Hunt. S.B.Dun-
can. rft<;,W,M,, I, I, , ,~, .3 -land 3. Mrs. Spalding. 2, H. Richard-
S-'SU e*.""!,"",""" ' ' ''•■'■-«J'an!;'«<i-l.J. Fothoriugham. Jan. a. J.

lodd. Card, A. !■. ;iii , ... I ..r SUcer-jjenoiJiecl,-!, W,Knox. 2,J,Fotbcr-

■— na-n, juu. <a:,l, u. ]...iii. rhc, }. Savage. QAMjt.-Biacfc or Brnwii-
2, R. Stewart. », J, UendTson. Any

breasted ltedi<.-]. l>

coionr.-l and 3. R. Fp,.i.ce. 2,D. Howmun. Bant,«,.-,.,.„„, „„^»,„
,lr • f ■ "'""'• ^ ••• •*■ Douald, Card, A. M'Kcnzie, J. Todd. Gui

variety except Game— I, if^V. Donald. 2 and S, J. Meldram, sen. A:fx oTa£st
Vabietv.— 1, J. Todd 2, J, Meldrum, jun, 3. J. Arthur.

PIGEONS.— PonTEBS.-l, M'Uill Skinner. S, J. Day. 8, A. Kobb. Card, (I.
Alexander, Jacobins,- 1, G. Alexander, 'i, T. MuUion. 3, G. Whyte Card,
C. Morris. Tdmblers.— t, J Smart, 2 H. Coa'ston. 3, Ii. Fairley. Card, A.
Duncan. Anv other Vabietv.— 1, M'Oill Skinner. 3, A. Duncin. t, T.
MulUons. Card, J, Taylor. CoaiiioN.— 1, 11. Lennox, jun. Selung Class.-

Special, D. Black. 3. W. Douglas. Card, P. Stralhcrn. Hen.— 1, J. Callander.

2, R. Hunter. 3, J. Tiveedie. Card. W. !!ogg. FLHCKEn.— ycHoic- Cocfc.-I,
If. Hunter. 3, A. Pearson. 3, J. Meiklejobn Card, H Lennox, sen. H«n— 1,
R. Hunter. '2. B. Curraud. 3, A. M'Hcndrick. Card, D. Duncan. BuSr.-
Cocfc.-l, F. Strachao, 2, R, Hunter. 3 W. Hogg. Card, W. Dou-ilas. Hca.-
1 and Card, B, Hunter. 2 and 3, W. Hogg. Uabked Mdle.— Fellaio.- Cos*.—
1 and Card, W. Kirk. 2, A. A. Mauchan. 3, J. Cowan. BuIT.- Cocfcs — 1. 2, ml

3, W. Kirk Card. J. Cowan. Green.— Cocfc.— 1, B Curraud. 2, J. Stew^t.
Card, J Meiklejohu. Hen.— I, D. Hutton, ■}, J Kilgoac. Card, W. Sharp.
Fodl.— Cocfc.-l. W. JSIorgan. 2, D. Black. Card, A, Adaioion. Hen,— 1, W.
Hogg. 2, W, Sharp. Card. G. Spence. GoLDFiMca.— Cocfc or Hen.—l, J.
Chalmers. 2 and 8. J. P.'theringham, jun. SE'.lisg Cuss.— Cocfc or Hen.— I,
W. Kirk. 2, F. Strathern. 3, F. Danks. Card, P. Lennox, sen.

Judges. — Poultry and Pigeons : Mr. E. Huttori, Leeds.
Canaries : Mr. 3. Mitchell, Perth; Mr. N. M'Leaa, Glasgow.

STRA.NKA.EB SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

The seventh annual Show vfis held in the Qaeen'a Hall,
Stranraer, on the lat inst. The entries in poultry were scarcely
aa large as those of last jeir, but the Pigoona were much larger
in number and of the highest quality, while the small eho'W of
cag>^ birds was good, espeuially of the Scotch Fancy,

Spanish, Dorliings, and Cochins lost in numbers, but the
(luality of the winners was giand, the Buff Cochins carrying cfF
tlno cup for the best pen in the Show. Game were rather an
irregular lot, some of the bi-st bcirg ill, tho cap going to a pwr
of Black Eeds; the first Duckwings also good, but a little wild.
Bantams poor with af-wexceptiona, the special going to Blacks.
Hamburghs good cs rei^ards the nrinuers, the Silver- spangles
carrying off the timepiece. Houdans good; but Ducks not
equal to those of previous years, excepting the Mandarins, to
which the cup w.'is awarded.

Of Pouters there were ten entries, and al! noticed in the prize
list; first a Blue cock, second a White hen, and third a Blue,
the best blown bird, but a little coarse. In Carriers the wiouers
were Blacks, and very good young birds. In Tumblers the
prizetakers were Agates. Fantails pior; bat Jacobins a good
class iu rill particular?, the winners being all Keds. Tho> next
fn point of quality were Bald LongfaoeSjaud it would be diificalt,
ti improve on these. The Selling class contained some cheap
birds, which speedily changed hands.

Black <,r V.r'um

other eolour.— i, J." Penman, aj'i. kI' Kiigottr."T,"R! "tkijea. Any ''other

-1 and Wic. J. M'Clcan. 2, T. Kennedy. 3. W. Wilson. Cooai-is.—
Cup, I. and 2, F. Robertson, Game,— Uiacfc and tdhcr Reds.— I and Special, J.
Brough. 2.G, S. Friend, .vkc. H.Charley, jaa. Du.Au /).,;.(, irM(es,<inil odicr
Greys.— I, 3. A. Mather, 'i. R M'Adam. 3, T. liroiv/h. kantams— fiaiMi,
BlCLck aiid other Beds,— I, H. Crearie. 2. J, I'cArno:!. jun, 3, W, Isherwood,
vhc. J. Mallinson. Any other variety —I and SpccLul. U. d. Ashton. 2 and 3, J,
Robertson. HAidBUkGHS. —Galdcii-spaiigled.-l and 2, S, Cone. 8, J. Spens.
S ilrer-spanglcd.—l and Special. J. ,M'l3ieau. 2, J. Cochrane. 3, .A, Wither,
Golden-pencilled.— \ and S. A, Wither. 2. W. Redcihougtl. Silver-pencilled. —
1. ,1. M Lolln-xl. 'J. ,T. .MClcao. s. J. "pens. £lncfc.— 1, 2, and 3, J. Craig.

i: i :- ... ! ■ 1 ■ •. \V lii 1. ". \V. MOowall. ANV OTIISK VjElETV.- 1. J.

i ■ . ' l> . .l/ie«lii»r!(.— L W. Wallace. 2. W. Stewart.

!■ ; « . .. '. M. Arundel. a.F.Robenson. S.A.M'DoRall.

.. , . .' I. i .. i. ..il. W. Martin. Selling Class. -2, F. Bobcrt-

L,,.;. ;;. '.V. M Cime. i, ! . ?i llarrio. TCBKEVS.— 1. J. A. Whyte. 2, J. Walker.
3. -.1. Hoena. GEEtr,.-l and 3, .!. Spens. 2, J. Marshall, jun.

PIGEONS.— PotJiEBa —1 and Special, A, Hutchinson. 3, 8, and i, E, Etiine.
vhc, Mrs. J. Kilgmr, E. Hutchinson, R Ewing. CAERiEas. — 1, W. A. P.
Montgomery, 2 and 3, R. Ross, vfcc, J, G. P M'Mastcr, J. Kilgour. W. A. P.
Montgomery. Tcmblers.-I and 3, W, A. P, Montgomery, 3, J. Watera.
Fantails.— 1 and 2, J. Waters, 3, J, Ralston. Jacobins.— 1 and 2, R. Ross-
3. P. Thorburn flic. J. Waters. A. Hutchison, jun. Kons. 1 and 2, J. Waters.
Barbs.— 1, Mrs. Hutchison. 2. A. S R Hutchison. S, R, Bisset, Torbits —

1, R Ross, 2, R. Thorburn. 3. A. Hutchison Antwbsps- 1, P. Bobertsoo.
a, R. Thorburn. 3, J. G. P. M M.ister, Balds or Beards,—!, R, Hutchinson.

2, Miss J. P. Hutchison, S,J. Muim. nltc. F. Robertson M.lGPiES.- 1 and 2, J.
Waters. 3, R, Thorburn, Com il.>» —1 and 2, R. Thorburn. 3.J. Munn. AST
OTQB-t Vabibty.— 1, R. Thorburn. 3. P. Thorburn. 3, Mrs, Hutchison.
Selling Class.-!, Mrs. Hutchinson. 2, A., Hutchinson, 8, J. Ralston, vhc.

Yellow PiBBsLD— Cocfc— 1, r. M'Oredie. 2, J. White. 3, A. M'Dowall. Hen.
— 1,.J. M'Credie.jun. 2,J. Hunter. 3, J, Thorpe. Bdff PiBBiLD —Cocfc.— l.M.
Wells. 2, T. M'Credie. 3, A, M'Credie Hen.— 1, J, Thorpe. 2, T. Gibson. 8. J.
White. GiLDFiNcil Mole —1, J. Hunter. '2, T.Rankin. 3. R. Bisset Goldfinch.
-1. A. M'Hwrie. 2, J. Hunter 3, J. M'Harrie. ^ELHNO Onss.-l.T. Dougla

orHEi Foreign Bir

-1, H.

Judges — Poidtrg and Pigeons: Mr. E. Huttoa, Padsey.
Cage Birds : Mr. J. Dalziel, Paisley.

NENTHE.^D SHOW OF POOLTRY, &c.

The annual Show of this isolated village w.i3 held ou the
3rd inst. iu the National School-room. Although not large, it
WHS excellet.t iu quality.

(lame headed the list. Black Reds being good. The cup for
tho be.st pen in the Show was awarded to a pea of handsome
chickens. JJiickwings were a fair lot, and in Gjld-spaugles wt ro
pretty good. In Qold-peuoUa first were a pen of ohiokeur.

Jannnry 11, 1877. ]

JOtJRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGS GARDENER.

39

second old birds. In Silver-spangles the great fanlt (whioli we
find very prevalent in the north) wai tha bal combs of the
cocks. Silver-pencils were good as regards the winners only.
Dorkings very good, especially the first, which were Silver-
Greya; and Spanish were very good. In Brahmas the winners
were mostly yonn;^, and in the Polish cla-ss most of the best were
■White-crested Blacks. Bantams had but one class, and in this
Brown Reds were first. Black Kads second, and Blacks third;
and in the Variety class were some good Hou'laus aud Cochins.

Cage Birds weie also good, a Bslgian carrying ofl the champion
prize; but there were some very neat Norwich and excellent
Green Canaries, also Cinnamons and Da"-s.

POULTRY— GmK.—Black-bremled and other Efib.-Special, 1, anl 2, T.
Erown. S, J. Kntherford. rhc. W. Armstrong. Any other variety. —\, 2, and d,
T. Brown. JiMtBURGBS.— Golden-spangled.— I and 2, G. D. Washington, s, F.
J. Snowdnn. Golden-pencilled 1, K. Walton. 2, C. R Soni-ir. 3. J. I Milli-
can. vkc. W. White, J I. aiiUican F. J. Snowdon. Silver-apangled—Spef:ia.\
and 1, -J. I. Millican. 3. J. Richardsi.n. 3, W. Millican. vhe, F. .1. Snowdon.
Silver-peneillcd.-l, W. Jopling. 2, J. Temple. 3. J. Martin. DorkixG3.— 1
and 2, F. J. Snowdon. 8, H Wi'binson. vhc, J. Armstrong, G. Armstrong.
Spanish —1. H. Wilkiuson. 2, J. Richnrdwn. 3, J. Craig vhc, G. Moor.
BluHUAS.— 1 and 2, S. Teasdale. S, H Wilkinson. Poi,and9.— Special, 1, and
2, J. Qoodbnm. 3. E. Thomason. Bantims.— 1. J. Hind. 2, A. Haliiday. S. M.
A. Proud. c)w. J. Windle. AsY other PnaE Bkeed.—I and S,W. Dodd. 2. J.
Hind, vhc, R. Heitherington, J. Dickinson. Selling Class.— 1 and 5, J.
Ricbardaon. 9.H. WilkiDsoo. 3 .1. e.'odlmrn. 4.S.'rea8dale »lic,T. Brown,
J. I. Millican, F. J. Snowdon. Hens.—\, T. Brown. 2, 8, and vhc J. Goodburn.
DCCEH.— X, W. Keenlyside. 2. J. Kindred. 3. J. Richardson.

PIGEONS.— 1. T. Brown. 2. W. Graham. 8. R. Clark.

CAGE BTRD3.—CASiBi!!?.—Bc!(;iari.— Special, Land 2, T. Brown. Tellow.
— 1 and2, T. Bn^wn. BuiT.-l, T. Brown 2. M. Robson. TeUow-7narked.-l.
G.Moor. 2, T.Brown. Bii#-m(irJ.V(i— 1, W. Thompson. 2, T.Brown. Green
—I.H.Barron. 2 ar.dS, C. Arm.trong. tide. M. Kobson Dure.— 1, T. Brown.
2, R. Clark. S.G.Moor. Dftc, T. Burn. Cotip/c.—l, T. Brown. 2, J. DicSin-
80n. Mole —1, J. Rnthelford. Any other Variety.— 1, T. Brown.

JuDOE.— Mr. E. Hatton, Padsey, Leeds.

THE PERISTEEONIC AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

This Show is different to other shows, and the difference
is for once of the pleasiug kind, for diffeienCLS aro not always
pleasing. "Other Pigeon shows," as one happily and neatly put
it, "are competitive, this is comparative." No eager hasting
with palpitating heart to the pens to see whether yoa have
secured a prize, for prizes there are none; no agitatiou about
the colour of the cards, for cards there are none ; yea, not even
a catalogue to get angrj over its bad arrangement, for catatogues
there are none. Then, instead of little pens to bring down
**W. R.'s" wrath, the pens are very large; and for a last instead,
not a bird looking frightened in a corner all by itself, or two
making love or quarrelling, so like unfeathered bipeds, bat a
dozen or more in some ci'^es, as in the Almonds, and the dear
little Black Mottles a perfect carpet of soft-feathered beauty.
'Tib a friendly meeting of fjucitrs, so no fear, though it is held
in the tropical department, thaS people will get liol Old faces
— i e., well known for Eome years, are around mo; not old in
another sense, for fanciers seem to me never to get old. I don't
know one on two sticks, and if there be a fancier with one it
is not for support, bat only to pass oaressingly over some pet
Pouter's back.

No catalogue— no beginning to this Show. " Where shall I
begin?" said I to a brother fancier. "Why, begin anywhere —
here," pointing to the Pouters. Ah! he was a Pouter fancier,
and 80, deep dog, tries to get his class put first, and so for once
he thall. Pouters not Carriers first. Yon Pouters are true to
yonr name, for pout you can, and no misteke, while Carriers
can't carry.

Pouters. — Messrs. J. Gresham, Hill, Gill, and Hives sent
specimens from their lofia. Mr. Gresham's birds begin tbe
row, and proud may he well be, partiouUrly ot a young Black
hen in her teens ; no, I mean in her months. A truly beautiful
bird, which looks like a cock as to sizo. Lsgs very excellent,
and particularly long in the shia. A very fine bird, would that
be bad been raven bl'tck. A very graceful young ToUow hen is
another noteworthy bird of Mr. Gresham't?, and a pair of very
good coloured Red.s. Capt. HtU sent som.j good birds from his
gtad, worthy of Castle Hill; t'le king of the castle being his
old Blue cock, though higher ou the leg, and very tight in girth
is his young Blue. Mi-. Gill and Mr. Combe's birds followed,
and were worthy.

Fantails. — Well, they are next, and so shall come next. Messrs.
Maynard, Hemming, and Thnrkell were exhibitors. Those of
the first-named were singularly beaatifal, and in neatness, style,
and elegance were supreme. Mr. Maynard's seems now to hit
the mean with English tail and Scotch grace, and motion.

Afagpies only one pen — Mr. Herbert's.

Oio/«^^Mes3r3. K-qnilant, Thomas, Stevenson, Jones, and
Schewtzer sent birds. These were naturally from their owners.
Very worthy. Strange what a reaoti^n has eet-iu in favour of
Eoglisb Offle, which but a few years since were to he annihi-
lated ; not that there were not Eome few exquisite White Afri-
cans, and a piir of White with black tails of Mr. Stevenson's.

Turbils naturally follow next to Osls. Their exhibitors were
Messrs. Combe, Hardy, StephetB>a, Thurkell, Jones, Taylor,
and South. Some few were tbe old-fasbioned plaiu-headed.
Mr. Hardy's were very fine; and Mr. Jones's, one especidlyof

his, a Kite-barred Silver, not a good colour indeed, bnt with a
beautiful head. Good in face were some also of Mr. South's;
while certainly some other exhibitors' birds were overlarge.
two such of Mr. Sxevenson's were excellent in oolour, it being
a sound Yellow.

Jacks were very numeroua. Messrs. Combe, Hardy, Maynhard,
Royds, Jonas, Betty, Bird, Heritage, and Easdeu, sent from their
lofts. I admired much Mr. Betty's Yellows ; he seems particu-
larly lucky with that cjlour inPigeous. Their chains of great
width, the mane well up, and the chain coming well forward.
Much ground seems now to be gained in this class, as oolour,
mane, chain, but narrowness of shoulder and forw.ardness of
hood are ttiU to be won. Whites are advancing, though most
as yet in points behind the others.

B(ir6s. —Mtssrs. Chandler, Maynhard, Jones, Hedley, and
Heritage showed specimens. Mr. Hedley'a capital Blacks and
Reds, Mr. Jones's Reds and Yellows, while Mr. Maynhard was
prominent with a pen of young Blacks.

^niM!c;y,s.— Messrs. Cnckaey, Flecker, Chandler, Theobald, and
Tegetmoitr sent some of these useful birds; while Mr. Hudson,
who, as one said, must have as many birds as the King of Oude
himself, sent large pen after large pen of Homers. One pen of
very uniform Silvers of his I greatly admired, also a pea of Blue
Chequers, the right Chequer after all.

Pigmies wero from the lofts of Messrs. Tegetmeier and Hives.
The latter named gentleman also exhibited some very luatrona
whole-coloured Jacobins. The points wero not over-good, but
the change in colour pleasing, while the bloom was like a black
drake's. Mr. Hives had also those MaUy-hke Pigeons— Scmtifa-
roons, rich coloured ugliss.

Sa.lly late in my account must now come the Cnrriers— from
fifteeii different lofts, their names known to all fanciers. Mag-
nificent birds were shown by Col. Hassard, Messrs. Crisp, Hedley,
Ord, and others. Perhaps those to notice specially are the
Whites. The Colonel had a White bird there of great excel-
lence, no Dragoon, but a Carrier. So a!so another fancier, Mr.
Hodgson I think, and Mr. Crisp. Now, I do trust that when a
class for Whiie Carriers i) offered it will bo filled, not by big
Dragoons or Horsemen, but by the genuine birds. Tnis I must
chronicle as the advance in respect of Carriers.

Dragoons were hardly so numerous as usual of late. Messrs.
Thomas, Keeler, Betty, Whitehead, Sargeant, and Tegetmeier sent
fine specimens. Mr. Sargeant's Yellows were very attractive.

I have reserved the Short faces for lust. Little gems indeed .
Their exhibitors w.?re Messrs. Hemming, Ford, Merck, South,
Murphy, Newman, Jayne, aud Taylor. Some pans were empty.
Pen after pen of Almonds of various shades, from the light colour
of the young to the dark of the old ; some excelling in head and
beak, others birds of colour. Interspersed with showy Agates,
aud one pea (would there had been more of the prettiest of the
pretty) Black Mottles, Mr. Hemming's. Mr. Ford's Almonds
were worthy of so good a breeder, and Mr. Jayne'd. Mr. South
had two pens, one of Balds, the other of Black Beards. The
Short-face part was, I noticetl, much crowded and much
criticised.

As a whole this Show was a very pleasing and good one. We
were asked not to look at jaded overshown birds, but birds fresh
from lofts, often lofts of those who never show for competition ;
hence the result was pens of neat, trim, healthy birds. The
Society does the fancy credit and itself honour by such an
exhibition. It is also a hospitable Society, for a lunch was pro-
\iied, where one chatted agreeably with old friends and made
new aoqaaintancos. — Wiltshire Rectok.

THE BATTLE OF THE HIVES.

Which is the best hive? is an old subject of controversy— as
old as llie bills. In this Journal, as elsewhere, this question has
often led to many a keen discussion, but it is one which is not
coaficcd to this country alone. In America especially the
" battle of the hives " has raged with far greater fury than here,
BO that among the numerous patented "best hives" brought
out there, aud they are legion, the most recently invented is
usually aunounced to the confiding pubUc as the superlative
of all.

While admitting that there are many aspects or phases ot
this question wbicn might be very properly and profitably dis-
cufsed either as regards definite or general objects, yet the
simple question itself, "Which is the best hive?" has always
appeared to me a very foolish one. Certainly I could not with
all my experience presume to answer it, and I have not yet
known any intellif ent apiarian better able than myself. If such
a question were askod of me, I could only reply after the Irish
fashion of questioning my questioner, with the view of ascer-
taiuiug what is meant by " best."

In ttie controversy presently being carried on m these pages,
entitled " Hives," " Moveable versus Fixed Combs," &o-, not-
withstanding a great deal of extraneous and irrelevant matter
introduced in regard to the facilities and uses of moveable frame
hives aud tbe assumed connection of the ttraw tkep with the

40

JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

[ Jwnary 11, 1877.

snlphnr pit, I think I can discover that the old and, as I thought,
exploded idea— that to the kind of hive we are indebted for large
honey resnlts — still haants the minda of some of our apiarian
brethren, and that therefore the real (juestion raised in this con-
troversy, and which ia at the root of it all, is simply this, " Which
is the best hive for producing most honey?" Assuming, then,
that I am right in this view of the discussion, let us see how
the matter really stands.

On the one side we have your indefatigable correspondent
Mr. Pettigrew, the staunch advocate of the large straw skep
with its fixity of combs, and on the other side Mr. Briscoe and
your old and excellent correspondent "A Renfrewshire Bee-
keeper" in support of the bar-frame or Stewartou hive, each
claiming for their respective favourites the advantages of pro-
ducing the largest honey results. Now, I have gone over all
the communications of these gentlemen with the greatest care,
and I have failed to notice a single particle of evidence adduced
either that the straw hive, in virtue of its being straw, baa any
advantages over the Stewarton, or vice versa, the Stewarton, in
virtue of its being a Stewarton, over the straw hive in produc-
ing the alleged honey reaults.

Mr. Pettigrew has, it is true, shown that both in his own
apiary aa well as iu others immense stores have been collected
by bees domiciled in straw hives, and this, no doubt, with the
object of proving that they are the beat honey-producing hivea;
but while he does this, why does he acknowledge to feel
"ataggered" in hia faith in the "straw" "in reading the re-
port of the Renfrew success " in the Stewartou, unless he begins
to donbt after all that either the one domicile or the other, apart
from system, haa anything to do with results ao far as weight of
Btorea is concerned ?

" A Renfrewshire Bee-keepeb," however, has seemingly
more faith in hia Stewarton than Mr. Pettigrew iu his " straw."
All doabta on his part seem to be dispelled, if indeed they ever
existed. After referring to unfair comparisons, the one hive
with the other, indifferent localities, he triumphantly asks, "If
a straw skep yields 35 lbs. in South Devon, what would a Stew-
arton colony there give?" and we have then a narrative of
"facte" from his own apiary iu evidence of the Stewartou'a
superiority over the atraw hive. According to this narrative
there stood in his garden two colonies, oue located in a roomy
straw skep and the other in Stewart :)n boxes. Both were
possessed with queens of the same age, and each had an over-
flowing population. Being thus appirdutly equally matched,
both were treated according to the same system as depriving
hives, and so with the view of testing their relative merits as
honey-producers. The result was that the Stewarton yielded
68 lbs. in super honey, the straw about 2Ilbs., while the former
had amassed large stores in the boxes below, but the straw skep,
relieved of its super, required feeding.

Now, I rather think that no intelligent apiarian can accept
thia narrative of facts aa a test or evidence of the superiority of
thi: Stewartou over the atraw hive at all. The same results
might occur even if the competing hives were both Stewartou.
Similar differences take place in every apiary, and that too
betwixt hivea apparently working under eqaaUy favourable
circumstances. In not a few cases we could determine the
cause, and, considering the impoverished state of the atock
straw hive referred to after removal of the super, there ia some
ground for suspecting that all was not right with that colony.
If "A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper" thinks tlie reverse, he
will kindly etate how the results are to be otherwise accounted
for. Is it by reason of the form, material, or construction of the
Stewarton hive which enabled it to eclipse so greatly the straw
skep in the amassing of atorea ? or what is it ? A " Renfrew-
shire Bee-keeper" so far explaina his views in one of his
communications by comparing the old straw skep to the "anti-
quated reaping hook," and his favourite hive to an " improved
implement or Stewarton hive; " but I doubt how far apiarians
generally will concur with him in this illustration. Most of us,
I presume, look upon the hives, not as the " reapers," but simply
as the storehouses ia which the bees, the real reapers, amasa
their sweets.

The " battle of the hivea," in this aspect of it, ia not a new
affair. We have had the question more thau ouoe discussed in
these pages, but it ever ami auou crops up anew after a brief
repose, and though always set at rest for the time, yet, like the
Phieaix from its ashes, it again rises up with renewed fary; but
X have no doubt that the good sense aud intelligence of all con-
cerned will concur, as before, in coming to the conclusion that
no such adventitious circumstances aa the kind of hive alluded
to can have much or any influence on the amount of stores col-
lected by the bees.

Before concluding these few remarks, I cannot help joining
with Mr. Pettigrew in protesting against the idea of straw hives
being in any way whatever allied to the brimstone pit, nor can
I aympathiEo with many of the depreciatory remarks regarding
its general uses as a bee domicile easily managed by our cottagers.
Apirt from the advantages which 'lur observatory, frame, and
Huber hivea afford for experimenting, and studying the internal

economy of the hive and the natural history of its wonderfal
inmates, we do not look upon the modern atraw skep with dis-
favour. It has some redeemiug points of excellence as a bee
domicile in our cold northern climate. It is cheaply made and
can be easily managed, and many of the ordinary operationsof
modern bee-keeping can be managed aa aafely and as well with
atraw akeps aa with moveable frame hives. — J. Lowe.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Fowls Weakly (Mrs. W.).—Feai your fawls well, give them grouad oats
twice per day, and any rough cookei me*t yoa may have chopped-up small.
If you have no gi-ouuJ oats give thgoi barleymeal.

LiGuaiAN Bees {Mrs. Wray}. — Write to any of those who advertiaa in our
Journal.

METEOROLOQICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London,

Lat. 51° 32' 4}" N. ; Long. O'' 8' 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feot.

Date.

9 AM.

In thb Day.

o-o

n„ .

Radiation

.a

ter.

.1^

ill

perature.

Temperatare.

«

Jan.

In

On

Dry.

Wet.
deg.

Qo

deg.

Mai.
deg.

Min.
deg.

sun.

grass
digT

Inohes.

deg.

In.

We. S

29.537

45.0

45.0

S.

43.0

51.3

3G.3

29.185

600

49. J

S.

44 7

51.8

44.7

Fri. 5

29 237

4t\.\

44.9

s.w.

45.0

52.2

43 9

71.9

39.3

0.124

29.335

il.l

435

s.

44 3

51.0

89.7

54 8

35.4

0 314

29.193

60.2

47.1

s.w.

44.5

62.8

44.0

42.3

Mo. 8

29 539

49.0

48.2

s.w.

45.1

512

43.8

51.6

41.2

0.60O

Tu. 9

29 717

47.4
47.4

47.1
46.4

w.

45.5
44.6

53 0
51.9

45.7
42.6

67.4

40.1

Sleaua.

29.339

61.5

2 017

BEMA.RE9.

3rd.— Showery all day, aad wet evening.

4th. — Very wet moiraiDg, showery dull day ; fine eTSning, bat wet night.

5th.— Fair early, brif^ht forenoon, cloudy by 1 p M.; showery all the remaiadev

of the day. and windy at night.
Cth. — Dull and damp all day, and windy at night.
7th.— Raining at 9 a.m., bat f iir soon after to midday ; rain in afternoon, aud

at times heavy.
8th. — Very doll, dark, rainv day, at times unasually dark.
9th. — Dull morning with showers; bat fine afternoon.

Terperature very similar to the previous week, and rainfall esc3B3ive. The
yearly fall at this station beim^ oa the average about 21 inchae, it is evident
that the fall in each weak (25-^-52) may ba expected to be abmt half an inch.
The fall in the last nine weeks has been aa folio vs : — Week ending

De3. 19th total rain 0 791 inches

„ 26t.h „ 2.6^9 „

Jan. 2nd „ 1.255 „

„ 9:h „ 2.01T „

Nov. 14th total rain 1.246 inches

2l8t

„ 23th
Dec. 5th
13th
Giving a total in nine
in a twelvemonth— that is to say,
nine weeks.— Q. J. Stmons.

1.363
0.992
1.672
0.632

weeks of 12.637 inches, or exactly half the usual fall
have bad six mintba' rain iu the last

COVENT GA.RDEN MARKET.— Januabt 10.
All kinds of early forced vegetables— such as Aspara^s, New Potatoes,

Rhubarb, and French Beans— are now putting
sequence of slack trade are realising low priot
Easter Bearrc and Ne Plus Meuris, while Apples

, and i

3. Pears are restricted to
,r3 nearly off the market.

bushel

i do,
dozen

3
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2

1

o'
6
0
1
1

3
I
0
1
8
1
2
I
1
0
0
0
4
1
0

d. 8.
6 to 6
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
0 8
0 10
0 2
VE
d. s.

otoo

0 8
0 0
0 1
6 8

a 1

0 4

0 n

4 0
G 2
0 6
6 S
0 4
0 2
0 2
3 0

3 0
8 0
0 0
0 2

4 0

FE
d.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

0

0

0

0
JEl

d.

0

0
6

6

0
0

8

0
0
0
6

0

c

0
0
0
0

DIT.

Nectarines

Oranges

Peaches

Pears. kitchen...
dessert

dozen
If 100

dozen
. dozen
. dozen

0

8
0
1
3
1
0
0
0
0
6
1

l'

0
0
0
2
0
0
2
3
1
I
9
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
0

d.

ot

0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
9

d.

6t
2
0
4
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
9
0
6
S
6
0
4
0

s. d.
oO 0

Apricots

Cheatnuta

Currants

Black

12 0
0 0
S 0

12 0

i seiTo

bushel

lb.

Cobs

Gooseberries —

.... lb.

. quart
... lb.

Quinces

Rispberries —

0 0
0 0
0 0

bnsbel
. ^100

..pottle
punnet
bushel
. . quart
bunches
. dozen
. (luart
. bushel

do.

.... lb.
bunches
. bundle
bundle
bundle
. basket

lb.

. bushel

.. each
dozen

Artichokes

ABLBS.

Mushrooms

Mustard & Cress

9. d.

02 0

bundle

..S*10)
..dozen
bundle

. dozen
. bunch
. V 1 0
. dnzen
buodle
}unchC3
.. each
. dozen
. bunch

Beans, Kidney...

pickling

Parsley.,., doz.

0 S

Brugsels Sprouts
Cabbage

Potatoes

Kidney

Now

Radishes., doz.

4 S

Capaioums

Cauliflower

3
1 6

Coleworta.. doz.

encumbers

Endive

Fennel

Salsafy

Scorzonera

Seakale

Shallots

Spinach

1 0
0 0
S 0
0 6

llerba

. bunoh
bundle
. dozen

, banch

Lettuce

Leeka

Vegetable Marr

0 0

January 18, 1877. )

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

Day

of

of

Month

Week.

18

Th

19

F

20

S

21

SCN

22

M

23

Tc

»

W

JANUABT 18—34, 1877.

Royal Society at 8.30 p.m.

Royal iDstitation at 8 p.m.

Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 p.m.

3 Sunday afteb Epiphany.

Royal Geographical Society at 8.30 p.m.

Royal Medical and Chirnrgical Society at 8.80 P.M.

Society of Arts at 8 p.m.

80.6
32.0
33.3
32.4

Moon

KibieB.

Sets.

h. m.

t. m

9 87

8 44

9 47

9 55

9 57

11 7

10 8

morn.

10 21

0 23

10 88

1 43

11 48

11 59

12 14

From obseryatioiiB taken near London doting lorty-three yeare, the averag* day temperatnie of the weei is 43.8' ; and its ni ght temperature

S^

CLIMBING BOSES.

>LTHOUGH not a modern rosarian, I do not
consider the Journal quite complete if it does
not contain something about Koses. I do not
take their omis.sion quite so much to heart
as the " Wyld S.^vage " does, who regards
it a very " black Thursday " if his favourites
are not mentioned. I do not look upon the
Rose with the same eyes as that " child of
nature." He looks for each individual bloom
being perfect in itself, paying little attention
to the tree producing it, so long as that tree is vigorous
and capable of perfecting his ideal blooms for cutting and
placing in the front ranks of the aristocracy of Roses— if
indeed there is such a position in a family admitted to be
regal. I look at the trees more than the blooms — Eoses
in the garden rather than Roses in the exhibition tent.
He takes pleasure in cultivating those varieties which
require skill to produce them in perfection, and the
greater the diificulties he encounters the greater is his
satisfaction when having overcome them. Those Eoses
are the most dear to him which have cost him the most
labour. I take pleasm-e in other Roses — those which are
regardless of deep soil, rich manure, the season's fitful-
ness, and the pruner's dexterity.

My favourite Eoses are those which will flourish with-
out tnrfy loam or roadside trimmings, and which are
proof against serious injury from the nibblings of a few
stray sheep. My favourite Roses are those which require
no liquid manure, no disbudding, no protection from cold,
no shelter from wot, no shading from heat. My Roses
thrive iu any kind of soil — in clay, or sand, or gravel, or
chalk : on any aspect, from the south side of a cottage to
the north side of a church — on the keen exposure of the
bleak hillside, or in the bowery shade of woodland walks ;
Eoses, in fact, which grow without my care — (I am afraid
I am an idle rosarian) — the old-fashioned climbing Eoses.
My ideal Rose tree is the old Boursault Rose Amadis.
What a tree that is ! not a tender shrub, but a real tree
planted at the north side of a villa, and which has grown
in wOd luxuriance far above the eaves, covering every
part of the roof and even embracing the chimneys. When
that tree is in its summer dress studded with thousands
of blooms the Roses of the garden in their pi'im proud
dignity are dolls in comparison. This real Rose tree is
never watered, never pruned, never nailed, and never
fails to produce its annual harvest of crimson trusses.

I have other Roses which I admire — which all admire
who see them. They drape tJio walls of a village church,
adding beauty to that structure. These Roses are literally
" churchyard blossoms," making " God's acre " cheerful,
as it should be, by their purity and sweetness. The south
side of the edifice is not too hot for them nor the north
Bide too cold. They havb bloomed there for many years,
even from the days of my childhood until now. They
are secured to the walls with iron staples, and are pruned
annually witli the garden shears, and under this rude
treatment they flourish such as no other Eoses — no other

No. 825.-VOL. XXXIL, New Sepoes.

climbers of equal beauty could flourish. They are the
old, old climbers.

There is the ilesh-tinted Alice Gray ; the purely white,
densely double, wondrously free, Bennett's Seedling or
Thoresbyana. There is the light pink of Dundee Ram-
bler ; the bright rose, with glossy foliage, of Adelaide
d'Orleans ; the light red and bright red of Gracilis and
Fulgens ; the charming, in its smallness, its fulness, and
its purity, of Felicite Perpetuo; and the hght crimson
and deep crimson of Elegans and Amadis. These are
the Roses on my parish church which have lived so long
and bloomed so well ; so constant are they and so endur-
ing that they seem as if they would never wear out, but
appear to whisper the words of Tennyson on the rolling
river —

" Men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever."

Assuredly many have come and gone since these Rosea
commenced blooming, and in all probabiUty many more
wiU " come and go " before these old-fashioned parochial
Eoses " belong to the past." No other Roses could exist
so long under the same conditions. With my own hands
I planted (I was not an idle rosarian then) other and
more modern Roses amongst them — not modern now
perhaps, yet good — Charles Duval, Willitim Jesse, Che-
nedole, Lord Raglan, Brennus, Pierre de St. Cyr, La
Ville de Bruxelles, General Jacqueminot, Coupe d'Hebe,
Gloire de Dijon ; but all are gone except " the Gloire " on
the north side and Coupe d'Hebe on the south— both
of them beautiful I admit, yet not equal in exuberant
beauty to the old-fashioned climbers.

These old-fashioned climbers are also to be seen and
admired iu other forms and iu other places. Being paro-
chial Eoses they were, and are, regarded as public pro-
perty ; but that claim has never been abused — indeed,
putting it on no higher grounds, there has been no reason
for abusing it, for cuttings have been freely given to all
who have desired them, and now these old and homely
Eoses adorn many a humble dwelling, as well as impart a
charm — a powerful one — to at least one "great garden"
where all the modern Eoses are cultivated and cherished.
These old climbers are everybody's Roses, and flourish
anywhere. They clothe walls and fences in all aspects
and all exposures ; they drape long poles and form " pil-
lars of beauty ;" they cover banks and knolls, and hang
in wild luxuriance over crags and rocks ; they form great
bold groups in shrubberies— thickets of flowers powerfully
attractive from their massive grace and rambUng free-
dom, and they make bright and sweet the shady twisting
walks of wilderness scenery — half garden half wood.
What other Roses can grow and bloom like these ? No
others can. Then for gathering in huge armfuls, hamper-
fuls, vanfuls for festival time — a birthday fete, a society's
anniversary, a harvest home — what other Roses can be
more acceptable, more admired than these '? None can.
For these reasons the old-fashioned climbers are my
favourite Roses, and I would not that they should be
forgotten or their merits ignored. I do not expect them
to be recognised by the Rose Society, I do not want them

No. 1177.— Vol. LVII., Old Sebies.

42

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I January 18, 1877.

to be ; they are not Bociety Koses, but garden Roses — Roses
of and for home, and not for arranging in formal rows in some
great city hall or gigantic marquee.

I have not enumerated all the Koses which are suitable for
this free and enjoyable mode of adornment, but only a few
which are immediately under my notice. There are others of
these old climbers which are possibly worthy of mention, and
which are doubtless admired in many places, where they form
great natural wreaths over some rustic fence, some old wall,
some precipitous bank, or some venerable edifice. It is in
Buoh places where they are most " at home," where they
flourishiiu their own semi-wild beauty — their charming simple
gracefulness. Are there not places some such as these in most
villages and in many gardens? then cover them with these old-
fashioned climbing Roses. — A Parson's Gaedenee.

MKS. PINCE'S BLACK MUSCAT GBAPE.

" A GRAND Grape when well grown " is a very general remark
made in reference to this variety. The experience which has
been recently recorded in the Journal teaches that cool treat-
ment or, in other words, a short season of growth, is not suffi-
cient for the requirements of Mrs. Pinee's Muscat. That it has
been " well grown " iinder what is termed " cool treatment "
is certain ; so has Muscat of Alexandria by Mr. Taylor at Long-
leat, also by other growers in other places. But cool treat-
ment, it should be remembered, must not be connected with
late starting of the Vines, or the season of light and a genial
temperature becomes unduly limited. It is not only not un-
usual but very common to retard the starting of late Grape
Vines to the utmost possible moment — firstly, becanse of the
preservation of the late-hanging fruit, and secondly because
of the erroneous, but as yet not quite exploded, notion that
late starting and late ripening are essentials to long keeping.

When Mrs. Pinee's and other Muscats finish well when
grown under " cool treatment " it is generally when the Vines
have been started early, and kept steadily growing under a
moderate artificial temperature throughout a long period of
light. Mrs. Pinee's Muscat I have found to ripen perfectly
under that treatment, but I have not found it to do so when
started late and grown as coolly as possible through a neces-
sar^ly short season. Evidence has recently been afforded that
thi§ Grape has been improved by growing it in a higher tem-
perature than had previously been the case, affording it a
longer period of growth. My experience quite coincides with
that of other cultivators on the advantages resulting from this
change of treatment.

Having noticed that Mrs. Pinee's Muscat ripened well with
a low temperature I grafted it on a Black Hamburgh Vine in
a house in which Vines were grown, principally for the purpose
of affording shade for Ferns, Orchids, etc., after the bedding
plants had been removed from the house at the end of April or
early in May. For the sake of the bedding plants the house
was kept as cool as possible, and the growth of the Vines was
retarded to the utmost, and they were afterwards grown with-
out the assistance of fire heat. In this house Black Hamburghs
ripened perfectly, but Mrs. Pinco was far from being perfect.
The Grapes were fairly good in flavour, but their appearance
was almost repulsive from their greenish-brown skins. The
Vine was continued in the same house for four years, but
during that time did not perfect one really satisfactory bunch
of Grapes. It had what it was said to require, " cool treat-
ment," but it was wrong treatment. I referred to the early
reports of this Grape, which were generally so favourable, and
here I found, what many persons besides myself had forgotten,
that the Grapes first exhibited in such fine condition had been
^Town under what was termed a "cool treatment," but the
Vines had bei>n " started early with the assistance of a little
fire heat." Many remembered only the " cool " part of the
conditions, having overlooked " early starting " and the "little
fire heat" assistance — forgetting, in fact, by far the most im-
portant part of the question.

By way of following more exactly the mode of culture origin-
ally described as successful I trained my unsatisfactory Vines
through the glass division and into the next compartment,
where the Vines were started in February. This house was
also managed on the " cool treatment " system — that is, the
fruit was set at a mimiuum temperature of 50", and 60° was
never exceeded by fire heat alone. The principle of manage-
ment adopted was for the fire to do as little as possible, and
the sun as much as the Vines could endure. It was still " cool
treatment" according to the general acceptation of the term,

but was sufficient for Mrs. Pinee's Muscat, which now produced
Grapes more highly esteemed by their owner than any other
variety. The Grapes which the same Vine formerly produced of
a reddish-brown colour now became black, especially on those
laterals which were not overcropped and which carried a large
proportion of foliage, say four to six leaves beyond the bunch.
I had written thus far when the Journal arrived, and where
I note that further testimony is given of the importance of
affording Mrs. Pinoe more heat and a longer period of growth
than has been customary. I am satisfied that if this plan is
carried out (of course in conjunction with good and well-
managed borders) less complaints will be heard of the failure
of what I believe to be one of the best late black Grapes in
cultivation, for Mrs. Pinee is undoubtedly a " grand Grape
when well grown." — A Retired Gardener.

SELECTIONS OF SEEDS.

I NAME only those kinds that are always reliable, and so far
as I know the best, taking quality and quantity into con-
sideration.

Peas. — Early: *William I., and a few days later Alpha.
Dwarfs : Blue Peter and Unique. General crop: *Dr. Maclean,
G. F. WUson, and *Cnlverweirs Prolific Marrow. Late : *Pre-
mier, Ne Plus Ultra, and as a dwarf * Omega. Broad Beans,
— Early Longpod, 'Seville Longpod for early ; Monarch Long-
pod and 'Windsor Improved for main crop. Dwarf Kidney
Beans. — For early and forcing Osboru's New Forcing ; and
main crop, 'Canadian Wonder and Nfgro Longpod. Running
Beans. — 'Scarlet Champion. Mont d'Or Butter Beans are by
some very much esteemed.

Borecole. — 'Dwarf Green Curled and Cottagers' Kale. Broc-
coli.— iVinter : Snow's Winter, preceded by 'Veitch's Self- Pro-
tecting Autumn. Spring : Veitch's Spring White, Cooling's
Matchless, 'Leamington. Late: 'Lander's Goshen and Sutton's
Perfection. It is presumed that Broccoli (Cauliflower) are
demanded from November to June. Brussels Sprouts. —
'Scrymger's Giant. Cahhage. — 'Hill's Dwarf Incomparable,
•Wheeler's Cocoa-nut, Nonpareil Improved, and Wheeler's
Imperial. Red Dutch for pickling. Savoy. — 'Drumhead,
Dwarf Green Curled. Spinach. — Round for summer, prickly
for winter. Cauliflower. — Early: Dwarf Erfurt Mammoth.
General : 'Waloheren. This is usually classed as a Broccoli,
but how is unintelligible.

Celery. — 'Leicester Red (Major Claike's Solid Red), Williams'
Matchless Rd, 'Sandringham Dwarf White, Williams' Match-
less White. Chicory. — 'Large-rooted, not that I can see inferioi
to Witloof, and like it (if there is any difference) occasionally
having the " blanched " leaves splashed with brown like a
spotted Cos Lettuce. Very desirable for winter salads. Com
Salad. — Broad-leaved Italian sown in August is a good addition
to salads in autumn, winter, and spring. Cress. — Cnrled.
3Iustard. — White. Endive. — 'Batavian Improved Ronnd-
leaved and Green Curled. Lettuce. — Cabbage, for summer :
'All the Year Round and Neapolitan. For autumn sowing
to stand winter : Stanstead Park. For frames : Early Paris
Market, All the Year Round, and Commodore Nutt. Cos :
Alexandra (a selected Paris White), 'Hick's Hardy White.
For autumn sowing: Brown Sugar-loaf (Bath), 'Brown (Bath),
black-seeded. For frames : Hick's Hardy White and Brown
Sugarloaf.

Cucumber. — Duke of Edinburgh (Munro'e), first-rate for
frames; Tender and True, and 'Telegraph. Out-door: Stock-
wood Ridge. Melon. — 'Read's Scarlet-flesh. Green-flesh :
'Eastnor Castle and Meredith's Hybrid Cashmere. Wliite-
flesh : 'Cox's Golden Gem and Queen Emma.

Onion. — 'Reading, White Spanish or Portugal, Danver'S
Yellow, Brown Globe, and 'James's Keeping. For drawing
young : White Lisbon. For pickling : Silver-skinned. For
autumn f owing : Giant Rocca. Leeks. — 'Carentan and Mussel-
burgh. Beet. — 'Dewar's Dwarf Red and Pine Apple Short-
top. Carrot. — For forcing and warm border for early : French
Forcing. Forsummer: Early Horn. Winter : 'Red Surrey and
James's Intermediate. Turnip. — 'Early Snowball, White Stone
or Six-weeks, the last with 'Golden Ball for winter. Parsnip,
— 'Hollow-crowned Improved. Itadish. — 'French Breakfast,
Scarlet Short-top. For winter : China Rose. For forcing :
French Breakfast and Wood's Frame. lianipion. — A desirable
winter accompaniment of salad ; used like Radish. Salsafy and
Scorzonera both have roots that make a desirable dish.

Seakale for raising plants for forcing, to which I will again
revert. Asparag'.is. — Connover's Colossal.

January 18, 18!7. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDSE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

43

Tomafo.— 'Orangefield Dwarf, Hathaway's Excelsior; if a
yellow be wanted Green Gage.

Vegetahh' Marrou-. —Cnsts.'edi, 'Long White.

In herbs are new Fern-leaved Parsley, Sweet Basil, Sweet Mar-
joram, Summer Savory, Aaise, Angelica (a biennial), Borage,
Caraway (biennial), Coriander, Dill, Pot Marigold, Purslane
(green and golden), and others, continued solely by seed.
Many may be raised from seed of the perennial class. I treat
Sage and Thyme as biennials, sowing in spring, having plenty
of green for catting by autumn, and cut entirely for drying the
following year and destroy.

Potatoes. — Early and for forcing: 'Veiteh'a Improved Ash-
leaf. Sei-o}id t'arhj : Lapstone, or its improved form Yorkshire
Hero, Rector of Woodstock. Main crop : 'Saowflake, Walker's
Early or 'Prince Regent. Rhubarb. — 'Johnson's St. Martin's,
the finest forcing and early kind ; Monarch, a very large green
kind, and late.

Those distinguished by a star are considered most desirable,
and are intended to express the limit of kinds for general
purposeB. — G. Abbey.

THE NEW EOSES OF 1876.

The Lyons Rose-growers, who send out annually novelties
in Roses, announce this autumn the sale of many which have
already obtained certificates of merit.

We shall commence with the gains of M. Antoine Levet of
Boate d'Heyrieux, Montplaisir, Lyons.

Mdlle. Lazarine Poheuu, Tea. — Plant vigorous, very free-
flowering. Flower medium size, full, fine form and handsome,
and of a beautiful orange-yellow colour. This beautiful Rose
was awarded a first prize at the special exhibition of Roses at
Lyons in the month of June last. The same grower also sends
out the following : —

J/me. Sophie Tropot, H.P. — Plant vigorous, almost without
spines. Flower large, full, fine form like the old Cabbage
Rose, and of a beautiful bright rose colour. Very effective.

ilme. Gabriel Fournier, H.P. — Plant vigorous, with straight
branches. Flower very large, full, of fine form and dark rose
colour. This beautiful plant of the highest merit has obtained
a first prize at the exhibition of Roses at Lyons in June last.

Souvenir de Paul Dupuij. — Plant very vigorous. Flower
very large, C> inches in diameter, very full and of good form,
dark velvety red. This, though not a Hybrid Perpetual, will take
its place among the most beautiful varieties of hybrid Rosea.

From the establishment of Madame Ducher of Lyons the
following three Roses will make their appearance : —

Souvenir de George Sand, Tea.— Plant very vigorous, with
short branches. Flower very large, full, of very fine form
like that of a Tulip, yellow tinged with salmon ; the reverse
of the petals banded with lilac.

Triomphe de Milan, Tea. — Plant vigorous ; branches short
and straight. Flower large, full, of fine form, white with a
deep yellow centre. This is a very beautiful and fine variety.

The stock of the beautiful Tea Rose Mme. Welche, named
after the wife of the Prefect of Lyons, and which obtained a
first prize in the month of June at the Rose exhibition at
Lyons, has been sold to Mr. Henry Bennett of Salisbury, Eng-
land. The sale of it will deprive us, no doubt, for some time
of the pleasure of having thij beautiful Rose in the nurseries
of our French rosarians.

M. Ph. Eambeaux, Rue Neuve Charpennes, Lyons, informs
OB that he will send out the following two new Roses : —

M. Druet, H.P. — Tree very vigorous and very re-blooming,
with elegant foliage. The flower of this Rose, raised from
Dnohesse de Cambacires, is of a globular form, recalling the
colour of the old Cabbage Rose, with a very decided carmine
centre.

Madame Paiivert. — This is a new variety of the Bengal race,
very vigorous, and very re-blooming. The flowers are very
lari!e, elegant, and very full, white with a pale rose centre.

The Horticultural Association of Lyons nominated at its
sitting of the 15th October last a special committee, com-
posed of Messrs. Eemaix, L. Charlin, and Guillot fils, to exa-
mine on the spot and to give its appreciation of a seedling
Rose obtained by M. .Joseph Schwartz, rosarian of Repos,
Lyons. This new Rose, named Cnmle.-!se Pdza du Pare, belongs
to the section of Teas. Its branches are erect and branching.
The young foliasje is at first purple, then passes to a brilliant
green. The buds are long, on stout footstalks. The flower is
Bolitary, large, globular, full, of the colour of the China Rose
with a coppery yellow ground. The plant is very vigorous,

very re-blooming, and flowers abundantly. This was raised
from the Tea Comtesse de la Barthe.

The conclusion of the committee with regard to this new
Rose is, that it is a plant of the first order, and one of the
most beautiful obtained in the Tea section, meriting a prize
of the highest class.

A beautiful new Rose has also been obtained by M. Liabaud
which bears the name of Emma Hall. It was awarded a prize
at the Lyons exhibition, and is in form like La France, with
a beautiful deep rose colour. The plant has a fine habit, and
it is said is very beautiful. ^t"°i

At present we know of but two new Roses obtained by the
rosarians of Brie, and they will not be sent out till next May
as grafted plants by M. Cochet, the rosarian of Suines. The
first, which is a seedling from the beautiful Rose Charles Mar-
gottin, is a very vigorous plant with very straight branches
and magnificent foliage. The flower, of good form, is very
large, full, very deep red, and the reflex petals bright salmon.
This beautiful new Rose, which we have seen and appreciated
in the nurseries of the raiser, will bear the name of Madame
Bonnier. The second, which will be sent out at the same time
under the name of Madame Eoclicr, is a magnificent plant
raided from Triomphe de I'Expositiou, extremely vigorous and
very free-flowering. The flower is large, full, of good form,
and it? colour is of a beautiful bright rose with pale silvery
reflex. Thi3 F.ose was awarded a first prize at the Exhibition
at Brie-Comte-Robert in the month of July last by a jury
composed of Messrs. Levesque, EugOne Verdier, Hippolyte
Jamaiu, &a. — {.Journal des Roses.)

(To be continued.)

PLANTING EAELY POTATOES.

While it is pleasant to see " A TouNo AiiiTEnB" taking an
interest in this important esculent, and disposed also to give
information as to its better cultivation, it is not desirable that
erroneous teaching should be passed in silence.

The unsound portion of the advice on p. 3.3 is that suggest-
ing the desirability of planting early kidney Potatoes 6 inches
deep in January, instead of permitting the tubers to make
some growth in a light place out of the ground preparatory to
planting them.

I can conceive a position where kidney Potatoes, without
having pushed their eyes, might be planted 6 inches deep in
January — namely, in a bed of leaf soil at the front of a south
wall. There they might grow, and possibly produce a crop ;
but in ordinary open positions, and in ordinary soil, and that
"ordinary" being, as it so often is, more or less close and
heavy, the probability is that not more than 50 per cent, of the
sets would grow at all. Strong-growing round Potatoes would
grow under that treatment, but the more tender early kidneys
would, many of them certainly, refuse to do so. Should the
season prove very cold and wet failure must follow that mode
of planting, and even under the influence of favourable weather
the crop would not be more than half a success. I write on
this subject after much experience, many trials, many failures,
and some successes in Potato cultivation ; and I would firmly
impress on all never to plant early kidney Potatoes, and espe-
cially early in the season and deep in the ground, before the
tubers have made some growth out of the ground.

Early planting is not produotife of early produce. So con-
vinced am I of that, that I should not hesitate, were I residing
near a " A Young Amateor," to enter into a mutual arrange-
ment with him to this effect. We should both take our sets of
early kidney Potatoes from the same stock. He should plant
his share 6 inches deep on the first day of January, the sets
then showing no signs of growth ; and I would plant mine
three months afterwards (the first day of April) on the same
plot of ground, and I should confidently expect that my crop
would be ready for digging before his, and also be more pro-
ductive ; in other words, my sets would grow more effectually
out of the ground than his would in it. My reason for arriv-
ing at this conclusion is that I have tried the experiment
repeatedly, and in every instance the results have been in
favour of having encouraged a healthy growth of the sets
before they were planted.

But while I should not hesitate to enter into a friendly
competition under the conditions named, it does not follow
that I in all cases advocate planting so late as April. I attach
no importance to a mere date for the sowing or planting of
any crop, and especially early Potatoes. A week sooner or
later is of trifling import compared with the state of the

44

JOURNAL OP HC«lTIODLTUBB AND COTTAGE GABUENER.

[ January 18, 1877.

weather, the character of the ground, the condition of the sets,
and the locality.

I am particalarly acquainted with one garden where the best
crops of early Potatoes are produced by planting well-prepared
seta early in March, or even the last week in February if the
weather is specially favourable. The soil of that garden is as
light almost as leaf soil, and the rainfall of the locality is ex-
tremely slight. When placed in the ground thus early the
sets have made growth (sprouts) at the least half an inch
in length, robust, green, and studded with rootlets. So firmly
are the sprouts affixed to the tubers that they may be turned
out of one basket into another in the most careless anyhow
manner, and not one sprout will be knocked off. That is the
condition in which "seed" Potatoes should be at planting
time. When planting early in light soil the sets are covered
quite 4 inches deep. The object is to induce roots being
formed some distance below the surface of the ground, and
beyond the reach of the sun's rays, which throughout May
and early June are generally so powerful as to seriously arrest
the growth of the early Potatoes in this light and dry soil.

That is the practice the best suited for one garden, and now
for the other. The gardens are not far apart, and both of
them have been under my charge for several years. No. 1
(mentioned) is light and dry. No. 2 heavy and wet. Early and
deep planting, which is the best for No. 1, is entirely unsuited
to No. 2. In this garden the very last days of March or early
in April, according to the state of the soil and the weather, is
amply soon enough for planting. One of the best and earliest
crops I ever had in this garden was from sets planted on
April 12th. These tubers had each macie growths an inch and
more in length and proportionately stout ; each " sprout " was
studded with rootlets and was crowned with a cluster of leaf-
lets. These were only just covered with soil, or say to the
depth of a quarter to half an inch. They appeared above the
surface just in time to escape the spring frosts, grew without
check, and one of the finest crops of early Potatoes I ever re-
joiced in was cleared off the ground on June 24th. A few
similarly planted on the same date in the light soil of No. 1
garden did not produce nearly such a good crop, and some
planted early a'nd deep in the cold, strong, wet soil of No. 2
garden did not come up at all.

Such are the teachings of experience. The deductions deriv-
able therefrom, the soundness of which have been proved by
many and careful experiments, are, that careful preparation
of the sets, by encouraging their robust growth in a light place,
is imperative ; that in light soil and dry districts early and
rather deep planting is advisable; that in heavy soil and wet
localities late and shallow planting is the most profitable, and
that the state of the soil is of more importance in deciding
the time for planting than the date of the calendar. I have
given the practice best suited for two extreme cases, and no
one need have any difficulty in " shaping his course " on the
data given, determining his position and acting accordingly;
but never — let me say it emphatically — never plant early
kidney Potatoes 0 inches deep in January in cold, heavy, wet
soil before the tubers show signs of growth.

A word may be added on the mode of planting. The soil,
be it remembered, cannot be too clean and friable for this crop.
It should be manured and dug deeply in the autumn, leaving
it in ridges if it is at all of a heavy nature. When these
ridges work down freely in the spring level them, and alter the
surface is again dry, dusty if possible, planting may be done.
The ground should be again forked over, planting the Potatoes
at the same time, the rows being not less than 2 feet apart.
The drill or channel next the line should be made broad and
level and of the proper depth for the sets. After these have
been placed in the row it is excellent practice and highly worth
the little trouble it entails to sprinkle over and around them
the following compost in a dry state : — Wood ashes and old
vegetable refuse in equal parts, to every two barrowfuk adding
an 8-inch potful of superphosphate of lime, the same amount
of soot, and half the quantity of salt. This spread half an
inch (less or more) in the drills will greatly improve the value
of the crop. In cold heavy soils the salt may be omitted. In
such soils, and especially where the Potatoes do not turn out
cleanly, it is first-rate practice to cover the sets (using also the
ashes, Ac.) with old, broken, half-decayed straw — old thatch
answers admirably — previous to placing the soil over them.
It is surprising how beneficial this is both in increasing the
bulk of the crop and in contributinR to the brightness and
cleanliness of the tubers. The early Potato crop — the south-
border crop, is Bo important as to be worthy of a little extra

care, and I know of no assistance that can be given more effec-
tually in increasing the quantity and improving the quality of
theproduce than that of applying the aids I have recommended
at the time of planting the tubers. It is by the adoption of
some such practice as is here detailed that prizes are won.

Let me conclude with a warning to young enthusiasts who
intend " going in " in preparing the sets. I was an enthusiast
once, and went in strong on the preparing point. Even that
excellent practice can be carried too far, as I found to my cost.
My early Potatoes, taken up at the end of June, were at once
spread out thinly — preparing. The summer was long and hot.
By the autumn they had made growth fully large enough for
planting. They were continued in the light throughout the
winter, and in March some of the " sprouts " were nearly as
large as the parent tubers to which they clung — large, hard,
barrel-shaped protuberances, each having a tuft of green
leaves. I was extremely proud of them, but my pride sus-
tained a fall. I planted them with extra care in the full con-
sciousness of being rewarded with an extra crop, but — that
terrible " but "^not one of them grew. Each gigantic sprout
was transformed into a tuber, and was surrounded with a pea-
like progeny, while not a vestige of green appeared above
ground. My employer had taken great interest in my pet
tubers, and during the process of preparation I had represented
to him (perhaps a little pompously) that I was "assisting
Nature." When the failure was established he made me a
present of the following remark : — •' You have either assisted
Nature to make a fool of Iierself, or she has made a fool of
yon." I have never felt comfortable when dwelling on that
remark ; and need I say th.at, except for the purpose of experi-
ment, I have never since prepared my " seed " Potatoes so
violently, so extremely ? That failure taught me that extremes
are dangerous, that moderation is the safe guide, that intelli-
gence is necessary in all gardening matters, even in preparing
Potatoes. — -A Noethep.n Gabdenee.

THE LADIES' DESIDERATUM WATERING-CAN.

The annexed can enables ladies to water the upper shelves
in their greenhouses with-
out the danger of upsetting
flower-pots by having to step
on the staging.

When it is required to fill
the can with water it is lifted
out of the wire frame into
which it is hooked, and
which frame is mounted on
a stiff rod or bamboo some
4 or 5 feet long. The can
thus being raised to the de-
sired spot is tilted by means
of the string.

This can may be obtained
through the iiev. T. W.
Huthwaite, Backwell, Bristol,
by whom it was invented
and patented.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

I HAVE received from a well-known amateur horticulturist of
good position in Yorkshire some comments on my own and on
Mr. Abbey's letter in the same number of the Journal, which
perhaps you may like to have. " One more scrawl in the midst
of my busy life to urge you to stick to your plan. I do not yet
follow you on some secondary points, but in the main you are
obviously right. Like me, and my father before me, hundreds of
amateurs have hitherto ignored the Koyal Horticultural Society,
as we should ignore any other fashionable lounge society. Let
those who enjoy pay. But offer to make us for a small sum
Fellows, full members, or what you please to call us (but call
us all alike) of a working scientific society, and we will gladly
subscribe, though nineteen out of twenty of us will get nothing
personally for our money. It will be regarded by us as a sub-
scription for the promotion of horticulture.

" Mr. Abbey's schedules of payment are far too elaborate, and
therefore too indefinite. I did think of the two classes — town
members, £3 3s. ; country members, £1 Is. But your plan
seems best. And do cut us clear of fashion ; remove all tempta-
tion of this kind. I have sent out all the circulars you sent
me, and will send more if you will let me have them. P.S. — I

January IS, 1677. 1

JOOBNAL OF HOBTICDLT0BE AND COTTAGE QABDENEB.

45

am strongly with Mr. Abbey in desiring to affiliate country
societies, i Hear, hear.— G. F. W.] I would make an asso-
ciate class at js. per annum, or 10s. &d., of working gardeners
or working-class amateurs." — Geobge F. Wilson.

ROYAL HOETICDLTUBAL SOCIETY.

Jancaby ITth.

These useful meetings appear to increase in popularity, and
this, the first gathering of the year, was highly successful both
as regards the character of the exhibits and the attendance of
horticulturists. The tables of the Council-room were nearly
filled with plants, and there were also some (iiehes of noteworthy
fruit, especially a Pine Apple from Mr. Miles of High Wycombe
— the identical fruit that was exhibited before the Committee
on December 0th, 1S76; so that altogether quite an attractive
exhibition was provided.

Fruit Committee.— Henry Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair.
Messrs. Lett & Hart, White Hill Nursery, Faversham, sent a
seedling Apple for kitchen use, called Hart's Glory ; but the
Committee were of opinion that it did not possess merit superior
to many other varieties in cultivation. Mr. Fowler, The Gar-
dens, Harewood, sent fruit of the Charlesworth Tokay Grape
from the old Vine ut Harewood, which this ye.ar has ripened
upwards of three hundred bunches. The flavour was delicious,
and a letter of thanks was awarded to Mr. Fowler. Mr. Miles,
The Gardens, Wycombe Abbey, exhibited bunches of new fruit
of Black Hamburgh, being the second crop from the same Vine
within twelve months. The colour was excellent, and the Grapes
had a fine fresh flavour. A cultural commendation was awarded
to Mr. Miles. Mr. Miles also exhibited a fruit of the same Pine
which he submitted to the meeting seven weeks ago. Although
it was not so sound as the former fruit, still, considering the
period of seven weeks since it was cut, it was in excellent con-
dition and of fine flavour. Its condition assured the Committee
that it is one of the best, if not the best, keeping winter Pines.
It was named Lord Carington, and was awarded a first-class
certificate. Dishes of Beurre de Jonghe and .Josephine de Ma-
Lnes Pears were sent from the garden at Chiswick. The former
was in fine condition and of excelk-nt flavour.

Mr. J. Hepper, gardener to C. O. Ledward, Esq., The Elms,
Acton, exhibited three boxes of fine Mushrooms, to which a
cultural commendation was awarded.

The death of Mr. Alfred Smee,F.R.S., who was for some years
a member of this Committee, and whose great scientific know-
ledge was frequently of much service, was reported to the Com-
mittee, and a letter of condolence was agreed upon to be sent to
Mrs. Smee and family expressive of the great loss which they
and science had sustained by Mr. Smee's death.

Floral Committee.— W. B. Kellock, Esq., in the chair. Sir
Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking, had a
first-class cert>Scate for Lffllia Dayii, an intensely rich and
beautiful flower with carmine sepals, a rich purple maroon
lip and striped throat : second-class certificate for Dendro-
biam Lindleyanum, pinkish white sepals and yellow lip ; and a
botanical certificate for Schlimia trifida, an Orchid with a leaf
resembling that of a Stanhopea, and v.'hite, bell-shaped, wax-
like flowers of great substance and delicately perfumed. This
distinct and remarkable plant was closely examined and much
admired by many visitors. Excellent groups of plants were ex-
hibited by Messrs. .James Veitoh & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea; Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria Nurseries, Holloway;
Messrs. Charles Lee & Son, Royal Vineyard Nursery, Hammer-
smith; and Mr. OUerhaad, gardener to Sir Henry W. Peek,
Bart., M.P., Wimbledon House.

Messrs. Veitch'a collection cf plants was composed of Or-
chids— medium. 8i::ed plants extremely well flowered of Cattleya
Trianae, very gor^^'eoas ; a great display of Lycaste Skinnerii,
Odontoglossum Alexandrie, O. Anderaonii, O. triumphans,
0. Eossi major, O. pulchellum, O. Hallii, and the strikingly
spotted 0. cirrhoaum. There were also Cypripediums Sedeni,
vexillarium, villoBum, venustum pardinum ; Sophronites grandi-
flora, Fleione humilis, L.'elias albida and anceps ; Masdevalliaa
polystictaand ignea, and Co:'logyne cristata. Messrs. Veitch also
staged excellent Cyclamens, superior pots of Lily of the Valley,
a pan of the intensely brilliant Aphelandra aurantiaca Roezlii,
the pure and sweet Toxicophlea spectabilis, and a group of
hybrid Amaryllises. A silver-gilt Davis medal was recom-
mended to be given for this collection.

Mr. Williams's group comprised ornamental-foliaged plants,
Palms, Dracienas, &c., well-berried SolanQms,aud highly attrac-
tive Orchids, including Cypripedium insigne, C. venustum,
C. Harrissiannm, and the beautiful C. Dayanum— a splendid
plant in splendid condition— Odontoglossums luteo-purpureum,
Pescatorei, cordatum, Alexandrie, &c.; Zygopetalum crinitum,
Masdevallias, Lielias, and Goodyera discolor. Mr. Williams also
staged half a dozen plants of Primula sinensis Queen of Whites,
the flowers being very pure, of great substance, well fringed.

and exceeding 2 inches in diameter. A bronze Davis medal was
recommended to be given for this group.

Messrs. Lee's collection, which was very extensive, comprised
many choice Conifers, CupresBuses, Retiuosporas, and Junipers ;
also Ligustrums, Euonymuses, Hollies, and a large and varied
assortment of stove and greenhouse decorative plants, and a
vote of thanks was deservedly awarded.

Sir Henry Peek's collection was attractively arranged, and the
plants were in excellent condition. The groundwork was formed
of several small plants of Adiantum farleyense, from which
the following Orchids were springing in charming contrast:—
CalantheVeitchii, Lycaste Skinnerii, Odontoglossum pulchellum,
O. Bictonense, O. Alexandr.-B, O. Roezlii, Cypripedium niveum,
C. insigne, C. venustum, C. Sedeni, Oncidium cheirophorum,
0. Weltoni, Cattleya Trian;e, Phalasnopsis grandiflora, Cym-
bidium ensifolium (sweet-scented), Saocolabium violaoenm,
L:elia anceps, L. albida, and Ccelogyne cristata. Mr. Ollerhead
also exhibited in a separate group Todea saperba, Cocos Weddel-
liana, and Crotons. A bronze Davis medal was recommended
for the collection.

A large and excellent collection of dried Ferns and leaves was
exhibited by Mr. Howard, nurseryman, Balham HiU, for which
a silver Davis medal was recommended to be given. The
colours of the leaves had been exceedingly well preserved, and
the Ferns were almost as fresh-looking as if growing, although
some of them had been cut in lti75.

Mr. Dean, Ranelagh Road, i;aling, exhibited a collection of
Victoria Eegina and Neapolitan Violets, also seedling Primroses,
and a vote of thanks was awarded.

From the Society's gardens came flowering sprays of Chimo-
nanthus grandiflorus, the Glastonbury Thorn, Lonicera Staa-
dishii, and L. fragrantissima.

SOIL FOR VINE BORDERS.

We recently noticed the superior nature of some Vine shoots
which had been sent to us by Mr. Wipf, gardener to N. Clay-
ton, Esq., Lincoln. That wood was correctly described as
being nearly as hard as oak, and almost destitute of pith. The
following is in reply to an inquiry as to the nature of the soil
which had assisted in producing that wood, and is one more
proof of what may be done in successful Vine culture with
good management and proper additions to ordinary soil, with-
out the much-coveted rich turfy loam : —

" The greater portion of the soil was taken from the site of
the Vine border— a black adhesive compound destitute of fibre,
lying on the limestone ; the rest of the soil I procured from
the neighbourhood, which was of a light sandy nattue. I
coveted what is termed strong loam, but such could not be
procured except from a long distance and at prodigious cost.

1 therefore made the best I could out of materials on hand,
and mixed freely with the soil bones, charcoal, wood ashes, and
a little manure. I elevated the border 2 feet above the ground
level in spite of light soil and little rainfall, trusting to an un-
limited water supply. Twice during the season I mulched
the border with some strong slaughter-house manure, which
prevented the border from being parched-up, but at the same
time warming the soil above the ground level to a mild hotbed
temperature. Evening was chosen for watering the border,
the water then being much warmer from having been in the
pipes all day, the latter laying very close to the surface of the
ground. The roots have travelled 5 feet into the outer border,
and are within a few inches of the surface ; no manure water
was applied. The subsoil of the borders was of a loose rubble
limestone formation. I had it all taken out to the depth of

2 feet and passed through a coarse riddle (3 inches) ; the stones
were then replaced, the largest at the bottom and the smaller
on the others evenly levelled down. Below that rubble there
lies a loose limestone bed to the depth of 8 to 10 feet, ter-
minating below with a bed of ironstone full of clefts and
crevices, therefore ample and eflicient drainage for 10 feet ol
rain per annum is secured. Inside treatment as to moisture
and ventilation was carefully attended to, a little air having
always been left on both day and night.— Albert Wipf."

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

The Mr. Sage referred to by Mr. Luckhnrst in his appeal of
last week is Mr. Thomas Saoe, who died on the 23rd ult. at
Hammersmith at the early age of thirty-three years. He
commenced his gardening experience under Mr. Domlny in the
nurseries of the Messrs. Veitch at Exeter, and subsequently
was foreman at Gopsal Hall (Earl Howe's) and at Gnnners-
bary (Baron Rothschild's), eventually becoming gardener to

46

.lOTJENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 18, 1877.

Sir Edward Dering, Bart., at Snrrenden, and when there was
an active member of the Committee of the Ashford Horticul-
taral Society. Mr. Sage was an earnest and snccessfal gar-
dener and a worthy man.

At the meeting of the Eotal Hobticultueal Society

held yesterday, Lord Alfred S. Churchill aunounced that tlie
next meetings of the Fruit and Floral Committees, on the 14th
Febrnary, will be held iu the conservatory, and that a military
baud will perform during the afternoon.

The Sonth-Eastern Railway Company conveyed on the

loth inst. from London via Folkestone and Boulogne, en route
lor Milan, 9i8 cases of silkwoems' eggs, weighing 2G tons
11 owt. This consignment was from Japan.

The Gcnnantorcn Telegraph has published the follow-
ing relative to the value of salt and soot as manuees : — Mr.
Cartwright received from the Board of Agriculture the honor-
ary reward of a gold medal for a valuable set of experiments
made by him to ascertain the value of salt in agriculture. Of
the soil he used nearly three-fourths was sand, the remainder
consisted of calcareous and vegetable matter, with alumina
and a small quantity of oxide of iron. Having tried all the
usual manures alone and differently combined, he found of
mixed manures that salt and soot were superior to all others.
The produce upon which these experiments were made was
Potatoes, and it was observed that wherever salt was used this
root was free from scabbiness, with which it is commonly in-
fected. One peck of soot and a quarter of a peck of salt were
used to a bed 1 yard wide and 40 yards long." Our corre-
spondent, " A NoRTHEBN Gardener," in another column speaks
highly of the value of salt and soot as manures for Potatoes,
and we know him to be an experienced and successful cul-
tivator.

AiTHOtiGH the Common Holly has not produced many

berries in the last year, the variegated-leaved varieties have
been prolific, and a correspondent, Mr. J. Hardie, reports the
same observation from Scotland.

Public attention is almost constantly being directed

to the advisability of planting trees in towns, and every week
the matter is discussed by parochial boards and vestries. On
every consideration the planting of trees in such places is
desirable, and experience has taught that the best of all trees
for the purpose are Planes. Other kinds of trees will exist in
smoky places, but not flourish with the same vigour as Planes.
A point in favour of these trees, and which weighs heavily
with continental authorities, is that Planes retain their foliage
nntil late in the autumn, and then oast it all at once imme-
diately after the first smart frost, and thus the interminal
litter caused by the falling of the leaves of other trees over a
long period, and the consequent and frequent sweepings neces-
sary for cleanliness, is avoided. Planes, in short, are the
healthiest, the handsomest, and the cleanest of all " town
trees." In parks and suburban gardens other trees thrive
more or less satisfactorily. Limes, Elms, Chestnuts, Thorns,
Acacias, Laburnums, and the Tree of Heaven (Ailantus
glaudulosus), but for avenues in streets no trees are com-
parable to Planes.

Allotment Gardens foe the Poor. — Mr. J. Wright writes

to the Times from Springwell, Saffron Walden : — "In a parish in
which I was born, and which formed a part of the large estate
of the late Lord Maynard in Essex, his lordship required his
tenants to allow every cottager to occupy from 10 to 40 poles of
land near to his dwelling, and at the same rent per acre as
that paid by the farmers ; and many years back, and during
his lordship's life, I heard blessings invoked upon him for
having filled the belly of many a poor man's child which other-
wise would have gone empty; and, as the same system is con-
tinued by the trustees of this estate, I should be glad to see
the labourers, by the work of their hands, raise some lasting
memorial to the memory of so benevolent a nobleman. In the
parish of Willesden, in which I have resided for the last thirty-
five years, I established the present system of allotment gar-
dens, of which there are now about sixty, and in the summer
months anyone may see in Pound Lane, in a field granted by
Mr. Prout of Neasdon, the working of the system, and the
highly-prized productions of the tenants. I have lived to see
the fallacy of Mr. Malthus's arguments, for there is no redun-
dancy of population ; but, on the contrary, every able-bodied
man can find employment at considerably increased wages,
and the Union houses are no longer needed, and ought not to
exist except as asylums for the aged and hospitals for the
afflicted."

We regret to hear of the death, at the age of 58, of

Mr. Alfred Smee, F.R.S., which occurred on Thursday at his
residence, 7, Finsbury-cireus. Mr. Smee was born in the City,
where his father was chief cashier in the Bank of England, and
he had resided iu the City all his days. He received his early
professional education at the Aldersgate School of Medicine,
became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons iu 1840,
and a Fellow in 1855. He held the office of surgeon to the
Bank of England, being the first appointed. Mr. Smee was
well known for his practical knowledge of electricity, and had
given his name to a galvanic battery, being besides the author
of many practical works connected with electricity and pro-
fessional subjects. He was the inventor of the present mode
of printing Bank of England notes. His best known works are :
" Electro-Metallurgy," " Sources of Physical Science," " The
Potato Plant ; its Uses and Properties," " Principles of the
Human Mind," " Instinct and Reason," " Lectures on Electro-
Metallurgy" delivered at the Bank of England, and "The
Process of Thought Adapted to Words and Language.'' One
of his latest works was " My Garden," in which he minutely
describes his garden at Croydon. Mr. Smee was a director of
the Gresham Life OfBce, the Protector and Accident Assurance
Companies, and the East London Railway, an active member
of several institutions, and he was for many years a member of
the Scientific and Fruit Committees of the Royal Horticultural
Society. He was also for seven years a Member of Council of
the Society. The annual flower shows iu the City have lost
in him an enlightened supporter.

— — Fasciated Branches. — In reference to a broadly flattened
branch of a Sweet Potato, Mr. Meehan, at the Philadelphia
Academy of Sciences, said these branches were found on
numerous plants, and there was no reason why all plants may
not be found to produce them. They were species of fasoia-
tions which took different forms at times. In trees they often
appear as " crow's nests." The old theory referred them to
over-luxuriousness ; but in a paper published in the Troy
Proceedings of the American Association it was shown to be
just the reverse. In union there is strength, in vegetable as in
other bodies. Any tendency to a multiplicity of small shoots
on a tree instead of making a few large branches, all other
things being equal, is an evidence of lower vitality. And_ this
was proved by these fasciations. In severe winters fasciated
branches were the first to die ; often they were the only
branches that were destroyed. Again, it had been shown in
his papers before the American Association and before the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, that only when
a flowering portion of a plant was in the best conditions to
maintain its hold on life, in other words in the highest con-
ditions of vitality, did it produce pistils or female flowers.
With a lowered or depreciated vitality the male organs of the
flower or male conditions were favoured, and it was a singular
fact that whenever theee fasciations flowered, the female organs
were nearly always abortive, and stamens and petals increased
at their expense. These were some of the facts which had
proved the old jiotion that over-luxuriousnees in the sense of
high vital power had nothing to do with fasciations, but rather
the reverse. This was as near to the full explanation as science
could get as yet.

In the month of July last says, the " Journal des Eoses,' '

M. Paul Brunaud of Saintcs (Charente luferienre), presented
to a meeting of the Central Horticultural Society of France
the description of a remarkable monstrosity of the Provins
Rose. This Rose is proliferous, and the shoot which proceeds
from the centre of the flower has, one following the other, two
other flowers more or less rudimentary, above which is a small
cluster of leaves. Its calyx is developed into normal leaves, of
which four have five leaflets and the fifth three. This is one
of the freaks of nature which are sometimes met with where
Rosea are grown to any great extent.

CYTISUS RACEMOSUS OUT OF DOORS.

Tnis useful plant is generally found growing in pots in
greenhouses, and is considered a great acquisition to the con-
servatory at this season of the year. To me it is a novelty to
see this useful greenhouse plant grown to perfection in the
open air. We have several specimens growing here, two of
which have stood unprotected since the year 18G9, and have
grown to the height of G feet and measure 12 feet round. They
are now blooming freely and are likely to continue so for a long
time. Those plants are quite hardy and always bloom twice
a-year. In April the old wood that has flowered is removed

January 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND OOITAQB GAEDENEE.

«7

with the clipping eheaxs, the plants then start into rapid
growth and flower again in July. My reason for writing abont
the Cytisus racemosus is that its hardiness is not generally
known. Any person seeing it in bloom and healthy as it is
here cannot fail to say it well deserves a prominent place iu
every shrubbery. — A. Campbell, The Gardens, Muckross Abbey,
Killarney.

NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY.

The lovers of the queen of flowers will be glad to hear that
matters are progressing satisfactorily with regard to the new
Society founded in her honour. An informal meeting of the
Committee, at least of those members resident in and near
London, has been held at the Horticultural Club, holding the
same relationship to the general meeting of the Committee
that the " pourparlers " at Constantinople did to the more
important meetings now being held — i.e., plans were brought
forward to be submitted to the general meeting of the Com-
mittee which will be held on the first Wednesday in February.
Amongst other important matters a schedule for the first
Show of the Society on July 4th was prepared to be submitted
to the members of the Committee, so that when they meet
they will have had time to digest it and make suggestions for
alterations and improvements, when it will be printed and
circulated. I may state that the prizes suggested are very
liberal, and amount in the aggregate to upwards of £230, and
that this will be for cut Koses alone. No pot Roses or vases
of flowers, or any miscellaneous subjects, are recommended.
It was also suggested that each member of the Society should
have two admissions for the Exhibition to admit them an
hour before the general public. To all real lovers of the Rose
this will be a real boon, as it wOl give them an opportunity of
quietly looking over the stands exhibited.

It was also proposed that in the various localities where the
Rose is in favour someone should be requested to act as local
Secretary, for the purpose of advancing the interests of the
Society, securing members, &e. Several well-known amateurs
have already signified their readiness to act in this capacity,
and I have no doubt that I shall shortly be able to announce
a goodly number who have thus consented to act. So far,
then, all is working well ; and although the time of year is
unfavourable and the season depressing, yet I have every con-
fidence that the work so auspiciously begun will be effectively
carried out.

I should add that it is one wish of the Committee when they
publish their schedule to announce on it the dates of the
various Rose ehowa throughout the kingdom, and if possible
to prevent that clashing of interests which has been found so
detrimental ; and communications are now being opened with
the Secretaries of the various societies to ask their kind aid in
this matter. — D., Deal.

BEERIED SOLANUMS FOR WINTER
DECORATION.

Few plants are more easily grown and at the same time
more useful for the winter decoration of the greenhouse than
the above. I will detail my practice in growing them, which
baa hitherto given very satisfactory results.

If the object is to have good plants in small pots I find it
best to BOW the seed about the middle of November in gentle
faeat. The young seedlings will be ready to prick-off in thumb
pots the first week in .January. In six or eight weeks they
will require a shift into 4-inch pots, still keeping them in a
warm pit or frame. By the end of April or early iu May they
should have another shift into pots a size or two larger. This
with me is their final one. At the end of May, or when all
danger of late frost is over, I plunge them in ashes out of
doors where they are sheltered from high winds but fully ex-
posed to the sun. When they fill their pots with roots they
should have frc quent waterings with manure water, and should
remain plunged till they have set and swelled-off their fruit,
which will be about the middle or end of September. I find
the November sowing always gives more satisfactory results
than spring sowing. With regard to older and larger plants I
cut them well back in April, and at the end of May prepare
a bed of free rich soil about 12 inches deep on a hard bottom.
The plants are then turned out of their pots and the old balls
considerably reduced, and planted out about 2 feet apart each
way. They are taken up and potted in as small pots as pos-
sible towards the end of September. It is a good plan to cut

round the balls with a spade or edging-cutter two or three
weeks previous to this. After potting keeping them in a close
frame, shaded from hot sun and syringed overhead once or
twice a-day for a fortnight, they will then bear free exposure
to air and light. The berries will speedily change colour, and
in the dull months of winter amply repay the little trouble
and attention required to grow them. — J. E.

[The sprays sent (Solanum capsicastrum) were loaded with
highly-coloured berries and strikingly handsome. We never
before saw any so densely fruited. — Eds.]

VENN'S BLACK MUSCAT AND DUKE OF
BUCCLEUCH GRAPES.

It is somewhat surprising to find Venn's Muscat Grape so
condemned by Mr. Wildemith and spoken so highly of by other
good growers. What can be learned by these conflicting state-
ments ? Does the situation suit Mr. Wildsmith's Vine, or in
what way can the early shrivelling be accounted for ? I have
fruited Venn's Black Muscat two seasons, and find its produce
a grand Grape of easy cultivation. We had it ripe in July,
and kept a specimen bunch till November quite fresh and
plump and of delicious flavour. I do not remember anyone
recommending it as a late Grape, but for an early ormidseason
Grape of easy cultivation nothing can surpass it. It is a good
grower, profuse bearer, free setter, ripening as early as a Black
Hamburgh, with a rich Muscat flavour.

The Duke of Buccleuch has fruited here two seasons, and
has proved very satisfactory under precisely the same treat-
ment as the above — that is to say, the Vines have had no
special treatment or coddling whatever. The Duke of Buccleuch
is a little earlier than Venn's Muscat, and the fruit may not
keep so long ; however, we kept a bunch two months in fine
condition, and showed it at the Dundee International Exhi-
bition, where it was much admired.

I should advise " Aspiring Ahateuk " to give these Vines a
fair trial, and if he has room to plant Black Hamburgh and
Foster's White Seedling as supernumeraries. — J. H. Goodacre,
Elvaston.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS IN THE SOUTH.

The harp of "D." of Deal, as illustrated in his retrospect in
your last week's issue, seems yet to be " upon the willows,"
and somewhat out of tune. He says he has " been twitted for
saying florists' flowers are at a discount in the south," but
whilst he " cheerfully acknowledges the attempts that are being
made to revive an interest in them he is compelled to abide
by his view."

Will you permit me to say, that instead of seeing in the work
going forward attempts to revive an interest in florists'
flowers, I look upon that work as an incontrovertible proof of
the vital living interest existing in them ? and I assert that
logically no other interpretation is possible. Further, "D.,
Deal," tell us he has " been accused of disloyalty to the cause
for having said this," and adds, " to all who know the deep and
hearty interest I have taken in florists' flowers all my life this
will seem simply an absurdity."

Well, I know something of this deep and hearty interest o£
which " D., Deal," speaks, and I ask you to allow me to pro-
pound to him the following question : — Has not this deep and
hearty interest in the case of the Auricula, his favourite flower,
brought him in reference to its classification, mode of showing,
and properties into antagonism with the late Rev. George
Jeans and the Rev. J. Bramhall — in Eoses with Messrs. Rivers
and William Paul — and in Carnations and Picotees with
Mr. Dodwell ? The names quoted are those of gentlemen of
weight and authority in connection with the flowers named ;
and I shall but record the simple fact, that iu the conflict of
opinion in each case, " D." of Deal won no followers, but re-
mained, as he seems yet perversely resolved to remain, the
sole exponent of his very singular and paradoxical views. — 2.

ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA CONING.
In No. 824, page 27, a correspondent says, " Can you inform
me if it is usual for the above tree to bear seed to perfection
in this country ?" On reading the above I thought it might
not be uninteresting to say that this ornamental and truly
beautiful tree coned freely in 187.3 in the rectory gardens of
the Eev. Henry Bonrchier Wrey, Tawstock, North Devon. Not
having seen Mr. Wrej'a trees since that date, I cannot answer

48

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( January 18, 1877.

for their coning since. As far as I recollect there are three of ] subject, but it may suffice for all practical purposes to illustrate
these trees planted in a triangular form on a slightly elevated - what I mean by one or two instances of my experience in

mound which have coned and ripened seeds for several sue-
cessive years previous to the date above mentioned. I believe
Mr. Wrey has raised several plants from the seed. In 1874
the reverend gentleman gave seeds to many of his friends and
acquaintances, with directions for their successful growth.
— J. Cole McAbbell.

SOME SPECIES OF PRIMULA.— No. 3.

Foremost among the genera, companions of my early days —
genera now neglected— I place Primula. Where now can the
species amcena, verticil-
lata, Pallasii, villosa, fa-
rinosa, nivalis, margi-
nata, and others be
found in England?
There are a score of
species, many of them
formerly cultivated in
our gardens, yet how
rarely now do we meet
with any but varieties of
the Primrose, Polyan-
thus, and Auricula.

We have published
notes on two species,
and we purpose afford-
ing similar justice to a
few more.

Pbimdla tillosa, or
MocNTAiN Pbimdla. —
Mr. Curtis, in the first
volume of " The Bo-
tanical Magazine," pub-
lished in 1787, says,
" This plant has been
introduced pretty gene-
rally into the nursery
gardens in the neigh-
bourhood of London
within these few years.
Mr. Salisbury informs
me that a variety with
white flowers, brought
originally from the Alps
of Switzerland, has for
many years been culti-
vated in a garden in
Yorkshire.

" It is not noticed by
Linnfflus. Professor
Jacquin, in his " Flora
Auatriaca," has figured
and described a Primula,
which, though not agree-
ing so minutely as could
be wished with the one
we have figured, is
nevertheless considered

by some of the first botanists in this country as the same
species. He gives it the name of villosa, which we adopt,
though with us it is so slightly villous as scarcely to deserve
that epithet.

" It varies in the brilliancy of its colour, flowers in April,
and wiU succeed with the method of culture recommended for
the round-leaved Cyclamen."

The leaves are fleshy, slightly hairy, rhomboid, toothed on
both sides towards the end. Scape an inch long, bearing one
or two flowers; these are purple, segments heart-shaped, eyes
pale. Calyx not mealy, hairy, bell-shaped, half the length of
the tube.

It is a native of the Swiss and Carinthian Mountains.

Fig. 6. — Primula villosa,

KEEPING LATE GRAPES.

Are your correspondents, who in previous numbers attribute
the cracking of the berries of Grapes to excess of moisture at
the roots and to a deficiency of foliage to appropriate the ex-
cess of moisture, correct in their assumptions ? I think not
entirely. I have not time at present to enter fully into the

keeping late Grapes. When with Mr. Brunlees of Argyle
Lodge, Wimbledon, he suggested as a means for preventing
the cracking of the berries the thinning-out of the lateral
branchlets, and by degrees the whole of the wood of the current
year's growth nearly close to the bunches. I acted on the sug-
gestion and found the fruit keep in excellent order, and have
practised the same thinning-out by degrees of superfluous
wood and foliage ever since. The Grapes this year are keep-
ing first-rate, notwithstanding the borders are saturated with
wet. We have Black Hamburghs perfect in outliae of bunch
still ; in fact, aa many as will see us into February.

The only Grapes
which have not kept
satisfactorily this sea-
son were some Black
Hamburghs ripened in
August in a span-roof
house and planted in
the pit inside the house.
The roof is nearly de-
cayed, and the rain kept
a continual state of
dampness in the house
in October and Novem-
ber, so that we were glad
to cut the fruit. Strange
to say, on giving the
border a winter dress-
ing lately it was found
in a rather dry state, so
that moisture in excess
at the roots could not
militate against good
keeping in this instance.
I think "A Northern
Gardenbb" hits the real
cause of the mischief.
Until a few weeks back
— in fact, till the foli-
age was all but entirely
off the Vines, aa there
are still a few leaves
hanging, we kept aa
nearly as possible a tem-
perature of 50° and never
attempted to dry up
moisture on fine days,
as there is as much
harm done this way aa
any other. A tempe-
rature of 45° is the low-
est I like to see the
glasses registering now.
What with the require-
ments of a family to
supply during winter
and spring, and a large
flower garden to stock
m summer, we require
all our glass for storing and growing plants as well as fruit,
so that the Grapes here do not receive what might be termed
the best accommodation. No kind of fruit will keep well when
the temperature fluctuates much, nor when there are extremes
of dryness and moisture, and Grapes do not require much
moisture in the atmosphere to induce their decay. — E. P. B.

BARHAM COURT.

THE SEAT OF ROGER LEIGH, Esq.

Theee are several places in England named Barham, the
name signifying in modern English a fenced residence — that
is, a house in an enclosure. The word Court added means
that it was the enclosed residence of the feudal lord. Anciently
it was spelled Bereham, but this had a similar signification,
for Ilrr is the Saxon for a hedge. Barham Court is a manor,
and in the time of Henry II. had for its lord the Archbishop
of Canterbury, of whom it was held by Sir Eandal Fitzurse,
one of the assassins of Archbishop Becket in 1170. He fled, and
one of his relations took possession of the manor and assumed
from it the name of Berham. It remained in the possession

January 18, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICOLTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

49

of the family until the reign of James I., when it was alienated
to the Rev. Charles Fotherbye, Archdeacon of Canterbury,
from one of whose descendants it passed to Sir Edward Daring
by marriage. It was afterwards the seat of Lord Kingsdown,
and now belongs to Roger Leigh, Eaq.

Barham Court is thus an " old place." Its mansion is old
and plain, its trees ancient and gigantic. It is also a " new
place." Former proprietors have done their part in the pic-
turesque planting of " ancestral trees," and the present owner
has done his part in making a modern garden.

Few places in its district are more worthy of a "gardening
Tisit " during the summer season than this. The drive from
Maidstone to Barham is a pleasant drive of four miles. It is
through a district of Cherry orchards and llop plantations,
which on the lefthand side of the road are oonspicnons over
a great extent of landscape. On the righthand side the
ground is higher, and on one of the highest parts of the ridge

Barham Court is situated. The view from the front of the
mansion is commanding and beautiful, embracing a wide-
stretching undulated vale of great fertility and well wooded.
The mansion is not " embowered in trees " obstructing the
view, but the trees have been judiciously planted or thinned so
as to show to the greatest advantage their own beauty without
veiling the natural attractions of the surrounding district.

The lawn is extensive and open, the trees being in isolated
groups — a rugged fringe, as it were, to the desmesne, with vistas
through which many " delicious peeps " are obtained. The
trees are Elms, Oaks, Beeches, a few Piuuses, and very notice-
able a fine Magnolia and Cedar of Lebanon, the stem of the
latter girthing 21 feet. Rhododendrons appear to floarish
well, and have been freely planted in the shrubberies. On this
large lawn and associated with these noble trees flowers are
sparsely (and it must be admitted wisely), represented. Parallel
with the terrace walk on the south side of the mansion are a

«^^—

Fig. 7. — Baeuam couet.

series of chain beds, and between the walk and the building
is a border where in the summer " carpet bedding " is carried
out. This is the extent of the lawn flower garden, small yet
Bufficient.

Adjoining the mansion is a conservatory, and in connection
with this structure is a commodious exotic plant stove. These
at the time of my visit were en deshabille, both plants and
houses undergoing a thorough cleansing, and the prominent
feature at the moment was soap and water. The plants, how-
ever, it was easy to see, although huddled together for the
convenience of the workmen, were both extensive in variety
and excellent in condition.

At some distance from the mansion, at the skirt of the lawn
and hidden from it, U what may bf termed the flower garden
proper. It is small — an ornamented dell, reached by winding
walks, and it comes suddenly into view as a " pleasant sur-
prise." This is a subtropical garden — a miniature Battersea
Park. There are the raised mounds, the sheltered hollows,
the informal beds, the artificial rocks, and the irregular pool
as at Bittersea. Indeed it seemed a? if the best part of
Battersea was reflected at Barham. The subtropical plants at
both places were almost exactly similar, and were similarly
disposed. It may be true, as Mr. Abbey has said, that Lichens
and other forms of vegetation will not cling to artilicial rooks ;
it may be equally true, aa Mr. Peach has suggested, that these

rooks are but vain mimics of the " bones of nature ;" but it is
also true that when tastefully constructed and appropriately
placed — not obtrusively prominent, but partially hidden and in
subservience to other objects of decoration, that these " rocks "
with the water near them, and the aquatic plants flourishing
about them, enhance considerably the beauty of a "garden
scene." The rocks at Barham have been tastefully arranged
and answer their purpose admirably. In such places the
object is not to convey a lesson on geology, but to complete a
picture of varied interest and attractiveness. The " rocks " in
question were " made," I think, by Mr. Pulham. They do
either that manufacturer or someone else considerable credit.
Such is an outline — a " general idea " of the pleasure-ground
character of 33arham Court, and I will now glance — it can only
be a mere glance — of what was ti me, as it must be to all
gardeners, the far more important department of fruit-growing.
I am indebted to Mr. Record for the disappointment of a
visit to this place — a disappointment, however, not of a kind
that one often hears expressed after a visit of this nature. My
disappointment did not arise from the fact of there being
nothing to see worthy of notice, but because there was so
much to see so striking and intrinsically good, and so little
time for seeing it. Had I been aware of being within an boar's
drive of a fruit garden so complete and novel I should have
disturbed the early morning slumbers of my host, and instead

50

JOUBNAL OF HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE QABDENEB.

[ January 18, 1877.

of having a " wild rush " through these fruit gardens examining
nothing, I would have given that attention to them that they
well merit. I have used the plural, "gardens." It is correct,
for there is not simply one walled enclosure but several, devoted
almost entirely to the cultivation of hardy fruits, especially
Apples and Pears. There are acres of ground, miles of wire,
and thousands of trees in these six large walled gardens, which
I thinkno member of " the craft" could see without admiring.
He may not admire the system adopted, for that depends on
taste, and almost everyone has his fancies and prejudices; but
he cannot,! think, help admitting that the system (whether he
agrees with it or not) is here well and extensively carried out,
and it is impossible that he can ignore the extraordinary high
quality of the fruit which that system and good management
produce. There are those who are powerful in their advocacy
of growing fruit on the natural system ; they would have no
pruning, no pinching, no training. Others consider no plan
equal to the bush or pyramid system, and regard both root-
pruning and summer-pinching as indispensable. Others, again,
are powerfully predisposed in favour of espaliers, and believe
that by no other mode of culture can so much superior fruit
be obtained oft' a given extent of ground as by training the
trees to wire trellises. It is not diffioalt for the advocates of
the respective systems to adduce testimony that each plan is
worthy of adoption, and has, indeed, proved satisfactory. The
fact is, that any, or all, of the plans named are good when ably
carried out, and they can only be justly denounced when the
systems have been or are abused.

The advocates of the wiring or espalier system — the French
system — can point to Barham for evidence of its value, that
being the mode which is there extensively and almost exclu-
sively adopted. All the walls are whitewashed, and all the
trees are trained as diagonal cordons, palmetto verriers, or
some other " Frenchified " mode of training, but the diagonals
preponderate. The quarters of the gardens are devoted to
espaliers, long trellises of wire being erected, running from
north to south, each of the tallest being 10 feet high, with
about the same distance between the trellises. These are all
connected together with cross wires at regular intervals, these
cross wires being fastened to the tops of the walls. These
wires will no doubt be some day covered with " cordons," and
will contribute much to the appearance of the gardens, and
they at the same time impart stability to the whole wire-
work arrangements. Some of the trellises are double, and
have cordons planted on both sides, the trellises being a foot
or more apart. This plan is much liked as economising space,
the trees bearing as well as on the single trellises. There are
other trellises 6 feet high, most of them, also the walls, being
occupied with Pears. Near the sides of the walks are double
and single horizontal cordons of Apples, which at the time of
my visit were bearing prodigious crops of splendid fruit. There
are_ also bush trees more or less miniature, which were bearing
fruit not " miniature " but magnificent.

The Pears are fast reaching the tops of the walls and
trellises, and were bearing some of the finest, if not the very
finest, fruit I ever saw growing. Amongst the autumn Pears
which appeared to be grown in quantity were Beurre Hardy,
Louise Bonne of ,7ersey, Williams' Bon Chretien, Beurre
d'Amanlis, Doyenne du Comice, Beurre de I'Assomption,
Beurre Superfin, &o. Later sorts — Pitmaeton Duchess, Passe
Crasanne, Marie Benoist, Easter Beurre, Winter Nelis, Jose-
phine de Malines, Doyenne d'Alen9on, Olivier de Serres, Prince
Napoleon, and others.

Amongst the most noticeable of the Apples were the hori-
zontal cordons of Api Rouge or Lady Apple, veritable lines of
beauty, and splendid crops of remarkable fruit of the Winter
Calville and Bed CalviUe. The finest of the Winter Calvilles
(Calville Blanche d'Hiver) were produced on low cordons
trained near the front of the south wall. Other sorts excep-
tionally fine were Eeinette du Canada, Keinette de Gaux,
Eeinette d'Espapnp, Cox's Pomona, Cox's Orange Pippin,
Eibston Pippin, Belle Josephine, Belle Dubois, Beauty of
Kent, Cornish GiUitlower. These are only a few impressed
on my memory, for all the best kinds in cultivation are in-
cluded in the collection. A sufficient proof of the high
quality of the fruit produced in this garden was afforded at
the autumn show at the Royal Horticultural Society, when a
gold medal was awarded to Mr. Haycock, Mr. Leigh's gardener,
for a collection of Pears and Apples, which for colour, size,
and general high quality has been rarely equalled at any ex-
hibition of English-grown fruit.

There is also a considerable extent of glass. Besides the

conservatory and plant stove referred to there is a vinery about
80 feet long in three compartments. Peach houses 100 feet long,
Pine pit of a similar length, a span-roofed plant house also
100 feet in length, Gacumber and Melon pits 50 feet long, and
an excellent orchard house 70 feet by 22 feet. The Vines were
thinly trained, moderately cropped, and the Grapes were well
coloured and of good quality. Peaches were gathered except
Salwey, and the crop of this was highly superior. Figs in
pots were bearing excellent crops. Melons were cut, but a
fine lot of fruit of A. F. Barron were unused, this proving to
be a good keeping variety. Pines were of medium size. Deco-
rative plants in good order, and fruit trees in pots were numer-
ous and excellent. Many of the glass structures were of com-
parative recent erection, and all were in capital working order.

The vegetable crops evidently received the same care that
was bestowed on the fruit trees, the regularity and cleanliness
of the several crops being very noticeable. Asparagus is
largely grown, the plants being in hollows, with their tops sup-
ported with stakes, and the " grass " was robust and luxuriant.
Tomatoes were " a sight." Stout posts had been fixed in the
ground, and to these supports boards were nailed, forming a
" wooden wall " 3 to 4 feet high ; this was limewashed, and on
the south side were trained the 'Tomatoes. The crop was pro-
digious, and certainly of greater value than the cost of the fence,
while this was sufficiently substantial to last for some years.

The gardens at Barham Court are eminently worthy of in-
spection daring the late summer months, before the fruit
crops are gathered. At the period of my flying visit their
cleanliness was remarkable — the white walls, the neatly-trained
trees, the full vegetable crops, and the absence of weeds afford-
ing evidence that no crop was neglected in favour of another
more highly prized department. The owner of this excellent
garden is clearly a liberal patron of horticulture, and it is
equally clear that the gardener is as skilful and attentive as
the owner is earnest and liberal. — J. W.

THE TREE OB MULTIPLYING ONION.

I HAD a few given to me about four years since. Last year I
had nearly half a bushel. I set in March last year 24 square
feet of ground with bulbs, 6 inches apart. When I took them
up in October last they quite surprised me, for at some of the
roots there were three or four good-sized Onions. Besides, on
the stem, about a foot from the ground, was a bunch of three
or four more Onions, and above them another bunch or cluster
of eight or nine smaller bulbs, about the size for pickling, and
in a few instances even another cluster about the size of horse
beans. We have cooked some several times, and think them
milder than most Onions. They have kept well till now, hut
the weather being so mild they begin to grow. They are very
hardy. I have had odd bulbs left in the ground all the winter
grow and produce well the next summer. They are worthy of
a place in any garden, for if the other Onions fail they can be
relied upon, and anyone bestowing the trouble to tie them to a
stake renders them a curiosity, but they do very well to fall
about and grow as they like. I forked the ground over, and
gave it a slight dressing of dnng from the spent hotbed of the
year before, and then planted the bulbs, and did nothing more
to them except keeping the weeds down. — C. E. Braoebbidgb,
Kilshy, Rugby.

[This is a variety of the common Onion, and has been in our
gardens many years under the name of Garden Boooambole.
—Eds.]

CLIVE HOUSE SEEDLING GEAPE.
For this Grape the Fruit Committee of the Royal Hortioul-
taral Society at their meeting, December (ith, 1876, awarded
Mr. D. P. Bell, Clive House, Alnwick, a first-class certificate,
to which (»8 a seedling) he had no claim whatever. It was
raised in the garden of his Grace the Duke of Northumber-
land at Alnwick Castle by William Caseley twenty years ago,
who then, as now, was employed in the forcing houses there.
The female parent of it was Black Morocco impregnated with
the pollen of White Syrian, for the purpose of causing the
former to set its fruit better than it had been in the habit of
doing. By the time that the Grapes were ripe some of the
lierries were noticed ns being of unusual size. From these Mr.
Caseley saved seeds, which were sown by him and produced
several plants, the fruit of some being black and of others
white. After being fairly tried all but two were found to be
nearly worthless. These two are still in cultivation in the
houses there, that for which the certificate was awarded being

Jannarr 1>^. 1^77. J

JOUaXAL OF HORTICDLTDRE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

51

one of these two. My only motive for interfering in this
matter is that honour may be given to whom it is most jnstly
due, and that this excellent Grape may not be sent ont under
a false name. I may also state that Mr. D. P. Bell has only
had it in his possession during the last few years. — Eoeeet
Bowie, The Gardens, Chillingham Castle.

SPECIAL FLOWER SHOWS.
At page 24, last week, " D., Deal," says the Kose " alone
of all flowers can support a distinct show for itself." This is
a mistake. Several varieties of florist flowers, such as the
Anricnla, Tulip, and Carnatiou, have supported distinct shows
for half a century, and they still do so. These beautiful
flowers also possess this advantage over the Rose, they thrive
near towns where the Rose dies outright. Some of the shows
also ofttimes have a good balance on the right side. Rev. J.
B. M. Camm, who kuows country Rose shows well, says, in
the Journal of last year, page 507, " Country Rose shows
generally betray failure more or less in some form ;" for
instance, " Hereford, where the largest balance ever forth-
coming was id." It ought not to be forgotten either that at
the Crystal Palace on April '21th next will be held a show ex-
clusively for Auriculas. — J. Douglas.

THE PINE APPLE AND ITS CULTURE.

Although no longer personally engaged in the culture of
this important fruit, I nevertheless look with great interest on
what is being done as well as what is said relating to it. I
have on more than one occasion asked for information respect-
ing the management and culture of the Pine Apple, now im-
ported in such large quantities from St. Michaels, and am
obliged to your correspondent " M." (page 4) for his inform-
ation on this point, as well as for the article as a whole ; but
I differ with him on the probable effect these imported Pines
will have on the culture of those hitherto grown in this country.
" M." seems to think that the growing of IPines will only be dis-
continued in a very few places, whereas I apprehend they will
be given up in a great many, and their culture will be com-
menced in few or no new gardens, as those imported from St.
Michaels being pretty good and the cheap rate they are offered
places them in a favourable light with all with whom pounds,
shillings, and pence have much influence, and this is a very
important body. Besides which, the importers of this fruit
seem fully alive to what is wanted in England ; and though at
first the period for which these Pines were forthcoming was a
limited one it has since been very much extended, and by-and-
by I have no doubt but they will be to be had all the year
round. In future it behoves home growers to try and produce
Pine Apples when they are most of all wanted, and especially
when foreign Pines are not forthcoming. Of course the re-
quirements of individual cases must determine what is wanted,
but in general Pines are most acceptable when other tropical
or choice fruits are scarce : hence the advisability of growing
a good proportion of plants for winter fruiting.

Although never an extensive Pine-grower, I have always en-
deavoured to spread those I did grow over the greatest possible
space ; and how far I have succeeded may be judged by the
fact, that although I only grew two kinds of late — Queens and
Smooth-leaved Cayennes, I find on looking over the records of
the six years ending December, 1875, there were only three
calendar months during that period in which no ripe fruit
was cut, these being September and October, 1872 — both
months in which this fruit usually is most abundant — and
February, 1874 ; the greatest number of fruit cut in one year
being in 1871, when I find 171 were cut, 162 of these being
Queens and 9 Smooth-leaved Cayennes ; the total weighing
450 lbs. 4 oza. avoirdupois, which gives an average of 2 lbs.
10 ozs. each, a weight, though not to be compared with fruit
uenally sent to exhibition, is nevertheless very fair when all
are told. I may say here that I am no great advocate for very
large fruit. A Queen of, say, 3 Iba. ripened at the time of year
when this fruit ij in perfection is, in my opinicn, large enough.
Smooth CayenntB run much la-ger, but plants of it increase
very slowly ; thus I find whereas nine of this variety were cut
in 1871, and all encouragement possible given to multiply and
increase them, we had only eighteen cut iu 1875. Of course
a number of good plants were in store at the latter period, but
I do not think any omitted fruiting that were expected to do
80, and as we always allowed the old stools to remain as long
as they famished suckers. I merely point oat how slowly this

variety propagates itself compared with Queens, as of tho
latter any number might have been had during that time,
whereas it was customary to cut off" the old leaves from the
stools of Cayennes, place the plants in smaller pots, and plunge
them in the warmest part of the bed. Once or twice I believe
I adopted the plan recommended by some of laying the stool
horizontally on a box of light soil for the shoots to rise
from the side ; but even that is a very slow process, and one
I cannot recoromend as preferable to allowing them to remain
in an upright position. Might I ask other practical growers
how they succeed in increasing this variety ? My plants, I may
observe, were all grown in pots and in a tan bed that was
turned some two or three times a-year, and more or less new
tan added ; and about once iu two years the old tan was sifted
and the fine matter taken away, putting back the rough that
did not pass through a sieve of something less than half an
inch square in the mesh. The fresh tan was usually allowed
to drain a day or two in a shed, when it was mixed with the
old in the manner of trenching, which in fact the operation
resembled.

With regard to the starving system, as it is called by your
correspondent " M.," I may say that I have found it very
good practice to withhold water from some of the Queens in
early summer which were wanted to show fruit as soon as
possible. This, however, was only done iu a medium degree,
and not to the extent to deserve the name " starved," but
checked ; and the limited quantity of water given to the whole
iu autumn and winter did not lender it necessary to make any
distinction with these. Your correspondent is quite right
about the uncertainty of Queens fruiting, for it is often pro-
voking to see large fine-looking plants, instead of showing
fruit, surround themselves with a host of suckers, most of
which are not wanted. I often think those that are what I
would call overpotted are most liable to this, but it is not
always the case. Another evil I have sometimes had to con-
tend with iu Queens — their liability to have overgrown crowns.
This I believe is often caused by too much syringing, or keep-
ing up too damp an atmosphere in the house or pit they are
growing in. Smooth Cayennes have naturally large crowns,
but there is a medium iu these too ; and the smaller they can
be made to be the prettier in my opinion they look, although
iu that of housekeepers in general who have the fruit to set
up for table a large crown is almost as important as a large
fruit. Black Jamaicas have also large crowns, but it is so
many years since I had much experience with this sort that
I have almost forgotten its peculiarities ; but it used to be
extensively grown iu the neighbourhood of Manchester, where
it was a special favourite.

Of the last paragraph of " M.'s " very useful article, that
relating to insects, more may be said, as notwithstanding the
almost thousand and one specifics for the destruction of
insects, they are certainly more fatal to this than most
insects are to other fruits, not but that the Pine is vigor-
ous enough to stand against them and live ; but what a life I
and with what disgust does the grower of healthy good plants
look upon the white-scale-covcred sickly plants ; and yet how
often is the scale introduced unknown amongst a mass of
Pines. I confess having had it twice so introduced, on
one occasion the gift of a pretty variegated specimen of, I
believe, the Sugar-loaf Pine, quickly infested a housefull of
healthy fine plants, and a hundred fruiting-sized plants had
to be thrown away and a fresh stock had to be worked-up
again. On another occasion the vermin made its appearance
without my having known how it was introduced, and a
further destruction of plants followed. With mealy bug I
have not had so much to do, but the lesson given above led
mo in all cases when such was possible to insist on the Pine
having a house or pit entirely to itself, or where Vines had to
be grown in the same place to take especial care that they
were free from all the pests affecting the Pine. Furthermore,
I advise that all Pino houses or pits be separated entirely from
structures devoted to the culture of exotic plants, as there are
but few collections of those that can be called perfectly free
from insects, and " prevention is easier than cure."

With regard to the difficulty of having ripe fruit in the
dead winter months, there is not so much trouble this way as
might be supposed. I find that the number cut during the
month of December in the last six years were respectively two,
nine, one, seven, eight, and two, and something like the same
for January.

Having described my sufferings on two occasions with
white scale, I may relate one on the other side, which though

52

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I January 18, 1877.

only on a few planta is yet worth noting. It is a great many
years ago when I was entering on a new situation, I found
that my predecessor had left some halt-dozen little snckers of
Queen Pines, and for want of a better place to put them in
had potted tiiem and placed them in a plant stove with a col-
lection of mixed plants, and, as might be expected, they were
covered with white scale as thickly stuck together as it was
possible. One of the best of these I shook-out of the pot,
and as some horse dung was fermenting at the time prior to
being need for hotbeds for Melons, I buried the plant com-
pletely in this hot dung, which I dare say ranged upwards of
100% It remained there some twenty or thirty hours, when
it was taken out and planted in suitable soil in a heated pit
intended for Melons, which were also grown in the part ad-
joining it. This plant throve and grew fast, quite as much
so as I have ever seen a healthy plant, and no scale ever
showed itself again upon it, and it eventually ripened a fruit
weighing 3} lbs., which was very fair for a Queen.

I should be very glad if someone would give us a more de-
tailed report of the mode by which those foreign Pines are
grown by which the market is at present supplied, as they
differ so very much from the starved-looking West Indian
fruits we have been accustomed to look npon at certain seasons
during the last thirty years or more; and the fact of the geo-
graphical position of St. Michaels not being so much tropical
as we supposed the Pine Apple required, I have for some time
been looking for some information respecting their culture and
general treatment. — J. Kobson.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBUBBAN GABDENING.

Pruning E\t);bobeens. — In villa gardens the pruning of ever-
greens is a most essential matter to attend to for more than one
reason. In the first place, almost everyone makes a mistake at
first by planting too thickly, :md when so done by not thinning
out early enough to allow those shrubs intended for permanent
ornament to grow into an agreeable form. Villa gardens have
generally but small spaces to devote to a shrubbery, and there
must be some pruning done every year, but then let it be done
in a skilful manner. I was along a street in a large town the
other day where the gardens in front were planted with Aucu-
bas, variegated and green Hollies, common and Portugal Laurels,
Arbor- Vities, Yews, Euonymuses, and some low-growing orna-
mental plants in the foreground. Along this street the gardens
are conspicuous for their beauty in summer, but for some time
past they have been spoiled in appearance by bad pruning.
Laurels have had their branches cut with a knife, and with long
slanting cuts which are easily seen from the road, and to add to
this ugly appearance the bare stems are many of them left from
4 to tj inches above the surrounding foliage. Hollies and Yews
have been cut with shears, and other shrubs have been trimmed
in a similarly careless manner. It vrill be some time before
these shrubs assume their former ornamental character; whereas
if they had been carefully pruned in such a way as to hide every
cut without exposing the stem as well, by making the cut close
to the junction of a smaller or larger shoot as the case may
require, the shrubs would still maintain their natural habits
though confined by pruning to a smaller space. It is absurd to
cut a beautiful shrub or hedge of Holly with shears for the sake
of getting it into shape when it can be done so satisfactorily
with a kuife. The growth is not so vigorous as that of a Laurel,
but is stiff and short-jointed; and by a glance at the tree, at the
same time bearing in mind the shape it is intended to assume
when it is finally left to itself, a selection of shoots for cutting
out may be made, which wiU make the shrub more ornamental
than it was before.

Many times it is necessary to think much before cutting,
because when a shrub is not intended to be left permanently,
and yet it is not advisable to part with it at once, the shoots
that are cut from it should bi- very carefully selected, so as not
to destroy the outline, and yet to give room for the shrubs next
to it. This is the most severe pruning of any, because it is
necessary to make room for others more particular ; but when
the time arrives that no pruning can be done to the shrubs with-
out spoiliog them, and then instead of disfiguring them and
detracting from the ornamental effect of the surrounding shrubs,
I would take them out entirely.

Aucubas are easy shrubs to prune, owing to their close habit
of growth. As a rule their outline is good and very natural, and
the only pruning needed is in removing a few straggling shoots.
Arbor- Vitxs require very little pruning ; sometimes a thinning
of the wood is necessary, but a few stakes put inside, and the
shoots tied to them, will render them compact for a long time.
Laurustinusea may be pruned if desired; but this being the
flowering time, no pruning must be done till that is over, which
is just before growth commences. I never remember seeing
the Laurustiuus so full of flowers as this season, and upon

shorter growth than common. I should be glad to hear if
its free-flowering is general this winter, it being a mass of
flowers, and when it is planted in street gardens it is a con-
spicuous ornament.

I see in this neighbourhood that Roses are bursting into leaf,
smi people are afraid to prune them yet, for the back buds are still
dormant, and if pruning were done now, and the mild weather
continue, these would break, and the chance of a good first
bloom would be jeopardised. The Honeysuckle is ia leaf also,
but if this gets too forward it does not snSer like the BoBe. —
TnoM.is Becobd.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WOEK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HABDY FRUIT G.iBDEN.

We have, as opportunity oSered, continued the pmning and
nailing of wall trees, and the pruning of standards and dwarfs.
As for digging, or even wheeling manure on to the ground, that is
not to be thought of, with the ground sodden as it is by the con-
tinued rains. The advantage of well-drained soil will be evident
this year. Where the soil has not been drained in orchards, and
the trees affected with lichens on the branches, this tribe of
parasites will have much improved in vigour. There are two
very evident causes of the growth of mosses of sorts on fruit
trees — namely, crowding the trees too closely together, causing
weak unhealthy growth, and plantiug in soil that is naturally
wet without making any preparation to drain away superfluous
water. There are soils drained naturally, and others can be
easily drained by artificial means owing to the nature of the
ground. Other soils, owing to their low-lying position, cannot
be drained at all. It would be very easy to say that a particular
soil and position is the best for fruit-tree culture ; but very few
gardeners have a choice of soil, and they have generally to make
the best out of the means they have at their command.

The kitchen garden at Loxford Hall is composed of soil of the
very worst description for fruit trees^light sandy stony stofi
over gravel lying close under the surface. It might fitly be
compared to Burns' farm at EUisland, which according to his
account was formed *' of the riddlings c>f creation." Fourteen
years ago there were at least a hundred fruit trees in all stages of
decay, some of the Apples dying not from old age but from canker,
which had eaten into the centre of the largest branchea, and
caused decay in those of more recent grow'th. Some of them
could be pushed over by the hand, and no good frtiit could be
obtained. There was no course but to grub up the trees and
replant. Where the gravel was near the surface it was removed,
so that 18 inches of soil were obtained ; a little heavy loam was
worked- in, and some of the same substantial material was placed
around the roots when the trees were planted. For several
years afterwards the roots were annually lifted, and good loam
placed in contact with them ; the roots also were encotiraged to
work upwards by surface-dressings of manure being applied,
and out of a largo collection of the best sorts only two have been
seriously affected with canker — viz., Ribston Pippin and Dume-
low's Seedling or Wellington. The first-named has became
notorious for this characteristic, but the other we did not expect
to fail from this cause. Pears do better than .\pplea on our soil;
Plums and Cherries better than Pears. The tendency of all the
trees is to produce too much young wood, but by careful summer
pruning this adds to the production of fruit buds.

Raspberry bushes have been pruned and made ready for the
ground being dug the first favourable opportunity. In the
quarters of Strawberry plants weeds have been unusually produc-
tive. All we have been able to do has been to remove the
largest by hand, and wait for a favourable opportunity to set the
Dutch hoe to work. If trees are infested with American blight
the parts ought to be dressed with paraffin ; it does not seem to
injure the trees or fruit buds, which boiled oil will do some-
times. The eggs of the Bombyx neustria (lackey moth) may
now be found glued to the small twigs of the trees ; they are
compacted firmly together, and clasp closely the twiga in
circles about quarter of an inch wide. They must be sought
for and burned.

PINE HOUSES.

We have been re-arranging the stock in the fruiting houses.
Our plan is, from a small number of plants to obtain a succession
of fruits all the year round. They are not required very fre-
quently, but it is necessary to have them on stated occasions.
Under such circumstancea it would lie foolish to try to have a
whole house of Qoeens to start at one time even if it were possible
to do so. One house had been rested in a temperature of from
an' to Gi)' with a dryish atmosphere, and the planta about the
1st of .January were quite dry at the roots. By increasing the
bottom heat to 90", as we have done by adding fresh tan to the
bed, and raising the temperature of the house to 0.5^ as a mini-
mum, and still keeping the roots dry, nearly all the Pines would
start. We do not want this, so the pots were twice watered to
thoroughly moisten the dried ball of earth and roots. The at-
mosphere ia fairly moist, and perhaps only one plant in three will

Januar7 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTICOLTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

53

show frnit, the others will come on at uncertain intervale during
the spring months. In another house containing Smooth-leaved
Cayennes and Charlotte Kothschilds there are plants with fruit
in various stages of development. We had fruit at Christmas,
and a few more plants will give us good examples during the
spring months ; more will throw up their fruit by-and-by.
■We do not frait more than half a hundred plants in the year,
if so many, but they are distributed as nearly as possible
equally through the different seasons. When the beds are re-
moved the bottom heat is apt to rise higher than is desirable,
and the pots must not be plunged deeply unless the tempera-
ture of the bed is under 95% and it must be seen that this is
the highest point that the bed is likely to attain. Some growers
do not plunge the pots at all ; they add fresh tan when neoes-
Bary, and merely arrange the pots over it.

PEACH HOUSES.

It wonld save some trouble in answering questions if gar-
deners and amateurs would consult the "Doings," as a question
is sometimes asked that has been answered in this department
only a few weeks previously. For instance, it is not necessary
to give instructions two or three times during the season as to
washing and dressing Peach trees, surfacing the borders, water-
ing, and other operations preliminary to forcing. If this was
done when the earliest house was started, it is a waste of valu-
able space to repeat the directions with the second and third
houses. One of the greatest dangers to which trees are subject
is an over-dryness of the borders inside. The soil never ought
to become dusty dry, as this causes the smaller fibrous roots
to decay, a state of matters which will inevitably result in the
flowers dropping off at the time of setting The proper treat-
ment of the trees is this : When all the fruit has been gathered
give the borders a good watering ; this will establish and mature
the blossom buds for next year. In six or eight weeks, if the
soil shonld be dry at tbe depth of a foot, give another good
watering. This will usually be sufficient until it is time to
start the house. It is better to water the border before apply-
ing the usual surface dressing. If this is moist before it is
put on, watering a dry border through it would make it into
a pasty condition and unfit it for the young rootlets. If it is put
over the border after it is watered tbe dressing will dry a little
before it i.s time to water a second time. Peach houses require
rather more air than vineries, and the trees will not stand such
a moist high temperature as will Viues until the Peaches take
their second swelling.

Figs in puts have been shaken-out and repotted. It would be
better to have done this in October, as the trees would have
become established by this time, but they will no doubt start
well and fruit freely with good management. We start in a
temperature of o^^ or 5.3^, and the pots have the benefit of a
little bottom heat. Fig trees delight in rich surface dressings,
and the roots work into them with marvellous rapidity when
the trees are in full growth.

PLAST STOVE AND OKCHTD BOUSES.

In this department it will now be necessary to advance the
temperature if it is desirable to have the summer-flowering
specimens early in the year. Ixoras, for instance, intended to
flower in June should be cut down at once and be started in a
temperature of CiS" at least, increa.sing it to 70^- as the season
advances. Our plants have been cut down, which has given us
an opportunity to thoroughly cleanse them from mealy bug and
scale. Mealy bug is the worst pest of our plant stoves, and
cannot be destroyed without persistent huuting-up and washing
off at frequent intervals with soapy water. Ixoras ought to be
thoroughly cleansed from this pest before the tiny flower buds
appear in clufters ; shonld the insect penetrate into the trusses
of flowers, it is not then possible to destroy them without also
quite spoiling the flowers. It is also diificult to keep the bug from
Dipladenias, and equally troublesome to remove it from the
leaves without seriously injuring them with the soapy water.
We do not find any better way to clean stove plants of whatever
kind from bug and scale than handwashing with warmish rain
water in which a little soft soap has been dissolved, using a soft
sponge. After tboroushly cleaning a plant it ought to be looked
over in a week, and a careful supervision should be made every
week or ten days after, and if this is followed up there is some
chance of finally eradicating the insects.

If any choice Ferns or flowering plants require repotting this
should be seen to at once ; and it may be necessary first to
place the potting material in the house with the plants, in order
that it may be warmed before using it. If the plants are re-
moved from a warm stove to the temperature of a cold potting
abed, the check they would experience during potting would
eeriouely cripple many of the most choice and tender.

Orchids are begiDniug to start into active growth. Vandas of
the various East Indian species are showing their flower spikes,
likewise Cypripediums. Phal;enopsia amabilis and P. gracdi-
flora are improved by increased warmth and more moisture.
Should thrips be seen upon any of them it must either be re-
nioved by washing with soapy water or fumigating with tobacco
smoke. Some choice species are injured by strong tobacco fames,

so that it is better to fumigate slightly and often than to overdo it
at one time. In the Cattleya house a slight increase is also
made in the temperature, and Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, some
Odontoglossums, such as O. citrosmum and others, which have
been kept dry at the roots for the last two months, will receive
rather more water. Those which are started into growth ought
not to become quite dry after this time. In the cool house the
same remarks hold good ; but many plants in this department,
and those the choicest of them, will not endure to be kept dry
at any time. Odontoglossum crispum is in all stages of develop-
ment, and we are seldom without flowers of it. Spikes are in
full beauty now, others have flowers opening ; some are just
throwirg-up, and a succession can be seen far behind the others.
O. cirrhoBum seems to be very free, and when we obt.ain the
same strength m the plauts as can be seen in the imported
growths, it will be second only to 0. crispum. Nearly all the
species receive plenty of water after this. They do well with
the sphagnum growing in rude health on the surface of the
pots. Masdevallias thrive under the same treatment. The tem-
perature of the house is about 50°, with plenty of moisture. —
J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVKD.

Dick Eadclyffe & Co., 1'29, HighHolborn, JjonAon.— Catalogue
of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, and List of Garden Bequisites.

Charles Turner, Eoyal Nurseries, Slough.— CatoZo^we of Heeds
for the Kitchen Garden, the Flower Garden, and the Farm.

J. C. Wheeler & Sons, Gloucester.— IHusiraied "Little
Book " and Select Seed List.

Wm. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N. — Descriptive
Catalogue of Flower, Vegetable, and Farm Seeds, and Garden
Bequisites.

James Dickson & Sons, 108, Eastgate Street, Chester.— Cofa-
logue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Garden Tools, Imple-
ments, <£*c.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
',* All correspondence should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to "The Publisher." Letters addroBsed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub-
jects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion
should be written on one side of the paper oiJy. We
cannot reply to questions through the post.
Books {Clement OriJ).—" Cottage Gardener's Dictionary," " Garden Ma-
nual," "Tholupson's Gardener's Directory."
Address (F. Qrecn). — We do not koow Mr. Trass's present address.
Cordons (P. M.).— The reply is from a well-known fruit cultivator.
AcRicoLiS (G. S.).— Mr. J. Booth, Failsworth, near Manchester.
Cabbage Leaves [T. E. D.).— The " underside " is that facing the soil
when the leaf grows horizontally. It is the surface on which the rihs are
prominent.

CoTENT Garden Prices (Staines].— Tbt prices we qnote are the retail
prices. Early produce it cheap is usually imported.
Conifers (SuijscTiiicr).— We cannot name from mere leaf sprays.
BtJLBS (S. P. r.).— It is an Allium, and we think it is hardy and wiU grow
in common garden soil,

Barbarossa Grape.—" J. W." wishes some of onr readers who have grown
it will state the result of their experience.

Si-BiNG-FLOWERiNQ PLANTS (Alpha No. 1).— All Bpring-flowoiing plants
may be planted this and next month, but we should defer planting until the
early part oi March, the ground being much too wet at present. Some of
the best spriuK plants are Arabis albida, A. alpina variegata, Alyssum saxa-
tile compactum, Autrietia granditlora, double Daisies, Wallflowers, Iberis
gibraltica, Myosotis sylvatica, M. dissitiflora; Pansy, white, yellow, blue, and
purple; double Primroses, and Gentiana vema. Helleborus niger and the
difiereut varieties of Hepatica should be planted at once. Annuals for spring
flowering should have been sown in September.

Roses Shedding their Leaves (Edobaston). — The symptoms are those
resulting from an imperfect supply of water and bad nourishment. Repot
(but do not disturb the ball much, only picking-out any loose soil from
among the roots), in turfy loam with a fourth of decayed manure added, pro-
viding good drainage. .Sprinkle the plants overhead twice a-day, morning
and evening, watering with weak liquid manure at every alternate watering
after the flower buds show.

Vines in Consebtatoey (A Lady Garrfrnrr).— Plants do not generally
succeed beneath Vines, the leaves obstructing the light, but as a slight shade
is desirable in a conservatory, and the Vines being leafless in winter, there
is really no objection to them provided they are not allowed to cover the
roof too densely. In your case Vines at 4 to 4 feet 6 inches distance apart
we should cocstder desirable. If you can command a certain supply of gas
that would be the best mode of heating your house, having a gas-heated
boiler with hot-water pipes suflicient to exclude frost ; or the house might
probably be most economically heated by a boiler fixed at the back of the fire
in tbe room, yet a separate apparatus would be best, gas being tbe least
trouble of any.

JOURNAL OP HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jannory 18, 1877.

Grttbs in Strawberry Bed {H. 8. F.).— It !b likely the grubs will do your
Strawberry plants considerable miecbief. We should go over the plants,
examiniog each separately, and destroy the grubs, makiog the soil firm about
the plants afterwards. A dressing of gas lime at the rate of twenty bushels
per acre is good against the grabs, and watering with ammoniacal liquor from
the gasworks diluted with water, one gallon of ammoniacal liquor to twelve of
water, giving each plant a good watering, would be beueficial.

Blanchino "Witloof (Irfcm).— Cut off the leaves to within nn inch of the
crown of the roots, and cover the ground to a depth of S or 9 inches with any
light dry material, as cocoa-nut fibre reluse, sawdust, or tree haves, placing
a little litter over the latter to keep them from being blown about by winds,
and the young leaves of the 'Witloof will come through the covering material,
and from the exclusion of light be blanched, they being in fine order for
ealadswhen from 6 to 8 inches long. We take up the roots, cut the tops off
abont an inch above the crown, and place in rich light soil up to the crown
about 3 or 4 inches apart in a dark place, with a temperature of about 55^, in
which they do splendioly.

Bemotinq Clematis Sccexr (A. J. B.).— Any time after the middle o^
February in mild weather, but before fresh growth takes place, is suitable.
Take it off at its origin with the pai-ent plant, being careful not to injure
more of the roots than can be helped, being eati&fied with a moderate amount
of roots to the sucker rather than going so near the old plant as to icjure
its roots to a serious extent.

Camellia Buns Dropping (J. F. C.).— Camellias with the best-formed
flowers are more prone to cast their buds than semi-double varieties ; but as
the former are the most desirable and the defect arises from ill health or
is cDnsequeut of some error of culture, we certainly should not discard such
superior kinds as Countess of Ellesmere, white, striped and mottled rose,
and Alba plena, still one of the best whites. Probably your border is im-
perfectly drained. The cause principally of Camellia buds falling is an in-
active state of the roots or an insufficient supply of water after the buds are
Bet. We do not find any compost so suitable as the top inch of a pasture
where the soil is a light loam ; this chopped up rather fine for pots and
rongh for borders answers admirably, in both instances providing good drain-
age and potting rather firmly. The soil is always kept moist, a thorough wa'er-
ing being given before the eOU becomes dry. On,e di-y is sufficient to cause
the buds to be cast in a "shower," and eoddenness of the soil causes the
decay of the fibres, and the buds fall instead of swelling. A top-dressing of
cow dung in February, or earlier, induces the roots to the surface and en-
courages free growth of the plants and swelling of the buds. The following
are good varieties; — Mathoiiana alba, fine white; Bealii (Leeana superba),
crimson ; Yaltcvareda, rose; and Comtessa Lavinia Maggi, white, striped and
blotched crimson. Sandy peat, especiallr if ttirfy, is a good compost, vege-
table matter being an essential of Camellia culture. Kenovato the border in
February.

FoEcrNG Strawberries (TF.H.).— You will see instructions in "Doings"
from time to time. Your plants ought now be well established in their fruit-
ing pots, else success will be problematical. The pots should be placed near
the glass in the forcing house, andjthe temperature ought not to bo more than
50*^ at night to start with. In cold weather 45 would be enough ; gradually
increase this as the plants show signs of growth, and raise it to 6U° at night
when the flower trusses appear. They requu-e liberal supplies of water.
Foreright shoots on fruit trees are those that grow out from the wall in such
a position that they cannot easily be nailed-in without breaking.

Growing Peach Trees on Border Fence (Hor/u.*;.— Yours is rather a
favoured district, but we cannot give you the assurance that Peach trees will
be perfectly successfal, still the plan is worthy of a trial. Peaches have
been ripened on espaliers on a south sloping hill in Esses ; we have also
ripened Nectarines on a standard tree in a shrubbery. The difficulty is to
maintain the trees in good health. They are roasted by day and chilled at
night, and it is very difficult to keep aphis aud red spider from them ; and
worst of all the spring frosts cut off the blossoms, or dull cold days and nights
prevent their setting. There is no other way we can recommend except to
build a wall or an orchard house.

Sowing Acacia Seeds {Amatntr).~The plants are easily raised. If you
have no greenhouse sow in pots in light loam and leaf soil, and place the
pots in a gentle hotbed in March. The seedlings will come up in two or
three weeks.

Wintering Adiantum ctneatdm (Idem).— 'We have eeen it wintered in a
room where a fire was only kept in cold weather. The plant was well
attended to as to watering and beeping the fronds free from dust. The
potting material was composed of turfy loam and turfy peat in equal pro-
portions with a little sand; a few bits of charcoal added is an improvement.

Aphis on Peach Trees {Old SuhscribcrU—Bo not use paraffin either in
the soil or on the trees. Hand-washing the branches with strong soft-soapy
water will destroy the insects effectually.

Inarching Madhesfield Court Grape on Gros Colman (Constant
Bender).— If Gros Colman does not please you, train one of the other varie-
ties you name into its place; the variety next to the condemned sort will be
most convenient. Madresfield Court is not a good late-keeping Grape.
_ Vines in Pot Failing {X. X.).— We fancy that either the roots have teen
injured with too much bottom heat, or else you do not give them enough
water. It is not possible to say more than this from the data given in your
letter. Examine the roots and see what they are like.

Exhibiting Ferns.— We inadvertently inserted the word "class," which
word did not occur in Mr. Shnttleworth's manuscript.

Material for Tying Octduoe Fruit Trees (F. J.).— For temporary
purposes, or to secure small summer growths. Bushes or Boffea
admirably; but for fastening the strong eboots or branches nothing
BO well as tar twine.

Transplanting Eoseb (Iihm).—You may move the Roses now or next
month in mild weather. Plant them next muuth if you can, and do not prune
for at least a month afterwards. In trantplautiug old Kose trees do not
cover the stems more deeply than they were before, or only a very little, so
that the roots will not be any deeper after the soil settles than they were
before removal.

Transplanting BBiARa(rT/ro).— "Briars may be traupplantoduntUMarch,
bnt the earlier they are planted the better. In obtaining Briars great core
should be used to select stout healtbv stocks. Manv men who are paid so
much a piece often bring in anything they can find^ black, hide-bound, old
woni-ont Briars, which are probably many years older than tUemselves. You
had better make an agreement to pay lif. for each Briar, reserving the right

of rejecting all that are not likely to do well. Rose cuttings which do well
will bloom next June, but they are generally inferior to Roses worked on the
Manetti." — Wyld Savage.

Sawdust (J. M.). — It is bad as a top-dressing for pastures or meadows, as
it injures the Grass and is lon^ in decaying. It is best applied to heavy
arable land. We phonld only mix blood with it to facilitate the spreading of
the latter. Youatt on " Cattle," and Milburn on " The Cow," are useful
boobs. We do not know who publishes them ; your bookseller could ascertain.

Poinsettia pulchekrima (E. O.). — You can obtain it and the Justicia
from any of the principal florists who advertise in this Journal.

Name of Fruit {E. Barnard, Cirencister). — Blenheim Pippin.

Names of Plants [J. Hui«ft}.— Sparmannia africana. (Subscriber). —
Cypripediuna barbatnm.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

THE AQUARIUM POULTBY SHOW SCHEDULE,

We welcome the new show cordially, and wish it much
success ; we hope it will be annual. Only those who have ex-
perienced it know how tedious the journey is from the London
stations to the Crystal Palace; and as for the Alexandra meeting,
we really thought we were never going to reach it. At the
Aquarium all this will be done away with, for by cab, 'bus, or
underground railway we can arrive almost at the Exhibition's
very doors. The Honorary Secretaries are Messrs. Cotton and
Custance. The latter gentleman we are unacquainted with ;
the former we believe was one of Mr. Howard's chief clerks, so
he should be thoroughly master of the work before him. The
Treasurers arc Messrs. Jones and Pratt, and the bank is the
Union Bank of England. Thus much we find on the first page ;
and beyond Mr. Brown, whose name ia put down as the " Super-
intendent of poultry," we find no other members of committee,
guarantors, or managers.

We were a few weeks back at a suburban show, where we for
the first time heard of this proposed exhibition, and long and
loud then were the tales which were circulated about this pro-
jected Show. Since then we conclude some different arrangements
have been made, for we are amused to hear that those parties,
then so indignant, have now gone over to the other side. We
think the appearance of the inside pages of the schedule much
blemished by the border advertisements of one of the Treasurer's,
The programme has not that clear and defined look which Mr.
Howard's little pamphlet gives us. Still the classification is
good, and it is fully apparent that a knowing hand has been at
work among the breeds. The entry fee is 7s. &d. per pen. We
call it immense. The prizes are in most classes ±'2, i;l, and 10s.,
and a 6s. fee would have been ample. Coming at the time of
year as the Show does we are sure a 6s. fee would have paid the
Committee much better. We cannot help quoting Oxford — we
consider it ^mr excellence the schedule of the day, for with a
03s, first prise the fee is only ^s.^ and the classification admirable.
Again, we do not think it fair, neither does the poultry world
generally, that the fee should be the same in classes where the
prizes are not equal — viz., Brahmas have £6 in every class
without the chance of a cup, while Dorkings, Cochins, Brahmas,
Game, itc, have only i'3 10s. for the same fee. We are glad to
Bee that most breeds have A'5 Ss. Selling classes. Such are most
useful, and afford all an opportunity of buying a good and useful
pair cheaply. Malays, Polish, Silkies, and Andalusians have
classes, and we hope to find them all well filled. Bantams
and Ducks are fairly classified. We can find no classes for
Geese or Turkeys, bo the north country antediluvians will have
to stop at home, aud fail to add another triumph to their list
of prizes.

Next come the Pigeons, Pouters have half a score of classes,
with the same prizes as poultry, and 2s. each pen less in entrance
fees. If this is called fair we differ with such opinion greatly.
Class 77 is for a champion class for Carriers (cooks) of any colour
over one year, which have won not less than three first prizes
of &1 each. Then follow a dozen more Carrier classes for birds
of 1876 and older. Dragoons come next with a modest number
of classes— "we are seven" being their motto. Tumblers,
Barbs, and Jacobins are well cared for ; while we are glad to
see Fantails have three classes, the English and Scotch styles
being both provided for. Nuns, Trumpeters, foreign Owls,
Swallows, and Archangels each have a class. English Owls
have a champion one, and those not eligible in such a class have
three more to appear in. Turbits aud Autwerps have each
three divisions ; while, thanks to our Oxford friends we expect.
Magpies Black and Magpies " Red and Yellow " each have
classes. Then one for any other variety, a flying class, and
three for sale specimens, end this goodly Pigeon jne?iu. A
most competent staff of Judges has been selected, whose names
and the classes they will take in baud will be fully found on
page .? of the schedule.

We note with much pleasure that the poultry classoa have
also each their Judges announced ; and though in many cases
we doubt if the division has been wise, still we welcome the
new plan most cordially, and would tell exhibitors that as they
know beforehand who will j adge the various classes, so if they

JaDoary 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

enter they will have no reasonable ground for after grumbling.
The entries close on the ioth, and the offices are at 172, Strand,
W.C. The Secretaries request that all money orders and cheques
should be crossed to the Union Bank of London. The total
number of cups offered is fifty-two, which range in value from
£5 5s. to i'2 '2s., and money may be received in lieu of cups. So
far all arrangements eeem to be straightforward and open, and
we hope when we attend to criticise the exhibition that we may
find that in arrangements and organisation Mr. Howard's cloak
has fallen upon his pupU, and that all is working well. — W.

POULTRY KEEPING.
I COMMENCED some three years since, and began by purchasing
expensive sittings. At the end of the first year I found myself
£5 deficient in money, but in possession of a very few good
birds hatched from eggs procured from Pickles, Crabtree, and
Fowler. The second year, by killing off faulty and ill-shapen
birds, I acquired what might be termed a fair assortment of
very good birds. Having disposed of all my slock save twelve
Dark Brahma hens, of ages varying from ten to eighteen months,
and two male birds of the respective ages of ten and twenty
months, I constructed a breeding pen consisting of three best
hens and the twenty-months cock by Pickles. From these I
averaged six eggs a week each ; the other nine hens with the
cockerel of ten months I allowed the range of a large enclosure.
I sold during the season twelve sittings of eggs, besides hatching
sixty-three chickens, forty-nine of which went to table. I also
hatched two broods of ducklings for table use. Besides those
mentioned I procured iive Houdan pullets to supply eggs for
table. I have still these last. I had very few eggs from them
last season, and up to the present (January 9th) none, although
my Brahma fowls have laid regularly since the first week in
December. I cannot say that my experience of the Houdan
fowl is by any means satisfactory. The cost of feeding last year
amounted to £12 10s., while the value cf lOCl eggs (including
the twelve sittingB sold) and of the foity-uine chickens eaten,
amounted to ijlo lis., leaving a profit of i3 Is. for the season.
Some cf my chickens weighed 7 lbs. a couple. The food con-
sisted of ground oats or barleymeal in the morning; wheat,
barley, or maize varied for afternoon meal, the mid-day meal
consisting of kitchen scraps boiled with potatoes or rice. My
fowls have a good grass run, ash heap, &o. I have tried Buff
Cochins, Light Brahmas, Spanish, and half-bred of all descrip-
tions, and for myself prefer the Dark Brahma to any other.
-E.D.

CUPAK POULTRY SHOW.

The third Show of poul'ry and Pigeons at Cupar was one of
the best managed we have ever seen in Scotland. The pens
were from Edinburgh, and excellent sand was strewn on the
bottom, plenty of soft food and water were provided, and the
birds were very comfortable.

Game headed the list with Black Red cocks and every bird
noticed, hens being also good, and the winning Brown Reds
good in both classes. Any other colour were mostly Duckwings,
and in this class two birds were disqualified, the Judge deciding
that the wing butts had been dyed to enhance the evenness of
colour. One of these birds was said to be the cock to which the
cup was awarded at the late Edinburgh Show, and there is no
doubt bat that tbese would have been placed first and second had
they been left in a natural state. Hens were an extraordinary
class. The first a sturdy-built Duckwing, second a Pile, and third
a Duckwing. Dorkings were good in both classes, the Silver-
Greys especially. Spanish only moderate, but Cochins and
Brahmas good. Scotch Greys were the best classes of the Show,
and nowhere have we seen them as good as here, the competi-
tion being very severe, and very nice points determining the
awards. Hamhurghs were mixed classes. In Spangle cocks
first was a Silver and second Gold, the main fault in this class
being coarseness of comb. Hensa very good class. The Pencils
were not as good as classes, but the winners fully bore out the
quality of the Spangles. Banlams were poor with few excep-
tions, but there was one grand pen of Blacks.

Pigeons bad few classes, but these were well filled. The
White Pouters a j^rand class and every one noticed, though some
lost on account of the soiled state of their plumage. Any other
colour were— first Blue, second Rod, and third Black. Fantails
poor, as also tho Tumblers, but there were some good Jacobins.
The first in tho Variety class was a Silver Dragoon, second a
Dun Carrier hen, and third a Black Barb. There were few good
birds in the Selling class, although it was very large.

POULTRY.-GlUE.-Btocfc Red.-Cock.—\, J. Robertson. 2, A. M'Kinnon-
S, W. CruickF-hanlsa. Sen.— 1, A. irKinnon. 2, J. Hall. 3, W. Moiriaon.
Broirn I!fd.-Cock.—l and -i, W. Webster. 3, J. Salmond. Btn.~l. 2, and vhc.
W. Webster. S.T.Crawford. Any othtT colour.- Cock.— 1. R. WLucbhn. 2,
W. CruicliBhanks. 3, S. Young. Bcn.—l, D. Simpson. 2, W. A. Swan. 3, J.
Wallace, vhc. J. Wiahart, .1. Kiaher, jun. Dokkisos.— Si(for-(?rcj/.— Cocfc.— 1,
D. Annan. 2 and 3, Admiral M. Douk»11. //en.— 1, D. Annan. 2, Admiral M.
Doneall. 3, Mrs. Armitstead. D?ic, J. Rathcrford. Any otiur colour.— Cock.—
I and 2, G. S. Kobb. 3, Mrs. Armitstead. d/ic, J. Rutherford, //en.— 1, Lieat.-

Col. Rice. 2. D. Annan. 8. Mrs. Armitstead. vhc, G. S. Robb. Spanish. —
Cocfc.—l, A. Grieve. 2, G. Wilson. S.J. Nerval, tihc. Herd iS Biesett. Ben.—
1, A. Grieve. 2.J. Nerval. 3, D. B. Meldrum. BsiBMi Pootba— Coct.— 1, W.
G.Duncan. 2, Misa M. Morrison. 3, D. Annan, u^ic. A. Burnett. Ben.—lajid

2, J. Sandeman. 3, J. Smart, vhtf, J. A. Dempster. Cochin- China.— Cocfc.—l,
Mrs. Davidson. 2, A. Drvbrough. 8. Mrs. A. G. Duncan, vhc, J. Allan. Mrs.
W. Steven, J. Fowlis. Ben.—l, Mrs. Davidson. 2 and 8. A. Drybrongh.
Scotch-Hbet.— Cocfc.— 1 and 2, A. Hamilton. 8, H. B. Marshall. Extra 3, R.
Weir, vhc, W. R. Park. Ben.—l, vhc, and Equal, A. Hamilton. 2, R. Weir.

3, W. R. Park- 4, H B. Marshall. BiMBVRoas.—Spavgled.—Ccck.—\, J. M.
Campbell. 2. W. R. Park. S, J. Grierson. Hen— 1, J. M. Campbell. 2, A. G.
Lindsay. S, Mrs. Keddie. Pe7icilled.—Cock.—l, P. WLenn. 2, A. Pratt. 3, H.
Sanders, vhc, A. C. Hilston. Hen.— 1, A. Pratt. 2. A. C. Hilston. 8, W. K.
Park. French Fowls.- 1, W. R. Park. 2, A. Robertson. 8. J. Smart. Ant
OTHEE PUBE Br&ed.—I. W. Hendry. 2, J. & D. Laird. 3, J. Rutherford, u/ic,
A. Walker. Bantams.- Game .Black or Brown Bed.— 1, J. Stephenson. 2, R.
Ashton. 3, D. Laing. Gavie, any other colour.— 1, J. Watson. 2 and 3. R.
Clark. Any other variety —1, J. Wallace. 2. R. H. Ashton. 3, J. Taylor, vhc,
J. D. Donald. Selling Class.— Cocft.—l. W. Smith. 2, A. Ramsay. S, Mrs.
w. Steven, vhc, W. Walla. He7i«.—1. A. Ramsay. 2 and 3. D. Annan, vhc, J.
Wallace. T>x;cKS.—AylesbuTy.—l and 3, W. Bogie. 2, D. Annan. Bouen, or
any other Pure Breed.—l.V/. MoTTison. 2. J. Campbell. Equal 2. R. H. Ash-
ton. 8^ J. Allan. Equal 8, A. Hamilton. TtlBKEYs.-l, D. B. Meldrum. 2, D.
Annan. 8, Admiral M. Dougall.

PIGEONS.— PoDTERa.-iyhitc.— Cocfc or Een. — l, G. Henderson. 2. W.
Morrison. 3, R. Scott, vhc, J. T. Saunders. Any other colour— Cock or Ben,
— 1 and 3, G. Alexander. 2 and Equals, A. Briggs. vhe,G. Henderson, A. Glass.
Fantails.— Cock or Hen,— 1, J. Olcnday. 2, W. H. Roberts. 3, W. & R. David-
son, vhc, J. M'Gill. Tumblers.— CocA: or Hen,— 1 and 3, J. Smart. 2, J. M.
Kidd. t)/ic, H. CoaUton, Jacobins,— Cocfc or Hen,— 1, W. & R. Davidson. 2,
R. Scott. S, A. Briggs. Any other Sort.— Cocfc or Ben.—l, W. Smith. 2, A.
Duncan. 8, J. Smart, vhc, T. L. Johnstone. Selling Class.- Cocfc or Hen,
—I, T. Rodger. 2, J. Glenday. 8, W. H. Roberts.

CANARIES.— Scotch FANCT.-rei!oii'.—Coc*-.-l, J.Paul. 2, J. Shepherd. 3,
J. Stewart. 4, W. Mitchell. Hen,— 1, J. Wallace. 2, J. Paton. S, Mrs. D.
Black. 4, J. Paul, Bu#.-Coc*;.—l, G. Stewart. 2, J. Wallace. 3, W. MilcieU.
4,A.AdamBon. Hen.— 1, J. Paul, 2,J.Culbert. S, W. Paton. 4, A. Adamson.
Piebald Fancj.- reUoio.— Coefc,— 1. J. Elder. 2, J. Paul. 3, P. Smith. 4, J.
Culbcrt. Hen.— 1 and 3, W. Mitchell. 2, T. Curran. 4. Mrs. D. Black. Buff.—
Gock.—l, P. Smith. 2, K. Smart. 3, Mrs. D. Black. 4, J. Shepherd. Hen.— 1,
J. Cowan. 2. Mrs. D, Black. S. J, Elder. 4, T. Curran. Belgian Fancy.-
Vetlow or Buff.— Cock or Ben.—l, J. Shepherd. 2 and 3, H. M'Pherson. 4, J
Stewart. FouL-FEATHERED.-Cocfc or Hen.— 1, T. Curran. 2, A. Adamson, 3.
J. Speed. 4, R. M'Laueiilin. Goldfinch Mules.- BMiT.- Cocfc or Hen.— I and
4,W.Kirk. 2,J.Oowan. 8, G. hrskine. Selling CLA83.—Coc)torHen.—l,G.
Stewart. 2, 1. Gillies, 3, J. Curran. 4, J. Culbert.

Judges, — Poultry and Pigeons: Mr. E.Hutton. Cage Birds:
Messrs. Robertson and Mitchell.

ULVEESTON SHOW OF CAGE BIRDS.

This Show of Poultry, Pigeons, and Cage Birds was held in
the Drill Hall on Thursday and Friday, January 11th and 12th.

The Show of Cage Birds was not quite so large as the previous
one, but still the quality and condition of the birds were all that
could be desired. The Belgian and Selling classes were the
heaviest filled, and in the former especially were some very fair
specimens. Several birds in the classes were " thrown out "
for discrepancy and deficiency of feathers, among which were a
Clear Yellow Norwich and three Dark Mules. A point cup was
won by Mr. J. C. Salt of Burton.

CANARIES.-Belqian.— Ciear or Yellow-marked.-l, J. Robinson. 2 and 3,
J.Paxton. Extra2,J.Brockbank. Extra 3, J. Moffat. Clear or Buff-marked.—
1, J. Moffat. 2, J.Paxton. 3. J. Brockbank, Extra 3, J. Paxton. Norwich.—
Clear reilOMJ,— land 2, J. Adams. S.CJ.Salt Extra 2,D. Audley. ClearBuff.
—1 and 2, C. J. Salt. 3, J. Adams. Evenly-marked Yellow.— I and 3, J. Adama.
2,D,Audley. Hi>cn!i;-mar*:e[i£u#.— 1 ai..l 3.C, J ,'<alt 2.Williheld. Yobkshibe.
—Clear redoiu or BiiJT.-l, 2, and 3. J, Tii;-,.krrv, r.r,i,lij-iihuked Yellow or Buff.
— 1, 2, and 3. J. Thackrey. Mdles - /.; , /(/v-iphm /,, <; tlnblauch and Canary
Mule—\ and 2, C. J. Salt. Dark ii„l,liin,'l, an. I i '.i/im/i/ .1/uie.— 1, C. J. Salt.
2 and 3, Withheld. Goldfinch.— .Vri:W/r ,(,-!, .1, lirockbauk. 2, T. Kirkbride.
3, S. Christopherson. Selling Class.-I, D. Audley. 2 and 3, J. Adams, vhc,
U. J. Salt.

Judge. — Mr. G. J. Barneaby.

DOUGLAS MIXTUBB.

At this season of the year, when colds, catarrh, roup, &c,, are
most prevalent among the poultry, one of the best preventives
— and in many cases a remedy — is the well-known Douglas
mixture.

As familiar as its name is to most of our readers, there are but
few who know of what it is composed, and how simple a matter
it is to prepare it. It consists of half a pound sulphate of iron,
1 oz. sulphuric acid, and two gallons of water. Give a teaspoon-
ful in each half pint of drinking -watei.— [Pet-stock, Pigeon, and
Poultry Bulletin.)

A BEE-KEEPER'S RETROSPECT.

At the close of the old and the opening of the new year we
are naturally led to take a retrospect of the past and anticipate
the future. As regards "our Journal," we look out the file, and
spend one or two long winter evenings not unpleasantly going
over the numbers of the bypast year, successively divesting
them of their advertising she"et 3 to make ready for the binder,
at the same time scanning their contents and re-reading any-
thing of special interest. By this mode we come on many an
odd matter previously overlooked. Wo make notes as we pro-
ceed of unknown highly commended herbaceous plants, &c. —
those dear old-fashioned flowers, to add to our collection. We
delightedly peruse all the rose lore, thoroughly enjoying Mr.
Camm's racy contributions, and once again laugh at Madame
Lacharme's revenge on that cleric ; endorse all Mr. Peach has

JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

[ Jannary 18, 1877.

80 well said on the value of Manetti and the worthlessness of the
briar stock for light soils and severe winters ; have no sympathy
with that " Wyld Savage," and are especially gratefal for Mr.
Hinton's invaluable rose poll; and so should you, too. Messieurs
the Editors, for we made it a rule since its first appearance to
present every rose-loving friend far and near with a copy, and
have been thanked in return and told, " The rose poll is capital,
we have (or we mean to) take in the journal," as the case may
be. We oarefally study our chief's able pomological descrip-
tions, and again mentally revisit the ancestral nursery of Saw-
bridgeworth, the birthplace of onr pyramidal trees ; and as we
take yet another look at Miss Cresswell's clever sketch of Early
Wood our White and Silver-Grey Dorkings assume a fresh in-
terest; and then we reach our own especial corner, and what
have we to say of it ?

We apiarians have great cause for thankfulness in the year
that has gone. 187G opened most inanspiciously, with a cold
backward spring advancing into as hopeless a summer. So un-
propitious did it become that latterly we began seriously to con-
sider feeding our non-swarming colonies, which by this time the
Btraw-hivists tired of doing. But the tide turned at last with
Buch a flow as filled the hearts and hives of our little favourites
with joy and gladness, coming so opportunely when the failure
of the beetroot crop so raised the price of sugar as would have
made a second autumnal heavy feeding a serious matter to many
a poor bee-keeper.

We think kindly of " the captain on the paddle-box," and
only wish he would study our old lo^-book more, to save we
deck hands taking soundings of assertion schools to get backed
off in time, remembering our log is read in America and on the
Continent. Oar thoughts revert back, too, to our " old captain,"
with many a pleasant reminiscence of his good seamanship.
We trust during the present year no one will be allowed to call
him hard names : he is dead, and we bronzed tars among the
crew revere his memory.

Ab we peruse our Ealing Rise shipmate's interesting report of
the fertile worker, we smile as we think to what better account
he might have turned it than dissecting in the forecastle had he
passed it aft to the " captain on the paddle-box," who offered a
large round sum for its production while denying the existence
of any such.

Then, again, we think with " B. & W." it very hard to deny
our favourites the power of carrying the nectar of the flower
right aloft into their supers without being first deposited in that
intermediate state, we have as yet failed to discover.

We thought we had done, but on the last page Mr. Pettigrew
while summing-up " Another Year's Experience" hazards three
theoretic propositions which do not bear the test of experience.
The first—" Stories are told of bees living continuously in the
cavities of trees and roofs of houses. That bees live occasion-
ally in such places a few years without attention from the hand
of man I can readily believe, but having doubted that honey
bees are natives (originally) of Great Britain, I have given but
little credence to the stories alluded to," &o. I have been re-
minded thereby that it is just sixteen years this month since I
shipped on board the old craft, and curious enough my first con-
tribution was chronicling the great success of my roof bees, in
which high latitude I started bee-keeping some four years pre-
viously; and it is there recorded that stretches of comb found-
ations were measured G feet in length, showing that my garret
tenants werenot the transitory visitants Mr. Pettigrew imagines.
In the roof of an old mansion in an adjoining parish I have
heard of as much as a washing-tub of comb taken out on the
demolition of an old colony; and in this neighbourhood bees
displayed so great a partiality for the roof of a mansion, that
the worthy baronet could not exclude them till he caused the
slates to be stripped off and covered underneath with thick
asphalte felt, heavy paper tried i)reviou8ly having been gnawed
through. Your correspondent is also mistaken as to bees so
dreading cold, if dry. Witness their survival through the m ost
severe Russian and Canadian winters ; and here in our own as
well as in our neighbour's roof they always showed a marked
partiality in selecting a north aspect. And why ? Because they
there enjoyed the maximum of winter dormancy with the con-
sequent minimum consumption of store.

The second point. Sugar-fabricated super combs would not
pass master even if practical for super honeycomb, as it is well
known to all storifyers that the presence of the whitest of the
previous season's empty comb quite mars the beauty of the
completed box, consequently such are only fit to contain honey
for running, or more useful still, to be cut out for guide if of
worker pattern. Mr. Pettigrew has repeatedly recommended
employing empty drone comb for such purpose, which induces
the construction of drone combs, and from the coarser appear-
ance in supers their market value is lowered.

The third and last point is the (jnestion of the superiority of
the Italian bee now olimatised in Great Britain during fifteen
years ; and one would think it is rather late in the day calling for
competitive tests, all advanced apiarians having satisfied them-
selves individually long ago on that point. We generally find

the sceptical are those who have preconceived them unworthy
of a trial. But as I have already encroached too much on valu-
able space must leave over detailing some of my experiences
with the yellow-jacket to another opportunity. — A Renfbew-

SHIBE BeE-KEEPEK.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Chickens Ceamped {J. C. 0.). — It is caased by the cold and wet. Keep
them in the greenhouse, and give them bread soaked in ale night and

Characteristics of Rouen Ducks and Black HuMnuROHS (A. P. W.). —
The Black Hamburgh cock Bhould have entirely black plumage all over his
body, a well-formed rose comb firmly seated on the head, with a good pike
behind turning upwards. Any such mixture of colour as you name would be
fatal to any hope of success. All Black cocks are proue to have red, yellow,
or white feathers, but they cannot be passed over. Rouen Ducks and drakes
should bo the counterparts of the wild Duck and mallard, no difference can
be allowed. They are most frequently faulty in their bills. The Duck must
have no ring round her neck. Neither Duck nor drake may have white
feathers in their wings.

Spratt's Food (G. M.l. — We do not know how much should be mixed with
the morning meal of boiled mangold and barleymeal (hot) for your twelve
Brahma hens.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0' 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 a.m.

In thb Day.

iSia

Hy^ome-

©.o

n„ .

.3

|i

tia

perature.

Temperatare.

«

Jan.

In

On

Inches.

.Dry.
dee.

Wet.
dpg.

Max.

de?.

Min.

deg.

snn.

grass,
deg.

deg.

In.

We. 10

30.034

88.5

38.5

N.E.

46.5

33.3

5J.1

Th. 11

29.619

87.3

37.2

N.

44 0

44.0

87.1

45.0

88.2

0.07*:

29810

32.1

31.9

VT.N.W

42.0

1.7.2

29 3

38.2

28.5

—

30.029

36.0

S5.0

N.

400

41.5

29.8

618

27.2

0.032

29.71^5

47.2

46.6

S.

39.2

50.1

85.4

62.2

30.4

0.265

Mo. 1,";

29.956

36.1

34,9

w.

42.0

48.1

35.0

74.1

Sl.l

Tu. 10

33.099

47.5

46 7

s.w.

41.0

51.0

85.7

62.5

32.0

0.040

Means.

29.939

39.2

38.7

41.9

45.3

34.4

5S.7

82.0

0 997

BEMARES.

and dark showery day; the :

at times very

10th.— Very foggy i

heavy.

11th.— Fair, but dull and cold ; rain at 9 a.m., and at intervi Js all day.
12th.— Fair, but thick and cold ; white frost during the day ; sun seen at

noon, and fair at night.
13th. — Foggy, and at times extremely dork; sunny at 1 p.m.; fair afternoon,

but wet evening.
14th. — Dull, but fair morning ; rain from noon all the rest of the day, but

only showery.
15th. — Fine, dry, and bright all day ; shower in the evening, but brilliant

starlight night; a more pleasant day than we have had for some

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Janoaky 17.
Trade continues very qaiet, and with the exception of bast goods prices
rule low, with scarcely any alteration. Kent Cobs, with a short supply and
moderate demand, are slightly better.

. d.

Chestnuta bushel 0 0

Currants l sieve 0 0

Black 4 do. 0 0

Fiffs dozen 0 0

FUbei-t3 lb. 0 0

Cobs lb. 1 0

Gooseberries quart 0 0

Grapes, hothouse.... lb. 2 0

2 0

, d. 8. d.

Peaches dozen 0

Pears, kitchen.... dozen 1

dessert dozen 3

Pine Apples lb. 1

Pluu

Quinces bushel

Raspberries lb.

Strawberries lb.

Walnuts bushel

ditto ^100

5 0 8 0
19 2 0

Beet, Red dozen

Broccoli bundle n

Brusselii Sprouts...) sieve S

Cabbage dozen 1

Carrots bunch 0

Capsicums V-liO 1

VECtBTABLES.

s. d. B. d.

Mushrooms pottle 1 6 to 2 0

Maetaril & Cress punnet 0 2 4 0

Onions bushel 0 0 0 0

pickling quart 0 4 0 6

Parsley.... doz. bunches 2 0 0 0

Fiiranips dozen 0 0 0 L

Peaa quart 0 0 0 0

Potatoes bushel 2 6 4 6

Kidney do.

6 0

Endive dozen 1

Fennel bunch 0

Garlic lb. 0

Herbs bunch 0

Horseradish bundle 4

Lettuce dozen 1

Leeks bunch 0

Radishes., doz. bunches

Rhubarb bundle

Salsafy bundle

Scorzonera bundle

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spinach boshel

Tomatoes i sieve

Turnips bunch

Vegetable Marrows

10 2 0
1 0 1 G

January 35, 1877. J

JOUKMAL OF HOUflGDLTURB AND COT'l'AtiK GAHDENEli.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day

of 1 of
Month Week.

JANU^U^T 25-31, 1877.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun

Sises.

Sun
Sets.

Moon
Rises.

Moon

Sets.

Moon's

Age.

Clock
belore
Sua.

Day
of
Year.

1

Day.

NiBht.

Mean.

h. m.

h. m.

h. m.

t. m.

Days.

m. s

25 1 Th

Koyal Sooiely at 8.S0 p.m.

43.4

33.3

37,9

7 60

4 35

11 2

4 82

12 42

25

26 F

Queokett (Microscopical) Qub at 8 P.M.

45.5

82.3

88.9

7 49

4 S7

11 39 1

5 50

12

12 65

26

27 i a

31.2

7 47

4 89

0 34

6 52

13

13 7

27

28 Sun

SEPTOiOESIHi.

45 8

30.8

88,3

7 46

4 40

1 50 1

7 35

14

13 18

28

20 M

London lostication at 5 p.m.

45,6

31.5

38.5

7 45

4 41

3 22 1

8 5

«

13 29

29

SO 1 To

447

32.2

88,5

7 43

4 43

4 59

8 26

16

13 48

SO

81 1 W

Society of Arts at 8 P.M.

44.9

30.9

37.9

7 42

4 45

6 35

8 81

17

13 57

31

From obserrations taken near London dorms forty-three years,

the average day temperature of the week is 44.5^ ; and its ui ght temperatore [

31.7.

1

KITCHEN-GABDEN MEMORANDA.

VEBT summer and every winter teaches ns
something fresb, and very often, if we are
not too obstinate, it upsets previous notions
and concUisions whioli were arrived at with
a good deal of attention and study. No
two summers are exactly alike, and no two
winters entirely correspond. Systems of
working which succeed admirably one sea-
son are found to be utterly useless the
next ; and plants, flowers, and fruits lauded
up to the skies at one time, and perhaps honestly so, are
in the short space of twelvemonths consigned to oblivion.
It is truly said gardening is never learned, but it is very
hard for a youog man to beheve this, and it is only
after many hundreds of failures that the truth forces
itself upon us and we are obliged to confess how little
we know.

Some correspondents of the Journal at one time com-
plained that we did not record our failures, but were
loud enough in proclaiming fuccefses, and implied, I
think, that professional gardeners as a rule wished the
world to believe that they had no failures. Of course
the reverse of this is the fact. I have no faith whatever
in a man who has no failures, and 1 know that if I were
to chronicle all mine the Editors would have to enlarge
the Journal and shut cut then- other contributors, either
of which would be a great calamity. I like the Journal
in its present form, and hope it never will give way to the
popular failing of cramming with mere verbiage which
nobody reads, or everyday science and old women's
superstitions, which everyone who desires it can get in
a very cheap :'nd more convenient form at the railway
book-stalls. The truthful chronicling of doings by prac-
tical men of all grades is that which distinguishes our
Journal; boasting, self-laudation, and coloured reports
are almost nuknowa in its pages, and in this respect I
think it improves every year. Whether this is owing to
the Editors' scissors being sharper or the contributors
getting better informed, and consequently more humble,
1 am not able to say, but I have no doubt whatever of
the fact. Although there are two or three horticultural
writers whose little dainties I devour most greedily and
am constantly longing for more of the same stamp, yet
oven for them I would not have the Journal enlarged, for
I have a very great dislike to large papers and long-
winded articles, and one of the greatest punishments that
coold be inflicted oa me would be to force me to read
them till my head turned round like a windmill. If my
head happened to be empty it might take a considerable
time to bring about this result, but otherwise the process
would be very short. I could have gone into mourning
a short time ago when a certain energetic little evening
pappi- suddenly blew itself like the toad in the fable, and
its friends were no longer able to recognisn it except by
its title. Probably if it goes on expanding it will come to
the same untimely end as the poor toad. But I am
afraid I am doing the very thing I am denouncing. How
Ko. 826.- Vol. XXXIL, New Seeies. '

pleasant it is in imagination to hear oneself speaking
without interruption to all the thousands of learners
from the Journal of Horticulture, who with open ears
and eyes catch every syllable ! But, then, Bobert Burns
troubles by saying, " Wad some power," &c.

From poetry to Parsnips is not perhaps an elegant
leap, but I have no room for further preface. Parsnips
were sown on the 25th of March, and again in the middle
of June. Those sown at the latter date were good, but
not so large as desirable ; the former lot were an irregular
crop, badly forked, and only fit for pigs. I do not recom-
mend either of these dates, but in my heavy soil I shall
be quite contented to sow Parsnips, and also Onions, any
time during April, provided the ground is in good order
to receive the seed.

Of Celery I consider Major Clarke's Bed very far in
advance of every other Celery ia quality, but it is so
tender that it ought not to be depended on after Novem-
ber. Manchester Bed (also known as Sulham Prize) is
a useful late kind, but it will not do to taste it till the
dehcato flavour of the first-named is forgotten.

I have grown Witloof Chicory, but it has no advantage
over the ordinary large-rooted kind, being exactly similar
in flavour, and its jagged edges are no recommendation
in the salad bowl.

Two years ago I ventured to recommend the Improved
Bound-leaved Batavian Endive, as supplied by the Messrs.
Veitch & Sons (this is altogether difi'erent from Eraser's
variety, and also the old Batavian), it now not only takes
the place of all other Endives, but also for winter super
sedes Cos Lettuces, as it blanches better and is much
hardier. When Lettuces can be had quickly grown and
thoroughly blanched as we have them in summer and
autumn. Endive is not worth the trouble of washing ;
but in winter Lettuces are generally both green and
tough, and will bear no comparison with well-grown
Endive, and especially the sort named above. With
a little really good oil and a sliced Tomato it makes,
in my opinion, without any other admixture the best
winter salad procurable. Tom Thumb Lettuce is grown
for kitchen purposes, and is the beet Cabbage Lettuce
I know.

G. F. Wilson and Veitch's Perfection are still the best
Peas for quality on a good soil. Dr. Maclean is not much
behind them, and will probably be found very useful on
soils which are not of the first quality. It is a very
vigorous and handsome Pea of medium height, and is
very productive. William I. is the best early if quaUty
is wanted.

Early Horn Carrots were sown as late as the 10th of
August on a south border, and are now grown to nearly
iheir full size. They have never been protected in any
way, and although we had frost on the 1st of November
which seriously injured hardy evergreens, the Carrots
were none the worse for it. I find them extremely useful.
Sir Joseph Paxton is still the best French Bean for
forcing, and is as good as any other for outdoors. ., „
Autumn Giant Cauliflower is especially valuable in
hot summers. Having to be planted early it roots deeply

No. 1478.— Vol. LVII., Old Seuies.

58

JOUKNAL OF HOKTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGK GAKDENER.

[ Januaiy 25, 1877.

tefore the great heat seta in, and is consequently unaffected
by it. It requires to be sown in a frame in February and
March to produce heads in August, and it is in August that
the supply of Cauliflowers often breaks down.

Globe Artichokes planted in May as usual supplied heads
till the frost cut them off, and indeed some time after, for some
were cut and kept fresh by having their stems placed in water.

Very little watering was done in the kitchen garden, except-
ing for Celery. Peas, Beans, and the like were kept suiliciently
moist by having dry litter placed round them, and they con-
tinued bearing all summer ; but then I must again remind my
readers that my soil is heavy, and although it has its disad-
Tantflges, last summer suited it admirably. — William Tailob.

TEA-SCENTED ROSES.
A MiSEKAELT wet Sunday, the twentieth in succession (about
that number of people at church), and no signs of any improve-
ment in the weather. Everybody looking doleful and draggled.
These are not very enlivening circumstances under which to
write on the loveliest flower that grows, the darling of my
heart — my queen, my queen, the Tea Rose. Oh, what a time
it seems since I have seen one ! although they are the most
constant of all Eoses and are the last to disappear from my
garden. How I long once more to see a Souvenir d'Elise and
a Marie Van Houtte, and how many weeks must elapse before
I am gratified, as I have no glass and so cannot force them.

Two correspondents want advice on the cultivation of Tea
Koses, and both, strange to say, hail from a land where the
cultivation of those charming flowers is a matter of some
difEcnlty. One writes'from Leek, that rosy town in Stafford-
shire, where I had the pleasure at the last show of meeting
snch enthusiastic rosarians, and the other from I know net
where ; at all events his rosery is situated 2000 feet above the
sea level, so that he may be said to live in an exceedingly
breezy atmosphere. I will give them both the best advice that
I can ; but at the same time think it only fair to say that I am
not handicapped in the way they are. Although I am a wyld
man of the woods, my abode is in mild Dorset, three miles
from the sea, just sufficiently far from the ocean to get the
sea air blended and subdued by that from the laud. Occa-
sionally in the spring we suffer dreadfully from the sou'-
westers, but that is the only wind that hurts me. But I have
•a little vicarious experience of northern latitudes, as my brother
grows Eoses in Yorkehire under most depressing circumstances ;
for a pall of smoke ever hangs over his rosery, and this lies
so low and so near a running foul " beck," or stream, that he
suffers terribly from spring frosts, so that I am able to advise
on this subject better than I should otherwise be if my lot had
always been cast in this charming climate.

J[y experience, then, derived from observing my brother's
attempts, leads me to declare that Tea Roses cannot be suc-
cessfully grown in the north, or under such circumstances as
your correspondents describe, in the open air without certain
precautions being taken. Here I never protect a Rose, and
they never want it ; of course a lot die, and so do Hybrid
Perpetuals, but I do not think that the weather kills them.
For a time I used to grow my Tea-scented Roses under a wall,
but I found that only one side of the wood ripened, and that
consequently the plants did not flourish ; so I now grow them
in the moat open spot I can find, with, of course always, a
south aspect. But if I lived at Leek I should have to protect
my Teas and aid them in some way or other in their conflict
with .Jack Frost, Eurus, Boreas, &a.

If your correspondents have glass I should recommend them
to take up their Teas before the winter, say in October, pot
them and place them in a cold house, and not transplant them
till April. My experience proves that you may plant the Tea
Rose much later than the H.P. Last spring, owing to some
alterations, I moved all or nearly all of my Teas in April, and
put some Manetti Roses in their places.

It certainly was very late to plant Eoses, and I did not
expect either would do much good. The Manettis, which were
purchased from one of the leading nurserymen — about five
or six hundred— all died, but the Teas did uncommonly well,
and most of my show Teas were out from those plants ;
certainly those which won the first prize at the Aquarium
were. My old man shook his head when he saw these Teas
moved into the kitchen garden, and prophesied that we should
do nothing with them this year ; but as soon as genial weather
set in they started and put forth a lot of healthy fresh wood
and bore fine blooms and also (which was of the greatest

consequence to me) the blooms came about three weeks later
than they would have done if the plants had been left in their
original place, and so I was enabled to cut Teas for all my
stands throughout the show season. If, however, your corre-
spondents have no glass they must protect their plants in
some way or other. Mr. Reynolds Hole recommends fronds
of Ferns to be placed among them, or even straw could be
wrapped round the stems, or screens of wood conld be placed
near them so as to break the force of the wind. Now, I am
aware that the general custom is to prune the Tea Rose very
slightly indeed, but such is not my plan. I out my Teas as
hard as my Hybrid Perpetuals, but I cut them much later.

The end of April even here is not too late to prune the Tea
Rose, and in Staffordshire I should say that the middle of
May would not be too late. My brother has found that unless
he prunes very late indeed he cannot get a good bloom. Let,
then, the weather do its worst; be patient if you can, and
wait till the sun is so high in the heaven that severe frost is no
longer to be feared, and then cut hard. Go down to healthy
wood, even if you have to cut all your tree away and leave
only a small stump, it is the only way. Badly ripened or
frost-bitten wood is like a cancer to the Rose, it cannot
possibly put forth healthy .shoots. It must be cut out. I
have a firm conviction also, that if your corrrspondents were
to lift the Teas and examine the roots and replace them either
in the same soil, or in fresh soil, about April, that they would
do a wise thing.

I have given the results of my own experience, and no man
can do more. I may be wrong, and very hkely numbers of
your readers will say that I am wrong, and perhaps some will
write to you and say so. I hope they will, for nothing pleases
me more than a man to tell me that I know nothing whatever
about the subject of Roses, in the " Rose .Journal," for then
we can have a spirited set-to in print, like we did about the
Rose election, and the Rose public at least will benefit, if
there is any truth in the proverb " In the multitude of coun-
sellors there is wisdom."

Now as to sorts likely to do well at Leek, that is a rather
difficult matter. There are certainly some sorts which will
not flourish, or which at lea5t in my opinion it would be mere
folly to attempt to grow. I do not think Cloth of Gold conld
succeed in the open air there, nor do I think Eeine de Portugal
or La Boule d'Or would do; but I am positive that the best
of all Roses (Tea and every other kind), Marie Van Houtte
will do well. She is so robust, she has such vigour of con-
stitution, she is such a darling in every way, that I feel sure
she would do there. She grows stronger here than any Rose I
have. I had visits from the proprietors of several Eose
nurseries last summer who wanted buds of Marie Van Houtte,
and I was able to cut great shoots like you would from a strong
cHmbing Rose without injuring the trees. Souvenir d'Elise,
Souvenir d'un Ami, Niphetos, Alba Rosea, Devoniensis, Sou-
venir de Paul Neron, Madame Willermoz, Rubens, Catherine
Mermet — these, the best of the Teas, would in my opinion do,
provided that protection was afforded them in severe weather,
and great care and attention all the year round.

I shall be most interested to hear in the course of the year
whether your correspondents have acted on this advice, sind
what the result has been. Of course I may be mistaken and
the result may be a failure, but if so let them remember before
they condemn me that I have given them the best advice I
could ; I have told them my own plan, explained to them my
treatment of Teas, kept nothing back, shown my whole hand,
and most sincerely do I wish and hope that they may succeed
in growing the loveliest daughter o£ Flora's court, the Tea-
scented Eose. — Wyld Savage.

CHENOPODIUM BONUS-HENEICDS— MERCURY.
The following is in reply to a question in reference to the
" Lincolnshire Mercury ;" — I can answer for the fact that this
plant is largely grown in the cottage gardens of Lincolnshire.
I cannot name one in particular out of the hundreds of beds
of " Markwerry " which are established in many villages, but
there they are, and their produce is much prized by their
owners. Mercury being regarded as their " first spring vege-
table." This vegetable can scarcely be said to be cultivated,
for, as a rule, it receives no care or assistance beyond an occa-
sional soaking vfith soapsuds. It is seldom found in the
gardens of the nobility, clergy, or gentry, from whence it has
been driven away by the more aristocratic Spinach, Mercury
being a plebeian vegetable. The Chenopodinm, which is popn-

1

Jannaiy 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENER,

59

larly known aa " Everlasting Spinach," is a plant of extreme
hardiness and great endurance, and I am particularly acquainted
with beds which have continned yielding produce for more
than a quarter of a century without once having been dug up
and renewed. More than once have I endeavoured to persuade
the humble owners of Mercury of the superiority of the garden
Spinach (Spinacea oleracea) ; but invariably after a " boiling"
of the latter they have clung more tenaciously to the former
than before, and I am not sure that they are not right in doing
80. Mercury is a firmer vegetable than Spinach, and its
flavour is agreeable. It is in use very early in the season, and
is extremely productive, requiring next to no care to produce
a supply. Beds are fstablished by planting crowns during
the winter, dibbing them in about 6 inches apart, when they
continue to push up their growth yearly with the persistency
ol Dandelions or Bindweed. The Chenopodium is a very
nseful and wholesome vegetable, and is well adapted for cottage
gardens.^A LiNCOLNsniKE Gaedenek.

LOOKING FOBWARD.

The new year is opening before us, and we are looking for-
ward hopefully, trustfully, and I would fain add patiently, for
those of us having much tree and shrub planting on hand
have need of patience in such an exceedingly wet winter. Not
that we are content to sit down and wait for better times, far
from that ; we will never forget while looking forward that the
present time is always the best time to do all we can in, not
only for the present but also for the future so far as is possible;
and so now while the planting must remain in abeyance, we
are pushing on all such work aa Vine-dressing, pruning, pot-
ting, and training plants, cutting shreds, labels, and flower
sticks, sharpening pea-boughs and stakes, repairing and paint-
ing garden frame lights, making shallow boxes for cuttings
and seeds, repairing netting, pot-washing, and, in fact, doing
everything we can to prepare for the coming spring and sum-
mer, to both of which seasons, but especially to spring, I must
own to looking forward with considerable anxiety and great
expectations, for fruit trees of all kinds are so full of promise,
the firm well-ripened wood being so abundantly furnished with
blossom buds, that with a favourable spring, and especially
after so much rain, it is reasonable to anticipate a summer
of more than ordinary abundance. Vegetables and flowers
may also be expected to be somewhat above par in well-
drained soils, through which the almost incessant downpour
has soaked with as much rapidity as it fell, leaving behind it
a most precious store of wholesome, purifying, nourishing
salts. Let me call the attention of such persona aa have a
saturated nndrained soil to this important fact. All should
know and understand clearly that the effect of drainage ia
something more than to afford a ready passage for superfluoua
moisture, the free unclogged soil having power to absorb and
retain the nourishing salts which rain water has been proved
to contain.

Perhaps the thought concerning the future in which moat of
TLB share, ia regarding the effect of so mild and wet a winter
npon the coming spring and summer. From the published
tables of the Koyal Observatory, Greenwich, extending over
the greater part of a century, I find that several hot sum-
mers have been preceded by warm winters. It by no means
follows that such will be the case this year. On the contrary,
a cold nngenial season may follow, as was the case in 18.53.
Mr. Prince in his valuable book, " The Climate of Uckfield,"
says that " the heavy rains of 1852 and January, 1853, satu-
rated the earth with moisture, and as the temperature of
December, 1852, and .January, 1853, was uunsnally high, vege-
tation during these two winter months waa kept in a very
warm and moist condition, which rendered it the less able to
withstand the cold weather which prevailed in February,
March, and April, the temperature of even the latter month
scarcely exceeding that of the previous December." I hope
this quotation will be regarded as " a word to the wise," and
that we shall all be on the alert to use every means at our dis-
posal to protect tender plants in the severe weather which will
very likely occur before summer smiles upon us once more.

Another matter to which I am looking forward is the better
management of open Vine borders in summer and autumn with
the view of keeping Grapes really well. Never in my experi-
ence has there been a more trying time for Grapea hanging
npon Vines growing in exposed borders than that which we
experienced after the hot dry weather of last July and the
early part of August. The pouring rains saturated the outside

border, and caused the sap to flow with such vigour and
abundance aa to burat the skins of all such delicate kinds as
Madreafield Court Muscat, in many instances ruining the
entire crop. It ia true that aomethinj^ may be done to prevent
the mischief by cutting the branches partly asunder, and, as
Mr. Taylor has told us, in the manipulation of the foliage;
but neither of these plans possess the merit of thoroughness,
and it appears to me that, upon the principle that prevention
ia better than cure, a suitable covering for throwing off the rain
must be used. I have seen and admired glazed coverings, such
as Mr. Walker has at Dunorlan, and consider them quite the
beat for the purpose, and when made as he has them, in the
form of ordinary frame lights, they can be applied to a variety
of useful purposes besides. Failing these, there are many
makeshifts answering this one purpose very well, such as felt-
ing stretched npon frames, and thin feather-edged boards over-
lapping each other, and temporarily pinned upon rafters to pre-
vent mischief from high winds. Whatever may be the form or
material of the covering, now ia the time to prepare it, so that
when the full flow of summer work is upon us all may be in
readiness for prompt and timely use. — Edwabd Lcckhdest.

NOTES FROM MY GARDEN IN 1876.— No. 1.

Neithek the size of my garden nor the excellence of my
culture entitle me to say much about it, but it ia perhapa be-
cause it ia a type of very many possessed by the readers of
the Journal that I have received so many expressions of interest
and wishes that I should not discontinue my "notes;" and
then I receive from time to time many novelties, or so-called
novelties, on which I am asked to give an opinion, that I find
it preferable to do so in this form rather than by writing
special notes about them.

I was going to write that the season was an exceptional one,
but then it struck me that we have not had anything but an
exceptional season for a long time past. The years seemed
to have forgotten quite how to behave orderly. The weather
proverbs of old time, which no doubt had some foundation in
fact, are entirely out of date. All out-of-door work has had
to shift aa it beat may, and calendars of operations are only
approximately correct. Thus, when we in these regions expe-
rienced that tremendous fall of snow in December, 1875, we
congratulated ourselves, when our roads were blocked up and
neither butcher nor baker could get near ua, that we were
having a real old-fashioned winter and that we should have a
genial and pleasant epring. But, then, we had no spring.
We were deluded into the notion that it was coming, and then
came a sharp and nipping frost, or another fall of anow, or
cold biting easterly winds, and this continued on until June,
and then all at once we jumped into summer; and then came
a broiler. The cold winds of May had prevented the growth
of many things ; and as they were dry at the same time, when
June came there was a deficiency of grass, and in our gardens
water became a prime necessity. After th3 drought had ceased
we had aome wretched weather in September, to the infinite
disgust of sportsmen. The early part of October waa indeed
fine, but since then what a deluge ! Bnlba still in their paper
bags, Eosea heeled-in, shrubs nut moved, and the whole land
either soaking like a sponge or aticky like a pudding, and so
wet that neither spade or fork can be used in it. Yes, certainly
it was an exceptional season. I have just (January 11th) cut
a lovely bud of lU-ve d'Or Eose, which has opened in the house
and is as good and perfect aa in June, and there are plenty more
on the tree. But then, shall we not pay for all this'.' And aa
one sees the swelling buds visions of late frosts come before
our eyes ; and nipped shoots of Potatoes, and fruit blighted,
and flowers stripped of their beauty form no pleasing onlook
for the gardener. By-the-by, in writing of our prospects in
horticulture last week I spoke rather despondingly of onr big
shows, and this week's papers unfortunately add a deeper
shade of colour to this ; for I see that the magnificent collec-
tion of plants of good James Cypher of Cheltenham, which
have been a pride and glory of many of our provincial shows,
notably Manchester, Bath, Cheltenham and Taunton, are to
be sold ; and that, owing to the death of Mr. Wilkins, the fine
collection of specimen plants which have been quite a mainstay
of our metropolitan exhibitions under the care of Mr. Ward,
are to be dispersed.

And as I have mentioned Potatoes, suppose that my first notes
are on this favourite root, so much valued and praised, but
which, owing to the ignorance of cooks and the prejudices of
mistresses, one seldom eats good. I have become pretty well

60

JOURNAL OP HOBTIOULTORE AND COTTAGE GABDBNKB.

[ January 25, 1877.

tired out of novelties wbicb come with hifili-^ounding claims
of recognition, but which after trial one is obliged to put on
one Bide in place of older and ptrbaps despised -varieties. Of
new kinds this year I had only Porter's Excelsior, Bennett's
Schoolmaster, and Sutton's Magnum Bonnm. I do not include
amongst new ones such varieties as Suowflake, Kector of
Woodstock, &c. With regard to the latter Potato, I have
been reluctantly compelled to discard if. It is not in this
locality prolific and is delicate. I know it does not bear this
character in other places, but I can only speak of it as I
find it. I have now tried it for three years and with the
same results, so I am reluctantly obliged to give it up. On
the other hand, Snowflake has still further confirmed me in
the good opinion I had formed of it. Although the season or
this soil was against it, yet the produce was large in quantity
and most excellent in quality. It is indeed, as far as my own
experience goes, the only one of the American Potatoes worth
growing : it shares their general quality of productiveness, and
is devoid of that unpleasant flavour and close grain which the
others, to my mind, possess. Porter's Exoeleior, received from
the Messrs. Carter, I found to be a very haudsome Potato
and prolific, always a favourite on the exhibition table, but I
cannot say that it possesses the quality of flavour and texture
that suit my notions of what a Potato ought to be ; but then
this is a matter of taste. A neighbour of mine thinks the
Lapstone flavourless, and does not hke a Potato that crumbles
to pieces when you cut it. Bennett's Schoolmaster, received
from Mr. Turner and sent out by him, is certainly a very hand-
some, prolific, and good round Potato. The produce was
fairly good, and the quality quite equal to most of the Potatoes
of the same section. In foliage it resembles some of the
American varieties : the tubers are large, skin white and rough,
shallow eyes, and the flesh white. It is apparently a seedling
of the Regent and Victoria types, and is probably a combi-
nation of both of those excellent sorts. Mr. Turner does not
send out a host of things, but when he does issue a novelty we
may be sure that it is something reliable. Magnum Bonum,
received from Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, is a kidney
Potato of great excellence. Its productiveness may be gathered
from the fact that at the Reading Exhibition the gardener of
Major Thoytts exhibited 267 lbs., the produce of 1 lb. of seed.
The Potatoes were all of good size, there being very few small
tubers amongst them, and its quality is excellent. I do not
think it equal to the Lapstone, but then I do not think any
Potato is. With regard to older kinds, my growth consisted of
Myatt's Prolific, still to my mind the beat of the early Potatoes,
Regents, Lapstones, Yorkshire Hero, and Victoria. To this liat
I see no necessity of adding. I shall gladly give a trial to new
sorts in small quantity, but on those named, with Snowflake,
I shall rely for my crop.

And here let me say I, ex anima, endorse all that my old
neighbour Mr. Luckhurst has said on the subject of early
lifting, and have had this year stronger confirmation than ever
of its value. It is very difficult for our cottagers to dig their
Potatoes up until after hop-picking is over. But wherever my
advice had been followed there the Potatoes were and have
kept sound, but when lifting had been deferred until the end
of October, as, indeed, I have seen recommended by some
writers, then disease or second growth had done its work. I
am now eating Victorias which were dug up when the tubers
rubbed, and some people, I have no doubt, thought me a wee
bit crazed ; but the tubers have kept well, are mealy and well
flavoured, and fully vindicate the practice. But it is astonish-
ing how long it takes to kill some things, and this is one of
those deeply rooted prejudices which seem too firmly esta-
blished to readily give way ; and as long as writers encourage
the notion that it makes no difference whether Potatoes are
left in the ground or not, so long the practice will continue.
And although my opinion may be taken for little, the trenchant
character in which Mr. Luckiinrst disposes of the matter will,
I hope, do much towards tho desired end, for it is « great pity
that so large a portion of a valuable crop should be destroyed
by holding to old-eBtablished practices which prove to be
wrong. — D., Deal.

salmon colour, and considerably more cupped than the former.
I purchased a plant of Mr. G. Paul some years since, which
has furnished me with some exquisite blooms for our local
shows and at the same time called forth the admiration of
many visitors. — Richaed Tapneb, Croii-Iiurst, Battle.

GLOIRE DE DIJON KOSE.
In your last week's issue your correspondent, "J. B.," in-
quires if there are two varieties of the Gloire de Dijon Rose.
In reply I beg to say that the description given corresponds
with tho Tea Madame Berard, which is of luxuriant growth,
red wood and foUage. The blooms are small and of a beantif ol

THE CAKEOT.

This is one of the most common yet the most difficult to
manage of culinary roots. The farmer can grow it by the
acre and sell it by the ton, yet gardeners can scarcely grow as
many as will supply their employers' table. Not for want of
cultural skill, but from not being able to cope with what J8
known as the " maggot." It has been my only enemy for
years. I have tried experiments, watched the Journal, and
practised the most feasible preventives there set forth, in-
cluding McDougall's non-poisonous "sheep dip;" still all to
no effect.

Last spring I sowed Early Scarlet Horn (as I was advised)
in an Onion bed, also a few in a prepared bed made of imported
soil. Towards 1st of August in the latter the " maggot "
began its attack, and soon accomplished its mischievous mis-
sion. The former I did not let have all their own way, for
about the same date I pulled all the largest Carrots, which
were about two-thirds grown, cut ofi the leaves about 2 inches
from the crowns, packed them in a heap outside, and covered
them with bog soil (moss stuff) ; but sand or leaf soil would
answer the same purpose.

They have kept perfectly fresh, sweet, and clean from the
" maggot." I let a few remain in the bed, and some weeks
after they were totally destroyed by "maggot." As it is pretty
generally admitted that it is almost impossible to have clean
Carrots in old wrought-out gardens under ordinary circum-
stances, the above is worth trying, which at any rate will give
a fair supply through the greater part of the winter months,
not to mention the autumn, when Carrots are expected and
are not always to be had. Others might record their experi-
ence— failures as well as successes. Failures serve as red lights
to warn, but successes often mislead the young amateur, filling
him with enthusiasm without means or opportunity to experi-
ment.— B. G., Co. Down.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR NON-EXHIBITORS.

Mr. Taylok's mode of culture (see page 25) may meet with
its advocates, but I, for one, fail to see the force of his argu-
ment that " the expense incurred to grow them as they are
grown for exhibition " deters numbers from growing this grand
autumnal flower, and that the expense is " ten times " the
amount required to grow the plants for exhibition than in
growing them for home decoration. The Chrysanthemum is BO
easily struck and so easily grown that it is everyone's flower —
a real amateur's flower— and owes its improvement mostly to
amateurs, and the only necessary appliance or convenience
required to grow it to perfection is a cold frame and some
place of shelter from frost and rains when coming into bloom.

With these conveniences at hand we will suppose the lover
of this flower has some old stools which have done blooming.
What are to be done with these cut-down old plants from the
time of going out of bloom until the "last week in May?"
Attention, time, and " expense " are required to preserve them ;
therefore where is the great difference in " expense " between
taking cuttings as soon as ready and throwing your old plants
away, thereby reducing your stock to a minimum, and having
your pots wherein thty bloomed at your dii-posal for growing
many other plants ? If Mr. Taylor could assure finer bloome
apart from the " expense " I would give his plan a fair trial y
but with early-struck plants the cultivator has the assurance
of woU-ripened wood, without which it is impossible to obtain
tho desired -' perfection of bloom and as large as Dahlias."
Apart from this the uninitiated in the culture of Chrysanthe-
mums are more likely to err on being driven to so short a
time than if a longer time were advised for the encouragement
of root-action and the maturation of the wood.

Mr. Taylor's treatment of twice stopping is very good and
worthy cf imitation, and has been practised by Mr. Turner of
Slough and other cultivators, but this stopping should not be
performed later than .July with many sorts. Small plants are
sometimes propagated as late as August, but these are not
expected to carry blooms as large as " Dahlias." Again I say
to those who have a wish to grow the Chrysanthemum, whether
for home decoration or exhibition, Put in your cuttings as

January 25, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDEIJEB.

61

aoou as they are ready, and when yon have taken as many as
are wanted throw away the old plants if not required, and for
the small cost of growing the young plants from now till May
yon will be more than compensated during the dark and foggy
days of November. — J. W. Moobman.

FLOWEES WORTH GROWING FOE CUTTING.

Ageratum Imperial Dwarf. — Lavender, half-hardy annual.
Seed should be sown in a hotbed in March, the seedlings
potted-off singly in 3inch pots when large enough to handle,
and be grown-on near the glass in gentle heat, hardening-off
thoronghly before planting-ont in May. The soil requires to
be rich and light, an open yet sheltered position, planting
three rows in a 4-feet bed, or plant in rows 1 foot apart, omit-
ting every fourth row. Water freely in dry weather, and
oooasionally with liquid manure after the plants commence
flowering. 18 inches.

Aster. — Victoria and Improved Pceony Perfection, those
being best had in ooUeotione, or if only a few are wanted
mixed packets will serve. If but one kind is wanted the Vic-
toria is very much the best; and of the Dwarf Bouquet the
Boltze Aster is superb. Sow in March for early bloom as de-
scribed for Ageratum, and for a late bloom early in April in a
cold frame, keeping close until the plants just show through
the soil, then admit air freely, avoiding frost. The plants will
be very stocky, and should be planted-out late in May or early
in June. The Victoria and Picony Asters should be planted
in rows 18 inches apart, omitting every third row for an alley,
and the Bonqaet Asters in rows a foot apart, omitting every
fourth row. The soil can hardly be too rich for these plants,
and the plants are the better if mulched with short manure,
and have weak liquid manure after they " button."

Centaurea Cyanm major. — Various-coloured, mostly blue and
white, or light shades of colour ; one of the finest of all cut
flowers. Hardy annual. Sjw during early April in light rich
soil in an open yet sheltered situation in rows a yard apart,
thinning-out the plants to C inches apart. I like a double row,
the rows being about G inches ap>rt, and the plants that dis-
tance in the rows. The dwarf — ;' t'., minor, is not nearly so
good as the tall variety. Sow early in September in a sheltered
border to stand the winter for early summer bloom. 3 feet.

Chrysanthemums. — C. Dunnetti flore-pltno (double white),
C. Daunetti aurea (double golden), and G. carinatum hybridum
flore-pleno (various-coloured), are useful hardy annuals. Sow
in March for early blojm in gentle heat, treating the same as
Asters ; and sow oat of doors early in April in rows a foot
apart, thinning the plants to 9 inches. 2 feet.

Marigolds. — These are neglected far catting. Why ? They
really are very beautiful. The great African Orange and Lemon
Marigolds are really superb by candlelight when arranged with
the feathery spray of Celosia pyramidalis cocoinea or dark
Fuchsias, whilst the Striped French Marigolds have the finest
marking. Sow during early April in gentle heat, keeping near
the glass to prevent the seedlings from drawing, potting-off
singly or pricking-o£[ m pans or boxes 2 or 3 inches apart,
airing well so as to have stocky plants well hardened-off by
the middle of May. They like good rich soil and the distances
mentioned for Victoria Asters are suitable. 2 feet.

Mignonette. — Large-flowered Pyramidal (Reseda meliorata
gigantsa pyramidalis), surpasses all others. Sow on a warm
border in March for early bloom, or in pots, planting-out in
May after hardening the plants well off, and early in April
sow in drills 18 iocbes apart, thinning the plants to 9 inches
apart. Mignonette likes a free, open, rich soil. I sow mine
in bordeis like Parsley. Enoaah seed may be had for a shil-
ling to form a row more than 100 yards long 18 to 2i inches
wide, no plant for the money affording so good a return in
delicate fragrance.

Sweet Peas. — These are unquestionably unapproached by
any annual for cutting, for which purpose they are best grown
in separate colours, but for effuct the colours should be mixed.
It is surprising what a quantity of flowers a row 20 yards long
will give, and everybody should have a loug row of these
Sweet Pea blooms. For early flowering seed may be sown in
pots or on reversed strips of turf and grown in a cold frame,
planting-out in & pril or early in May in a warm situation, sow-
ing outdoors early in April, and for succession early in May.
They require sticking like edible 1 eas, and grow 0 feet high.
Afford them rich soil, and liquid manure after commencing
flowering.

Phlox Drummondi. — It is best to obtain a collection, the

colours are very rich and varied, and the flowers are very
durable in a cut state. Sow in March in gentle heat, prick-off
in pans or boxes about an inch apart, hardening the plants
well off before planting-out during May, in an open sitnation
in light rich soil, the rows to be a foot apart, omitting every
fourth row. Water freely in dry weather. 18 inches.

Scabious (Double Dwarf). —The colours of theflowers are rich
and showy, and possess a delicate fragrance. This old plant,
especially in its newer dwarf form, is not nearly so common
as it deserves. It is also very enduring in a cut state. It is a
biennial, and may be sown in Jane outdoors in an open
situation, pricking the seedlings out in a sheltered place during
September, and planting them out in spring, or they may be
left to flower where put out in late summer ; but it flowers
the first year grandly if sown in March in gentle heat, the
plants being hardened-off before planting-ont in May. I have
sown in a cold frame in early April, and had good plants to
put out in May, flowering finely in August until severe frost.
They require the distances named for Victoria Asters. Scabious
ought to be in every garden.

Stocks. — Large-flowering German Ten-week, secure a collec-
tion and sow in March in gentle heat, pricking off the plants
when large enough to handle ; but they well repay potting-ofi
singly in small pots, and after being hardened-oS planting ont
in May in rich soil. The rows should be a foot apart, omitting
every fourth row. They will bloom splendidly in July. Sow
again early in April in a cold frame and plant out at the end of
May or early in June, and they will bloom in August and con-
tinue until frost. Intermediate Stock is best represented in
East Lothian, purple, scarlet, and white, which should be sown
in July or early in August, established in pots before winter,
wintered in a pit or frame with protection in severe weather,
shifting into larger pots in February any which are intended
for greenhouse decoration, planting out the remainder after
the weather becomes mild. For late summer sow during March
in gentle heat and plant out during May. The soil for Stocks
should be rich and light.

Sweet Sultan, purple, white, and yellow, yields sweet and
showy flowers. It should be sown in rich light soil early
in April where the plants are required to flower, in rows
18 inches apart, the plants allowed to stand in a double row
about 6 inches apart. 2 feet. So win early September for early
flowering — in fact, autumn sowings give the finest flowers.

Wallflowers. — Harbinger is the earliest variety, flowering
finely in autumn from seed sown in March or early April, and
continuing through the winter when mild. It is a brown or
reddish brown. Belvoir Castle, dwarf yellow, is very flori-
ferous, and it with Blood Bed will meet every requirement in
the single-flowered section, and of the double German varie-
ties a collection must be obtained to secure good flowers. Sow
in May or early in Jane, pricking-off the seedlings when large
enough to handle in rows 6 inches apart and that distance
between each plant, and in September take out every other
row and every other plant in the rows left, and plant a foot
apart where intended to flower. The soil for Wallflowers
should only be moderately rich and the situation sheltered,
the ground being open in character though firm, so as to in-
duce a stiff well-ripened growth, for whan the soil is rich and
loose the plants are so succulent as to be cut by frost.

Branching Larkspurs give a number of side shoots that are
very useful, especially the blue or purple shades of colour.
Sow during early April in an open situation in rows 2 feet apart,
omitting every third, thinning the plants to 6 inches apart.
2J feet. Sow in September for early summer cutting.

The Perennial Larksjmrs or Delphiniums if sown early, or
during March in gentle heat and the plants prieked-off 2 inches
apart in pans or boxes when they show the second loaves, and
grown-on, hardening well oft' and planting out during May in
rich soil in an open situation 18 inches apart, will flower in late
summer, and being mostly blue shades of colour are very desir-
able. 3 feet. The French hybrids are very good, a packet
usually giving some variety. D. formosum is fine, and D. nudi-
caule (scarlet), D. chinensis (deep blue), and D. grandiflorum
ccelestinum (tky-blue) are all worthy of cultivation.

Rockets are very free-flowering and sweet. The purple (lilac)
and white are good, but the brown or sweet (Hesperis tristis)
is most perf nmod. Sow in May or June outdoors, pricking the
plants off when large enough to handle, and plant ont during
September 18 inches apart in light soil. 2 to 3 feet. They
flower in early summer.

Jacobtea (Senecio elegane) in double crimson, lilac, purple,
red, and white, give an immensity of flowers which are often

62

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENBE,

[ Jannary 25, 1877.

very naefnl. Sow in March in a hotbed, prick oft the young
plants 2 inches apart in pans or boxes, hardening well oft, and
plant out in May IS inches apart, omitting every third row.
Many others besides the preceding I have known improvised
occasionally for catting, such as Tropa^olums of the Lobbiannm
section, as Brilliant, Glory, and Elegans. They are easily
raised by sowing in gentle heat in March, potting the plants
singly and planting out after hardening well oft in May, sup-
porting with stakes or trellises, the plants also doing well on
rockwork, banks, &c. I shall close by mentioning Zinnias,
which are useful, requiring the treatment of Asters. — G. Abbey.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Eably in the week the barometer was higher than it has
been for many mouths past, and sunny days have at length
arrived. The nights have been frosty, but in the neighbour-
hood of London the frost has only been slight, suflicient to
check advancing vegetation without doing any injury. The
ground has dried rapidly, affording an opportunity lor bringing
np arrears of garden work, and the bright days have been of
great benefit in the forcing department. We have several
accounts of Vines " breaking weakly," a circumstance due
probably to a deficiency of light, and brighter days may be ex-
pected to bring general improvement.

A TEAR ago we noticed that Mr. Wills was appointed

floral manager of the Eoyal Westminster Aquarium and
Summer and Winter Garden Society ; we have now to
announce that he has relinquished that position. For a long
time the " aquarium " was without fish, but the " garden "
has never been without flowers ; nor have the plants used
been merely showy plants of little value. The plants for
permanent effect have been introduced at great cost, such as
Tree Ferns, Palms, Musas, etc., while flowering plants have
been employed in great numbers and of superior quality. Mr.
Wills continued his duties worthily until the last day of his
term, on which day he rendered the great hall attractive by
tastefully-arranged groups of hundreds of Hyacinths in separate
colours. Tulips, Narcissuses, Primulas, Lilies, Echeveria re-
tusa, itc, the colours being divided by bands of Lycopodium
denticulatum, which covered the undulated surface of the
ground. On mounds and knolls were choice Palms and Pan-
danuses, and the effect produced was excellent. The entrance
hall, however, was not decorated ; the dry air, and fringe of gas
jets (for spectacular effect) had wrought such ruin to valuable
plants that it was deplorable to witness. The plants which
have suffered the most are Dicksonias, Cycas revoluta, Sea-
forthias, and Latanias. Fine specimens of those are irretriev-
ably ruined. A few which have not succumbed are Aspidistras,
Green Draca?nas, and Pandanus utilis; but unfortunately the
plants which have cost the most have suffered the most, and
their condition cannot but be viewed with regret by all who
know the value of the specimens.

During last year Dr. Newington informs us that at

Ticehurst, Sussex, there fell 33.95 inches of rain, and that
this year up to the 18th inst. 6} inches had fallen.

As an instance of the mildness of the weather and the

FORWARD state OF VEGETATION WO uoted in Messrs. Charles
Lee & Son's nursery on the I'.lth inst. a tree of Pyras sinensis
almost opening its blossoms, and on another tree of the same
Pear some young foliage fully expanded. We also observed
Bome young shoots of variegated Elms 5 inches in length.
In some of the sheltered villa gardens near London bedding
Geraniums are still not only alive but growing, having pushed
shoots at the several joints of the old stems fully an inch in
length. We noticed Ceanothus azureus flowering on a wall at
Isleworth ; and Veronica Blue Gem is still flowering freely in
many gardens.

TuE flowering sprays of Chimonanthus granidiflorus.

which were exhibited last week from the Uoyal Horticultural
Society's gardens, were worthy of more than a passing notice-
C. fragrans is deservedly popular as a hardy, fragrant, mid-
winter flowering plant ; but C. grandiflorus greatly exceeds it
in the size of its flowers. The sprays referred to were covered
with buff-coloured blossoms, and were highly attractive, while
their Jonquil-like perfume was delicious. The Cbimonanthuses
are easily grown, but do not always flower profusely. To in-
duce flowering the shoots should be thinly trained to a sunny
wall, and the growths should be regulated by summer pinching.
When the wall space has been covered, it is a good plan to dig
np the plant and replant it, and the cheek it receives by that

operation is almost certain to accelerate its flowering. A plant
of Chimonanthus should be in every garden where a snnny site
is provided. A dozen of its modest flowers are sufficient to
perfume a large room. Although the plant is quite hardy, a
little protection is necessary during the flowering period if the
weather at the time is severe.

A MEETING of the Committee of the National Aurictjla

Society's Southern Show will be held at the Horticultural
Club, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, on Wednesday, January Blst,
at one for two o'clock, to receive the report of the Sub-com-
mittee appointed to draft a schedule of prizes, and adopt or
reject the same. A meeting of Carnation and Piootee growers
will be held at the same time and place.

The late storms and high tides have done much

damage in the neighbourhood of Fulham. Commencing at
New Wandsworth Bridge, Mr. Steele, the market gardener, has
suffered to the extent of some hundreds of pounds. Celery ridges
were washed away, also large beds of Seakale stacked ready for
forcing. Radish beds, &c., were destroyed. Messrs. Veitch have
suffered through their Peterborough Lane Nurseries having been
under water. The grounds at Hurlingham House have also been
entirely under water. At Mulgrave House, the residence of
Lord Ranelagh, damage to the amount of £300 has been done.
Breaches have been made in walls, &a. At Grass Bank, a
pretty little place adjoining the Bishop of London's palace, is
now a total wreck ; the camp siding has been washed entirely
away, and a large portion of the garden with it. Besides the
damage done inside the house at Craven Cottage, a large and
massive wall erected since the last high tides has been swept
entirely away, with a conservatory adjoining. Large Elm trees
have been blown down at the Bishop of London's, also the
walk known as Bishop's Walk has been partly washed into
the moat. The suffering of the poor of Fulham is intense.
Several houses are vacated ; in fact, the Board of Works con-
eiders them no longer fit for habitation.

As to the hardiness of Lycopodium denticulatum, in-
quired about on page 8, Mr. Lnckhurat says " it has been esta-
blished in the rock garden at Newick Park for so many years
that the date of the first planting is unknown. The position
is certainly sheltered by trees, but in a low and exceedingly
wet valley like that there must be many degrees of frost in a
severe winter, and which this Lycopod always withstands, the
only perceptible effect of cold weather being the loss of its
bright green hue, which, however, it soon regains in spring.
" J. N." would do well to give this pretty moss another trial,
planting several of it in different positions, and I have no
doubt his efforts will eventually be crowned with success."

Writing to us on exhibiting Peaches, " A Young

Fruit-grower " suggests that the fruit should be tasted and
let quality have its due weight, the same as is the case with
Melons and Grapes. Our correspondent remarks that "when
Early Crawford Peach is exhibited its imposing appearance
secures for it premier honours, and it receives in consequence
a fictitious fame;" for with many growers, himself amongst
the number, this Peach " is neither constant in producing a
crop, nor is the fruit of high quality when produced." This
suggestion is worthy of the notice of fruit judges, who do
not, we beUeve, as a rule, taste the Peaches on which they
adjudicate.

Nothing is more easy than to destroy moss on the

BRANCHES OF FRUIT TREES. When the branches are wet fresh-
slaked strong lime thrown freely amongst them will adhere
and destroy every vestige of moss. This is far more effectual
than using the lime as a wash — applying it with a brush. The
lime falling to the ground is also beneficial. In all gardens
where moss is prevalent Ume should be annually dusted amongst
the Currant and Gooseberry bushes and fruit trees after they
have been pruned, and before the ground is dug, and cleaner
branches, healthier trees, aud finer fruit will follow. The lime
is also useful in protecting the fruit buds from birds. A man
will do more execution in one day in destroying mo.ss by thus
dusting with hme than will another man in a week with the
■' whitewash brush."

• A FEW inches of partly decayed manure spread over the

roots of fruit trees in autumn would do much toward prevent-
ing the MOISTURE FROM EVArOBATING AND HEAT FROM ESCARING.

The cold wintry winds will dry out the soil as certainly if not
as rapidly as the warm winds of summer, and a mulch would
be a beneficial protector. Trees planted but one or a few years
would be especially benefited by a mulch covering the roots
from the trunk outward. We would mulch to prevent the

January 25, ISi'i. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTDRB AND COTTaOE QARDENJia.

•iS

fscape of beat as well as moisture from tbo soil. If an
aDim^l is ever frozen, it ia because of the eEcaps of beat from
its body. The human body we cover with warm woollen cloth-
ing in winter to rrevent the too free ere ipo of beat. Nature
clothes the brute with hair, far, or feathers, which grow longer
and tbioker in winter than in summer, thus securing bis com-
fort. When we fee bow much nature has done to prevent the
too great reduction of the auiuial temperature, may we not
tnke the hint and do sometbiog to prevent the escape of beat
from the soil in which is embedded the roots of trees and
plants:'— (/ihto; llonb.)

■ JI. MoLiLi.EtEBT, a professor at the School of Agricul-
ture at Crrigoon, has been makirg experiments for the purpose
of determining what agent was the most practically applicable
to the destruction of the I'iivli.oveka. After trying many
EuLstauces it was only with some of the sulphur compounds
that really satisfactory results were obtained, and it is to
JI. l)iimap, the permanent secretary of the French Academy
of Soienct<3, that the credit is due for fuggesting the employ-
ment of the alkaline Eulpbocarbonates of potassium and sodinm
and those cf barium and calcium. All the other remedies tried
were either without effect on the Phylloxera, or, in destroying
it, also destroyed or damaged the ^ me. But the task of eradi-
cating the I'hyllosera has by no means been accomplished by
the mere discovery of the value for the purpose of these sub-
stances; there is the further ilMtijulty of applying thrm to
the Vine in cultivation. One thing stems very certain, that in
order to render the 8ulpho-carbonate.s practically ellioacioua
in killing the insect, it is necessary to u=o water as the vehicle
by which they may ha brought to all the underground parts
of the plant, and that the best time of year for their appli-
cation is the winter or early spring, when the earth is still
moijt and the quantity of water necessary to be brought on
to the ground by artilicial means is consequently less. The
conclusion at which JI. Mouillefert arrives is that the efticacy
of the sulphocarbonates is proved, and all that is nccassary is
to brio;-' to psrfcc'tion their employment in agriculture, which
can only be aceumplisbed by the intelligence and practical
knowledge of the Vine-grower, who ia well able to difc&ver the
economic proceffes of culture which ere conducive to their
successful applicatiou. Ho ends by saying that " .Science has i
accomplished its mission, and it remains for Agriculture to '
fulfil its part " in the eradication of the I'hylloxera from the |
vineyards of France. — (Xalurr.) I

THE ROYAL HOllTICULTOllAL SOCIF.T'V S

GARDENS.
We copy the following from the Tinhs : — ■

Tbo Royal Horticaltoial Society has recomly aullered sj
much itom unlme statements damaging to its reputation, that
I trust yuu will permit me to Btate in your universally-read
columns what its actual position is.

1. It is a chartered corporation, of which lh'_ membeio — ; ■ .,
the I allows, cannot as such incur any pei's.aal liability beyond
that of paying their subscriptions while they continue Fellows,

•J. Its debentures are :' charge on ita surplus income after
payment of its expenses only, do not attach upon any of its
property, and do nf.t conslitni- a debt. Of debts for which its
property ia li:ible it has uone, and it hr.% long since met all its
engagements in respect ct prizes and medals,

•J. It has nev- T cea.sed to do, and i:^ now doing, good prac-
tical work for the advancement of horticn'lure at il3 ('biswiik
Gardens, as its published reports testify.

1. The Council have determined to continue the Si uth Ken-
sington Gardens on their former footing, and to mske them ns
attractive to the residents in their neighbourhood and of Lon-
don generally as the means and nature of the Society will
permit They havu extended thu pri\ilege^ of thi ir Fellows,
and, subject to the flj'proval of a gee ral meeting, have de-
termined to remit for the present entrance lees on election or
re election of Fellows.

■J. If the subscription income of the S<^( iety for next year be
raised to IIO.UOJ, the South Kensington Gardens will be fecured
to it certainly until Iwy. to I lie great ad\^ntage of the residents
and owoera rf property in their neigbbourhocd. If such income
be not raised, those gardens will pass into th' posbession of the
lessors, and probably be built over.

»j. To place the Society in a more prosperous and secure
position than it has ever occupied, nothing more is wanting
than, for the present year, a renewal of a part only of the sub-
scriptions which have recently been discontinued, and for the
coming ye.ir an effort which wealthy South Kensington would
scarcely feel, and which will raise the i;iO,000 above referred to.

I would therefore ask all v.bo wish to preserve the gardens,
and all who leva horticulture, to lay aside tLeir unfounded dis-
trust of the future of the Society, and, forgetting eld quarrels,
to join in making it stronger than ever. The Council are trying,
so far as their funds will all.jw thorn, to luett i he wishes of their
London Fellows. The principal western (utrance has been te-
opened : the gardens, which have sufierel nothing that a few
d.H>.i' labour will not repair, are being put in order; and the
bands and promenades in the conserVJtOTy wiU be resumed on
an early date. — Yourobedieut servant, Robert Hooo, Secrrlnrn.

Iloml no,lin,li,ir„l Qar^leiu. Soiilh Kcnsbiiil'in, W.,.J-tn. It'll,.

THE ORIGINAL WELLINGTON! AS IN ENGLAND.

In company with that tirst-elnss rosarian and well-known
horticulturist, Mr. -James Walters of Exeter, I have to-day
been to see the Wellingtonia mentioned by your correrpoudf nt
J. W. Moorman, in your paper of January Ilth. As Mr.
Walters was with old Mr. \ oitch when the first seed was ger-
minated, and recollected the fact well, be bad no dilBculty iu
pointing out the tree to me, though he could not recollect the
date (probably from It<-jo to 1^58). The tree is not in first-
rate condition, ncr can it be called a first-class specimen. As
the snn was not thining at the time I had a boy to climb the
tree with a cord, which be drew tight when be was within
t feet from the top, and I have thus afcertained the height to
be 14) feet, the girth of the trunk immediately above the bole
was 10.^ feet. The tree grows in a somewhat conticel plac»,
consequently the cireumferenc3 of tbo branches is not large.
I have observed in many other specimens that when the tree
is planted amongst oth;r trees it runs up with not much
greater breadth than a Lombardy Poplar.

In the same grounds (Mr. Loyd's, Mount Radford, Exeter)
Mr. Walters pointed out to me another tree of the saiae Kind,
and even more interesting than the last. It ia tbo original
plant brought over by Mr. Lobb from California For many
years it was grown in a tub, and consequently, I suppose, has
not attained the size which might have bteu expected. 1 look
its dimensions also. Favoured by a bright gleam of Eunsbiue
I measured the lecgth of its shadow and that of my stick
fexactly I yard long), and the result of my calculation was
that its height was HI.^. feet, but its circumferecca was ><t feel,
and a more perfect cone and a more magnificently furnished
tree I never saw. Its verdure and perfectly healthy appear-
ance were equally remarkable.

In respect to height there are in this ueifjhbouihood many
higher Wellingtoniaa, notably some in Eggesford I'ark and
some in Greedy Park iSandfordj. but I have seen not one wliicli
can compire in beauty with the original p'ant imported by
Mr. Lobb, — Sksex Gokycius.

ECHEAERIA RETDSA,

A>io-\Gbr all the species of Ethevtrias there are very few can
equal this as an exceedingly us<!ful greenhouse plant, and if
ealti\al6d in ■[uantity so as to come in bloom at the present
season it is doubly valuable.

It is of easy culture, being within the power of anyone who
has a small grecnhouir. It is best propagated by cuttings in
tbo sprirg, and then grcwp-on in the summer, so that tbo
plants may ha well ettiblished bcfoie autumn, and tbey will
soon show flower when introduced into the L'reenbousp, I use
a mixture of loam, leaf soil. 8ai:d. lime rnbbi;lj,and snuo char-
coal dust —a compost which the plants luxuriate in. I have
goin') plants now in bloom iu sioeh pots with twenty piincipal
flower stems, and numbers of smaller plants in o and Ij-inch
pots with from four to eight stems on each. It is extremely
useful for cut flowers, and will last fresh and good for weeks,

I find au easy way of growing dwarf plants is to propagate
early in the spring, and plant them out at the end of May
on a place well exposed to the snn, and the plants will take
care of themselves until autumn, when they must be taken up
with balls and potted before the frost iniures them, — J. A ,
Hill Gruv. .

PS.— I enclose a flower of the Euchaiis ama/.onica. Tbo
tubes of the two flowers are attached to each other, yet each
flower is fully famished with oil the organs of fructification.
There were nine spikes of bloom on the plant growing in an
S-inch pot, .and there is from four to five flowers on each spike,
making an aggregate of about forty flowers. It is a magnificent
white flower for the dull winter months, and if the blooms are
cut when fully developed tbey last a considerable time iu water.

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January US, 1877.

'I'he caltare of this beautiful Lily has been fully deecribed in
your pages in previous numbers.

SCHIZOSTYLTS COCCINEA.

CTJ5IS0.\ SCHIZOfllYLIS.

Tins (ilaut has been frequently mentioned during the past
jear. It is thus noticed in the " BjtaniealMagaaine." ItBeems

Fig. a—Schizostjiii .;ii,. ;l. i.

to have been first flowered by Messrs. Backhouse & Son at their
nursery at Vork in November, IHdli. It inhabits eastern rivers
of South Africa, called Ksbousie and Keir-kamma, in K'attir-
land. Dr. Harvey possesses specimens of the same plant
gathered by Cooper near 1 irackeneberg Mountain ; and also
from Mr. D'Urban, who found it l>y the Kaboaeie river in
British Ca£fraria, in both oases growing very near water.

Again, Dr. Harvey has detected it in Mr. Sanderson's collec-
tions from Natal, and in Mr. Hutton's from the Katberg,
altitude 3000 feet, who speaks of it as a '' beautiful pink Hes-
perantha," showing its affinity in hU eyes to that genus, to
which Mr. liackhouse also detected a resemblance.

It is a plant of great usefulness, alYording brilliant spikes ot
flowers during the autumn months. These are effective for
the decoration of vases iu rooms, the flowers expanding in
water after the manner of Gladioluses. The plant.<; are also
very valuable for conservatory decoration during the late
autumn and eatly winter months. When employed fuv this
purpose clumps only need to be dag from the open ground
early in October and potted in light rich soil, and if placed in
a genial temperature flowers will be prodaced until Christmas,
The plant is hardy and will grow freely in ordinary garden
soil. It is highly worthy of extensive cultivation.

ADIANTDM CAPILLUS-VENERIS- LANDSLIPS.

I PEME.MiiER one year judging at Hereford with Mr. t'harles
Turner and Hercules. We had some bouquets to judge which
were composed of Roses and wild foliage. One lovely bouquet
was made up of Maiden-hair Fern, and I objected to it as not
being wild foliage. "Sir. Charles Turner, however, said that he
did not think we could disqualify it, as the Maiden-hair Fern
did grow wild in some part of Devonshire, although, he added,
there could be no question it did not grow near Hereford. So
we gave (unwillingly) the bouquet the first prize. Since then
I have tried to find this Fern, and have as'ked large Fern-
collectors if they have ever found it wild. There is rather a
celebrated collector at Lyutou in North Devon, and he told me
he had walked all along the north coast of Devon and Corn-
wall looking for it iu the places where it was reported to grow
luxuriantly, and be could only find one small plant near Bos-
castle. Judge, then, of my surprise and delight when a lady
of my acquaintance found this Fern (Adiantnm Capillua-
\ eneris) growing iu the lane that leads from the Charmouth
road to my church, in the very hedge that divides Devon from
Dorset.

I write this for the purpose of asking any of your readers
if they know of any other places where this I'ern grows. 1
am told that it is to be found iu the neighbourhood of Bridge-
water.

One of the Editors of our Journal will be interested in
hearing that there have been several fresh landslips at and
near Lyme Regis. An immense amount of earth fell on the
Esplanade at Lyme, completely blocking the road ; whilst at
Whitlands, the farm next to Dowlands (where the great land-
slip is), about seventy acrois have subaided, and some cottages
have been rendered so unsafe that the occapauts have had to
leave. The road, toj, from Charmouth to Lyme is quietly
settling into the sea. W'vi.n Sivauk

-\NEMONE FDLGENS.

Foe the information of " G. S ," in notice to correspoudenta,
page r>38 of our Journal, respecting Anemone fulgens — I do
not disturb my plants. They are grown in a full exposure to
the sun, planted by the edging of the beds in our flower garden ;
in that position they are quite at home, and during the spring
time reward us with a profusion of brilliant flowers. Glowing
as the description may have been that " Q. S." has read, it can-
not convey au adequate idea of the effect that is produced by
lines of tbi^, oae of the most striking of our spring flowers.
It ought to be in every sunny flower border iu the three king-
doms, for we have no flower in cultivation that can surpass our
Windflower in early spring and summer time. The soil in
which the plants are growing is good loam mixed with leaf Boil
and coarse grit. — H.

EARLY WRITERS. ON ENGLISH GARDENING.

No.. 20.
.TAMES LEE.

Jaues Lkr was one of the best gardeners of his time. He was
born in Scotland of respectable parents, but not in a station
that allowed them to give him any farther education than is
in the power ot everyone to attain in that part of Britain ; and
which, at that period, was generally superior to what those of
that rank in England can arrive at. He discovered very early a
strong taste for botany, and we are warranted in astettirg that
when a yonth of fifteen or eizteen be was well ac(juainted with

Jftuoaij 35, lh77

JOURNAIj op horticulture and COrTAOE GARDENER.

(■>.-

Eogliab plants, the knowledge of which he had acriuired prin-
cipally by the assistance of Calpepper's " Herbal." Being en-
downed by nature with strong parts, a retentive memory, and
great perseveranc?, he made himself master of the Latin tongue,
and became well acquainted with the Linnfean system in an
early stage of life. This knowledge, indeed, of the Ecienoes
was in the end not superficial or the mere routine of gar-
deners in general at that time ; but having accurately studied
the principles of the science as exhibited in the " Philosophia

taining an explanation of the theory of the science, and an
interpretation of its technical terms, extracted from the works
of Linna-us, Ac, twelve plates, ITW, 8vo. A work which
Pulteney speaks favourably of, as having tended to a general
diffusion of a knowledge of the Liunicau system. 2, Catalogue
of plants and seeds sold by Kennedy & Lee.

The business at Hammersmith has been conducted by three
generations of the family of Lee, and the latest partner in the
firm represents the fourth generation. By the recent retire-

Botanica " of Linnjcus, he undertook to transfuse the language i ment of Mr. John Lee, after fifty-six years of hard and honour-
and principles of that science into English for the benefit of ! able work, his nephew has become a partner, and the firm is
his countrymen. In this attempt he succeeded so well that ! now known as Charles Lee A Son.

his " Introduction to Botany," which was first published in I The business of the firm is extensive, and occupies four
1760, has since extended to the eighth edition, and has greatly | distinct grounds — at Hammersmith, Isleworth, Feltham, and
contributed to the pi'Ogress of the Linuipan principles of Ealing. The grounds at HAMMF.Bsirirn have been considerably
botany among all who were unable to have recourse to the i encroached upon by buildings and an important lino of rail-
original. This work indeed gave Mr. Lee a priority in his j way. Only a few trees arc now grown at the "headquarters;"

time that rendered his garden, or as it wag called, his Vineyard,
the resort of all persons onriona in botanical researches, and
added not a little both to his

but there is a considerable amount of glass, with cilices and
packing shed", for the management of the decorative plant and
Feed departments. Vines are

fame and emolnment. As he aUo grown here, or the Royal
had himself a true relish for aS^ '*"' Vineyard Xursery would other-
his great object, the cultivation Jl^S^I^V*. !^ wise be an anomaly. For these
of eariousexotici.Eohe was re- jj^^^^^^^'^l^ large light houses of modem
markdbly successful in the pur- Ji^^^ fi, construction have been erect-
suit of it; and received with S^mmi&s.t^ » ed, and prominent attention is
pleasure the visits of all who, jK^^^p||^gij| f^k given to the cultivation of
like himself, felt the satisfac- ^^K^^^P Fw n Vines in pots. Other houses
tion arising from those pur- ^^^^fe" •dw/ ^ (P ^'-^ ''®'^°*^* *° ^^^ cultivation
suits, especially those who .^t^^F -^^ k / / °' plants. There are struc-
joined to their taste a fcienlific JifKKIt '^^jmK \ ' tnres for Camelliaf, Azaleap,
knowledge of their object. In ^flHHRVys \t. HhMIW -/'"' Palms, Orchids, and general
what estimation he was held ^^j^SaBH^^^ta^ ^itJuBHISi^ / decorative plants. The plants
by the moat eminent botanists yjfl^S^^S^^^^^S^^^^HB"^*^ \ / "■'^^ better than the houses, but
of tlie age is manifest by the ^^^^^^^^^^W^S^^^ A™rtffl!S - / ' ' "'^ latter will be eventually re-
compliment paid him by Van ^^^wJ^S^vS^^ ^w^ffl^^ ^'"'^ffiK / placed by new structures erect-
Royen, the professor of botany iS^^^^R^^^^V^^Pra^ ' arrrtnrMw'l '^'^ °° "^® ™°^' approved piin-
at Leyden, who, in the year y^8^!^^^»^^^S^^™M "fr^m^' ciples, and the 'old place is
1767, called a new genua — .^^^S^^,^^^V ^^Km fefA^^fi^ to be made new again."
Leea— of the Momreious class '^^^S^>^^^^^^-<^|^|(w ML^^^"-^ I.-slewofth — This is the pro-
after his name. Mr. L°e'a ^^^^^^^^^^^^''lul^'l^s JK^fei'-'- pagating department for Coni-

taste was not confined to bo- ^^^'^^^^^^^ill Mv^S-«iS^MiK«ir~~* i\ ferw, evergreens, and decora-

tany ; he was greatly oonvc-r- '^^^Si^^^kllm'V ^ffi^^^^^^S^'^P^ Am\\\ ''^'' ^'^™^'- '^^'^ nursery is

sant with sheila, insects, and '^^S'flli ll \\\vjt^'^^^^^^r^l ^ !X/if)IL easily reached by train from

fossils, in which branches he kacffiaaglVv V\VTO}^^fe^l^8f i^w A '^^^jj/m Hammersmith (Addison Road

made very considerable coUtf- ' ^^wfflW^^v'^^^^Mi^f'^ff tK?^^ I'^^^^W station, Kensington], and is

tions. In the two former of ^* V^M^^^^^^^^^^^K^^^SHli^^^^^ ^*" worthy of a visit, it is

these he was pirticularly as "■^^KS^^^n^^^^^^^^^^^^H^^^^ compact, clean, orderly, and

slated by his much-lamented *^^^^i K^^P'^Z^^W^^^^^iMfk """^^ managed by Mr. Marslen.

danghtar Miss Annie Lee, ^'^ f ^'^'■'^^^^^^^S^^lfk There are long ranges of pro-

whom he had inspired with a \ " -'^^, j '^/^^^ pagating houses, in which Co-

love of his own pursuits, and ''^ ^ ^ ^ ~ nifers are being struck by

who added to her intimate thousands, a series of nursery

knowledge of them an exqni- Fig- 9.— James i.ee. beds oontaiuing the young

site taste in drawing both stock, and an open space of

plants, shells, and insects. To these attainments, which ground where they are subsequently grown to a saleable size.
gained him the respect and esteem of scientific men, we must Wood Lane, Isleworth, is in fact the nurseiy of the other nur-
add, that as a member of society he was distinguished for a series — the manufactory, and the plants and shrubs aio great
mind replete with benevolence, in his friendships he was in numbers, small in size, and choice in quality. The varie-
Bteady and warm, in his dealings he manifested the greatest gated-foliaged .lapanese shrubs are extensively grown, the
punctuality and integrity, and he lived to reap the reward Euonymuses alone numbering many thousands, to meet the
naturally consequent on such qualities in the accumulation of great demand for these popular shrubs. They are all smalt,
a comfortable independence. In his domestic connections he not having time to grow large before they are purchased. Klro-
was a kind huaband and tender parent, and had the satisfac- agnuses and Ligustrums are also in great demand for town
tion of experiencing the reward of such virtues in the dutiful decoration, and are largely increased. Large stocks are also
dispositions and good inclinations of his family. He had the being provided of such choice Coniteias as Cryptomeria spiralis
alfliotion late in life of surviving his daughter above men- falcata, Abies excelea anrea (the Golden Spruce), .Juniperuses
tioned,on whom he doated. He left a son, successor to the attioa, glaucous, very distinct; virginiana elegans (Lee), neo-
Vineyard. boriensis, bright green and elegant, and several others. Thuja

He was for sometime under Philip Miller at the Chelsea Vervrpnrana is in great demand for winter bedding, as also
Oirden, and afterwards gardener to the Dake of Argyle at apparently is T. semper-aurea. Taxus gracilis pendula, a dis-
Wbitton, Middlesex, who was a great importer of exotic trees, titct "low, is noticeable, as also are Cupressus Lawsoniana
and for that reason only invidiously nicknamed by Walpole lutea and C. L. delicati3^ima. There is also achoice collection
•'a tree-monger." In conjunction with Kennedy, then gar- of Ivies, and these, with some of the Japanese shrubs trained
dener to Lord Bolton at Chiswick, Lee commenced the busi- on low walla, produce an excellent effect. In thia nursery
ness of a nurseryman at the Vineyard, Hammersmith. He Van Geert's Golden Poplar is a valuable acquisition.

waa patronised by a great many of the nobility and gentry, to
whom he became known by his extensive knowledge of natural
history; and hia garden became particularly rich in plants
from the extensive correspondence he kept up with Linnaus
and other contemporary botanists. He died August 2:1th,
1793. _H9 was author of— 1, An Introduation to Botany, con-

short distance from this nursery is the arboretum under
tlie management of Mr. Webb. There several acres of ground
are entirely occupied with ornamental deciduous trees. As
affording an idea of the completeness of thia department, it
may be noted that the collection of Ouka alone includes nearly
two hundred species and varieties. There are aho a great

(54

JOUKNAL OF HOllL'ICULTUaE AND COTTAGB GARDENES.

r 25, i877.

variety of weepiug trees, one even in its leaflesB state being
very conepieaouB — the golden-twigged Ash, the drooping shoots
feting of a ferighl rellow 'jolotir. There are mnny fine standards
of Caraganas, L'ntalpas. and Genista proetratp, the latter being
very novel, and when in flower brilliant. Gooeeberries are
also propagated iu this nnrsery. This large and choice collec-
tion of deciduous trees requires to be seen in summer, and
cannot fail thtu to repay anyone visiting it.

FELTnAM.— Tbis nursery is a short distance from Hounslow.
It is nine or ten acres in extent, and is occupied with Conifcra
and evergreens, from small plants to handsomely furnished
fpecimons. Espoeially fine are the variegated Hollies. Yews
are of almost all sizes, and ia many shapos, some as flat as
tables, others vase-shaped, some trained as pyramids, others as
standards. Rhododendrons thrive hero admirably, as also do
Azaleas and other American plants. Welliugtonias. Heodars,
and Pinnsea are largely grown, Picea amabilis (true) being ex-
ceedingly fine. Here the Golden Spruce thows its character,
the npper surface of every spray being gilded as if with a
brilliant ray of sunshine, the under surfaces being green.
Here, too, is flowering the old and valuable hardy Heath, Erica
codnnodes. This is a real winter-flowering plant. It is of close
upright growth, showirg its thousands of white rose-tinted
flowers to great advantage. It is likely to be in great request
for winter bedding when its merits become known. It ia being
propagated by thouiiands. Not far distant from this nursery
another plot of fifteen acres has been secured, and is being
stocked with trees and shrubs. The I'eltham Nursery is
mB,ragod by Mr. Pixon. and it is only just to say that it does
him much credit.

Ealinu. — This is four or five miles distant from Hounslow,
and is convenient of access from the Great Western Railway.
The soil is a rich tenacious loam, admirably suited for the
growth of fruit trees and Roses, to which twenty-five acres of
ground aro devoted. The Eoees have nearly all gone, but the
few hundreds left tell of their robust character. The fruit
trees, too, are as good as trees can be — clean, healthy, and
well furnished. Thero are trees to suit all tastes— pjramidf.
standard'', espaliers, cordons, end on stocks whioh experience
has proved the most suitable for the several varieties. The
Apples number about four hundred varieties, and one more
useful sort has just been negotiated for— the true Russian
Transparent. Pears are similarly numerous, and the collec-
tions of all other hardy fruits, trained and untrained, are very
complete. There is a large house for the cultivation of Peaches
and Nectarines in pots, and the stock of these trees is excellent.
This nursery is in charge of Mr. Cannon. Such is an outline
of this oM and extensive business, which throughout a period
of upwards of a century was never in higher repute than now.

CULTURE OF THE CVCLAMEN.

Or all winter and spring-flowering plants none have lisen to
so much repute during late years as the Cyclamen persicum,
for its blooming period may be prolonged from the latter end
of October until the latter end of April. Most growers sow
the seed when it is ripe, and others not until the latter end of
.January. But it is always preferable to sow the seed in
August, as then the plants have a longer growing period and
will make larger plants. If sown in August the plants must
be kept growing in an intermediate house close to the glass
during the winter, and be grown cool in the summer. Seed-
lings always bloom the earliest in the season, and old plants
later on.

The seed may be now town in pans in equal parts of loam
and leaf soil and placed on a hotbed, where the seeds will soon
germinate. After the second leaves of the young plants are
discernible prick the seedlings out into pans in the same kind
of compost aa the soed was sown iu, and place them back on
the hotbed oloso to the glass ; it is not advisable to place the
bulbs under thtt soil at this shift. After the plants have made
a few leaves repot them into small t'lU'a in a luixturu of two
parts yellow loam, one part cow dung, and one part leaf foil,
with a sprinkling of river sand, and if convenient place them
in a pit whore thero is a cool bottom and a temperature of
abont l)j'. They muet be repotted into Jy's about the middle
of .Tune, keeping the bulbs well up to prevent the water from
settling in the crov.'cs. Sprinkle overhead on fine days and
shade from bri(.'ht sunshine. By the middle of Augutt dis-
continue spriukHng overhead and give an abundance of air
night and day ; a httle manure water at this stage will be
beneficial. It will bo better for the plants if they are now

placed on a stagf? so as to have a free circulation of air among
them, for they dislike damp. If they have been attended to as
lurtin directed they will commence blooming by the lattci
(nd of October.

After they have done blooming give enough water to keep
the leaves from flagging, and place them in a dry and well-
aired situation under glass. The best time to repot them is
when they begin making fresh growth. It is best to grow tha
old plants under cool treatment, keeping them well ventilated.
—A. Y.

FORETHOUGHT REijUIIiED IN GARDENING

MATTERS.
PEEHArs there is no occupation that calls for more fore-
thought than that of the gardener in a responsible position ,
for not only has he to tax his brain with what is likely to be the
wants of the family he serves during the current or comirg
year, but ho has to cast his mind still further ahead, and pro-
pagate or prepare fruit trees and ehrnbs which may be wanted
years hence. Besides fruit trees and shrubs other crops, such
as Asparagus, Seakale. SUawberries, Ac, require hi.-^ attention ;
for although these last several years, yet nevertheless they
have a period of usafulnces allotted them, after which they are
no longer profitable, but must ba succeeded by others, which
it becomes the prudent manager to provide in time equally as
much as the reqnifito number of bedding plants are by those
whose study is to make the best display postiblo iu their
flower beds. Now to do all this eflictually is no slight tax on tho
thinking powers of the person in charge, because, cpnrt from
what is the ordinary routine — the regular work — theje may be
much extra work in some departoient or other. The pleasure
ground may he enlarged, or new walks or drives formed which
it maybe advisable to embellish with shrubs, and if a quantity
can be brought forward in readiBesB for such alterations the
advantage will be great. It is better to have plenty of small
shrubs rather than a few very large specimens. Nothing
tends to enliven a walk or drive through a coppice or wood of
deciduous trees so much as a plentiful sprinkling of evergreen
shrubs, and it often happens that there is room f jr improve-
ment to be made this way in' the most complete places so
called. At the time when old walks or drives were formed
choice flowering shrubs or evergreens were possibly not so
plentiful as now, so that we must not accuse those who made
these drives, Ac. , of lacking liberality or knowledge of snch
matter?, but simply the means were not at hand ; whereas now-
a-days nurserymen are scattered all over the country, snd
choice shrubs. As . exist iu countless profusion, and are to be
met with at a reasonable rate — very reasonable indeed in many
cases, and the experience of the last few years has pointed out
how impoitant a part these are capable of playing in decorat-
ing piivate drives and public places. Kven some of the wastes
that have been taktu in near large towns which, though for-
merly producing only weeds and Gorse. now glitter with Rho-
dodendrons and other shrub?, to tbe delight of all who look at
them. Hollies also are eiinally beautiful in their way, and
where they exist as an undergrowth in tome well mensged
woods nothing possible cm look better; but they are cever-
thelesa not the easiest shrubs by any means to transplant sud
do well, and it will often be fonnd that the place where they
exist in the greatest ptrfection is where they have been planted
by Dame Nature. But where the soil is suitable other fhrnba
also seem capable of being naturalised. The broad-lea^ed
Berberry, or Mahonia as it is more properly called, will sow
and propagate itself where the soil and situation favours its
doing so; and I believe the same is the case with B. I'arwinii,
which is still more beautiful. But the shrub of all shiubs for
decorating some dry-looking sterile waste is the lihododf ndron.
This beautiful evergreen is now making its way over moors
and commons, and into plantations of all kinds, being often
planted extensively for game cover, and is not injured so much
as most other shrubs by that pest of all kinds of vegetation
tbe rabbit ; but to say that it is never attacked by these vermin
is saying too much, for I have known thousands of Rhododen-
drons destroyed by rabbits, perhaps not eaten or partook of
as food, but bit oil as thtygrew. I may further add that
rabbits have a particular relish for the choicest varieties. I
do not know how to attribute this, but I suppose it ia from
that inherent instinct they have for mischiefmaking they
choose the best.

Examples of the accommodating capacity of the Ehodo-
dendron to various situations are numerous. I need only call

Jannary 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTURE ANti COTTAGE GARDENER.

attention to the display which these have made in places where
the spirited liberality of those who planted them extensively in
time long since gone by. Foremost amongst such places is
Cobham Eall in Kent, where a former Lord Darnley planted
them on a hill intersected by walks or drives with overhanging
Birch trees. Now these Rhododendrons have self-sown them-
selves all over the ground, that they form the principal crop,
and flower in the greatest profusion at the proper time.
Equally abundant, or perhaps more so, are they to be met with
at Heron Court in Hampshire, the seat of Lord Malmesbury,
where they are found growing by hundreds in the woods, and
in some cases hanging over into the public roads, offering their
tempting trusses of bloom to every passer-by. There is a little
difference, I believe, in the appearance of the soil at the latter
place to that of Cobham, but both contain all that is essential
to the well-being of this plant, and to those who have seen it
growing in profusion at places like those referred to, cannot
fail to be highly pleased with it. To the sportsman it is also,
perhaps, one of the most agreeable of all covers for game, and
is more pleasant to pass through than Bramble or Gorse, or
the mixed Beech coppices of ordinary undergrowth. It is on
this account alone that the Rhododendron has been extensively
planted of late years ; and to all who have a wood occupying a
dry elevated site, and a soil that seems at all adapted for it, I
would advise a trial of these evergreens to be made — say a few
groups of a few plants together first and wait a year or two,
and if they succeed then more extensive planting can be
carried out. Furthermore, I would advise tnose who do not
wish at once to embark in a costly plantation, to look round
and see if a suitable site for a piece of nursery ground can be
had not too far from where the ultimate plantation is to be,
and if it is in a wood to trench and prepare it, and after ob-
taining a few thousands of young seedling plants from some
nurserymen who supply such at a very low rate, to plant tbem
ont in this nursery for two or three years, when they will take-
up with balls as large as yon like, and can be easily removed
to their final quarters and planted, and being to a certain
extent acclimatised to the eoU, and they will do better than
those imported from a distance of the same size. To do all
this requires an exercise of that forethought to which this
chapter is mainly directed. I ought not to leave the subject
of the Rhododendron nursery without remarking, that if it be
situated in some wood or other place where rabbits abound in
great numbers, it ought to have a rabbit-proof fence around it,
otherwise it will be found that these vermin will destroy a
great number of the plants.

It will easily be seen that many other shrubs may be pro-
pagated or reared as well as the Rhododendron where planting
is contemplated. The berries of the Aucuba may be sown
and young plants raised, a due proportion of which will pro-
bably be males, and when planted along with the other kind
a bountiful crop of berries will be produced without any arti-
ficial help whatever ; and it is possible hereafter, when the
plants become more numerous and are planted extensively in
places where they thrive, that they may eventually sow and
propagate themselves in the same manner as the Holly and
Rhododendron does. A suitable site and soil will no doubt
enable many other shrubs to fix themselves to the neighbour-
hood. For instance. Privet multiplies itself in a general way
to any extent, and in some places Spurge Laurel (Daphne
lanreola) does so too, while more often the Butcher's Broom is
fonnd growing wild in great abundance. Less plentifully is also
the Juniper and Box, and in a few localities the stately and
dignified Yew is similarly met with ; but as all these are British
plants they may very properly be expected to flourish. There
seems no reason why many other hardy shrubs should not
assimilate themselves to the position in this country re-
semblinK those from whence they came, that future generations
may possibly look on many of them in the same light we look
on the Rhododendron, as useful accessions to our woodland
scenery, and reflecting great credit on those who first placed
them where they all that time appear to so much advantage.

Having diverged on the culture of the Rhododepdron, I
must leave the further consideration of thejjubject of looking
forward to the wants of a future time until another occasion,
unless someone else supplement what has been already said
by pointing out new directions in which forethought ought to
bo directed, as the matter is one on which a good deal may be
eaid, and it is also one to which we cannot too forcibly call
the attention of all concerned. By a judicious timing of
things in general present work need not be neglected, the great
secret being to do everything at the most expedient time,

the study of which alone forms one of the features of that
prudent forethought which it is so desirable to direct and
encourage. — J. Robson.

CULTIVATION OF THE EASPBERRT.

The Raspberry is not bo much valued for dessert as sonje
other fruits, but for preserving, and especially for making
vinegar, it is greatly esteemed. Amateurs with small gardens
generally grow a few rows of canes, and in large gardens ex-
tensive quarters or plots of ground are devoted to Raspberry
culture. In many parts of England and Scotland it grows
wild in the woods in large quantities. The fruit on these, how-
ever, is not so fine as when the plants are properly cultivated,
and any attention they receive in this way is always amply
compensated for by the extra size and abundance of the fruit.

Young plants are sometimes raised from seed, which is sown
in well-prepared soil about this time ; but this mode of increase
has so little to recommend it that I will make no further re-
mark concerning it, but pass on to say that the best way of
propagating the Raspberry, and that generally adopted, is by
suckers or offsets. These may be taken at any time during
the period the leaves are off the canes. In severing them a
spade should be used to cut the roots clean away from the old
plants, and in doing this care must be taken not to injure the
roots of the latter. Old plantations generally throw out suckers
some feet from the base of the canes or roots which were
originally planted, so that from such plenty of suckers can
always be had without much danger of doing damage in any
form. Perhaps I shall be better understood in the following
way : Supposing a few rows, or any extent, of canes to have
been planted six or more years ago, the roots by this time will
be very large, with many ends of old canes projecting above
the soil. The young canes, especially if the plants have been
the least neglected, will not be so strong as they were for a
few years after they were planted. This indicates a decline in
the plant, and when this takes place it is always much better
to make a fresh plantation than spend time in trying to up-
hold the vigour of the old plants. But the old plants should
not be discarded until others have been provided to take their
place, and to do this the suckers must be taken oS at least one
year before the old plants are thrown away.

Plants in a degenerated state at present should have every
sucker taken from them at once ; but previous to doing this
dig and abundantly manure a piece of ground, and the suckers
must be planted in this in rows about 18 inches apart. Here
during the summer they will make strong canes, and what
is of more importance at this time, a mass of strong roots.
Early in autumn the strongest piec3 of ground in the garden
should be cleared of its occupants, a quantity of manure
spread on it, and then be trenched and mixed to the depth of
2i feet. Planting may then be proceeded with, the young canes
being taken from where they have been growing throughout
the summer, and planted 5 feet between the rows and 1 foot
between the plants. If planted in this form they have to be
trained to a trellis. This is made by placing strong upright
supports 8 or 10 feet apart, and nailing two or three narrow
strips of wood to them, to which the canes must be tied.
This support should be 4 feet high. In the place of the narrow
strips wires may be fixed, and when this is done there must
be a strong support at each end of the row to keep the wires
tight. Another plan is to plant a root every 2 or 8 feet, and
train the canes from it to a straight stake, but this plan and
one or two others which I have tried I have not found so pro-
fitable as the first described. However, whichever way of train-
ing is adopted, the supports should always be fixed before the
young roots are planted, then plant the roots to them. After
planting tie tke canes to the supports, and nothing more will re-
quire to be done until the following autumn excepting frequently
Dutch-hoeing the surface about the roots and between the
rows. Let all the young canes grow which appear. Little or
no fruit will be had from them during the first summer they
are in their permanent quarters. At the end of the first season
after planting loosen-down the old canes and cut them away
level with the ground, then select three or four of the strongest
canes made during the season and tie them in the place ol
those cut out. The strong canes may be topped at 4 feet from
the ground, the weaker at 2 feet. Do not tie them closer than
:; inches apart against the trellis. When tied to stakes it is
diflicult to avoid crowding, and this should be avoided when
well-developed fruit is desired.

Pruning and training throughout their existence oouBists of

68

JOURNAL OF HOETIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENBB.

[ January 23, 1877.

an annaal repetition of this practice. After pruning a good
quantity of decayed manure should be spread over the roots
and turned in about 2 inches below the surface of the soil with
a fork. Do not turn up any of the rootj in doing this ; some
only spread the manure over the surface, and do not cover it
with soil , but this is the least profitable way, although it is rightly
supposed that part of the nutriment from the manure is washed
down to the roots. Plenty of good feeding at the roots is ex-
cellent at all times for the Raspberry, and this must not be
neglected or failure will be the result. When in a healthy free-
growing state insects or disease of any kind is never trouble-
some.

The following varieties are worth growing : — Carter's Prolific,
very large red ; Red Antwerp ; Fastolf, dark red, great bearer ;
Fillbasket, prolific and excellent; and Yellow Globe, pale yellow
with fine flavour. — Pkactitioner.

CATALOGUES.

Although an amateur my address appears to be known to
most nurserymen, seedsmen, and florists, for a pile of cata-
logues are already to hand. I shall select from time to time
something from most of them, and they will be also kept for
reference — at least such of them as can be conveniently referred
to — and this brings me to what I have to say.

An eminent horticulturist remarked to me the other day
that a catalogue should possess two essentials — accuracy and
convenience of arrangement — should be, in fact, like a dic-
tionary, where the representatives of any known genus, at
least those of current value, should be alphabetically arranged,
enabling them to be turned to at once. I am quite sure that
that is a right view to take of catalogues, and it becomes the
more necessary to adhere to it since these compilations have
become so voluminous. I willingly admit that many catalogues
are admirably "turned out," and far surpass in excellence of
execution the trade lists of any other country that I am
acquainted with, but the English do not surpass the foreign
catalogues in accuracy.

A catalogue of plants and seeds, but especially of the former,
should be copious yet concise, and if the contents are not
alphabetically arranged a full index becomes a necessity. Yet
there are some catalogues which are bulky in their nature and
arranged in sections, but are without even a sectional index.
For myself I never refer to such lists. I cannot spend half an
hour in searching for that which ought to be found in a few
minutes. A catalogue should be a guide and not a puzzle.

I recently had occasion to consult some lists of popular
plants, such as florists' flowers and bedding plants. I laid my
hand on a " guide " which I considered would contain precisely
what I wanted, so perhaps it did, for it was very comprehen-
sive but so divided into sections, sub-sections, and minute
" classifications " that the work of wading through it became
positively irksome. I submitted this " guide " to an author
(above alluded to) of standard horticultural works, who after a
careful perusal of it returned it with the remark — "It is one
of the best and one of the worst catalogues that I have seen."
I quite feel that he was justified in that remark, for the lists of
plants are extremely ample but most perplexingly arranged.

I am glad to see that the names of the raisers are being
attached to meritorious flowers. That is an act of justice to
the men, and renders a list additionally instructive and less
liable to be thrown aside as ephemeral. The good old plan of
placing the raisers' names in parenthesis in an alphabetical
list of the names of flowers has not yet been improved upon,
and catalogues thus arranged are the most generally acceptable.

The descriptions attached to many plants and flowers are
frequently unnecessarily prolix. I do not mean the scientific
descriptions, but the details of the merits and qualities of the
plants described. There is too much repetition, too many
sentences of praise, as if each was a prop for the other,
strengthening it. It is not so. Many props are suggestive of
weakness, and mixing is generally diluting. A clear, torse,
firmly written sentence in one line is worth a dozen lines of
laboured eulogium.

It is common to hear the opinion expressed that catalogues
are growing unwieldly in size. I think there is force in that
remark, and from this fact — I have two or three excellent
examples of modern catalogues ; so attractive are they that I
could wish that many of my amateur friends could see them,
friends who have gardens but who know nothing of the exist-
ence of these elaborate garden annuals. It is only my nearest
aeighbonrs to whom I can conveniently show these " volumes,"

but were they of a size to fit my breast pocket or even my
" black bag " without being crushed and injured, I am confi-
dent they would be " handed about " much more extensively
than they now are.

A word cannot be withheld on the piciorial aspect of cata-
logues. The illustrations are more chaste than before, and
more truthful. There is lees of the " Little-Red-Riding-
hood" character about them than formerly, when they were
suggestive that horticultural readers were as children, requiring
"plenty of colour" to catch the eye and amuse. A first-rate
plain engraving leaves a much better and more lasting im-
pression than does a fifth-rate coloured picture, and not one
in a hundred of these are of more than that calibre. In this
respect the preparers of catalogues have shown excellent taste
in giving a few good coloured impressions rather than a
plethora of cheap "Red Ridinghoods." As I can hand my
catalogues to but few friends I can only advise other amateurs
to purchase, for the catalogues are " marvels of cheapness" at
their advertised prices, and they are highly calculated to foster
a taste for flowers and increase the interest in gardening
which is so desirable and beneficial. — Amateub, F.E.H.S.

HTDBANGEA HORTENSIA OK HOKTENSIS.

The common garden Hydrangea is called H. hortensis, a
very common error. Knowing it to be named H. Hortensia
in honour of some French Madame Hortense, I wrote it " Queen
Hortense," without stopping to consult the authorities, as I
should have done had I supposed that the note would be
printed. I was wrong as to the particular Hortense, but right
as to the point I wished to make — that Hortensia is the proper
specific name of the plant, and that horteufcis is wrong.

The botanical name of the plant is Hydrangea Hortensia.
The reason for giving this name is tolJ by several authors, bn
the story is nowhere more concisely relatud than in Loudon's
"Arboretum et Fruticetum," vol. ii., page 996. After giving the
names for the plant in Chinese and Japanese, Loudon says : — " In
Europe it was named by the celebrated Commerson in honour of
Madame Hortense Lapante, wife of his most particular friend,
M. Lapante,awatchmaker. Commerson first named itLapantiff,
but in order that the compliment to Madame Lapante might
be the more direct, he changed the name to that of Hortensia,
from her Christian name, Hortense. The plant was afterwards
discovered to be a species of Hydrangea, a genus previously
established by Gronovius ; but the name Hortensia was re-
tained as its specific appellation, and it is still the common
name by which the plant is known in French gardens." —
{American Gardeners' Monthly.)

CLIVE HOUSE SEEDLING GRAPE.

The notice of this seedling by Mr. Bowie in your last issue
requires a few plain words.

First, as to the implied charge of claiming to have raised
the seedling myself. I have to say that I did not exhibit it
as my own raising. This condition was not required by the
Committee, nor was it demanded in the interest of horticul-
ture. It is sufficient that the variety be new, distinct, and of
superior merit.

Second, as to the actual history of the seedling. That given
by Mr. Bowie, that it was raised by Mr. Wm. Caseley twenty
years ago, is absolutely and demonstrably wrong. The Vine
from which my specimen is believed to have been taken was
raised by Mr. Bailey, late gardener to the Duke of Northumber-
land, at Stanwiok upwards of twenty years ago, and brought
by him to Alnwick along with several other seedlings. Two
of these are now preserved in the Castle Gardens, and have
all along been known and shown as Bailey's seedlings. I
received mine six years ago; it was given, and was labelled
as Lady Downe's. On being fruited the diffurenoe was obvious
to myself, to Mr. Ingram the present head gardener at the
Castle Gardens, and others, and it was supposed to be, and has
been freely spoken of, as one of Bailey's seedlings ever since.
No story of Mr. Caseley having raised it has been given out till
the past summer, when its superiority became manifest. The
story of Mr. Caseley having raised it was then and there flatly
contradicted in the presence of a noted Grape-grower. So far
as I know and can discover, no seedling Vine other than those
brought by Mr. Bailey has been raised or fruited at Alnwick
Castle Gardens since Mr. Bailey came, upwards of twenty
years ago.

Third, as to my right to the seedling. On discovering its

January "25, 1S77. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTUaE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Talae I saw Mr. Bailey, whom I had not seen Binoe he left
Alnwiuk, and obtained "his unqualified sanction to offer it and
do with it as I liked.

Fourth, as to its identity with the seedlings now at Alnwick
Castle Gardens. I do not vouch for such identity. There were
several brought by Mr. Bailey. Whether tho one from which
mine was taken has been preserved, or whether mine was
raised from one of those destroyed, I am not called on to affirm
or deny. This, however, I know, that an attempt was made
three or four years ago to obtain a certificate for one of these
very seedlings which signally failed, whereas on the 6th of
December last my Grape at once and unanimously obtained a,
first-class certificate.

Fifth, as to the -name. It was necessary to give one before
the certificate could be issued, and in the circumstances as
above narrated, I had na scruple in giving its present name,
" Clive House Seedling," as Mr. Bailey the only other party
to be consulted, had given me full liberty to do as I liked.

The Vine thus named and registered must stand on its own
merits. After all has been said it is a foundling the parentage
and connections of which none can vouch, but its high qualities
have secured it the unanimous approval of the Fruit Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society. — D. P. Bell.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOE
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GABDEN.

We have still been debarred from doing any work on the
kitchen-garden quarters owing to the wet. Peas that were sown
on a border faciLg sontli about ibe end of November are making
very fine growth. We shall always when sowing early dress
the seed with the carbolic mixture recently alludtd to, as it
most effectually protects the Peas from mice. The same mix-
ture is equally valuable for dressing seed Wheat, and prevents
it from being eaten by the rooks : a pint and a half of tbe mix-
ture is snfiicient to dress thoroughly four bushels of Wheat.
This ought to be good news for farmers who have to pay a boy
to drive away the rooks, which nevertheless generally contrive
to carry away a large qoantity of the precious erain.

The Peas sown to stand the winter were William I., Alpha,
And Dr. Hogg. Our experience is that the first-named is an
excellent hardy variety for standing tho winter ; it is also very
early, and altogether is perhaps the best garden Pea for the
earliest crop. The pods when ready for gathering are very
large and of a dark green colour. Alpha is not such a hardy
variety, bat it has stood bravely through the wet and the damp
muggy atmosphere. It is a wrinkltd Marrow, not perhaps of
the quality of Veitch's Perfection or Ne Plus Ultra, but it comes
neartst to them, and is only a week later than William I. The
pods are not so showy nor of such a dark glaucous green as
William I., and for that reason are not so well adapted for exhi-
bition, but it is qnite certain that the Alpha will always be
preferred when cooked. The true stock of Dr. Hogg is a grand
early and prolific Pes, but it is a question whether the true
stock has not in some way become mixed with a spurious variety.
The seeds of the right variety are wrinkled and slightly angular.
It is the best variety to succeed Alpha. We cleared some Broc-
coli from a dry border, forked over the ground, and made another
sowing of the same varieties.

For later sowings we might trust to varieties raised by Mr.
Laxton, as such sorts as Fillbasket produce enormously, but
our last year's experience with Dr. McLean will lead ua to sow
large quantities of that sort. If we are not mistaken it will
hold a high position in years to come. Veitch's Perfection also
most hold a place in every collection. In our dry soil with
ordinary treatment the Pea crop is apt to fail at the height of
the season; but when the ground is trenched and manured as
advised in previous numbers tho Peas usually bear heavily and
continaously, but the pods must be gathered as soon as they are
ready. Allowing the pods to become over-ripe is faSal to a
succession of them.

Celery has not suffered from froft this winter, and clean straw
placed over the ridijes as recommended in tbe autumn throws
the wot from the top of the plant ; it is, of course, carried down
between the ridges, but there it can do no harm. We looked
over the Potatoes inteoded for planting. They have been kept
in a dark place aLd have sprouted to a considerable extent.
These sprouts were rubbed off, and the sets were laid in shallow
boxes in single layers; a littlo earth was placed around them —
just enough to show one side of the Potato above the soil. The
best place for the boxes is then to place them in a cool green-
house, any light place where the growths will be strong and
healthy. Of course frost mnst not reach them.

We have left Jerusalem Artichokes in the ground, and dig
them out as wanted. A quantity of Horseradish was trenched
up and stored, and some more planted for use in future years.

VINEBIES.

.■\.ll who make any pretence to grow forced Grapes will by this
time have started their early Vines. The Vines in our two
earliest houses though pruued early cannot be said to be starting
well. Tho growths are breaking very regularly over the canes,
but they do not possess that vigour which so delights the Grape
cultiva'or; 6till they are likely to start freely when the con-
tinned heavy cloudy atmosphere gives place to days of occasional
suusbiue. Since tbe Vines were btarted, one house in November
and tlio other early in December, wo buve had prrjbably but one
day in which the sun had sufficient effect to raise the tempera-
ture to the maximum point. This, to some extent, will account
for the flow progress the growths have maile. There still seems
to be considerable difference of opinion as to the desirabiUty of
applying bottom heat to early vinery borders. It has been
stated, and it should be a warning to others, that placing fer-
menting material on the borders about two months before start-
ing the Vines is likely to cause cooipUte failure. It does not
seem reasonable treatment to do this, but many gardeners fancy
that it is wise to Etart tbe roots before the tops. Our own
practice, which has always been successful, is to water the
borders outside and inside with tepid water, and as the water
is applied the fermenting material is laid on to keep the heat in.
The same day that this is done the bouse is started with the
temperatures which were recorded at the time. As soon as the
buds have started an inch or so, the fermenting material, which
has lost most of its heat, is turned over, and some fresh added
to it. During the operation more water is applied. This la
repeated four or five times during the season. "The last water-
ing takes place when the Grapes begin colouring. We do not
always cover the inside borders, but a narrow ridge of fresh
stable manure is placed in the house, and the heat is kept up
by frequent additions from the stable. Until the Vines stait
into growth the canes are syringed with warmish water once or
twice a-day, afterwards syringing is difcontinued.

Vines in pots should be kept in rapid growth. The night-
temperature ought not to exceed or fall much below 65"; in
mild weath.^r it may rise to 70°. Bottom heat for the pots onght
not to fluctuate much from 85° ; the pots should not be plunged
to the rim, two-thirds of their depth is better. After the fruit
is set dressings of rich manure act beneficially; they entice the
roots to the surface, and they work into the dressing.

GBEENHOUSE AND CONSERVATOEY.

Those who grow specimen hardw^oded plants will now be
able to find time to tie the flowering wood into position. This
work requires that the operator shoul-', have a knowledge of the
plant upon which he is engaged. N'lt a flower show is held
during the summer months but numbers of plants may be seen
tied in a manner that they would not have grown into naturally.
Severe and formal training must also be deprecated as an out-
rage on good taste; all the flowers and growths are trained into
a position that does not admit of the slightest irregularity of
outline ; if a flowering growth shotild escape a few inches out of
its place it is trained back to preserve the regularity of surface.
The experienced exhibitors — those who have gained a high
position in plant culture— will not outrage good taste in this
matter of training, and judges who are well uj) in their work
will surely take into consideration the method of training as
well as the health and other points of culture in the plants.

In reference to the arrangement of plants in the conservatory
or greenhouse it is not the merits of this or that plant that ar&
taken into consideration, but the effect of the arrangement as a
whole; still to a cultivated mind well-grown healthy plants,
each one trained into a pleasing thape, first attract the eye, yet
tbe merit of tbe plant and not the traii.ing of it is of paramount
importance. Such plants will look well on any stage, and will
also form a perfect and harmonious whole. Tney ought not to
be placed closely together, nor will they require to be. Not un-
frequently plants are placed thickly together either to hide un-
healthy or badly trained specimens, and the mere fact of placing
them thickly together for this purpose tends to make matters
worse, as badly grown examples will become worse, and those
which are unhealthy will die outright. Any plant in good health
freely exposed to light and air will Lave a tendency to grow in
its natural position, and should be trained accordingly.

At this time great care should be taken in watering, but nearly
all plants require more water now tuan they did a month ago.
Heaths, Azaleas, and most of the New Holland plants are now-
making roots, and some of them are beginning to moke growth,
and at such a time to suffer for want of water would injure them
for the season ; the bmall hair-liko roots are killed, the energies
of the plants are crippled, diseases and insect pests are also en-
couraged by injudicious waterings.

Hyacinths, Tulips, forced shrubs, Eoses, and other plants are
now being brought in, and they must also bo kept in health.
The greenhouse or conservatory bhould be kept a little closer for
a day or two after a batch of newly-forced subjects are intro-
duced. As plants go out of flower they must be removed to
Fome house where they will matcre their wood for next season.
It is ruinous even to hardy plants to place them out of door

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 25. 1877.

after they have been forced ; the young growths, if they are not
killed, certainly sufier material injury by that violent exposure.

FLOWER GARDEN,

We are now about making preparations to propagate such
bedding plants as are best propagated in the spring, or of which
there is not sufficient stock. We prefer a heated pit to ordinary
box lights. The temperature of the pit is kept at about 55'^, and
a bed is made up of any fermenting material that can be ob-
tained, some cocoa-nut fibre refuse being placed over the surface
of the bed, in which to plunge the pots. It is difficult iu our
district to obtain healthy cuttings in the autumn, and they do
not improve much in health during the winter. The beat treat-
ment is to place the plants in heat about Christmas to promote
growth, and as soon as cuttings can be obtained they may be
taken off and propagated, and with a little care a fine healthy
stock can be obtained; red spider, thripa, and green fly must
not effect a lodgment upon them. Ageratums, Heliotropes, and
indeed all free-growing plants make the most healthy stock if
propagated in spring. All sorts of Pelargoniums ought to be
propagated in autumn.

In the florist department there is always plenty of work after
this time. Auriculas, if the weather is open, may be surface-
dressed after some of the old surface soil has been removed.
The plants must be freely ventilated when the weather is mild.
In fine open weather the lights should be removed. It is a sub-
ject of some anxiety as to how Auriculas will flower next season,
as they have not had the usual resting period. The soil has
scarcely ever been frozen in the pots. CarnatioES and Picotees
are in a similar plight ; the growth is suggestive of March more
than of January. We keep the pots clear of weeds, water with
caution, and air freely.

Tulips are fairly out of the ground, and growing apace. They
must be protected in some way from severe frost, and should
the weather be fine for a few days, stirring the surface of the
beds will be of much advantage of them. Pinks require similar
treatment. If the surface of the ground is just stirred it dries
rapidly.— J. Douglas.

TBADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, S.W. —
Catalogue of Garde7i and Flower SeedSj Horticultural hn-ple-
7ttents, KniveSy d-c.

B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Hollo-
way, London, N. — Catalogue of Flower^ Vegetable^ a7id Agri-
cultural Seeds, Garden lyyiplements, d-c.

Thomas Bnnyard & Sons, Maidstone. — Descriptive Catalogue
of Vegetable, Flower, and Agricultural Seeds.

Edmund Philip Dixon, 59, Queen Street, Hull. — Descriptive
Catalogues of Vegetable and Flower Seeds.

Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, London. — Illustrated Cata-
logue of Seeds and Garden Hequisites.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*,* All correspondence should be directed either to " The
Editors," or to "The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so aubjeots them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Books (P. J. 0. H.).— Loudon's " Hortua Britannicus."

Epiphtllums and Pereskia {A. B. G.).— They are closely allied to the
CactnseH. The f^enera were formerly combined. Any floriBt who adyertiseB
ia our Journal coald supply you.

Abnott'b Stoves.—" West Riding " wisheB to know where these, suitable
for a plant house, can be purchased.

Amateur's Wheelbarrow {R. K.). — Write to the Bev. J. "W. Hathwaite,
Backwell, Bristol.

Strawberry and Hop Planting {N. J. M.).— Strawberries may be
planted whenever the soil is in a suitable condition. If planted from the
present time onward to the spring, little if any good fruit would be had this
year unless the plants were very strong and a year old. Hops will answer
perfectly well in the ordinary soil of a good garden. They may be raised
from seed sown in Maich, but the usual mtthod is to plant " sets," consisting
of that upper portion of the roots which all good cultivators cut off at this
season of the year. The culture of this plant is bo simple that it will suffice
for all ornamental purposes to plant it in good soil, training the growth upon
poles or such other supports as fancy may suggest, keeping the foliage quite
clean, and removing the growth after it decays by cutting it off close to the
ground.

Melons Diseased {Eijrc Court).— The specks upon the fruit when ap-
proaching ripening are a consequence of too much moisture both at the
roots and in the atmosphere, the latter bein^ not only must but close.
Keep dry when ripening, and avoid too rich soil ; nothing answers so well for
Melons as strong loam, the top 3 or 4 inches of a pasture, laid up until (he
turf is dead, though we have frequently used it fiesh. Chop up rather line
and tread firmly in the bod, firm soil inducing short-jointed fruitful growth.

PROPAGATiNa Begonias [E. W. B.).— All the Begonias may be propagated
by cuttings, which is best done in early April — cuttings of 2 or 3 inches
length inserted in saudy soil and placed iu a hotbed, keeping close, moist,
and shaded until rooted. If bulbous kinda, cuttings may be taken of the
yotmg shoots whea they can be obtained and struck in gentle beat. They

will grow-on and form bulbs. Plants are also readily raised from seed, which
may be sown in Mar.-h in a hotbed. The large-leaved variegated section may
he raised from leaves, pegging them upon the surface of a pot and keeping
moist ; young plauts will arise from the midribs of the leaves, which should
be detached and potted-off singly.

Mushroom Growt:ng (St. Edmund).— The "small place" would give you
very little room for a bed, as you would not be able to have a walk alongside
the bed without taking up too much of the space. Either the coach-house
or stable would annwer well, and preferably the former, as it is the freest
from diaught. No drainage is necessary ; the bed may be made upon the
hard floor.

Productive Cccumber (/(ftmi.— Growing upon tan in frames and wishing
to have a frefh one every day, there is none better than one of the Sion
House type. Munro's Duke of Edinburgh is the best we have grown. Tele-
graph is a very good variety, better for huuses than frames. The former will,
we feel certain, satisfy you as to quality and quantity.

Pruning Newxt-planted Fruit Trees {M.). — The trees doabtless made
a large quantity of fibrous roots last year, and will be in a condition both to
mature fruit and make plenty of growth. "We would not prune severely this
year ; cut hack the poiiits only of the young wood.

Ferns and other Plants Diseased ( G. McA.).—Thej have been attacked
by thrips and red spider. You must fumigate with tobacco smoke to destroy
the first, and syringe the leaves freely for the spider. As the leaves are much
affected it will be necessary to fumigate three or four times at intervals of
three days.

Jointing Hot-water Pipes (D. H. IF.).— Tour plan of using iron filings
and old rope is the best. If too much iron filings are used in proportion to
the rope the joints are apt to crack. We have seen good joints made with
gntta percha rings made to fit tightly into the socket. Bed lead has also
been used with i

Orange Grafting (A Constant Reader). — The operation should he per'
formed within 6 inches of the ground. In such a way trees will be produced
having clean stems from i to 8 feet in height. The plants should he kept in
a close frame or pit until the union has fairly taken place ; and if the stock is
slightly stimulated at the same time, by being plunged in a moderate bottom
heat, the union will be more speedily accomphshed. Any of the ordinary
methods of grafting may be emplojed, the great object to be kept in view
being to have the scion and stock of nearly the same size. No clay is used,
but a little fine moss is placed over the point of union, and many only secure
the scion to the stock with two or three rounds of soft woollen yam.

Melons for Early Crop (Q. D., BeaumaiirU). — Yon wish for four
varieties. Bead's Scarlet-fiesh, Cox's Golden Gem, Eastnor Castle, and
Meredith's Hybrid Cashmere are good and free setters.

TROpiEOLUMS (A. F. B.).— We think your Trop.reolum is T. tuberosum, and
not T. speciosum. If you will send ua a spray with flowers in the summer we
will gladly give you the information you require.

Ferns Unhealthy (Stoke-on-Trent).— Vve do not think the large frond
yon have sent has been eaten by a caterpillar, bat we rather attribute its
decay to a cioee damp atmospheie, and the dripping of condensed moisture
from the roof of the house. The frond has further been infested with thrips.
Sponge the plant with strung soapy water, and provide a more genial tem-
perature— a Jess stagnant aimoephere. Adiantnm farleyense frequently
loses some of its interior fronds, their decay being accelerated by a low
temperature. Kemove all the decaying parts, top-dress the plant with fresh
compost, water carefully, and raise the temperature of the house if below
60*^ at night.

Insects on Vines [A. B.).— They are the thrips, and may be destroyed
by fumigating with tobacco two nights following, and each morning, after
the night's fumigating, syringing with water at 120- with S ozs. of soft soap
and a pint of tobacco water in each gallon. Bepeat the application at the
end of three weeks.
Names of Plants (G. P.). — We cannot name from leaves only.

POULTKY, BEE, AlTD PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

LES BASSES-COURS D'ANGLETERRE.

Chapter XII.— BIBURY, FAIEFOKD.

It certainly was bitterly cold that drive from Cirenceeter to
Bibury, along rongh country roads and over bills with no pro-
tection, in one of the coldest winds we ever felt. We missed
onr south country hedges, for those built-up walls of loose
stones looked so cold and cheerless, but when we came to
Bibury it seemed a fair oiisis in the midst of a wilderness.
Directly we passed the home of Mr. Button's " coUaborateur"
with the monthly roses still blooming fresh and bright upon its
walls the scone changed, and it seemed as if a *' morceau" of a
continental village had been bodily dug-up and planted in the
middle of those dreary expanses of arable lands. The hill for a
background was there with picturesque cottages nestling in neat
gardens at its feet ; the villrtge mill, the flowing river with its
colony of domesticated waterfowl, the village church, the village
emporium, the bright village inn ; all were there.

AVell, we passed them all, and we came to the vicarage. This
was in November. It is now January I We have in pet un-
scratched borders snowdrops, anemones, and aconites bloom-
ing to-day. We hope Mr. Dutton has, but we tremble for the
chance in those borders opposite the porch, for in them were
Black Bed Game hens and Black Red Game pullets dusting,
bathiug, scratching regardless of bulbs, and perfectly indifferent
to the nets stretched over them. We clapped our hands while
the servant was answering the bell, and iu a moment the fowls
were up and scudded away amidst the thick shrubs, leaving
behind only the faint recollection of some twenty or thirty birds
well colooied, well sbapeu, and in hard feather.

I

Jaanary 23, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HOBTICOLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

71

Like many other Game-breeders Mr. Datton keeps his cocks
anJ cockerels at distant furm rnns. We believe no less than
sixteen homesteads in the neighbourhood afford country run and
protection to small colonies of Black Keds, many of which, of
course, are far away across those windy hills and engine-ploughed
fields, and these we could not visit, but we made a good tour of
the home premises and of many of the neighbouring farm runs.
We do not profess to be Game judges, but in the company, as
we were, of the owner of the birds and of the Stowmarket
hero, who also was there and went round with us, we tried to
improve our poultry education. We have repeatedlj- noticed
that Game breeders have no fancy or regard for other varieties,
while Cochin, Dorking, or other breeders have greater know-
ledge of various breeds. We mean this as no personal insnit to
our many Game friends, but say it en passant rather as an ex-
cuse for ourselves. Well, to return : in the vicarage yard we
saw large roomy wooden pens placed on tressles, and here were
Black Ked and Duckwing cocks and cockerels penned for in-
spection and to get themselves accustomed to such confinement
for the Palace and Birmingham tournaments. Good birds they
were — some of the pick of the yards, looking invincible in their
hard plumage and brilliant condition. We saw a very good cock,
son of the Wolverhampton (1875) tirst bird, which lost his eye
before he was shown, and he has since lost the other, and has
consequently, we hear, been killed, but not, however, before
he had bred some very stylish daughters, one or two more par-
ticularly so, by Mr. iCatthew's old cnp hen. Then we saw in a
ran near the church a singularly clear Silver Duckwing cock;
but this variety we hear Mr. Dutton intends to abandon, and so
give more space for the Black Reds. Then next we saw at a
barn the cockerel which most Game fanciers know, and which
so many thought should have been first at Oxford. He was
running with the hen which took the cup at the Alexandra
Palace, and with her sister, who was much of the same stamp;
and there were there, too, other promising cockerels, some not
then in full feather. Then we saw a tribe of cockerels on a
grass ran above the kitchen garden, which have one of those
charming old dovecotes to live in — one of those old manorial
and substantial buildings belonging to bygone days. The lower
nests had been removed and a ceiling put below the unglazed
lantern for the sake of warmth, and there on swinging roosts
these cockerels slept.

Xear here were some Indian Game — the genuine article, not
the half-bred birds we see at so many of the West of Enj^land
shows. From a trio of birds which came to Mr. Dutton from
Kampoor only one bird (a hen) survived the journey, and she
was put with a pare Montresor cock ; but it was late in the
season and only a few chicks hatched, which were late, but
their owner hopes gradually to spread the gemrine breed. We
would advise him to try and obtain for them a class at Oxford,
and make arrangements with the Secretary to procure some
gentleman to judge who does know an Indian Game fowl when
he sees one. After we had inspected these we set out for a
" good constitutional," and paid many birds afternoon calls in
their farmyard runs. Some would not respond, for they had
already gone early to bed on that chilly November afternoon;
but we had come to see them, and so we hunted them from
their rafters in the cowsheds and barns until it was so dark that
we could scarcely see if even the birds were dubbed or not.

One fact we must mention, because we place much store by
it; it is that all the birds which are used at Bibury in the breed-
ing pens have names, as their owner is engaged upon a " stud
book " for them. To give an example, the cockerel which did
not win the cup at O.'iforil, but which, as we before stated, many
spotted for the event, is chiistened "Failure" in honour of
that want of success. We think it hard lines, however, aa we
prophesy that his offspring may have to be named " Victory,"
"Cup-bearer," "Medallion," and so on.

Floriculture exists, too, at Bibury, roses, chrysanthemums,
and such like being favourites, and we spied our own friend
Lamarque rose scaling the house walls. But for them this is not
the portion in our pages, and so m the November gloaming we
drove back again to Cirencester to have the pleasure of renewing
our acquaintance with many of those newly made feathered
friendi a few days afterwards in the Sydenham Palace, and glad
we were not a little to find on that occasion that in that brilliant
collection of old England's oldest breed of fowls one of the
silver trophies had most deservedly been bestowed on a speci-
men from Bibary, Fairford.— W.

ABERDEEN SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.
'•This, the eleventh Exhibition of the Northern Poultry and
Pigeon Club, was held in the Music Hall on the 11th, 12th, and
13th inst., when the following prizes were awarded : —

POULTRY.-GiSlE —Black Bed— Cock.— \, W. Dem. 2, A. Brown. 8. —
Ramsey. Hen.— 1, Booth Jj Tosh. 2, J. Mackintosh. 3, J. Bailhe. Brown Red.
-Cock.-l and Onp, Guild & Peter. 2, J. Henderson. 8 ,Mies M. Macaillivray.
Hen.-l. A. Stephen. 2, .1. Barrie. 8, T. W. Mitchell. Any other variety.— Cock.
{■^■JtaiUie. 2. T.W. Mitchell. S, A. Stephen, i/en.-l, A. Mitchell. 2,T.W,
Mitchell. 8, Booth i Tosh. DoHKinna.— Coloured, except Silver-drey.— Cock.
-tap, 1, and 2, H. Qordon. 3, A. AUan. Ben.—l, W. BimiB. 2, Mrs. Orant

S.W.Matthew. Cort'erc!.~l, W. Snowie. 2. A. Allan. 3, Mrs. Grant. Pullet.
—I, 2. and 3, Mrs. Grant. Silver-Grty or White.— Cock,— \, Mrs. G. Armitstead.
2, J. Masson. S, G. Black Ben.—l, J. Annan. 2, J. Mitchell. 3, \V. Meff.
Coctcrel.— 1, Mrs. J. Hcndrie. 2. G. Black. S.W.Matthew. Pu!it'(.— Cup. 1,
and 3. Mrs. G. Armitstead. 2, W. Meff. Cochins.— Cock.— Cnp and J, A. Darby.
2, Mrs. G. Armitstead. 3. Mrs. J. Hendrie. Hen.— 1. Mrs. W. Steven. 2, Mrs.
Davidson. 3, Mra. G. Armitstead. Coekerel.—\ and 3, Mrs. Davidson. 2. W.
Smith. Pullet —1, Mrs. G. Armitstead. 2. A. Darbv. 3, W. Smith. Brahmas
—Cock.— I, Miss E. Bnaseli. 2, J Leslie. 3. Kev. G. Wilson. Hen.— 1, J.
Sandeman. 2, H. Wilkinson. 3. J. Chalmers. Coekerel.—l and Cup, J.
Thomson. 2, Rev. G. WUson. 3, W. G. Duncan. Pull!t.—\, H. Wilkinson.
2 and 3. J. Sandeman. Spanish.— Cocfc.—l and Cup, Mrs. Murray. 2. J. Og«.
8, A. Paterson. i?en.— 1 and S. J. Ogg. 2, J. Philip. Hoddan.— Cocfc.— 1, G.
Glennie 2. A. Stephen. 3, W. J. W. Cameron. Hen.— 1. Cnp, and 2, A.
Robertson. 8, Mrs. heid. Hambopghs.— Siiuer-spano^ed.— Cocfc.— 1, R. Hartley.
2, H. Stanworth. S. .1. M. Campbell. Hen.-l, G. Campbell. 2, T. GUroy. 3,G.
Eeattie. Go!d-«j)a«pie(J.-Coc/t.— 1, W. Mather. 2, J.Jackson. 8, H. M'Donald.
Hf?i.—1, J. Jackson. 8, H. M'Donald. 8. T. Gilroy. Silver-pencilled.-Cock.-
1, R, Hartley. 2, Wood & Soutar. s, J.Cochran. Hen.— 1 and Cup, K. Hartley.
2 and 3, A. C. Hilston. Ooldrpencilled.—Coek.—l, J. Cochran. 2, D. Galhraith.
8, W. Mearns. Hen.- 1, P. Campbell. 2. W. Webster. 8, A. C. Hilston. PolANDS.
- ir/ii(e-cres(e(i Black.- Cock.-l and 3, Mrs. J. Henderson. 2, A. Darby.
Eert.—l, Cup, and 2, Mrs. J. Henderson. 8, A. Darby. Leghorns.- Cocfc. —
1 and 3, Mrs. J.Henderson. 2,A. Coutts. Hen.— 1, Mrs. J. Henderson. 2 and 3,
Mrs. J.E. Spence. Any other Variety.— 1, J. B. Brown. 2, J. Grierson. 3,
R. Hartley. Selling Class- Cocfc- 1, W. Matthew. 2, A. Stephen. 3, W.
Snowie. Hen.— 1, J. Eae. 2, D. Fraser. 3, T. Gilroy. DnoKS.— .ifl/iesimrj/.—
1 and Cup, W. Wallace. 2. W. Birnie. 3, E. Snell. Any other variety.— 1, E.
Robertson. 2, A Valentine. 3, W. Birnie. Tchkeys.-I, H. Gordon. 2, W.
Forbes. Geese.- 1, H. Gordon. 2 and 8, T. A. P. Hay. Game Bantams.—
Black or Broum Bed —Cock.-l and Cup, J. T. Shield. 2. J. Grieve. 3, C. Cook.
Hen.— 1, W. Home. 2, J. Grieve. 8, J. D.Donald. Any other variety.— Cock,
—1, R. Brownlie. 2. J. Dargie. jun. 5, Miss M. MacgiUivray. Hen.— 1. E.
Brownlie. 2, Miss M. MacgiUivray. 8. J. D. Donald. Bantams.— .4ni/ other
variety.— I and 8, Duncan & Kennedy. 2, R. Hartley.

PIGEONS.— Pouters.— Bii(e.-Coc*».—l, J. Walker. Black.— Cocks,— I and
Cup, J. C. Lyell. Bed.-Cocka.-l and 3, G. Ure. 2. J. C. Lyell. Yellow.-
Cocks,-i, J. C. Lyell. White.—Cocka.—l, J. Grant. Any other colour or mark-
ino.-CocA-s.— 1, J. C. Lyell. 2. D. Stoddart. 3, J. Day. Blue.— Young Cocks.—

1. J. Grant. Black.— Young Cocks— 1, Cup, 2, and 3, G. Ure. Bed— Young
Cocke.— 1 and 2, J. C. Lyell 8, G. Ure. White.— Young Cocks.— 1 and 8, Mrs.
Ladd. 2, J. Day. B!ne.— Hens.-], Cup. 2, and 3. G. Ure. Black,— Eens.—i,3,
Walker. vhcG.Vre. Bed.— Hens.— 1 and 2, G. Ure. 3, J. C. Lyell. YeHoiii.—
Heni.-l, G. Ure. vhc, J. C. Lyell. White.-Eens.—l, Mrs. Ladd. 2, G. Ure.
8. J. Walker. Any other colour or marking.— Hens.— 1, D. Stoddart. Blue,—
Young Bens.— I, d. Ure. 2 and 3. W. Hendry. Black,— Young Hen*.— 1, Cup,
and ii/ic, G. Ure. 2. J. Grant. Bed.— Founs Hens— 1. 2, and 3, G. Ure. Yellow.
—Young Bens.-i, G. Ure. vhc, G, Alexander. White,— Young Hens.— 1, A,
Heath. 2 and 8, Mrs. Ladd. Carriers -Cock or Hen.— 1, J. Lament, jun.

2, H. Yardley. 3, J. Lament, jun. Dragoons.- Cock or He7i.—1, T.L.Johnston.
2. J. Gray. 3. J. Cowe. Barbs.- Cock or Ben.—l, H. Yardley. 2 and 3, R. W.
Bryce. i"onnj Cock or Hen.— 1 and 2, T. Charnley. 3 and u/ic. R. W. Bryce.
Tdmblers.- S'lort-zaeed.— Cock or Ben.—l, H. Yardley. vhc, K. W. Bryce.
Fantails.— Cock or Ben.—l, J. E. Spence. 2, G. Ure. 3, A. Smith. Jacobins.
—Cock or Ben.—l, R. W. Bryce. Trumpeters —Cock or Ben.—l and 2, G.
Ure. 3, W. White. Owls.— Cock or Hen.— 1 and 3. E. W. Bryce. 2, T. L.
Johnston. NoNS.-Cock or Hen,— I aod 2, A. Duthie. 3, J. Lament, jun.
AROHANOELS.-Cock or Hen.— 1, J. M. Rodgers. 2. H. Yardley. 3, D. Knowles.
Antwerps.— Cock or Hen.— 1. H. Yardley. 2 and 3, J. Cowe. Tumblers.— ,
Coni7«on.— Cock or Hen.— 1,W.& A. Crawlord. 2. J. Cowe. 8, J. Shield. Any
OTHER Variety.— Cock or Hen.— 1. 2, and 3, R. W. Bryce. Selling Class.—
CockorHenorPair.— I.D.Gray. 2. J. Lament, jun. S.J.Grant.

J VBOES,— Poultry : Mr. J. Martin, Wolverhampton. Pigeons :
Mr. A. Frame, Larkhall.

• DORSET COUNTY SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

This Exhibition, which was held at Dorchester last week,
must be considered a great success. The entries were large,
the birds of high merit, and the arrangements admirable. The
meeting was held in the Town Hall and Corn Exchange, and
under Mr. Billett's management the pens were well arranged.

There were thirty-one pens of Dorkings, of which thirteen were
White. The Coloured cup birds were certainly wonderfully
fine, being good in feet and true Dorkings in shape. The cup
Whites were large and well shown ; the second pen, too, of this
colour was superior. In Dark Brahmas a fair pen won the cup ;
the second we liked also. The cup Lights were a pretty pair^
in good condition, and altogether a useful pair of birds. We
liked the third-prize pen, as too we did pen 52 (very highly com-
mended) of Mr. Percival's. The Cocltinsv/ere three good classes ;
of them the Buffs were the strongest in quantity, and the Whites
perhaps in quality. A well-coloured pair of Buffs, which looked
fresh and bright, won first. In Partridge the first hen was
well pencilled and good in shape. In Whites the cup pen was
good, and deserved the cup if the cock is straight in tail; but
we believe many were doubtful of the fact. The second were
also a good pair, and so were the third. This pen took the cup
value L'.5 .Ss., presented by Lord Alington for the best pen belong-
ing to a resident in the county. Spanish were a strong class of
eighteen pens. The cup pair were good in face and well shown.
Among the Game the Black Reds were well represented, there
being thirty pens of good quality. The cup pen was smart and
stylish, and of good colour. Brown Reds were not so numerous ;
but the first went to a good pair, having fine carriage and neat
heads. In Eamhiirghs Gold and Silver-pencilled competed
together. The cup went to Gold, the cock in exquisite bloom,
and the pullet well pencilled. The cup Gold-spangles, too,
were in fiue bloom, and the hen particularly good in markings.
Black Hamburphs were a grand lot, and the first-prize pen was
very glossy and with beautiful combs ; the second, too, were
very good in colour. Of Polatids there were eighteen pens, and
hardly a bad pen among them, Golds, Silvers, Blacks, all being
well represented. Silvers won first and third, and Blacks
second, the latter containing a hen with a very large and
globular crest. The French were capital classes. The first

72

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Janaary 25, 1877.

Houdau hen waa prettily marked and large. The cup went to
Creves, and a good pen they were, extremely deep in colour
and massive in frame ; a good pen of Li Fleobe taking second
honours, and Creves again third. Leghorns had a class in which
both oilours competed, and Whites were first and third. In
Minorcas good Blacks were first and Whites second, but they
carried too much of comb for our taste, as did all the prize
pens ; third, again, was taken by Blacks. The Variety class
■was excellent; we noticed some splendid Sultans and good
Silkies. The Bantams alone made a show of themselves. The
cup Black Reds were good in colour and very stylish ; and in
Brown Reds a very neat pen secured the cup. The cock very
pretty iu head. lu Laced the first was won by a pair of Silvers,
even in markings and fairly small. In the variety Baatam
class Blacks were first, and good Booted second. Thirteen pens
in this oluBS were noticed by the Judge.

The Waterfowl were good. The first Aylesbaryg were big
and clear in bills, while iu Rouens the cup pen was of fine colour
and very large. In East Indians the cup remained in the county.
We were glad to see a new name in the prize list, though that
of an old fancier of the breed ; winning seems all the season
to have been monopolised by two or three yards. The second
were very lustrous and neat in shape; third (Mr. Sainsbury's)
were in beautiful bloom, and we are glad to see that he has
changed his mind in not retiring. The Variety Duck class was
beautiful, quite a sight of itself, and fifteen pens of the seventeen
entered had cards. The cup pen was Carolinas in exquisite
bloom.

Among the Pigeons the Pouters were of high merit, Mrs.
Ladd's grand White scoring another cup in hens ; the second
was Mr. Holme's celebrated I31ue. Turbits were excellent; Mr.
Burnell and Mr. Cresswell having a close contest for premier
honours in the Any other colour class. Fantails were splendid,
Mr. Serjeantson's Whites being marvellous iu tails and carriage.
Nuns had seven pens, and the Judge awarded the prizes, all
three of them, so we may believe that for once they had not
been so over-dressed as not to pass muster. We were pleased
to see so many Archang-ls and so much quality among them.
The winners seem to have been well selected, and an extra
second was given. The Dragoons were very strongly repre-
sented, and Messrs. Bishop and Osmond sending larga teams,
and not having Mr. Woods to oppose them, made havoc among
the prizes, though Mr. T. C. Burnell came in here aud there
with some good birds. Mr. Bishop won the Dragoon point cup
with, we believe, sixty points. In the Variety class Austrian
Pouters won first and Frillbacks second. In the collections Mr.
Baker came in a good first and took the cup, as too he did the
third prize as well.

We hear the prize money has already been paid, and that the
birds were very speedily dispatchird at the close of the Show.
POULTRY.— Dorkings.— Coiourc£?.—l and Cap, F, Parlett. 2, MiBS Pasley.
8. F. Caws. r/ic. Rev. H. F. Hamilton. TT/ttfT.-l and Cup. O. E. Cresswell. 2,
R, A Boissier. 8, Mrs. Hayne. Bbahmis— Darfc.— 1 and Cnp, P. Le Sener. 2,
E. Pritchard. 3, Rev. G. W. .Joyce, vhc, W. V. Edwards, Newnbam & Manby.
iicr^li— 1 andCup, J. Bloodwirlh. 2 P. Haines. 8. Ms. J. T. Holmes. l!/ic,B.
P. Percival. Coombs.— Cinnamon and Buff —\, Rev. &. H. Hudson. 2, H.
Tomlinson. 3, R P. Percivat. vhc, H. C. Nioholls Partridge.— \, R. P. Perci-
val. 2. H. Tomlinson. 3, G. Lias, vhe, T. W. Anns. Anit other variety,— I
and Cup, B. P. Percival. 2, A. Darby. 3 and Cnp, R. H. Dugmore. vhc, i. K.
Fowler. Spanish.— 1 and Cup. J. Boulton. 2, P. Le Sueur. 3. J. Woods. vJlP.
J.Yates. Game— Biacfe iieds.-land Cnp, J. Volsin 2, W. H. Stagff. 3, F.
Warde. Brown teds.— 1 aod Cup,. I Voisin. 2, J. T. Dnnston. 8, J. T. Browne.
Ami other variety. -1 and Cup. F. W*rde. 2, J. Voislu. 3, J. A. De La Mare.
HAMBuaGHS.— Go(rf or 8ilver-penHUed.—l and Cup, O. E. Cresswell. 2, H.
Beldon. 3, .T. Smith Oolden-spangted.—l and Cnp, J. Rawnaley. 2, T. Dean.
3, T. May. Silver-spangled.~l, W. Anderton. 2, s. R. Harris. 3, H. Beldon.
Black.— 1, Rev. W. Ser]eant«on. 2. N. Marlor. 8, 0 F. Copeman Pounds.—
1 and Cup, H. Beldon. 2, T. Norwood. 3, Q. C. Adkins. vhc, Q. 0. Adkins. E.
Burrell, A. Darby. J. Bloodwortb. Malays.- 1 and 2. S B. Berry. 8. T. Joint.
HocDANS.— 1, S. W. Thomas. 2. Mrs Vallance. 8, J. W. Moylo. French —
jlny o(ftcrt)ari«(i/ —1 and Cup. E. Burrell 2, — De Faye. 8, Rev. J. H. Ward.
Leohorns.—I and 8, B. C. Seaman. 2, T. Reeves. MiMoaOAS. — 1, J. Harwood.
2, H. Elston. 3, G. Mumford. sftc. E. Thorn. Any othsr Vabietv.- 1, T. A.
Bond. 2, J. T. Holmes. 3. Mrs. F. C. DaviM. Bantams.- Biattfc Reds.-l and
Cnp, J. R. Robinson. 2, T. W. Anns 3, W. »hite. Wic. R.Y. Ardagh. Brown
Ee(h.—\ and Cup, F. C. Davis. 2 and 8, S. Beighton. Gold or Siiver-laced.—l,
H.Stephens. 2 and 8. M Leno. Jii)/ o('ieri)aric(!/.—l. T. F. Phelps. 2, Mrs. J.
T. Holmes. 8. S. Clapham. d'jc.L. O. M'lrrrll, F C.Davis. Game Bantams.—
Any other variety.— I, ^ tteiRhton. 2, J. R. Robinson. 3. J. Andrews. Srlling
Classes.- />orfet»3S, Brahmas, or Cochin8,—Oocltor Cockerel.-l, Mrs. Malcolm.
2, Capt. Robin. 3, E. Scammeil. Sensor Pullets —1,P te Sueur. 2, R. Chees-
man. 8,T. Moore. Any other than Dorkings, Brahmas. or Cochins.— Cock or
Cockerel— \, W. Perren. 2, J. Kassett 8. T. Hardv. Hem or PlMeU.—l, J.
Banselt. 2, W. A Da Wmtnn. 8. Miss S H.Northoote. DrnKa-Aylesbury.-
1 and Cup, J. K. Fowler. 2. J. Hedges. 3. S. R. Harris. 7?i)tie?i.— 1 and Cap, F.
Parlett. a, Mrs. Radolyffe. 8. M SandJord. Black East Indian.— 1 nuA Cat,
Mrs. Hayne. 2, S. Euro. 8. G S. Sainsbury. Any oVur variety.— \ and Cup,
W. E. George. 2. Lady Marriott. 3, J. Kiddle, vhc. W R Rootes, Lady
Marriott (2). Selling Clais— 1.3. HeAs'B. 2. J. H. Hoit. 3. J. O. Saunders.

PIGEONS.— Cakeiers.—Coc*!.-!, Cop and 2, J. Baker. 2 and d!ic, J. Har-
wood. fleiis.—l. A. Simpson. 2 and 8, .1. Baker v'ic. J. Harwood Pouters.
— CocSj.— 1, T. Herrieff 2 and 3, H. Pratt. Hens.— 1 and Cup. Mrs. Ladd. 2,
Mrs J. T. Holmes. 3. H. Pratt. Thmblhss.— Storf./dccd.- 1, Cnp, and 2, H.
Yardley. 8. J. Baker. Any other than Short-faced. -I, E. J. Cole. 3, H. O.
Crane. 8. W. B. Mapplebeck, jun. Barbs.- 1, P. H. Jones. 2, J. Baker, 8. H.
Yardley. TnSBlTs.—BIae or Silver.— I, J. Baker. 2, H. Draycott. 3. S Salter.
Ann other colnur.—l, T. C. Burnell. 2, O. E. Cresawoll. 3, W. R. Rootes.
Jacobins.- /t«d or Yellow. ■ 1 and Gup, J Baker. », S. Salter. 3, C. Parsons,
uftc, J. Baker, ■(. Andrews, S. •Salter. Any other colou?-.— 1 and 2, J.Baker. 8,
J.Andrews. Fantails.- 1 and 2. Rev. W. Serjeantson. 8. J- F. Loversidge.
Nuns.— 1 and 2, J. F. Harvey. 8, J Lamicroft. O-WLS.-Enghsh.-l.E.heB. 2,
S. Salter. 3, P. n. Jones. Foreifjn.—\. Cup, and 2, J; Sparrow. 3, J. Baker.
Archangels.- 1, Cnp, and 8. H. W. Webb 2. R. Wilkinson. Extra 2, G. Pack,
ham. Swallows.— 1. o. J. MouMa- 2 and Rook. C. Pjrsons. 3, R. Old. Runts.
—1, A. Miles. S,T. D. Groon. 3, J. S.Price. Magpies.— 1 and Cup, S. Salter.

Short-faced.-l, — haTmai-otl. 2. H Yardley. S.S.Salter. Drag 'ONs.- Stiucr
Black-barred.— Cocks — 1 and 3, W Osmond. 2. T. C. Burnell. iJe?M.— 1 and 2,
W Osmond. 3, T. C. Burnell. Silver Broivnbarred.—Vocks—\,'2, and 8, W.
Bisbrp. Sens.—l, Mrs. Ladd. 2, A. McKenzie 3, W. Bishop. Bltte.— Cocks.
— Cun. 1. and 2, W. Osmind Extra 2, J. G. Patterson. 3, T. C. Burnell. Bens.
—I.W.Smith. 2, W. Osmond. 3. G. Packham. ir/ii(e.— Oocilcs.— 1, 2, 8. and
Point Cup. W. Bishop, vkc. G Packham. Bens —1. T. Weeks. 2 and 3. W.
Bishop. Any other colour.— Cocks —1, J. Baker. 2, R. Leach. 3, R Shatler.
Hens,—1, A. McKenzie. 2, J. Baker. 3. H. Yardley. vltc, J, Andrews. Anv
OTHER ViRiETr.— 1, — Holloway, jun. 2, F. Yardley. 3. R. Wilkinson. Col-
lection OF Pour, of Four Different Varieties.— Cup, 1, and 3, J. Baker.
2. H. W. Webb. Selling CLAss.-Pairs.-l, O. C. Farrer. 2, R. Old. 8, T.

CAGE BIRDS.- Thrush.- 1, — Parsons. Goldfinch.- 1. T. Willshire. 2,
H.Wills. Bullfinch.— 1, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 2, N. King. Lark.— 1, Master S.
Osmond. 2, J. Singleton. An? other Variety.— 1. Mrs J. T. Holmes. 2, Mies
Drummond. v/tc, T. Willshire. ,J. Dunn Canaries.— B«l(7ma.—1. Mrs. Dmm-
mond. 2. Rev. H. F. HamUton vhc, F. Mathews. Norrich Plain.— 1, W. H.
Marshall. 2, J. Hopkins. Norivi-h Crested —I. Miss S. H Northcote. 2, J.
Baker, vhc, J. Hopkins. Cinnamon.— I and 2. Mrs. Parsons. Any other
variety.— 1, J. Hopkins. 2, F. Matthews, vhc, Mrs Drammond. Collections
0/SJ.z:.—', Miss S. H. Northcote. 2, J. Hopkins 3 Rev. H F. Hamilton, vhe,
Miss S. H. Northcote, C. Stoodley .VIule.— I, T. Willshire. 2, W. H. Marshall.
]'/tc. Miss S. H. Northcote. Parrots.— Grfy.—l, W. Legg. 2. Mrs. Everett.
Parrot or Paraquet.— 4ny other colour.— i, T. Jenkins. 2, W. B. Custanoe.
u/ic. Mrs. Drummond. Maoaw or Cof;KATOo — 1, Mrs. Drummond. 2. Mrs. H.
M. Farr. Love Birds.— 1, Mrs. Drummond. 2, G. Gouclard. vhc, Mrs. Hose-
frood. Any other Variety —1, G. Gloucard. 2, Mrs Drummond. vhc, Mrs.
T. 3. Bipgs. Six Foreign Birds.— Cup and 1, G. Gouchard. 3, Mrs. Dram-
mond 3, Mrs J. T. Holmes Six English Bibds.— land u/lc.T. Willshire. 2,
Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 8, J. Hopkins. Selmvg Class.- Si'igle Bini.— 1 andS, Mrs.
Parsons. 2, F. Geary, r/w. Miss S. H. Northcote, J. Hopkins.

Jddges. — Poultry : Mr. R. Teebav, Falwood, Preston; Mr. J.
Dixon, Bradford. Pigeons : Mr. W. B. Tegetmeier, Finchley.
Gage Birds : Mr. G. Billett, Southampton.

ACCRINGTON PIGEON SHOW.

The first Show of the Acorington District Columbarian So-
ciety was held on the 19th and 20th inst. This Show was pro-
moted principally by Mr. Sutherland, the Secretary, assisted,
however, by a good Committee, and for a first attempt was most
excellently managed. There were upwards of three hundred
entries, which quite filled the room.

Pouters were good but few, and Carriers, though in the hands
of but three exhibitors, were very good. In cocks Blacks won,
aud in hens Duns. The first in the latter class a capital bird,
on which we have often commented before as so excellent in eya-
wattle. In Barbs the winners were Blacks, the cocks all noticed.
Mr. Yardley'a grand hen was first in that class. There was a
good class of young birds, though some exhibitors, the losers
especially, contended that the winners were rather old-fashioned
birds. Jacobins were a grand class, the winners being Reds.
First an exquisite little Red hen, the second and third cocks.
In Owls first was the Silver so often referred to of late, the
second an excellent Blue. In hens the winners were all Silvers,
and many more deserved a place. Nans and Magpies both
very good; the winners in Magpies were all Reds. Almond
Tumblers added another clean eweep to the Yardley loft, and
in two cocks and one hen there was very little to choose. Fan-
tails were superior. In Dragoons, Blue or Silver, Walton-on-
the-Hill seems to be gaining ground, for here was scored another
victory to that loft with a Silver first and a Blue second. The
third, a little too large, was otherwise a fine one. In the next
class a Red was first, and Yellows second aud third ; and in the
young class first was a Yellow aud second a Silver. Dragoons,
any other colour, were — first Blue Chequer, as also the second,
and third a Grizzle. Antwerps were good in all classes, and iu
Shortfaces we see a tendency to the correct type rather than to
the medi-ums so often shown as Shortfaces of late ; and in Long-
faces the style and colour is far in advance of what has been
seen for the last few years. In the Variety class first was a
White Owl, second a Black Swallow, aud third a White Owl;
and in the Selling class first was a piir of Yellow Dragoons,
second Black Barbs, and third Blue Dragoons. There was an
excellent class of flying Pigeons, most of which were said to
have done extraordinary distances; there were, however, some
very likely birds.

PIQEOJS.— Pouters.- Cocfc-l and2. J. Kendall. Ben.—l and 2. J. Kendall.
CARaiERS — Coc*.-l, 2, and vltc, J Kendall. 3. E. Ma\v«on. ilea.— I. 2, and 8,
.T.Kendall, vhc, B Yardley. CocJrerei.—l, 3. and Point Cup. J. Kendall. 3. H.
Yardley. BARBS.-Cocits.-l. H. Yardley. 2 and 3. J. Kendall, flea- lands,
H. Yardley. 8. J. Stanley. Cockerels —Cop, 1, and 3, J. Stanley. 2. T. Cham-
ley, vhc, J. Stanley, T. charnley Jaoibins -Cock or Ben— I, W. Dagdale.
2, Miss L Beldon. 3, J. Gardner, ulii;, T. WiKinson, W. Dugdale. TokBits.
-Cock or Ben.— I, R. & J. Ecroyd. 2. J. Gardener. 2, R. & J. Ecroyd. vhc,}.
Fielding (2). R. & J. Ecroyd. R. Frost. Jan. 0\vi.a.— English —Cocks —l.R. and
J. Ecroyd. 2, J. Thresh. 3. VV. Dug<ialo. Hens.— I and Point Cup, W. Dug-
dalo. 2, J. Tliresh. 3, R. & J. Ecroyd vhc, J. Gardner, E. Mawson, J. W.
Lucas. Nuns.- Cocfc or Here.- 1. Miss L. Beldon 3, 8, and vhe, E. Homer.
Magpies.— Cocte orilcn— I.J.Gardner. 2 and Point Cup, E. Horner. 8, R. and
J. F.croyd. vhc, J. Gardner. TDMBLERS.—^imon(Zs.— Cocfc or Here.- 1,2, and 8.
H. Yardley. r'hc, T. Chamley. Any variety —I, J. Thresh. 2. 3. and vhc, M.
Weston. Trumpeters.— CocA: or Ht're.—l and 2. J. Gardner. FANT*iLa— f7ocK
or Hen.—l and vhc, J. F Loversidge. 3, H. Yardley. Cap and 3, H. Yardley.
DRAOooNS.-Btilc or Sillier. 1 and 2, W. Smith, 8. J Kemall she, J. Gardner,
E. Waddington. B«<i or I'eliou'. —I. J. Gardner 2, J. stanle.v. 3. 4. MoKonzie,
vhc,\ McKenzie, E. Wad'llnglon. .inj/ ot/i«r colour —1, E. Waddiugton. 2.
J. Gardner. 8, T. Charniey. vhc, J. Kendall, A. McKenzie. Toung Birds.— I.
J. Stanley. 2, W. Smith. S and Cup, E. VVaddington. Antwerps.- S/iort-
faeed Red-cliequer.-Cock -I and vhc, R. & J. Ecroyd. 2. J. C. Watorbouse. 8,
J. Stanley. Slwrt-faced Silver Dun.— Cock —1 and vhe. K. &J. Ecroyd 2, J. O.
Waterhonse. 8, J. Gardner. Any other colour.— 1, 2, and 3, R. & J. Eoroyd.
vhc, H. Yardley. Short-faced, any colour.— Hen,— Cap, J. C. Watertouao. 1

Jannary 25, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OP HOETICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

73

and vhe. R. A J. Eorovd. 9. W. Walton. 3, J. Gardner. Long-faeed.— Cocks —
1 and S. W. Ellis. 2. J. C. Waterhoase. vhc. R. & J. Ecroyd (21, W. Ellie, l. C.
Watcrhouse (al. Ben— I, W. Ellis. 2 and S. J. C. Waterhouse. u/ic, W. Ellis,
B. 4 C. Ecroyd Amy otbee ViEiETY.— Coi^fc or Ben — I, R. * J. Ecroyd. 2, W.
J. Lacas. S, MissL Eeldon. Wic, H Yardley, W. J. Lucas. Selling Class.
-Pair.— 1,3, and rftc.'W. J. Lucas. 2, Miss L. Beldon. Likeliest Bied for
Fliiso PoEPosEB.-I, G. Haydock. 2, J. Gardner. 3, B.WestaU. rtc.G. Hay-
dock (2), W. J. Lucas (2).
Judges. — Messrs. E. Hatton and W. Sefton.

THE BELGIAN HAKE KABBIT.

The Belgian Hare Eabbit claims much attention owing to its
value as food, as it averages a larger weight than most other
breeds. Its average weight is from 8 to 10 lbs.

Its original home is on the Continent and it is not, as the narue
might seem to imply, a cross between the Hare and the Rabbit.
Such crosses have been occasionally attempted, but have never
been successful, the progeny, whenever the cross has been
efit-cted, being an unfertile mule. The name Hare seems rather
to be present as a sign that resemblance to that animal must be
cnltivated in breediug. The breed is now kept to a considerable
extent, although till lately it has not been popular.

The Belgian Hare should possess a large bony frame, well
proportioned, bnt slightly inclined to be lengthy ; the head of
fair size, and the face long and nose sharp. The colour should
resemble that of the Hare— rf ., it should be of a brown grey
colour, or more correctly speaking a red grey. The animal is
alw*ys of one colour, though of course the shade will vary. The
back and rump will be darker than the sides, and this may be
considered an advantage rather than otherwise. The iinder
parts will be much lighter, in some cases approaching pure
white. However this may be, it is imperative that there should
be no white vicible when the animal ie either standing or reclin-
ing. If there be any it will most decidedly destroy the animal's
chance of sncoess at any show. The legs, in accord.ince with
the shape of the body, should be firm and well set. In colour
the ontfides should be grey and also the insides up to the first
joint ; above this the colour is generally lighter, and sometimes
almost white. Neck long and of a uniform grey colour. The
head and face is also of this colour, the throat being generally
a trifle lighter than the face. Ears long, but quite upright;
they are of a dark grey shade, and there is a black streak going
ap one side. This streak is very important, as both showing
off the animal and indicating breed.

The specimens of this breed should possess a fair-sized dewlap.
There has been much controversy on this head, but the majority
of fanciers seem to be breeding in this direction. A glance at
the merits and demerits of it may not be amiss. In the first
place, it is urged against it that the Hare never has a dewlap,
and that the merits of a Belgian consist in the resemblance it
bears to this animal. Thia is true no doubt, but the advocates
of the dewlap reply. Neither does a Hare arrive at the weight of
10 aud 12 lbs., and if the dewlap is to be done away, reduce the
size npon the same principle. No one will be disposed to do
this latter, and hence the question of dewlap is undecided.
Then, again, is not dewlap the result to some measure at least of

good food and attention ? Take two ynung Lops from the same
tterand let them be reared by two different persons, one by an
experienced Lop breeder, the other by an embryo connoisseur,
and when twelve months old compare tliem. Number 1 will
be fat and well dewlapped, while number 2 will be thin and
without any signs of that appendage. Are we then to condemn
the natural results of good care and attention ? Both the dewlap
and increase in size are simply and solely the result of domes-
tication, and they must stand or fall together. If the dewlap is
wrong, size is wrong too, and the objectors to the appendage
will hardly care to have the latter done aw.iy with upon the
same principle as the former.

The general appearance of the Belgian Hare is thus very easily
described — a large roomy frame, large head and legs, long but
upright ears, a clear full eye. The colour we have eaid is grey.
The only parte that can legitimately be of any other colour are
the niider portions of the body extending sometimes slightly
down the inner sides of the legs, the lower portion of the tail and
Bome parts of the throat, although this latter must not be of
sufficient quantity to bo visible except on close examination ; it
is, in fact, best away altogether. The following is an eaey scale
of points ; it takes in most of the properties, bat if any reader
can suggest an improvement, if he will kindly write a short
note on the subject he will be doing a good deed, as the pro-
perties are by no means thoroughly acknowledged among
fanciers nor are the relative yalnes cf them plainly fixed : —

Colour 1.5

General shape 10

Shape of head 5

Ears 7

Eyes 5

Underparts 3

Condition 5 = 50

The Belgian Hare is not a Rabbit that wonld be selected aa a

pet so much as several cf the other varieties, because in the first
place it is not particularly docile, and in the second place because
although it is handsome it is not by any means pretty. The
breed cannot be said to be very prolific, the jitters not being
large or frequent. The young are pretty hardy at birth and
grow very rapidly, and after a few days become strong and
hardy. They are not so much subject to the usual infantile
complaints that work such slaughter among yonug Rabbits in
general. The litters will average from three to six, and the doe
will breed three or four times a year. They can then only be
spoken of as not prolific in a comparative sense, as twenty young
ones maybe annually reared from each pair ; and although double
that number can be produced from some does, I think but few
will raise a greater number. For a few weeks the young present
the appearance of ordinary hutch Rabbits, and it is not till they
are a couple of months old that the ear tippings are apparent,
and these are the great indicators of the breed. — Geta.

HIVES AND LOCALITIES.

Your correspondent Mr. Lowe is quite right in saying that
the question of hives crops up to the surface now and then, and
as it is one of some importance, often viewed from different
standpoints, the discussion of it generally commands the atten-
tion of a large circle of readers. Amongst practical bee-keepers
the subject is always interesting if handled in good temper. It
is to be regretted that parties differing in opinion have not al-
ways abstained in their diecustions from the use of harsh words.
If it is beyond the power I'f apiarians to keep foul brood out of
their hives, surely it is not beyond their power to keep it out of
their communications.

It is well known that I use hives that are capacious and com-
fortable, simple in construction, low in price, and passable in
appearance. Hives possessing these points compass all I want.
In the breeding seasons bees should have room for setting and
hatching the eggs laid by their queens, and apace enough for
honey as well. As for comfort and convenience I have never
seen any better than good siraw hives. I have never found
hives made of other mateiials that allowed the moisture of bees
to escape readily and without injury to the combs. At certain
seasons materials other than straw condense the moisture on
their inner surfaces. Many plans and experiments have been
tried to prevent the condensation of moibture on the inner sides
of wooden hives. " The Qailt," which is an American idea, has
been tried in this country without success eo far as I know.
Mr. Yates of Manchester felt sure that he would succeed by
covering his wooden hives with boiler felt, which is warm stuff
about 2 inches thick. This did not answer. Ventilating holes in
the sides and crowns of hives have been tried with greater but
not complete success. I helieve that the question of ventilation
will receive greater attention by-and-by than it has done in the
past. During the summer, whtn the heat of hives is very great,
their internal moisture is driven out through their doors by the
heat and natural ventilation of the bees ; but in spring and
autumn the sides of wooden hives are often streaming with con-
densed moisture. I hope that a cheap and satisfactory mode of
ventilating wooden hives may soon be discovered and made
widely known.

A few weeks ago the readers of this Journal were favoured
with the records of capital results in bee-keeping from hives of
various kinds. Mr. Briscoe of Albrighton obtained 1441bs. of
super honey from a Stewartoo hive. The story of his success
appeared in the Journal of October 12ih. The week following
Mr. P. H. Phillips of Hitchin t;.ld us through the same channel
how he obtained ISli lbs. of honey in supers from a straw hive ;
both gentlemen are advanced and clev^-r bee-keepers. It will
be observed that the straw hive was 12i lbs. short in super honey
of the Stawarton hive. Now let me here say, that if the Stewar-
ton had been 12 or 20 lbs. short of the straw hive I would not
have ventured to eay that the gi eater result was duo to the hive,
for one hive may have been stronger at the commencement of
the season, or it may have fed on better pasture than the other.
A small field of white clover near one of the hives may have
given it the advantage and victory. Rain often hinders bees in
one county, while suosbine helps them in another. The hives
of both gentlemen swarmed in ihe middle of summer or honey
season, and as both gentlemen are experts they cut out the royal
cells containing young queens (from the mother hives) and re-
turned the swarms to them. This operation of cutting queen
cells out of hives after swarming is easily dnne.

I will now attend to the following question : — "You have been
comparing hives that belonged to gentlemen living in different
parts of the country; will you please to notice the difference of
the results between the S'ewarton and the straw hives of the
' Renprewshihe Bee-keeper.' " In 187.') the Stewarton hive
of this gentleman yielded 68 lbs. of snper honey. The straw
hive standing beside it yielded only 21,i lbs. The straw hive
after yielding the 21 lbs. of super honey was, we are told, in a
starving condition. When I read the letterof your Renfrewshire
correspondent it struck me that the one hive was healthy and

74

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 25, 1877.

the other was not. If both hives were healthy the question of
*' W. J. C," page 5G3 fa correspondeut unknown to me), has hit
the mark exactly. He asks what the bees in the straw hive
were doing while the Stewartou gathered GS lbs. May I not
venture to assert that never before has it beeu known that the
bees of healthy hives filled a super of 2U lbs. while the cupboards
below were quite empty? Charity begins at home, even in a
bee hive. We know that in Lauarkshire and other parts of
Scotland swarma in straw hives and the stocks that yielded
them in 187") rose to 70 lbs. or thereabouts, whereas the straw
hive of your Renfrewshire correspondent, which never swarmed
at all, was at starvation point after its super of 20 lbs. was re-
moved. If our friend is correct in tracing this failure to the
materials or construction of the hives, and if his logic is trust-
worthy, we may safely conclude that Mr. Phillips, who obtained
131 lbs. of super honey from a straw hive in 187(j, would have
obtained nearly JOG lbs. of super honey if his bees had been in
a Stewarton hive instead; and what would Mr. George Fox say
if he were told that he would have obtained three supers in
1875, each 85 lbs. in weight, if his bees had been working in a
Stewa»ton hive instead of a straw one ?

While writing these last few lines the post has brought me a
letter from a gentleman in Cambridge asking where straw hives
can be obtained. Having made a few complimentary remarks
about me and my book, he pots the following question: — "Do
yon, after seeing the reports of the large takes of honey from
the Stewarton hive, still adhere to your first preference to
straw ? All other modern books on bees which I have read
seem little more than advertisements of one or another kind of
expensive hives." I have just answered his letter by telling
him that my opinions touching his question will be given
publicly in the Journal of Horticulture. I answer here that
my preference for straw is as great as it ever was, nor is it likely
to be removed by the reports of isolated cases of success with
other kinds of hives. I should like to lend a helping hand in
efforts to make all bee-keepers think intelligently, and dig down
to the roots of every question. Shall I be permitted to appeal
to the logic of common sense ? Is there anything in the
materials or constniction of a straw hive which will increase
the activity or industry of bees? No, nothing. Is there any-
thing in the materials or construction of the Crystal Palace bar-
frame prize hives that can give the bees greater working powers
or help them in any way? No, nothing. Well, is there any-
thing in the Stewarton hive— in materials or shape — that will
increase the activity or industry of bees? No, nothing. Wherein,
then, lies their virtue, or value, or superiority ? No one can
answer that question in a decisive and satisfactory manner.
Mere assertion does not always carry conviction of its truth.
But look at the results! are they not convincing? They prove
that the bees in the Stewarton hive were on good pasture,
well managed, and had room to store up all the honey they
gathered. The results do not prove more than these points.
When I hear of success in bee-keeping I do not trace the success
wholly to the kind of hive used. I believe that any competent
bee-keeper would succeed with boxes from a grocer's shop; and,
moreover, I believe that if such boxes had been tried on equal
conditions side by side with the Stewarton hive it would have
been a neck-and-shonlder race, no man knowing which would
win. I write and make these statements in the interests of the
whole race of bee-keepers, but more especially in the interests
of those most likely to spend money for hives no better than
those already in their possession. If bees have room in a healthy
clean hive they will not be idle, and no kind of hive increases
their activity. Let all learn this wholesome lesson, that if the
locality in which apiarians live is a good one for honey, and the
details of management be well attended to, they will succeed
beyond their expectations, whatever be the kind of hive used.
I have my preference, and give my reasons for it, but I have no
prejudices of a narrow character. — A. Pettigrew.

OUR LETTER BOX.

CatTELTY (Rub-a-(fu&,d'T.).~'We mast decline entering upon the subject.
It woold inclade topics from birds in cages to horses !□ harness.

Brahma Hen (J. A. Bta»i(;«).— The symptoms (drooping of the head and
walking backwards) demonstrate that ahe has a pressure on the brain. She
is probably too fat. Give her a dessert- spoonful of castor oil, and keep her on
low soft diet — one-third barloymeal and two-thirds pollard mixed together
with water.

Cockerel [Crib). — He has a catarrh. Lot him out only in the middle of
the day. Give him a deasert-spoonful of castor oil, and feed him only on soft
food — barleymeal mash.

Silkies {E. B., Norwich).— The most likely way to find purchasers will be
by advertising the birdti. A wry tail in the Hamburgh cockerel is not likely
to become straight.

Schedule of the AQaABiUM United Kingdom Poultry and Pigeon
Exhibition.— We are informed that cups Nos. 6 and 7, value five guineas
each, are for Dark and Light Brahmas respectively.

HrvE (Lib). — After prolonged trials of many hives and systems, storifying
and collateral. "A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper " found the one that
yielded the largest har^-ests of pure honeycomb and coneequent profit, with
least expenditnro of time-watching, the least disturbance of the stock, and

soiling of his hands coming into possession, was the Stewarton with all its
parts moveable, and he sticks to it.

Eking and its Consequences (B. G., Co. Down).— By eking you pre-
vented your bee:ifrom swarming in the summer of both 1875 and 1876. Your
hive is now a large heavy one, but if you had let the bees swarm last year you
would have had two or three stacks instead of one. Abstain from eking this
Tear, and let the bees swarm twice if they will. About three weeks after the
lirat swarm are obtained drive all the bees out of the old bive into an empty
one, and take the honey. The combs in it are old and black, and the queen

Erratum.— "A Beo-keeper's Retrospect," page 5tJ, read s/toals instead of
schools.

Pine Boards for Hives [J. M.).— Thick-wooded hives are an exploded
idea. Beej and their combs keep driest and best in hives of pine wood five-
eighths of an inch or so thick, always provided they have thorough external
protection from the weather by means of an outer case of wood, good straw
hackle, or other efficient protector to cover all the hive saving the entrance,
and run off all moisture. — A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper.

Flowers for Bees (P. B. P.).— Furze being a honey plant in the second
or third class was not named in the list of first or best class of honey-pro-
duciug plants which you refer to. You think some of your supers were filled
with honey gathei-ed from the furze bushes growing on a heath between one
and two miles distant from your garden. Very likely some of the honey
was brought from the heath or gorse growing on the heath, but we are of
opinion that most of the honey of your supers was gathered from other
kinds of plants. Bees that work on broom and furze are well dusted over
with pollen, and appear as yellow as soldiers and dusty as miUers.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat.5r'32'40" N. ; Long. 0 8' 0" W.; Altitude, lU feet.

Date.

9 A.M.

Ik the Day.

iSi,.

H

o-

Shade Tem-

Radiation

.9

ter.

1^

o.*g

perature.

Temperature.

a

Jan.

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

t.

Mai.

Min.

son.

graaB.

Inches.

dpg.

deg.

dee.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

We.n

29.850

51.7

49.1

S.W.

43 3

513

47.2

62.7

45.5

Th. 18

29.828

45.2

44.2

s.

44.0

61.8

39.8

6S8

S4.7

0.072

Fri. 19

29.773

53.S

52.2

S.W.

45.2

56.4

45.0

69.0

426

Sat. 20

Si,299

44.3

43.1

s.

45.3

46.6

43 0

68.0

41.2

—

30.649

33.0

83.0

N.E.

41.0

47.7

30.5

70.6

—

30.6U

36 4

35 7

S.W.

40.6

4i.7

32.1

541

27.8

Ta. 23

80.466

34.S

33.2

S.

39.0

45 8

28.6

69.0

25.4

0.090

Means.

S0.2U

42.5

41.5

42.6

48.9

38.0

61.0

35.0

0.242

REMARKS.
17th.— Dark showery day, but a starhght night.
18th. — Another dark wet day, with a bright night.
19th.— Wet early, dry and windy after and in the night.
20th.— A dry and very pleasant day, colder towards night; barometer un-
usually high; a fine sunset, and a bright starlit night.
21st. — A very dense fog, particularly so from 10.30 to noon, then cleared off,

and a very bright pleasant afternoon, evening, and night ; lunar halo.
22ad. — Slight white frost in morning, followed by a bright sunny day.
23rd.— "White frost and rather foggy early, but again followed by a very bright
pleasant Kunny day.
First half of week damp, dark, and uncomfortable ; the last three days very
. Temperature about 3^ above last week. — G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN' M.^RKET.— January 24.

The supply of eaily forced vegetables, such as Asparagus, Seakale, New

Potatoes, and Rhubarb, is now very general, and prices low ; but Cucumbers,

owing to 60 much dull weather, are short, and in good demand. Late Apples

are in fair request at firm rates; Kent Cobs quiet.

FRUIT.

Apples

Apricots

. i sieve
..duzen
bushel

i do.

dozen

.... lb.

3
0
0
0
0
0
0

0

d. 8.
6 to 7
0 0
u 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 1
0 0
0 8
0 10
0 2

TE

d. B.
otoo
0 10
0 0
0 1
6 3
9 1
0 4
0 3
4 0
6 2
0 C
6 2
0 4
6 3
0 2
8 0
6 0

3 0
0 0
0 2

4 0

i.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0

>E
d.
0

0
6
0
6
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0

Nectarines

dozen
. .♦ 100
. dozen
. dozen
. dozen
lb.

. bushel

0
8
0
1
S
1
0
0
0
0
5
1

l'
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
8
1
I
9
0
I
1
0
2
0
0
0

d,

ot

0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
9

d.

6t
2
0
4

0
0
6
0
0
0
0
9
0
6
3
6
0
4
0

s. d.
oO u
12 0

Peaches

Currants

Black

Figs

Filberts

Pears, kitchen..

dessert

Pine Apples ....

Plums

Quinces

3 0
12 0

4 0
0 U

. quat:
.... lb.

Grapes, hothouse

strawberries....
Walnuts

lb.

. bushel
. %>100

..potUe
punnet
bushel
. . . quart
bunches
. dozen
. quart
. bushel

do.

... lb.

0 0

8 0

Artichokes

Asparagus

French

Beana, Kidney..

Beet, Red

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Carrots

. dozen

...*► lOJ
bundle
...«*10J
.. dozen
bundle

.. dozen
.. bunch

ABLES.

Mushrooms

Mustard & Cress

Onions

pickling

Parsley doz

Parsnips

B. d.

02 0
4 0
0 0
0 C
0 0
0 u

Potatoes

Kidney

4 6

5 0

Cauliflower

Celery

Coleworts.. doz.
Cucumbers

.. dozen
bundle
bunches
.. each
. dozen
. bunch

lb.

. bunch
, bundle

Radishes., doz. bunches

Rhubarb bundle

Salsafy bundle

Scorzonera bundle

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spinach bushel

Tomatoes i sieve

Turnips bunoh

Vegetable Marrows

1 6
1 6
1 0
0 0

Garhc

4 0
0 0

Horseradish

0 6
0 0

Leeks

. bunoh

robruary 1, I Wl. J

JOURNAL OP HOBTIOULTORB AND OOTTAQE GARDENEB.

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Day ' Day

of ■ of FEBRUAKY 1-7, 1877.
Uonth Week.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

Sun
Sets.

Moon 1 Moon
Rises, j Sets.

Moon'B

Age.

Clock
before

Day
of
Year.

1 Th Rojal Sooiety at 8.30 p.m.

2 F BoyallnBtitation at 8 P.M.

3 1 8 1

4 Sun SE.X4GE8IMi.

5 ' M London Institution at 5 p.m.

6 , Tn Dr. J. Priestley dieci, 1S04.

7 1 W Society of Arte at 8 p.m.

Day.

44.4
44.6
45.0
45.0
45.7
46.6
4a9

Night.
32.0
31.6
80.7
32.8
SS.5
326
33.0

{Mean.
38.2
88.0
879
88.9
39.6
396
89.9

h. m.

7 40
7 39
7 87
7 86
7 34
7 82
7 81

b. m

i 47
4 49
4 61
4 53
4 55
4 67
4 68

h. m.l t. m.
9a81 1 8 64
10 65 I 9 6
morn. 9 19

0 18 9 34

1 39 9 62

2 68 10 16
4 11 1 10 60

Days.

18
19
20
21

24

Ts 65
14 2

14 8
14 14
14 19
14 22
14 26

82
S3
34
36
3S
87
88

Prom obsoryations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature
S2.S'.

ot the week is 46.1^ ; and its night temperature

FORCING POTATOES, CAEROTS, AND DWARF
KIDNEY BEANS.

■ OTATOES.— These are often planted in large
forcing establiehmonts earlier than the pre-
sent time ; but I have always found the
best results follow from tubers which were
planted after the new year has commenced,
for then they grow freely from the first,
and there is not so much danger of their
being checked when advanced in growth as
Pp those which are planted early in a place

where there is no artificial heat.
I do not start my tubers into growth, as some of your
correspondents have recommended lately. Previous to
planting the sets are spread out in a shelved shed, where
there is plenty of light. The sprouts are only about
1 inch long when planted, and instead of being weak and
tender (like those started in heat before planting) they
are strong and hardy, and always grow away without
receiving the slightest check ; and it is difhcult to avoid
checks with tender drawn-up growths. Anyone with a
three-light frame and a cartload or two of leaves and
stable dung may have young Potatoes in May. "We have
finished putting in ours a day or two ago, but Potatoes put
in now, or during the next week, would come in about as
early. The leaves and manure should be mixed up in a
heap in about equal parts, or there may be more leaves
than dung. Let the heap lie until fermentation begins,
which will be in three or four days. Turn it then, and in
two days afterwards it may be put in the frame. When
placed in the frame the heating matori;il should be at
least 2 feet deep and firmly trodden down with the feet.
Above this place 12 inches of common garden soil mixed
with a little of the decayed manure which was used for
planting or forcing the year previous. When all is fiUed
in the surface of the soil should be from 1.5 to 18 inches
from the glass and quite level.

Place the tubers in the soil 6 inches from the surface.
When this has been done pnt on the sa.shes, but open
them a little on all fine days, closing them again at night,
and unless in frosty weather never cover the glass. As
soon as the leaves are seen above the soil give a thorough
watering. When the growtbs are a few inches long the
Bashes may be removed altogether on fine days when the
wind is not " cutting." The frame should always face
the south so as to catch all the sun heat. Kidneys that
do not produce big haulms may be planted la inches
apart betwefn the rows and about 4 inches between the
tubers. Round sorts must have a little more room. My
favourite varieties for forcing or planting at this time are
Veitch's Improved Early Asbleaf, Myatt's Prolific Ash-
leaf, and Early Frame. I never earth-up my frame
Potatoes. Giving air and water when required is the
whole of the attention they receive from the time they
are planted until they are lifted for use.

Carrots. — These are sown about the same time as the
Potatoes are planted, and they are ready for use equally
early. The hot manure for both is mixed in the one

No. 827.- Vol. XXXIL, Kew Sebiss.

heap, but 1 foot deep of it is sufficient to bring np and
on the Carrots. It is put in the frame as for the Potatoes,
but not so far from the glass. The soil used is a light
leaf soil and sandy mixture, and this only to the depth of
6 inches. When ready fcr sowing the surface of the soil
is 1 inch from the glats. I use the Early Horn. It does
not grow large, but the roots are always clean, tender,
and of excellent flavour. The seed is sown broadcast, and
covered over with half an inch of the mixture similar to
that underneath it. If the seed is good sow thinly. Do
not water until the young plants are visible, and very
little air need be given until then. Thin out the plants
before they are crowded, leaving them '2 inches apart ;
do not let them suffer for want of water afterwards, and
admit abundance of air on all favourable opportunities.
In drawing them for use, pull out the largest and let the
smaller have more room to develope.

Dwarf Kidney Beans. — These require more accom-
modation than either of the foregoing, but at the same
time they may be grown from now onwards with less
trouble and more success than some m.ay suppose. _ We
have gathered pods as early as this, but they were neither
so fine nor so abundant as from those raised by sowings
in January, February, and March. I have tried a good
many sorts of these Beans for fca-cing, and I have now
hmited myself to Osboru's Forcing. This is a first-rate sort
in every way. Three dozen pots supply a good quantity
of Beans. The pots used are 8 inches in diameter. A
few crocks are placed at the bottom cf each, and the pots
are half-filled with a compost consisting of light loam
and leaf soil; this is pressed down firmly, and eight or
ten seeds are laid over the surface and covered with
1 inch of soil. When the soil is moist no water is given
until the rough leaves appear. The plants grow freely
in a temperature of 00". Much water must not be given
at first or it will rot the young plants. While growing
let them have all the light possible. The above-named
temperature suits them throughout.

As soon as the leaves are fairly above the pots the
remainder of the soil tbat is required to fill the pots
must be added. Press this very firmly, and let it be
a little lighter than that used at Fowing time. When the
plants come into bloom they are benefited by a little air
every day, but this must depfuil on the outside weather.
A few birch twigs put in as the ])lauts ascend saves them
from falling over, as they are liable to do as the fruit
swells. Red spider is sometimes troublesome, but syring-
ing never fails to keep it in check. Pods may he gathered
five weeks after sowing the seed.— A Kitchen Gardener.

LOTHIAN STOCKS.
No Stocks are more valuable for winter, spring, and
summer decoration than are these. Sowing the seed in
July and August has been freqiieutly recommended, but
I find, after many trials, that those periods are too late
for producing the best display of which these sweet and
massive flowers are capable.

It may be well to explain what I mean by the " beet
No. U79.-VOL, LVII., Old Sebib

76

JODENAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTASE GABDENER.

[ Febrnarj 1, 1877.

display " — I mean large plants of double white, purple, and
scarlet Stocks iu the depth of winter. It is easy to obtain
Stocks in spring and summer, and even at those seasons they
are beautiful when the plants are well grown ; bat they are
far more attractive from November until April, and withal
they are easily produced at that period. When the sowing of
Lothian Stocks is deferred nntil July or August the plants do
not flower until late in the following spring, continuing through
the summer precisely when other Stocks are plentiful. The
true Lothian Stock, it should be remembered, requires a longer
period of growth before flowering than does the ordinary type
of the Intermediate Stock ; the Lothian also lasts considerably
longer after it commences flowering than the London Interme-
diate— indeed longer than does any other Stock in cultivation.

Seed sown in February or early in March produces plants
which, if well managed, commence flowering about July and
continue until destroyed by frost. Such plants make most
effective beds in the flower garden — beds as decided in their
beauty and lasting as long as any other " bedding plants." As
thus managed Lothian Stocks are very valuable. July and
August sowings, as has been mentioned, produce plants which
flower in spring, lasting also a considerable time ; but the
time of sowing for producing the " best display " I have found
to be April, say, for the purpose of fixing it on the memory,
on All Fool's-day. By sowing at that time I have had plants
in 8-inch pots — plants 18 inches high and about as much in
diameter, perfect masses of double white and scarlet flowers
(the purple is not so effective during winter) at Christmas and
onwards until April. It is not necessary to dwell on the value
of such plants for affording an abundant supply of cut flowers
of the first order of merit, neither is a laboured eulogium
necessary as to the commanding effect of the plants in the
conservatory. At their period of flowering few plants can
equal them, none surpass them.

My plan of raising the plants is to put up a bed of leaves
and litter about 2 feet high, nail four boards together to form
a rude frame, and cover the bed with frame lights. Four or
5 inches of soil is placed on the bed, and in this the seed is
sown thinly, very thinly, in drills. The plants are thinned to
an inch or more apart as soon as they can be handled, and the
glass is removed entirely during favourable weather. About
the middle or towards the end of M»y the plants are very
sturdy, and are potted into small pots just vacated by bedding
plants. In these small pots the plants remain until they show
flowers, when the spike of each double flower is out off. Side
shoots speedily grow, and as soon as these are seen the plants
are potted flrmly in rich soil in their blooming pots. These
are placed on a hard bottom so that the roots cannot pene-
trate into the ground to any great extent, and a little litter is
placed between the pots to aid in keeping the roots cool and
moist. The plants are subsequently treated as to watering the
same as are Cbrysanthemume, giving them liquid manure
occasionally. They commence flowering in October, and an
inch of the surface soil is then removed from the pots and re-
placed with a rich top-dressing after the manner of surface-
dressing fruit trees in pots. The plants are then placed under
glass and in a minimum temperature of 45° to 40°. They
flower splendidly all the winter.

That is the best way that I know of producing the " best
display" of Lothian Stocks. The plan is appl cable to most
gardens, and when plants are well grown they are worthy of
a place in the most choice collection of conservatory plants
during the winter months. — A Northeen Gakdener.

PEUNING VINES.

Some Vine-growers in giving directions for pruning lay down
one rule as suitable to all the varieties of Grapes ; but there
are exceptions to all rules, and Grapes, such aa Muscats and
a few others, require different treatment from Black Ham-
burghs in the way of pruning. This productive and useful
Grape does very well with close pruning, but I have always
found Muscats to succeed best by leaving two or three eyes to
the spur, of course rubbing off all but one when it could be
discerned which was best. I have even in some cases left a
Bide shoot from 1 to 2 feet in length, and when I see a bud on
any favourable portion of the rod between the spurs I en-
courage its growth, supposing I have space for two or three
leaves, liy doing this the spurs never become unsightly, and
besides it promotes the health and vigour of the Vine.

I may add for the benefit of some of the amateur readers of
the Journal that I have always found Tyuoingham Muscat

easier to manage than Black and White Frontignan and a few
other inferior sorts, and it is superior to both Grapes named
in appearance and flavour. I do not say Muscats are so easily
managed as Black Hamburghs and a few other Grapes, but
certainly they are not so difScult as many are led to believe.
Anyone in possession of a vinery may grow Tynningham Mus-
cat, which is one of the finest flavoured white Grapes in culti-
vation. I have grown it for nearly fourteen years, and during
all that time its productions have been most satisfactory.

In the above remarks I allude to mixed houses : in large
establishments where a whole house can be devoted to the
growing of Muscats no doubt they can be brought to a higher
state of perfection, but few have such accommodation ; there-
fore I hope what I have stated may be of service to some
amateurs. The pruning of Vines should now be completed as
speedily as possible. — J. Dickson.

EARLY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & CAULIFLOWERS.

A LETTER from Mr. E. Gilbert, Burghley Gardens, has been
sent me by the Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, from
which I make the following extract — " ' A Market Gardener,'
on page 26, says he sows Brussels Sprouts in September. I
have done the same for three years in succession, but my
plants have run to seed. Sowing in February in beds slightly
heated is a plan I follow yearly with the best results."

My reply to that is, that only during one year out of more
than a dozen have my autumn-sown Brussels Sprouts run to
seed, and that year I sowed earlier than usual, and the winter,
like the present one, was unusually mild. The plants were
very large — too large — when planted in April, and, like my
autumn-sown Cauliflowers, the crop was a comparative failure.
I fear that I am much in the same position this year, but
inadvertently omitted saying so. It was, however, because of
the prospective failure of my autumn-sown plants of both
Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflowers that I laid stress on the
importance of sowing seed under glass in January.

My plants are much too forward this year, as are those of
many others. It has been impossible to prevent the plants
from growing too large during the winter, and I much fear it
will be equally impossible to prevent the Cauliflowers from
" buttoning " and the Brussels Sprouts from "running " during
the ensuing spring and summer. I would send Mr. Gilbert a
few plants, but as I anticipate they will most of them " run"
it would be useless my doing so. That, as before stated, ia
why I urged as important the raising of plants under glass by
sowing a little seed at the present time of both Brussels Sprouts
and Cauliflowers.

These are important vegetables, and the value of the crops
is enhanced by having them ready for use early in the season.
It is very common to sow Cauliflowers in gentle heat at the
present period of the year, but not nearly so common to raise
Brussels Sprouts at the same time and in the same manner,
yet I have always found the latter crop as valuable as the
former. By sowing seed of Brussels Sprouts in September I
have been able to produce an ample supply of this esteemed
vegetable early in August. At that period of the year Peas
have sometimes been scarce owing to drought, and also by the
same cause have Cauliflowers: the "Sprouts" have conse-
quently been specially acceptable.

I am glad to have received Mr. Gilbert's suggestive letter in
reference to the running of autumn-sown Brussels Sprouts.
The matter is one of considerable moment and worthy of being
more particularly alluded to. The primary cause of the plants
running is their being too large at the time of planting them.
The larger the plant the greater usually is the check it receives
by its removal. Smaller plants, however, will run if not care-
fully managed. If the plants are denuded of a large portion
of their fibres in the course of removal, and sunny days and
frosty nights follow their planting, the plants wither consider-
ably and their stems become hard — "woody." Such plants
are very liable to run whether they have been sown in the
autumn or have been raised under glass early in the spring.
The great point to secure is to keep the plants steadily growing
and their stems succulent. In a winter like the present it has
been impossible to keep the plants " steadily " growing, for
they have grown rapidly and are now dangerously forward.

I sow my Brussels Sprouts late in September. The plants
do not grow so quickly as do Cauliflowers, and at this period
of the year plants of the former are generally quite small.
During February or early in March, according to the weather,
a few for the first crop are selected and are pricked into square

■Febrnmy 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTIOOLTURB AND OOTTAQB GABDENEB.

inverted turves — tnrvea from the roadside out into email
squares of 3 or 4 inches in diameter, a plant being placed in
the centre of each square of turf. These are placed nearly
close together, and leaf soil is sprinkled in the interstices
between the turves. The plants are then protected with glass
for a short time, and afterwards with mats when the nights
are cold. The plants are in splendid condition for finally
planting at the end of April, and receive no check by removal
or a term of bright sunny weather, and in ordinary seasons
they do not " rnn." I adopt that plan also with plants raised
in heat in spring and with Cauliflower plants similarly raised,
and I can recommend the practice as being worthy of general
adoption. I formerly (as do many gardeners) potted a portion
of my early Cauliflowers and Brussels Sprouts, hut since I
iave proved the value of the turves pots are used for other
purposes. The plants thrive better in turves than in pots, and
become more quickly established when planted out. The
Jittle trouble necessitated in carrying out the plan is trifling
in comparison with the great advantages eventually resulting.
— A Mabket Gakdeseb.

CLIMBING ROSES.

The interesting article on page 41 of the Rose Journal on
climbing Roses will be read by many with delight ; but I ven-
ture to think the great majority of your subscribers will regard
the author with compassion as one who, while he may drink
-Chateau Lafitte, is content to quaS huge tankards of sour
cider.

Fancy Amndis, Thoresbyana, Alice Gray, Fulicitfi Perpetn<i,
•and Dundee Rambler occupying space which may and should
be covered by Cloth of Gold, Mireohal Niel, Madame Trifle,
Jj% Belle Lyonuaise, Solfaterre, Climbing Devouiensis, and
Cheshnnt Hybrid. What U a buehel of Crab Apples compared
with a handful of Ribston Pippins ? What difference is there,
too, between the free-flowering propensities of any of the
above-named varieties when once established and even Alice
Gray ? Why, you might as wnll plant wild Briars against
your church as Ali:e Gray and Bennett's Seedling. I am not
speaking without good reason, for I have grown all the sorts
which the "Parson's Gardener" names. Though a " Wtld
Savaoe," I am a shepherd of the sheep, and a parson's gar-
dener also, inasmuch as I am my own head gardener and a
narson to boot. When I first came here I planted all the
■climbing Roses named by " A Parson's Gardener " against
my church in order to have Roses as quickly as possible; but
•when these plants bloomed — and they did bloom in a manner
perfectly wonderful — the blooms individually were not worth
looking at. The effect from a short distance was grand and
worthy of all the encomiums of your correspondent, bat when
you have said that you have said all. The blooming season,
too, is so short that for about ten months of the year your
walls are destitute of a single flower. I soon pulled up my
plants and gave them away ; and now let me tell "A Parson's
■Gardener " those I have replaced the summer Roses with.

On the east wall is Cloth of Gold and Clematises Jackmani
and Prince of Wales. Oa the south wall of the chancel
Marfichal Niel, Cheshunt Hybrid, and Cloth of Gold, together
with Passiflora eserulea. Clematises Rubella, Miss Bateman,
Lady Caroline Nevill,and Ladv Londesborough. On the south
flide of the nave, Solfaterre (Noisette), Climbing Devoniensis,
Madame Trifle, La Belle Lyonnaise; Clematises lanuginosa
nivea, Skandishi, and Albert Victor. On the north side of
the church I frankly own I do not attempt to grow anything,
and perhaps I might place Amsdis, Alice Grav, &e. ; but I do
not think even these hardy summer Roses would do well there,
as huge Conifers so shut out the light that it would be hopeless
to attempt it.

I wish " A Parson's Gardener " would pay me a visit in
Jane and I would return the compliment, and then we could
•compare notes and see which system answered best. — Wyld
Savage.

INSECTICIDES.
Tjie enlpho-carbonate of potash has for some years been con-
eidered in France as the best insecticide, and is, I presume, easily
-obtainable iu Paris, and at a raasonable rate. But as 1 never
see in England any advertisement on the subject, I imagine it
is either unknown in the trade, or else sold under a fanciful
name as one of the numerous high-priced nostrums. I should
Hike to know whether it possesses any advantage over the

Bulphnret of lime so long known, and the recipe for which has
so often been given in your columns. — G. S-

THE LILY.

I QDiTE agree with " G. S." in your number of the 7th Sep-
tember last that the continued importation of Lilium aoratum
is surprising, for the sale of several thousands of bulbs in one
day in an auction room has for many years past been an ordi-
nary occurrence. But when he asks. Where are they now?
I am not surprised when he himself replies. Why, dead.

An immense number of the imported Lilies, as " G. S.'s" ex-
perience shows, are worthless to the amateur. In fact, they
can be of no value to anyone but the nurseryman, who has
room to spare and can afford to plant them out for a season
or two ; weeding out from time to time the dead and the dying,
and replanting the better bulbs. By doing this, and purchasing
them in the first instance " f or a song " as the auctioneer says,
the nurseryman is able to supply good bulbs at a moderate
price. I think this is borne out by Mr. T. Clements, who, in
his communication to you on the 21st of September, stated
that the bulbs procured from a nurseryman flowered the first
year after planting, and every year increased in strength and
number of flowers. I will venture to say that they were not
newly imported.

I now wish to correct what I consider to be a very grave mis-
take, and one that goes to the root of all improvement in Lily
culture. We often hear remarks somewhat like the following :
" Last year one of my bulbs sent up a flower-stem 5 feet high,
and this year the same bulb threw up one 7 feet high crowned
with thirty flowers." Remarks like this are calculated to mis-
lead, for the same bulb did nothing of the kind. It was the
successor of the former bulb that produced such a display, for
a Lily bulb can only flower during one season. It is a mistake,
then, to offer bulbs which are stated to be one, two, and three
years old. The size of the bulbs are not increased by age
merely, but by culture. This is exemplified to a great extent
by what Mr. Clements has stated. He planted bulbs of L. au-
ratum among his Rhododendrons, the soil consisting of sandy
loam and peat, together with a quantity of white sand ; and
" the first year after planting they made a good display, and
every year increased in strength and number of flowers."
This is the secret — congenial soil.

The question arises. How long should the bulbs be allowed
to remain in the ground without being taken up and replanted ?
Lilies are such gross feeders that they soon impoverish the
soil ; and those which produce many offsets impoverish the
parent bulbs. If the desire is to have large and handsome
flowers, the bulbs should be taken up periodically when the
leaves decay, and all the small offsets detached from the prin-
cipal bulbs, reserving only the largest roots to plant again in
their proper places. Some Lilies are the better of being taken
up and replanted every year; and I know of none that can
benefit by being kept In the ground more than two or three
years. I know that this is not the opinion of many ; but those
who will take the trouble to study the real nature of the bulb
will appreciate what I say. The bulbs may be taken up at the
proper season and replanted with fresh soil without the
slightest check; but the valuable kinds should be handled with
care, and none should be kept out of the ground a moment
longer than is absolutely necessary ; for everything that tends
to dry up the scales, as in the case of dried-up imported bulbs,
tends to diminish the nourishment that Nature has provided
for succeeding bulbs. It is well to remember that Lilies of the
European class thrive on more homely fare than those of
warmer climates. Some thrive on very dry food, while others
require much moisture. — Dunedin.

PINE APPLE STEMS SHRIVELLING.
TnE remarks recently made in these pages on Pine Apples I
have read with much interest. Neither of your correspondents
has made any allusion to shrivelled stems. Most cultivators
have seen more or less of them, eppecially in the winter
fruiters ; therefore, with a view of eliciting the opinion of the
readers of the Journal, I have called attention to the matter.
We have cut during the last three mouths from twenty to
thirty fruits of different sorts — Smooth Cayenne, Charlotte
Rothschild, Prince Albert, and a few (Queens, which threw up
fruit late in the autumn. What seems most perplexing is that
some of each sort should shrivel at the base of the fruit just
before commencing to colour, while others growing in the same

78

JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AKD COTTAGE GAKDENEE.

[ Febraarj 1, 1877.

honee Bide by side, treated the same as to soil, water, tempera
tare, &e., remained plump and firm till fnlly ripe. In turning
the old stools out of the pots they are about equal as to roots.
They have been einee shewing their fruit in a light honse at a
distance of about 2 feet from the glass, plunged in a tan bed,
bottom heat 85", top heat Go" to 70", the path sprinkled once or
twice a-day according to the state of the weather. Should any
of your correspondents have experienced the same difficulty,
and will give through the pages of the Journal the benefit of
their experience, the undersigned will be grateful. — Isquieee.

HORTICDLTUKAL AND COTTAGE GARDEN
SOCIETIES.

"T>.,DeaI," writes almost despairingly. "Ithinkit becomes
a question whether flower shows are increasing in favour."
The position of the Horticultural extremely critical ; the
Crystal Palace shows don't pay ; Alexandra Palace defunct.
What a climax of horrors !

In corroboration, I see the County Horticultural Society
nearest me struggling against difficulties which will defy the
strength of Hercules to overcome should they have one or two
more rainy show days ; I see others which the onslaught of a
single " Wyld Savage," if he were so inclined, would suffice
to topple over, and which a single good downpour on their
show day would certainly cause to melt into airy nothing.
Such is the moribund condition of " horticulturals." At the
same time I see numerous cottage garden societies cropping up
around like so many Mushrooms, and most of them too, I fear,
doomed to the same ephemeral existence.

Now there must be a reason for this which I think it is not
hard to discover. The mischief is done by the frequency of
those monster al fresco entertainments (not flower showe)
which necessitate a great outlay, the only shance of recovering
which is by attracting gate money. Yes, gate money has a
good deal to answer for. It has ruined legitimate horse-
racing and honest pedestrianism ; it is in a fair way to ruin
flower shows.

A horticultural society is in a poor way whose existence
depends upon next show's gate-money ; and that is the case
with most. For the people who attend flower showe, because
they love flowers and wish to encourage improvements in hor-
ticulture, are the few; the many who perhaps do not know
the difference between a Eoso and Chrysanthemum, certainly
not between a Begonia and a Cactus, go there because it is
"the thing;" and their first question is about the band —
Coldstreams, Black Watch, or Marines ? and the flowers are
voted a bore because of the awful crush, and the tent where
ices are sold is abundantly patronised, and parasols are furled
or unfurled on the approach of friend or foe, and the usual
lonnd of fashionable small talk and byplay is gone through,
and at four o'clock the shilling folks ! and then exit Sir Eu-
genes Broadacre and all his tribe. So the grounds are sur-
rendered to the shillingers, many of whom would give their
ears to know how to grow just half a dozen Roses in that pokey
bit of a back garden ; and then at six in rush the eispeunies,
most of whom do really love flowers. But it is getting dutk,
and the best of them are being removed, and many of the
cut blooms are faded, still the great unwashed enjoys himself
after his kind, and lastly " darkness sheds her mantle o'er the
Boene ;" and if the show takes place at Oxford or Cambridge,
the porter rings his bell, he walks his round, the mob fleeing
before him ; he locks the gates (curtain falls). But this is the
fair side of the picture. The day has been fine; gate-money
by hatfnis. Hurrah for the society ! lots of money for the
prizes next year ! and everj'oody so pleased.

Is there not, however, another side ? Yes, a wet day — all
those tents are hired, that band came from Loudon (or Ply-
mouth), and does not play for nothing; those flags are borrowed
for a " consideralion," those gardeners and under-gardeners
love wages, those gate-keepers are not above taking fees, those
helps enjoy bread and cheese with beer, the Committee cannot
stop on the grounds all day without something to stay their
Btomachs, nay, even those reporters are eqbal to taking a
Boack, and the bell-ringers (I had almost forgotten them) are
a thirsty lot, and have an itching palm besides, and— and —
and, in fact there is no end of petty expenses ; and nobody
came but judges and exhibitors, and just a (ew — a very few,
persona who love flowers ; and we shall be out of pocket this
year, but better luck next time. And the end is that the
BnbsciiberB, who are chiefly those that do love flowers, get

tired of giving their money year after year to pay for some-
thing that they do not love, and droop, droop, dwindle, dwindle
society — subscription to pay deficit among committee, and 'tis
no more seen, and all for lack of gate money ! A year or two
hence a plucky secretary will get together another committee,
and aaother society will be set on foot, and if the same rotten
staff be relied on, the same course pursued, result will be
another failure.

Now, let it not be supposed that I object to al fresco fetes
in themselves, or occasional gala days, or to those terpsicho-
rean amusements which in many instances follow the departure
of the upper ten thousand, or even to that moderate indulgence
which helps the licensed victualler to feed and clothe himself
and family. I do not. But I do object to that enormous annual
expenditure, which the certainty of large receipts at the gate
alone can justify, and to which the money paid away in prizes
and in legitimate expenses bears but a small proportion.

It what I have written be a true picture of the state of things
in some of our county horticultural societies, it is a fortiori
true of cottage garden societies, which, in their humble fashion,
seem somewhat inclined to ape their betters, and the result
will be the same.

What, then, is the remedy ? In what follows I shall confine
myself entirely to cottage garden societies, and to what I think
would be best for them.

First, Let them take for their motto "Union is strength."
Secondly, Let them keep steadfastly in view the real objects
of the society. Thirdly, I would say to them. Multiply your
local shows for garden produce, minimise your expenditure on
fetes.

1, " Union is strength." An instance in point: The annual
musical festival of the three choirs (Gloucester, Worcester,.
Hereford) is a well-known fact. Each festival is perfectly
independent of the others — a healthy rivalry exists between
them. Each conducts and pays for its own particular festival
for the same object. This festival has lasted (I write subject
to correction) above a hundred years, and to all appearances
is likely to last another hundred. Let three cottage garden
societies, established in three different country towns, combine
in a similar manner, and I believe that similar results would
ensue.

2, " Keep steadfastly in view the object of the society."'
This I take to be the improvement of gardening by promoting
a healthy competition among cottagers. One instance : In my
own neighbourhood the poor have been in the habit of cultivat-
ing one particular main crop of Potatoes from time immemorial.
This Potato is extremely liable to disease, bemg a very late
sort, and change of seed being in many instances impracticable,
the kind seems to be wearing out. It is neither so large nor
so good as it used to be. What, then, should the society do-
under the circumstances? Why, clearly try to introduce some
better varieties. There are plenty which may with truth be
called poor man's Potatoes, notably Paterson's Victoria, Red-
skin Flourball, Brownell's Beauty, Snowflake, &a. ; at any rate,
they suit our soil. They may be put in fairly early, and dug
early, and so escape disease. I take it, then, to be the first
duty of the society to sell to the cottagers at a very low rate
seed of some such Potatoes as I have mentioned, to distribute
printed instructions for preparation of seed and cultivation,
and lastly to give prizes at their local shows for the best pro-
duce. The result would be, that in two or three years the
above-mentioned first-class Potatoes would be universally
grown by cottagers ; and should any new variety, such as
Sutton's Magnum Bonum, prove itself to be equally useful, it
should be the duty of the society to see carefully to its intro-
duction. In this way the funds of the society would be most
usefully employed ; and whereas the poor man — who now gives,
say 9(7. a stone for his seed — cannot be expected to give 3s. for
Red-skin Flourball, the society — liy taking a quantity at the
beginning of the season, and by distributing its printed in-
structions— might sell at a low price, and ensure the proper
cultivation of what would be in the future an inestimable boon
to the poor man,

3, " Multiply your local shows for garden produce. Mini-
mise your expenditure upon frtes." Annual fetes are so ex-
pensive that few societies can afford to have more than one show
a ysar. This one show does not give suflicient opportunity for
exhiliiting the earlier and the later kinds of garden produce.
A middle time is usually chosen, and the consequence is that
many important classes for which prizes are offered go unfilled
or very inadequately represented. I would have, then, in each
society two inexpensive shows at least in each year. One li

Febraary 1. 1877. )

JOURNAL 0? HORTICDLTURB AND COTTAGE aARDENER.

79

wonld call the Currant and Gooseberry Show, which should
take in the earlier Potatoos, Roses, and the fruits most grown
by cottaaers ; the other I would call the Apple and Pear Show,
to be held at the end of September or beginning of October,
by which time all the second early and late Potatoes should
have been dug and stored.

An inexppnaive show could not be held al fresco, but it
should be held in a covered market or large public room. It
would b) visited by all the real gardeuers of the neighbour-
hood, and the receipts at the doors (for gate money is a neces-
sary evil) should go to cover the expense of the visit which
our cottagers would pay to our neighbours' triennial gala; for
I propose that each of the three societies whose union I con-
template should hold once in three years a hortioaltural ft-te,
when the gentlemen in the neighbourhood would turn out the
contenti of their conservatories, and when bands, and flags,
and dancing, and other attractions might be hung out to their
heart's content. And in order that our cottagers may not
think that they are the only people who can grow Potatoes,
and that they may gain wisdom by the sight of what their
neighbours can do, and that they may have a real good outing
(which to them means a day's pleasure), part of the funds of
the society should be each year set apart to pay the travelling
expenses only of all cottage exhibitors who have taken prizes
or whose produce has not been condemned by the judges as
inferior and unfit for exhibition. I should expect that under
this arrangement a very large number of the members of the
united societies and their friends would be induced by fellow
Reeling or curiosity, or perhaps even by cheap railway fares,
to support the triennial fete held by their neighbours from
year to year.

Thus, I imagine, might be established what I began with—
union, competition, economy, and perhaps permanence. —
Sen'ex Cobyc^us.

Maides-hair Feens IN' Wateb. — It is often a matter of
annoyance in arranging cut flowers in glasses that the Maiden-
hair F<;rns do not last well. I find that the fronds stand well
if a greater or less quantity of the pinna; are submerged in
the water. Duubtless the slender rachis in this family of Ft-rns
does not supply a sufficiency of moisture to the pinnffi, but
when somo of these are also placed so as to absorb water, the
lasting qualities of the fronds in a cut state are much en-
hanced. The plants used for cutting from are wintered in a
temperature ranging generally from 45' to 50°, the plants being
kept pretty dry all through the autumn and winter. — R. P.
Beothskstok (in The Gardem-r).

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

to the editor of the times.

Sir, — I fear that the letter from the Secretary of the Royal
Horticultural Society in your paper of Friday will cause some
disappointment to horticalturists, especially in the cnuntry.
Haviut^ been lately ia c jmmuuicatioa with very mauy of them,
I believe it to be tbeir feeling that horticulture is the most
popular of all sciences in this country, and that horlicnlturists
are perfectly able and willing to snpport a society for its promo-
tion. Avery phort time back the leading London horticulturists
were anxious to free the Society from the incubus of both South
Kensington Garden and of the Commission of 1851, and to let
it stand on its own bottom. Now, it seems we are to go back to
the old story, " to make the gardens attractive to the residents
in their neighbourhood and of London generally," and " the
residents and owners of property in the neighbourhood " are
again to be the backbone of the Society. London is a large
place; there i< plenty of room for two societies ; might it not be
well lo organise a national society for the promotion of horti-
culture, the funds of which would be applied to strictly horti-
cultural purposes? Dr. Hogg's letter speaks of a tenancy of
the gardens up to 1892. The old saying, " Where there is a
wrong there is a remedy," may not always be correct; but it
does seem a wrring that land variously estimated in value at
"from e:iOi(,0(|ij to half a million, bought mainly with the shillings
of visit jrs to the 18jl Exhibition, sUould be exclusively used as
a square fur the neighbourhood and for our Committee meetings
and shows, fer which, though it ia the most convenient situa-
tion, this convenience could not by any process of valuation be
stretched to .i'500 a-year.

There are many horticulturists through the country now col-
lecting names of those who desire to become Fellows of the
Society or of a society free from encumbrance, paying subscrip-
tions of a guinea annually. Will yon allow me to beg them to
continue their exertions ? I cannot and will not work except
as aa amateur, and shall ba most glad to be freed from even this

work; but let us only coUsct asufScient number of good would-be
Fellows, and all the rest will follow. There must be plenty of
competent and energetic men, who, partly for the love of horti-
culture and partly for occupatiou and a post, would undertake
to collect and cement together the material which is so abun-
dantly scattered through the country. I do not speak without
book, being about to print in a report to the Committee for
collecting guinea Fellows a long list of names, including the
best-known horticulturists in all parts of England, Scotland,
Wales, and Ireland, who are most anxious to nave a really re-
presentative societv to promote their well-loved art.

Tour obedient servant, Geobqe F. Wilson.
Heathcrlank, Weybridge Heath.

TO THE editor OF THE TIMES.

Sir, — I regret that Mr. G. F. Wilson should have written his
letter to The Times of the 23rd inst. without consulting hia
friends on the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, among
whom there are some who share his views as to the taking steps
to sever the connection of the Sjciety with the South Kensington
Gardens. However desirous the Council or the Society might
be of such a severance, the fact is that it is simply impossible
without the conseut of the debenture-holders, and this consent
they have refused. Is Mr. Wilson, then, prepared to run the
risk of attempting to establish a rival society? The chances of
his failing to do so are many, and he may injure mora or less
the Royal Horticultural Society and the advancement ©f the art
which he really wishes to forward.

It is not generally knswn that the Society does something
more than make flower shows and supply a recreation ground to
South Kensington. The Scientific, the Fruit, and the Floral
Committees meet every fortnight. Toe first ia composed of
some of the most eminent men in various branches of science,
and the other two of leading scientific and practical horticul-
turists, and that they are efficiently doiug work that is highly
valued at home and abroad is evident from the published reports
of their proceedings. The important experiments in practical
horticulture that are conducted at Chiswick are, as Mr. Wilson
knows, well done. What prospect, then, has he that a rival
society without the appliances that the Royal Horticultural has
would do the work as well or better ? He must be prepared
with an annual income of at least £5000, besides the capital
expenditure; and I ask if Mr. Wilson is prepared to find that
sum. If not, it would be much better to support the existing
Society.

Mr. Wilson's ideas as to the more extended support of the
Society which would ensue if the subscription were one guinea
have already been considered by the Council, and, subject to
the decision of the annual meeting on the 13th of next month,
adopted in substance; the only points of difference being as to
the title of the subscriber, fellow, or member, the right of voting,
and whether or not the privilege should "be confined to those
residing beyond a certain distance from London.

As to the value of the gardens at South Kensington, it is only
fair to the Society to bear in mind that it has expended on them
the sum of .t73,00O, and that it is principally owing to them that
the land in tbeir neighbourhood now realises the high prices
which it brings. The value of the gardens is estimated at that
of building laud, but this is to forget; the fact that to build over
them would destroy the value which they as gardens created,
and sericudy depreciate the value of all property near them.
What, for instance, would be the effect on the value of house
property in Belgrave Square if the square itself were to be built
over ?

The dealings of Her Majesty's Commissioners with the Society
I have no right to enter upon further than to say that if questioned
by proper authority I believe they will be found to have been
justifiable in every respect.

I am. Sir, your obedient servant, Robert Hogg.

Itoyal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, Jan. 25(/i.

The following commentary on Mr. Wilson's letter is from
the " Gardeners' Magazine :" — •

" Mii. Wilson has published in the Times and other papers a
letter, in which he proposes the formation of a national society.
The letter is ill timed, and its publication so extremely inju-
dicious that we cannot trust ourselves to say all we feel. In the
first place, it suggests to the world at large that there is another
split amongst the horticulturists when there is indeed no such
thing ; and, in truth, there has been no split at any time, how-
ever to the general public it may have appeared so. To make
it appear that the house is divided against itself is bad enough ;
but, us Mr. Wilson has been figuring lately as a horticulturist
witu a bran new scheme of federation in his pocket, we should
have preferred to see him show some steadfastness of character,
and not display, ae he has done, the shiftiness of character that
unfits a man for leadership. Mr. Wilson professes to have
formed a Commit tee. He has never called the Committee to-
gether, and his rash letter was written without the cognisance

80

JOTJENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ FebraiUT 1, 1877.

of the Committee, and it demonstrates the fact that he is him-
self the alpha and omega of the guinea movement. To make
snch a proposal now is not only imprudent aa suggesting the
deeirability of another failure — it is a breach of faith. He pro-
fesses to have in hie hand the promises of six thousand persons
to join the Royal Horticultural Society as soon as the guinea
subscription is adopted. The Council profess to be favourable
to his proposals, and buggeet a modification. Instead of waiting
for the meeting, and then urging his case with such aid as he
may be sure of if the six thousand is a fact, he plays turncoat,
and "goes over" to an imaginary thing that has already been
talked of so much that sober men are sick of it. He has been
striving to work us all np to fever heat, and has had all the
assistance he asked for from the press; and now in the columns
of the leading daily paper he tamely pours cold water on his
own work, and if the hissing that results disquiets him he has
but his own unsteadfastness to thank for it. He was bound by
all the laws as well as the courtesies of public life to discuss
the matter first in the Council room at South Kensington, and
in the event of failing to obtain all he demanded he could have
carried his six thousand with him to the end of the world — that
is, of course, provided they were willing to go with him."

EVERLASTINGS.

In making a selection of seeds these nsefal flowers must not
be overlooked. They are effective when growing, and their
flowers are valuable when dried for winter bouquets. The
following are deserving of cultivation : —

IleUchrysmn, — Decided colours are the most desirable, snch
as are afforded by H. monstrosum flore-pleno — varieties
album, roseum, atrococcineum, purpureum, and Inteum ; or a
collection may be obtained which will include those and other
shades of colour. Hardy annuals. Sow during early April in
light rich soil in an open situation, the rows being 18 inches
apart, thinning the plants so that they ultimately remain 1 foot
asunder in the rows. The flowers upon plants treated as
hardy annuals are not produced in quantity until late summer
with me ; but 1 am in a high cold situation, in which the
plants should be treated as half-hardy annuals, sowing in
March in a gentle hotbed, pricking off the seedlings, when they
have a pair of rough leaves, 2 inches apart in pans or boxes,
returniag them to the hotbed until established, then be trans-
ferred to a cold frame, hardening well off before planting-out
in May. The plants well repay potting-ofl singly in small
pots, from which they may be transferred to the open ground
without the check consequent upon planting from pans or boxes.
I have sown the seeds in rows C inches apart in a cold frame,
keeping close until the seedlings appear, and then admitting
air freely, having them well hardened-off by the second or
third week in May, and then planting-out. In that way they
answer well, hut the autumn being wet the flowers are not
nearly so good for drying as those produced earlier. 2\ to
3 feet.

Xeranthemitm annuum flore-pleno, purple, and its white va-
riety album, are very showy and desirable for drying, requiring
the treatment of Heliohrysum.

AcrocKithim roseum, and variety album, are half-hardy, re-
quiring to be sown in a hotbed during March, pricking-off
the plants when large enough to handle, and growing them in
gentle heat until established, hardening well off, and then
planting-out in rich light soil in an open yet sheltered situ-
ation. The rows should be 1 foot apart, and the plants in
them 6 to 9 inches asunder. 1 foot.

Ammobium aliitum is a very pretty small white flower, re-
quiring the treatment of Aoroclinium, but with an increased
distance of .H inches between the rows and plants. 2 feet.

liJiodantlie maculata (rose, yellow centre), and its varieties
atrosanguinea (crimson) ; alba, the loveliest, having a fine
silvery appearance; and R. Manglesi (silver and rose, with
yellow centre), are really charming for greenhouse decoration ;
I grow three plants in a ."j-inch pot, or live plants in a G-inoh
pot, affording a light airy situation , watering liberally. For out-
door flowering sow during March in a hotbed, pricking-off the
seedlings when large enough, growing on, and hardening well
off before planting out at the end of Mny, 9 inches apart in
rows 1 foot asunder, l.'i to 18 inches. Rich light soil.

Heliplcrum eoviimbiflnrnm, white, and H. Sanfordi, pale
yellow, half-hardy, requiring the treatment of Acroolinium.
9 inches.

n'ail:ia corym7)OS(i, reddish, with yellow disc; W. grandiflora
is perhaps the finest of all yellow Everlastings. Be careful
not to overwater. The treatment recommended for Khodanthe
is suitable. IS to 18 inches.

Gomphrena glohosa, vars. albs, aurantiaoa, oamea, purpurea,
and striata, are tender or greenhouse annuals ; their globular
heads being cut when full-sized and dried are very useful, the
plants also when growing being very effective. Sow during
March or early April in a hotbed, pot the plants singly or three
in a pot, and grow them in gentle heat, shifting into larger
pots as required, giving single plants 6 or 7-inch pots, and
trebles 8 or 9-inch pots. Rich turfy and gritty loam will grow
them well. Place the plants in the greenhouse in June, afford-
ing a light airy situation. 18 inches to 2 feet.

Stntice Bottduelli, pale yellow or sulphur, and S. Thoninii,
blue and white, are very pretty. Sow early in March in a hot-
bed, pot-oS singly in small pots, growing on in gentle heat,
removing to a cold frame in May, and planting out in an open
situation in rich light soil at the end of that month or early in
June ; or the plants may be shifted into 5 or 6-inch pots, and
given a light airy position in the greenhouse, where they will
flower to a late period. They are half-hardy perennials, but
are best treated as annuals. Plant outdoors 9 inches apart in
rows a foot asunder. S. einuata (blue) and S. spicata are both
half-hardy and useful ; the latter, rosy pick, is fine for rook-
work. The flower spikes should be cut when a majority of the-
flowers are expanded.

All Everlastings for drying should have the flowers out,
unle.ss otherwise stated, before they are fully expanded, cutting
with a few inches of stalk, and be tied in little bundles for
convenience of suspending in any dry place, or they may be
placed thinly on shelves in any dry airy house, as that of a
vinery from which the Grapes have been cut. The flowers
must not only be dry after they are cut, but bo perfectly so
when cut ; for if cut wet, or if they become damp afterwards,
they will certainly decay. — G. Abbey.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS— FLEAWORTS.

This is a rather numerous family of border plants. With this
genus as with many others, some species are cared for and
sought after, some are neglected or cast to one side. We do
not entertain the idea of cultivating all the plants enumerated
in closely packed columns, for to do that we should require a
farm of no small dimensions ; yet many border plants are so
charming that we are constantly adding to our numbers.
Some of the race in hand ought to occupy prominent places in
borders and on rockeries. According to English botany we
have a representative in this family, but I think its name
admits of a doubt — Erigeron canadensis sounds to me rather
un-English, yet it is worth retaining.

The Fieaworta are a large and widely distributed family, in-
habiting many parts of the globe, and soon make themselves
at home with us in our borders. They are not particular as
to soil or situation, but must have light and air. Some of
them are tall-habited plants, while others are of small stature.
Erigeron glaucus is of compact dwarf habit, and is an acquisi-
tion to any rookery or border ; its pretty blue with yellow-
centred flowers have a pleasing effect. Some of the species
are said to be possessed of properties which drive away gnats
and fleas. Erigeron acris is said to belong to our own flora ;
Erigeron alpinus and E. nniflorus both hail from Scotland,-
and are well adapted to the rockery and the border. They in
a great degree resemble Aster alpinum, with which they are
sometimes confused. E. Villarsii, E. grandiflorns, E. pur-
purens, and E. serpentarius, are the kinds most met with in
cultivation. There are many others of the family that are
worthy the cultivator's notice. They will bear a good share
of rough usage, and are easily increased by division in spring;
or autumn. — Veritas.

GYMNOGRAMMA PERUVIANA ARGYROPHTLLA.

The Gold and Silver Ferns are considered by many to be
entitled to be placed in the front rank of their race, and
amongst the many species and varieties now in cultivation
there is perhaps none more generally admired than the plant
under notice, Gymnogramma peruviana argyrophylla. The
broad gracefully arching fronds, covered densely below ancS'
above with a powder of snowy whiteness, attract the attention
of the most ordinary observer ; nevertheless this Fern, though
of easy culture, is in many oases devoid of that luxuriance and
silvery whiteness which characterise a really flourishing plant.

The treatment under which I have found it to succeed best
is very simple. Supposing we commence with a young plant
in a 3-inch pot in March, it will then in all probability require-

Februiry 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULXUBfi AND COXXAGE GAEDENBS.

81

a shift into i 7-inoh pot, using a compost of two parts of
fibrona peat, one part of sphagnum rubbed through a sieve ;
the other part to consist of friable loam, coarse silver or
river sand, charcoal broken small, and a little well-decom-
pospd dried cow manure. Mix the whole well together, and in
potting be sure and drain f iiioiently, and keep the crown well
above the soil, and stagnation of water in the heart of the
plant will thereby be avoided and finer fronds will be produced.
Using such a porous compost renders liberal supplies of water
absolutely necessary, applying it close to the edge of the pot,
BO as to prevent the farina being washed off the young fronds
just emerging.

Xhe plant must be placed in a position where it is not likely
to suffer from condensed moisture dripping from the roof of
the house, and it must not be syringed. It luxuriates in strong
moibt heat and a light position. It will bear more direct sun
than most Ferns, moderate sunshine enhancing the richness
of its silvery fronds. In June the plant should be moved into
a 10-inch pot, using the same compost as described above,
well warming it previously, and, if a suitable temperature is
afforded, a plant 4 to 5 feet across will be the result.

It is during the winter months, however, that the plants
show a tendency to look weedy, and many are annually lost
because a sufficiently high temperature cannot be maintained.
Less than 55" nearly always results in the loss of the plant.
If a low temperature is the only alternative, keep the plant in
the driest and warmest part of the house, giving only sufficient
water to keep the fronds from shrivelling. In a warm stove
tbo plant is thoroughly at home, and requires moderate sup-
plies of water throughout the winter.

A vorous soil, plenty of water during growth, a moist tropical
tempsrature, and warm wintar quarters are the chief require-
ments of this beautiful Fern.— A. W., Lincoln.

and the young growths are both shorter-jointed and stouter
than when placed a greater distance from the glass. Xhe
after-training does not entail much, if any, more labour than
the ordinary method of tying to a trellis. As the growths
extend some sticks are placed in the pot at proper intervals,
and to these the growing shoots are secured, and a bush-like
form is attained precisely in the same way as with Heaths or
other bardwooded plants.

A plant thus trained of Allamanda Hendersonii was last
season over 4 feet in diameter, and loaded with its large yellow
flowers from June till October. It would have bloomed much
longer only that I ripened it off to commence training early
for another season. Xhe Allamanda requires plenty of water,
and delights in occasional doses of manure water while growing.

— J. W. MoOKM.VN.

;The plant referred to was exhibited at Wimbledon, and the
mode of training was generally admired. — Eds.]

LONICEBA FRAGBANTISSIMA.

A HuNEYSucKLE in full bloom in midwinter is not a common
sight, yet a fine plant some 10 or 12 feet high of Lonicera
frsgrautissima is now full of flowers, which are most valuable
for cutting, the delicious perfume being quite equal in its
delicacy and sweetness to that of the Lily of the Valley.

This Chinese Honeysuckle proves to be a very valuable ever-
green shrub, the short-jointed sturdy growth being clothed
throughout the year with deep green foliage, handsome in
form and of great substance. Although the mild weather has
caused its flowers to appear a fev weeks sooner than usual,
yet it may justly be termed the winter-blooming Honeysuckle,
as it generally comes into flower in February when planted in
a sheltered situation. So highly do I esteem it that I intend
planting several of it in different situations, so as to prolong
the season of its flowering as long as possible. — E. L., !::usscx.

THE APPLE ELECTION.

I SHOULD like to make a suggestion as to the arrangement
of names, &a. In reading over a list of Apples in the English
edition of M. de Breuil's " Fruit Xreee," I found an arrange-
ment there which I think with a little alteration would be
the very thing required. Summer Apples — Dessert, Kitchen.
Autumn Apples — Dessert, Kitchen. U'iuter Apples — Dessert,
Kitchen.

In M. de Breuil's list there are less than six Apples named
for the summer, and a great many more for the winter, but I
propose to confine the number to six in all classes, to be men-
tioned in the order of ripening. — .\3iateck, Cirencester.

;SIany correspondents have urged an election of Apple
trees. We cannot undertake to arrange returns from the
fruit-growers of our islands, but if anyone will undertake the
task we will aid him in every way within our power. Will our
correspondent oblige us by a list of the fruits he has elected
for Gloucestershire '.'—Eds.]

BUSH ALLAMANDAS.

Everyone who has seen thepe magnificent free-flowering
plants growing in the stoves of Wimbledon House, and alluded
to by Mr. Ollerhead on page 6 of the present volume, must
have been struck with their great beauty ; but it is not all
who can afford such an expanse of roofing to allow AUa-
mandas to display their natural beauty, and such persons
must he content with growing a few plants in pots, which, as
Mr. Ollerhead hints, often find their way to our public ex-
hibitions. No stove plant is more worthy of a place there,
for its large yellow trumpet-shaped flowers are very striking;
but the plants are so often seen trained so closely to a balloon
trellis that they present a stiff and formal appearance. The
mode of training I adopt is a bush-like form, and plants so
trained present a very satisfactory appearance, showing the
flowers oli' to great advantage.

The present is the time to commence training operations.
My usual mode at the commencement of the new year, and
after the plants have become dry and well ripened, is to cut
away all green shoots, and prune well into the ripe wood.
Should the plants require repotting, which is usually the case,
I place the ball in tepid water to ensure its being thoroughly
moistened, and after it has drained, a portion of the old soil is
removed, and the plant is repotted, using good fibrous loam
with an iidmixture of sand. I then tie each shoot down as close
to the rira of the pot as possible. When all are brought down
they bear a clof e resemblance to a bundle of dead sticks ; but
this low trainit'g induces thesfioots to break well back. When
all is firiirhf d I plice tha plants as near the gbiea as pos&ible,

ROSE-GROWING IN YORKSHIRE.

A YoEKSHiKEjiAN Is always jealous for the honour of his
native county, not less so a Yorkshire woman. I quite believe
that the brother of " Wyld Savage" will not find his Eoses
flourish under the " depressing ciroumstauces " mentioned in
Tuur number of 25th January ; but allow me to say that all
Yorkshire is not so unfortunate, as it comprises many soils and
many climates.

Here, near Hull, one mile from the east coast, our inland
friends pity us for what they unwittingly designate our " fearful
climate," While I walk round my garden in the midst of my
Koses, in bloom early and late, and whilst admiring my
favourites lean afford tolaugh at my friends, for who amongst
them, down to rosy Hertfordshire, can show finer blooms than
I ? whilst I enjoy them none the less because they are most of
them raised and nursed by my own handf.

I do not feel at all iuclined to tell " Wvld Savage " that he
knows nothing whatever on the subject of Koses, but I do
maintain, from my own experience, that Teas and Noisettes
should be as little moved as possible in this district. The soil
is clay and not a very kindly one, the winters very mild, the
springs very cold and dry with frosty nights and hot sunny
days. Xhese are what we have to guard against, and Xeas as
well as other kinds of Roees so often die if planted in the
spring, and are checked if moved in the winter, that I avoid
the risk as far as possible. Xhe only protection I ever give is
a little shading with a few branches of furze to a few of the
more delicate varieties, and I think of this the less tho better.
My garden is not large, I think I should not love it so well if
it was ; hut T can safely say that the winters have never killed
me either a Tea or Xoieette Rose. The only Roses I ever lost
from frost were one or two of the old Bourbon Charles Duval
in the winter of 18(j0-61.

I cjuite agree with "Wild Sav.we" in thinking that Tea
Roses do not do well under a wall nor yet on it ; indeed, so
sure was I that nailing to a hot wall did not suit them, that I
had mine unfastened and staked some years ago, since which
they have done much better, audit was very satisfactory to me
to find my own views corroborated afterwards in the pages of
this Journal. There is no place where they thrive as they do
in an open though sheltered border. I have all my Eoses
manured with a lavish hand as early iu winter as I can tolerata

92

JOURNAL OP aORTICDLTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

t FebrufU-j 1, 1S77.

to deface my borders ; tho manure is dag-in in tbe spring, and
if the snmmer is dry an oocasioaal thorough watering is given
and thankfully received.

If my small experience is worth anything, let me strongly
urge the desirability of growing all Roses, but more especially
Toas, on their own roots. They will require well staking at
first, but iu a few years many of them will be strong enough
to withstand tbe fiercest gales without injury, whilst their
neighbours on unsightly standards will he knocked about or
very likely lose their heads altogether, whilst as for the blooms
there is no comparing them. I have only one ezouse to offer
for presuming to give an opinion in company with so many
authorities on the inexhaustible sabjaet of Rosea, and that is
— Success.

SOME SPECIES OP PRIMULA.— No. 4.

PRIMULA DECORA— COMELY AURICULA.

Its specific characters
are thick smooth leaves,
acutely serrated; calyxes
clammy, and pedicels
longer than the scape.
" This is nearly allied to
Primula vUlosa, but we
think it is specifically dif-
ferent. Theserraturesof
the leaves are larger and
much fewer, being usually
about four on each side,
and occupy the sides of
the leaf only, leaving the
apex painted and entire ;
or, in other words, the
terminal tooth is larger
and more acate than the
others.

"In the late Mr. Zier's
' Herbarium,' now in our
possession, is a specimen
of this plant from the Kew
Gardens, where it was
then called decora, which
name we have adopted,
being convinced that, al-
though frequently taken
for glutinoaa, it is quite
distinct from that species,
which has nearly or alto-
gether sessile flowers, and
narrow, minutely-sawed,
and clammy leaves.

" We are not acquainted
with the country from
which it came. It waa
communicated by N. S.
Hodson, Esq., of the War
Ofiioe.

"Flowers in April. Is
as hardy as the common
Auricula, and requires the
same treatment." — [Botanical Magazine, t, 1922. J

ANTS AND TOADS.
" Go to the ant thou sluggard, consider her ways." I am
not going to preach a homily, that is not my forte ; but ob-
serving a few days ago some ants very busy ou a young shoot
of a Grape Vine, I was induced to watch their movemants, and
saw that they were coUoctiag tho small crystal globules which
had exuded from the Vine shoot. It did not appear that they
were feeding on them, but carrying them away most likely to
feed their young. I observed one in particular, which was
fearful of losing the precious morsel, reverse its position ou
the stem, so as to more securely hold it. In a short time all
the almost infinitesaimal globules had disappeared. I collected
a few to ascertain if they had any taste, but they were as
tasteless as homeopathic globules, but ratber gummy, and did
not dissolve on tbe tongue. From this and my previous ex-
perience I do not think ants injurious to tbe plants which they
visit. They are seldom seen on plants unless there is food
of some kind for them, aphis, scale, or mealy bng. After all

the globules had disappeared from one Vine the ants took op
another, and so on through the entire length of the house.

While on the subject of gardeners' friends I may instance
the sagacity of a toad which came under my notice. Some
sixteen years ago, when living in Derbyshire, some of my
assistants drew my attention to the actions of a toad in a pit
which had been recently cleared of Melons. I saw that it was
snipping up woodlice, and it poised its head as instinctively as
a terrier dog at a rats' hole. I thought I would try its insect-
devouring propensity on larger game, procured some fat well-
fed cockroaches, and tossed them down before the gentleman
in brown. Alter cunningly eyeing them for a second or two,
" snap," and they were gone. Now, for sport, I thought I will
see if toads are to be caught with bait. I then tied a piece of
thread to one, threw it down near the devourer, and " snap "
again. I then drew it 4 or 5 inches, when the toad finally ejected
it. I then tried it without the string, but the toad was too wise
to take'that. I put down a fresh one ; that was soon put out
of sight. If this does not
show sagacity of a charac-
ter higher than we give
each things credit for I am
mistaken. It may not be
generally known amongst
gardeners, but toads
slough or shed their skins
annually like snakes. My
attention was drawn to
the action of one in a
Cnoumber house scraping
alternately with its paws
over the back of its head,
similar to the action of a
oat when cleaning itself.
On close examination I
saw that it was completing
the removal of its old coat.
From that time I have
watched their varied ac-
tions with great interest,
and keenly appreciating
their services.

Many are the prejudices
against this useful crea-
ture, one in particular I
will mention. An old
gentleman, whom I suc-
ceeded in a situation, was
kindness itself, and would
not " heedless tread upon
a worm," was of opinion
that toads snck Straw-
berries, and if he found
one inside the garden
walls would carefully take
it np and convey it to the
outer world. No doubt
many of the readers of
this may have heard of
similar prejudices; but if
the habits of these minor
subjects of creation were more closely studied, many an in-
structive lesson would be learned. — J. Gadd, Thorndcm Oarden,
Brentwood.

10.— PBIlIULi DECORA.

THE PROPHET ELM AT CEEDENHILL COURT,
NEAR HEREFORD.

The common Euglibh Elm — for height and size, for grandeur
of form, and for majestic growth, combined with lightness
and beauty — has few competitors. It gives to our parks and
pleasure grounds grand avenues and noble groups of trees ; it
encircles our home landscapes, adorns our houses, and gives
everywhere a shade in summer that adds greatly to our
personal enjoyment, and make it perhaps, in its homely and
domestic associations, the most general favourite of all our
large trees.

Many superstitions are connected with the Elm, eo that each
of them may be considered to be a " Prophet." Thus Carda-
nus says, " The leaves of an Elm tree falling before their time
do foreshew a murrain or death of cattle." There ia a pecu-
liarly-formed Elm in Hampton Court garden known as " King

I

Fojraary 1, 1877. J

JODRNAIj op HORTIOOCiTOaE AND COTTAGE GiRDENBR.

Ch»rle8'8 Swing," of whioh it U safely aaiii that whoever sits
iu it long enough is onrei of the headaohe.

The Prophet. Elm at Cradenhill Ooact is worthy of note from
il; naai9. Whenever a death is abJut to take plaoe in the

family of Eokley (the owners), it is said to be foretold by the
braakiag-down of a large bough, and the most oonrinoing (?)
inataaoBS are given of the oorreotneas of these oooarreuoes.
The " Prophet " is a fine tree, and grows in the garden on the

11.— Peopuet elji at cbecekuill.

western aide of the honse. It presents a fine, tall, straight
bole, whioh measures 10 feet y iaohes 3 feet from the ground,
and the trunk rises some 40 ff.et before giving off any branch of
importance. The "Propliet" is said ta coutaiu 400 cubic feet
of timber, and its special peculiarity rests iu its having two
important remains of branches below the foUage, the first

being 27 feet from the ground. The •• Prophet " is probably
not much more than onejhnudred jeara old, a* Elm trees,
and indeed all other trees, grow faster at Credenhill than else-
where in Herefordshire. The height is about 110 feet, and
there is every reason to believe that the treeis very free from

.tOUENAL OP HOBTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 1, 1^77.

In reply to somo qnerieB the Eev. C. H. Bnlmer, rector of
Credenhill, has obliged ns with the followinf! answer : —

" Tho Prophet is nndonbtedly in msgnificent health, and
beard his years — certainly over a century — extremely well.
Indeed were it not for the occasional inroads into his consti-
tution incurred in the faithful discharge of his prophetic office,
without doubt he ought to last well through another century.
The tree may be said to possess more of a family than local
reputation. The superstition is as follows : When any branch
ot the old Elm falls, one of the members of the Eckley family
is supposed to hear in the crash of the ponderous bough (and
on account of the close contiguity of the tree to the mansion
it is very easily heard) his ov. n death knell. On two oooasionB
1 can hear personal evidence to the prophecy being singularly
fulfilled.

" The Eckley family came into possession of the Credenhill
estate, which was purchased from Henry Grey, eighth Earl of
Kent, in a very curious manner ; at least so says tradition.
Edmund Eckley rode a race on relays of saddle horses to
London against the owner of the Foxley estate, the ancestor of
the late Sir Uvedale Price, the well-known musician, botanist,
and landscape gardener, and arriving first bought the estate.
It may carry some little interest with it if 1 mention that my
predecessor in this living, and the former ownfr of the estate,
the Eev. John Eckley, told me that this Sir Uvedale Price of
Foxley (who was not only a near neighbour, but also a very
intimate friend) himself superintended the pruning of the 'tree
in its first stages of growth, which may partly account for its
unusual altitude and dimensions, if hardly for its prophetic
eccentricities. Sir Uvedale was also neighbour to and a very
intimate friend of a still more distinguished man — Andrew
Kuight of Wormesley Grange."

There are many remaikable Elms in Herefordshire, though
Loudon, in bis "Kecorded Elms," only mentions three trees
in the whole county. The most remarkable are the Kother-
was Elm, the Kingsaore Elm, the Stretton Rectory Elm, the
■Wormbridge Elm, the Holme Lacy Elm. the Much Marcle Elm,
the Eidgemoor Elm, The Westhide Elm, the Castle Green
Elms, and Cathedral Close Elms, Hereford ; the Hill Court
Elms, and the Eoss Churchyard Elms. At the latter place
two young Elm trees have sprung up within the church, and
have been allowed to remain there. They are suckers from the
roots of the tree which grew on that side of the churchyard,
cut down many years since. They are said, by the man who
shows the church, to grow in the pew in which the 'Man of
Eoss " was accustomed to sit, and thus do reverence to his
memory.

DAELINGTON GAEDENEKS' INSTITUTE.

At the meeting held in the Institute on January 16th an in-
teresting and able paper on British Ferns was read by Mr.
Harrow.

After a few introductory observations Mr. Harrow proceeded :—
The study of Ferns, even if confined to British Ferns, opens out
an almost inexhaustible field of study and observation. It is
Avell known that the coal beds of this country, and especially of
this county, are composed in a very great measure of the various
species which at some remote period flnurished luxuriantly in
this islaDd. Sir C. Lyall, speaking cf ore cf those gigantic
Tree Ferns found in the coal beds near Newcastle, says that
the trunk measured 5 feet in diameter, and must have been
between 10 and 50 feet in height. From this example we may
see how greatly the Fern has assisted to develope the com-
merce of this country, and how much we owe to it. Though we
do not now possess the gigantic FernB of New Zealand or the
Tropics, it is probable we have as great a lUversity of foliage
and as many varieties in the British Isles as can be found in an
area of similar extent in any part of the globe.

Ferns differ from flowering plants both in the mode of con-
struction and growth. If we examine the base of a leafstalk of
a tree we shall find a bud, which if undisturbed will produce a
bunch or cluster of fruit next season. There are no such buds
in the axils of Fern leaves, not eves in these of the Brake,
though the latter is peculiarly tree-like in growth. The upward
growth of the Fern consists of a process of unrolling, expansion,
and maturation of tbu leaves and stems. All the Cryptogamia
are dettitute of flowers ; that is their most noticeable distinction,
unless the fertile fronds of the Osmunda regalis be so termed.
But altbouph destitute cf flowers they are far from being de-
stitute of beauty. Thu graceful forms of (he fronds and their
delicate tracery, combined with loveliness cf colour, make
them objects of our admiration. The number of British species
is said to be forty-six, but what a number of varieties they
presort in forms differing from their types or what we call
types. These varir-ties number at least five hundred. Mr.

Sim of Foot's Cray in Kent ennmerates in his catalogue
365 British species and varieties. The varieties of Hart's-
tongue are about one hundred. Some are tasselled and fringed,
others resemble stag horns, frills, fans, &c. There is scarcely a
specits of British Ferns that does not show some varieties
crested or frilled ; this I consider a substitute for flowers, and
certainly the variations add much to tbeir interest and beauty.
Few can look upon Lastrea Filix-mas crislata or Athyriura
Filix-foimina well grown without admiring them. The leaves
of other plants are unvarying in their outline to a great extent,
but those of the Fern are as fantastical, changeful, and varying
as the aurora borealis. No one can thoroughly enjoy or under-
stand Ferns unless he has hunted for them in hedgerows,
woods, and amnnpst rocks, rivulets, and waterfalls. I have
found Scolopendrium crispum in the wood opposite Gainford,
and some peculiar sports in the same place and also at Rich-
mond. But the finest Polystichum aculeatum. Lady Ferns,
and Laetreas may be met with in the woods near Coxwold and
Ampleforth. The Polystichum seems to be quite distinct from
those growing in this part ; the fronds are much finer, and the
colour much brighter. It is interesting to notice the different
varieties of the same species growing in different localities.
For instance, the Scolopendrium vulgare found at Richmond
is distinct from that which grows west of Barnard Castle ; the
ft rmer being quite undulated, while toe latter is rigid and
siraiKht. Blechnum spicmt (B. boreale), abounds nesr Barnard
Castle, hut it is not found at Richmond. In the crevices of the
old bridge at Richmond Cystooteris fragilis is found, and Asple-
nium Tricbomanes in the Abbey Bridge near Rokcliy. At the
village of Barton, not a vi ry likely locality, I have found Poly-
podium vulgare, Asplenium Ruta-muraria, and a Trichomanes
growing on the old walls.

With regard to the cultivation of British Ferns. I think many
cultivators err in their treatment cf them during the winter
months by allowing tbeir crowns and roots to become dry as dust,
alleging as their reason for so doing that moisture may stimulate
tbem into growth at a time when they should be at rest. I
differ frcm that opinion, and think that if kept in a temperature
of -10°, moderately moist, so that the crowns and roots never be-
come quite dry, with as much air as possible {except during
frost), they will form good crowns and handsome plants, and be
a source of pleasure and satisfaction to the cultivator. As to the
deciduous kinds, not having had so much experience, I hesitate
to offer a decided opinion as to their cultivation. I hope, how-
ever, the discussion of to-night will elicit some good hints on it.
It does look something like ingratitude to turn out in the cold
those plants which by their beauty have given so much pleasure
in summer. It is likely that, accustomed to the prt tection of
glass, they may be slightly tendered, and may not make such
goi d roots or crowns in the open air. Mine arc kept in the
house, and I shall be glad at the proper season to show them to
any wishful to examine them. Mr. Harrow, in conclusion, said
the great principle of Fern-growing was to imitate as closely as
possible the conditions under which they are found in their
natural situations.

DOING AS HE WOULD BE DONE BY.

We have great pleasure in publishing the following com-
munication : —

The conduct of an old customer of ours — who succeeded hia
father, after many years of business together — has been so
exceptionally largo-minded , and so thoroughly, I conceive, such
as an Englishman in business ought always to be, that I trust
yon will consider the account of the transaction worthy a place
in your columns.

You are no doubt aware that of late years, through the wild
competition in the seed trade, it has been the absurd custom
for the firms to sell Peas, Beans, and all kinds of seeds, long
before they can possibly know what the harvest will produce,
at the most speculative and often ridiculously low prices in the
summer and autumn, so that — as in this year of a generally
deficient harvest — Peas, Beans, and seeds have been sold in
the summer, and have to he delivered at prices considerably
below what they have to be pnrchased at. Whether the seed-
merchant loses by it or not, of course the goods must be de-
livered at the agreed price ; while in an abundant year — if the
seed, (fee, has been purchased at more than the season value —
tho poor seed-merchant must reduce his pries to that of the
season. His bargain is but a poor one in either event. Legiti-
mate trade is thus seriously damaged and degraded.

And now for the case of our old customer. He had bought
of our traveller, very cheaply and fairly at an agreed price,
certain Peas last autumn. The harvest has been deficient, and
the Peas he bought aru worth double what he agreed to give.
In Fettling hie quarterly account he thus writes, January 10th,
1877 :— " As your imperfect knowledge of the value of the Pea8

Fobrnaij 1, 1877. ] '

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

85

in the antamn cauped you to put too low a price on them, I Bee
no reason why I should derive an advantage from the oiroum-
stau'ie, and therefore I request to be allowed to pay the worth

of them. I have added £ to your account."

I think you will agree with me that this is a fine spirit
rarely to be met with, and deserving of record; and I would
add that if all our business were carried on upon such honour-
able, liberal, and high principles as those displayed by our old
friend (who little thinks that we are writing about him), trade
would be far more honest, agreeable, and profitable. — A Seed-

MKBCHANT.

A GOOD OLD EOSE.
AEosE that is remarkable for the abundance and excellence
of its flowers when flowering with and among others of the
most select sorts ; for its earliness and lateness, or rather its
almost perpetual property of flowering ; for its free, abundant,
and wonderfully robust growth; for the large size and elegant
form of its foliage; for its adaptability to every form of culture
under which a Rose can thrive, and to every style of training,
to every position or aspect, must perforce make its way into
general favour. Such a Koee have I. Among standards none
are in such rude health, have such rampant growth, are clothed
with such handsome foliage — green and glossy even now in
midwinter— or bear such nuge clusters of large flowers all
through summer and autumn. Among climbers none are more
vigorous or cover a large area of wall space more quickly, con-
tinae in flower so long, or give fioe flowers upon all aspects,
north as well as south, as it does — one plant of it upon an
open west wall even now in .Tjnnary having several large
fully-expanded blossoms which would not disgrace a summer
bouquet; moreover it is equally "at home" upon stocks of
all kinds or its own roots. Who can tell me the name of my
Rose, or of any variety which they have found equal to my
description ? We have had a Rose election which has done,
and doubtless will continue to do, much good. Let us now
see if we cannot find out a few kinds of superlative merit in
every respect, and which are therefore as valuable for covering
the sides of a house, for planting in the Rose garden, for
forcing and general pot culture, as for furnishing cut flowers
for that stand of any number with which we always win the
first prize and cup ! Eave we half a dozen such ? I trow
not. I have only one. Who can me tell its name ? — Edward

LnCKHURST.

SPECIAL FLOWER SHOWS.

Undeb the above heading at page 51 of this volume of the
Journal, Mr. Douglas quotes a passage from the Rev. J. B. M.
Camm's remarks at the late Rose conlereuco to strengthen his
argument that other varieties of florists' flowers besides Roses
have, and do still, support distinct shows. Alas ! that such
lovely, and I thought universally popular, flowers as Carna-
tions and Picotees, Ac, should need any special pleudiog.
To the following sentence, which has a second time appeared
BO prominently before the public, I must be allowed to demur,
as being contrary to facts :—" Country Rose shows generally
betray failure in some form or other; Hereford, for instance,
where the largest balance ever forthcoming was -id." These
words, which I well remember were spoken by Mr. Camm in
that happy jocular vein his friends know so well, and with
which our cloth, from honest old Latimer to Sydney Smith,
have occaeionally refreshed themselves and others ; but by
which strangers and others not quite bo conversant with my
clerical brother's hard-hitting //ijiuahitig phraseology, may very
easily be mitled.

Amidst the wreck of falling Rose shows I turn with pleasure
to the last two published reports of the West of England and
Hereford Rose Show, which lie before me, and find that in
the past two years the Treasurer's balance in his favour to
be respectively £3 8s. 2d. and £14 10s. 6(i., while last year's
prize list (including cupsj was nearly £190. — HEBEFOBDeHiEE
Ikccmbent.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

In the front garden attached to Mr. Barron's residence
at Chiswick is growing a thrifty specimen of the Eucalyptus
OLOBCLUS. The plant has endured four winters. The extre-
mities of the shoots have been killed during past winters,
but on being pruned the main branches have grown again
freely. The plant or tree has received no injury whatever

during the present winter, and is conspicuona from its large
and distinctly-coloured foliage. We never saw a Blue Gum
tree more hardy-looking and exuberant than this young
specimen.

The Bournemouth Winteb Garden, which was recently

opened, is an imposing glass structure, and was erected by
Fletcher, Lonndes, & Co., 13a, Great George Street, West-
minster.

We are informed that the height of Wellingtonia at

Cotlands, Sidmouth, is 42 feet, the circumference of its stem at
its junction with the ground being 10 feet 4 inches, circum-
ference of lowest branches 80 ftet. The sizes of other trees
which have been forwarded to us are as follows : — A tree at
Killerton 44 feet high, circumference of stem 10 feet ; at Polti-
more a tree is GO feet high ; a tree in the cemetery at Bath is
40 feet, and one at Beauport near Battle 40 to 50 feet.

We have received from Mr. Arthur Perkins, Park

Nurseries, Coventry, cuttings from young Vines which were
planted in May, 1875. The wood sent of Madresfield Conrt,
Muscat of Alexandria, Lady Downe's Seedling, and Black
Hamburgh is exceedingly strong, also well matured, and
affords conclusive evidence that Vines may be well grown ia
" unprepared borders." Excellent Grapes can hardly fail,
being produced by canes of such superior quality. We should
be glad, however, to know what Mr. Perkins means by " un-
prepared borders." What is the nature of the soil and sub-
soil, and what stimulants have been afforded the Vines?

At the spring exhibition of the Royal Horticultural

Society held last year at South Kensington forced plants OP'
Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum vulgare), which had been grown
at Chiswick, were mucb admired. This may be an opportune
period for directing attention to this valuable old plant as
being the time for potting the crowns for early flowering. The
crowns at Chiswick we noticed the other day are just starting
into growth. After being potted they are placed in a warm
dark place until growth fairly commences, when they are re-
moved to the light. It is very important as the growth advances
that the plants be kept as near to the glass as possible, to keep
them as sturdy as is contibtent with their nature. When
flowering, their delicate light green foliage and elegantly arched
shoots laden with white flowers are highly effective. As ar-
ranged on stages the plants show to much greater advantage
than when growing in the garden, where the flowers are neces-
sarily much hidden by the foliage. The plant is worthy of
being forced by ail who possess crowns and have the means oi
forcing them.

" I WAS agreeably surprised the other day," writes Mr.

Luckhurst, " when looking over a bed of the Leamington Broc-
coli to find a goodly number of it fit for immediate use, and to
see from the appearance of the remainder that a succession
may be depended on from this one bed for some time to come.
This early maturity is, of course, owing to the mild weather;
and even in this exceptional stato of things I am glad to find
this excellent variety retains its peculiar property of coming iu
gradually, precisely as it does in ordinary seasons, when, as
has already been toUl, I have cut from the same bed excellent-
heads in March, and continued doing so till June."

We are informed that the Richmond (Surrey) Show,

which is announced to be held on June 28th, is expected to be
on a larger scale than the last two successful exhibitions.

At all times the Orchids at Gunnersburv are worthy

of note and inspection. Even when the plants are not flower-
ing they are attractive from their glossy cleanliness and ex-
uberant health. At the present time the principal display is
afforded by a row of forty plants of Phalsinopsis, principally
P. Schilleriana in variety. The plants are in baskets, and
their effect, as may be imagined, is very striking. Other
Orchids in flower are Saccolabium Harrieonianum, Odonto-
glossum Bictoniense, seven vigorous spikes; 0. Alexandia, in
superior varieties ; Lselia anceps Dawsoni, so pure and yet so
rich; Cypripedium Hookeri, fine alike from its flowers and
marbled foliage ; and still more beautiful in flower is
C. Parishii. Orchids which are showing their spikes are
Odontoglossum Andersonianum, which has perfected a wonder-
ful growth, and will shortly have fifty-seven flowers open on
one spike; Cymbidium eburneum, ten spikes ; Aiirides Veitchii,.
Odontoglossum caudatum, &c. In this collection Angrceoum.
sesquipedale produced seventeen flowers last year, and th&
beaulilul Odontoglossum vexillarium upwards of forty flowers.
Mr. Richards and his foreman have just season to be proud o£

JOUKNAL OF HORTIODLT0BE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Februaiy 1, 1877.

these Orchidfl. We never saw plants in more superb condition.
The Tree Ferns at Gunnersbury are extraordinary epecimens.
Two of the " trees " cannot be less than 30 feet in height, with
trunks 8 or 9 feet in circnmferenoe.

Mr. Roger Leigh of Baiham Court, in an address

lately delivered, gave an interesting description of a system
adopted in France whereby the children attending .^0,000 pri-
mary schools in the rural districts receive instructiou in the
CTJLTUEE OF THE SOIL. The child is shown the soil which best
suits a certain plant to he cultivated ; he is made to prepare it
for planting, to sow it, to free it from weeds, to wage war
against insects and grubs, and finally to record in his school
books the advantages derived from the selection of special coils,
the application of new manures and variations in the time of
planting. These lessons are never forgotten, and the land
allotment of the French peasant is made to produce a variety
of vegetables fit for any man's table. The agricultural societies
throughout France cordially second the Government in its
.efforts by bestowing on pupils and masters their counsel and
assistance, and oiJering prizes for competition.

We some time ago directed attention to the value of

the common Ieish Ivt for clothing the ground under trees
on lawns where grass refuses to grow. How efficient Ivy is
for the purpose named is forcibly exemplified in the pleasure
grounds at Gunnersbury. In these beautiful gardens aro
several grand old Cedars (Cedrus Libani), and beneath them,
aa far as the branches extend, the ground is closely covered
with Ivy, which is perfectly green and fresh under the dense
shade, and adds considerably to the effect and finish of the
grounds. These large circular beds of Ivy are quite orna-
mental and decidedly enhance the beauty of the old trees.
The labour of patching the turf under trees on lawns many
gardeners know to be considerable, but when once the Ivy is
established only a very small amount of labour is required to
keep it in order for years. The Ivy beds also add a special
feature to the grounds in which they are adopted — in a word
they are both effective and economical. The subject is highly
worthy of being again alluded to and of being "kept in re-
membrance."

Amongst the appeals for aid owing to injury from the

iATE FLOODS an application from the parishes of Billingham
and Walcot near Sleaford, Lincolnshire, was read before the
fisecntive committee of the Lord Mayor's fund, stating that
three thouBaud tons of Potatoes and Carrots and a thousand
acres of Wheat had 'oeen destroyed. £315 had been raised
locally and expended. The committee voted £100, with a
promise of more if needed. G70 persons had sustained injury ;
the average depth of water in the houses was 6 feet.

A PCULIC GAEDEN AND EECEEATIOJT GROUND for the parish

of St. George's-in-the-East was opened on the 25th ult. The
garden has been formed by the adaptation of a portion of the
parish churchyard, under the authority of a faculty from the
Bishop of Loudon's Court, and by the purchase of a disused
burial-ground adjoining the churchyard, the cost of the latter
being £2700, towards which the Metropolitan Board of Works
have contributed £1200. Sir James Hogg, the Chairman of
the Metropolitan Board, accompanied by Mr. Ritchie, M.P.,
Mr. Samucla, M.P., the Lord Mayor, the Rev. Harry .Jones the
rector, the Public Garden Committee, and a number of the
inhabitants, proceeded round the garden, and declared it to
be dedicated to the public for ever.

It is not generally known how valuable for forcing is

the old hariiy Saxifbaga lioulata. Mr. Wills has employed
this plant etTeeti^ely in the Westminster Aquarium, and we
recently obenved it flowering freely in one of the houses in
the Chiswick Gardens. The plant is naturally a precocious
bloomer, and at the present time is showing its flowers in the
open borders. It is one of the large-foliaged Saxilragas, in
this respect somewhat resembling S. oordifolia and S. ovali-
f olia, which flower considerably later. The flowers of S. ligulata
are larger and altogether more attractive when they are assibted
to expand in gentle heat under glass. The flowers are admir-
able for boucjuets, and forced plants are ornamental for the
conservatory during January and February.

As an instance of additional labour caused by the

LATE FLOODS may be noted the condition of the stokeholes
during the delude and the cost of emptying them at the Koyal
Gardens, Kyw. For some days and uigtits the cost of the
manual labour in pumping out the water was, we are informed,
£25 per twenty-four hours, or £17-3 per week. This was both

too costly and too slow for the Curator, Mr. Smith, who pro-
posed the hiring of two of Merry weather's powerful fire engines.
These were obtained at a cost of £3(1 per week, each. These
engines kept the water under, and the saving effected by their
use was upwards of £100 per week. This is a striking proof
of the value of steam and machinery over manual labour, as
it is also evidence of the value of the services of a really com-
petent and practical manager.

One of the great orchard hisuses at Sawbridgewokih,

ISO feet long, and whioU is filled with Peach and Nectarine
trees in pots, is now a sight of great splendour. The trees
are a mass of bloom, and furnish an instructive study to
pomologists. This great establishment now extends over
110 acres entirely cropped with a fine stock of all kinds of
fruit trees.

A correspondent writes to us as follows on selections

OF SEEDS — "Whilst thanking 'A Kitchen Gardener' and
G. Abbey for their useful and excellent lists of seeds, may I
suggest that they and many other contributors to the Journal
would msvko their articles still more useful if they would make
it a rule to give a short sketch of their soil, climate, and
locality to prevent mistakes ? Enjoying, as I do, a dry climate
with mild winters but bitter springs and hot summers, I am
often disappointed to find that seeds most highly recommended,
but suited perhaps to a sandy soil or a rainy district, do not
suit a lump of Yorkshire clay."

. • " T. H." sends the following in reply to the request of

"Wyld Savage " on page 64: — •• I remember some few years
ago going to Cheddar for a day, and there I was offered some
hardy Ferns by an old woman who gathered them to sell to
vifcitors. Among them was Adiantum Capillns-Veneris. I
should say it may still be found growing at Cheddar. There
are also several varieties of hardy Ferns growing on Thap-
wiok Heath, very probably it may also be found there."

The IrlsJi Farmer!:' Gar.ette in alluding to Roberts'

Gros Guillaume Grai'E, states that Mr. Roberts regards this
as being quite a distinct variety from that in general cultiva-
tion, and besides producing mammoth bunches, being far more
amenable to ordinary treatment. The Vine that produced the
monster bunches (three of which weighed upwards of 45 lbs.)
grew in no elaborate prepared compost, but in good loam,
pure and simple.

Writing to ua from Antwerp, Mr. Charles Van Qeert

states that the winter in Belgium has been unusually mild.
They had only two nights of frost in December, and since the
2Gth of that mouth there has only been a little frost on the
22ud and 24th inst., the temperature since then being mild.

It has been stated by Sir John Lubbock that certain

kinds of aphides are preserved by ants for purposes of the
food afforded by a certain sweet secretion in the former, the
eggs being carefully guarded and the young larvaj fed and
cherished until they ultimately attain their perfect form, when
they served as contributions to the dietery of the ants. This
singular fact was some time ago alluded to in our columns by
our entomological correspondent " J. R. S. C."

At a recent meeting of the Paris Academy of Sciences

MM. Graudeau and Bouton stated as the results of chemical
STUDIES ON Mistletoe, that the composition of the stem
differs essentially from that of the species of trees on which
it grows. That the composition varies with the species. That
Mistletoe contains much more potash and phosphoric acid
than its supporting trees, and much less lime. It seems to
live on the tree like a plant on the soil, and that it takes from
the parts gorged with nutritive juices the incombustible matters
necessary for its organisation.

The heavy rains may prove beneficial in a way not

generally anticipated. An entomologist writes to us that "the
approaching season will be notable, probably, on account of
the scarcity or blight or insect pests of all kinds." So far as
he can judge, the destruction of insects by the heavy rains
has been very great, all species suffering much mora from
damp than from cold during hybernation.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GABDENINa.

The wet weather has hindered the ])ropreBS of outdoor work,
and all those who have the opportunity should make the most
of every fine day. The crops which have come up are looking
the reverse of healthy, and will have to bo coaxed into growth
to produce satisfactory results. Offing to the inclement season

Febrnaiy 1, 1S77. ]

JOOBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

villa gardens are at present at a standstill ; but as the weather
changes to fine work in the garden mast be prosecuted with all
energy.

Febraary is fast coming in, and in the kitchen garden Peas
may be sown twice during the month, the first sowing beicg of
early, and the next of second early Eorts. The early wrinkled
varieties are very superior in flavour, and may be used for the
first and also for the second sowing; but it is well not to depend
upon wrinkled Peas entirely for sowing at the early part of the
0eason, as they are not so hardy in constitution as some of the
commoner sorts. Make a good sowing of Early Longpod Beans
to succeed the Early Mazagan. The Seville Longpod is a Bean tif
exceptionally good quality, and ought to be grown by everyone.
Sow in a frame a crop of Early Horn Carrot, and also sow Let-
tuce, Cabbage, and Cauliflower seed, and do not apply too much
heat, but raise the plants in a moderate temperature, so that
the various changes which they have to pass through may not
interfere with their progress. Let the Cabbage beds be filled
up where vacancies have occurred, and take the first chance to
have the soil stirred among the plants. We have been in ditfi-
culties lately as to the working of the soil, and therefore much
work will have to be done in a hurry, and many crops must
necesfarily be put in at a disadvantage.

Plant Potatoes in frames — the sets which were laid out last
month to sprout, and take care that the next lot of sets to be
planted are laid out carefully, so that they may not be injured
in any way. I do not anticipate a very early season for outdoor
Potatoes, as I think the soil is likely to be in a state adverse to
their well-doing. I do not like to see the sets sprout too soon,
for if in activity too long the tubers become partially exhausted,
and a satisfactory crop cannot be expected from them.

Now is the time to plant the Jerusalem Artichoke in a soil
that has been well turned np and a fair amount ot manure in-
corporated with it. This is a very quick-growing plant, and
therefore requires some stimulant in the soil to help it on ; it
then produces a profitable crop. The soil for Parsnips should
also be prepared, for although this is a vegetable less thought of
than some others, it is yet one of the most serviceable. If the
seed is sown early it allows time for the roots to develope, and
other crops more particular can be attended to as the time
comes on. The Parsnip likes a deep and rather heavy soil ; if
grown in a loose soil the roots are apt to be forked.

Prepare the soil for all other crops as the weather will allow,
for time is advancing towards spring, when all muse be busy. —
Teomas Eecokd.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

H.iRDY FRUIT GARDEN.

We seized the opportunity of two days' fine weather with frost
to mulch all the fruit-tree borders. The manure was wheeled on
to the ground and spread evenly over the surface. It will not be
dag-in for some weeks yet. Raspberry bushes also receive a
good dressing of rich manure after all the old stems and super-
fluous canes sra cut .iway. It is not well to allow too many
canea to remain on each stool, as they are not likely to bear
such good fruit if the branchlets on which it is formed are too
close together; four gond canes are a sufficient number to
remain on each stool. When they are trained together to one
stake under this form of culture the plants ought to be -1 feet
apart. We have before stated, however, that the best crops
were obtaim d when the e tools were abiiut 2 feet apart and the
canes trained to a ttout wire about :_! feet from the ground.

The planting of all hardy fruits, ought to be finished as soon
as possible. For Rispberries the griund ought to be well
trenched and manured. The same may be said of ground in-
tended for all small fiuits. After planting the surface of the
BoU over the roots should be muk^lied with manure ; this is of
the very greatest advantage to all newly-planted bushes and
trees, as it prevents tbem from suffering from the variable
efiects of our climate. We woulrl also reiterate the remarks
about care in planting. A hole ought tc be made HufBciently
large to allow ef all the roots and fibres being spread fully out,
and to give the trees or bushes a good start some turfy loam
ought to be placed around the roots; this should be worked in
amongst the fibres with the hand, then the ordinary soil should
be placed over it, and the a hole be trodden in with the feet —
not very firmly, though, if the ground is wet.

Strawberry plants are sometimes put out at this season, but
when they are planted so late aa this a season is lott. JIany
gardeners take off their runners late in the autumn, say in
October, and plant thickly on a sheltered border. These are
the plants that would be planted-out in the quarters now. The
Boil must be pressed firmly about the roots, and the surface of
the ground should be made neat with a digging-fork. The dis-
tance between each plant ought to be 2 feet. We can do nothing
to our own Strawberry beds, but when the ground is f ufTicieiitly
dry the suiface will be stirred with a hoe, but only the surface,
for to force the hoe into the ground even 2 inches causes great

destruction to the numberless fibres with which it is matted.
For the sake of neatness as well as the health of the plants, all
dead and decaying leaves should be promptly removed.

PINE HOUSES.

Since the beds were turned the bottom beat has increase* to
its maximum, but as the pots were not plunged very deeply into
the bed the plants will not suffer from root-burning. We are
now keepiugup the heat in the frniting-honse to a minimum of
70°, the temperature by day owing to so much sunless weather
seldom rises more than 5° higher than this. We are glad of an
hour or two of sunshine, which on one or two occasions has
raised the thermometer up to Bij'^. The watchful cultivator will
be on the alert at such times and will close the lights early in
the afternoon. Bottled sunshine is better for the health of the
plants than bushels of coke. The ventilators should be opened
as early as it is possible to do so in the mornings ; tbe least
chink at the highest part of the house is sufficient, and this will
insure a change of air for the plants in an hour or so. Those
who are accustomed to work in houses with a high temperature
feel the advantage of esirly air-giving on their own comfort, and
the atmosphere that is most suituable for the health of man is^
comparatively speaking, the best for plants. Succession houses
where the plants have not yet started into growth have a lower
temperature by 10' or 15°. If possible the suckers potted in
August will be repotted in a few weeks into the fruiting pots ;
the bed will be turned and renewed, and a higher temperature
maintained to start the plants into growth.

CUCUMBER AND MELON HOUSES.

For Cucumbers the temperature is kept the same as the fruit-
ing Pine house. We are obtaining very fine fruit and sufficient
for our wants from a few plants of Tender and True and a new
sort sent by Mr. Kelway of Langport; it did well last winter,
and has grown and fruited side by side with our own stock this
season. It is much in the same way as Tender and True and
quite equal to it. The variety has since been named Lord
BeacoLsfield. Kelway's Conqueror is also a free-bearing useful
variety. The young plants raised from seeds sown tbe last week
in December are making healthy growth on a shelf near the
glass. The plants have been potted singly into CO-sizod pots :
in a few days they will again be repotted.

Melons intended for the earliest crop ought to be as far ad-
vanced as the Cucumber plants, but we do not like to grow them
in BO high a temperature by .5'\ The seeds vegetate best in a
bottom beat of about 90' ; but when the seed leaves have grown
nearly to their full size it is as well to remove the plants close
to the glass. Growth made at a considerable distance from the
glass is not nearly so healthy even if the plants have the advan-
tage of bottom heat. Melons do well in medium loam with a
little leaf soil added, potting the plants moderately firm. After
tasting many Melons purporting to be new sorts we go back to
a good strain of Turner's Scarlet Gem, than which no Melon
comes truer to its character. Its fault is that the fruit baa a
tendency to crack when at the point of ripening, but this is
avoided by good management. Gilbert's Victory of Bath, or at
least Gilbert's strain of it, is the best green flesh ; it is early,
free-bearing, and of the best flavour. Coleman's Eastnor Castle
is a very fine flavoured green-fleshed variety and is highly re-
commended, but it has not been grown in our own garden.
Those who prefer white-fleshed varieties will find one of the
best in Colston Basset Seedling.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.

Much of our time has been taken up in washing and cleaning
the plants in order to free them from insect pests. If this is
not done before the temperature is ii creased in the spring tbe
pests multiply very rapidly. We make a point of having all
insects destroyed in the winter months. Thrips are the most
difficult to eradicate if they become established in the house.
Tobacco smoke applied at frequent intervals during the winter
is the best way to destroy them, but then the utmosi care is
necessary if there are young fronds of tender Ferns or any
young growths forming on choice Orchids, Some of the best
Orchid-growers will not fumigate their plants at all, they will
rather destroy the thrips by handwashing with scapy water.

AUamanda Schottii cannot yet be dispensed with ; its noble
golden flowers are exceedingly effective. A plant of it is trained
to the rafters of the stove. The growths have been closely cut
back, and when the wounds healed the plant was well supplietS
with water. Specimen plants of Clerodendron Balfourii have
also been well watered and the wood tied-in to the trellis ; the
leaves had not quite fallen from the plants. Dipladenia Brear-
leyana has been making a little growth through tbe winter, and
with increased warmth and more water at the roots it will now
grow vigorously. The growths are trained to the roof of the
house to be tied to the trellis on a future occasion.

We shall take the first favourable opportunity to repot any
plants requiring to be done. We have repeatedly urged the im-
portance of doing this work well, and not delaying the operation
until tbe plants have suffered injury from the roots being too
closely matted together or from their being in a bad state from
deficient drainage. When valuable plants are in question it is

JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 1, 1877.

worth while not only to do the work well but also to see that the
Tight material is used. Many gardeners have not a comaiand of
acres of turfy loam to eelect from, and but few can procure suit-
able peat from their own estates. To grow hardwooded stove
plants well turfy peat and loam are absolutely necessary ; in-
deed, it is a question whether many species that have been
grown in peat and loam would not be better if only turfy peat
was used. Gardenias, Ixoras, Dipladeuias, &c., do well in peat,
and when this is of a tough tibrous nature and the pots are of a
large size the plants will last in good condition for several years
without repotting. The turf should be cut about 2 inches deep,
«nd after it has been stacked about six months it is ready for
«se. It ought to be torn in pieces by hand, and not chopped up
as is sometimes done. Those who go to the expense of pnr-
ohasing plants will find it true economy to purchase suitable
-Boil to grow them in.

Anthurium Scherzerianum is now a widely cultivated plant,
and is one of the easiest to manage. It succeeds best in very
fibrous peat. The pots should be filled to half of their depth
with clean broken pot'^herds, a layer of clean sphagnum should
he placed over the drainage, and some sphagnum and potsherds
ought to be mixed with the pf at used in potting. Plauta which
Are in an unhealthy btate must be examined, and if the soil has
■become sour from any cause it is better to remove the whole of
it and to repot in the same or even smaller pots than the plants
"were in previously.

Orchids in many instances are starting into growth, but it
does not follow that because they are making their growths
that root-action has commenced. Any plants which have com-
menced making roots should be transferred to fresh material if
this is necessary, but when the plants are doing well it is often
the best policy to leave theaa alone. There is always more
■danger from over-potting than from under-potting. Those who
have not the advantage of a show house for plants iu flower will
have to be careful not to saturate the atmosphere of the stove
with moisture; a compromise must be made between growing
plant'i and those in flower. Such fine Orchids as Phalsenopsis
grani-hflora and P. amabilis are easily disfigured by the flowers
becoming spotted from a damp atmosphere or water from the
syringe.— J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Carter & Co., 237 and 23S, High Holborn, London. —
Select List of Vegetable and Floiver Seeds.

"Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, London, N. — Catalogue of
Vegptable, Flower, and Agricultural Seeds.

William Bull, King's Koad, Chelsea. — Retail List of Select
Flower^ Vegetable, and Agricultural Seeds.

Felton & Sons, 50, Harburne Eoad, Birmingham. — Seed Cata-
logue.

Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle. — Spring Seed List.

Drnmmond Brothers, 52, George Street, Edinburgh. — Cata-
logue of Hoses, Liliums, Gladioli, and Garden Seeds.

Charles Lee & Son, Royal Vineyard Nursery, Hammersmith.
— Catalogues of Moses, Fruit Trees, Ornamental Shrubs, Hoots,
JSeeds^ Ac.

W. & T. Sampson & Co., The Nurseries, Kilmarnock. — Spring
Catalogue of Seeds, Plants, and Implements.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should be directed either to *' The
Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing bo subjects them to an-
juBtififtble trouble and expense.

CorreBpondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub-
jects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion
should be written on one side of the paper only. We
cannot reply to questions through the post.

Books {A Regular lifader].— Oar " Garden Manoal" contains all that yoa
name. Yoa can have it poet free if you encloBe twenty postage Btamps with
jour full address.

Hyacinths IN Pots {J. E.). — The failure wan probably occasioned by your
baviug planted the bulbs too deep. They should have their necks just above
the surface.

Wages (Coiittant Rftider). — There are too many facts needed to ba known
to us before we could give an opinion.

Oknamental-fouaoed Plants (A'. Y. Z.). — We ehould not consider
Araucaria excalsa entitled to be exhibited among them ; but Bome judges have
admitted it.

Caw

Rendle's Tank System (J. C. B.).— We do not know any maker of the
apparatus; many houses are glazed without putty.

Science and Art Depaetsient {J. N. Bateman). — We cannot state nor
obtain the information you ask for.

Climbing Roses {Ladu T. and Others).— "We have forwarded your letters
to "A Paeson's Gakdenee," who has informed us that ho will reply to
them next week.

CcoDMBER Plants (A CoTistant Reader). — We presume your frame has
four linhts— put out uue plant in the centre of the bed under each light*
Four plants will be ample.

Vine in Greenhoose (Idem). — The Vine should not be started with addi-
tional fire heat. It will commence {^rowing naturally ia March or early in
April, and will grow and ripen its fruit without other heat than that accorded
tuo plants. To start the Vioe early and grow it with much fire heat would
ruin the plants. There ia no necessity to cover the border with fermentinf?
materials ; a top-dressing of rich compost is all that is required.

Ten-week Stocks in Pots {Idem).— It will not answer to take the plants
up from the open ground when advanced for flowerioj^, but you may t;iva
them their blooming pots (havinsj them well e^t iblinhed in "imall pots) when
you pUnt out your other plants in the opeti ground. The potted plants

should be plunged i
liquid manure.

Propagating Ma
with soil lay it upon
iu time grow. The
also be increased by

Cinerahias "Bli

the

1 ashes, watering
{E.S)

Aly with weak

E'^T'^^

Inatead of covering the frond
upon til') surface ol tUe s^il, aud the spores will be shed and
The soil should ba k6t)t moist and shaded. The plant may
ed by dividing it when pitting in March.
"Blind" 'H. C. P.).— We are unaware of any cause ff
uing " blmd," and we think your plants will expand the
flowers in due time provided the plants are healthy. Cinerarias often remai
a considerable time iu the bud state at this tims of the year. Have patience,
and we think that you will be eventually rewarded.
Sdpporting Hyacinths (A. D.). — Any floriat could supply you with wire
supports fur Hyacinths in glasses. A wire may
bent so as to be attached outside the glass. I
pots the Rccompanyiog woodcut shows a mode o(
support. The bulbs should be planted in the borders
after flowering and without injuring the roots, hut
they will not flower well next year.

Inarching Vines {A. B, P.).— We fancy Gros Col-
man would not be a good ttock to work upon. The
beat sort to work on it would be Black Hamburgh.
Work Royal Muscadine on Early Smyrna. These
(Black Hamburgh and Royal Muscadine), are the best
two Grapes for a cool greenhouse.

Roses and Camellias (HiiU).— As your Rose bushes

have been planted we advise you to mulch the

surface of the ground with manure. Syringe the

leaves frequently with clear water in dry weather, and

keep free from insect pests. Frequent syringing ia

the only way to keep Roaes iu health. Any sorts

will stand the winter, but those varieties which open well under

only to be planted-out, as the flowers of others will not open

freely out of doors.

Pea for Exhibition (A Young Gardirner).— Veitch's Perfection.

Flowers for BongoETS in Augdst (Wejui.— Stephanotia floiibunda,

Eucharis amazonica, dlontoglossum crispum, Statice profusa, Dendrobium

furmosum, and choice Roses in bud.

Six Roses for Exhibition {Idem). — Charles Lefebvre, La France, Marie
Baumann, Princess Beatrice, Alfred Uolomb, and Marecbal Niel.

House foe Vines and Peaches (A Lover of Fruit). — A house 15 feet
wide by 25 in length will produce one hundred bunches of Grapes. We prefer
straight to curved rafters. One Peach or Nectarine to 9 square inches of sur-
face is an average crop. Plant the trees in an inside border; but the borders
ought to be both outside and inside.

Figs in Sp4N-roofed House ( ir. R. A.).— You will be the most enccess-
f Ql if you plaut the trees out. There will be a border 3 feet 3 inches wide on
each side of the path, aud if you for m a border 1 foot below the ground line it
will allow you to put in a foot of rubble, aud to All up with cumpost to the
top of the front wall, 2 feet. Plant one row of Fig trees down the centre. Toa
can plant five trees on each S'de— viz., three Brown Turkey, twoGrosse Verte,
jwo Boorjasotte Grise, two White Marseilles, and one Singleton.

Zonal Pelargoniums for Exhibition {A Constant Reader).— The &ne%t
specimens we ever saw exhibited were grown iu the following manner : — They
were planted out as ordinary bedding plants iu May or June, and allowed
plenty of space to form good fpecimeus during summer and autumn. The
plants were potted into 7-inch pots before they received any injury from
frost; they were wintered in a light house, and repotted into their blooming
pots (SHnches in diameterl about March or April; growth then progressed
rapidly, and as they grew the shoots were tied into position, aud when the
pots were quite filled with roots diluted manure water was freely applied.
They may be had in good order about the middle of June. As your show is
in August, it would be neces-<ary to pick off all fljwer trusses that appeared
until the end of May or the first week In June.

Heatino Lean-to Vinery {J. Ctapman).— Two small stoves would be
better for your purpose than one large one, as the heat would then bo more
regularly distributed throughout the house. We cannot say whether burning
paraflin in stoves without flues would be injurious to the tender yoang shoots
of the Vines or not. We have seen such uwed in rooms, and have not felt any
inconvenience from them. Try one stova first, and then add an<jther if that
is not BUfticieut. Wo would rather have a brick flue, ii.s being more safe ; but
there is no reason why you st ould uot try stoves. The Grapes would be ripe
by the middle of July if the Vines are started at once.

YiHBs IN Pots (T. Aiayburyt.— Surface-dress the pots with loam and
deci^yed manure iu equal parts, and when the roots work into the dressing
water occasionally with weak guano water.

Black on Fern {J. Westropp). — It is a parasitic fungus. Sponge the
fronds with a mixture of soft soap and water.

Names of Fkuits (./. P.). — Hubbard's Pearmain. (Slruan Robertson). —
Reinette Diel. (Grcafrexl.— I, Court of Wick; 2, Ord's ; 3, Mar«il. {Col.
tiimpson).—!. Cox's Oraoga Pippin; 2, We cannot identify. (FK. W.). —
Apples: 1, Winter Quoining ; 2, Winter Greening; 3, Not known. Pear:
Leopold the First.
Names of Pjuant3(G. 0. S.).— Libonia floribuuda.

■Febniaiy 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HOBTIGULTORE AND OOTTAGR GARDENER.

POULTEY, BEE, AND PI&EON OHEONIOLE.

WOLVERHAMPTON SHOW OP POULTRY, &c.

The eleventh annaal Exhibition was held in the Exchange
Hall, Wolverhampton, on the 24th, 2oth, and 26th ult. This
year a number of commendable alterations have been made in
the arrangements of the Show. Hitherto it has been held on
Friday, Saturday, and Monday, thus causing the birds to be
away from home on the Sunday, and objections were raised by
a number of poultry fanciers to having the poultry exhibited iu
the same room with dogp, the noise and barking of which being
very injurious to the birds, by keeping them in a state of con-
tinual excitement. It has been consequently, wisely we think,
determined to hold a separate Show for dogs in May. The
number of classes have been extended, and a fourth prize added
to every poultry class. Classes for cage birds have also been
added, and any numberof pens at prohibitory prices were allowed
to be sent in the same basket. The above alterations were
made in the hope of inducing a larger number of entries, and
we are pleased to record that eo far they have been successful,
the entries as compared with last j-ear having increased some-
thing like 30 per cent. Of poultry there were 877 pens, of Pigeons
161, and Cage Birds 71, or a total of 1113, an increase of about
three hundred. The room, however, was too small for an exhi-
tion of snch proportions, and consequently most of the pens
had to be contracted in size, and many were in positions where
they cotild not properly be inspected, otherwise the arrange-
ments were all that could be desired, and the Committee
assisted with praiseworthy zeal in penning and repacking the
birds, which were all sent off during the Thursday night. Taken
«s a whole the Show was undoubtedly the best in all respects
which has ever been held under the auspices of the Society.

Game headed the list, and as a whole they were of remarkable
quality, the crime de la crime having put in an appearance. In
old cocks all the prize birds were Brown Reds and carefully
selected. The fourth-prize specimen however struck us as being
a grand bird, but there must, we suppose, have been something
in the handling of him which prevented his taking a higher
position. We could imagine no other reason for it. Black Red
cockerels were a large class, Mr. Matthews as usual taking first
and second with stylieh hard-feathered birds, which undoubtedly
were the pick of the lot. Brown Red cockerels contained a few
birds of great merit. Here again Mr. Matthews was first,
closely pressed by a stylish cockerel of Mr. Martin's, the colour
of which we preferred to the first, but he did not quite com-
.mand the reach of bis successful rival. In the Any other variety
of cockerels the first, second, and third-prize birds were Duck-
wings, Mr. Matthews agiiin occupying the pride of place with a
bird beautiful iu btyle, fine in feather, and capital colour. A
good orange legged Pile was fourth. In Black or Brown Red
hens all the winners were Brown Reds, and Dackwings won all
the prizes in the Any other variety class, in both of which
classes Mr. Matthews was again facile jyrinceps. We, however,
Bhonld have transposed the positions of the second and third
prize birds.

Malaya were a good class, but the clay-coloured hens seemed
to take the preference over the dark Partridge. It struck us,
however, that the Game cross was very apparent in several of
the specimens.

Brahmas. — The competition was strong in all the classes,
the cup for the Darks going to Mr. J. F. Smith for an old cock
of extraordinary good colour, remarkable quality, and admirable
condition. Second a bird of capital quality but not so heavily
built. Old Dark hens mustered twemy-three pens, but many of
them showed a brownness in colour which was not pleasing ;
but probably the thoroughly unfavourable season we have just
passed throagh may have had much to do with this. The
class generally, however, was a good one, though many being
old birds were rather out of condition. Seventeen pens of Dark
cockerels competed, the first and second prizes going to highly
meritorious specimens. Dark pullets brought a strong com-
petition, first being a grand bird, shown in admirable condition,
her pencilling being of a character rarely excelled. Second was
a bird of extraordinary character, and when we mention that
independently of the four prize specimens the Judge deservedly
awarded three very highly commendeds, an idea of the strong
competition may be imagined. In Light Brahma cocks Mr.
Horsfall scored another victory by taking the cup for the
Lights with his old Bristol champion, but he was not in such
good condition as usual and looking a little the worse for wear.
Out of the nineteen pens in this class only eight were unnoticed
by the Judge. Light hens were of an even quality throughout
rarely seen, and among the Light cockerels were some of the
grandest young birds that have been shown this season. A few
among the Light pullets were of very high merit, but the
generality of them were wanting in condition.
Dorkings were about the smallest class in the Show, the cup

going to a pen of good-sized Darks. In the Any other variety
class first, second, and fourth were good Whites, the first very
pure in colour. Third were Rose-combed Cuckoos.

Cochins throughout were wonderfully good, and taking them
all through we do not think we have seen a better lot this
season, but they were situated in about the worst position in
the Hall, in a bad light, and the pens too small for birds of euch
size, consequently detailed examination was scarcely possible.
In the old Cinnamons, in Mr. Burnell's pair was his old cham-
pion cock, and we should have felt quite disposed to have put
him again in the prize list. Notwithstanding his mealy wing
and a tinge of white iu the tail be is a grand bird, a wonder-
ful Cochin. The second-prize pair did not match, the cock
being a perfectly Dark Cinnamon. The third-prize pen on the
contrary matched splendidly, were fine birds, an-d had our
preference for second honours. We also preferred the fourth-
prize Buff pullet to any in the class, for besides being equally
good in other points she excelled her more fortunate com-
petitors in her colour. We do not remember to have seen a
better lot of Partridge Cochins, and both in these and the Buffs,
so far as we could gather, with the exception of the above-
mentioned little difference of opinion the awarding of the prizes
seemed to have given general satisfaction. Some little dis-
appointment, however, seemed to exist in regard to the judging
of the Whites and the award of the cup to pen 384, it being
alleged by some most competent critics that there were several
better in the class, and in particular the highly commended
pen 389 (Tomlinson). The principal objections to the cup cock
seemed to be that, although he was a very large bird, he had
too much daylight under him, was too hollow at the front, had
considerably too much leg, and stood badly — was, iu fact, in-
kneed. The second-prize pen we believe contained the cock
which won first at Birmingham. As a lot, however, the class
was the best we have seen for a long time.

Houdans. — Good classes, and in both old and young the hens
and pullets were superior to the cocks. The first-prize chickens
evidently won on account of their perfect comb and crest. It
struck us that all the winners had the desired leaf comb. In
other variety of French fowls first were Creves and second
La Fluobe. A good class, and as in the Houdans the bens and
pullets compriRed the better part of the pens.

Spanish. — Noted as the Wolverhampton Shows have always
been for the quality of their Spanish classes, they were, we
think, surpassed this year. There were only two classes, one
for cocks the other for hens irrespective of age, and the general
merit throughout was such that we cannot eulogise ii too highly.
An additional cup given by the Committee was awarded to an
old cock, and iu this class, in addition to the four prizes, four
very highly commendeds and five highly commendeds were
also added. In regard to the hens the Judges expressed an
opinion that they never saw so keen a competition generally
throughout a class as took place here. First was a grand bird
in exquisite feather and condition, and we believe ran the cup
cock dote for the extra award.

Polands were divided into two classes, '* White-crested
Blacks," and " Any other variety." The cup for Polands, French,
and Spanish for some reason going to the Black Polands. In
the *' Any other variety " a good pair of Silvers belonging to
the Countess of Dartmouth were '.first, closely pressed by Mr.
Beldon's Dorchester cup pen, the effects of the recent journey
of which evidently told against them in the competition. Third
were good Goldens, while Mr. Adkins on this occasion had to
content himself with a fourth, but it is impossible both to sell
one's cake and eat it.

Hatnburghs were very good classes especially the Golden-
spangles, and it must have been a difficult task for the Judge
to select the wiuners, so many being good. First and cup fell to
Mr. Dean of Keighley, Yorks, with a very fine pen indeed. In
Silver-spangles Mr. Beldon won with a pair, the cock in which
is the most perfect in spangling we remember to have seen. He
is in this respect something to remember. The first-prize pen
of Golden-pencilled contained an old cock which we remember
in the same position at Birmingham matched with a very good
pullet. Silver-pencilled were a small class, but the winners
very good.

The Variety class was a large and excellent one, first being
good Black Hamburghs, second Cuckoo Cochins, third White
Leghorns, and fourth Bearded Sultans. There were Selling
classes, one for Brahmas, Dorkings, and Cochin cocks, which
comprised seventy-eight entries, first and third being Buff
Cochins, aud second a Partridge Cochin. A class for pairs of
hens same variety, and two classes for any variety except the
above, one for cocks and the other for hens, the prices in all
not to exceed .00s. They comprised many good birds, which no
doubt soon found purchasers.

iiiici-.!.— The Aylesburies were few in number, but the winners
of high quality. The Ilouens were also excellent, and in par-
ticular the second-prize drake, but many were not over their
moult. Every pen throughout the Any other variety class re-
ceived favourable notice from the Judge, the whole being of an

90

JOUBNAL OF HORTIODLTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

[ Febrnaij 1, 1877.

nnaBtially good and varied character. First were Carolinas in
splendid feather; secoud Pniadise Ducks, so noted for tiie male
and female beiDp (>f character so differing from each other;
third were AulumualisWhiBthugDacltH ; aud fourth East, Indian
Teal; and besides tl ese winLers there were Spotted-bills, Cay-
ngas, and the new variety of Chinese Duckp, white with yellow
bills, of great weight aud utility for domestic pnrpoBes. We
also saw some crossed Muscovy Ducks and Wild Ducks shown
in feather so perfect that they might have only just Itfl their
■wild state.

Next in order in the catalogue followed the Bantams, the first
class being for Game open to all varieliep, and in which, as
might have been expected, we netioed considerable merit. First
were Black Reds, the ci ck the very perfection of a miniature
Gamecock; second were a pen of capital Coloured Duckwings ;
third Piles as smart as could be wished for; and fourth Black
Beds.

The next class comprised Sebrights, which proved one of the
attractions of the Show, as we have not seen so good a class for
a long time. First were the Silvers which won at Birmingham ;
second and third same colour, the lat'er the Crystal Palace
winners looking a little the worse for wear ; fourth wei c Golden,
and a very good pen indetd. Both these varieties seem to be
gradually improving in favour aud returning to their old stan-
dard. Any other variety was a well-filled class of twenty-one
pens. First, Blapks, exquit-i'e in quality ; second, Whites, also
good ; third. Blacks again ; and fourth Cuckoo Japaos, a variety
rarely exhibited. There was also a selling class for Bantams,
the price not to exceed £2, first being a pair of Red Pile Game.

Pigeons. — Althf>ugh the show of Pigeons is larger than on
former occasions we cannot report any increase in the general
qnality, which with the exception of tlie winning biids in f everal
of the classes was very poor indeed. In Carrier cocus Mr.
Yardley was an easy first with a good all-round Dun, as he was
also in hens with his well-known Black. In P-u'ers Mr. Pratt
was easily first with a good Blue in capital condition but which
carries his tail a little too high, and second with a White.
Mr. TariUey toi k all the prizes in Tumblers with three capital
Al Almond cocks, first being the Birmingham cup bird, but we
failed to see any mealiness in hie ground Mr. Yardley won all
the prizes in BarliS with his well-known birds. Dragoons, Ai t-
werps, Fantaiis.aud the Variety classes were all the other classes
calling for any particular mention. In the former Mr. Wood's
birds were conspicuous by their quality and «3 usual wonderful
condition, which is a credit to him. First a Yellow, second and
third Blue. A good Bed Chequer was first in Antwerps ; second
a Silver Dun. very light in colour, but the best headed bird in
the class, and he had a tied wing ; third a capital Coloured Dun.
Fantails, first whites; second Blues, capital in carriage, tail,
and condition. In the Variety class first was a well-marked
Satinette, second a Blnette, and thiid a Grey Frillback.

Cage Birds. — The Cage Bird section of the Exhibition was
not large, but in most of the classes of good avernge quality.
First and second in Clear .Jonques were the true type of Norwich
bird of high colour. BuIIh were not large, but bright in colour
and good in shape. The Marked aud Variegattd class contained
some well-marked spei imens, particularly the winners, and was
the best class in the Show. Some very choice Goldfinch Mules
were exhibit* d, first, second, and third going to beautifully
marked variegated Jonques. In the Any variety class first
and second went to Lancashire Cn| pies, and thir-l to a Golden
Lizard. In British birds first was a benutiful song Thrush,
second a fine Raven, but which we noticed was deficient of a
few feathers in one wing ; third a good plumaged Starling. In
Foreign birds first was a King Parrot, secoud a large Parrot, and
third a Paraquet.

POULTRY.-Gamc— ^nv varitty—Coek -I and Cup. Capt. J. Poraith 2.W.
and H. Adams. 3. J. Wainwrieht. 4. J.PoImer. Hlm-.h lud.—Cockcrel.-l &tai
;.S. Matthew. 8, W. « H. Adams. 4,P. A.Bfoli. Brown Rid.-Cockerel.-\.S.
Matthew. 2, B. E. Martin. 8. W. s a. Adams. 4 J. Cliestera. Exceptimi
Brown and Black Reds.— Cockerel -1, S. IVl.t hew. 2. E. Bell. 3, A. J. Nixoii.
4. W. Watnon. Brown or Black Red.— Hen —1, S. MMhew. 2, J. Cook. S, K.
W. Warner. 4, ii. E. Mered th Any other variety.— Hen.~l, ti. .Matthew. 2
P. A. Beok. 8, B. Mollet. 4, E. Bell. MiLiYS.-l. T. Leoher. 2, E. B. Grim-
mer. 3,T. B. Lowe. 4. S. H. Perry- BaanM.s -Darfc.-Cocfc— 1 and Cnp. J.
F. Smith. 2. Horace Lingwood. 8, Dr J. Holmes. 4. C. F. Whitihouse. Ben.
-1 and 2, Newnham & Manby. 3 and 4, E. Prilchard. vhc, T. Beardsworth.
Coctorei.-I Newnham & Mini.y ■.■, Uoraee Lingwond. 8 ard 4. F. Bennett.
FuUet—lW. R. Garner. 2 and 8, R P. Percival, 4 E. Pritchai-d. vlic, .1.
Nock. R. P. Percival Lighl.-Cock.-l and Cud. K. E. Horsfall. 2. J. F. Smilli.
S,R P. Peroival. 4, C. Morris. iJfii -1. J. Birch jun. 2, J. Bloodworlh. 8. J.
Tnrner. 4, R. B. Horsfall. vhc, J. Bloodwortti, H. O. While. J. Turner.
CocScrci.— 1. J. Birch, jun. 2, Counlees ot Da, tmnuth, 8, P. Moines. 8 R P.
Percival. Pi.ifce.-l, P. Haipes. 2. E. E Horsfall S. H. C While. 4, W.
Thorn. Dobkinos.— land Cup, .1. Copple. 2, W. Kne. ion. R,M Lino. ion. 4,
Miss Pasley. Coloured, ej^cept Silver-Orey.-Chickens ~1. R W. Be«ciiev 2
E.Shaw. 8, Countess of Darrm.ulh 4, W. Roe. jun. Silver-Orey. -Chickens.
--1, C. L. Boyce 2, W. Boe.jun. a. Miss Paslev 4, Countess of Dartmoulh
Any other variety.- Chickens. 1. W. Morfitt 2. R. A. Bi.issicr 8 H All n.
4. Miss D. Maoltenzie. Cpohin-Chiha. - Ctnnamonand Puff.-', C. Bloodworlh.
''^ ?■ ?■ ?.^™'*' S.H.Tomiinson. 4, w. A. hurnell. Cocltcrel -I, R. p. Peroi-
val. 2. W. A. Burnell. S. J Cattell 4, H. Tomlinaon. vhc, C. Blondworlh.

Ctnnamon and i3i,/r.-Pu;;t/._i and 8. A. J E. Swindell. 2. H. H. Percival 4"

ID T, „ _.. .. .„ ,j Beardsw. rth. Bri'wn and Partridge -

'—'• " "• ' - ic«rfr«(.— 1 and 4, E.

W.A.Burnell. r/ic, H. Tomline..^. _ „....,

1. R. J. Wood. 2. R. P. Percival 8 and 4, E. Tndp

Tndman. 2, R. P. Percival. 8. W. A. Kurnell. Puli.-r-l an-l 3, R.'j.'Wood" '2!
E. Tndman. 4, B. P. Percival. Whitc.-l and (.'up, K. P. Percival 2 W A
Bnmell. 8. A. Darby. 4. G. Fortey. Black.-i and 4. A. Darby. 2, Countess'
IDBrtmonth. a, T. Aspden. C)iii:*ena.—1, S. W. Terry. 2. E. Kendriok.juii.

P, T. Aspden. 4. E. Prilchard. HocDiKs— 1 and 2, R. B. Wood 8 S TV
Iboman. 4, Mrs. Vallunce. Chickens— 1, W. H. Coppleatone 2.' 8.' w'
Thomas. 8, J. E Pilgrim 4, Mrs. Vallance. Frekce -Any other varietii -1
E. Burrell. 2,H. Bteihcns. a, H. Feast. 4, A. W. Darley. SPANiSH.-Coc'fc.-'
L""'* *<!'''• ''^ i'"V="- 'AJ-VValker. 3. O. Jones. 4, R. Newbltt. vdc, J. Yates.
Mrs. Allsopp, E. Jones, J- Walker Ben.-l and 4, J. Walker. 2, J. Aldridge
8, fc. Jones, vltc. Mrs Allsopp, Mrs. E. Blower, J, Yates, E. Jackson (2). R.
Newbltt. PoiANDS.-£lacfc.— 1, Cup, and 4, T. Nornood. 2, A. Darby 8 P
Unsworth. vhc. Countess of Dartmouth, A. Darby. Any other variety'— \
Conntees of Dartmouth. 2, H. Beldon. », E. Burrell. 4, U. C Adkins vhc'
G. C. Adkins ID, J. Rawnsley, P. Unsworth. HiMBOEOHs.— GoW-jpanated-^
1 and Cup, T. Dean. 2, C. U. Parsons. 3, T. Blakeman 4, T. May. Silver-
»)OTi3(ed.-l,H. Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley. 8, Duke of i^utherland. 4, A. Stirling
Uijidpenctlltd.—',ii. Sl3. DuoBworth 2, Miss D. Mackenzie. 3, Illinsworth
and -heard. 4, H. Beldon. SilDerjjfnctifcd —1, J, Rawnsley. 2, H. Beldon 3
Duke of Sutherland. 4, G. hilby. any other Vabiety.-I. Rev. W. Se^iean^
son (black Hamburgh). 2, T. Aspden (Creel Cochin). 3, Mrs. W. P aiiKhes
(White Leghorn). 4, H. Feast, vnc, N. Marlor (Black Hamburgh). Rev. A G
Brouhe (Atrioan-crested Gmneafowl). G. F. Whitehonse (Sultan.), L. Qarnett
(Black Hamburgh). Selling CLASSEs.-tralimos, Dorkings, and Cochim.—
'^"'''■-P"" not to exceed iOs.—l, o. Bloodworth. 2, E. Tudman. 3, J. Rock.
4. Miss E. Burd. Mens.- Price not to exceed 60«.— 1, Mrs. A. Hewes. 2 J F
Siiiirh. 3, K. W. Beachey. 4, A. Darby, vhc, .1. M. Skarratt. Except
biahmas. Cochins, Dorkings, and Bantams.-Oock.-Price not to exceed 50s —1.
W .-^mailwood. 2, K Newbltt 3, J. Chesters. 4, Rev. W. serieantson. Hens.
—Price not to exceed 50S.-1. E. Jackson 2, Rev. W. Serjeantaon. S, C. H.
Parsons. 4, J. W. Holaen. Bantams.— Price not to exceed £1.—), T. Barker.
2. O Moms. 8, C. Martm. 4, Bureh & Boulter. Ducks -Aylesbury — 1 E V
Snell. 2, Miss M. Beddard. 3, J. Hedges. 4, W. Tedd. itoMen.—l' e! Glad-
stone. 2, W. Meanley. 3, E. Shaw. 4, P. Un, worth. Jn« ofJi«r t;arie(u.-l,3.
and4, M. Leno. 2, Key. W. Seijeanlson. l;/ic, Mrs. Troughton. Bantiub —
'.'"!,"•■"'• ''i''^"''';'-, ^' "■ ^lewbitt. 3 and 4, W. Roe. jun. vhc, R. Newbilt, J.
Andrews. Sebright.— i, M. Leno. 2, Countess of Dartmouth. 3. H. Stephens.
4.J.W. Lloyd. D/K, M. Leno. J)i» odier earietj/.-l, Lualow iS Hackham. 2,
H. Feast. 3, H Drayootl. 4, Mrs. Louge. vhc, T. Bash. O. Martin.

PIGEONS.— CABBiEBS.-Cocfcs.-l. u. Yardley. 2. G. F. Whitehouae. 8, C.
Cook, ufic, G. Somerheld. ifen».—l. H. Yardley. 2, C. E. Cbavasso. 3. G. F.
Whitehonse. Podteks.— Coc/e or iieri.— 1 and 2, H. Pratt. 3, H Yardley.
TOMBLEKS.— Cocfc or Hen.—l, Cup, 2, and 3, H. Yardley. vhc, W. B. Oibbina.
Babbs.-CocA: or i/en.— 1, 2. and S, H Yardley. Deaoooms.- Coc/t or Hen —
J, Cup, 2, and 3, R. Woods, ulic, W. bmith. ANTWEaps.— .S)wl^/acei.— 1 T S.
Kemp 2, a. D. Gough. 3. U. F. Copeman. vhc, W. A. Brommage, H. D.
Gough. Any other variety.— cock or Uen.-l and 8, C. F. Herrieff. 2, T. H.
Strelcn Vhc, T. H. htreteh. Kaniails.-CocS; or Hen.-] , Miss M. Serjeantson.
i, U. Yardley. 3. Miss M. Serjtantsou. t'kc.J. F. Lorerddge. JiCoBlvs.—
Cocfc or hen.— I, J. K. MUlner. 2, a. J. Wilson. 3, G. P. Gibson. Tdebits.—
Coct or iftii.— 1, G. Weboter. 2, E sharrod. 3. C. W. Washbonrne. ti/tc, H.
Yardley. Owls.-Coc*: or ifcm.—l and S, Ward & Rhodes. 2. E. Woods, vhc,
H. Yardley. No.vs —C'ocJ: or ifen—1 ana 2, W. Tedd. 3,A. A. Vander Meersch.
Any OTHER ViBiETY.-t'oct or Hen.—l and Cup. R. Goagh. 2, Rev, J. E.
Hughes. 8, U. Yardley. iXii:, R. Gough, T. H. Salter. Selling Class.— CJocft
or aen.-l, K.Hull. nd, 2, H. Yardley. S, J. K. Millner. Bftc, C. E. Chavasse.

CAGE BXttDS.— Can ARlf-s.—NoEWioH.— Clear I'eliou'.— 1 and 2, J. Athersuch.
8, G. E. Russell, tilic, W. Stringer. Clear fiM#.—l and 2. J. Atbersucb. 3, G. E.
Russell. licked. Marked, or Variegated. —1 and 2, J. Athersueh. 3. W.
Radmora. tilic, A. CurUs. Crcsied —1, 2, S, and ulio, G. E. Russell. Cinnamon.
-i(-(ioic.-I, J. Athersueh. a and S, G. E. Russell. Buff.-l, J. Athersueh.
2, W^ Stringer. Any other Vaeieiy.-I, W. Stringer. 2 ana vhc. G. E. RusseU.
s, J. b. Alcot. Goldfinch Mole - 1. 2, 3, and vhc, G. E. Russell. Goldpi.noh.
—1, J. Athersueh. 2, T. Bell. 3, E. E. KusselL vlic,W. Hogg. British Birds.
—Any other variety.— i and 8, J. Lacey. a. A. C. Twentytnan. vhc, R. Adams.
loBtioN HiKDc— Any variety —\, .1. A. Kai-rs. 2. R. Warren. 3, Mrs. Stanway.
selling Class.— 1 ana 2, G. E. Russell. 3, J. Athersueh. ylic, W. Radmore
G. E. Russell.

Messrs. E. Hewitt, K. Teebay, and J. Dixon judged the poul-
try, Mr. H. Allsop the Pigeons, and Mr. J. Bexson the Cage
Birds.

The Dcst Bath. — The almost indispensable necessity of an
ample supply of dust for animals in winter is understood by
very few stock-growers. All sorts if animals delight in a dust
batn. Chicliens which have easy and continual access to it will
never be troubled with vermin, eithe r in their houses or on their
bodies. Cattle delight to stand in a duhty road, scraping it up
with their fore feet aud Hinging it all over their backs. The
cheapest and most effectual cure for lice on cattle is to scatter
a quart of perfectly dry dust along the spine, from the horns to
the tail. In winter, when they cannot get it, many animals be-
come covered with vermin. The writer has a rain-tight waggon-
shed, with strips 8 inches wide nailed close to the ground on
three sides, into which half a dozen wheelbarrow loads of dust
are placed every autumn. Here the poultry delight tf> wallow
and roll in the sun. It, is also kept and used on all the other
stock at stated intervals, aud no vermin of any soit is ever seen
on any of them. This ia at once the mott certain remedy for
these pests, while the stock thrives by being supplied with what
they crave, and what in a state of nature they would surely
supply themselves with, but which they cannot when restrained
aud tied up in yards and stables.— (Fruine Farmer.)

THE BELGIAN HAKE BABBIT.

{Continufd from page 73.)
This Rabbi^ can scarcely be aaid to be a fanc}' Rabbit. Ifc
tfikes but little aw a show Rabbit, althongli it is extremely
valuable as a producer of fit sb, as the youug at three or four
mouths oK^ are quite equal to wild Rabbits full p;rown, and
despite the prejndicn prt-valent in society afjaiuet the flavour of"
the flesh of a tame Rabbif,it is much more nutritious and juicy
than that vi its free brtttber. The London f^ncy have not at
present given much attuuiion to this breed, preferring the old-
fa'^hioned aud more ortbudox Lop, aud when they have broken
this trffdUi)n th^y have selected for their new field tf labour
Silver-Grt-y aud Dutch Rabbits, leaving Belgian Hare, Angoras,
and Himalayas for the most part out in the cold. TLoir choic)
cannot be considered a happy one. Without in anyway detraol

isJI

Febraary 1, 1877. 1

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

91

ing from the advantages aocrning from the caltivatioa of the
smaller varieties, it is to the larj^er that we must look to ad-
vance the breeding of Rabbits and 1 1 educate popular feeling
in their fivonr. Claesee fjr Belsiau Hares are, however, being
provided at onr principal R*bbiu short's — as for instauce, the
Manchester Show of the New National Society of Rabbit fanciers,
the late Crystal Palice Show, and several of the larger county
shows, 80 that in a fev/ years the position of this variety may be
confidently expected to improve. It certiinly should do, as it
has many claims upon our good opinion, not the least of which
are its great value as a flesh-producer and the ease with which
it can be reared. Among the minor uses of which it may be
made we may mention its extreme value as a parent. The
difference in size and appearance can hardly be imagined when
a prick-eared doe is paired to a buck of the breed instead of to
one of its own size. The difference in the cost of keep is prac-
tically nil, and the primary outlay but a few shillings, while the
success of the venture will surprise the most sanguine speculator.
As the last point in its value may be mentioned its extreme
usefulness for turning down in warretiS. The breed being very
hardy can easily find its own living and is very useful in im-
proving the size of the ordinary warren Rabbit. About
twenty of both sexes turned into a warren will soon produce
•ppreciable resaUs.— Geta.

PROGKESS OF APIAEIAN KNOWLEDGE.-No. 2.

I.N my former communication on this subject I began with the
history of the queen bee, and pointed out that in one or two
points — notably in the case of the wonderful discovery of Von
Siebold — apiirian knowledge had made considerable strides
since the days of Kuber. In his discovery of the virgin birth
of drones we have a most surprising fact in nature, and one
which adds greatly to the dignity and interest of the study of
bees. Practically, so far as we know, no great result of benefit
to the profitable management of bees has come out of it, because
I think it is not yet ascertained that these virgiu-born drones
have the pawer of propagating the species. Presumably they
have, otherwise it is difScult to see the use of this extraordinary
power of developing male life, seeing that usually drones are in
excess in most hives. A moat inteiesting point would be the
discovery that worn-out qneens retain the power of producing
drones at the close of their existence — as the last vital act of
nature after they have ceased to be capable of producing
workers, for this would show that j'tii'llienogenesis in their case
was a spec'al provision for maiutuining the royal succession,
even at those considerable periods of the year when drones are
ordinarily absent from the bive. Let scientific apiarians direct
their experiments to the elucidation of this question. If our
friend Mr. Woodbury were alive his patient perseverance would
Boon find the answer.

Another point connected with the queen bee in which we
have gained a step in knowledge, is the ascertained fact that
qneens are not always animated with that intense j*^alou^y and
hatred of one another which Huber had observed ; indeed, it
seems as if such jealousy might prove the exception rather than
the rule. In several instances reported in this Journal two
qneens have been observed livingamicably together in the same
hive, performing the functions of their condition side by side
without molestation either from the bees or from one another.
There is no doubt, however, that one queen in a hive is the
ordinary rule, save at swarming time, when very often two or
more young queens will be found fur some days roaming about
the combs without let or hindrance. After a time they dis-
appear, numbers beiug destroyed iu the act cf swarming,
Thete are probably iu most instances despatched by the bees
themselves, and not so commonly, as is supposed, by the queens
attacking one another. The or.^inary method by which the com-
mon bees destroy unnecessary queeos is by 8ul3ocation and
starvation in the form now termed " queen encasement " — a
method of regicide which was frequenlly noticed and observed
by Huber; but he is certainly mistaken wheu he fays that bees
never sting the queen to death. The great jehlousy of the queen
seems to be excited, as lie conslautly noticed, by the presence of
yonng qneens in the pupa slate when swarming is at baud. If
permitotd the mother queen will eagerly attack the royal cells,
tear a hole in each sufliciently large to admit of her abdomen
being introduced, and sting the more or less developed occupant
to death.

Again, Huber tells us that he never could iuirodnce a new
queen sacctBBfuUy iuto a hive till after the lapse of twenty-four
hours or more after the removal of the old queen. I gmerally
find a quarter of that time snflioient for the purpose, provided
the bees have really become t;eneral'y aware of their loss. It
is espential that they should feel thoroughly distressed, and
should have been for some hours in dcsyair, bef"re they will
hail with pleasure the presence of a new queen. Nor is it then
safe to introduce a stranger queen without usiug much pre-
caution, because some bees discover their loss less rapidly than
others. The fact, however, ia beyond doubt that bees will wel-

come a new queen very much earlier than is generally believed.
I have proved it many times, even so lately as last autumn, as
has been recently recorded in the pages of this Journal.

It is still believed that queen bees never leave tho hive save
at swarming time for any purpose save to mate with the drone
in the open air. I have no evidence to produce to the contrary.
As, however, I am inclined to believe they do occasionally quit
the hive at other times, it is a question whether they mate with
the drone more than once in their lives. My attention has been
directed to several instances where hives have unaccountably
lost their qneens in the full vigour of life^cases where they
have been seen walking about the entrance, and where they
have been found iu the perilous bond of queen encasement sus-
piciously near the entrance just within the doorway. But evi-
dence is not Bufiicient to authorise assertion of the fact. It
would be very desirable if special attention could be directed
to this question by our numerous apiarian friends.

I believe I have gone through all matters connected with the
queen bee in which there is reason to think that our knowledge
betters Huber'a instruction. If any of your readers can correct
or supplement what I have written it ia open to them to do so.
— B. i W.

MOVEABLE versus FIXED COMBS.
TouK old and excellent correspondent, Mr. J. Lowe, in con-
nection with the above discussion, contributed an article en-
titled "The Battle of the Hives," wherein he rakes together
some of the ashes of a controversy he and I engaged in fotir
years ago ; and from the little support afforded by the fraternity
to the latitndinarian views he then promulgated I thought
he had seen sometbiug of the unteuableness of his position, but
the old adage is often verified —

" A man convinced against his will
Is of the same opinion still."

From his theoretic eminence Mr. Lowe's eye sweepi over the
distant American continent and scaus our nearer home fields,
and the diu of " The Battle of the Hives " so grates upon his
ear, that at the mention of the simple question — " Which is the
best hive ? " souuds to him a very foolish one, and causes him
to add, "Certainly I could not with all my experience presume
to answer it;" tj which I can only reply. How consummate,
then, must be the folly, how limited the experience of those
bodies of apiarians banded together in the south as the " British
Bee-keepers' Association," and in the north as the " Caledonian
Apiarian Society," with all the sister branches, when they
actually give so very liberally out of their means the much-
coveted prize, and decorate with their medals Mr. Lowe's myth
" the best hive " in all their sections ? Is not the prize hst of
every apiarian society in Europe and America a protest against
your correspondent's hypothesis?

The recent discussion originated in a comparison of harvest
results obtained not from all but simply the Stewarton hive,
and moveable combs and system of management usually followed
with it on the one side, and the large straw hive with fixed
combs as championed by your coirespondent Mr. Pettigrew on
the other. S> far as Mr. Lowe can venture from his equality
stronghold, he rather lends his influence towards fixity and the
straw skeps ; but I am afraid Mr. Pettigrew will look rather
askance at his sceptical ally, fordoes not he (Mr. Lowe) proclaim
" That no such adventitious circumstances as the kiud of hive
can have much or any influence on the amount of stores col-
lected by the bees," and is not Mr. Pettigrew justly proud of the
large harvests reaped by his improved hives ?

From y(jur correspondent's standpoint we will all very readily
almitthat the hive cannot of itself make nor reap, nnr even
store honey, no more than the pen in my hand can of itself
writ3 these lines : they are both pieces of inanimate matter. It
is puerile to state this, but so far as we can comprehend it is
the gist of Mr. Lowe's contention, a mere playiug upon words,
which we fail to see can in any way further the cause of apicul-
ture we havo all so much at heart. The hive must be peopled,
the reapers have their iojplements, even the store its porters,
the writer his pen, and then what follows? In exact propor-
tion as they are severally efficient will be the quantity and
quality of the work produced. Mr. Lowe may deny this —
beyund it we can only say it may amuse the theorist to throw
up its glitteiiug soap bubbles, it only damps the practical hand
to crush them.

With reference to my competitive hives, the Stewarton and
straw, a correspondent, "W.J. C," says, "The Stewarton no
doubt was crammed completely, although we are not told so,"
to which I reply, that it as well as the straw were " crammed,"
but only with the progeny of their re iptctive queens, and neither
had any extraneous aid whatever saving wliat whs narrated.
With regard to tbe same hive Mr. Lowe says, " There is some
ground for suspect ng that all was not right with that [straw]
colony," but I cau as-ure Ijim it was in every way iu perfect
health and condition ; and fun ber, that " the same results might
occur even if tbe competing hives were both Stewartons," this

92

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTURB AND COTTAGE QABDENER.

( Febraary 1, 1877.

I deny. And then follows, If "A Renfkewshibe Bee-keepek"
thinks the reveree he will kindly stute how the results are to be
otherwise accounted for. Is it by reason of the form, material,
or cnniitrnction of the Stewarton hive which enabled it to eclipse
BO greatly the straw ekep in amasBing stores ? " And I answer
in the affirmative, and hint that if both your correspondents
were mora practical apiarians they might have seen it for them-
selves. First, " form," the straw hive being the usual dome
shape, prevented any super sitting conveniently on it, saving
the Abingdon glass, and even to get it placed I had to cut out a
portion of the apex with my penknife, and lashed the glass with
cord to the protruding cross sticks. Then the material of the
super portion of that hive being glass told much against the
retnrn, the additional labour to get the combs built and attached
with extra expenditure of honey to keep up the temperature
continnonsly therein while storing and sealing went on. I have
heard it estimated by experienced bee-keepers in glass-filling
that their bees would readily store from a (o -1 lbs. honey in
wood for every one in glass, and to crown all, the extra breed-
ing and supering area in the Stewarton over the straw must
alike have stiniul.ited the fertility of the queen and the acquiei-
tivo principle, io the ever-increasing band of her more numeroas
staff of honey-gatherers.

In opposition to your correspondent, Mr. Lowe's theory,
" That no such adventitious circumstances as the kiad of hive can
have much or any influence on the amount of stores collected
by the bees," I can give a striking and conclusive illustration.
There stands in my apiary for the last ten or twelve years, in-
cluding the magnificent seasons of 1868 and 187(5, a by no
means small hive, with usually one of my most prolific queens
at its head, a non-swarmer in perfect health, a foul cell never
having been seen within it; and yet, while those " best hives,"
my marvellous Stewarton reapers, were throwiug off in those
good years their nine and ten supers a piece, it siuce its esta-
blishment has not yielded up one ounce of honey ; on the con-
trary, each antumn has to be liberally fed. And how can you
account for the astonishing difference ? asks the perplexed
reader. We will allow Mr. Lowe to do so. By reason of the
form, material, and construction, the defaulter being the obser-
vatory stock of— .\ Renfrewshire Bee-keeper.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Eoa Within an Ego (J. O. S.).-We have seen a perfect egg within
ftnotber perfect epg, bnt it is very unneaal.

LEonoBNs AND DoMiMQOEs (A. H.).— They have been advertised. You
mnst refer to the advertisements in our colnmnj.

NriiBEE OF Hens (C. S.).— Twelve hens are ton many for one cock it the
egRE are to bn net at once. Six woold be enonfih, but you may try eight.
The number of hens that may run with a cock is a question of temperature.
We know from eipenence that in December you cannot depend on the eggs
of four hens running with a cock, however young and healthy. At the end of
January jou may put six bens safely, at the end of February eight, at the
end o( March ten; after that you may, if necessary, put twelve, or even

GBEENBorsE Floor for Ciuckens (Mm).— The floor of a groenhoueo is
always suggestive to us o( damp bricks. Nothing can be worse for chickens.
It you mean to keep them there, cover the floor with very dry road grit. We
do not like the atmosphere of a greenhouse. We have now strong-growing
chicktDB. We keep them in an old disused barn with the old earthen floor.
They are eupphed with dry grit and with growing grass. They have no
artifacal heat, and have only beer to drink. We always find Jannarv chickens
the easiest to rear.

BncEN Ducks iF. O. S. B.).— There is nothing to be said about Ronen
l)uck8 beyond that which wns known many years before the present breeders
kept one or were known. It was known that they should be counterparts of
Mallard and Wild Back. The diCBcnlties of judging in those days were the
bills of the Ducks and the ring of the drake. Then there came the white
flight. This gave trouble (or a time, but it wai disposed of. It is useless to
disi.nte the fact— the wild birds are the models on which to judge the Rnuf
Twentt years ago there were people who insisted for leaden-coloured bills
you do for ''dark sterns." The opinion now quoted

engage the attention of the birds' beaks, and in a great measure keep down
the homy growth of the beaks. Cuttle-fish may be obtained from the London
or other bird dealers. The most effectual remedy it to pare the beak with a
sharp pen-knife, or the claws with either a knife or pair of scissors, bnt not
too close, cr the bird will lose blood. The end of the red ray or vein in both
beaks and claws, when held against a strong light, will show exactly how far
the operations may be performed. Aged birds are more liable to an over-
growth of the beaks and claws than young birds, bnt even two-year-old birds
require their claws trimming, which enables tbem to obtain a better grasp of
the perches. Many valuable cage songsters have been lost through being
found head downwards, trapped in either the wires or perches with their
Blckle-shaped claws.

'^^'■^l;" CoNsEHViToET (F. i>.).— You may with a fair amount of suc-
cess be able to keep about fifteen or, at the most, a score of small birds, in
the aviary which you give us the dimensions of. Canaries will live in har-
mony with such birds as Goldfinches, Brown Linnets, Siskins, and Eedpoles,
lor each being granivorons in their habits will fare well with the same diet.
A miiture of hemp, millet, canary, rape, and fiai will suffice for their rations.
On the bottom of the aviary let there be strev ed a bountiful supply of rough
eand, and if the birds have access to a bath tley will keep their feathers in
close order. Two or thiee Mule birds would add to the variety in the above-
named lot, and variety is worth a consideration. It you can avoid it, do not
let the perches directly cross over each other, or those beofath will become
soiled. For an atiary. we think if the perches be fined in a BeOii-transverse
direction a more showy effect is given for the birds to be viewed.

Hives of Bees by Railway (J. H. Hoieariil.- The loss by breaking down
of the combs must be borne by you. You directed how the hives were to ba
sent, and refused to let the vendor pack them as he wished.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32- 40" N. ; Long. 0' S' 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 AM.

In t

JE Day.

a- 5'^

Hygrome-

St

■s- .

Shade Tem-

Badiation

3

ter.

B?-

perature.

Temperature.

a

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

H

Max.

Min.

grass.

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

w.

3SH

4C.5

84.1

8 ,«

29 0

23 751

45.2

44.8

s.vv.

88.8

61.8

35.8

54 6

805

81.8

N.W.

39.6

4.'.7

83 8

74.3

19.3

0.029

80.176

8S.0

81.9

s.w.

88.0

4S.0

2911

658

26 4

0.102

Sun. 28

30.0'ili

43.0

415

s.

37.5

69.3

29 2

Mo. 29

30.167

85,8

83.6

s.w.

89.1

49.6

34.0

72 9

80 0

Ta. 80

29 313

47.0
41.0

45.0
39.1

w.

40.3
58.9

48 4
47.6

35. J
83.8

87.8

82.0
29.5

0.164

Means.

29.95Q

70.7

0.761

REMABKa.

24th.— Rain in the night and early moruinp, but fine by 8 A.M. ; the day

throughout bright aud pleasant. Lunar halo.
25th.— Rain more or leas all day, bat ("mc at nit^ht.

26th.— White frost in morning; very fine all day aad night. Lnnar halo.
'27th. — Rainy day and night.
28th.— Damp, hut not rainy mormog, rain in middle of the day; bnt fine

afternoon and
29th.— Fair, but very cold, bright at noon ; rain

wind in the night.
30th.— Wind very high, with sndden heavy showt

val3 all the day ; heavy hail shower at 10

Range of temperature greater thaa last week, and weather variable,
sun on 24th and SOth.— G. J. Syuons.

afternoon, and very high

with bright Bun at inter*

Hot

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— January 31.
Good eamples of late Grapes are now becoming scarce, and conseqnently^
realising good prices. The Apple market remains the same, with business
very quiet.

FRUIT.

admishible, jusi

not good lor mi __.

The " curtain " feathers have j

is principally a bird of size and weicht-

was Slbrf. below the Avlehbury, now it is

beloDgs tofheGadwell, not to the R<

thing to do with the question. The Rouen

it is a bird of food. Fonncrly it

-. .. above it in weight. It may suit

»u^^^- wuu iiivt- ^mall birdB to save thpruaelvea btjhind feather, and those who
have large birds to depend on size. We blame neither, we have no right to
f .^Tii.'^'xf^^'''^''^^^ Nature, and we should be cnriouB to know who ^et
foHh that Rnuen Ducks or drakes should have dark leathers. Lor.king at the
two we have no hesitation m preferrio-: the light feathers. Wo cannot agree
with those who would make food birds birds of plumage; and we can only
adi the birds for eihibition, aa belon^^ing to the food of a country, are to be
apprenatfd if they have no glaring defect according to the weight they bring
ro rue contm.m utocU.and not to theparticular shade of three or four feathers,
jnis was and should be the aim of poultry shows.

Belgian Hare Rabbits.- *'I wish 'Geta' (p. 731 would give ns the
grouud on which he cntradicts the assertion which is now generally accented
—namely, that the Belgian Hare Rabbit is a cross. That cross-breeds are
not fertile is a general fact, but the ca«o of these Hare Rabbits has fouud its
way into scientmc books as a remarkable exception. I was, therefore, sur-
prised to see It so flatly contra3icted.-G. 8." '

The Growth of Can,*ry'8 Bill f^^mfr*.— All birds in confinement arc
TObject to an overgrowth of the beaks and claws. ,;nd it is necessary that
Canaries and other small cage birdn in particular be provided with grit sand

thJZ'T tk"""' r^ "•'""^^^ " P'"" '^f "^'^"^" '^^"'^ **' V^^cei betwixt
the wires. The mortar or a piece of cuttle-fish hang inside the cage will

Apples is

Apricots d<

Cneatnuta bushel 0

Currants j sieve 0

Black i do. 0

Fik'S dozen 0

Filberts lb. 0

Coba lb. I

Gooseberries

Grapes, hothouse.

Melons

6 to 7

Pears. kitchen.... dozen 1 0

dessert dozen 3 0

Pine Apples lb. 1 6

qaat^ 0 0
.. lb. 3 0
¥^100 6 0 lu

1 6 , Qiiincet
0 0 j Raspbe

trawberries... lb.

bushel 0 0 0 0

French bu

Beans, Kidney vlOJ 1 0

Beet. Red , dozen 1 6

Broccoli bundle 0 9

Brussels Sprouts.. } sieve S 0

Cabbage doten 1 0

Carroia bunch 0 4

Capsicums t* 1 0 1 6

Cauliflower d<'2en 8 0

Celery buodle 1 6

Coleworts.. doz. bunches 2 0

Cucumbers each 1 6

Endive dozen 1 u

Fennel bunch 0 3

Garlic lb. 0 6

Herbs buncti 0 S

Horseradish bundle 0

Lettuce dozen 0

Leeka bunch 0 i

Walnutd bushel

2 0 I ditto ^ 100

TEOETABLES.

Mushrooms pottle 1

Mustard tS Cress punnet 0

Onions bushel 0

pickling quart 0

Parsley.... doz. bunches 2

lips..

Han

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel 2 6 4 6

Kidney do. 8 0 6 0

New lb. 1 0 2 0

Radishes., doz. bunches 1 0 1 &

Rhubarb bundle 9 0 16

Salaafy buDdle 0 9 10

Scorzonera bundle 10 0 0

Seakale basket 16 2 6-

Shallots lb. 0 S 0 6

Spinach bushel 2 6 4 0

Tomatoes | sieve 0 0 0 0

Turnips bunch 0 4 0 6

Vegetable Marrows o 0 0 0-

Fehraary 8, 1S77. )

JOURNAL OF HORTIC0LTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day

of ' of
Month Week.

FEBRUAET 8-14, 1877.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

Sun
Sets.

Noon
Rises.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Sun.

Day
of
Year.

8
9
10
11
12
IS
11

Th

F

S

Sun

M

To

W

Eoyal Society at 8.80 p.m.

Qaeckett (Microscopicall Club at 8 P.M.

Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 p.m.

QuiNgUAGESlM.4.

London Institution at 5 p.m.
Bojal Medical and Chirnrgical Society at 8.80 p.m.
Boyal Horticnltoral Society— Fruit and Floral Com-
[ mittees at 11 a.m.

Day.
45.4
45.0
44.4

44.1
45.6
44.0
45.3

NiRht.
82.1
81.5
29.6
39.7
29.4
29.3
80.5

Mean.
888
88.3
37.0
36.4
87.0
36.6
87.9

h. m.

7 27
7 25
7 23
7 21
7 20
7 18
7 16

b. m.

6 2

5 4

6 6
5 8

5 9

6 11
5 13

b. m.

5 a 13

6 2

6 37

7 2
7 21
7 35
7 46

h. m.
11 35
0a34

1 43

2 65

4 9

5 21

6 84

Days.

24
25
26
27
28
29
O

U 80
14 80
14 80
14 30
14 28
14 26
14 23

89
40
41
42
43
44
45

From obserrationB taken near London daring forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 44,8^; and its night temperature
80.3 •.

GLAZING WITHOUT PUTTY.

BSERVING tliat inqnii-ies have been made
on this subject I submit my experience. I
do not approve of glazing sashes entu'ely
without putty, but I am firmly of opinion
that "top putty" is worse than useless.
Many years ago when the roofs of the houses
under my charge were undergoing the usual
routine of repainting, &c., it occurred to me
to have the putty entirely removed from
one length of lights — paioting the sashes
■without it, the remaining portion of the bouse being re-
puttied, painting, of course, over the putty after it was set.
The lights which have not been puttied for nearly twenty
years are now in better condition, and there has been less
leakage from them than the others which have been
periodically repaired in the orthodox manner of patching
the putty and painting over it. Unless very special care
is taken the top putty on the roof of a vinery or forcing
house will shrink and in places become separated from
the wood. The crevices between the glass and the putty,
and the putty and the wood, may be so minute as scarcely
to be noticeable, yet they are sufEcient to admit the
water ; and when once the water penetrates beneath and
behind the putty it cannot easily evaporate and the wood
is almost continually wet, accelerating its decay, and the
.putty is also prematurely peeling off, rendering furtber,
and as I believe unnecessary, outlay incumbent in paying
for time and material in repairs and making the roof
watertight. I believe, therefore, that "top putty" is
injm-ious, but I think bottom putty valuable.

Acting on my direct experience and on much observa-
tions in different places, and supported by the advice of
a very practical joiner and glazier, the last house erected
•under my charge was glazed as it was termed " without
putty," but in reality without " top " putty only, the
g;ia38 being firmly bedded in putty — thus putty was used
■beneath the glass, bat not above it. Special care was
employed in placing the putty in the rebates of the
sashes, using it good, plenty of it, and placing it in re-
.gular layers — the last condition being very important.
The wood previous to applying the putty was well painted
twice. The glass was firmly — very firmly — pressed down
into its bed of putty, each square being secured in its
place by driving two small copper tacks into the sash-
bars at the lower comers of each square ; the " lap " of
the next square above, of course, keeping that portion
secure. When the glazing was completed throe good
coverings of paint were given the upper portion of tlie
sashes, painting also about an eighth of an inch on the
glass. When completed the first shower of rain was
anxiously waited for. In due time the shower came — a
" regular rainy day " — and although the roof was rather
flat not one drop of rain came through it. Further,
during the deluge which has been lately experienced the
roof has proved to be perfectly " watertight," while in
other houses glazed with top putty the water found its
way through in an unpleasant manner. I am quite cer-

No. 828.-VOL. XXXn., New Sebizs.

tain that the roof of a glass structure having no putty on
the outside can be kept in good condition with less cost
than can one where the top putty is used in glazing :
therefore by the non-use of the outside putty two savings
are effected — first, cost in the saving of material, and
after-cost in keeping in order in saving both material and
labour. But while I consider top putty worse than use-
less I lay special stress on the importance of good bottom
putty (and good workmanship) for embedding the glass.
There may be others who do not see the value of putty
at all, and they may have good reasons for abohshing
it ; but I can only record my actual experience.

All sashes, for anything I know to the contrary, may
be glazed as I have suggested — I mean sashbars do not
need to be made specially for the carrying-out of the
plan. It is true that when top putty is not used the
rebates of the sashbars do not need to be so deep, but
that is a point of no real importance. I am not aware
that my experimental lights from which the putty had
been removed were ever observed by any visitor, so that
their appearance was not in any way singular. The
glass is quite as firm without top putty as with it, the
roof is more efficient, and the appearance is as good.
When the squares of glass are at all large— say 20 inches
by 12 — glazing is much more quickly done without top
putty than with it ; but with small squares and closely
arranged sashbars outside, putty cannot perhaps be so
advantageously abolished.

As the result of my experience my plan for the future
will be (until a better mode is pointed out) to abolish the
use of outside putty entirely, but to use good bottom
putty liberally and well in the glazing of glass structures.
— Steward and Gardener.

THE CULTIVATION OP THE RASPBERBT.

" Practitioner " on page 07 has alluded to the culti-
vation of the useful and popular fruit, confining his
remarks to canes trained to stakes or trellises. _ I wish
to remind all whom it may concern that Raspberries may
be grown successfully without being trained at aU. In
the fruit fields of Kent, and also in other parts of the
country, many acres of land are devoted to Raspberry
cultivation, and excellent crops of fruit are obtained from
canes which neither have nor require any stakes or wires
to support them.

When grown largely in open fields the canes are planted
thinly— that is, the rows are nearer 4 than 3 feet apart,
the "stools" in the rows being 18 inches distant trom
each other. The canes are planted singly, and are mostly
kept singly, though occasionally two and now and then
three are allowed to grow from each stool, provided they
are of a short-jointed character. The principal point
aimed at is the securing of stout sliort-jointed canes.
These are essentially fruitful, and are sulhciently strong
to be " self-supporting :" hence the adoption of the prac-
tice of planting thinly and preventing after-crowding.
The canes thus thinly planted in an unshaded place
seldom grow tall; they are pruned during the whiter,

No. HsO.— Vol. LVII. Old Sekies.

94

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

I Febraarj 8, 1877.

each being left at the height of 3 feet. With an otherwise
jndiciouB system of culture, ai manuring and cleanliness of
the ground from weeds and suckers, valuable "hedges" of
fruit are produced snflloiently rigid in themselvea so as to be
secure from injury by boisterous weather, and the fruit can
be conveniently and expeditiously gathered. Raspberries thus
cultivated yield (taking one year with another) highly pro-
fitable crops, and the plan is worthy of adoption in the vicinity
of large towns, where the demand for this favourite fruit is
frequently greater than the supply.

Raspberries aUo grow a^^ well, if not better, than any other
fruit under the shade <u trees. The home of the Raspberry
is in the woods, and t is fact conveys a hint that it may be
profitably turned to ; -couut as an undergrowth crop. In
many fruit orchards i; i? thus turned to account in a profitable
manner. When thie Uii'de of culture is adopted it is found of
special importance to plant thinly — that is, the canes should
be grown singly, each having 3 or 4 feet of ground area. When
the ground is kept clean and suckers are prevented growing,
■valuable crops of Raspberries are produced in orchards where
the large trees are not, closely planted and the shade is not
exceptionally dense. It is not uncommon for Raspberries thus
grown to produce crops when those in the open do not do so.
Late spring frosts are frtquently inimical to the Raspberry
crops, and I have more than once known " wild Rasps " in
■woods plentiful when the canes in the garden have been barren.
The woods ailorded shelter from spring frosts, and similarly
the shelter produced by orchard fruit trees has insured fruit
on the " undergrowth " crop — the Raspberries. When the soil
is heavy the leaves of the trees and canes afford almost or
quite sufficient nourishment for the Raspberries, but a dress-
ing of salt and soot, or guano, applied during showery weather
in the spring is a profitable investment. When Raspberries
are grown in the manner described they do not injure the
fruit trees. I am intimately acquainted with an orchard
having an undergrowth of Raepborries, and the trees in that
orchard of Apples, Plums, and Pears, have for a period of
twenty years produced crops of fruit fully equal to any in the
neighbourhood where Raspberries have not been grown beneath
the trees. The undergrowth crops in the orchard alluded to
have been of substantial value to the owner.

Raspberries may also be grown in gardens on the same self-
" supporting " principle. I have had excellent crops without
the aid of either stakes or wire, and without bending the canes
into a series of arches, and while the rows in summer have
been attractive by their productiveness, in the winter they have
never been coneidered unsightly. When wires and stakes are
procurable it is right that they should be used in gardens, but
I would not have anyone deterred from growing Raspberries
on account of the absence of these extraneous supports.

I have grown Fastolf, Red Antwerp, Northumberland Fill-
basket, and Carter's Prolific, and I give the preference to the
latter for growing on the free-and-easy system alluded to. It
is short and robust in growth, productive, and the fruit is
large and of excellent quality. For growing on tall trellises
Northumberland FiUbasket is suitable ; it is very vigorous and
produces fine fruit. Can any growers detail their experience
with McLaren's I'rolific ?

Canes grow well when planted in February, provided tho
roots are not permitted to become dry during removal and
transit. — A Market Gardener.

POTATO PLANTING.

I QUITE sigree with " A Northern Gardener's" advice as to
preparing seed Potatoes before planting, as on that, in my
opinion, rests tho foundation of the crop ; and, like your corre-
spondent, I cannot advise planting so early as January.

I have had fourteen years' experience in Potato-growing on
two kinds of soil — the one a heavy black soil, such as the
Briar delights in ; the other a light red soil that you can work
at any time. I have tried the early planting recommended by
"A VouNG AiiATErr.," and have been rewarded with a half
crop of the worst Potatoes I ever grew. Many of the sets
remained in the same condition as when planted, only the
robust sprouts had disappeared and wero replaced by a few
wiry sprouts which had not the strength to push through the
soil. So much for early planting.

During late years I have not planted a Potato on the heavy
soil until April (alter tho ground has been dug and manured
in the autumn), when the soil was dry on the surface, then
forking it over, planting as the ground was dug, in rows not less

than 2 feet 6 inches apart, being careful not to plant too deep,
say 2 inches, sowing a little gas lime mixed with ashes on the
sets, and covering them with the next spit, always avoiding
treading on the ground except when it has been dry. After
this treatment 1 have had a full crop of sound Potatoes. On
the red land I follow the same plan, only planting deeper, and
the rows a trifle nearer except for large-growing sorts. ,JJS?
I have used gas lime mixed with ashes, and find it a good
remedy against insects. — J. H. Dixon.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Knowing nothing about the Society, its position and per-
plexities, beyond what I have endeavoured to learn from
reading the papers, it has occurred to me that I may venture
to say scmtthing which cannot well share a worse fate than
much that has been written by those who are supposed to be
well acquainted with the subject in all its intricacies. In the
institution with which I am connected all the principal garden-
ing papers are taken, and opportunity is also afforded the
members for reading the daily press. It is from this source,
therefore, that I have derived my information, and I have read
the several reports and letters which have appeared by the
light of such common sense as I happen to be endowed with.
As to the paitios individually concerned in the Royal Horti-
cultural Society I know nothing, and it is consequently not
possible that I should have any special sympathy for the
" Kensingtonians " and their friends — people whom I have
never seen, and in all probability never shall see. I am neither
disappointed in anything that has occurred during the past nor
prejudiced in regard to any contingency of the future, and
possibly on that account I can regard matters the more calmly
than at least some can who have written on the subject, and
who are to a certain extent identified with some particular
" policy " that has from time to time been mooted. I am not
committed to any " plan," and no man or " party" has any
claim to my support. In a word I am independent, and will
look at the position from that standpoint. 1 am a gardener
earnestly desirous of seeing horticulture flourish and the
Royal Ilorticaltural Society healthy and prosperous. That is
my desire, as it is that of hundreds of others in a similar
position with myself.

In reference to the Society, if one thing more than another
has been impressed on my mind it is that the present Council
are earnest in their desire to promote the art which the Society
they represent was established to foster. I have gathered this
from the writings of many men, and from, I think, every sec-
tion of the gardening press — that the Council is composed of
earnest practical men, whoeo one great object is to promote
horticulture and render the Society, in fact as well as in name,
a real horticultural Society. That appears to have been gene-
rally admitted, and the shows and meetings, a? reported, have
been much more successful since the present men were at the
head of affairs than before they were appointed to their honour-
able yet onerous c tfice. The work done at Chiswiok has also
been eminently useful and instructive.

If I appreciate the position rightly, I am also under the im-
pression that the Council were not only willing but anxious to
dissociate the Society from the " fashionable lounge " at South
Kensington, so that they might bo at liberty to better carry
out purely horticultural work. If I am correct in my recollec-
tion they made proposals to and obtained a hearing from the
Royal Commissioners towards the carrying-out of this object
— an object which would have been effected hut for the decision
of the debenture-holders. I do not blame this important body
for defending their own interests, but simply record the fact as
one which cannot be overlooked in considering the present
position of the Society. As I understand the matter, the
action of the debenture-holders placed the Council in this
position — that be they ever so earnest in their desire to out
themselves (ibe Society) adrift from South ivensington, they
are absolutely powerless to do so for a period of at least two
years. That I conceive is an important fact to be remembered.
Let us, then, admit that the debenture-holders and the Court
of Chancery compel tho Council to retain the gardens at South
Kensington for a certain period, and what next ?

Two cour.';es are now open for adoption ; first, tho practical
closing of the gardens — letting them go to ruin — and ostra-
cising the local residents ; rejecting the support which many
have given, and it is presumed many are willing to give again;
powerfully aiding to place the Society in a solvent state, en-
abling it as far as possible to prosecute its legitimate functions.

Febniaiy 8, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

95

That is one conrse. The nest is to oloae the gardens and
leave " bag and baggage ;" disregarding the local Fellows, re-
jecting their aid, and depending on the purely (the counlrj) hor-
tioaltnrista for support. That policy has a fine, a plausible,
a patriotic sound with it, but if examined closely is it not a
deceptive sound ? It has been announced that a large number
of horticulturists are ready to come forward, but mark the
conditions — provided the Society leaves KenaiDgtoc. Now, as
it appears to me, comes the vital point. The Council cannot
by the action of the debenture-holders relinquish the South
Kensington connection, and because they cannot do what is
impossible horticnlturiets, as a national body, refuse their
support. That is one dilemma. The other is this — that the
gardens are an integral part of the Society for say two years ;
the country horticulturists refuse to give aj£(iunte support,
and, as it seems, to prevent the Society lapsing into bank-
ruptcy— instead of closing the gardens and rejecting the only
means of existence for the time being — the Council prefer to
make the gardens in some degree attractive and command
that support which can alone preserve the Society in a solvent
state, preserving it until better days dawn and until it can
depart in peace to perform the real work which both the
Council and horticulturists so earnestly desire.

Because the Council have so determined — averting bank-
ruptcy and saving the Society — a furious howl is raised, va-
pouring fulminationa are launched by disappointed men, and
ieeble arguments are advanced in favour of the " perish-the-
Sooiety " policy, and the Council are pronounced as traitors
by those who know not what they say. The charge is ridi-
culous. Every member of the Council is a stranger to me, but
my common sense tells me that they are gentlemen of honour
and character or they never would have been appointed. But
v?hy not let the Society merge into bankruptcy and then start
afresh ? some may ask. It is very easy for the " aekers," but
how about the Council ? In case of a breakdown would not
all the odium rest on the members of the Council ? and would
not those who write screaming letters to the papers about tho
•dignity of horticulture be the first to point the finger of scorn
at them ?

I have never written a line about the Society before, and
should not have done so now had I not read in a Saturday's
paper a wild tirade from a gardener whose reckless statements
are a libel on the common sense of the craft to which he
belongs. That writer shall not, at any rate without one pro-
test, assume to represent a body who can work as well and
think as clearly if they cannot talk and write as glibly as he
oan. A paragraph has lately been going the rounds of the
papers describing an extraordinary phenomenon of a sea
serpent wrapping its coils round a whale and dragging it into
the mud. I was forcibly reminded of that ludicrous circum-
stance on reading the burst bubble on Saturday last, and to
which the Editors from a sense of self-respect felt bound in a
great measure to refuse their sanction.

The right — the seemly — way as it appears to me, is to
wait and give the Council a hearing, and then, and not till
then, to pronounce a verdict on the evidence then adduced.
One-sided judgment is unfair, unmanly, and unjust. — A
NoaiHERN Gaedexee.

OLD-FASHIONED E03ES.

When I wrote the article on climbing Eoaes which appeared
on page 41 I had not the remotest idea that the oLi Roses
therein mentioned could have commanded the attention which
baa been evoked respecting them.

Letters have been sent to me (through the Editors) from
Tarions parts of the country — aristocratic letters, clerical letters,
and letters from villa residents, and even from artisans. I
should like to give extracts from some of these letters, but fear
they would occupy too much space, and besides the testimony
they contain is not really required, seeing that the value of
the old Rosea named has not been controverted save by one
writer, and him a "Savage" whom lean deal with without
supporting aid.

The purport of the letters was a desire to know where the
old climbers could be obtained, or if cuttings of my parochial
Boeea could be sold or given. Had I received but one or two
letters I might have replied to them privately, but under the
present circumstances I can only treat all alilie by here saying
that, after having well considered the subject, I do not feel
warranted in aaking permission to post cuttings of Roses
(which are not my property) to different parts of the country.

I fear that that reply may be disappointing to some, but there
is no reason that it should be so.

In the first place, I should not be (in the end) doing a kind-
ness to the appUcants by sending them cuttings, because at
this season of the year Rose cuttings will not grow ; and in
the next place, to wait until they would grow would be a sacri-
fice of valuable time before their self-raised Roses were in a
strong flowering state. Rose cuttings I find grow well when
inserted in a shaded border during August or early in Septem-
ber, but are some time before they are large enough to cover
a trellis or bower. Were I requiring a plant or plants of any
of the old-fashioned climbers I should purchase them at the
nearest nursery. Strong flowering plants may be purchased
for Is. Gd. each much superior to those ordinarily raised from
cuttings in a private way. If my correspondents will adopt
that plan I am certain that they will be much better satisfied
than if I sent them cuttings which would probably die. Almost
every Rose-growing nurseryman can supply all the sorts of
" old-fashioned climbing Roses."

And now to the Rev. Savage, for he tells us that he is a
parson. He submits a list of climbers for a church without
attaching any conditions. The climbers named as being suit-
able (and I grant beautiful) for his territory are of no use
whatever for hundreds of gardens where the Journal reaches.
The Roses which I named will grow anywhere and produce
such a bountiful profusion of blooms as to make " Cloth of
Gold" ashamed of itself. The Roses of " Wild Savage" ill
only grow in favoured pi ices ; in the " anywhere" places t ey
will not grow at all. With sueh.Roses as I named and " Wyld
Savage" quotes on page 77 I am told that my walls are desti-
tute of blooms for ten months in tho year ; but were I to plaiit
only those which he has substituted the walls would be desti-
tute of Roses for twelve months. I have planted every Rose
named by " Wyld Savage " except Cheshunt Hybrid, but only
one blooms at all well— Marechal Niel, the remainder being
either dead or as much out of place as a savage would be toma-
hawking in a place of worship. If the " Wyld Savage " re-
sides " where every prospect pleases," &c., he must not sup-
pose that all men are so happily situated. The climbers
named by him are an excellent selection for the tropics of
England, but for the chilling eastern and the biting northern
districts they are "no use at all at all."

The Roees which I named, and for the purposes and posi-
tions for vfhich I recommended them, are incomparable. Their
value lies in their hardiness and their accommodating habits.
They will livs and bloom and luxuriate where the Savage's
tender pets would shrivel and die. 1 conclude by saying. Grow
the pets by all means and nurture them for their delicate
beauty, but do not forget the " old climbers " which flourish
in spite of heat, or cold, or drought, or wet, or shows, or
societies, or sheep, or savages.

I should like to see " Wyld Savage's " church, and especially
the parson. We are both of us, however, I think too much
prejudiced to judge justly of each other's Roses ; but lest he
should think that I am afraid of his competition I will under-
take to cut next summer more blooms from one tree of Amadis
and send them to the Editors of the Rose journal (if their
ofiiQO will hold them) than " Wyld Savage " can out from every
tree on his church. — A Parson's Gaedenee.

BAEBAEOSSA GEAPE.

" J. W." (page 53) asks for information about this Grape,
and I very willingly give him my opinion of it. I consider
it to be a very excellent late Grape, and is not so much grown
as it deserves to be. Those who often fill whole houses with
Lady Downo's and Alicantes make a mistake in not planting
BarbaroEsa as the principal sort. It may be described as a
very robust grower, producing bunches as a rule double the
size of any other variety. The flavour is excellent when the
fruit is thoroughly ripened, and it keeps plump and fresh until
March. The berries are thin-skinned. They do not become
tough like some others, nor do they lose their flavour or size
through hanging long on the Vino. The bunches generally
weigh from 3 to 8 lbs. Some consider the latter size too large
for the table, but if necessary one big bunch can be made into
two or three little bunches by cutting off the handsome
shoulders.

I have never had the slightest difficulty in growing this
Grape to the best advantage, the bunches having always been
produced in abundance, and the berries have never failed to
fiuieh well. I am never later than the 1st of March in starting

JODKNAL OF HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGB GABDENEB.

[ Ftbraary 8, 1877.

♦he Vines into growth, and from then nntil the end of September
BarbaroBsa hae plenty of time to ripen its frnit and thoroughly
mature the wood, which is an important matter. My advice to
" J. W." and all others planting late Grapes is to plant Bar-
barossa by all means, not as a " single cane at the end of the
house," but as the " main crop." — Vitis.

As information is sought on the above Grape I desire to say
that six years ago I made a small addition to the late vinery.
A Barbarossa and Muscat of Alexandria were planted in a good
border, and the former grew so vigorously that the second
year after planting I trained two more shoots from it, and
gave it three rafters of the houee to fill. The third year two
bunches were cut from the Vine, the fourth year six, the fifth
twelve, the sixth fifteen, and the heaviest bunch was 7 lbs.
weight, the lightest 2 lbs.

The Vine has been cut well back, and is not at the top of
the house as yet. In my opinion it is a Vine that must make
plenty of wood to do well, and I intend to train it on the
long-rod system. The leaves are large and downy ; bunches
very large and rather loose ; berries somewhat oval, black, and
juicy ; in flavour not equal to the Black Hamburgh, but it is a
good late-keeping Grape, indeed one of the best. The bunches
have a noble appearance on the table, and have been much
admired. — F. Fetch, Gardener, Whitfield Hall.

THE COMMON LILAC WHITE BY FOKCING.

PEEHArs there is no other flower so deliciously fragrant
during midwinter or early spring as the Lilac when forced in
darkness ; and as it is so easily attainable, and within the
reach of all who are in possession of a Mushroom-house or
heated shed, or, indeed, a stokehole where light can be ex-
cluded, we have often wondered why those who appreciate
sweet-scented flowers should not have extended their practice
more generally than is the case to this method of Lilac forcing.

It is true that when plants are subjected to a high tempera-
ture in a dark house or shed they are afterwards useless, but
we feel certain that the yield in beautiful flowers will trebly
compensate for the original value of the plants. Lilac flowers
produced in this way are held in such high esteem with us
that we have had a little house specially fitted up for the pur-
pose, so that we have little difScuIty at any time, with two
or three weeks' notice, in obtaining a basketful of these truly
beautiful snow-white flowers, two or three sprays of which will
perfume the whole air of a room for days. Our house is merely
an old shed with a closely thatched roof ; but we have taken
care to have efficient heating power, so that, if necessity re-
quires it, we can raise the temperature to 100° in a very short
time. Such accommodation is of course ample; indeed it is
special, and is not absolutely necessary, though it reduces
trouble to a minimum, and is cheapest in the end. We have
managed to effect the same purpose by portioning-off heated
structures in out-of-the-way corners with success, varying ac-
cording to circumstances connected with the atmospheric con-
ditions of the houses in which the forcing was being carried
out. Our practice is as follows : In the autumn we examine
our shrubbery borders, and endeavour, as far as possible, to
select the requisite number of plants from places where over-
crowding is most apparent, and where a thinning-out is most
likely to do good, choosing bushes which are conspicuous for
prominent well-developed buds, which must be partially cut
round some time previous to being lifted in order to prepare
them for early work. It must be borne in mind that unless
the buds are bold and prominent, and the flowers present
in embryo, any attempt at forcing will be futile. We have
tried young plants from the nursery more than once, but have
always failed. Young trees seem to lack stored-up vitality or
stamina to undergo such an ordeal of forcing in the absence of
light, and disappointment will be the only result that can be
expected from such a selection. To oar mind nothing can go
further to exemplify — if exemplification is needed — the quantity
or power of stored-up nutriment in deciduous trees, than to
see one of those glorious bushes literally covered with wreath
after wreath of flower, without any indication of growth in the
shape of young shoots and leaves ; for if forcing be conducted
slow enough to allow of young shoots being pushed, or even
simnltaneous action of leaf and flower, the latter will be little
worth. It will thus be seen that success lies in rapidity of
action, provided also that the material in hand be in all respects
suitable for such forcing.

As the season advances, the progress of advancing vegeta-

tion renders forcing less risky. From this date (January 3)
a fortnight or three weeks at the most will be sufficient time
to allow from the time the plants are introduced into heat till
the flowers are ready for cutting. The syringe may be freely
used at first, and heat gradually applied according to the pro-
gress made, but a dry atmosphere must be maintained as the
flowers expand or they will damp-off in a few hours, and when
damping-olI sets in, no treatment seems powerful enough .to
counteract the evil. zflf?

We have a nursery of the variety known as Charles the
Tenth, in an open favourable situation, and from which oil
suckers are removed as they appear during the summer, and
they are lifted annually so as to prepare them for this system
of forcing. When we think these young trees are well up to-
the mark for forcing, we anticipate results in proportion — per-
haps in excess of our labour. An error too commonly made is
to mistake the Persian Lilac for the old common one ; but the
Persian will not submit to forcing in darkness. — W. Hind (in
The Gardener).

A GOOD OLD ROSE.

I KNOW of one Eose, and only one Eose, that will answer alD
the requirements of the description of your correspondent Mr.
Edward Luckhuret, and that is Gloire de Dijon, without doubt
the best Eose for all purposes that exists. I know of no other
that will approach it. Only obtain a crimson Gloire de Dijon,
and in my opinion you \\ill have attained perfection. I did
not answer to the Eose election, but why the " Gloire," the
old Eose, was left out in the cold at the last is beyond my
comprehension. The bett of the others fails and pales by
comparison with my old friend. This last season I have had
blooms from April to January, and to-day (February 4th) I
picked from the front of my house (aspect due south) a full-
blown Gloire de Dijon that would not disgrace the flowery
month of May.

I yesterday gathered a Camellia grown in the open air, with-
out its haviug had any protection whatever in the shape of glas&
shades, matting, roof-shelter, etc. — A Sobscbieer, Goxport.

AURICULAS ATTACKED BY WOOLLY APHIS.

I ASK the experience of your readers on the following point.
My collection of Auriculas has apparently wintered well, and
now with healthy hearts the plants are beginning to show
signs of a start, so I have taken a few in hand for the com-
mencement of top-dressing, bat the first disturbance of the
soil has revealed an unexpected enemy.

The roots are abundant, and as usual spread and lace them-
selves vigorously on the interior surface of the pots; but here,
against the crocks, they are attacked by colonies of what
appears to be, or at least superficially resembles, the white
woolly aphis of the Apple, commonly called the American
Apple blight. The insects are numerous, small, sluggish, and
surrounded by a white woolly substance, and though I cannot
detect that they have yet done my plants any injury, I am
nervously jealous of their presence. Three or four years ago
the Apple aphis attacked my Apple trees, but one application
of Gishurst compound with a scrubbing brush abolished him.
Can it have gone from Apple boughs to Auricula roots ? and if
BO, would Gishurst hurt the tender roots, which ought now to
be ready for the spring time to call upon their vigour ?

Yesterday on detecting the enemy I applied some soft soap
and water, which has put him to flight, and to-day there is no
trace of the pest in the pots so treated ; and I think of trying
the Gishurst well diluted, but shall be glad to hear the opinion
of others on the enemy and remedy, for I fear my whole col-
lection is likely to be more or less affected, and I am ignorant
of the extent of the danger to which I am exposed. — JoHS
T. D. Llewelyn.

[I would counsel your correspondent, who reports the exist-
ence of woolly aphis in the soil and crockwork of his Auricula
pots, to spare no pains to destroy what is sure to prove an
enemy. It will not long confine itself to its present position,
but will proceed to attack the strong roots and fibres of the
plants, on which these mealy insects fatten fast, and along
which they will spread under cover of their peculiar woolly-
looking shelter.

With this nasty insect among Auriculas I have myself had
no experience, and bnt short acquaintance. Until last year,
when I saw it in two collections, I did not know it would infest
these plants, and but for your correspondent's letter I should

Fobranry S, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTlCDliTtJBE AND COTTAGfi QARDfiNEfi.

97

not be able now to say more abont this thing than I was a
few montha since in the coiirsn of some notes on Anrionla
culture in the pages of the " Florist and Pomologist." Mr.
Llewelyn's information upon woolly aphis is the latest that
has reached me, and it is of value.

On first noticing this insect among Anricnla roots, and in-
tuitively, of course, for an enemy, I could do no more than
suggest a cause and a care. For the cause, that perhaps some
leaf soil or soil from the neighbourhood of infested trees has
been used ; and Mr. Llewelyn states that he has had this
mealy bug among his Apple trees. As the creature is clearly
able to exist either above or under ground, and to either live
on leaves or feed on fibres, it may have got into communica-
tion with the Auriculas through the soil direct or by emigra-
ting from infested trees.

'As for the cure, there can be bat one, and that — extermina-
tion ; and I had suggested turning tho plants out of the soil
and washing them, root, and stem, and leaf, in a solution of
soft soap and water. Mr. Lleweljn states that he has applied
this, but simply as a watering upon the soil, and it is even
thus suoceesful. If I say I am glad to be thus far confirmed
in what I thought would be best to do, your correspondent
will not think that I only mean " Sweet are the uses of (another
man's) adversity."

The question is aeked whether Gishurst compound, which
is found very effective againet woolly aphis on Apple trees,
might not be used for ridding Auriculas of the same pest.
For two reasons I would answer. No. 1st, Because I do not
exactly know what the celebrated compound is made of, and
I would never try a general experiment with mysterious con-
diments upon valuable plant life. 2ndly, Because the cheap
and homely, simple and invigorating solution of soft soap is
enough.

For Mr. Llewelyn's affected plants I would not recommend
less than I should do myself for my own were they in a similar
case. I should not, then, bo content with watering the soil
with soft-soap solution, fearing that that woolly wrapper may
be only too good a preservative of embryo, if not of perfect,
insect life. I should be content with nothing short of fullest
measures. I would wash in the soap solution the roots and
stem, and indeed the whole of an infected plant. I would
altogether burn the infected compost, and I would repot the
cleansed plants at once in a compost gathered far from tainted
sources. I would have the frames cleaned thoroughly, and
the pots purified in scalding water, and with fresh ashes and
tile laths for the plants to stand on. I would leave nothing
about them wherein the mealy pest could lie concealed in any
stage of life. I have a lively horror of this insect, and such
dread of any nearer and dearer acquaintance with it that I
jealously examine every strange plant that may come to me
from collections with which I am not very familiar.

It is, of course, a pity to have to disturb well-established
plants now; but the roots are beginning to be very active
again, and there is no great increase of foliage yet to be dis-
tressed. It seems to me a lesser evil than allowing the spread
of this loathsome pest upon the roots.— F. D. Hornek, Kirkhij
Malzcard, Ripon.]

CLIVE HOUSE SEEDLING GRAPE (SO CALLED).

Tbat which I requested you to insert in the Journal of
Horticullurr regardmg this Grape I reiterate without fear,
having no interest to servo but what I previously stated. For
somewhat more than forty years I have been in the habit of
paying a visit to the gardens at Alnwick Castle more than once
every season, and by the different gardeners employed there
during that time I have had every facility afforded me for
seeing all that was considered worthy of notice. I distinctly
remember having the seedling Grapes (of which that in ques-
tion is one) pointed out to me. I afterwards frequently
examined them, and when they began producing fruit had
much pleasure in tasting and comparing it with that of older
Vines. Not, so far as I remember, have I ever heard the
Grape called by any other name there than " Caseley'a Seed-
lings, ' and that not only daring the last summer, as Mr. Bell
asserts, but for many years previously.

Having, as I consider, said quite enough about this affair, I
now take leave of it.— Eobeet Bowie, The Gardens, Chillina.
ham CastI,-. •'

I snouLi. not have taken the least notice of tho above had
my name not been dragged in amongst other mis-statements of
Mr. Bell in the Journal. I can only say that I corroborate

every word that my friend Mr. Bowie says about this Grape in
your issue of the 18th, who knew the Grape for years before I
ever saw it. If seedling Vines had ever been brought to this
place they were never seen or heard of by anyone here as far
back as I can trace. I have ample proofs that the Grape was
raited by Mr. Wm. Caeeley in this garden some twenty years
ago, and it has been grown and fruited here ever since. How
it can now turn out to be a new Grape and a Clive House
Seedling are problems I leave tho horticultural public to solve.

The other Grape alluded to by Mr. Bell as not securing the
same honours that his adopted child did from the Fruit Com-
mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society, was simply because
it was thought by some of the Committee that the flavour came
too near the Muscat flavour of that excellent Grape Mrs. Pinca
to be distinct. — Alex. Ingeam, The Gardens, Almoick Castle.

[No more need be published on this subject. — Eds.]

WEST'S PATENT ADJUSTABLE TRELLIS.

This trellis was exhibited before the Fruit Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society on June 8th, 1876, by Mr. W.
MoGrath Compton, Hibernia Wharf, London Bridge, and was
considered to be au ingenious conttivauco and worthy of trial
by those cultivating Vines and Cucumbers.

The patentees submit that " by the use of this trellis such
portions of a Vine or its produce as are inconveniently placed
are rendered moveable, so as to be brought within easy reach

Fig. 14.
for the various purposes of thinning and cleanEing, gathering
the produce, or any other ulject for which facility of acoeta
is desirable. The trellis can be moved gently to any suitable
position. It is adapted for training creepers, &o., in the con-
servatory and on the walls of dwelling houses, and can be
readily put up or taken down, and affords every facility for
cleaning or painting the eaehes or wall against which the trellis
may be placed. The lowering of the trellis cannot in any way
injure the stem of the Vine if trained as in the drawing, the
deflection being very slight. The trellis may be constructed
of either iron or wood. When made of the former, which is
preferable in many respects, it combines hghtness of appear-
ance with strength and durability, and can be fitted to any
shaped house. Vines covering a lineal space of 60 or more
feet may bo lowered fingly or together by turning one handle.
In the drawings, a a shows the trellis in position and lowered ;
D B the chains for lowering and raising ; and c c the drums
and pulleys round which iho chains work, d d shows the
form and construction of the trellis. The cost of the trellis
is inconsiderable, not exceeding 3s. 6d. per foot, including all
fixtures. It varies according to the build of the house in
which it may be fixed ; but when compared with the troable
saved and advantages gained by its use, the outlay appears
insignificant."

SOUVENIR DU CONGRKS PEAR.

AcTUJiN Pears are so plentiful and generally so good that a

new variety must possess special merit to command approval.

The Pear mentioned is, I believe, a comparatively now variety,

JOURNAL OF fiORlICULTtJEa AND COTTAGE GABDENES.

t February 8, 1877.

yet Bufficiently old to have proved its worth. I planted a tree,
of it in 1872, and since it has borne fruit of such splendid
appearance and of such superior quality I cannot help regret-
ting that I did not plant two trees instead of one. I do not
assert that it surpasses Williams' Bon Chretien in flavour,
because I believe that good old Pear when in its best condition
in unsurpassable; but Souvenir du Corgrc? is equal to the
favourite variety named, and is Eomewhat larger than it. I
find the new Pear, therefore, equalling the old variety in ono
quality and surpassing it in another. The new also conveni-
ently succeeds the old in the period of ripening. Souvenir du
Congr^s ripens more slowly and keeps longer than Williams'
Bon Chretien, and the popular name — "Late Williams" — that
is being applied to the new Pear is, I think, appropriate. —
A Fbuit-gkowek.

EXHIBITION PANSIES.

As planting time will soon be here, and as the improvement
of this, at one time, favourite flower has been very rapid of late,
a few words upon the subject may not be unacceptable to your
readers, more especially as so little is said in horticultural
journals of the cultivation and exhibition of this modest
flower. It has often occurred to me that in the race after
Roses too little attention may be paid to other less pretentious
but still beautiful flowers, and it were well if some " Wyld
Savaoe " would leave the woods and champion less fashion-
able kinds.

The Pansy in particular has suffered from neglect, and in
many — very many — schedules its name is not to be found.
Why this should be so I do not know ; but so it is. Our
canny friends " o'er the border," however, show no such in-
difference, and their National Pansy Society, judging by the
vitality shown every year, will long keep alive the interest in
the old " Heartsease."

Then, again, a strong prejudice exists amongst English
floriets against the fancy Pansy, or«o-called Belgian varieties;
and in some cases the florists carry it to au absurd length. I
had a narrow escape of disqualification at the Nottingham and
Midland Counties Show last year because my pan contained
some of the "irregulars;" but a reference to the schedule
satisfied the judges, and I took first from twelve competitors
who had confined their selections to the orthodox white and
yellow grounds and selfs. To restrict an exhibitor to " show "
flowers IS to rob the pan of that distinctness which should
appear in every collection ; but I am pleased to say this preju-
dice is not so deeply rooted as it once was, and in many cata-
logues of florists' flowers " fancies " are now included, and this
result has been brought about by the most legitimate of all
means — the surpassing beauty of the blooms themselves. No
one, however strongly wedded to the old school, could long resist
the claims of a flower like Leith Walk Hero, sent out last year
by Messrs. Dickson & Co. of Edinburgh, with its solid violet-
purple blotches, edged with carmine on all the petals, and a
well-defined creamy white margin round each blotch ; or of
William Melville, sent out at the same time by Messrs. Downie
and Laird, also of the Scottish capital, its back petals being of
rosy purple with fine dark blotch, and edged all round with
yellow. Than the two named none could look more beautiful
or distinct ; but I could mention many others of high merit,
such as George Wood, the Hon. Mrs. Beatson, John Currie,
Mrs. Crawley (a dark rosy purple, edged all round with a clear
margin of pure white), Bonnie Fishwife (maroon, soft violet-
purple blotch, solid yellow eye, white brow, and primrose mar-
gin), Queen of Yellows, Isa Hampton, Kitie Elliott, Miss
Murray (rich carmine, violet-purple blotch, deep yellow eye,
■white brow, and pale yellow edge), Adonis, and Hector (heavy
blotch of bright purple on the three under petals, with pure
white lacing, and upper petals edged and streaked with rosy
purple). The whole of the above were sent out in 1876, and
besides being distinct fully reach the standard as regards form
and substance. Because they are new I do not prHise them,
nor do I praise them at the expense of the older sorts, some of
which will long retain their places in select collections. Of these
Kirbie, Miss McNutt, Wonder, David Smith, J. B. Downie,
Mrs. Neilson, George Vair.William Baird, V.W Fairgreive, Kev.
H. II. Dombrain, 'Thos. Grainger, Colonel Wedderburn, David
Dickson, Gretchen Eedbraes, Duke of Edinburgh, Gaiety,
and W. F. Gunn are well worth growing, and would form a
choice collection in conjuuetion with the new varieties enu-
merated.

Thus far I have only written of fancies, and, fearing I have

already occupied as much of your space as you can spare, shall
reserve my remarks upon show Pansies for another article. —
M. H. MiLLEB, Leek.

A COLLECTION OF SELECT FRUITS FOK
A SMALL GARDEN.

I HAVE lately been asked to make out a list of fruits for
several amateurs ; and as it appears that information of this
kind is wanted before the planting season closes I send the
following list of what I selected some years ago privately for a
reader of the Journal, who has since told me they have given
great satisfaction.

Grapes. — Early : Black Hamburgh and Buckland Sweet-
water. Late : Lady Downe's Seedling and Barbarossa.

Peaches. — For snooession : Early York, Royal George, No-
blesse, and Walburton Admirable.

Nectarines. — Elruge and Violette Hative.

Apricots. — Oullins Early and Moorpark.

Figs. — Brown Turkey and White Marseilles.

Plums. — Green Gage, Kiike's, Coe's Golden Drop, Goliath,
Victoria and Damson.

^;)^?('s.— Kerry Pippin, Keswick Codlin, Lord Suffield, Blen-
heim Pippin, Hawthornden, Bess Pool, and Golden Harvey.

Pears. — Jargonelle, Williams' Bon Cbii'tien, Louise Bonne
of Jersey, Marie Louise, Glou Moroeau, Winter Nelis, and
Beurrc de Ranee.

Cherries. — Royal Duke, May Duke, and Morello.

Straicberries.— Keens' Seedling, Vioomtesse Herioart do
Thury, Elton, and Dr. Hogg.

Raspberries. — Carter's Prolific and Fastolf.

Gooseberries. — Ironmonger, Red Warrington, Early Snlphnr,
Hedgehog, Keepsake, and Thumper.

Curreints. — Red: Eaby Castle and Red Dutch. Black;
Black Naples. White : White Dutch.

The above is very brief : so much the better. It is a great
mistake to plant too many varieties of fruits about a small
garden. If any of your correspondents should feel inclined to
criticise the above let them substitute sorts for those named,
with their advantages, and not add to them. — Pbaciitioneb.

CHISWICK.
THE EOTAL HOKTIOULTUEAL SOCIETY'S GAEDEN.

"What's going on at Chiswick '.' ' is a query frequently ad-
dressed to those who are supposed to be able to answer it.
There can be no doubt whatever that the " old place " pos-
sesses a sort of evergreen interest for most people who are
connected with horticultural pursuits, and " What's going on
at Chiswick?" becomes therefore a very natural question.

The attention directed to Chiswick is not wholly founded on
old associations, old experiments, old triumphs. There is a
lingering power about these it is true, but the work of the
present absorbs more of public attention than the history of
the past. Than the work of the past few years no " Chiswick
doings " have been more really useful. 'The vegetable trials
have afforded instruction to all — sound reliable instruction
both as regards the nomenclature and qualities of the stocks
submitted for trial. That, however, belongs to the past, the
very immediate past, and "What's going on now;'" is the
primary question with many.

Well, the work now, that is since the beginning of the year,
has not much of the picturesque about it, nor is it — in one sense
at least — particularly profitable. Pumping water out of stoke-
holes is not very scientific employment, but such work has been
a prime necessity of late in order that the other work could
progress satisfactorily. On account of the inclement season
much outdoor work, as is the case in many other gardens, is
more or less in arrears. It has been until very lately im-
possible to proceed with digging, &c., and some pruning re-
mains to be done. Yet many of the trees are pruned at Chis-
wick, and fine examples several of them are. The pyramid
Pears, for instance, afford a lesson in management worthy of
being followed. Many of these trees are about ir> feet high
and from 4 to "> feet in diameter at the base, yet so open are
the branches placed, and so strong are they withal, that a
man might pass between them and climb to the tops of the
trees without breaking the main branches. They are now
subjected to the closest of close pruning, but are not pigmy
trees ; on the contrary, they are stout timber trees bristling
with spurs. The collection of Plums is a large one, handsome

Febmary S, 1877- J

JOURNAL OP HORTICOLTORB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

99

yonng specimens which are each year laden with blossom,
which ie, however, generally destroyed by frost, the situation
not being suited to Plume. Apples as a rale grow too strongly
in the clayey soil of Chiswick, and in such soil the less prun-
ing the better, perhaps, where a maximum amount of fruit is
required. One more instance that a hard-and-fast rule for
pruning cannot be laid down as the " best" for all situations.

A fine wall of diagonal-cordon Peaches is worthy of notice.
A great nnmber of varieties are planted, the main branches
being trained 2 feet apart. The trees are not managed on the
close-pinching short-spur system, but the wall space between
the main branches ia sufficient for the laying-in of young
wood from the upper surfaces of the mains — a quick mode of
covering a wall with trees easily managed and in a state
capable of bearing superior fruit. There are vertical cordons
of Cherries, Apricots, and Plums managed on the spur system,
and in an admirable bearing state, also a collection of Vines
on one of the walls ; the best sorts for that mode of culture
being the Esperione (Espiran) and Eoyal Muscadine.

In the glass department, which is extensive, work is well
forward. The orchard house is highly promising, the two
rows of standard Peach and Nectarine trees being in splendid
condition. The branches are thinly disposed and are ex-
tremely fruitful, the blossom buds swelling rapidly. The
borders in which the trees are growing are never dug— not
even pointed-up with the fork ; they are about as hard as a
gravel walk, and are heavily dressed with manure during the
growing season, which induces a network of fibrous roots — the
sequel of fruitful branches. Potted trees are similarly pro-
mising, some of them just expanding their blossoms ; even
amongst trees packed in fern in the open air are one or two
Apricots fully in flower, suggestive of the earliness of the
season and what may justly be termed its dangerous character
in reference to the fruit crops.

In the vineries the canes are at rest. At Chiswick fuel is

and (although he will not thank me for saying bo) its able
superintendent, has a rich horticultural store, and an immense
advantage over any " new society " which a few good people
" see in their dreams."

Much has gone on daring the past, is going on at the pre.
sent, and in all probability will go on in the future — " at
ChiBwiek."— J. W.

KITCHEN-GARDEN NOTES.

With February begins the busy season in the kitchen garden.
Up to this time unfavourable weather hinders many from
doing much in this department, and this may be the case
without any severe loss following ; but let the weather be
what it may, an exertion must be made now or many crops
will be so behind that no amount of after-attention or hard
work will remedy.

Before putting in any crop the ground must be well pre-
pared. This is of great importance, and no half-done work
should ever be allowed. Where the subsoil is cold and clayey
too much of it must not be turned up in one season. Soma
crops of a rough-growing description might thrive in it, bat
small seeds and plants will perish or fail to come to perfection.
Soil that is turned up stift' in trenching I always make a rale
of planting with Potatoes the first season, and when properly
manured any crop will grow on it afterwards. One of the
best manures for a newly-exposed stiff soil I find to be decayed
leaves, to be followed with something of a more lasting nature
the following season. All ground for vegetables should always
be turned over and left quite rough at first. Some make it
smooth on the surface with the spade, because it will soon be
planted. This ia a mistake. Ground treated in this manner
becomes quite bound on the surface after the first heavy shower,
and the nourishing influence of the atmosphere has no further

power. When left rough even for a day or two and then broken
economised, the Vines being grown almost entirely with sun | up with a fork the result is quite the opposite.

• ■ • ■ '■ • - All kinds of Cabbage, K^e, Cauliflower, (fee, grow best in a

heat. The collection of Grapes is the most extensive in the
kingdom. It is uot neoessary to dwell on the varietifis, but as
information has been sought on Black Barbaroasa (Gros
Guillaume) it may be stated that it is one of the freest bear-
ing and finest Grapes in the collection.

In the large vinery, a noble structure. Camellias, Bhododen-
drons, &c.. are arranged. These plants are not half so large
as they were a few years ago, but are infinitely better, being
well furnished, healthy, and well set with buds. Their pre-
sent condition is mainly due to severe pruning. Camellias
and Rhododendrons may be cut as severely as Pelargoniums,
and, like them, are the better for it; the shrubs mentioned
" break " out of the old wood as freely as does a Thorn hedge
after it has been •' plashed " or " scotched."

Flowering and other decorative plants are also plentifully
represented — some just unfolding their flowers, others being
grown for experimental purposes. Amongst the latter may be
instanced Epacrises, a collection of which the Council are
establishing, and of which something useful will be said in
due time. The flowering plants include Lilaos, Azaleas,
Prunus sinensis, Coronillas, Primulas, Eoheveria retnsa, &e.,
and as particularly noticeable Lily of the Valley. The Lily
crowns are grown at Chiswick, and it is not possible to imagine
that imported "clumps" can excel them. The system of
preparing them is to aflord an open position, plenty of room,
rich soil, and heavy mulchings of manure. By this plan small
tufts become in three years bold flowering crowns, which are
dug up and packed in cocoa-nut fibre in a heated place, and
almost every crown produces a vigorous spike of flowers.

In one of the pita are a few Orchids, also Ferns. Amongst
the latter Pteris serrulata cristata major is distinct and fine ;
it ia of easy growth, and very valuable for decorative purposes.
Nephrolepia davallioides furcata, lately sent out by the Messrs.
Veitcb, is also attractive by its glossy aud gracefully arching
fronds. Noticeable in the stove, which is mainly occupied
with Palms and other ornamental-foliaged plants, are two fine
baskets of Torenia asiatica. This ia a good old plant, and
that is the proper way to giow it and show it to advantage.
Many of the decorative plants at Chiswick will probably be
removed to the conservatory at South Kensington to aid in
making attractive the meeting which is announced to be held
next week: where the plants now are few can enjoy them.

Let South Kensington be what it may, one tbiug is clear —
that any society possessing Chiswick, ita ten acres of ground,
its extensive ranges of glasa, its great collection of fruits, its
multitude of plants, ita faoihties for experimental purposes,

rich soil, but there is a possibility of making it too rich, not
only for the crops named, but also for such as Onions and
Celery. Too much manure makes them large enough, but
they want substance; on the other hand, too little manure ig
the cause of their being tough aud dry, and very often small.
The plan I find most satisfactory is to give a moderate dress-
ing of manure annually. Excepting in such cases as men-
tioned above leaves should never be used alone as manure,
but mixed with decayed cow dung or stable litter they are
excellent for all crops. In most small gardens the ground will
be all cleared by this time. Any Kale or Broccoli remaining
should be lifted and laid-in in some odd corner.

Before putting in any crops write labels for every kind of
vegetable that is to be planted, and then go over the garden
from one end to the other and place a label in wherever its
crop ia to occupy. This I was taught when " serving my time "
with one of the " old school," and have practised since with
a saving of much confusion.

Rotation of crops is by some considered indispensable, but
it is not absolutely necessary to insure succeaa. The follow-
ing is something like the way I try to work-in my crops : —
Celery in the atrongeat soil in the garden. Thia ia thoroughly
manured with the best " muck" obtainable. When the Celery
is cleared off the ground ia turned over, without adding much
manure, and here the Onions are sown. Cauliflowers succeed
these occasionally, but when the Onions can be harvested early
enough the ground is manured and turned over at once and
filled with autumn-sown Cabbage plants. Theae I always like
to follow with Potatoes, and Potatoes with deep-rooting crops,
such as Carrots, Beet, and Parsnips. Potatoes open the ground
for these crops, and they do not harbour so much vermin in
the soil as many others. Broccoli requires an open but rich
soil, and it need not be planted in the lightest situation.
Brussels Sprouts thrive under the same conditions. Rhubarb
I always plant in the most shaded situation. It does not
become quite so fine here as in a fully exposed place, but it
does better in the shade than most other crops.

Excepting what is forced under glass, I do not advise putting
any kind of seeds into the ground until the first or second
week in March, and unless the weather is favourable and the
soil in good condition nothing is lost by waiting a week or
two longer. I have sown Peas in February and again at the
end ol March, and the latter were ready for use quite as early
as the former. Where the garden ia large enough to admit of
it, or ratherwhore there ia a sunny south border, all early

JOURNAL OF HORTICULXUBE AND COTTAGE QARDENEB.

[ Fobraary 8, 1877.

vegetables, such as Cauliflowers, Horn Carrots, Turnips, ite.,
should be sown in small quantities here until those ia the
main quarters come in. — A Kitchen Gabdenbb.

TOOTHED CLUB MOSS— Lycopodium denticulatum.
Our Club Mosses are a race of plants found in spongy boggy
places in upland and mountainous districts ; many find their
■way to ns from other countries and have long graced our
stoves, greenhouses, and exhibition tables. The Lyoopodiums
are intermediate in appearance between Mosses and Ferns,
and are furnished with spreading or creeping stems. We are
told that the powder contained in the capsules of Lycopodiam

Fig. 15. — Lyoopodiura helveticam,

clavatum is inflammable and has been used in fireworks.
L. Selago is used in dyeing to fix eolourg, aud is employed by
some an an emetic and cathartic, but requires care in using.
LintiffiUB says the Swedes use a decoction of it to destroy lice
nn swine and other animals. Lycopodiuma are neat evergrotn
Moss-like plants. Many of them whtn once established are as
troublesome as weeds, especially in moist warm places. They
may be cultivated in WarJiau cases, pots, baskets, aquariums,
and rockwork. They are increased by division and cuttings
in the spring. Though uioisture-Ioving plants they enjoy
thorough drainage, and well supplying with water and pure
air. A mixture of sandy loam aud well-decomposed vegetable
matter, with pieces of sandstone aud charcoal dust, will meet
their requirements. Lycopodium helveticum,of which we add
a woodcut, is a native of Switzerland, and rtquires the same
treatmont as L. denticulatum.

L. denticulatum has during late years become one of the most
popular of decorative plants, aud is grown aud sold for this

purpose by many thousands of dozens annually. For forming
fresh green fringes in almost any temperature, and a close yet
elegant ground-covering in conservatories and halls, it has no
superior. It is a most accommodating plant, luxuriating in the
high temperature of the stove and the drier cooler air of the
greenhouse ; while it endures better than most plants the
draughty and semi-dark corridors of the mansion. For shaded
rockwork under glass it is indispensable, and, aa has been
lately stated by Mr. Luckhurst, it will grow well in shaded
places in the open air, receiving little, if any, injury from the
frosts of ordinary winters. It is, in fact, a hardy sub-alpine
plant, a native of Switzerland, and from whence it was intro-
duced about a century ago. It is, however, most commonly
grown as a cool stove plant, and when it is required to be
increased rapidly, and plants are desired to be established
quickly, a genial temperature must he afforded. When plants
are prepared for decorative purposes, pots of a convenient size
are filled with sandy soil, and a few sprays are placed in the
centre of each pot, pressing them down with a little soil placed
over the lower portions of the stems, leaving the surface of
the soil rounded and rather high in the centre. Water can
then bo sprinkled freely over the plants, which they rejoice
in ; but they cannot endure stagnant soil, hence the advantage
of " high potting." In all places where much plant-decoration
is required, this familiar, pleasing, and tractable Lycopod
should be largely grown. — N.

NETHERBT HALL,

THB SEAT OF SIR I'KKDERICK ULRIC GRAHAM, Baht.

By the old highway between the two capitals there are few,
if any, spots which have won so many panegyrics from tra-
vellers aa that part of the vale of the Esk lying between Lang-
holm and Longtown, To the traveller by rail, however, the
greater part of this scenery is lost as the branch from Lang-
holm diverges to the east of the vale ; but to those to whom
time is not a special consideration the balance of beauty Ilea
decidedly on the side of the old coach road, a consideration
which induced me when paying a visit lately to my friend Mr.
Ken, gardenf r at Netherby, to sacrifice time for pleasure ; and
I had certainly no cause to regard the time as mis-spent,
ntither do I consider that the rambling notes which I took of
the scenery will be uninteresting to the readers of the Journal.

Langholm is a prosperous little town, well worthy of notice
not only for its enterprising manufacturers and world-renowned
tweeds, but also for the beauty of its surroundings, for it
nestles at the feet of a circle of bold wood-fringed hills which
environ it ; and being situated at the point where the vales of
the Esk, the Ewes, and the Wauchope meet, it forms a very
pretty picture indeed. On leaving the town proofs of its pro-
sperity are springing up on all sides in the form of chaste
villas aud spacious mansions. One in particular deserves
special notice from gardeners — Brooklyn Cottage, the residence
of Mr. Park, who, along with his brother (whose place I will
notice by-aud-by), after a successful career as florists in
America, are spending in independence the evening of life in
their native vale.

A mile or bo below Langholm a substantial bridge bears the
road across the river, and the view from it is very picturesque,
with the town and its environs ia the background, and in
front the river foaming, chafing, aud dashing over its rocky
bed past an old distillery, the booming of whose condenser is
heard above the sound of the chafing waters. The road now
enters what is called the Dean Banks, and for two miles is
overarched by magnificent trees. The Larches here are said
to be the oldest in the south of Scotland, and judging from
the few that remiiin giant specimens they must have been, bat
most of them have of late years succumbed to the woodman's
axe. Many of the Spruces are a noble sight as their great
dark masses tower up against the deep blue sky. Did time
permit, an hour or two could be very profitably spent here
among the Ferns aud other plants which flourish in great
abundance.

Proceeding for a mile or so through this spacious avenue
you pass Broomholm on the east side of the river. It occupies
a fine situation, but the mansion has been built in the olden
times when comfort and convenience were not sacrificed for
appoarauce. It has for upwards of two centuries been the
residence of the Maxwells, a branch of the powerful border
clan of that name, whose title to the Broomholm estates dates
back from that period. They were the founders of Langholm ;
that part of it on the east side of the Esk stands on their

Febraory 8, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDBE AND OOTTAQB GARDENER.

101

estate. A short distance above Broomholm there is a grotto
npon which much labour has been bestowed. It is a rocky
island, and is reached from the east side of the river by au
iron bridge. It is a secluded and romantic spot surrounded
by deep woods and well worth a visit. From Broomholm to
Netherby " the Buccleuch " is " monarch of all yon survey ;"
and on emerging from the avenue yon come upon Irving House,
tbo residence of his Grace's chamberlain, a mansion worthy of
a Dake. The garden is close to the public road, but merits
no special notice. There are soma grand old trees about the
mansion, highly appreciated apparently by a colony of rooks.
The Bsk, which here makes a graceful sweep round the grounds
of Irving House, is joined by the Larras, a dark rugged moun-
tain stream that comes tumbling down a deeply wooded glen ;
and high above the topmost trees are seen the arches of a mag-
nificent viadnot traversed by railway trains in their journeys
to and from Langholm. The next object that catches the eye I

is a grim old Border Keep. It is the only one in the locality
that has been spared, but you cannot look from that relio of
antiquity to the commodious if not elegant homesteads nestling
all around without exclaiming, " Say not that the former times
were better than these." The road and the river which had
parted company again converge, and on passing a group of
cottages with the addition of a good meal mill you reach the
far-famod Gilnockie bridge, and here the scenery is such that
it cannot be dismissed with a casual notice.

The appearance of the river as it rounds a sharp curve above
the mill and comes tumbling over horizontal beds of limestone,
and chafing against the cliffs that are overhung with stately
trees, with the bills, the wood, the homesteadings, and the
old Peel tower in the background, form an exquisite picture.
Nor is the scenery on the south side of the bridge less striking,
for you look down upon a wild mass of limestone boulders
through which the river sweeps iu many dark eddies, while

, 16. — Xetkeedy uall.

among the great blocks on the precipitous western bank are
the ruins of a bower erected by the Duchess of Buccleuch.
But the interest does not end here, for on examining the rocks
they are seen to afford a rich field for the geologist. Here are
sea shells compared with which the same species in the present
age are mere pigmies, along with what appear to be exotic
Ferns and other plants : but here I am out of my element,
being better acquainted with the living than the petrified spe-
cimens. The river here trawls below a massive stone bridge
leading over a deep romantic glen called Byre Burn. On
oroseing the bridge the view up the river is vei7 fine ; yet
beyond that there is little that merits special notice, till again
the river ia crossed by an old bridge of throe arches springing
on the east side from a red sand.?tone cliiT. From the bridge
you see before you bold overhanging cliffs of red sandstone
crowned with trees, underneath which the dark sullen river is
chafing. At the eaet side of the bridge is the entrance into
the church and parsonage of Canonbie. and I suppose a spot
more fertile and fair can rarely be found, justifying the cynical
observation that wherever you find a comfortable house sur-
rounded by " pastures green " you may conclude it is a par-
sonage. Passing the " Cross Keys" inn that in the season ia
monopolised by salmon fishers, you see lying to the east of
you Canonbie Lee, on whioh in days of yore there was racing
and chasing by the mounted Grahams, Fosters, Fenwicks, and

MuBgraves of the Netherby clan after the lost bride of Netherby
and her orave young Lochinvar. Beyond is the Liddle ad-
vancing to join the Esk. Here the streams advance and
recede and advance again towards each other, till after many
whimples and windings they blend into one and roll on peace-
fully towards the ocean.

Beyond the Liddle lies the fair domain of Netherby, and
threading down the foot of a steep wooded bank is the Border
Union Bailway. On the top of a steep lynn is an old fort
or oamp, said to be Roman. It is easily approached from
Biddings Junction, and is well worth a visit. The prominent
object that catches the eye is a high earthwork in the form
of the fruBtrum of a cone. From the base of it sweeps in an
irregular circle a wide deep moat and earthwork, enclosing an
area of three-quarters of an acre. On the south side opposite
the tower, and striking out from its base, sweep an outer
trench and earthwork in the form of a crescent. Beyond
these there appear to have been less trenches, and also what
appears to have been a canal for filling the moats. If this
was the case, then part of it must have fallen over the lynn,
as the moat that runs out into it has a modern look, leading
to the inference that if it was made by the Romans they
were not its last occupants. It stands at a point command-
ing the entrance into both valleys. The view from it is ex-
tremely lovely, having the dark heathery hills of Eskdale iu

102

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ February 8, 1877.

the background, the level, fertile, and richly-wooded plains of
Cumberland sweeping out to the eouth, with the belt of the
Solway glistening like silver through the woods in the distance,
and the massive peaks of the Cumberland mountains stretch-
ing along the southern horizon. Passing the inn a pleasant
road conducts you past Woodhouselees, Woodelee, and other
places well worthy of notice ; but a smart-looking house catches
the eye. It is the property of Mr. .lames Park, brother to Mr.
Park of Brooklyn Cottage, and here as a country gentleman
he is reaping the fruits of his professional career in America,
a sight that cannot fail to arouse emulation in every gardener's
breast.

Here the beauty of the scenery culminates, for there, backed
by deep woods, is the mansion and grounds of Netherby, a
noble pile, and worthy of the noble line that for so many cen-
turies have been its owners. Tradition traces back the origin
to the family to the darkest days in England's history— the
wars between the houses of Lancaster and York. It is said
that in those troubled days a knight, son of the Lord of Mon-
teith, stung by the ingratitude of the Scottish king, for whom
he had braved death in many a bloody field, left him in disgust,
and with several of his clan came to the English border and
took up his abode in the Debateable Land. The lands of
Netherby were part of the border country cursed by being
part of what was known as " the Debateable Lands." They
were repeatedly laid waste by irruptions of the borderers.
James I. granted the Debateable Lands to the Earl of Cumber-
land, who sold them to Sir Biohard Graham, and the sale was
confirmed by Charles I. Since the Restoration the lauds have
been at peace. Netherby was a Eoman station, as is testified
by the numerous coins and monuments which have been found
there. The present mansion was chiefly built by Dr. Eobert
Graham, who died in 1782.

Around his old tower, the Ivy-clad ruins of which overlook
the valley, the descendants of "the son of Monteith" grew
and multiplied, and by their indomitable Scots pluck became
the frontier defence of England; and in the reign of Charles I.
one of them named Eichard, by his winning manners aud
worth, became such a favourite at Court that he was created a
baronet. He also obtained sole possession of the parishes of
Artburet, Kirkandrews, and part of Bewcastle. Since then
the family has played an important part in the history of their
country, and in latter years Sir James Graham stands out
prominently in the history of the firet half of the present
century. The present proprietor. Sir Frederick Ulric Graham,
is the eldest son of Sir James, preferring the pleasures of
private life to the cares of state, and manifests a laudable
interest in his noble mansion, estates, and tenantry.

My road leads down through the fields past the old tower
to the side of the Esk, on the opposite side of which stood
another castle of the Grahams, immortalised as the scene of
Sir Walter's " Lochinvar," and like that young gallant I must
" swim the Esk river where ford there is none," and I have
no " steed " good, bad, nor indifferent on which to accomplish
the feat ; but through the kind coueideration of Mr. Kerr, who
sfut a man to " boat me o'er," which was fully more comfort-
able, soon I am at Netherby Hall.

Of the front view of this mansion (than which there is none
more interesting, notable and beautiful in all the border land),
I need not say one word, as the photograph speaks for itself,
but it gives an imperfect idea of the house, which extends
backwards and from which a view in many respects better
than the front can be obtained. Along the back of the house
is a cemented terrace 25 feet broad used as a skating rink,
then a grass verge 7 feet wide. A flight of steps leads down
to the flower garden, or " terrace garden " as it is called. This
was executed about two years ago, and is in keeping with the
mansion. During last summer the beds were very gay, having
been artistically filled with bedding plants by Mr. Kerr. This
garden is backed-up to the east by woods ; to the west and
Pduth lies a beautiful lawu studded with magnificent Beeches,
Sjcamores, Oaks, Limes, Elms, and Scotch Fire. Yet I am
told that little more than a century ago there was not a tree
to be seen in all the locality ; and it is impossible to look south-
wards as far as the eye can reach over the broad and fertile
acres of Nttberby, lying like a well cultivated garden, without
oontraeting the eylvan beauty of the scene with the wild deso-
lation of the times when these naked debateable grounds were
scoured by the moss-troopers.

Netherby is a deeply interesting spot to the archseologist, as
the excavations made about it more than a century ago show,
as before mentioned, that it stands upon what has been an

extensive and permanent Eoman station. Many rare articles
have from time to time been discovered, and as late as two
years ago during some alterations a small Eoman altar was
found in a good state of preservation.

Now, with a short description of the gardens I will close the
notes of my deeply interesting day's ramble in Lower Eekdale.
Proceeding from Mr. Kerr's house in the direction of the
kitchen garden, and passing many cold frames (which were
filled with bedding and other useful plants), we come to a pro-
pagating pit, length 27 feet, width 11 feet. This is principally
filled with some fine young plants intended for table-work.
The second house is a quarter-span, length 34 feet, width
10 feet. This is used for growing Pines, and at the time of my
visit there were some very fine fruit in it. The sorts grown
are principally Queens with a few Charlotte Eothschilds.
Passing from this house you enter the kitchen garden, occupy-
ing about two acres surrounded by a good brick wall, which is
covered with Plum, Pear, and Cherry trees seeming to thrive
pretty well. Vegetables are exceedingly well grown and merit
special notice. In this garden stands the principal range of
forcing houses. The first of the glass structures we enter
is a Peach house, length 3(j feet, width 15} feet, filled with
healthy fruitful-looking trees. I may mention, that when Mr.
Kerr entered on his duties as gardener here he was very much
annoyed with scale on the Peach trees, and alter trying many
compositions all to no effect, he resolved on trying paraffin oil,
two wine-glassfuls to three gallons of water. After mixing it
thoroughly with the water he syringed the whole of the trees
with this mixture. The result is, he has never been annoyed
with scale since.

The next house is a stove, length 44 feet, width 15J feet,
filled with a fine variety of specimens of such plants as
Crotons, Palms, Ferns, Begonias, Dractenas, Bananas, &o.,
with Cissus discolor trained-up the rafters, which has a grand
effect. The whole are in perfect health. In passing through
this house Mr. Kerr gave me what he has found to be an
effectual cure for mealy bug. Thinking that it may be of use
to some one, with Mr. Kerr's permission I shall give the readers
of tlie Journal the benefit of it. To one pint of water add two
table- spoonfuls of paraffin oil. After mixing it well go over
the whole of the plant, leaves and branches, with a sponge.

The next house is a vinery, length 48 feet, width 21J feet,
in which the Vines look remarkably well and bear fine crops
of fruit. Prom this we enter a greenhouse, length 37 feet,
width IGJ feet. This house is filled with a miscellaneous
lot of plants for house and table decoration. We then come
to a vinery, length 48 feet, width 21J feet, in which are
hanging some very fine bunches of Grapes. Mr. Kerr grows
all the leading sorts ; his favourites are Black Hamburgh,
Muscat Hamburgh, Duchess of Buccleuch, Frankenthal, Chas-
selas Napolerm, Koyal Muscadine, Mrs. Pinoe, Gros Col-
man, Lady Downe's, Euckland Sweetwater, and Muscat of
Alexandria. Waltham Cross has not come up to Mr. Kerr's
expectations, and I must say that I quite agree with his
opinion. It is pleasantly flavoured, but certainly without the
tine high perfume of Muscat of Alexandria and several other
Grapes. 'The next house is also a vinery, length 43 feet, width
15i feet. The Vines in this house also look well. At the end
of this we come to the last of the glass structures, which is a
Peach house 44 feet in length and 1-Vt feet wide, filled with
Peach and Nectarine trees, all in fine condition and bearing
remarkable crops of superior fruit.

Midway between the house and kitchen garden is a geo-
metrical flower garden in gravel and edged with fancy tiles.
This goes under the name ol L^dy Graham's flower garden. It
looks well at all times of the year, but decidedly best when gay
with Tulips, as they show off the figures to the best advantage.

Immediately outside the kitchen garden there is a consider-
able piece of ground used for growing vegetables, and at a
short distance from this is the orchard, unfortunately in a
very unfavourable situation for fruit trees, lying low and wet.
The trees are all very old and past their best. Mr. Kerr gave
them a washing with lime water, and mulched them with
manure a few years ago, which has assisted them greatly.

Not far from this is the pinetum, in which most noteworthy
are the following trees : — Wellingtoniagigantea, Abies Douglasii,
Picea Nordmanniana, uobilis, and Webliiaua, Pinus austriaoa,
and Thujopsis borealis. Proceeding from this in the direction
of the house, you pass a square cemented enclosure surrounded
with an ornamental fence of wire netting. This is used for
lawn tennis. There are many fine and pleasant walks through
the parks and woods, where various grand peeps of scenery

Felitaary S, 18?7. 1

JOORNAL OF aOBTICOLTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

loa

are to be had ; but of this I have not time to notice further
than saying that everything, both grounds and gardens, are in
the best state of keeping. — James Dickson, Arkleton,

THE HEEB GARDEN.

Herbs are often neglected unless a special place is set apart
for them. They are indispensable to every garden and house-
hold, and perhaps a few lines in reference to them will not be
out of season. I find any time during the winter suitable for
dividing and planting most herbs, such as Golden, Common,
and Lemon Thyme, Balm, &a. Beds should be retained for
growing the annual herbs, as Sweet Basil, Marjoram, Chervil,
Marigold, Borage, etc., for without a plentiful supply of these
a gardener cannot keep on good terms with the cook. A few
of the most useful of the herbs are —

Balm (Melissa officinalis). — An aromatic herb which used to
be a great favourite, but is less in request now than formerly.
I find it very useful for bees ; it is propagated easily by
division of the roots in late autumn or early spring. All the
attention it needs is to cut the stems down and fork round
the roots in late autumn.

Sweet Basil (Ocymnm basilicum) is a herb which no garden
should be without. It and the Knotted Marjoram are impor-
tant in making mock turtle soup. A few seedlings should be
raised in heat for early use.

Fennel (Anethum fccaiculum) is one of those herbs which
must have a place in every herb garden however limited. It is
chiefly used for sauce and for garnishing pickled salmon and
mackerel. It is a perennial, and will live many years if the
stalks are cut down so as to prevent it going to seed. It is
readily raised from seed, and increased by division.

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) is a herb which
should be allowed its necessary space in every garden, for it is
at all times useful for giving flavour. There are two other
sorts, the pot and winter Marjoram, both of which are hardy
perennials, and are valuable and easily-grown herbs.

Mint (Mentha viridis) is a herb of such daily utility as to
demand a place in all herb gardens. It is easily propagated
by planting pieces of the root, which spread along under and
over the ground. It requires a moist soil and a shady border,
and is all the better for a little rich mulching once or twice
a year.

Parsley (Apium petroselinum). — Of all the herbs in the
garden there is not one which is wanted in the kitchen so often
as this. It is a long time coming up after the seed is sown,
often two months, and when it is up it is not of very rapid
growth. Being a biennial the seed must be sown every year,
and I find the plants are strengthened by cutting some of them
down in the early autumn, so that they will live through the
winter and give a good supply in the spring.

Rue (Raca graveolens) is a bitter plant. The leaves have a
very powerful scent ; some persons like the flavour it imparts
to tea. It is generally grown from cuttings, also from seed
sown in the spring.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is also one of the most useful of
herbs, which must be grown in every garden. It likes a dry
sheltered border. It is propagated from cuttings, also from
seed sown in the spring. It is all the better for a little rich
mnlobing as the plants grow old.

Winter Savory (Satureia montana) is a herb of such great
utility that it can ill be spared from the smallest herb garden.
It is an excellent flavourer for many different dishes. It is
easily grown from seed sown in April, or from cuttings planted
in a shady border.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is also one of those herbs which
must have a corner in every garden. Common Thyme grows
readily from seed sown in April, and is also increased by
division of the roots. Lemon Thyme (Thymus oitriodoius) is
far superior to the other, and it may be increased readily by
layering its procumbent branches. — H. S. J.

CHAPTERS ON INSECTS FOR GARDENERS.

No. 15.
The somewhat singular name of "larva," which modern
naturalists adopt as a general appellation for the second stage
of insect life, took its rise from tlie fanciful notion that at this
period of its history the proper insect moved about as if
masked or concealed ; this name, we remark, is much more
applicable in some orders than in others. No one would
Buspeot a butterfly was hidden under the cylindrical crawling

creature which is seen intently engaged in stripping the leaves
from a plant or tree ; but the larva of many beetles are cer-
tainly beetle-like, and the larva of a grasshopper, size excepted ,
to an ordinary eye is little different from the perfect insect.
Rapidity of growth in the larva or caterpillar stage is alfo a
circumstance more frequent than in several orders, and herein
the butterflies have mostly the advantage of their companions
the moths of the same order. It is particularly noticeable,
this difference between them, in the matter of what is called
" ecdysis ;" the process of casting the skin, which has to be-
fall all caterpillars a varying number of times. (One has not
opportunities for verifying the fact in the case of internal
feeders upon the pith of shrubs and trees, but it may be pre-
sumed these follow the general law.) A moth caterpillar seems
frequently to make a great fuss in going through one of these
moults ; it selects carefully a place to rest upon, ceases to eat
several days before, and when the change is over, does not eat
for a day. But a butterfly caterpillar accelerates the business,
I have noticed the common Nettle-eaters (Vanessa lo and
XJrticie) feeding on until the old skin was wellnigh ready to
burst, and a day might sufHce for the whole affair. Nor do I
find on record proofs that the number of these changes with
butterfly caterpillars reaches that attained to by some of the
moths, where eight or even ten changes have beun observed,
these occurring in caterpillars which live from six to nine
months. The pugnacity or cannibalism, again, which is a
peculiar feature in the history of some moth caterpillars, has
not a parallel amongst British butterflies, which, as cater-
pillars, are the pink of amiability to each other, despite their
spiny armour, which in some species might seem suggestive of
the well-known motto attached to the Scottish Thistle, and
which, in all probability, gives some hungry birds a colic !

A lady, more amusing than veracious, who wrote a oneo
famous book on butterflies, tries to philosophise by telling us
that " Nature keeps her butterflies and caterpillars locked up
during the winter in their egg state," and she follows this up
by the theory that the spring and summer is the great season
for caterpillars, the autumn for butterflies. Now it is true
that in early autumn, at a date varying with the season, there
are large numbers of butterflies abroad, and there is also a
spring flight of these insects, made up of hybernated individuals,
or of others that have passed the winter in the chrysalis state;
but it is also true that on fine days from April to October
there will always be butterflies abroad, nor can we fix any
particular season for the feeding of the majority of caterpillars.
And as to the idea about the egg state, that is easily disproved,
for, save in the small group of the Hairstreaks, it does not
appear that any butterflies lay eggs in the autumn to hatch
out in spring. Many butterflies' eggs, notably those laid on
Brassicaceous plants, hatch in about a fortnight, so that the
horticulturist who has seen any " children of the sun " hover-
ing over his Cabbages and Cauliflowers had better look on the
leaves without much delay for the ninepin-shaped ribbed eggs
they have left behind, if he wishes to anticipate the ravages of
the future, and make their possible birthplace their tomb.

Eggs, we take for granted, cannot feel ; it is doubtful whether
during the winter season the pupa or chrysalis feels; hence,
without hesitation, we may destroy those of the Large and
Small Whites (P. Brassicffi and Bapi) to be found here and
there at this time on walls, palings, and trunks of trees. Yet
so strong is their vitality that during severe weather these
have been found frozen hard and quite brittle, but this has
not prevented the due emergence of the butterfly. And the
position of the pupa marks off as distinct from the other
British butterflies the few species belonging to the family of
the Skippers, for only amongst these is the pupa hidden in a
silken cococn. The large group of the Exposers is capable of
being subdivided very distinctly ; and the first section con-
sists of those species in which the pupa is simply suspended
by the tail, and we have a butterfly with the first pair of legs
unfitted for walking. Within this section are two families —
that of the "Spine- bearers," where the caterpillars have spines,
usually branched, and that with " Slug-shaped " caterpillars,
where these are plump, sometimes a little elongated, bare or
slightly downy, and with two small points projecting from the
tail. The Fritillaries, most freijuently seen in or near woods,
head the first family ; some of these in the butterfly state
display beautiful silvery spots, the markings in the bulk of
the species resembling the old-fashioned Lily so called with
chequered flowers. Their period of flight seldom exceeds two
or three weeks. No less than six of the caterpillars of our
iVitUlaries feed on Violets, though not on cultivated species,

104

JOUENAL C* HOilTlCULTUBE AnI) COTTAGE GAEbfaNfefe.

[ Febrnafj 8, ISrf:

and the curious epines in one or two species project over the
head like horns. A familiar example is the Pearl-bordered
(Argynnis Euphrosyne) to be captured in most large woods by
the score early in June. We pass from these to the more
showy group of the Angle-wings, often with gregarious larva,
generally attached to the order Urticacea?, as formerly consti-
tuted, feeding on Nettles, the Hop, and the Elm ; though the
Painted Lady (Vanessa Cardui) prefers Thistlee, yet the larva
will eat Nettles. These species, the Vanessidro, as recognised
even by children through such familiar names as the Peacock,
the Tortoiseshell, and the Red Admiral (Admirable?) are
visitants to our gardens, where their graceful and rapid move-
ments are pleasing ; nor is their abstraction of honey so carried
on as to injnro the flowers they frequent. The not very abun-
dant Comma (V. C. album) it should be noted, though the
caterpillar feeds on the Hop, or rarely on the Ked Currant, is
too slightly injurious to be reckoned as an insect enemy. Of
this and the Little Tortoiseshell there are two broods each
year; rearing the latter (V. Urticas) from the unpromising
larvfB which swarm on Nettles in odd corners during May, and
again in July, has been to manj'the first experiment in butter-
fly nurture. The pretty White Admiral (V. Sybilla) is, how-
ever, a lover of woods, where the caterpillar eats Honeysuckle;
it was once common at Coombe Wood, Surrey, near the ground
rendered famous by a nurseryman of our time. — J. B. S. C.

FBDITS IN ONTARIO.

Ontaeio is as well adapted for the culture of a great variety
of fruits as any part of the world. Its climate closely re-
sembles that of the Grape-growing provinces of the Rhine.
The western portion of Ontario has been pronounced by
authorities to be the most suitable part of the American con-
tinent for Grape culture. There is ample sun to ripen the
fruit, and the Vines can stand the frosts of winter without
artificial protection. Vineyards require too much labour for
a new country, but in process of time no doubt Canada will be
able to make its own wine. Peaches, Apricots, and Nectarines
ripen in the extreme south and west — I mean as orchard crops.
In favourable situations these fruits ripen in gardens here and
there all through Canada West.

The Apple orchards of Ontario, both as regards the quanti-
ties and qualities of the fruit, are second to none in the world.
The export of Apples has been found such a profitable busi-
ness that farmers through the province have been adding
largely to their orchards during the last few years. A ten-acre
orchard is not an unusual sight, and I have seen orchards as
large as forty acres. Many of the so-called American Apples
that we see in the shops at home are grown in Canada. The
following are some of the favourite kinds ; — Rhode Island
Greening, Northern Spy, Baldwin, Swuzzes, Pomme Grise
Fameuse, Duchess of Oldenburgh, Swaar, Gravenstein, Blen-
heim Orange, Keswick Codlin, HcUand Pippin, Alexander,
American Golden Russet, Red Aetrachan, Ribston Pippin,
Esopus Spitzenburg, and King of Tomkin's County.
t The Fruit-growerb' Association of Canada recommend the
following varieties — viz.. For summer : The Early Harvest and
Bed Ajtrachan as sour Apples, and the Sweet Bough. For early
autumn: The Dr.chess of Oldenburgh, Gravenstein, Primate,
and Jersey Sweet.. For late autumn and early winter : The
Ribston Pippin, llubbardston Nonsuch, Fall Pippin, and Snow
Apple. For midwinter to March : The Rhode Island Green-
ing, Northern Spy, Esopus Spitzenburg, Pomme Grise, and
Tolman Sweet. For spring : The Golden Russet and Roxbury
Russet. For market the most profitable varieties are Red
Astrachan, Duchess of Oldenburgh, Gravenstein, and llubbard-
ston Nonsuch, ripening in the order in which they are named.
For a near or home market and for shipping the Rhode Island
Greening, Baldwin, Golden Rupset, and Roxbnry Russet will
yield the largest pecuniary returns.

Apples are barrelled in the orchards and despatched there
and then to market. The orchard in Canada West, with very
little labour and moderate attention, is a source of a clear
annual income to the farmer who possesses one. To make an
orchard, '25 cents, per tree is the estimated cost. The trees
commence bearing in ten years. Farmers who do not like the
risk or the trouble of marketing their Apples can sell them in
the orchard for from SI. 50 to ?2 per barrel.

Pears do equally well as Apples, but being a tenderer and
more delicate fruit they are more dillioult to bring to market.
The following are the chief varieties grown :— Louise Bonno
of Jersey, Bartlett, Beurie d'ADJon,Beurr(; Clairgeau, Flemish

Beauty, Duchesse d'Angoulome, Graslin, Sheldon, and Winter
Nelis.

Melons, both sweet Melons and water Melons, ripen through-
out Canada. The habitants of Lower Canada grow Musk and
Citron Melons in their little gardens that would throw in the
shade the Melons forced at great cost in good English gardens.

All the well-known English small fruits, except the Goose-
berry, do admirably in Ontario. The cultivation of these fruits
for market is now a very profitable business in certain locali-
ties. In the vicinity of Oakville on Lake Ontario there is a
large breadth of land under Strawberries — an acre or so on
every farm, and occasionally as much as ten acres. Both
climate and soil in the vicinity of Lake Ontario seem admir-
ably adapted to this fruit. The facilities for marketing fruit
or vegetables either by land or by water carriage are unrivalled,
and the demand for both, but especially for Strawberries,
seems to be unlimited in the eastern states. The capital re-
quired for small fruit farming is not large, and I know of no
way in which an industrious immigrant with some knowledge
of this species of agriculture could do better than by buying a
small farm in Ontario and devoting himself entirely to fruit-
farming. He might, along with Strawberry plants, plant Apple,
Pear, and Currant trees, which would be an ample provision
for his old age ; or three or four small capitalists might buy
one of the large Ontario Wheat farms between them and divide
it into tmall fruit farms.

Strawberries in Ontario are planted in rows about 3 or 4 feet
apart. The plants bear in the second year. In the fall they
are top-dressed with litter or stable manure. After the fruit is
picked in the summer horse hoes are worked np and down the
drills, the soil well loosened, and the weeds taken out. This
is all the cultivation Strawberries require. The plants bear
abundantly for two or three seasons, and should at the end of
that period be ploughed down, when a crop of Turnips can be
taken off the land without extra manure. The land cannot be
too highly manured in which the plants are put. To do the
Strawberry culture properly and keep up a rotation of crops
a man would require four fields, say of four acres in each.
The chief labour connected with Strawberry culture is picking
the fruit. This is generally done by children, who pick at
1 cent, the quart. The demand for Strawberries is so great
that buyers come to the country and give 8 or 9 cents, a quart
for the fruit on the spot, thus saving the cultivator all trouble
of marketing. At the latter price I have known of 9500 worth
of Strawberries being sold oti one acre of land. The variety
of Strawberry most in favour among fruit-growers is Wilson's
Albany. The wages of a good man in Ontario accustomed to
this work is *1 per diem if hired by the whole year, or $1.25 if
hired for eight months of the year. — {Rowan's The Emigrajit
und Sportsman in Canada.)

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

The retirement from businefs of Mr. John Lee after his
long and honourable career has seemed to some of his friends
a fitting opportunity to evince the respect and esteem with
which he is regarded, and they propose therefore inviting him
to a complimentary dinner to be held at the Horticultural Club,
3 and 4, Adelphi Terrace, on Thursday, February 15th.

At a meeting of Florists at the Horticultural Clnh

on the 31st ult., the final arrangements were made for the
Auricula Show to be held at the Crystal Palace on April 24th.
The schedule, as drawn up by a special Committee, was adopted
with a few sligbt modifications, which were made to meet to
a certain extent the views of the northern growers. The
schedule is on a very liberal scale, but the full amount has
very nearly been subscribed or promised ; a few pounds more
would remove all anxiety as to means. The projected show
of Carnations and Picotees was approved of, and a Committee,
with power to add to their number, was appointed to make
the preliminary arrangements. It was the unanimous wish of
those present that the show be held at South Kensington.
G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.H.S.,waB elected President, and E. S.
Dodwell, Esq., Hon. Sec. The sum of £25 was Bubsoribed in
the room towards the prize fund.

■ The Committee of the Hailstoe.ii Relief Fund have

published their report, from which it appears that the amount
subscribed has been £779 ISs. Id., of which £099 15s. 8d. was
paid to applicants for relief, and the remainder for advertise-
ments, printing, postage, commission to Secretary, and hire
of committee rooms.

Feirauy 8, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUSB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

105

Mb. Edwaed Bennett, Rabley Nurseries, Herta, haa

been appointed Floral Decorator at the Eoial Aquarium
Wentminster. Mr. Bennett waa formerly gardener at Hatfield,
Enville, and Osberton, and haa conBetxaently had great expe-
rience in ornamental gardening. We understand that some
ehauges in the mode of decoration are to be adopted, and
which experience has suggested will be aa far as possible
suitable to the peculiar nature of the building.

Mb. Dadds, North Devon Fernery, Ilfracombe, says

that he knows more than twenty places within nine miles of
the coast of Ilfracombe where the Maiden- hair Fern grows
wild. He has seen at Boscaatle and the neighbouring coast
more than would load a railway truck. Another correspondent
states that he can remember when the Maiden-hair grew
amoDg some rocks called the " Giant's Chair," on the Titter-
stone Clee Hill in Shropshire, but he believea it has all dis-
appeared from there now.

We are informed that Mr. Charles Turner, The Royal

Nnrseriee, Slough, has purchased by tender the whole of
Mb. Laxton's stock op Koses, including both named and
UDoamed seedlings.

A MEETING of the Committee of the National Rose

SociETT waa held yesterday at the Horticultural Club, Adelphi
Terrace ; Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen in the chair. The
business consisted in the preparation of the schedule and
making preliminary arrangements with regard to the Show
which is to be held in St. James's Hall in July next.

In reply to an address lately presented by a distin-
guished deputation from the Royal Horticultural Society
OF Ireland the Duke of Marlborough, after expressing his
pleasure in receiving the address, remarked that " the pursuit
and the science of horticulture and the diffusion of a love for
plants and flowers amongst the population are objects which,
in my opinion, will tend to embellish a country already highly
favoured by nature, to beautify the parks and gardens of the
wealthy, and to cheer and render attractive the cottages of
the poor." His Grace promised to give whatever aid he
could to the Society, and should have pleasure in attending
its exhibitions.

We have received the schedule of prizes offered by the

Newcastle, Northumberland, and Durham Botanical and
Horticultural Society. Thia old Society (establiehfd in
182i) is unusually vigorous, having as the result of special
efforts and energetic management admitted no fewer than 1300
new members during the brief space of two months. The
Society now numbers two thousand members, and haa a sub-
scription income of upwards of £700. Three exhibitions are to
be held during the season — namely, on March 2l8t and '22nd,
July 12th and 13th, and September 12th and 13th ; the aggre-
gate value of the prizes offered being £.'530. About eighty
donors have contributed to the special prize fund. The sche-
dule is divided into sixty-seven classes, and the following
fiummary of leading prizes is announced : — Ornamental plants,
£125; Table decorations, &c., £90; Ferns, £25; Azaleas,
Rhododendrons, and Camellias, £25 ; Pelargoniums, £38 ;
Roses, £40 ; Dahlias and Hollyhocks, £30 ; Fuchsias and
Ericas, £25 ; Liliums and Gladioli, £15; Hyacinths, Tulips,
Cyclamens, Primulas, etc., £35; Hardy spring plants, cut
flowers, &o., £50 ; Fruit, £35. The Society is deserving of
encouragement and success. The Hon. Sees, are Mr. J. Taylor,
Eye Hill, and Mr. J. H. French, South Benwell House; the
acting Secretary being Mr. J. A. Stephenson, 1, Queen Street,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

A correspondent writes to ua that a weak aolution of

carbolic acid (about halt a dozen drops to a gallon of water)
will destroy worms and c.rubs in floweb roTs without injur-
ing the planta. Paraffin (diluted) ia also said to have the same
effect. We have not tried these remedies, having always
found perfectly clear lime and soot water effectual without
being injurious.

We have not to travel far in any direction to perceive

mistakes which have been made in planting shrubs and
Conifers, and especially in small gardens. However small the
lawn may be, it eeems to have been thought the right place
for a WelUngtonia and a Deodar. These deservedly popular
trees, with Pinus excelsa, P. Douglasii, and others of com-
manding growth, have been planted "where they could be
Been " when young at the fronts of borders and a few feet only
from the walks. For a year or two after planting these
Conifers look very well in such poaitions, bat eveotualiy they

become too large and have to be mutilated just when arriving
at their greatest beauty. Such strong growers should always
be planted more or less in the background, even at the risk of
veiling their beauty for a year or two, and the advantage of
doing so will in the end be decisive and permanent. Very
small lawns should be occupied with proportionally small-
growing Conifers, and the choice of these is great. Junipers,
Cupressuses, Thujopses, Biotas, Retinosporas, etc., are all suit-
able for suburban gardens, and are not planted nearly so freely
as is desirable in small enclosnrea. On small lawns small-
growing Conifers increase in beauty yearly, but large-growing
kinds in such places are incongruous and are not permanently
ornamental.

The representative of a leading firm of seedsmen has

sent us the following forcible comment on the letter referring
to the purchase and the sale or seeds which appeared on
page 84 and headed, " Doing as He Would be Done By: " —
" The more one thinks of the present system of the seedsman's
journey sales in the summer — brought home to us by the losses
we must sustain this year by the reckless gambling prices at
which aeeda were sold — the more insane does that system ap-
pear. Is there any other trade in trading England where sales
are made at a stated price of goods which may perchance
never be produced at all ? The old system of waiting to see
what the harvest would yield was the legitimate one ; was fair,
honest, and far more profitable to all parties, and more worthy
of such a trading country as England."

The following modes of destroying scale and mealy

bug which have been fouud successful by Mr. Kerr at Netherby
as recorded in another column, are worthy of being tried by
others who are troubled with these destructive insects : — Scale
on Peach trees, two wine-glassfuls of paraffin oil to three gal-
lons of water ; mix thoroughly and syringe the trees. Mealy
bug, two table-spoonfuls of paraffin to one pint of water : apply
with a sponge.

The " Garden Oracle," by Mr. Shirley Hibberd, for

the present year is now published, and contains a great deal of
useful information and many illustrations.

The Council Meeting of the Bath and West of England

Society was held ou January 30th, at the Grand Hotel, Bristol,
the Marquis of Lansdowne, president, in the chair. The
Finance Committee presented the annual statement, which
showed that the pecuniary loss sustained by the Society at the
Hereford Meeting (1M7G) was less than anticipated, being only
£160. It was unanimously resolved that "the Mayor and
Corporation of Bath having expresEed a strong hope that the
Patron of the Society, H.K.H. the Prince of Wales, and the
Princess of Wales, would honour the city of Bath on the occa-
sion of the hundredth auniversary, and the Council being
assured that the visit would be most gratefully appreciated
through the entire west of England as well as highly con-
ducive to the interests of the Society, the President be retiuested
to submit an invitation to their Royal Highnesses for any day
of the week (Wednesday being the best day), and in any
manner which may bo most convenient."

In the course of a lecture delivered on the 2nd inst.

by Mr. A. Burrell at the Society of Arts on Indian Tea culti-
vation, it was urged that the soil and climate of India were in
every way admirably adapted for the culture of the Tea plant,
the produce sent out by the Indian Tea-growers being in no way
inferior, and in many instances much superior to the Teas of
China. To convey an idea of the steadily increasing con-
sumption of Indian Tea in our own country, it was mentioned
that the imports of this article during 187G had amounted to
27,000,000 lbs., or 10 per cent, of the total consumption of the
year ; while it was anticipated that the imports of the present
year would amount to at least 32.000,000 lb., or 25 per cent, of
the probable total consumption of the year in the United
Kingdom.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

kitcuen garden.

There will be plenty of work in thia department by-and-by.
So far we have done but little, but it was well that a good propor-
tion of the digging and trenching had been done in the autumn.

A succession of Asparagus and Seakale must be kept up by
introducing a fresh batch of plants fortnightly, the quantity to
be regulated by the sufijily. The heat can be retained in the
frames by covering the glass at nights with mats ; but Aspara-
gus, unlike Seakale, requires plenty of light in the daytime;

106

JOUBNAL OF HOP.TI0ULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABUENEB.

[ February 8, 1877.

the mats should be removed shortly after daybreak, and not be
replaced antil nightfall.

A crop of early Potatoes may be raised by planting the sets in
frames, if no other couveniences are available. Good loam, to
which some leaf aoil has been added, is about the best material
in which to plant them; over-rich soil has a tendency to produce
too much haulm. A few diahes of Potatoes or other vegetables
— such as early Pea? or Dwaif Kidney Peas, before the earliest
out-of-door crops come in, are usually much valued even if a
regular supply cannot be maintained. Potatoes and Peas may
be had by growing in pots, but it is well to place the pots in a
position near the glass and where li^ht and air may be freely
admitted. A very liigh temperature is unsuitable for Peas and
Potatoes. Dwarf Kidney Beans will succeed in a Piue house,
and they are not so particular about being placed near the
glass.

Cauliflower plants in frames or hand-glasses require a little
attention. The lights should be quite removed iu fine weather,
but the plants must be sheltered from pelting rain; indeed, too
much wet is injurions. Plants in hand-iights will not require
any water during winter. We have now made a sowing of
Early London to succeed the autumn-sown plants. The seeds
were sown in shallow boxes and placed in a heated frame which
has been used for cuttings for the Last three or four weeks.
Where a large quantity of plants are required it is better to put
2 or 3 inches of fine soil over the surface of the bed and sow the
seeds in that.

A sowing of Broad Beans has been made. The only variety
we grow either for late or early crops is a selection of the Windsor.
The rows are about 3 feet apart, and about 4 inches are allowed
between the Beans in the rows. In heavy soils after so much
rain it will, perhaps, be better to keep the seeds out of the
ground until it is iu a better condition. A good plan, too, is to
sow some Beans iu shallow boxes, and then place the boxes iu
any house that is not forced too much. The night temijerature
should not be more then 55°, and when the Beans are well out
of the ground the boxes should be removed to a cooler place
and the Beans be gradually hardened, and subsequently be
planted in the open ground.

We generally make a sowing of Carrots about the midole of
this month on a dry border, and cover the bed with ground
vineries, at the same time Lettuce and Radish seeds are sown.
If a gentle hotbed could be made available for this purpose the
crop would be ready to gather about ten days earlier. Chives
are not grown so much now as they used to be. In small gardens
in Scotland a row used generally to find a place; they are a good
substitate for spring Onions, and are also used iu salads. They
are easily propagated by dividing the plants. They are of dwarf
habit, and 8 inches between the rows and about 4 inches apart
in the rows are suitable distances. A sowing of Round Spinach
should also be made now. The soil cannot be too rich. In soil
highly manured the leaves grow thick and fleshy, and of a deep
rich green. In order to produce Leeks of the largest size and
well blanched , a sowing ought to be made as soon as the weather
is suitable. The seed may be sown broadcast on a small space
of ground, the plants to be transplanted when large enough.
We shall immediately make a sowing of Parsnips on rich
deeply-trenched ground, but no crude manure should come in
contact with the roots near tbe surface, as this will cause them
to become forked. It is a good plan to place the manure in the
bottom of the trenches iu the autumn.

VINERIES.

In the earliest house the growths are now making rapid pro-
gress, and we have commenced tying them out, arranging them
as regularly as possible over the whole surface of the trellis
work. The Vines are trained on the short-spur system, the
rods being from 2 feet C inches to 3 feet apart, and the distance
between each spur measures from 15 inches to 2 feet. When
Vines are in vigorous health four or five shoots will start from
each spur : these are all removed but the two strongest ; and
when it can be seen on which the best bunches sra likely to be,
those shoots are tied down a little at a time. If bent too much
at once they are liable to snap off close to the old wood. It is
better not to remove the second shoot until it is seen that the
one to remain is safe. The laterals are stopped two leaves
beyond the fruit as soon as the growth is sufSciently developed.
We shall in a day or two give a good watering with tepid water,
and add some fresh fermenting matorial to the outside border.
A gentle heat is also kept up in the ridge of stable manure inside
the house. It is unsafe to put rank manure in the house whoi-i
the leaves are newly developed unless it is mixed with a large
proportion of some that is partially decayed. The temperature
at night is raised to 65" after the second watering.

Vines in pots, if it is necessary to have fruit from them in
April and May, will now be at that stage which will admit of a
high temperftture being kept up in the house. Surface-dress
the pots with rich compost, and water twice a week with manure
water.

•■■ Urange trees in the Pine house are heavily loaded with fruit,
but only those trees which were in flower after the Ist of March

are in that state, and the fruit is not yet ripe. One free is novr
in flower, but unless the weather improves it is doubtful if the
blossoms will set well. Plenty of ventilation is necessary during
the blossoming period, and the stigmas ought to be dusted with
the pollen. Some of the trees seem to do without any season of
rest. At prest nt there are fruit nearly ripe, some graen and aS
large as a Potato apple, and a large quantity of blossom on one
tree, which tree is iu the best possible health, and the ripe fruit
very fine indeed. The Orange is a gross feeder, and to obtain
fruit of the best quality the plants most be potted in good turfy
loam ; and when well established regular supplies of manure
water are necessary to the perfect development of the fruits.

GKEENHOUSE AND CONSEItVATOBY.

It is now a good time to repot sltuw and fancy Pelargoniums
int:) their blooming pots. We began potting ours on the second
day of the present month. After they have been repotted they
are placed close to the glass, and the growths are tied out to
allow more space between them. Sometimes it is necessary to
thin out the growths if they are too close to each other. The
stage varieties are much more hardy than the fancy section,
and they will grow and flower even with indifferent treatment,
but to do them well they should be potted in turfy loam with a
fourth part of decayei' cow manure, and some silver sand to keep
the compost open ; a Utile leaf soil is also an improvement. If
the plants are yonng they do not require so much manure, say
one-sixth. It is a great mistake to overpot them; H-inch pots
are large enough for specimens 3 or 4 feet across, and a plant
that will produce two dozen trusses will do well in a (S-inch pot.
We annually grow a number of plants in 5-inch pots, and they
flower profusely. It is better not to water the plants for a few
days after repotting them. There are a few early varieties
adapted for forcing, but the show sorts succeed best if they are
kept in a greenhouse temperature throughout. A few of the
best varieties are Ambassador, Diplomatist, Gipsy, George Fre-
derick, Mountaineer, Modesty and Potentate, which are new
varieties of last year. Of older sorts the best are Achievement,
Admiration, Avistocrat, Blue Boy, Charles Turner, Claribel,
Constance, Duchess of Cambridge, Falcon, Highland Lassie,
Iron Dake, Marquis, Mary Hoyle, Prince Leopold, Sultan, Sybil,
and Warrior. A few of the best fancy varieties are Countess of
Dudley, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Nelly Fordham, which are
new sorts. Older varieties are Acme, Ann Page, Atlantic, Cloth
of Silver, East Lynn, Ellen Beck, Fanny Gair, Godfrey Turner,
Henry Bailey, Jewess, Leotard, Mrs. Hart, Princess Teck, Roi
des Fantasies, The Shah, Undine, and Vivandiere. The French
spotted sorts are preferred by some ; they are very pretty, and
generally flower freely. A few of the best are Beauty of Oxton,
Captain Raikes, DueheES of Edinburgh, Empress, Kabob, Queen
Victoria, and Triomphe de St. Mande.

Cinerarias ought to be in their flowering pots long before this.
The plants must bo trained as they rfquuo it, and those which
have filled the pots with roots should be supplied with weak
manure water about once or twice a-week.

It is now quite time that all the Chrjsanthemum cuttings
were potted. They strike very freely in a gentle hotbed, and
as soon as the roots are formed a little more air ought to be
admitted, as the plants are apt to draw up weakly in a close
atmosphere. Our earliest cuttings have been potted into larger
pots, and are now in a well-ventilated frame; a house would
be better where the frost could easily ho kept out. During
warm nights the ventilators should not be closed. Success is
secured in growing such plants as these without any check, and
yet they ought to be freely exposed to tbe air.

We have repotted plants of difiereut varieties of Kalosanthes.
This plant does best in rich tuify loam, with leaf soil and sand
added to it. Cuttings put in last year iu July or August are
now in COsized pots. Thev will be pottedon as they require
it, and will in the course of the season make very handsome
specimens.

All the Dntoh bulbs, such as Hyacinths, Tulips, Polyanthus
Narcissus, &c., have been removed to the houses where they
are intended to flower. Those who have not yet taken the
latest-flowering specimeus out of tbe material in which they
were plunged during winter ought to do so at once.

We have put a few pots of Pink Lady Blanche into a house
to force. Such common and easy grown plants as Pinks,
Mignonette, &c., are easily brought-on in a little heat, and are ,
very useful for furnishing the front stages. — J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

W. Barron & Sons, IG, Market Street, Nottingham, — Catalogue
of Vcgetahlc and Flower Seeds.

R. B. Matthews, 65 and 67, Victoria Street, Belfast.— CuHwraZ
Guide, and General Seed Catalognc.

Stephen Brown, Weston-super-Mare. — Illustrated Seed Gaia-
loqne, with Lists of Bulbs and Hoots for Spring Planting.

Edmondeon Brothers, 10, Dame Street, Dublin.— Spr»«7 Cata-
logue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Culinary Boots, Flower-
ing Plants, Implements, <S:c.

February 8, 1377. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

107

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*,* All correspondenee should be directed either to " The
Editors," or to "The PabliBher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Wild Flowers (A Lady).— We are informed by the artist, Mr. W. G.
mith, that they will be concluded in thirty more numbers.

Khododendkons and "Wireworms (H. B.).— Try oil cake powdered and
sprinkled thickly on the roots after removing the soil. It mi^-ht preserve
them. Let us knovr the result.

EYACiNxn IP. F. S.).— The fiowerstalk being compressed by the bases of
the leaves until forced cut 13 very unusual, but is only one of the unaccount-
able vagaries incident to plant growth.

C^SALPiNiA BRAZiLiENsis (G. H.). — It is a stove everpreeu tree, a native
of Jamaica, from whence it was introduced in 1739. The tree grows 20 feet
high, has orange flowers, and yields the Brazil wood of commerce.

TEAiNruG Chrtsanthemcms {A CoJistant Reader).— "Let the hoops re-
main ; they will or ought to be completely hidden by the foliage. The stakes
should be as thin as possible consiatent with strength. Planed deal stakes a
loot to 18 inchea long will need to be little or any thicker than the stem of a
tobacco pipe. Stakes double the length may be doable that thickness at the
bottom, tapering to the top.

Peach-tree Spray {A. HopJnnfi). — The decayed places are caused by the
unfavourable season, and the young wood being not matured.

Pea (An OM Su&sm&fr).— The description agrees with what is known as
the Rose Pea. We will publish your note next week.

Semi-traksparent Paper f^;i Amat':ur). — Fasten the paper on the frame,
and then brush over it boiled linseed oil.

Stove Climbers (A Learner).— Ab yon hB.\6 StephanotiR floribunda, and
need two more, obtain Clerodendron Balfoorii and Ipomrea Horsfalliffi.

Growing Asters in Pots (P. F. S.I.— Sow the seed dnring March or
early April laa you require the plants to bloom early or latei in pans, placing
in gentle heat aa that of a hothed. When the plants appear keep them near
the glae-, and well ventilatel to prevent drawing. Pot them singly in 3-inch
pots, letarning to the hotbed, and keeping rather close and shaded until
established. After this admit air freely, the main points being to keep them
slowly growing, and not allowing them to become potbound before shifting
into larger pots. If sown in March the plants will be strong and well
baldened off by the beginning of May. An S-inch pot will meet the require-
ments of single plants, a 9-inch trebles, and a 10-inch or 11-ioch will answer
for five plants. The soil may be compossd of three parts turfy loam and a
third of thoroughly decayed manure or leaf soil. The plants should be potted
rather firmly in well-drained pots, and have a liyht and open situation if con-
tinued under glaaa, which we do not advise, but would asaiga them a
sheltered position outdoors on athes. After the plants fill the pots with roots
water them with weak liquid manure. If sown during early April the plants
will require their blooming pots by the close of May or early in June.

Conservatory with East Aspect {TV. M.). — Tour house being cold will
not answer for plants requiring protection from frost, as Pelargoniums,
Fuchsias, &,c. ; nor for a Vine, which would not answer in an unheated house
with an eaatern aspect. We should advise you to decide between Ferns and
Boees. If the first, we would have the Ferns planted out, forming rockwork
for them, and selecting the better kinds of hardy Ferns. If Bosea are de-
termined upon, we should arrange for planting them out in borders within the
house, though for the roof the roots may be outside, the stems being intro-
duced through the wall, the interior of the bouse being taken up by Rosea
trained to pillars aa pyramida. and the back trellised for climbing Roses. The
kinds we should choose for this purpoae would be Tea-scented. Should you
decide to heat the house so as to exclude frost, you would be enabled to have
a greater variety of plants ; in fact, most greenhouse plants would thrive In it,
and those would afford you greater Batisfaction than could bo had from an
Unheated house devoted to bat one class of plants.

An Amateur's Vinery {Sir Astley). — Do not attempt training up climb-
iog Rosea in a vinery, or both Vines and Roseci will fail. Devote the whole of
the roof to the Vines, and grow your Roses in pota, introducing a few in suc-
ceeaion into yonr front bed, where you will also find Tomatoes answer well,
provided you do not allow them to become very rampant, for which reason
they should be grown in pota. You may also grow eicellent crops of Cucum-
bers in potg plunged iu the bed. If you attempt this, do not fail to give them
an abundant supply of liquid manure, or the fruit will prove small and
yellow- tipped.

Radishes (IF. P.).— Aa yonr soil produces good Turnip Radishes, but not
the long varieties, we recommend you to try putting some well-decayed
roanare at the bottom of each trench when the ground is dug. The roots will
probably descend straight to it.

Azaleas Losixg Foliage (TI'. HamiZfon),— Carelessness in watering and
the aitRcka of insects are generally the causes of the bareness of which you
complain in your plants. Let the plants be closely examined, and if any
thripu or blight is found upon the foliage plunge the tops in a solution of soft
soap and tobacco water, repaating the operation on alternate days for a weak.
II the pots are small in proportion to the size of the plants and are crowded
with roots repot at once in light fibrous peat with plenty of white gritty sand
niiied with it (one part t and to three parts peat); take especial care that
the drainage is thorough, the fresh soil well rammed in, and use pota
of 1^^ to 2 inches more iu diameter than the old pots ; take the plants from
the potting bench to a somewhat shaded position Jn the hothouse, use the
syringe freely, but apply water to the roots sparingly till the new growth is
puflhing freely; after they have finished growing place them in a snnny
position to ripen the new growth. When Ihe flower buds are so far
derelopod that yon can feel them remove the plants to a cooler temperature,
and let thnm have plenty of fresh air. The most important points in the
culture of Azaleas are — the watering, cleanliness of the foliage, an early and
well-matmed growth brought about in the manner we have desciibed, and
abundance of air and light after the growth is matured.

INABCHING Geai'E Vires {Constant Re a-hr). — Yon may inarch the
Vines OS you propose, bnt our experience tells us that what succeeds well in
one instance will not do in another. Black Hamburgh is a good stock lor

P-uckland Sweetwater. Lady Downe's does best on its own roots. W©
should like to know the result of your inarching Mill Hill Hamburgh on
Chasselas Muaqut.-.

Best Raspberries (J.).— Yellow Antwerp, Faatolf, Prince of Wales, and
Red Antwerp. Gooseberries: Red Warrington, Red Champagne, Early Sul-
phur, Yellow Champasue, Rumbullion, and Green Gascoigno Currants:
Black Naples, Baby Castle, and White Dutch. Any respectable tradesman
can supply you.

Heating Lean-to House {E. D. L.).— Two rows of 4-inch pipes might
heat a house 9 feet wide by 6 feet 6 inches at back ; but to keep up 60° in al5
weathers you ought to put in three rows.

Making a Hotbed {TV. Killingheck).— See reply to "R.G. M." To raise an
early batch of annuals in the position you mention a very slight hotbed will
sufhce say from 2 to 3 feet iu 'height, well trampled, and covered with 3 or
4 inches of rich sandy soil kept on the bed by strips ff board not much wider
than the soil is deep. It is, of course, best to cover the soil with glass sashes,
failing which wooden screens, felting stretched on frames, or, in fact, anything
which will throw off heavy rain and exclude frost will answer admirably. Sow
the seed during March, but before doing so the hotbed should have been madD
about a week in order to avoid rank burning heat. Cover the seed thinly with
soil, water when necessary, and throw off the covering upon every favourable
occasion, in order to prevent the seedlings from becoming drawn up and
weakened.

Seedling Adcubas (J.). — There is no determining the ses by the varie-
gation or serration of the leaves. The coarsely serrated- leaved eeedlinga we
think are mostly female, though in the smooth-leaved plants we apprehend
you will have some female, but taking both together we anticipate the Beses
will be about equally divided.

Growing Dahlias, &c., in Pots {A Great Lover of Florvers).—X)a.hli&B
may be grown in pots, and, indeed, every description of plant. The best
kinds for pot culture are the dwarf bedding varieties, as Bob Ridley, Leah,
Rising Sun, Scarlet Gem, Dwarf Queen, Cloth of Gold, Little Wonder, and
Dwarf Queen. Of the Bouquet varieties— Glow-worm, Northern Light, Dr.
Webb, Sacramento, White Aster, and Little Love are good. They must not
be allowed to become pot-bound, but be shifted into larger pots as required,
giving the final shift at the end of May or early iu June. Twelve or 13-inch
pots are necessary. If you grow the Show and Fancy varieties they will
require 15-inch pots. Hollyhocks must not be allowed to become pot-bound^
and must have their blooming pots at the end of April or early May. Plants
with one stem may be grown in 13-incb, or with two or three stems in
15-iDch pots. Antirrhinums do well in pota, requiring S-inch pots, into
which they must be placed in Marcher early April. Chrysanthemums shouliS
be struck from cuttings in March in gentle heat, potted singly when rooted,
stopped when about ti inches high, growing in a cold frame until April or
May, then placing on ashes iu an open situation outdoors, shifting into
larger-sized pots aa required, keeping from becoming pot-bound, and moving
into the blooming pots early in June, when the plants may ayain be stopped,
affording 9-inch pots for Pompons, and 10 or 11-inch for the large-flowered.
Carnations and " Cloves " cannot well be layered in pots unless unnecessarily
large. Layer from plants planted-out. Pentstemons may be grown well in
8 or 9-inch pots. Any very vigorous plants may have 10-inch pots. All should
have an open yet sheltered situation, be well watered, and with liquid manure
at least twice a-week after the blooming pots are filled with roots. Wo
know of no means of distinguishing in the young state single from donble-
fiowering plants of Marigolds. The strain is a bad one to have so many
singles.

Planting Ribbon Border (Irfcm).— Commencing at the back of the
border— Geraniums, Ageratum, Ti»gete8 eignata pumila, and Beet, and wo
would advise an edging of Pyrethrum Golden Feather, or a dwarf silver-
leaved plant as Cerastium tomentosura.

Pyrethrum (H. T.).— You bad better wiite to Messrs. Carter for the in-
formation you seek. Mention the size of the ground and they will readily

Twin Apples {G. B. C, Wohurn, Beds).— We have never seen this twin
Apple before. Tne only variety possessing this character is the Cluster
Golden Pippin, which is very diffeient from that you have sent ns. We
should like to know its history if you can supply it to us. The pale one is
Cockpit, and the coloured one Moss's Incomparable.

Dung Hotbed Making {R. G. A/.).— We will commence with the dung
fresh at the stable door. The first thing is to throw it into a close body to
" sweat." yhake it over loosely and reject a portion of the mere droppings,
for these take the most purifying, and. moreover, engender an overpowerful
and sometimes unmanageable heat. The main bulk of the material thus
thrown together will iu a week or so become exceedingly hot, and must then
be turned completely inside out, and in so doing every lock or patch which
adheres together muat bedivjded. Water now regularly as the work proceeds,
rendering every portion equally moist. After the m^ss has lain for about
(our days longer give a liberal amount of water on the top. This will wash
out at the bottom of the heap much of its groas impurities. In a few more
days it must be again turned inside out, using water if dry in any portion,
and after laying nearly a week it should be almost fit for use ; but it is well
to give it even another turn. If any treo leaves, strawy materials, &c., ate to
b 9 added to the mass they may be so at the last, turning but one. The heap
ought now to be " sweet;" a handful drawn from the very interior and applied
to the nostrils will not only he devoid of impure smell, but actnally possess
a somewhat aereeable acont, similar to the smell of Mushrooms. Select a
spot perfectly dry beneath, or rendered so, exposed to a whole day's sun; bnt
the more it is sheltered sidewajs the better, as starviog winds, by suddenly
lowering the tcmperafuro, cause a great waste of material as well aa of
labour. Some portable screens, therefore, are useful things for early work.
The ground surface should be nearly level. It i* well also to fill most of the
interior of the bed. after building it half a javd in height, with any half-
decayed materials, such aa half-worn linings, fresh leaves, &c. This will in
general secure it from the danger of burning, whilst it will also add to the
permanency of the bed, for the Cucumber roots will descend, and thns
secure an indefinite amount of food during the hot weather of summer. A
bed should be at least 4 feet high at the back, if 5 feet all the better; and as
soon as built let some littery manure be placed round tho sides in order to
prevent the wind searching it. As soon as tho heat is well up, or in about
four days from the building of it, the whole bed should have a thorough
watering. It is now well to close it until the heat is well up again, when a
second and lighter watering may be applied, and now it will be ready for the
hills of soil. Not knowing on what system yon intend to train your Vines
we cannot advise hovr to prune them. Buy our Vine Manual.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Febraai7 8, 1877.

Name of Frcit [W.U. ^.).— BeziVaet.

Names of PrjLNTs (Jlfdrj/).— Sparmaimia atricana. It is a Bhrnb, native
of the Cape of Good Hope. It is a greenhooBe evergreen, requiring common
garden soil with a little peat added, and is propagated by cattingR of the
young shoots during April. iJunux). — Stachys lanata. (F. Wdlhi'r). — We
cannot name any plant from a dead flower. (F. M. H.). — We cannot name
your Dracaena from the leaf Bent. (J. H. Cumminfi). — Helleborua fistidaa.
(Gar(i<ri?r|.— PteriHcretica var. criatata. (iJo6 ).— The blue flower ia Agatbasa
capensis. The other is insafficieDt for determination.

POULTET, BEE, AND PIGEON OHEONIOLE.

POULTRY AND BIRD NEWS.

We observe a show is advertised for Baubury. We are glad
of it, as that part of the world is but poorly off for shows. With
the iuflaential names of the Jadge and Secretary it shonld be
well patronised.

This being the hundredth anniversary of the Bath and West
of England Agricultural Society, the Committee have wisely
determined to return to their birthplace. We hear the prepara-
tions are all in full train for the meeting. The Eoyal Counties
will meet this year at Southampton, so we shall hope to find
oar Channel Island friends well to the front.

The malicious injuries wrought upon prize poultry have been
very great of late. We know fully well that sometimes at a
show in penning, basketing, or cleaning out, a wild bird will
break or drop a feather or two ; but it is remarkable that of late
30 many of tliese feathers have been plumes which have materi-
ally injured a bird's winning. For instance: Mr. P. Haines had
a Light Brahma hen injured in her tail: Mr. Dean had his
Golden-spangled Hamburgh treated the same; the first-prize
Dorkings came back, too, from Kingston like little Bo-Peep's
sheep — tailless; and now we hear that Mr. Norwood had his cup
Black Poland cock come home minus a sickle.

The Bristol Show has again been a failure ; nearly flOO to
the bad, and Mr. Cambridge, on whom the loss alone falls,
wishes all prize-winners to take their prize mnney minus 25 per
cent. As this appeal comes round with a most gentlemanly and
straightforward circular, we hope all who can afford to do so
will take their three-fourths. Still Mr. Cambridge had no right
to issue single-handed his schedule unless he was prepared in
the case of loss, which he must have anticipated, to defray all

fear, becanse of its cruelty. In olden days I have known a horse
twice docked in order to shorten the tail to the taste, or want of
taste, of the owner. Some of my readers may not know what
docking is, but having seen it done when a little boy I can tell
them. Scene — blacksmith's shop. Blacksmith a huge, fat,
soorbutio-faced man, always in liquor after dinner. He began
with bitters before breakfast, glasses round at his favourite pot-
house at eleven, a heavy soak with his dinner, and afterwards
more and more. He, unlike Longfellow's blacksmith, never

he never

"Went on Sandays to the church
And sat among his bojs ; "

" Heard the parson pray and preach,"

Eggs soem nnusnally plenteous this season, but broody hens
are as scarce as ever. We hear of birds being sent for from far
distant places to sit upon the spoiling egss. It does seem a
pity that no incubator has been manufactured to come within
the price and accommodation of all. Some people we hear sys-
tematically make year by year a good trade from selling "a
broody hen, nest, egg, and all " for 5s.

We regret very much to have to announce the death of another
of our poultry friends. Mr. Ridpeth died last week at his resi-
dence, Withingtou, Manchester. Although not so well known,
perhaps, as many other fanciers, still all who knew him bear
record of his kindness and perseverance in the good cause.

Fanciers of the real Indian Game, not those of the Malayan,
cross, who are really anxious to establish the breed in England
and are willing to help on the work, will find a very ardent
coadjutor in Mr. J. King, 11, St. Aldate's, Oxford, who, being
the Honorary Secretary of the Exhibition there, is always willing
to advance the interests of uncultivated breeds. Those not
feeling inclined to subscribe can at least guarantee entries pro-
vided there ia a class. — W.

OUR DUTY TO OUR FOUR-FOOTED AND

FEATHERED NEIGHBOURS.— No. 3.

BoT-cRUELTY is not the only cruelty which animals have
reason to dread. In a sneaking nnderlianded way there is still
much man-cruelty in England. I heard of a man confessing to
have trained his terrier pup to kill rats by first catching a rat
and extracting his teeth, and then letting the puppy go at it.
This was said not in any way of boast, but as a recommenda-
tion to a purchaser of the dog. The dog wai bought and the
man, a travelling hawkar, went on his wayaud escaped, I regret,
prosecution. Then there is the man-cruelty of the cock-fighting
sneak, the loathsome creature. There is also too much cruelty
or unnecess.ary severeness in the breaking-in of horses. There
is too great roughness, and beating and kicking too, of horses by
stablemen, especially when the latter are the worse for beer. A
dog will not, such is his dislike of the smell of wine and liquor, go
into places where such things can be smelt. You cannot induce
a dog to smell a wineglass that has had wine lu it. How much
horses must dislike the smell of stale beer, as they have to con-
nect beery breath with stableman cruelty ! Then there is the
bearing-rein cruelty. The docking and cropping of horses has
become nnfashionable, and was given up because of that; not, I

but his shop was known to the ear before the eye saw it, from
the loud oaths to some poor apprentice, or it might be some
fidgetting horse sent to be shod. Well, the poor horse is brought
to be docked. The hairs of the tail held back, the real tail laid
bare, then the big shears descend, a piece is cut oft, and instantly
a red-hot iron is applied to the bleeding sore. Oh, the agony
to the poor animal I and all done for no useful purpose, only for
fashion sake. Plunging, writhing with pain, the poor horse ia
taken home. The result, instead of a tail to lash off the fliea
in summer, he had what looked like the inverted head of a
tobacco pipe, of no manner of use whatever. Am I told all this
is a thing of the past? Granted ; but fashion not seldom takes
a backward turn, and old fashions become new.

At any rate, the Rabbit trap of the gamekeeper is no thing of
the past. Going his rounds the keeper sets his traps. He may
not again go the same round for two days. Meanwhile a Babbit
sporting in the t .rilight is caught by the leg. The Rabbit is a
very timid creature, and timid creatures are always very sensi-
tive of pain. The poor Rabbit tears at the trap, deeper go its
teeth, and they meet at the bone. Hour- after hour, and perhaps
many hours of agony follow. At every noise those fine trumpet-
like ears revolve on their pivots — those ears made to catch every
sound, and made to revolve so as to catch it more readily. At
length the keeper arrives after many an hour, the Rabbit is
dragged out of tUe trap, and then at last, at long last, its misery
is over. In all the above cases there is cruelty. As to Rabbits,
land in England has become so valuable that, except in that
peculiar land unfit for anything save a warren, Rabbits perhaps
ought not to be allowed to live, but they should be killed with
as little pain as possible. Our duty to animals and birds is not
hard to learn ; we must not be overwhelmed by them, but they
must be kept in due proportion, a proper equilibrium being
maintained.

In the rural districts of France a proclamation has been pofted
on the signboards and at the corners of the roads headed with
the arresting title, " Ministry of Agriculture." This placard
warns the French farmer in brief but admirably chosen language
to the following effect: — "Hedgehog: lives on mice, small ro-
dents, slugs, and grubs, all animals hurtful to agriculture. Do
not kill the hedgehog. Toad : farm assistant, destroys from
twenty to thirty insects an hour. Do not kill the toad. Mole :
is continually destroying grubs, larvae, palmerworms, and insects
injurious to agriculture. No trace of vegetation is ever found
in its stomach. Does more good than harm. Do not kill the
mole. May bug and its larva or grub : mortal enemy of agricul-
ture ; lays from seventy to eighty eggs. Kill the May bug."

In regard to birds there has been much ignorance in the lower
claeses, particularly gamekeepers. As a rough rule it may be
well to remember that though some hard-billed bird.s may do
some harm, soft-billed birds, the eaters of insects, can only do
good. In parts of Scotland where the gamekeepers have of late
years had orders to destroy all hawks, owls, and other birds of
prey, on the ground that they kill the young game, the result
has been that field mice have increased to such an extent as
seriously to imperil the annual crop, and where weasels have
been all shot rats have increased disastrously. All shonld be
kept in due proportion, and then a proper balance will be main-
tained. The killing of every hawk is a great mistake, the
kestrel, for instance, feeding only on mice, and no better friend .
exists than the owl.

There ia another animal that I plead for, the graceful squirrel,
Nature's better Blondin, because he fearlessly walks the slack
rope of the bending thin branches, while Blondin only walked
the tight rope when high in air. We have all too few wild
animals in England, let us be careful of the few we have left.
The squirrel is the very personification of graceful agility ;
every movement is graceful, and his activity wonderful. On the
ground one sees his fnll, bold, liquid eyes; ascending a tree pur-
sued by a cat we see the little creature's activity in danger.
Once safe how ho turns, stamps his foot, and barks his defiance;
and when going from tree to tree across the most slender
branches we see the perfection of self-reliance. Then he always
abounds when his natural food abounds — the beech nut; those
he loves best and livts on. Sometimes geirdeners complain of
his depredations, but usually I think the squirrel bears the
blame when he ought not. Just as in the house, it is " that cat "
when a dish is broken or a more than usually toothsome viand

Febrn«ry 8, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

109

is missing, so when an apricot is gone here and there, or filberts
by the handful are missinf;, it is always "those sqairrels." Is
it not sometimes " that gardening boy," who, although he is
perhaps high up in hia teens, has his school-boy love of fruit
and nuts still in him ? I seldom believe charges against animals,
for it is so easy to blame them; poor dumb beasts, they cannot
defend themselves. For " that cat " and " those squirrels "
read *' servants." One mischief squirrels certainly do, and that
is they bite off the early spring shoots from some trees, notably
fir trees, and in a young plantation of these they must be
destroyed, but in other situations they may be encouraged, for
they will only be numerons when the beech mast is plentiful.
I envy not the heart of that man who can enjoy shooting a
squirrel. If the deed must be done it must, but many a man
I believe commissioned to kill squirrels regrets that he has to
do it — almost wishes his gun may not point true for once, and
if the little graceful creature falls, says pitifully, " Poor pretty
little thing !" I know of no animal that resembles the squirrel ;
it stands alone as what I have called it, " Nature's better
Blondin." — Wiltshire Rector.

PKEPARING POULTRY FOB MARKET.

PoDLTBT should not only be fat when killed, but should be
properly dressed and put up for the market. Poor goods may
not sell because they are presented in an attractive form, but the
best will not bring good prices unless they attract by their ap-
pearance. After the fowls are killed comes the most exacting
part of the work of preparation. The skia must not be broken,
it most not be parboiled, pin feathers must not be left in, nor
the down stand out like the first viril furze on a boy's face. To
prevent these unsightly and repulsive appearances follow a few
simple and natural directions. Pluck the fowl while the animal
heat still remains. Do not kill at a time more than you have
facilities for immediately dressing. The use of hot water is
certainly essential, but do not have it hotter than is absolutely
necessary in order to start the feathers. Pick out all the pin
feathers, using tweezers if necessary, but do not tear the skin.
Singe the plucked fowl over a gas jet or the flame of a kerosene
lamp ; in the latter case it is sufficient to hold the fowl over the
glass chimney of an ordinary kerosene lamp, turning the fowl
rapidly. The work may be done in a few seconds. Some prefer
a handful of feathers or a few scraps of paper kindled to a quick
blaze in the fireplace or stove.

In some markets poultry is sent with crop and intestines un-
disturbed, probably as much because it is thought the fowls look
fairer and plumper as for any hope of gain from extra weight.
It is preferable on some accounts to draw the fowls. The
French market women draw their poultry, carefully wipe out
the cavities, and stuff with a bunch of clean unsized paper —
ordinary straw or Manilla paper, and their poultry is delight-
fully sweet and attractive.

Poultry should not be packed for transportion until entirely
cold. Then it should be laid in clean straw, breast down, keep-
ing the wings and legs close to the body. See that there is no dis-
coloration of blood on the skin. If the heads are removed pull
np the skin of the neck, and tie it over the severed portion with
a bit of strong thread or twine. Never cut off the spurs of old
hens or cocks with the idea of passing them off for young
chickens. Purchasers are generally older than the moat ancient
specimens of your poultry-yard ; or if perchance the customer is
green, that is no excuse for dishonesty. — [Canadian Poultry
Journal.)

Crystal Palace Bird Show. — The fourteenth annual Exhi-
bition of Cage Birds is fixed for the 17th to the 22Qd of February
inclusive, and promises to be more attractive than ever. For
foreign birds especially the amount of prize money has been
doubled io most of the classes, and the prizes offered throughout
the schedule no doubt will bring forth large entries. There are
no less than eighty-six classes for birds, a class for cages, another
for the best specimens of food for cage birds, besides a class for
the best collection of nest boxes for cage and wild birds. Class
90 provides apacf for authors, publishers, and booksellers who
may think well to send books relating to cage birds. This we
look npon as a novelty in connection with bird shows. The
entries are to close February 2nd, and post entries February 10th.

THE BEES IN .JANUARY.

Aa we all know the winter has been with us exceedingly mild
it is natural to suppose that the bees may have declined to an
abnormal condition, and it will be well when an unusually warm
day occurs to investigate the state of the hives and their inha-
bitanta. On January :ird the sun shone bright ; the bees were
full of life and activity, so I made an examination of my colonies.
The first frightened me — to my surprise not an ounce of honey
was in the hive. In fear and trembling I opened tbe remainder
one after another, gaining spirits as I proceeded, for the first
was the worst. Several others were poverty-stricken, but none

so bad as that. I saw the queens of all the hives, some of which
had babies in their cradles ; so into a stewpau went 8 lbs. of
loaf sugar, which, being boiled into barleysngar and broken up,
was soon distributed among the paupers, as well as some full
combs of honey gleaned from richer colonies which could spare it.

Now it is not easy to persuade bees to take food into their
hives in winter, and my barleyaugar in No. 1 colony was merely
sniffed at ; but a half-full honeycomb put right into the brood
neat soon brought the bees' pluck up, and a week afterwards I
found the barleysngar gradually disappearing, and still a we;k
later found breeding in progress, one fed hive having a patch of
sealed brood as big as the palm of my hand. So far so good ;
and every week of mild weather following gives a better chance
of surviving until the spring, for in another month, unless very
cold, breeding will actively commence and food will readily be
taken from the bottle, when all danger will be over. If January
had been as wo might have expected it, very cold, one at least
of my colonies would have perished, which of course should
have fairly been set down to bad management; but my investi-
gation seemed to tell me that the bees had consumed more food
than is usual in winter, by reason doubtless of their greater
activity, the semi-dormant state in very cold weather not having
occurred.

I cannot help rejoicing that I do not patronise straw skeps, for
in that case no such examination and relief as I made would
have been possible. But

*' 'Tia with our opinions as oar watches — none
Go just alilie, but each belieTOa his own."'
I have no hives to sell, and should prefer every bee-keeper
would please himself and let others do the same. — John Hdnteb,
Baton JRise, Ealing.

HIVES AND LOCALITIES.

ToL'R correspondent Mr. Pettigrew, in a communication under
the above heading, gives in his adhesion to the theoretic views
enunciated by Mr. Lowe in an article entitled "The Battle of
the Hives." Mr. Pettigrew'g change of front is indeed thorough.
Since he came amongst us we have heard much of the great
harvests of honey reaped in and through his large straw hives.
To prop up Mr. Lowe's position all this teaching is thrown over-
board; fordoes not Mr. Pettigrew now unhesitatingly proclaim
it matters not of what material and how constructed hives are
to expect any increase of the honied store? Even his large pet
straw (the Crystal Palace bar-frame prize) and the Stewarton all
are reduced to the common level of " the boxes from a grocer's
shop." Mr. Lowe thought rather cautiously " that the kind of
hive cannot have much or any influence on the amount of store
collected by the bees ; " but Mr. Pettigrew, anxious to outvie his
leader, loudly disclaims thrice over — " No, nothing" of gain.

How evanescent are the teachings of theory when brought to
the test of experience. I have already shown ilr. Lowe from my
own apiary the honey results from one hive during all the years
of its establishment to be simply jiil, the untoward state of
matters being solely attributable to its " form, material, and
construction ; " and in like manner I can assure Mr. Pettigrew
that the superior results obtained from one hive and aystem of
bee management over another is by no means an " isolated,',
but a most common experience. This I can illustrate over and
over again. Take the case of the ten supers obtained from one
colony in 1868. When I spread them out for the inspection of
the most extensive and experienced straw-hiveist in our neigh-
bourhood, ho had the candour as well as the frankness to tell
me that from that one colony I had reaped that season more
honey than he from his entire apiary. To be sure I had one
advantage over him in possessing the Italian bee, in addition to
the improved hive ; still this same stock yielded a greater crop
than did all the straw skeps in my own apiary put together,
although similarly peopled. To go no further back than last
year: while "the best hive," my strongest Stewarton (No. ■?),
yielded nine supers in all ; No. 12, an eked straw skep, gave
neither swarm nor honey, refusing to ascend into the glass.
No. 0, another eked straw, gave one artificial swarm and stored
IJ lb., sufficient to seal-out and make presentable to send to a
friend the Abingdon glass, wrought on No. 11 the competitive
straw of 1875. No. 7 gave two swarms and refased all supers,
so that against the nine supers from one Stewarton I had last
season IJ lb. of honey and three swarms from my three straw
stocks ; but fortunately they were equally with the Stewarton,
a rather ususual circumstance, independent of all feeding.

Mr. Pettigrew states that Mr. Phillips of Hitchin has told UB
he reaped last season the harvest of 1.31 J lbs. from a straw skep,
and adds — " In Lanarkshire and other parts of Scotland swarms
in straw hives, and the stocks that yielded them in 187.5, rose to
70 lbs. or thereabouts, whereas the straw hive of your Renfrew-
shire correspondent, which never swarmed at all, was at starva-
tion point after the super of 20 lbs. was removed." And may I
ask. What does this go to prove ? Simply what a land of Canaan
the counties of Hertford and Lanark must be to the comparative
desert wilderness in which our camp is pitched. The strict

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Febraary 8, 1877.

inquiries after the health of our oompetitive straw haa amused
ns not a little, for was it not the premier straw hive of our
apiary ? and were we not a little rrond of the heaviest and best
glass of honey we ever harvested which it yielded, when our
other straws, equally healthy, gave nothing, and less than
nothing? they aud their swarms requiring to be heavily fed
early in the season, while with our neighbours, where this had
been neglected, the bees were dead and dying all round. Such
a weight as 70 lbs. with a single swarm in our poor district we
have never seen, clearly demonstrating the necessity we have
already pointed out for comparison being drawn on a common
field. It also proves the thorough efiiciency of the Stewarton
implement we possess for our miserably watery west coast. We
cannot here afford to subdivide our forces ; we must combine
them to improve each blink of sunshine, and when favoured
with a genial spell is it not surprising the feats their conjoined
numbers can perform ? which, according to Mr. Lowe, even
" staggered " the faith of our friend Mr. Pettigrew in the straw,
which the former gentleman's plausible theory has now alto-
gether overthrown.

Mr. Pettigrew descants " on the condensation of moisture on

the inner side of wooden hives and hopes that a

cheap and satisfactory mode of ventilating wooden hives may
soon be discovered and made widely known." He says, "The
quilt, an American idea, has been tried in this country without
success, so far as I know." This evil is unknown in our apiary,
either in hives of wood or straw. Your correspondent, possibly
being iu ignorance of what our old log testifies, that sixteen
years ago. when this periodical led the van of apiarian thought,
that the present writer proved how that by the employment of
India or Cuba matting, a hive — not of wood only, hut of gloss —
was so thoroughly ventilated as to withstand 25'^ of frost within
the hive on the memorable morning of the 21th of December,
18C0, and came through dry and in tine order; and how the first
authority on the American continent, Rev. L. L. Langstroth,
subsequently approved and recommended the same material as
thoroughly efficient for such a purpose.

It may interest Mr. Pettigrew's Cambridgeshire correspondent
to know that my favourite hive, the Stewarton, so far from being
landed, was not so much as mentioned in any work I could pro-
cure on my beginning bee-keeping, its fame being then merely
local; and it has been brought into notice principally througii
the present writer's pen in these pages and elsewhere an amateur's
recommendation to his fellows, who never had the smallest pe-
cuniary interest in any hive whatever. The superiority of its
results, in quantity as well in quality, were seen to advantage
on the first and second prize table displays at the first exhibition
of the British Bee-keepers' AsBociatiou at the Crystal Palace,
when the leading journal pronounced " that the Scotch honey
eclipsed everything."

How often do we find parties, possibly deniiiened in the environs
of towns, lay the blame <if their failure in bee-keeping on their
locality, when a glance at their hives would lead to the suppo-
sition that their intention was to cramp rather than stimulate
the industry of their bees. Some years ago a Greenock acquaint-
ance, Mr. B , sought my opinion as to the feasibility of his

setting up a hive of bees iu the ceutre of his villa garden situ-
ated at the top of a populous street, which, with his little green-
house to one side, he thought would then be complete. Were
the bees to turn out self-supporting in summer he would not
grudge as much sugar as would tide them over the winter, and
then in a special good year, could he but get a bit of honeycomb
for his table, what a treat it would be! After discussing the
distance of surrouudiug foraging grounds I thought it worth a
trial. His idea of a hive was one in which he oould see the bees
at work, in which they could be prevented from swarming — for
his being absent in town all day the swarms would be lost, but
he could devote time morning aud evening to looking after them.
I recommended the Stewarton hive, and gave him the address of
a maker and of a cottager in our parish who supplied a prime
Bsvarm. The stock was set up in an ornamental octagon cover,
back portion hinged ; ha wrought under my directions, and it
proved a much greater succfss thau either of us could have
anticipated, even to the extent of his harvesting one good season
Bix octagon supers. In course of time the first octagon stock
became flanked by one on either fide, and he not only supplied
his own table to satiety, sweetened all his friends', but actually
sold honeycomb. His great success ultimately proved his ruin.
Gantlemen who kept bees more in the country twitted their
gardeners as to how they could not suiiply their tables with
equally beautiful comb from their straw iskeps. Some mali-
Oioualy-disposed person during the night entered my friend's
garden, and robbed and utterly wrecked all his colonies.

I was recently iutrodnced to an npisrian in the same town ;
among other things the peculiarities of last season were discussed,
and in such a locality as his bees could not be expected to do
much. What hive did ho find yield most? The Stewarton to
be sure. What had been considered his " best " hive came nest.

Such a year three full-sized supers, instanced Mr. B -'s six

supers same year. He had heard of that case, but there was

something mysterious about it he oould not comprehend, for
were not their gardens close to each other ? The mystery was
soon solved. What depth of bos do you use ? 9 inches was the
reply. How many of these constitute your set followed ? Of
course, one ; to which I rejoined, " Your workshop of but one
9-inch box gave elbow-room to a given number of willing hands ;.
Mr. B 's, at 18 inches of breeding space, to double your num-
ber. Y'our force turned out three, all yon could expect ; his, six
full-sized supers." Such is the beautiful exactness with wliioh
honied results are proportioned to the construction of hives
placed on a common field. — A Renfkewshibe Bee-keepek.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Elephantiasis in Fowls (Rooster). — The first appearance of olephantiasiF
(St. Anthony's firo), ie the formation of a sort of white crust at the edge of
each scale of the let,'. At this stage we have known it cared by frequent ad-
mi tiistration of sweet oil by meaos of a feather, or by constant application
of ointment. It afterwards increases, penetrates beneath the Bcale and
raises it, filling the space with white crust. This increases till the legs even
of a young fowl resemble the upper shell of a coarse oyster. We know no
cure for it iu this state. It, nevertheless, is nut a disease from which fowls
suffer either paiu or inconvenietice. We have only known it among fowls in
coufineruent. In a large pen where some have had it, we have never known
it affect all the birds. As a rnie it attacks adults, bub we have known
chickens catch it. The ground oats can be made only with stoneu dreBEed
on purpose. Ordinary grinding is worse than useless.

EnruBn^GH Columeaeian Society's Exhibition.— Mrs. Ladd writes to-
say that some of her prize Pigeons have been injured and lost during their
return homewards. The baskets pass through so many hands between
Edinburgh and Calne that it will be difficult to detect the culprits.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 5F3'2'40" N. ; Long. 0" 8' Q" W.; AUitude, 111 feet.

Date.

In the Day.

1877.

i?>«

Hy^r

oms-

§■=•

o„ .

.9

Jan.

3"'!f"o

perature.

Temperature.

K

s^-^^

.s?;

go£

and

In

On

Feb.

Dry.

Wet.

deg.

Max.
dee.

MiD.
deg.

snn.

grass.
deB.

deg.

In.

S5 9

84.4

N.W.

3s 8

43 6

33.1

0283

47.7

47.0

W.

40.0

60.3

35.3

0.01S

60:0

49.8

s.w.

41.6

61.5

46 8

66.2

45.1

0.077

S9.0

97.7

w.

42.3

49 a

85.2

Sl.l

42 8

38.8

N.W.

407

46.8

38 6

84.4

—

85 4

88 7

S.W.

40.0

49.7

82.5

U.IIIK

Tq. 6

30.282

48.5
43.3

48 0
42.0

42.0

52.6

38.6
37.1

36.4
83.7

Means.

80.155

43.5

49.1

63.6

0.841

REMARKS.

aist.— Fine morning, solai- halo between 8 and 9 a.m.; fine till the evenings
when there was again rain.

Ist.—Dull and damp all day, but scarce any rain.

2nd. — Neither sun nor rain all day; stars very bright at night-

Srd, — White frost in morning, fiue forenoon ; rather less bright in the after-
noon ; fine evening, and starlight night.

4th— White frost foUowed by a fine bright day, brilliant Ennset, and starlit
night.

5th.— Slight white frost, fine morning and fair till 5 p.m., when it began to
rain and the evening was showery.

6th. — A damp, dull, disagreeable day; rain at intervals during the day, and
more heavy at night.
Very mild, and, excepting on the Slst, somewhat drier than for Bome weeks

past.— G. J. SvMONs.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— February 7.

We have no alteration to report from last week.

Apples iBieve

Oarrants eieve

Filberta lb.

Cobs lb.

Grapes, hothouse,,., lb

Lemons 1^100

Melons each

Artichokes dozen

Asparagus -^ 10)

French bundle

Bsans. Kidney **10)

Beet. Red dozen

Broccoli bundle

Brussels Sprouts. .i sieve

Carrots- bunch

Capsicums ** 10)

Cauliflower drzen

Celery bundle

Coleworta.. doz. bunches

Cucumbers each

Endive dozen

Fennel bunch

Garlic lb.

Herbs bunch

Hi»rscra(UBh buudle

Lettuce dozen

Leeks bunch

Oranges ¥^ ICO

Pears, kitchen doz.

dessert doe.

Apples lb.

Strawberries, _ _ _.

Walnuts bushel

ditto ¥*'10O

VEGETABLES.

Mushrooms pottle

Mustard & Cress punnet

Ouions bushel

pickling auart

Parsley — doz. bunches
Parsnipa doz

.08 10

d. B. d.

oioo 0

0 10 CI
0 0 0
0 I 0

9
0
0
4
6
0
6
0

1 6
4 0

2 11
0 8
2 (1
6 0

a 0

6
3

it 0
0 0

3
0

i

0 c;
0 u
2 0
0 0

Peas

Potatoes bushel

Kidney do.

New lb.

Radishes., doz, bunches

Rbnbarb bundle

Salsafy bundle

Scorzonera bundle

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spmach bushel

Tomatoes } i

rt 0 0 0 0

Fobroary 15, 1877. )

JOUKNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Ill

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day 1
1 of o( FEBEUAEY 15—21, 1S77.
Montb Week. 1

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

Sun
Sets.

Moon Moon Moon's
Rises. Sets. Age.

Clock
before
Sun.

Day
of
Year.

15 1 Th

16 1 F

17 1 S

18 ; S0N

19 M

20 To

21 W

Boyal Society at 8.S0 p.m.

Geological Society (AnniTerBary) at 1 p.m.

1 Sunday in Lent.
London Institution at 5 p.m.
Zoological Society at 8.SU p.m.
Society of Arts at 8 p.m.

Day.
46.3
46.3
43 9
45.0
46.6
45.1
46.2

Night.
31.2
80.4
30.6
30,6
.S0.7
30.2
31.9

Mean.
38 8
38.4
37.2
37 8
88.6
37.6
39.1

h. m.

7 16
7 14
7 12
7 10
7 8
7 6
7 4

h. m.

5 13

6 15
5 17
5 19
5 20
5 22
5 24

h. m

7a56
8 6
8 17
8 28

8 43

9 4
9 S4

h. m.

7 45

8 67

10 12

11 29

0 60
2 13

Days.
2
3
4

6

7
3

U 23
14 19
14 15
14 10
14 4
13 57
13 50

46
47
48
49
60
51
52

From obserrations taien near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 45.6'; audits night temperature
30.8'.

WHEN TO GIVE AIE, AND WHY.

ff . ^ HO dares say anytliing against the tinie-
lionoui'ed " chiak of air " insisted on by
so many first-iate gardeners? It would
seem at first sight to be ahnost madness
to do so, and at the same time to own
th.at probably the greatest number of
successes are to be found at present where
the said chink is held in great veneration.
Nevertheless I say unhesitatingly that the
necessity for the chink of air on forcing
houses night and day in winter is only an imaginary one,
and to keep it on regularly is extravagance.

As a general rule, houses which have their roofs con-
structed principally of glass do not require opening at all
so long as the atmospheric temperature has to be assisted
by fire heat. Those who recommend a constant chink of
air imagine it is necessary for the sake of supplying the
plants with fresh air, and this idea when looked at in the
right light is altogether an absurdity, and will only be-
come reasonable when our glass fittings are made air-
proof. Imagine a forcing house at 70' while the outside
temperature is 30" ! A good arithmetician could tell you
how long it would take, if shut as closely as possible,
to change its air entirely. I have not the least idea of
the length of time it would take, but certainly net many
hours, and of course with a gre'ater difference between
the two temperatures the more rapid would be the change ;
consequently the less need would there be to open the
■ventilators. Anyone who will look at the matter for a
moment will see that it takes at least four times the
amount of hot-water pipes to heat a forcing house that it
would to heat a dwelling house to the same temperature ;
and again, a forcing house well covered or double-glazed
will take a third less fuel than it otherwise would to keep
it up to the required temperature. All this goes to prove
that in an ordinary forcing house when the outside tem-
perature is low the change of air is sufficiently rapid for
the good of the plants.

Not only is fuel wasted by giving air when the plants
have already a sufficiency of it, but the tissues of the
plants are dried up, and they become an easier prey to
insects. I know there are people, and good gardeners
amongst them, who will scarcely credit that it is possible
to force Kidney Beans, Strawberries, &c., in winter with-
out red spider. Let all such banish their old notions about
giving the constant chink of air and high artificial tempe-
ratures, and they will find that it is easier to go on with-
out this and other pests than it was with them. By-the-
by, I find high night temperatures, the venerable chink
of au% and a plague of insects keep company very con-
stantly. I have often been at a loss to understand how
so many of our good gardeners wUl insist on a high night
temperature and declare that thiir plants will not exist
under the conditions, and often name, say, for instance,
55° for Cucumbers and Vines in full growtli. Now I think
the chink of air must have something to do with it. We
know that we may feel quite comfortable as to warmth

No. 829.-VOL. XXXU., New Series.

at one time with the thermometer at 40°, but an east or
north-east wind will speedily deprive us of that comfort,
though the thermometer may declare the temperature to
be 55°.

When and why is it necessary to open the ventilators ?

Istly, When there is not sufficient difference between
internal and external temperatures to cause circalation
and consequent renewal of air.

2ndly, When blossoms are expanded which require
fertilisation, a more rapid circulation than usual is neces-
sary to dry and distribute the pollen.

3rdly, Wlien there is a likelihood of the temperature
rising too high or too rapidly from natural causes (not
after it has risen, mind ; the rising must be anticipated).

A rapid rise of temperature does not harm many hot-
house plants, escepting they are bearing fruit or flowers,
when, owing to the fruit and tJowers not being wai-med
so quickly as the surrounding air, moisture immediately
condenses on them, and is very injurious. The same
cause produces damping or fogging-off with small or
tender plants. If the temperature rises rapidly while the
soil is comparatively cold condensation takes place on
the surface and speedily affects the stem where it touches.
A low temperature, even when approaching a frosty one,
is not injurious of itself to ripe Grapes ; but when the
natural temperature rises suddenly while the Grapes are
still cold and condensation takes place on them, as was
so well explained by " A Nokthekn Gardener "recently,
injury very soon follows. The only safe plan is to just
keep the pipes from becoming entirely cold and to run as
if for your life to open the ventilators when the sun is
likely to show itself.

Keeping a regular temperature of 40°, 50°, or any other
fancied height is all nonsense. You cannot do it. If the
outside air is 55°, your vinery with ripe Grapes must be
00°, or the fruit will soon rot from damp. Heating and
ventilation attended to, the amount of moisture in the
house is of little consequence. We are still (February 5)
using Hamburgh Grapes which have been kept ia a house
with thousands of bedding plants which received an
abundance of water two or three times a-week all through
the worst winter months perhaps ever experienced. I
must not, however, take too much credit upon myself
for this, tor a great deal belongs to the house, which is
probably one of the best in the country. — Wm. Taylor.

THE WHITE LILAC,

AS PREPARED ANDiFORCED IN FRANCE.

The white LDac, which is extensively used in the forma-
tion of bouquets in Paris from the month of October, has
been an object of much interest. The cultivation of this
shrub, the colour of which is lilac when grown naturally
in the open air, appears a mystery to many who are not
initiated into the secrets of horticulture. It is, however,
quite simple and practicable even for modest amateurs.

The Lilac Charles X. is preferable to aU others for this
mode of culture ; it alone is employed for this special
culture. Take up in autumn a clump, or only a part,

No. 1481.— Vol. LVIL, Old Series.

112

JOUBNAIi OP HOBTICDLTUBB AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB.

[ February 15, 1377.

aooording to the quantity requirsd ; pot all the shoots which
in dividing the clnmp have good fibrous roots, and which
esDecially shall have a head, or branches likely to make one.
P Tue these to a foot long, or as much as is enough for the
shrub to be sufiiciently strong, and not too large, when in the
following year it is to be placed in the forcing house. The
subsequent pruning is to be regulated so as to form a hand-
some head to the plant. The plants are to be placed in a cold
house or pit during the winter; afterwards they are to be
plunged in the open ground, and attended to by shading and
watering them, in order to secure good heads. At the end of
August when they shall have finished growing select all those
that are well set with blossom buds, and which it is intended
to force; put them in a shaded place and suspend watering
them so as to ripen the wood, and when the soil in the pot is
quite dry and the wood has begun to shrivel, then is the time
to begin forcing.

Place the pots on the floor in a corner of a stove or under
the stages where they will be completely shaded, water them
abundantly, and be careful to keep up the heat at not leas than
70' to HO' to insure success. Those who specially cultivate
this plant do so by thousands. Many nurserymen grow them
to supply amateurs, and we think that those who wish to have
these magnificent shrubs in fiower a year earlier would do well
to purchase them ; they will then see in what state they are,
and that will be a guide it they wish to experiment for them-
selves in the following years.

As to the shoots which are not sufficiently rooted to fit them
for potting, they should be planted out and grown-on for use
the next year.— (Lc Moniteur d'llorticaltcur.)

KOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY.

Febboaey ISth.

The Annual General Meeting of this Society was held last
Tuesday in the Conucil-room, South Kt- neiugtou. Lord Aberdare,
the President, in the chair. The members of Council present
were Lord Alfred S. Churchijl, Dr. Denny, Mr. Henrv Webb
(Treasurer), Dr. Hogg (Secretary), Mr. Haughton, Mr. Kellook,
Major Mason, and Mr. Campion. Amongst tbe general body of
Fellows were Mr. Ed^ar Bowring, C.B., Mr. Guedalla, Mr. G. F.
Wilson, Mr. G. T. Saul, Mr. Shirley flibberd, Mr. Godson, sen.,
Mr. Da Castro, Mr. David Wooster, Mr. John Fraser, Mr. P.
Liggins, Mr. H. Veitch, Mr. Maurice Young, Dr. Masters, Mr. H.
J. Elwes, Mr. B. S. Williams, Mr. Arthur Grote, Mr. John Lee,
Mr. Tweedy, Mr. Bateman, &o.

Mr. DxcK (Assistant Secretary) read the minutes of former
meetings, which were approved, and signed by the Pru.sideat.

Messrs. H. Veitch and J. Lee were apj)niiit.ed scrutiueers for
the ballot of members of Cuuucil and ollieers of the Society.
The Eeport of the Council having been taken as r(;ad,

The President said: Ladies and Gentlemen — Those who re-
member their Horace will recollect how a thouaaod lines were
spoken by a poet standing upon one foot, and as the President
of this Society I ought not to shrink from making to you a few
observations in the same uufortunale position [alluding to the
effects of his late accident]. You will all have read with satis-
faction a statement in the Keport of the actual work done
towards the advancement of the science of horliculture. I
draw special notice to that because the Council, like the rest of
the Fellows, have read the disparaging remarks which have
appeared from time to time as to the proceedings of this Society.
Undoubtedly the unfortunate circumstances which have been
the subject of so much conversation in this room have had to
some extent a prejudicial effect upon the position of the Society.
It is undoubtedly tiue a large portion of the funds, which might
have been devoted to the advancement of horticultural science,
have necessarily been applied to the maintenance of these gar-
dens at South KeuBiugton. It is true that the Journal of the
proceedings of the Society, which all who are fond of horticul-
ture have read with the greatest possible interest, has been dis-
continued; and there is no question that the conuection of the
Society with tlie South Kensington Gardtr^us under the modern
phase which it has unfortunately taken during the last two or
three years has been prejudicial to the interests of the Society.
This subject has been made one of unjust comment on the con-
sequences of that union. It is not for me to defend it. It was
proposed many years ago and advised by the late Prince Consort
on the one hand, and by Dr. Lindley and other most earnest
supporters of the Society on the other. There was a hope that
the effect of this union would be to popularise science to a very
great extent, and I cannot say that in my opinion those antici-
pations have been realised [hear, hear]. I doubt whether they
were realised at the time when the Society wau most prosperous,
because I think what prosperity meant was a large number of
subscriptions from South Kensington and the enjuyment of the
pleasures and advantages of these gardens [hear, hear]. But

when you bear in mind the fact that yon obtain 47,000 plants
a-year from Chiswick for these gardens, you must not conclude
that the reputation of the Society must be gone in a scientific
point of view ; but we must all feel that, having entered into
this union, it was impossible lightly or easily to withdraw from
it. In the first place it was absolutely necessary for us, as men
of honour and principle, to do our utmost to give effect to the
intentions of those who brought about this union. Even sup-
posing there had been a failure of the object in view, there was
still a sense of honour to be felt towards those who had advanced
large sums of money in the hope of the concern or the union
beluga prosperous one [applause]. There were some persons
who advanced nearly the sum of i'.50,000 ou debentures, and
there were also life-ticket- holders who paid down their money
and whose claims could not be repudiated. It was thus the
duty of those who had in their hands the management of the
Society to do, while there was a vestige of hope left, their best
for the general welfare of the Society, and to secure the interest
coming due to the debenture-holders and to the lile-ticket-
holders. Well, you are all aware of the result of all this. We
are now under a special lease for three years, during which time
we cannot be extinguished. At the end of these three years, in
the event of the annual sum of XIO.OOO not being raised, Her
Majesty's Commissioners will be in a position to extinguish the
Society.

Mr. W. H.vuoHTON.— It the amount of one only be not £10,000.

The Pkesident. — Well, we must show we have obtained sub-
scriptions to the amount of l'lo,00U. All we received from all
sources last year was £5800, and you can judge for yourselves
the amount of effort that must be made to secure the sum
which is now required. It may be thought that the attempted
absorption of the gardens by Her Majesty's Commissioners may
lead to increased efforts so as to enable the Council to carry out
their desire to promote the real objects of the Society both at
Chiswick and South Kensington. If not, you will see that it is
utterly impossible for the Society to continue in it? present
position. How can we remain as tenants bound to pay i''2.500
a-vear which we cannot pay ? When we have a burden of
£2000 a-year, which ought to be paid to the debenture-holders,
what use is it for us to remain here, when during the last year
we were unable to keep up the gardens in a proper condition,
when we had to cut down all our expenses and close all the
entrances to the gardens but one ? I think you will feel with
me and the Council, that is not a befitting position for this
Society to be placed in [hear, hear]. It is not right or proper
that this Society should be constantly exposed to the charge that
it is endeavouring to maintain a position it cannot maintain. If
a mau finds himself over-spending himself , it is his duty to make
his income and his expenditure balance, and to give up every
source of unnecessary expenditure. It is equally the duty of
this Society to endeavour to square its expenditure and receipts
by abstaining from trying to support and keep up gardens like
these for which an adequate income is not provided [hear,
hear]. I have stated here on former occasions, and I am glad
to state it again, that having, by the assistance of the Com-
missioners, taken the Society from a state of debt and bank-
ruptcy, I think it my duty to endeavour to keep the Society
from incurring further debt. During the next two years we
shall not, I am sorry to say, be able to keep the present gardens
up to their former condition. We shall, I am sorry to say, be
obliged to refrain from many things we would like to do for the
extension of horticulture, but I think our great object during the
next two years should be that the Society should not suffer in
credit by entering into pecnuiary liabilities it cannot discharge
[hear]. I wish you to understand that only for Her Majesty's
Commissioners we should be involved in very heavy debt. The
sum of t'oDUO advanced by Mr. Freake has been spent in discharg-
ing our debts, and you will agree with me that it is our duty to pre-
vent the Society from again running into liabilities they have not
the prospect of discharging or of getting any assistance towards
diachargiug from the Commissioners. My view of the question is j
thi8,thatunlesa the public generally, and especially in this neigh- '
bourhood, exert themselves to put us in a position to raise the ]
annual sum of £10,()U0, it is impossible for us to meet our ordi-l
nary obligations ; and I then think that the union between South |
Kensington and Chiswick ought to be discontinued at the end I
of three years. That is a fair notice, which ought to be clearly I
understood. I am glad to find the Keport of the Council iii|
it.s concluding sentence puts their position in clear language.
With these observations I bog to move the adoption of the Re- \
port [chetrs].

Mr. Shirley HiiutERn wished to call attention to the balance-
sheet. They should have had in their hands that day a fuller
statement of accounts than that they hart been furnished with.
The balanCB-sbi'et did not include the £511111) received as a loan
from Mr. Freako, and they had no account with re-ipect to a
sum of tlHOU. He should like to ask the Treasurer how it was
that he had put in the hands of the Fellows such a statement
of accounts as rendered it almost impossible for thi'm to pro-
ceed with the busiueas 'I Some years ago it wai determined to

February 16, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OFHOKTICULTORB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB,

113

hold exhibitions io the provinces, but a Finance Committee,
representing Her Majesty's Commissioners and the Council of
the Society, determined that the Society's funds could not be ap-
plied to exhibitions iu the provinces. Finding themselves in a
difficulty the Society provided a fund of their own which came
out of certain private pockets, sometimes in the shape of guaran-
tees and also in the shape of earnings from distant places. The
last exhibition at Bath left them in possession of Xl2(I0U alto-
gether solely to be devoted to the promotion of exhibitions iu
the provinces. It was stated in the circular issued by the Coun-
cil that these provincial exhibitions would be resumed ; but now
they had no money to carry them on. In 1H73, Viscount Bury be-
ing then Chairman of Council, a sum of i'lBUU was borrowed from
the provincial funds and transferred to the general funds of
the Society, and in that very same year i'l'JUO was paid in in-
terest on debentures ; so that the separate horticultural fuuds
were turned to account to pay off interest on the debentures.
But that should have been paid out of the surplus profits of
the Society. The Society had no business to touch that money.
He should like the Treasurer to tell them something of this
missing i'lyoij, because it should really be paid back to the
horticultural funds by this time, so as to enable the Society to
look forward to provincial shows with some prospect of success.

Mr. Henry Wkdb (Treasurer), said he thought Mr. Hibberd
had answered the question about the i'lOuO, for he told them it
had been spent [a laugh]. He deemed it an improper thing to
have taken the money from that fund, hut it was done before
he was Treasurer. There was also a large sum of life-com-
position money taken, and he regretted very much it had been
done, because, if it had not, they would have been able to go on
without borrowing this money from ilr. Freake. Kvcr since,
as by the Charier they were obliged to make the money appear
from year to year in the balance-sheet, it rendered the balance-
sheet to that extent inaccurate and misleading. There was no
such fund, and in the accounts it appeared that they had a
larger sum in revenue than they actually had. He regretted
the balance-sheet had not been made out until the present
moment.

Mr. Hibberd asked the Secretary if he could furnish the meet-
ing with a copy of the minute under which the money in
■question was improperly transferred.

The President.- — AH these proceedings took place before the
existence of the present Council. They appeared in the ac-
counts. It may be a subject for animadversion, but I cannot
conceive what advantage can arise from discussing statements
of accounts which have already appeared [hear, hear]. I think
Mr. Hibberd has received a very clear and full answer as to
this unfortunate sum, and no advantage can arise from re-
opening a question so long in abeyance.

Mr. GuEDALLA thought with Mr. Hibberd that a better state-
ment of accounts ought to have been sixbmitted to the Fellows.

The President. — I quite agree that fuller accounts ought to
have besn furnished.

Mr. GuEDAi-LA. — We should have received a printed statement
of accounts. He should like to ask the Chairman how subscrip-
tions were coming in, as they had heard so many reports on the
subject. It would be well if the Fellows had some statement
on the subject, as it might induce people to make an effort to
increase the income of the Society.

The President. — I am happy io announce that we shall, in
the course of this day's proceedings, proceed to the election of
thirty -cine new Fellows [hear, hear].

Mr. H. Webb. — And a great many of those who have with-
<lrawn from the Society are coming back to it again [hear].

Mr. GoEDALLA said the noble Chairman had so clearly laid
down their position, that he thought it best to go on and await
the chapter of accidents. He should with pleasure second the
motion for the adoption of the Report.

Mr. Godson, sen., asked what would be the result if the
110,000 was paid in ? In that case, what arrangement was there
with the Commissioners ?

The President. — I am glad you asked that question, because
it is a very important question, and a fall answer ought to be
given to it and clearly apprehended by all persons present.
Supposing the conditions of the lease are fulfilled by our raising
ihe revenue to £10,000 a-year and paying an annual rent, it will
be impossible for the Commissioners to put an end to the lease,
and it will be our duty to continue the connection ; and, for one
reason among others, that that is the only cbauce that the de-
benture-holders have of receiving interest on their i'50,000. So
long as the Society receives a sum over and above the cost of
mamtaining the gardens, that f-um should be paid to the de-
benture-holders ; that is their sole right. The only legal right
to the payment of the capital arises from two sourCfS. One is —
if at the expiration of the lease in IS'Jl the Society fulfils all the
-conditions of the lease, and the Cummiseioners then choose to
extinguish the debt, the Commissioners will be bound to pay
one half the debentures. That is one half. The other half is by
putting aside excessive receipts over the payment of the interest
due to the debenture-holders during the continuance of the

lease and over the annual interest. A part of that excess is put
aside to redeem the capital of the debenture-holders. I do not
say that the second part of that will carry very much comfort to
the minds of the debenture-holders ; but there is this much in
it, that it shows us it will be our duty to carry on the gardens as
honest men, so that we might present a substantial security to
the debenture-holders [hear, hear].

Mr. Godson. — Are we safe at the present moment in the con-
tinuance of our occupation of the gardens ? Supposing that
i'10,000 a-year is not raised until the term expired, what then ?

The President. — It would be two years until the termination
of the three years.

Mr. Hauohton. — From Christmas next until the Christmas
following. Now if the income of that period comes up to the
indicated figure the gardens will be continued.

Mr. Godson observed that there was one thing still regarding
their position which it was well to have determined. Supposing
that ilO,UOO annually was not received, what would be the
result as to all their property ? Would their possession last for
three years or for two years ?

The President. — That will depend upon the action of Her
Majesty's Commissioners.

Mr. Godson. — That is exactly what I want to know about.

The President. — If at the end of that time we are not in a
position to pay our rent Her Majesty's Commissioners will be
exactly in the position of other landlords, and can, as a matter
of course, terminate the lease.

Mr. Godson. — Then we are at their free will?

The President. — Yes, we are.

Mr. Godson then remarked that the Report of the Council
was the most extraordinary one he had ever seen presented to a
meeting. The Council started their Report by saying they
borrowed i'5000.

The President. — But that is a liabihty of the Commissioners
— it is not a liability of this Society.

Mr. Godson. — I am very glad to bear your explanation.

Mr. TwEEDV wished to have some explanation about £2300
expenditure on the Chiswick Gardens, which was at one time a
most fashionable resort. It seemed to him that the Chiswick
Gardens had ceased to be of any usd to the Society [no, no].
What he would suggest was that they should sell the Chiswick
Gardens [cries of " no," and laughter | . Well, he should much
rather that these gardens were sold and some of the money
appropriated to the payment of the debts of the Society than
that their existence should be continued. He did not see the
means of keeping up the cost of the establishmeni.

The President. — My old friend proposes we should give up
these gardeus. I have mentioned that 47,000 plants have been
brought from them to these gardens. He has referred to the
past times of the Chiswiuk Gard-us when during some few
years it was a fashionable resort, but now the gardens are turned
to use for scientific experiments and for horticultural purposes.
As to Belling the Chiswick Gardens, I entirely disagree with
my friend [cries of " hear "J. I cannot see any good effect such
a proceeiling would have [bear, hear]. I do not know whether
my friend saw the undignified entry of the President into this
room, because it really looked like the present position of the
Society. One of his legs was firm and stout, and that I con-
ceive to represent the Chiswick Gardens [laughter and cheers].
The other leg was weak, tottering, and useless, which bears a
remarkable resemblance to the South Kensington Gardens
[more laughter]. The crutches I take to represent the Com-
missioners, who alone interfered between us and bankruptcy
[hear, hear]. Now if the crutches gave way the sound leg
would be reduced to the condition of the other one, and I do
not know what the unfortunate man — or, carrying out the simile,
this Society — could do without the crutches, which represented
the Commissioners who alone interfered between us and bank-
ruptcy as I stated before [bear, and cheers].

Mr. LiGoiNs said they appeared to forget that in the old times
they were not able to meet their expenees, and that in order to
put themselves in proper fuuds it was necessary to do something
more than maintain Chiswick Gardens. If in consequence of the
failure of the Itoyal Horticultural Society they were to go back to
Chiswick Gardens, it. would be more detrimental to them than
anything they could do. He had been always one of those
who thought they ehould cultivate the connection with South
Kensington, not with respect to horticultural gardens so much
as with respect to affording them a large income [hear, hear].
The South Kensington Gardens were in the midst of London,
and of those who cared for little but for London and its pleasures.
The money of these people was just as desirablt^ as the money of
horticulturists, but it was ouly by a union of the two that the
Society can be made a paying concern [hear, hear]. He hoped
some measures might be taken to raise the income, bo as to
enable the Society to continue its connection with the Com-
missioners.

Mr. WoosTEB observed that the Society was losing in reputa-
tion by the impression which was abroad, that there existed no se-
curity for either capital or interest due to the debenture-holders.

114

JOUBNAL OP HOBTIODLTUBB AND COTIAaE GARUKNEB.

[ February 15, 1877.

The President.— Would you suggest what possible property
this Society could ofier as security for the i'50,000 debenture
debt?

Mr. 'WoosTEK said there was in the agreement with the Com-
missioners a clause touching the life Fellows which was for the
purpose of forming a sinking fund for the ultimate extinction of
the debenture rlebt. He only wished to remind his lordship
and the other Fellows of this stipulalion, and that the impres-
sion to which he had alluded did very serious injury to the
future prospects of the Society. The original interest of the
debenture-holders was 5 per cent., but after the expiration of
a year that was thought too much, and then in July, 1801, there
was a letter sent to the debenture-holders proposing a reduction
of 1 per cent. The debenture-holders consented to that propo-
sition, and ho thought tbio was really a legal debt due by the
Society to those who had taken the debentures, and that they
ought to be secured.

The President. — What property have we available for paying
off the debt?

Mr. WoosTER. — I am merely suggesting that the impression
which is abroad might probably prevent the public from joiuing
the Society.

The President. — But the practical result is this, that if the
Fellows subscribe they will pay the debenture debt. That is
the practical solution of the question. What other solution can
there be ?

Mr. WoosTER farther observed that it was a remarkable cir-
cumstance that in the Report there was no mention ns to the non-
faliilmeut of the conditions of the circular issued the 17th of
March, 1876, touching a certain series of lectures which was to
be given by the Society.

The President. — My answer to that last remark is that the
circular was sent to all the various Fellows, and we only got one
answer [laughter]. We naturally did not thiok it right to esta-
blish lectures for one auditor [laughter].

Mr. GuED.tLLA thought the Council ought to disown the
action taken by Mr. Wilson. Some notice ought to be taken of
this by gentlemen on the other side of the table.

Mr. Wilson rose to say he thought they were considering the
subject that day almost exclusively from a South Kensington
point of view. They were told the hopes of the Society de-
pended upon collecting funds from the neighbourhood amount-
ing in one year to i;10,000.

The President. — I said the hopes of the Society if it were to
continue.

Mr. Wilson said the letter in the Times ot the 19th January
was perfectly conclusive. They kept on trusting to the neigh-
bourhood of South Kensington instead of going at once to the
great body of horticulturists throughout the country. He
wanted to see a large number of horticulturists — say five thou-
sand country horticulturists, or horticulturists from town and
country, come forward and give their names as supporters of the
Society [hear, hear].

A Life Fellow said he had been told the Society had always
been in dilliculties. Now, supposing such a state of things as
that the Chairman had sketched out — that Her Majesty's Com-
missioners distrained upon the gardens and turned the Society
out of them — in what position were they likely to be in then ? be-
cause, from all he had ascertained, if they went back toChiswick
they would go back to the old condition of debt and difficulty.

The President. — I may say I think that it the Society
■were simply a scientific society and unconnected with South
Kensington it would get a good deal of independent support on
that ground [hear, hear]. I have heard freriuently one reason
why people do not join these gardens, and that is that they will
be bound hand and foot to South Kensington, and that the
whole object here is to keep up the gardens in a magnificent
state. That impression I am tuld is very strong, and that it
cannot be removed without disuniting the two establishments.
But I would do nothing to disunite the two, but endeavour to
preserve the union [hear, hear]. But I will say certainly that
if that did take place a large number of horticulturists would be
induced to come forward and join the Society [cries cf " hear."]
Then we must recollect in the case of Chiswick that it bad a
large debt in spite of many sacrifices. A large scheme was set
on foot in 18G0, and a great deal of money was spent in scientific
proceedings, whilst our debt at South Kensington has not arisen
from the prosecution of scientific research. I am told that for
several consecutive years they had at Chiswick beautiful weather,
fine summers, and hence large gatherings at the Chiswick Gar-
dens, and of course the receipts were very largo. Then came
three or four successive years of bad weather with very large
expenditure and next to no receipts, during which a large por-
tion of the debts were incurred. Since these days horticulture
has spread enormously. I should not be surprised that there
should be five thousand men ready and willing to give X'GOOU
for the purpose of real scientific horticulture, but I think it
much more likely to be got from members of the Society where
there is a scientific society united for social purposes with South
Kensington [hear, hear].

Lord Alfred S. Churchill. — In proposing his scheme, Mr.
Wilson will recollect we are tied hand and leg to these gardens
until two years expire, or until we raise our subscriptions to a
certain amount. I can hardly agree that, if we were once freed J
of these gardens, we would get a large amount of horticultural I
support from the country. I have recently returned from '
Dublin, and there they maintain a horticultural society, and
one that is in a most flourishing condition. They have their
scientific meetings, they give away prizes, and do all the
scientific work which a horticultural society ought to do. I
said to a friend of mine the other day in Dublin, "I should
like to see your gardens." " Oh," said be, "we have got no
gardens " [laughter] . The fact is, they work ou without gBrtiens,
and subscribe toge'jher for a common purpose. Therefore, ii
that .answers in Dublin it ouRht to .inswer here ; but, in addi-
tion, we have got Chiswick (iardens, which were considerably
reduced in size when we spent our money so prodigally, so that
we can maintain our gardens at a reduced cost. If we otce got
rid of these gardens at South Kensington our expenses would
be reduced considerably, and we could keep the other gardens
for scientific purposes [hear, hear]. If we could get rid of the
incubus of these gardens Mr. Wilson's scheme must work. Afc
any rale, under the circumstances we must do the best we can,
and in view of that we have proposed various modifications in
your subscriptions.

Mr. H. Veitch said his name unfortunately appeared as one
of those who gave their sanction to Mr. Wilson's scheme ; bnt
he was not prepared to go the length to which Mr. Wilson bad
gone. He regretted that Mr. Wilson appeared in the press ia
the way he had, because it seemed to him (Mr. Veitch) that Mr-
Wilson was trying to coerce the Society into adopting a policy
which would be very dangerous to the Society [hear, hear].
He wished so farto disavow hia intention to adopt Mr. Wilson's
plan. Mr. Wilson told them that a great body cf people would
come from the country to subscribe to the Society, but in the
list which Mr. Wilson had recently circulated— that of the 5th
of January last — he found that the whole number of people
amounted to only 373 — not a very large number, cinsidering the
circulation the scheme had got, and out c f these 373 he should
think about one-third of them were already members or Fellows
of the Society. Now, that would reduce Mr. Wilson's list very
considerably [hear, hear]. With regard (o the Society itself, it
seemed to him that neither the horticulturists pure and simple^
nor the horticulturists of South Kensington, can by themselves
keep the Society going. It could only be kept up by all working
together [cheers]. They wanted along with horticulture the
extras, so as to make the building at South Kensington as
attractive as they possibly could. They must bring their fruits
and flowers there to be exhibited, for it was their interest to do
so [hear, hear]. As regarded the gardens themselves, they did
not actually want thorn. They wanted a place for their meet-
ings and for the Council, to which they all could come. On the
other hand, if the South Kensingtonians would come forward
to liberally support the institution, he thought it would be the
best thing for the Horticultural Society to keep up the gardens,
so that they could be enjoyed. If the people would only com©
to-morrow (Wednesday) afternoon from the country, he could
promise them a very beautiful show, and that they would find
not only a horticultural treat but a baud of music playing for
their pleasure and enjoyment. That was what he called a very
proper amalgamation [hear, hear]. There was one point on
which he should like to ask a question. On page 3 of the
Report, in the last paragraph, it is stated — " The provincial
shows stand on a more favourable footing, and the Council have
now under consideration when and where the nest shall be
held." He should be scrry to hear that nothing was to be done
as to provincial shows. It; did seem hard that, when the money
had been fairly earned, the firstfruits of the provincial shows
should have been forcibly taken away for other purposes [hear,
hear]. If they had the money in hand these provincial shows
would be held, and, judging by the results of former shows,
they would bring in a very fair income to help the Society. He
should like to know what steps have been or are being taken
towards holding provincial shows this year ; on what footing
were they to be, and what amount of consideration the Council
had given to the subject ?

The President.— I am hardly in a position to give a distinct
answer to that question. All I can say is we are in communica-
tion with one of the principal cities of England, and have a
very btrong hope that we shall be able to do something suc-
cessfully [hear, hear], and lay perhaps the foundation of a new
future for the Society. I have no doubt if wo are successful we
might have a guarantee fund which would put us out of all
difliculties of a financial character. If some surplus remained
we would have the nucleus of a capital sum which would enable
the Society to have a show — a provincial show — annually | hear,
he.'ir]. Warned by the past it is the intention of the Council
to invest in trustees any surplus they receive, and to have due
application for the same [hear, hear]. Let me correct a mis-
take I iuvcluutarily fell intr, I said that at the time the Society

Fetmary 15, 19T7. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

115

joined Sonth Eensington they had a debt of if 10,000. Dr. Hogg,
who knows much moi'e about the matter than I do, tells xne
that though the original debt was .£10,000, it had been reduced
by the sale of houses in Regent Street, and the actual amount
of debt remaining was £5000. But whether it was £5000 or
flO.OOO, it shows that the method of carrying on the Society
was not succeBsful. Good fiuance, which is everything in the
management of a kingdom, is as necessary to a society [hear,
hear]. I am of opinieu that all this indirect and unnecessary
expenditure ought to be abolished. It is through the assistance
we have received from Mr. Veitch and others that we have been
enabled to have our exhibitions, and I am sure the Society can-
not be too thankful for the assistance received from Mr. Veitch
and other gentlemen [applause].

Mr. Elwes said he thought there was no reason whatever
why there should not bo a perfectly fair union between the
South .Kensington and the horticultural Fellows; and the South
Kensington Fellows should remember that after all, the Society
being a horticultural one, horticultural objects would be the
first objects of the Society. By the action of the Zoological
Society it was evident such a union was perfectly possible. No
Society was more popular, and, although some of the members
worked in a purely scientific groove, matters were 80 arranged
that the Society has attracted three-fourths of their members
who did not care a straw about zoology, but who joioed the
Society for the purpose of attending tlje gardens on Sunday
[laughter]. They also opened the gardens at a low figure on
Whit-Monday and other days, and so attracted a large number
of the people of London to them. Although it was impossible
for the Horticultural Gardens to have so much general attraction
as the Zoological Gardens, if the South Kensingtonians wished
them to be kept up they could do it by contributing their fair
share, which would enable the Fellows of the Society not only '
to carry on the gardens as they ought to be carried on, but to do
good horticultural work besides.

Tbe Phesldext then put the question, "That the Report be
adopted," and it was carried with one dissentient (Mr. Godson,
sen.) Thirty-nine new Fellows were then elected.

Tne result of ballot was annoimced by the President. Those
recommended by the Council were declared elected as follows : —
President, Lord Aberdare; Treasurer, Mr. H. Webb; Secretary,
Dr. Robert Hogg; Expenses Committeemen, Mr. F. Campion,
Mr. H. Webb, and Mr W. Haughton; Auditors, Mr. J. Lee,
Mr. H. Little, and Mr. James F. West.

The President, referring to the proposed alterations of the
bye-laws, said the Council had, as a last effort, to conciliate the
inhabitants of that neighbourhood, and so far as they could
ascertain by the expression of feeling, the proposed alteration
of the bye-laws would have a good result. They had j nst elected
the good number of thirty-nine Fellows, and in addition to that
iact they had a great many of those who had left the Society
returning to it, so in that respect the affairs of the Society looked
more promising [hear, hear.] He thought they should unani-
mously adopt the new bye-laws.

Dr. "Hogg (Secretary), said it was proposed to alter the 14th
and 19th bye-laws, first by suspending the payment of the
entrance fee, wtiieh was jirovided for by the 11th bye-law. The
19 h bye-law provided that no Fellow whose entrance fee was
not paid should be entitled to vote at meetings of the Society.
It was now proposed to strike out the words "when the en-
trance fee has not been paid."

The President in reply to Mr. Veitch, who put a question
respecting one-guinea membership, said he had not been able
to .attend the Council meetings lately, and was therefore unable
to say what attention had been given to that subject. He took
the view of Lord Alfred Churchill on the matter — that it would
be an excellent plan, if this were simply a horticultural society,
to have a guinea membership [hear, hear].

Lord Alfred S. Churchill said the guinea members should
have all the privileges of Fellows except that of voting at the
meetings of the Society. It had been felt that it would be open
to any person, who, say, had strong obj-'Ctions to the Council or
policy of the Society, to induce people to become guinea mem-
bers, in order to control the action of the other Fellows. The
Council thought they should give to guinea members all the
privileges of personal admission to the gardens and to shows,
exhibitions, &c. ; in fact, all existing privileges except that of
voting at the general meeting. He was glad to say two mem-
bers had been elected according to this plan.

Mr. Godson asked if the guinea subscription ticket was
transferable.

Lord A. S. Churchill said it was not. Any guinea Fellow who
desired to exercise his voice in tbe management of the Society
could do BO by paying an additional guinea.

The altaratioDS in bye-laws 14 and 19 were then agreed to.

The President observed that he thought in the present posi-
tion of the Society the entrance fee would operate in preventing
people from joining the Sociely, and that it was wise therefore
to exercise the power of doing aw^y with an entrance fee [hear.]

Lord Alfred S. Chib^.till wished to mention an additional

Bonrce of income to which they looked forward with hopefol
anticipations. Throughout the whole country there was a large
number of local horticultural societies, and the Council were
desirous of affiliating them with the Royal Hoiticultaral Society.
Indeed many of them had been affiliated to the Society for
years, and were put in the position of individual subscribers.
The Council proposed to give gold or silver medals for distri-
bution in the local shows [hear, hear]. That would enable the
local societies to distribute as rewards for merit at their shows
medals of the Royal Horticultural Society. He hoped that the
result of the proposition would be, as he did not doubt it would,
to bring to them a large number of local horticultural societies
scattered all over the country [hear, hear].

Dr. Denny said he wished to explain with reference to refund-
ing the money which was taken, that the Council could not
refund it out of the money which was lent.

Mr. Godson.— Did you not apply that money to pay your
rent? _,

The President. — No. "' ™~~

Dr. Denny further explained that the Finance Committee,
consisting of three of Her Majesty's Commissioners, objected to
any money being spent on provincial shows. He could not
believe but that if the matter had been properly put before
the Finance Committee the money might have been raised by
guarantee; but ho did not believe the Commissioners would
allow them to refund the money.

Mr. H. Webu (Treasurer).— If I ever get any provincial show
money again it shall be properly invested [laughter], and not
at the dictation of President, Vice-president, or anybody else
[renewed Laughter].

Mr. H. Veitch.— I promise you that if yon get up good i ro-
vincial shows we will have the money to invest [hear, hear]

A cordial vote of thanks was then given to the noble President,
and the proceedings terminated.

Report of the Council — Notwithstanding the many disad-
vantages with which the Council have had to contend, they
have the satisfaction of congratulating the Society on the pro-
gress that has been made during the past year in the advance-
ment of scieutitio and practical horticulture.

At no time in the history of the Society has greater interest
been manifested in this important pursuit, both commercially
and as an intellectual recreation ; and the operations of the
Society have been directed not only to promote and encourage,
but toanticipate the growing taste for horticulture by all the
appliances it has at command.

The Scientific, the Fruit, and the Floral Committees have
met during the year without intermission, and worked assidu-
ously at their respective branches ; and under their superinten-
dence and direction much valuable work has been done in the
garden at Chiswick as well as at the meetings at South Ken-
sington.

The meetings of the Scientific Committee have been well
attended. Many most interesting facts in the morphology and
physiology of plants, as well as the branches of teratology and
pathology, have from time to time been brought before the
meetings, and the investigations of the Entomological Depart-
ment, with reference to the injuries produced by insects on
plants, have been of the greatest importance. Mr. Smith's ob-
servations on the resting spores of the Perauospora, referred to
in last year's report, were on sever.al occasions fully confirmed,
while the facts afforded by tbe late lamented Mr. Scnee's very
numerous microscopical preparations of the aphides which attack
Potatoes, and which were found to be infested by the Perano=
spora actually producing oospores in situ, tended greatly to con-
firm the accuracy of Mr. Smith's researches, while his discove^
of resting spores in the Fusisporium Solani, a fungus which is
sometimes almost as destructive as the Perauospora, demands
especial attention. Amongst other matters the grafting of a
dwarf Sunflower on the Jerusalem Artichoke, and that of differ-
ent species of Solanum on one another, as effected by Mr. Mania
of Bristol, though requiring confirmation, were of high interest;
while Dr. Hogg's attempt of a classification of Apples was
brought before the Committee and thoroughly discussed, its
Secretary bearing ample testimony to its usefulness and to the
credit which its operations ought to confer on the Horticultural
Society. .

The Fruit Committe has also been engaged in doing good
work in its department, and the reports of the experiments that
were couducted at Chiswick under its superintendence will be
found in the part of the Society's Journal which has recently
been issued. These consist of elaborate trials of 211 varieties of
vegetables. Besides the reports that are already published there
are others in preparation which will treat on 150 varieties of
Strawberries.

The large collection of cordon-trained Cherry trees, covering
the west wall of the garden at Chiswick, fruited last season for
the first time, and of these many notes were taken which will
furnish matter for a special report. This is the most complete
collection of Cherries that can be obtained, and consists of some

IIG

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ Febraaij 16, 1B77.

hundreds of varieties, all of which will be proved as to their
adaptability to the climate and their uaes in this eonntry. The
cordon-trained Peaches on the sonth wall show a great promise
of frnit for the present year, whi=h will enable the Fruit Com-
mitttee to compare them with one another, to ascertain their
merits and to settle Iheir fynonyms. The crop of Peaches in
the large orchard houBe was most satisfactory, as well as that of
the Vines in the large conservatory.

The distribntion amoog the Fellows in this department were
3fi51 packets of cuttings of fruit trees.

The worlt of the Floral Department has been by no means
unimportant from a practical point of view. The most useful
of the observations made during the past year have been those
relating to the double ilowered Zonal Pelargoniums, a class
which has rapidly incressed in numbers, and of which it was
highly desirable that a knowledge of the best sorts should be
obtained. This has now in great measure been secured, as will
be seen by a reference to the report in the recently-issued num-
ber of the Journal of the Society.

Some modification has also been made in the mode of testing
the merits of the new varieties of Zonal Pelargoniums, of which
an extensive series has, thanks to the raisers and growers of
these plants, been annually brought together at Chiswick for
some considerable period. Instead of bedding-out all the novel-
ties the first year, as has hitherto been done, the Floral Com-
mittee thoueht it would be more desirable to grow the new
sorts for the first year under glass, in order to teat their suita-
bility for pot culture ; and the second year, when better esta-
blished plants would as a rule be attainable, ia the open air, in
order to ascertain their adaptability for bedding purposes. This
has accordingly been done, and it is proposed to follow the same
plan in future.

The actual trial collections consisted of 105 varieties of Double
Pelargoniums. 1)9 sorts of Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, and 182
sorts of new Zonal Pelargoniums. For the opportunity of pro-
curing these very complete collections of Pelargoniums the
Council were indebted to the Pelargonium Society.

The distributions in this department to Fellows have been
2000 plants of various kinds, 16110 packets of cuttings, and 20,000
packets of seeds. It has been found that the distribution of
plants gives much greater satisfaction to Fellows than the former
mode of balloting for them.

A valuable mixed collection of ornamental hardy herbaceous
plants has been formed, and arrangements have been made for
making beds of the popular old florists' (lowers, such as Ranun-
culuses, Anemones, Carnations, Picotees, Auriculas, &c.

The number of plants that was supplied from Chiswick for
the decoration of the conservatory and gardens at South Ken-
sington was 47,872 up to July 18th, when the supply was dis-
continued, and the estimated value of these is X'991 7s.

The state of the subscription list has not as yet been such as
to justify the Council in issuing the usual schedules of flower
shows, but they hope that it will ere long enable them to do so
on a scale creditable to the Society. Although the great shows
are, except under unusually favourable circumstances, attended
with considerable loss, the Council, having regard to the general
feeling of the Fellows in favour of these shows and their prac-
tical use in popularising horticulture, have decided to continue
them in as efficient a manner as the funds at their command will
permit. The provincial shows stand on a more favourable foot-
ing, and the Council have now under consideration where and
when the next shall be held.

The Council will continue to encourage the fortnightly meet-
ings, which form so great an attraction to all lovers of flowers,
fruit, and horticulture generally. At these meetings may be
seen all the novelties that have been collected by commercial
or private enterprise from every part of the worhl, and also
many of not less interest which art has produced in our gardens
at home. The large attendances of Fellows and their friends
that are usually seen at these meetings are an evidence of the
interest that is taken in this part of the Society's work. To
make these meetings oven more attractive it is intended to try
the experiment of hnldiug them in the conservatory, and to have
a military band in attendance.

Through the liberality of many of the exhibitors and some
distinguished amateurs. Fellows of the Society, who have from
a spirit of devotion to liorticultural pcienco supported it at
great personal expense, the Council were enabled in .July and
November of last year to prepent two as grand exhibitions
as have ever bfcen Foen in the gardens at South Kensington,
and they have reason to believe that it is in contemplation to
act in the same liberal manner some time during the present
season.

The agreement entered into with Her Majesty's Commis-
sioners in April last authoripcd the Royal Horticultural Society
to borrow t'TOOO upon their guaranty of repaymeijt in case they
resumed poasessiou of the gardens. The Council have borrowed
upon this security .I'-jOOO, which enabled them to ]ifly outstand-
ing liabilities, prizes, and medals; so that on 3l8t December
last the Society had a balance in hand more than snfllcient to

pay all their outstanding liabilities. The Society may be said
to have commenced this year without debt or liability (except
that attaching to surplus income in respect of debentures), which
has not been the case for very many years past.

On the other hand, the Council have to regret that the receipts
of the gardeus have not proved sulfioient to pay the interest on,
the debentures.

The strictest economy has been exercised — salaries and out-
goings have been reduced by about .£1000 a-year, and towards-
the close of last season it was thought advisable to reduce the
expenditure still further by closing the entrance on the wesi
side of the gardens. This has, however been re-opened, and will
so continue as long as funds will admit.

The Council have, in their circular of the 2l8t December, 1B7G',
so recently addressed the Fellows on their position with refer-
ence both to Her Majesty's Commissioners and the debenture
holders, that they deem it to be unnecessary to return to the-
subject, more especially as that position remains unchanged >
They content themselves with reminding the Fellows that,
while their connection with South Kensington subsists, they
are bound to do their utmost to obtain an income sufficient for
the discharge of three distinct obligations — viz., the mainte-
nance of the gardens, the payment of interest on debentures, and
the payments of rents to the Royal Commissioners. In spite oS
all their eSorts their receipts during last year have sufficed for
none of these purposes. Not only did the debenture holders
and the Commissioners remain altogether unpaid, hut the CounciJ
were obliged, by a necessary regard for economy, to make an
inadequate provision for the maintenance of the gardens and
their enjoyment by the Fellows. It appears to the Council, and
they trust that in this view they will be supported by the
Society, that, unless sufficient funds are forthcoming for the
fulfilment of their obligations, a proper regard for the dignity
no less than for the scientific interests of the Society, dictatesf
the earliest possible retreat from a connection which was entered
into with so much hopefulness and with such fair prospects oC
enlarged utility.

A Labge Oak.— One of the finest specimens of the English
Oak in Herefordshire, if not in England, is, says the Here-
fnrdsliirf Times, about to fall under the auctioneer's hammer.
This fine Oak, of which a photograph and interesting account
appeared in the " Tranpactions of the Woolhope Club " some
years since, is remarkable not only for the beautiful symmetry
of its growth, but for the enormous quantity of timber it con-
tains. Viewed at some distance, however, it fails to create
much surprise, and it is only on walking round the trunk and
looking up to the height at which it sends forth its huge
branches that you begin to realise the enormous dimensions
of the tree, which represent some 2.5 feet in circumference, and
contains 1200 feet of timber. Until within the past eight
years the tree was in such a healthy growing state that it
could not be said to have arrived at the prime of life, when it
was struck by lightning. A sight of this grand old tree and
other magnificent trees on the estate will well repay a visit ta
Tjberton.

SEAKALE.

Seakale (Crambe maritima) is a native of the shores of
Britain, and has been cultivated for more than a centnry, yet
it is seldom found except in the gardens of the wealthy, and
in those often planted in some corner or out-of-the-way place.
Considerations, such as tidiness and the facility for apply-
ing the forcing or blanching material, have frequently caused
it to be planted in the worst possible situations for its free
growth.

Seakale requires an open situation and a generous soil.
Stiff soils are nnsuited to its cultivation, though by the ad-
dition of sand or ashes (charred refuse being excellent),
the soil may be rendered sufficiently friable. The best soil,
however, is a deep light loam or vegetable soil, especially a
sandy one. My plan is to trench the soil to a depth of 2 feet,
enriching with manure as the work proceeds, spreading sand,
on tho surface, that material finding its way downward quite
fast enough if mixed with the surface soil.

The seed is sown early in April in drills l.j inches apart,,
covering the seed about liinch deep, placing three or four
seeds at every 9 inches to make sure of plants appearing at
those distances. Thin out the plants after they have formed
rough leaves, leaving the strongest 9 inches apart, keeping
clear of weeds during the summer, and watering with liquid
manure during dry weather after May. Nothing invigorates
Seakale so much as drepsings of salt or nitrate of soda, apply-
ing broadcast half a peck of salt to 30 square yards, and 1 lb. of '

Psbraiiry 15, 1877. ]

JOUENAIi OF HOBTIOtJLTtIBB AND COTTAGE GABDBNEB.

117

nitrate of soda to the same (juantity of ground. The dressings
may be applied in March and at the end of Jane or early in July.
Both are good against slugs. By the autumn many of the plants
will have crowns large enough for forcing. When the leaves
part from the crowns freely dig up the roots, placing them up
to the crowns in pots or boxes. A 12-inch pot will accommo-
date half a dozen plants, keeping the crowns about an inch
from the sides and the same distance below the rim of the pot.
If the pots are to be placed in a dark place there is no need to
cover them, but if to be placed in the light we must invert
over each another pot, and tie round the crevice a strip of
canvas so as to exclude light. Any house or place having a
temperature of 50" to .".V is suitable. I find it necessary to
apply tepid water about ouce a-week when the crowns are placed
in soil upon the floor of a JIuahroom house. The soil should
be moist when used, and be kept moist, or the produce will be
hard and stringy. Though o5' is the most suitable temperature
for producing fine Seakale in about three weeks, yet those
having the accommodation of a greenhouse or any place with
a temperature of 45^ may grow produce of high exoellonce.
A temperature of 45° to 50' will insure Seakale fit to cut in
four to six weekn, the latter period in early winter, the former
after January, 50' to 55' in three to four weeks, and 55" to CO"
in a fortnight to three week?, it being longer in growing in
autumn or early winter than in the spring. I put in crowns
every fortnight sufficient for producing " Kale " daily from
November to April inclusive.

In respect of blanching in the open ground, there is no better
plan than to hoop over two or three rows and cover with straw
or long litter (J inches thick. Covering the crowns with pots
in the orthodox fashion answers well, the pots having move-
able lids. Old plants become weakened by a protracted season
of forcing, and it is well to bear in mind that superiority
marks the produce of roots which have not previously been
forced. Yet those who can command leaves and stable litter
in sufficient quantity may pursue a practice even if it is anti-
quated, troublesome, and uncertain.

When Seakale is intended to be forced upon the ground or
blanched by pots the rows should be 2 feet apart and the patches
2 feet asunder. The plants may be placed three in a triangle
at G inches apart, or a ring may be drawn (i inches in diameter
and IJ inch deep, seed being placed therein, and the plants be
thinned to three or four in each patch.

In case of a scarcity of covering material and the absence of
pots, Seakale may be blanched quite well by covering the bed
before growth takes place with sand, ashes, or cocoa-nut refuse —
in fact, any light material — to a depth of 9 inches or a little more
to allow for settling, and when the leaves show through the
covering material the " Kale " may be cut, freeing it from dirt
by washing at once ; but a more cleanly method ia to cover
Cinches deep with dry leaves, and a Uttle litter to keep them
from blowing about, and the shoots will raise the leaves, indi-
cating which heads are first ready for cutting. Seakale thus
produced is generally of superior quality. Blanching is resorted
to, to make the head more delicate in appearance and flavour,
yet the heads uncovered are equally good, having a full rich
flavour as compared with the blanched produce. The heads
or sprouts should be cut when 4 to G inches in length, the
object being to have them short and crisp.

In taking up the plants for forcing, all having crowns less
tbau an inch in diameter should be rejected for that purpose,
and be laid in a thin heap covered with soil until a con-
venient time for planting, which may be done any time when
the ground is in good working order until April. They should
be planted in rows 15 inches apart and 1 foot apart in the rows,
the crowns to be slightly covered with soil; but before plant-
ing cut off with a knife the crown bud, for unless this pre-
caution be taken a majority of the plants will run to seed, and
good crowns cannot be expected from such, even though the
flowering stem be removed. The cutting off the crown will
cause other buds to start not having the flowering tendency.
These plants will give fine crowns for the succeeding winter
forcing. Any plants not taken up when a year old for forcing
should have their crowns out off in February or March as a
precaution against running to seed.

Plants which have been forced should be withdrawn from the
heat so soon as the heads are cut, or they will start into a
second growth, which is not desirable if the plants are to be
forced the following year; but it is undesirable to take the
plants from a temperature of 55' and plant them in cold wet
soil at once. It is not, of course, necessary to harden off plants
in March or April before planting, I have plants which have

been forced seven years consecutively, and they are apparently
good for many years to come ; but they become so large in the
rootstock as to be less handy than younger plants.

Plants may also be increased by planting portions of the
roots. The younger the plants which the roots are taken from,
the healthier and better plants they are likely to give. Small
roots may be out into lengths of 4 to G inches, allowing the
thickest end to be about an inch beneath the surface. They
may be placed in a heap as detached in takiug-np, and be
covered with soil, planting in February or March — planting all
together rather than in small quantities, as would be the case
were the root-cuttings put in as the parent roots were taken up
for forcing. Plants raised from cuttings will perfect Eome
crowns fit to force by the following winter, and if cut over in
spring and left another season they will afford very fine crowns.
To secure plants for forcing without interruption some litter
should be placed over the surface of the beds in December to
prevent the ground being frozen, or a number of plants may
be taken up and stored in moist sand in a cool shed until
wanted, but it is preferable to lift the plants as required.

In taking cuttings of the roots, select only the small, clean,
healthy parts. I find the best roots for this purpose are had
in digging the ground for replanting, they being carefully
picked out in the digging, and consequently are the extremities
of the roots young and healthy. — G. Abbey.

PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS.

Telfaikia occidentalis. — " T. occidentalis is the West Afri-
can representative of the East African species, distinguished by
the triplincrved leaflets, short ovaiy, short calyx-lobes which
are simply serrated, the smaller more open white corolla with
smooth fringes and a red puiple eye, and by the few broad
wings to the fruit ; the fruit of T. pedata having no wings, but
many very deep grooves. It is cultivated in West Africa for
the sake of its seeds, which are boiled and eaten by the natives,
and have been imported as oil-nuts into England. We have
dried specimens from Sierra Leone, Abebokuta, Old Calabar,
Fernando Po, and Angola, where it was found by Welwitech,
growing commonly over littoral hedges of Euphorbia aphylla.
Our plant was raised from seed presented by Mr. Tyerman,
late of tho Liverpool Botanic Gardens, in 1870 ; it flowered
in the Kew Palm House in September, 187C." — (Bot. Mag.,
t. C-272.)

Masdevallia atienuata. — " M. attennata is one of Mr.
Veitch's introductions, and flowered in the Royal Gardens in
December, 1874, from specimens presented by Mr. William
Saunders. Beichenbach remarks that the dried native speci-
mens have the perianth glabrous within, whilst that of the
fresh ones is finely velvety ; the contrary of which is frequent
in Masdevallias."— (i6i<?., (. G273.)

LivisTONA ADSTitALis. — "It is the mostfouthtin Palm of the
Australian continent, reaching the tnowy range in lat. .'!7' 30' S.
when its trunk attains 80 feet in height, and sxtending thence
along tho west coast to the Illawarra lliver, in lat. 84 45' S.
It flowered annually at Kew, in the spring months, for many
years. The fruits received from Mr. Hill, of the Brisbane
Botanic Gardens; they resemble specimens brought bjB/own,
preserved in the British Museum, except in having a thicker
and harder pericaip."— (IJot. May , t. C274.)

Xanthibma texanum. — "Avery handsome Centaury-like
hardy annual, with golden flowers, ditcoveied in Texas some
fifty years ago, and since found by many collectors, but never
introduced into European gardens till within the last few
years. It was published both in Europe and America, and as a
new genus, first as Xanthitma by the elder De Candolle in the
' Prodromus ' in 183G, and in about 1842 as Centauridium by
Torroy and Gray in the ' Flora of North America.' Xanthiema
is closely allied to the great American genua Haplopappus,
which extends from California to Patagonia. The figure in
' Marcy's Expedition' is a very bad one, and represents the
pappus as two distinctly double, the corolla of the ray as
acute, which is owing to the margins being involute in a dry
state ; it omits the hairs on tho achenes, and the minnte
serratures of the foliage. This plant flowered in Kew in
November last."— (/6(d., (. C275.)

DniMiorsis Kirkii. — " In 1871 Dr. Kirk sent to Kew from
Zanzibar bulbs of two species of this curious and little-known
genus. One of them proved to be D. botryoides, described in
the ' Linniean Proceedings ' from a couple of poor specimens,
without any locality, in the collection of the late Judge Black-
burn of Mauritius, and the other, the present plant. All the

118

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEfe.

t Febniary 15, 1877.

known species of the genus resemble one another very closely
in hahit and flower ; bat there are two types of leaf, one with
a distioct petiole and an oblong blade, after the fashion of a
Euoharis or a Griffiaia, a type of form very rare in Liliaoeie,
and the other with the blade narrowed gradually from the
middle to both ends and not furnished with any distinct
petiole. This is the first species of the latter group that has
been brought into cultivation. It flowered at Kew first in
July, 1S7^."— {Ibid, t. 6276 )

EuoDODENDRON.— Princess of Wales "bred from R. jasmini-
floram by the Messrs. Veitoh & Sons of Chelsea. The original
cross yielded the well-known useful decorative plants Princees
Royal, Princess Helena, Princess Alexandra, &c.; and as the
result of a subsequent cross, there has been obtained through
these a race with larger flowers, and having all the other good
qualities of the first hybrids. The variety we now figure, Rho-
dodendron Princess of Wales, is one of this second race of
hybrids, and one of the most beautiful of them all, the colour
being a peculiarly soft but brilliant tint of rose-pink, which
is set off by contrast with the pure white of the throat aud
tube. The foliage is similar to that of the other hybrids of
like origin. This variety has been certificated by the Royal
Horticultural Society and also by the Royal Botanic Society."
— (Flor. and Pom. 3 s., p. 3.)

CHAPTERS ON INSECTS FOR GARDENERS.

No. 16.
Passing to the butterflies, the Purple Emperor claims a
place of honour ; to hunt it in Oak copses with a pole of un-
wieldy length is a game delightful to the entomologist on
sultry July days. The remainder of these sluglike caterpillars
we call " Satyrs ;" popularly the species are " Meadow Butter-
flies," or "Browns," and shades of this colour do roally pre-
dominate amongst them. From meadows and lawns they pass
to our flowerbeds, though also, in several instances, displaying
a liking for dusty roadc, which seems peculiar. Thus the AY all
Butterfly (Pyrarga .Egeria), often pitches on walls or stones,
and being a good flier it will pass from garden to garden in suc-
cession. Like several of its brethren it has hoiry eyes, possibly
it sees all the better. Most abundant are the two species
called the Meadow Browu (Epinephele Jauira), in meadows
and on commons; and the Largo Heath (E. Tithonus), which
is not by any means confined to heaths, but is an occasional
visitant in gardens. Two of these butterflies, the Ringlet
(E. Eyperanthus), and the Speckled Wood (Pyrarga .Egeria),
have a partiahty for shady places, and their caterpillars are
found in or near roads feeding on grasses. In all of the
Satyrs save the Speckled Wood there appears to be only one
emergence of butterflies each year, though the whole brood
does not come out at once, since we may observe specimens
on the wing through as long a period as six weeks or more in
some summers. S'arious grasses afford food to all the eater-
pillars which hybernate, feeding-up in April find May. None
of these species are in any way harmful.

We have now reached the second division of the " Exposers,"
and here we find the pupa is invariably " girted " — that is, a
narrow or broadisli belt of silk is passed round the middle,
securing it to the surface on which it rests. The butterflies
have also six perfect legs. The bulk of the butterflies in this
division belong to tho first group or section of the two it con-
tains, being with only one or two exceptions insects of small
size, and distiDguishcd by having laivfe woodlouse-shaped.
The back of one of these caterpillars usually rises into a ridge,
tho figure altogether is " pudgy," while it cliugs so closely to
the leaf or twig that the head and legs are not to be teen
unless it be forcibly moved. Feediug fre i[UOQtly on low plants,
caterpillars small in size and much of the hue of the plants
thoy feed upon, arc diffioult to find ; eeverU, indeed, are still
unknown in England, common though the butterflies may be.
Fortunately none of these caterpillars are injurious. At the
head of the list appear the Ilairstreak?, of tho genus Thecla,
mostly rapid fliers, fond of sporting in the air a dozen or more
feet from the ground. One species (T. Eubi), it appears must
be singular in habit, if as an entomologist asserts, it has the
power of rendering itself invisible. Of covirse anything may
become invisible when it is too far off for you to see it, but if I
rightly understand his statement, he means to say that the
butterfly by some manoeuvre manages to ba close to you and
yet prevent your seeing it. Conjurors ought really to look
after this insect, as some specimens might be trained to be
useful. Seldom do any of these visit gardens, but flowers.

especially Bramble blossom, much delight them, from which
they can be swept off with a cautious stroke of the net.

The lively common Copper (Polyommatus Phloeas) may be
seen on various days in the summer along garden walks, some-
times engaged in a mimic conflict with a specimen of the aj
common Blue butterfly called Lycccua icarus, both having a
tolerably quick and discursive flight, though the honey of
flowers offors some attraction to them. Of the little Copper
there seem to be three flights in the year. The Azure I31ae
(Lycrcua argiolus) is another Blue likely to be seen near
shrubberies, as the caterpillar feeds en the Ivy or Holly.
Other Blues, of which we have seven or eight species (in some,
however, the blue being replaced by brown, especially in the
females), make the rural scene in summer more agreeable to
the stroller ; the larva) devouring in a modest way such plants
as Trefoils aud Vetches.

The second section of the butterflies with girted pupa; com-
prehends those species which in every season do a certain
amount of damage, chiefly in tho kitchen garden. Their
caterpillars are cvlindrical, with the head and legs distinctly
visible, and the body is sprinkled with a few hairs. The
Whites at once occur to us as illustrations of the group, but,
in fact, from only two have we auything to apprehend.
Perhaps the Large White (Pieris brassioie) is on the whole the
more injurious species, though the Small White (P. rapse) is
less limited in its choice of food plants, the caterpillars show-
ing themselves in flower beds on the Nasturtium and other
Cruciferse, on Tropreolums and Mignonette. Of these butter-
flies there are evidently several broods during a season. The
Green-veined (P. uapi), on the testimony of the late Edward
Newman, does not resort to cultivatod plants, nor does the
Wood Whit'i (Leucopbasia siuapis), a rather local insect.
Conspicuous species in this group are the Brimstone, the
Clouded Yellow, and that rare lover of fens, the Swallow-tail,
while the pretty Orange-tip, near akin to the Whites, appears
for a week or two in spring even in the vicinity of London.

Lastly, with brief mention we dismiss the " Concealers,"
representing a very large foreign group of butterflies. Our six
British species are known by tho name of Skippers, in science
the Hesperia\ The most conspicuous species is the Large
Skipper (H. sylvanus), and as it goes from flower to flower in
a sluggish way unless alarmed, it reminds us of a moth rather
than a butterfly ; and in all tho Skippers when settled the
wings are raised above the body, moth fashion. — J. E. S. C.

REVIEW.

The Cactus and other Tropical Succulents. By H. Allnbtt,
200, Fleet Street.
This is a neatly-bound and well-printed little compilation of
130 pages. It appears that Mr. Allautt made himself a plant
case 3 feet long, 22 inches wide, 21 inches high at the back, and
12 at tho front. The lower portion is of wood ; the remainder
glass. A zinc tray covers tho bottom of the case, and above
this tray a miniature stage of six shelves is formed for the
plants. In this tiny greenhouse, which is placed on a table
near the window of his living roou;, the owner has contrived to
arrange about sixty tiny plants of Cjcti and other succulents.
These have given him much p'.easure, and he has conceived
that a brief account of them would stimulate other amateurs to
have recourse to tho s.^me mode of making their dwellings in-
teresting, and grow these quaint and easily-managed plants.
The remaining portion of the book, and by far the most valu-
able, is made up of extracts (duly acknowledged) from "Lou-
don's Encyclopedia of Plants," the writings of Mr. Jackson of
K-iW, Mr. Croucher of Hammersmith, and other growers of
small and curinus plants. These extracts stamp the book with
an authority which it could not otherwise posses?, and render
it worthy of being recommended to tho notice of amateurs aud
others who are interested in a f.imily of interesting plants.
Several of the species are illustrated in a manner sufficient to
show their peculiar characteristics. To give quotations would
be the cxIrROtiug of extracted matte;'.

BARBAROSSA GRAPE.

In compliance with the request of " J. W." on page 53 1
submit my experience. I have two rods of Black Barbarossa
growing in a house with iMuEca's, Gro3 Colmau, and Lady
Downe's. I have had bunches of Bliok Baibarossa this season
1« incLfS long, 13 iii';Ucs across, and weighing from 4 to 5 lbs.
each. The berries were as black as sloes ; aud the flavour,

February 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTIOUIjTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB.

119

tliongh not equal to that of the Black Hamburgh, waq con-
Bidered hy my employer ^nd his friends to be good. This is
a useful late Grape when grown with Muscats, being, lilio Groa
Caiman, much improved in flavour by being grown in a warm
house. I have just cut the last bunch of Barbarocsa as fresh
as in the month of July. I had some last season until April
quite fresh and good. — S. Tayloe, Castlecroft.

TEA- SCENTED KOSES AT LEEK.

I BEG to thank " Wyld Savage" for his instructions as to
the cultivation of Tea Roses in this locality (see page 58).

Doubtless a good deal might be done by selecting Tea Roses
for localities, and if growers would kindly furnish lists of
varieties which thrive best in their neighbourhood there ought
to be a hope of securing a good collection for most districts.

Rosea are mostly chosen from those arranged on exhibition
tables. Lovers of these flowers go round, note book in hand,
making lists of the beauties before them, never taking into
account the constitution or hardiness of the variety. The
plants are ordered, and after their arrival are treated quite
differently to what they have been before, and many refuse to
live under their widely-changed condition. What is needed is
a more intimate knowledge of their constitution and previous
culture — with that, and ability and skill to humour the one
and imitate the other, there might be a greater chance of suc-
cessfully cultivating Tea Roses in our northern counties. My
advice is to secure plants budded on the seedling Briar, for this,
in my opinion, is the best stock for Tea Roses, as upon it they
thrive splendidly. I believe from experience that Tea Roses
budded on this stock, with protection in winter, may be suc-
cessfully cultivated out of doors, even in the coldest parts of
the kingdom. A little Fern (Bracken) amongst the branches —
and a mulch round the roots, with proper and thorough drain-
age— suflices.

I submit a list of Tea Roses cultivated here. Souvenir
d'Eliee is a shy beauty, but, whether in pot or on walls, dwarfs
or standards, is worth all care to produce a single line flower.
Madame Falcot, half standard, has been grown three years
without any protection whatever in winter ; it is beautiful in
the bud. Marie Dacher, standard ; Marie Van Houtte, alwajs
good, and grows as vigorous as the Hybrid Perpetuals ; Devoni-
entis, half standard. Belle de Bordeaux I have grown three
years, and it has never shown a single bloom, so I discarded it
altogolhfr. Marechal Niel has refused to open out of doors ;
Ooubanlt, the freest and prettiest pink ; Homer, tipped and
wriukled like Dr. Andry amongst Pelargoniums. To these I
would add Madame Mirgottin, one of the best and hardiest
of yellows. In Madame Jules Margottin and Souvenir de
P'lul Neron we have two charming bouquet Roses of lemon
and rosy tints. Cheehunt Hjbrid was obtained last autumn.
This Tea Rose was highly recommfcuied to my worthy em-
ployer by the Rev. J. B. M. Camm when in this neighbourhood
last July, and I trust its constitution may prove sufficiently
strong to brave our severe winters and trying springs.

In conclusion I say, Thoroughly drain your stations before
plauticg your Tea Roses, as I consider this of the greatest
importance to the plants, as it enables them to mature their
wood much better than they would otherwise. — Cns. Rodebxb,
Uiijhfidd Halt, Leek.

NOTES FROM MY GAEDEN IN 1876.— No. 2.

Next to Potatoes (indeed, I am not sure whether I ought not
to say before them) the vegetable which must and does most
bother a gardener is the Pea. Imagine the difflcultiea a beginner
must feel. He wants, say, some half-dozen kinds to secure him
a supply ; he consults A's catalogue. " Ah ! there's a nice lot
there, I should like to have some of them." Then he takes up
B's, and finds, it may be, a few of those in A's catalogue, but
along with them a number of fresh names; he turns to C'a
list and the same thing is repeated, and so he might go through
all the letters of the alphabet, and rises from the perusal a
sadder but certainly not a wiser man. Nor is he any way
bettered if he writes to ask what are the best sorts. One
cortEtpondeut praises one list, and a second another list, and
BO he is at sea again ; and no matter what may be the desider-
atum, modern Peas meet his requirements. Does he want
them early? Well, I am not sure but you might find some
which ought to be in early in May ! Productiveness ? He may
Bee photographs where the pods seem to jostle each other so
(hat they hardly have room to hang, and pods bo full that by-

and-by we may expect to see treble rows. Is quality required ?
The flavour of some must be so exquisite that the difficulty
would be to know when to stop. And, after all, " are we any
better than our fathers ?" Yes, I unhesitatingly say. We
may laugh at the extravagant praises bestowed by the parents
on their children and chaff them when we meet, but it seems
to me that in all the three qualities I have named — earliness,
productiveness, and flavour — we have considerably gained,
owing to the perseverance and intelligence of hybridisers and
■care of selectors (for very many of the new varieties are but
selections). There may be further improvement, but it almost
seems as if we had reached our limit.

The varieties which I sowed in my small garden last year
were Emerald Gem (Sutton's), Early Champion (Sutton's),
Improved Princess Royal (Sutton's), McLean's Best of All
(Sutton's), Giant Emerald (Sutton's), Commander-in-Chief
(Carter's), Balmoral Castle (Carter's), Dr. McLean (Turner)
Duke of Edinburgh (Sutton's). The season was with na a
very trying one. I ne^er knew early Peas " so long on the
way," owing to the cold dry weather. Midseaeon varieties did
very well, but the later sorts were terribly cut up by mildew.
Of some of the above varieties I have already given notes,
and those really only new to me were Commander-in-Chief,
Balmoral Castle, and Dr. McLean ; the others were grown be-
cause upon trial they proved so good that I did not care to
seek any further for sorts to supersede them. Commander-in-
Chief is a grand Pea, a wrinkled Marrow, delicious in flavour,
pods slightly curved and containing from eight to ten peas ; the
haulm is vigorous and healthy, and the pods are produced
in great profusion. Of Balmoral Castle I received but a
small quantity for trial. It is a strong and vigorous-growing
Pea, evidently of the Supreme type and an improvement on
that variety. Dr. McLean is in my judgment one of the
greatest acquisitions we have had for some time ; it is of the
Advancer type — i.e., a blue wrinkled Marrow, about i feet
high, vigorous in habit, and astonishingly productive. After
you have had one or two pickings of it, it really seems to have
as many pods upon it as other Peas which have not been
picked at all. The pods are well filled, and the flavour (as it
becomes a Pea named after a raiser who made it (/(.■ one grand
point) most excellent. Mr. Turner has been again fortunate in
securing a prize of no ordinary value. The Pea which with-
stood with me the drought best was Sutton's Duchess of
Edinburgh. My idea that we have, perhaps, reached our
limit in Peas is borne out by the fact that there are very few
new sorts announced ; but many persons hold the theory
(which to me seems perfectly tenable) that varieties deteriorate,
and that hence we may look for new varieties to take the place
of those found to have deteriorated. I believe, for example,
Little Gem does not by any means rank as high as it did, bo
that we may expect to find some from time to time replacing
varieties now highly valued.

I do not think that in other vegetables I had anything re-
markable for novelty, with, perhaps, the exception of Carter's
Heartwell Early Marrow Cabbage. It is a very close mild-
flavonred variety, and succeeds equally well for spring or
autumn use. My soil is a good friable garden loam, the situ-
ation warm and sheltered, and it may be perhaps of interest
to say what varieties of vegetables 1 have found to do well
with me.

Ileaiix (Dwarl).— Canadian Wonder (a wonderful cropper),
PoUej's Prolific, and White Advancer. Runner.— Premier ; of
this I had a remarkable crop.

i'TOcco/i. — Walcheren, Perfection (Sntlon), Leamington,
and Champion (Carter's).

Carrot. — Long Red Surrey and Scailet lateimediate.

Ca()fc(i(7e.— Heartwell Marrow (Caiter's), Tom Thumb Sjvoy,
and Little Pixie ditto.

Cetenj. — Sulbam Prize and Sandringham.

Cucumber. — Duke of Connaught.

L.(Mc-<'.— Paris White, Superb White (Suttou'e), Tom
Thumb (Wheeler), All the Year Round, Commodore Nutt,
and Vilmorin's White.

OHIO);.— Improved Reading (Sutton's), Nuneham Park (Cut-
bush), Long-keeping (James), and The Queen.

Parsley.— Fein-le&taed (Carter's). Very pretty foliage, and
excellent for garnishing.

Beet and Witloof were a complete failure ; not one seedling
of cither appeared above ground ; while Tomatoes I have been
obliged entirely to discard, the disease having for three or
four years destroyed my crop. I have, however, a notion of
planting eome against a low fence, and seeing whether this

120

JOUKNAL OF HORTICTJLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ FebrnaiT 15, 1877.

new situation will be any better. I much regret my failure,
as Tomatoes are much prized. In oonolueion I wiah it to be
distinctly understood that I only speak of these things as I
have found them, and only recommend them for soil and
situation like my own. How they may succeed elsewhere I
know not. — D., Deal.

MESSRS. BOULTON & PAUL'S THREE-QUAETEK
SPAN-ROOF GARDEN FRAME.
This frame for growing Cucumbere, Melons, &a., and for
storing plants, with four lights, is 16 feet by C feet, is made to
give height and convenience. The front is 11 inches high,
without the light, 32 inches high at the ridge, and 22 inches
high at the back. The front lights can be turned back on to
the hghts behind, and back lights turned on to the front
lights, giving access to all the plants inside. The frames are
made of the best red deal, sides and ends 1| inch thick 2-iuch
lights; all are painted three times, and glazed with 21-oz.,

been in the habit of growing Muscat of Alexandria and other
Muscats in a mixed house for many years, and in a lower
night temperature than is generally adopted. Indeed, I may
say that throughout the growing season the house I allude to
has been kept on an average (during the night) 8' lower than
what is advised by many eminent Vine-growers, and I have
never been troubled with red spider on the Muscats.

My belief is. that Muscats require more moisture than many
other Grapes, especially in the atmosphere. It a Vine border
has been allowed to become very dry in winter, or when the
Vines were at rest, it will be no easy matter to soak that
border in a manner suitable for future requirementa. Moisture,
it is true, may be applied to the border, but not prepared in
the best manner possible as food for the Vine. Anyone who
has used manure water must be aware that it is greatly im-
proved by standing, say, two months before using, hence my
reason for advocating a good soaking of manure water while
the Vines are at rest. The time that intervenes before the
Vines are ia growth is not best, but is employed as it were
preparing food for effective appropriition in due time. Many

sheet glass. The illustration shows the lights to open with
gearing. Any of the lights can be lifted up when required
without altering the other lights. The back and front gearing
works separately.

Only a glance is needed to satisfy that this is a highly useful
frame. It is recommended for " storing" plants, but it will
not only protect but will aid in growing to perfection during
the summer months many plants which are required for in-
door decoration. Such plants as Chrysanthemums in their
early stages, Primulas, Cinerarias, Calceolarias, Geraniums,
Fuchsias, Balsams, Celosias, and many others can be grown
much better in frames during the summer mouths, when sufti-
flient height is afforded, than they can be in houses. By
judicious ventilation, early closing, and damping, a genial
stove temperature may be provided in a frame during the
three principal summer months, and then such plants as
Poinsettias, Acbimenes, and Gloxinias may be provided for
furnishing the more ornamental plant structures. Daring the
winter light roomy frames are very valuable for protecting
half-hardy flowering plants and vegetables. Frames are, in
fact, indispensable in every garden where protective aids are
needed, and they are the gardener's best friends. — W.

MUSCAT GRAPES AND RED SPIDER.

Do MuEoatB require so much heat as is generally supposed ?
My reason for asking the question is, that I witnessed a few
years ago a large house of Muscats in a very bad state with
red spider. The cause of this was said to have been insuffi-
cient heating power. Now, in my opinion that was not the
sole oiuee. My reason for thinking that a too low tempera-
ture wai not the cause ol the red spider ia this— that I have

are in the habit ol never watering their Vine borders from the
time the Grapes commence colouring until the Vines'are again
started in the spring — a much more likely oausa.of red spider
thiu a ioo low temperature.

In growing Grapes why do we ignore the teaching of Dame
Nature? She is a good guide in these matters, and it is well
kaowu that soil in winter i? much heavier and carries more
moisture than at any othar season of the year, and yet many
Vine-growers act the very reverse of that, keeping their borders
so dry that cracks rauning in all directions miy have been
seen ia them. Surely that could not be good for the Vines
the following season. The soil may contain all necessary in-
gredients, but water must be present to prepare them for ap-
propriation by the Vines. Inattention to a due supply of
water at all seasons has no doubt been the cause of much
annoyance with red spider. I have always found great benefits
to accrue from liberal mulchings to all fruit trees in winter,
and I see no reason why Vmes should be starved and red
spider encouraged by a deficiency of water at any season of
the year. — J. Dickson.

EARLY WRITERS ON ENaLISH GARDENING.

No. 27.

SIK JAMES EDWARD SMITH, M.D.

Norwich has for many years been noted for being the biith-

place of distinguished botanists and horticulturists ; we need

only instance within the present century Sir W. Hooker, Dr.

Lindley, and the subject of our present illustration.

On the 17th of March, 1828, died at his house in Surrey
Street, in his native city of Norwich, aged sixty-eight. Sir
James Edward Smith, M.D., F.R.S., Member of the Academies

Febrnary 15, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

121

of Stockholm, Upsal, Tnrin, Lisbon, Philadelphia, New York,
&o., the Imperial Acad. Naturas Cnriosornm, and the Royal
Academy of Sciences at Paris, Honorary Member of the Hor-
ticnltural Societies of London and Chelmsford, and the first
President of the Linniean Society.

He was the sou of a respectable dealer in the woollen trade
at Norwich, where he was bom December 2nd, 175'.i,and where
he was educated for trade, bat changing his plans of life he
went to Edinburgh in 1780 to pursue the study of medicine.
He had previously attached himself to botany and natural
history, and at Edinburgh obtained the gold medal given to
the best proficient in botany at that university.

Upon removing to London to perfect his professional know-
ledge he became acquainted with Sir Joseph Banks, that emi-
nent patron of natural science and of all its ardent admirers,
upon whose recommendation he purchased in 178i the cele-
brated Linnsan collection, comprising the epistolary corre-
spondence of the great Linnaeus and his son, together with
everything that belonged to those eminent men relating to
natural history or medicine. So highly was this collection es-
teemed, that the King of Sweden, hearing it was sold, actually
sent o2 a ship to bring back the vessel which contained it ;
but fortunately for the interests of science the precious lading
arrived in England before the vessel could be overtaken.

From that period the life of Mr. Smith was devoted to the
ardent pursuit of the science, and his numerous works will
constitute a perpetual monument of that fame which no living
author more duly merited or more justly obtained.

Having purchased the Linnaaan collection and settled in
London as a man of acknowledged science in the year 1786,
he graduated as a physician at Leyden, and in that and the
following year he visited most of the classical and celebrated
places of France and Italy. The account of these travels was
published in 17'.t3 under the title of " A Sketch of a Tour on
the Continent," in three vols. 8vo., a work which at once
raised the subject of our memoir into the first class of literary
society. Upon his return to London, Dr. Smith, in conjunc-
tion with his friend Dr. Goodenough, Lord Bishop of Carlisle,
who was one of the original Vice-Presidents, and Thomas
Marsham, Esq., who became Treasurer, set about establishiug
the Linnsean Society, of which Dr. Smith was the original Pre-
sident, and to which distinguished office he was annually acd
unanimously chosen from that period to the time of bis doath.

In Febrnary, 1788, a few friends met together at the Doctor's
house at Chelsea, among whom were Dr. Goodenough, Messrs.
Marsham, Lightfoot, Latham, and Dryander. It was at this
time agreed that a Natural History Society might be .formed
on a more extensive scale, and that the new institution might
with propriety bear the name of Linnssan after that of the
great Swedish naturalist.

At the end of the month a meeting was held at the Marl-
borough coffee house, the rules fixed and printed the 18th of
March following. After this proceeding other members were
chosen by ballot, and Sir J. Banks, the Earl of Gainsborough,
and the Duo de Noailles made honorary members.

The first meeting was held April 8th, 1788, when " An Intro-
ductory Discourse on the Rise and Progress of Natural History "
was read by the President. This forms the first article in the
" Transactions of the Linnteau Society."

In 17'J2 Dr. Smith was invited to give some instructions in
his favourite science to tho Queen and the Princesses at their
rural and elegant retreat of Frogmore near Windsor, and how
well he was calculated for such an appointment, those who
have derived delight and improvement from his lectures at the
Royal Institution, at Liverpool, at Bristol, &o., can amply attest.

In the following year he retired from London to reside in his
native city, and with occasional visits to the metropolis, whero
be had a very numerous circle of scientific friends, as well as
an extensive acquaintance in the highest ranks of society, to
whom he was warmly attached, and by whom he was recipro-
cally esteemed, Norwich became his constant residence.

In 1814 Dr. Smith received the honour of knighthood at the
hands of the Prince Regent, and who had become patron of
the Linnffian Society.

The Horticultural Society was pleased to enrol the name of
Sir James Edward Smith as one of its honorary members in
conjunction with those of the Duke of York, Prince Leopold of
Sax9 Coburg, and Sir Humphry Davy.

The health of Sir James Edward Smith had been for some
time declining, but pursuing the even tenour of his soientifio
pursuits, and blessed with every comfort which a congenial
onion can aflord, hia time glided on withont the slightest le-

laxatiou of ardour in his botanical pursuits, while his latest
and even his unfinished works attest there was no diminution
either of his zeal or his success in affording information. Al-
though none of his friends could be altogether unprepared for
the melancholy event, still the decease of Sir James was some-
what sudden. Tho feebleness of his frame seemed to have
in some degree recovered a little of its former tone during the
last week of his existence, so that he was enabled to pursue
his accustomed labours, and even to enjoy the exercise of
taking a walk without any great fatigue. He was attacked,
however, on Saturday, March 15th, with such an alarming
degree of debility as almost immediately to extinguish the
hopes of his recovery. Under this attack he gradually sunk.

Fig. 18.— Sir Jamos Edward Smitb.

Among the numerous works of which Sir James E. Smith
was the author it may be desirable here to point out one or
two perhaps besides his " Tour," as those upon which his fame
was in a great measure reared, and upon which it may be said
to be permanently established. Of these " English Botany "
is entitled to the first consideration, as containing a description
and a coloured figure of every plant known to be indigenous.
This work consists of thirty-six octavo vols., and contains
2592 figures of British plants.

It is a curious but a melancholy coincidence that on the very
day he entered his library for the last time, the packet con-
taining the fourth volume of his " English Flora " reached
him, and he had the gratification of witnessing the completion
of a work upon which his friends have frequently heard him
express an opinion that it was the one which would eventually
redound most to the estimation of his knowledge as a botanist
and his credit as an author. This work is dedicated to Sir
T. G. Cullum,for fifty years the intimate friend of the deceased.

The productions of Sir J. E. Smith, as an author, during
the long space of forty-two years, filled a multitude of volumes,
besides tracts and contributions to scientific journals. Be-
sides those already noticed he was the author of amongst
others the following distinct publications :— Dissertatioqumdam
de Generatione complectens, Leyden, 1780 ; Dissertation on
the Sexes of Plants, from the Latin of Linnrous, Lond., 1786;
Plantarum Icones hactenns inedita;, plerumque ad Plantas in
Herbario Linnfcano conservatas delineatas, Fascic. i. 1789,
ii. 1790, iii. 1792; Reliquim Eudbeckianai, tfcc, Lond., 1789 ;
Spicilegium Botannicum, Fascic. i. and ii., 1792 ; Linnffii
Flora Laponica, 1792 ; Specimen of Botany in New Holland,
1793; Icones pictas Plantarum rariarum, &c., 1793; Natural
History of the rarer Lepidopterous Insects of Georgia, 1797 ;
Tracts relating to Natural History, 1798 ; Flora Britannioa
cum notis J. J. Ecimer, 1800-1804 ; Compendium Florie Bri-

122

JOUENALi OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ( Fobiaaiy ir,, 1877.

tannicfe, ISOO; In Uaum Flora) Germanicas, 1801; Introduc-
tion to Physiological and Systematical Botany, 1807. Sir J. E.
Smith added to the charncters in the two following works of
Dr. Sibthorpe : Flora Grroea, 1808, and Florae Grreca) Troclro-
mna, 1808 ; Tour to Hafod, the seat of T. Johnes, Esq., 1810 ;
Lachesis Laponuica, or a Tour in Lapland, from the MS.
Journal of Linnffius, 1811.

In 1821 Sir James Smith selected from his copious MS. stores
two volumes of the " Correspondence of Linnasus with eminent
Naturalists." These volumes abound with particulars interest-
ing to all literary men, but especially so to naturalists, and we
know it was the intention of Sir James Smith to have favoured
the public with a continuation had the success of the first two
volumes answered his just expectations. But naturalists are
by no means all readers ; their studies are rather in the book
of N.iture than the book of the author. They would not,
however, be less fitted for their pursuits if they were more
accustomed to add past experience to modern praotioo by the
perusal of works similar to that now noticed.

Sir J. Smith contributed to the Philosophical Transactions a
paper on the "Irritability of Vegetables," 1788. His papers in
the Transactions of the Linnasan Society are too numerous to
be here particularised, as will be seen by reference to the con-
tents of the Society's volumes. He aleocontributed to Nichol-
son's Journal, vol. xxii. an " Inquiry into the Structure of
Seeds, and especially into the true nature of that part called
by Gfertner the Vitellus."

Sir James was a gardener as well as botanist, as is testified
by bis contributions to the Transactions of the Eoyal Horti-
cultural Society.

In 1796 Dr. Smith was married to the only daughter of the
late Robert Reeve, Esq., of Lowestoft, Suffolk. Laiy Smith
died on the 3rd inst. at Lowestoft ; had she lived about three
months longer she would have completed her 104th year. In
a case so remarkable as that of Lady Smith it is right to give
the evidence of ase in full. Hsre is an extract from tho
parish register ; — P. 3'.)3. Christtiiiugs in Lowestoft, a.d. 1773.
May 12, Pleasanee, daughter of Robert and Pleasauce Reeve.
[Sigutd] John Arrow, Vicar." And in the family Bible is
found the following entry made by the father: — " 11th May,
1773. — The said Pleasance was delivered of a daughter about
one in the afternoon, and [she] was baptised by the name of
Pleasance." Lady Smith was born two years before the out-
break of tho American War, tixteeu years before tho fall of
the Bastille. At the age of twenty-three she was manied to
Sir James Edward Smith, who w.as then a young physician of
limited means. He found in bis young wife a helpmate who
took the deepest interest in his pursuits, and their house at
Norwich became the centre of the literary and scientific so-
ciety which then distinguished that ancient city. Lady Smith,
after thirty-two years of wedlock, lived in widowhood for
nearly half a century ; for twenty-eight of those years she
resided in the house built by her father in the High Street of
Lowestoft. She had a constitution without a blemish, she
hardly knew what illness was till within the last two or throe
years, she had preserved almost all her teeth, and her eyesight
was good enough to enable her to read reports of speeches in
The Ti)nes. Her hearing remained almost unimpaired to the
very end. To the time when her eyesight began to fail her
handwriting was of that clear and beautiful kind which in
these days is seldom seen. Even when her eyes grew dim she
continued to write letters to those she loved, and though the
lines disclosed tho difliculty she had in carrying her pen evenly
along the paper, the thoughts and language showed no decay
of vigour in her mind.

Lady Smith, upon the occasion of obtaining tho centenary
anniversary of her birth, gave a dinner to all the aged poor io
the neighbourhood, and on the same occasion received from
the Queen a copy of " Our Life in the Highlands," with the
following inscription in Her Majesty's own writing: — "From
Victoria R. to her friend, Lady Smith, on her birthday." The
deceased hsd long been accustomed to pursue literary and
scientific matters, and nothing gave her more satisfaction than
to be kept abreast of The Timrx with information on such
topics. — {]'arwus )

Our portrait is copied from an early one painted by Sir
Joshua Reynolds.

GABIBALDI 8TRA"WBEREY.

I'baised Garibaldi about twenty years ago, it being the
only .one selected from several hundreds of seedlings, the,Beed

of which was gathered principally from Elton Pine and Keens'
Seedling. It was sent out by myself in the year 18G4. Two
or three years previous to that date I foolishly let a gentle-
man's gardener have some of the plants to test, and, con-
trary to promise, he distributed them amongst a number of
his friends, which consequently disheartened me from bring-
ing it prominently before the public until tho year 18GG.

In conclusion I have to thank Mr, Thomson for his graphio
description of Garibaldi (see Journal of Horticulture for No-
vember 30th, page 4G7), which I oau only confirm. — Thoma3
Akmstkong, Nurseryman, Moorcille, near Carlisle.

ASPECTS OP NATURE— JANUARY.

" Tlien came old January, wrapped weU
Id many weeds to keep the oold away ;
Yet be quake and quiver like to quell,
And blow his nayles to warm them if he may,
Fur they wore numbed with holding ftU the day
A batobett keene, with which ho felled wood,
And from the trees did lop the needlosse spray."

Wind and rain do indeed blow in the face of January, and
have this season quite replaced the frost and snow which are in
general characteristic of the month ; yet whatever the weather
there are certain signs and evidences that winter's torpidity
is over, " Nature even in her sleep is never still." Tho bright
rays of the sun penetrating into sheltered places discover to
our view many early plants perking-up through the brown
earth and pushing-out green shoots to meet the sun's inviting
beams. Most conspicuous and earliest of the wild flowers of
the year, the Winter Aconite appears like spots of gold on
banks and hedgerows, seeming to be giving back from the still
brown bosom of mother earth the bright rays of light stored-
up from the stray glimpses of the winter sun ; but even the
Winter Aconite comes not to us more early than January's
own offspring, the Snowdrop, with its pure, pale, pendulous
petals, which if not originally indigenous to our woods, has
become a true wildling in many places.

In sheltered copses and twining amongst the protecting
branches of the Quickset hedge, the wild Honeysuckle may ba
seen even at this early season putting forth small green leaf
buds at every joint along its slender stem. Beneath tha
warmth and shelter of the withered leaves which strew the
wood and copse, the brilliant green of the Primrose plants is
hid ; but such has been the mildness of the past few months
that in many places in our southern counties Primroses are in
flower, not, perhaps, the fully-expanded delicately fragrant
blossoms that smile in the face of the strong March sun, but
sweet flowers nevertheless that are welcome to us for their
own dear sake, and doubly welcome as a promise of tha
beauties that are soon to oome. The Hazel hangs out its
graceful tassel-like yellow catkins before the month is over,
and soon the troops of boys and girls will be peering about
every branch to discover the pretty scarlet miniature tufts
that give promise of the autumn store of nuts. Already tha
birds appear to twitter with a blither note as though in hope-
ful anticipation of pleasures to oome, while as yet they have
known none of the miseries of snow-covered or hard frozen-up
soil. The tiny Chickweed has oii'ered them a constant if
simple banquet ; nor has it needed much search to discover
numerous plants of the homely Groundssl, which puts forth
a few flowers in greeting to every tine day. The Chickweed ia
small and insignificant in appearance, yet three hundred years
ago it was noticed and commented on by old Gerard, and thus
described by him — " The common Chickweed," said he, in.
his quaint style, " rises up with stalks a onbit high, and some-
times higher, yet of ttimes she almost creepeth upon the ground.
A great many stalks spring from one root, long, and round,
and slender, full of joints, with a couple of leaves growing
out of every knot or joint, of a light green colour. The stalks'
are something cleare, and as it were transparent or thorow-
shiuing, and about the joints they be oftentimes of a vtry
light rod colour, aa be those of Pellitorie of the Wall ; the
floures be whitish on the top, like the floures of Stitchwort,
but yet lesser, in whose places succeed long knops, but not
great, wherein the seed ia contained." The seeds which no\i
are greedily devoured by our little birds, were not less relished
by the Eongsters of the field in the reign of Henry VIII., for
the same writer tells us that little birds in cages, especially
linnets, are refreshed with the seed of the Chickweed, " when
they lonthe thaii meat."

Our list of January floweis is almost exhausted. One hun-
dred years ago Stratton gave a list of only sis as truly belong-

Pebrnary 15, 1677. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

123

ing to the mODtb, and Eome botanists call the Snowdiop the
Fair Maid of February, and place the Daisy amid the mani-
fold blossoms of March ; bnt the Daisy, like the Chickweed, is
an offspring of every month of the year. It enamels the
tD''^Uow8 by thousands in spring, but does not disdain to show
II pretty face here and there evtn during the present wintry
ireather, unless the snow falls thick upon the ground, or frost
binds-up the earth tight in its icy fingers. At such times
when

" The cherished fields
Pat on their winter-robe of purest wbito
'Tis brigbtnees all, save where the new Bnow melts
Along tile mazy current. Low the wooda
Bow their hoar head; and, ere the lan^ruid sun,
Jaint from the west, emits his evening ray,
Earth's universal face, deep bid and chill.
Is one wild dazzling waste that buries wide
The works of man."'

Then, indeed, we look for even the hardiest and commonest
wild flowers in vain ; but no sooner does the sun shine and
" Shifting gales with milder influence blow,
Cloud o'er the skies, and melt the falling bdow.
The soften'd earth with fertile moisture teems,
And, freed from icy bonds, down rush the swelling streams,"

than we see many evidences of renewed life in trees and
plants. The wee modest crimson-tipped flower perks up its
little head from the surrounding dark green leaves, and we see
" few frail friendly plants,
Withstand all storms, and e'en in this dull month
Look green and cheerful.''
But even these few of Flora's train, and the hardy insects
such as the winter gnats and a few venturesome beetles that
creep from their winter quarters at the invitation of a warm
bright day, make nature more cheerful, and prepare us for the
time when spring

" Shall rise renewed from winter's sleep.
And bid the flowers re-bloom."

— T. S. J.

APPLE ELECTION.

As a grower of nearly a hundred different kinds of Apples,
I have watched with great interest the result of the proposition
of our friend Mr. Eobson as to an Apple election. I was
afraid the subject had dropped until I saw the letter of
" Amatecr " in this week's paptr. I quite agree with him in
his division, bnt think that three sorts of eummer Apples are
snflicient for our purpose, as so many other fruits clash with
the summer Apples.

I shall be pleased to carry out the election if your readers
in the Apple-growing counties of England will kindly forward
me the names of fifteen dessert and fifteen kitchen Apples as
a succession. I have sent the names of fifteen of each kind
— not, perhaps, what I should entirely choose myself, but as
showing the different varieties ; eome are good croppers and
others of good flavour. Those I should advise to growers who
have limited space I have marked with an asterisk. This
small list may satisfy ua for our first attempt, perhaps another
year we may increase our list; as it is, I have no doubt the
number will reach a bucdred sorts. — Lf.his A. Killick,
Mount Pleasant, Langlcij, Maiilstonf.

P.S. — If my idea is carried out, I shall be pleased to receive
any intelligence on Apples or Apple trees from my corre-
Bpondents, which when the election is over I will endeavour to
pat into shape for your readers.

DESSERT.

Jo&nneting
DtV'mebvje Qnarrcndei
Slimmer Golden Pippi
*Ktng of the Fippii s
M argil

*Cox'8 Orange Pippin
Itibston Pippin
'Ulenbcim (.»rauge
Cornish GiUiflower
Ashmead's Kernel
Coatt-Pendu-Plat
Pearson's Plate
Calvilli Blanche
Golden Knob
"Sturmer Pippin

KITCHEN.
Manks Codlin
•Lord Sofheld
Keswick Codlin
Cellini

^Mason's Seedling (SloneJ
Ecklinville Seedling
Ilawthornden
*Bcanty of Kent
Bedfordshire Foundling
Bess Pool
AVinter (Juoining
French lioyal

♦Bamelow's Seedling (Welliugto
Hambledon Deux Ans
French Crab

POINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA PLENISSIMA.

We are all more or less anxious to publish the success that
may have attended our efforts in growing any new plant or
vegetable ; but I tbink much information may bo given and
received if growers would state their failures and mishaps when

they occur, and I fear there is none of ns who do not meet with
them occasionally. The above-named plant was sent out last
season by the MeEsrs. Veitch, and it was spoken of as being
grand, not only by the vendors, but by good gardeners who
had been supplied with plants for trial, and it was generally
described as being far superior to the old scarlet Poinsettia.
In the spring I had a small plant of the new variety cent to
me from London, a neighbouring gardener alFo rccei-ving a
plant at the same time. I potted mine in the same kind of
soil and gave it the same treatment as my old Poineettias, but
I was disappointed with the new one. It was paler in colour
and very little more double than the other, and not so large.
Some of my old Poinsettias measured 13 inches across the
bracts, while the ne'iV one did not exceed 10 inches, and my
friend was rewarded much in the same way as myself. Will
someone who has been more successful state their opinion and
mode of treatment? as by so doing they will have the thanks
of others ns well as myself.— S. Tai-lor, Castlccroft.

CULTURE OF PRIMULA SINENSIS.

At the Darlington Gardeners' Institute a paptr on the
cultivation of the Primula sinensis was read by Mr. Wrather
of Greenoroft West. He observed — The Primula sinensis, or
Chinese Primrose, is one of our favourite plants for blooming
either in autumn, winter, or spring. It is alike fuitable for
greenhouse, Qonservatory, or house decoration, and is veiy
valuable for cut flowers. The cultivation of the Primula is
simple and easy, and will amply repay the attention given to
its cultivation, either by gentlemen's gardeners or amateurs.
It is suitable for those amateurs who possess ft greenhoufo with
artificial heat, and it is very desirable that they should grow
such a floral gem, but it did not appear to be aplantsrfJi-
ciently attended to or grown so extensively as it deserved to be.

Plants may be had in bloom from October to May by suc-
cessive sowings from the middle of March to the end of May
or early June. Mr. Wrather said he generally sowed in pans
in a compost of turf, leaf soil, and sand, with good drainage
of crocks covered with the roughest leaf soil. 'The pans aro
then filled within half an inch of the top with the prepared
compost pressed moderately firm. The seed is sown evenly
on the surface, a mere dusting of silver sand or sandy soil is
spread over it, great care being taken not to cover it too deeply,
as one of the principal causes of failure in raising from seed
nriees from not observing the latter directions. Another im-
portant matter is the watering, and dipping the pans very
gently overhead into the water he had found the best plan.
For the earliest-sown a temperature from o5' to GO' was re-
commended, with a slight bottom heat if at the command of
the grower. Apiece of glass placed on the pans would hasten
the germination of the seeds. From the timo of towing to
that of potting from six to eight weeks elapse. His first lot
is potted into 3-inch pots about the 1.3th of May, a compost
of turf, leaf soil, with sand and horse droppings from the Mush-
room bed being used. The pots are then placed in a pit with
a south aspect (but shaded) for ten days or a fortnight and
kept close. By the middle of .June those plants are ready to
shift; the same compost, with the addition of cow manure, btiug
again used. The later sowings are ready for shitting into
their blooming pots about the middle of August or the begin-
ning of September. When the plants are wanted for the de-
coration of the sitting-room or hall o-inch pots are Itrge
enough, as they ate often placed in vases ; but for greenhouse
or couEervafory C or 7-inch pots may be better, as the larger
the pot the greater chance of good plants and flowers.

Care must be taken in potting to keep tho collar of the
plants well up in order to prevent damping-off, which they are
apt to do. From this time till wanted for the house or con-
servatory they should stand in pits or frames with a soulh
aspect, shaded from the sun either by whitewashing the glaes
or otherwise until the latter part of August. They should be
placed on ashes to prevent worms entering the pots. Some
practical cultivators recommend a north or east aspect in sum-
mer, and doubtless they may be safely grown in either from
.June to August. In September the earliest ought to have a
top-dressing of cow manure and turf. This will cause the
flower spikes to stand well above the foliage, produce larger
flowers, and make much handsomer plants. When the pots
becomes matted or full of roots liquid manure should be given,
at first cautiously and weak. Some cultivators recommend
guano, he preferred something less heating and exciting. Ho
used with success liquid manure prepared from cow dung, and

134

JOUENAL OF HORTIOULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ February IB, 1877.

believed it to be the best. Whatever liquid was used it onght
to be clear, and should DOt be allovied to touch the foliage.
Unless seed be wanted the pods should not be allowed to re-
main on the plants.

CARROT CULTURE.

On page GO " B. G." records a plan by which he secured a
supply of Carrots free from the maggot, and aeks others to
give their experience. In complianco with his request I shall
state briefly the method I adopted last season, which proved
successful ; for here, in common with many other places, it is
impossible in ordinary circumstances to grow Carrots in the
garden free from that abominable pest the maggot.

Last season, before cropping time, I procured a quantity of
peat dross — the refuse of the peat stack, that material being ex-
tensively used as fuel in this locality. This I spread 6 inches
deep over part of the ground intended for Carrots. I then
gave it a slight fork-over, only mixing a very little of the
original soil with the peat, the ground having been previously
trenched and well pulverised. On this I sowed the Carrot
seeds in the usual way, and the result was a crop of perfectly
sound and healthy roots, and quite free from the maggot.
The sorts grown were Altrincham (select) and James's In-
termediate, and the time of sowing was about the end of
April.

I have no doubt ordinary peat or leaf soil would answer
the purpose as well as the dross. On the portion of ground
that had not the peat dressing the maggot did its usual
work. — Jno. Hakdie.

I HAVE grown Carrots successfully for the last twenty years.
First of all I have the land well drained ; next I have it trenched
18 inches deep to provide depth for tho roots to grow straight
down without being forked. In February or March, according
to the weather, I give the ground a dressing of quicklime, one
bushel to each pole of ground in the kitchen garden, and I
give one ton to each 20 poles of arable land when the Carrots
are to be sown in the field. The ground requires forking over
and raking in dry weather in the kitchen garden. Ploughing
and harrowing answer equally as well in the field. If any-
thing should attack tho young Carrots in May they will require
to be gently dusted over with a mixture of lime, soot, and
wood ashes ; and all that is afterwards necessary is thinning
the plants and hoeing the ground till the crop is ready to be
stored, and that ought to be a month before the frost sets
in. — William Gain, Gardener, Lyncwood.

P.S. — Those that would grow tliis useful root

Free from blight and magt?ots,
Must freely uko both lime and foot,

And they will have fine CarrotP.

Our garden soil is cold, stiff, and heavy — very unsuitable to
the growth of Carrots. I am tcld for years previous to last
Eeason they wore invariably injured by the maggot, but last
year wo had a heavy crop of large clean roots. We sowed
James's Intermediate Scarlet as a main crop during the first
week of April, on a plot which had been double-dug the pre-
vious autumn and heavily manured for the preceding crop.
We drew the drills deep, half filled them with wood ashes,
sowed the seed, and covered slightly with light dry soil. I
have one of your correspondents to thank for my success.
I think it was Mr. Abbey who recommended wood ashes to
prevent wireworm. I would advise your correspondent " B. G."
to give wood ashes a trial. — Tnos. Coomeee.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

We have received the Eupplementary programme of the
Inteenational Hortici'ltdpal ExniBiTioN to be held at Am-
sterdam from the 12th of Apiil to the 2nd of May. Intending
exhibitors must notify their intention to the Secretary-General
before the 1st of March. The programme is divided info ten
sections. — 1, Plants for the stove and temperate house;
2, Greenhouse and conservatory plants; 3, Open-air plants;
4, Arrangements of plants and flowers ; ."), Fruits, vegetables,
and seeds ; 5, Industry as applied to horticulture ; 7, Art, as
applied to horticulture and botany ; 8, Progress; !i, Horticul-
tural science; 10, Awards, medals, and cpitificates to native
and foreign gardeners. Many hundreds of medals, diplomas,
end certificates are provided, tho value of the medals ranging
from upwards of £U to 8s. Exhibitors have the option of re-
ceiving money instead of medals, provided they give a written

notice to that effect on or before March 15th. The sections
are divided into several sub-sections, and a great exhibition ia
anticipated. The programme is signed Hoeufft van Velsen,
President; J. B. Groenewegen, second Secretary.

In order to afford adequate convenience for expected

large importations of plants from his foreign collectors Mr.
B. S. Williams is enlarging his nursery at HoUoway and erecting
new structures. The general stock of plants now in the nur-
series is in superior condition. Amongst the new plants
Araucaria Goldieana is being largely increased, and a largo
stock is being established of the new and elegant Panax laci-
natus. An Australian Fern, Dennistaidia davallioidcs Youngii,
ia elegant and stately, and the fine Gleicbenias rup3atris
glaucescens, and Mendelii, are very noticeable. Amongst the
stately Tree Ferns in the conservatory Dicksonia Youngii ia
growing with great freedom and elegance ; and especially
attractive amongst the Palma are Arecas lutescens and Ver-
schaffeltii, Kentia australis, Stevensonia grandifolia, a new
Martinezia with marbled stems, and Brahea filamentosa — a
pair of fine specimens from California. Many choice Orchids
are flowering, including Lamias Dayii and superbiens, Odonto-
glossums, Zygopetalums and Cypripediuma ; and an extensive
importation of Odontogloseum cirrhosum and Oncidium Ko-
gersii ia being established. The hardwooded plants — Ixoras,
Camellias, Heaths, &c. — are equally worthy of notice for their
health and cleanliness. In "another department" is the
magnificent prize of china — timepiece, urns, and candelabra —
frem the Crown Prince and Princess of Germany, the premier
prize of the Cologne Exhibition ; another honour of note being
the King's gold medal which was awarded at the last Brussels
Exhibition.

At the last meeting of the Committee of the National

Rose Society a satisfactory statement as to the progress of the
Society both as to funds and members was made by the Secre-
taries. Amongst the announoementa made was one which we
are sure will be hailed as a token of suocesa — namely, that
Mr. Cranston of Hereford had made the munificent offer of a
challenge cup of the value of fifty guineas to be competed for
by amateurs, the cup to be won in three years : thus, if Mr. A
wins it in 1877 and Mr. B in 1878, then only A and B are to
compete for it in 18'/ '.I. The schedule was arranged, and a
circular drawn up by the Secretary was approved and ordered
to be printed and circulated. It was the opinion of all present
that a prosperous future might be safely relied upon.

We have just been informed that the Grand Quin-

I.IUENNIAL HOETICDLTOEAL EXHIBITION AT GlIENT wiU be held

in April, 1878. This will no doubt prove equally attractive
with those that have for so many years brought together
horticulturists from all parts of Europe, and we trust that our
national horticulturists will bestir themselves and send such
a representation of British horticulture as will do credit to the
country.

The Judges in the horticultural department of the

Philadelphia International Exhibition, 187(i, recommended to
the United States Centennial Commission for awards a " very
choice collection of new and hare ilants, well grown and in
excellent condition after trans-shipment of such delicate articles
^au exceedingly creditable display," exhibited by Mr. B. S.
Williams ; also " a small collection of Filmy and other Ferns,"
exhibited by the aame nurseryman. " A very rare collection of
Rhododendrons, Holliea, new and rare Conifers, broad-leaved
evergreens of the best kinds for lawn decoration," exhibited
by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea; also " an exhibit of
evergreen plants, consisting of the best varieties of Rhododen-
drons, Holliea, Aucubas, &c., for fine growth and careful train-
ing, and unique in new kinds," shown by tho same firm. A
medal was also awarded to !\Ir. W. Ball for " coloured plates
of flowers."

TuE next International Potato Snow will be held in

the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society some time in
September next, and the prize list will probably include a set
of the Society's medals. The promoters of this Show offered
it to the Society in the first instance, but Lord Bury's Council
failed to perceive that South Kensington was the proper place
for it.

The Galloway Rose Snow ia to be held this year at

Newton Stewart, Wigtonshire, on the l7th of July.

The floV.er market at Covent Gabi'EN is attractive at

any period of the year, but especially so during the opening days
of spring. Bulbous plants — 'Tulips, Narcissuses, and Hyacinths

Febmary 16, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTDRB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

125

are now offered in large numbers. Cytisnses are " coming in,"
Callas are freely represented, and Azaleas, email plants with
dense heads of flowers, are exceedingly gay. The most effective
bonqnets are composed of white Camellias, Encharises, and
Rose bads, with a few Giant Violets between the larger white
flowers, and a veil of Snowdrops arranged over the entire
bcnquet, the " drops " being an inch and more above the other
flowers. The fringe as usual is of Adiantnm cnneatum. The
favourite "button-holes" are composed of a cream-coloured
Rose bud, a single pip of white Hyacinth, a spray or two of
Lilies and Fern.

We are informed that Messrs. James Veitch d* Sons of

Chelsea have obtained by pnbUc tender all Mr. Laxton's seed-
lino Peas and Stkawtjereies.

A Kentish correspondent informs us that the xri

TBEES are blosEoming with great freedom, and are now quite
ornamental from their immense crop of male catkins. These,
he says, are coveted for decorative purposes, sprays of them
posseseing a " sober elegance" when placed in vases that few
flowers can equal. The small inconspicuous female blossoms
are also plentifully represented, and good crops of nuts are
anticipated.

We have received from Messrs. Letts & Son a set of

their well-known diabies. They are of various sizes, and
available for eveiy purpose, from being carried in the waist-
coat pocket to being placed on the counting-house desk or
study table. Besides the diary they all contain a good
almanack, and the larger ones, especially No. 5p., also contain
a large amount of valuable commercial information We can
strongly recommend these as being highly useful.

The Daelington Gardeners' Institute was founded

by E. Pease, Efq., brother to the member for South Durham.
In addition to a valuable horticultural library he generously
gives £50 per annum for its support. The Institute contains,
besides the necfssary apartments for the librarian, library,
reading-room, and smoking-room. Papers are read during
the winter months once a fortnight. There is also a fruit and
floral meeting held (part of the year) weekly. The reading
room is well attended, especially by the young gardeners.
E. Pease, Esq., is President.

We have received from Mr. R. Gilbert, Burghley

Gardens, near Stamford, some flowers of double Primulas.
The individual pips are IJ inch in diameter, and are perfectly
double, every petal also being deeply serrated or " fringed."
The flowers are blush white, some of them being delicately and
others more heavily blotched and flaked with rose. The darker
types of flowers are rosy carmine, deepening towards the centre,
the reverse of the petals being blush pink. As fringed varieties
of double Primulas we have never seen any flowers superior to
the examples now brought to our notice.

— — Mr. F. H. Feoud writing to us from the Gardens,
Hawley House, Kent, on the mildness of the season, states
that he has been gathering Aconites, Snowdrops, Crocuses,
Hepaticas, and other flowers from the open garden during
January. He gathered the last Roses on January 5th, one a
beautiful Gloire de Dijon, as good a bloom as he ever cut in
summer. It was cut from a plant trained to a west wall
rather sheltered. A white Camellia planted out of doors with
five others also in a sheltered position facing north, is now
(February Oth) in flower, and two others are in a very forward
state. Deciduous and other flowering shrubs are fast bursting
into leaf and flower, and bulbs of all kinds are appearing
through the ground, and vegetation generally is in a very
advanced state.

We have received a copy of the new and revised edition

of Cassell's " Household Guide," and we can testify that the
directions and the plates, coloured and plain, justify the
statement that it is useful in " every department of practical
life."

Whoever wishes for full particulars relative to the

colony of Victoria should read Hayter's " Notes on Victoria."

In Mr. Burley's, Hereford Road Nursery, Bayswater,

there is now to be seen a fine specimen of Asi'Idistra punctata.
The Aspidistras are remarkable for producing their flowers
under the soil, where they grow and mature and die — seldom
coming to the daylight. The flower of A. punctata is purple
in colour, has six lobes and six anthers (sessile), and a stigma
like that of a Poppy.

As instances of the mildness of the weather and

winter in South Wales, we recently noticed in the extensive

and beautiful pleasure grounds at Margana Park, Glamorgan-
shire, Hawthorn in flower, Camellias as standard bushes in
the open air with fully expanded blooms, early Rhododendrons
showing colour, and Coronilla glauca, which is generally treated
as an inmate of the greenhouse, covered with its yellow flowers
in the open border, the first and last-named of these plants
having been in bloom since Christmas.

The prooeamme of thb Eoyal Horticultural Society

for the ensuing year will contain a special invitation to local
horticultural societies to subBcribe, and to receive in return
medals of the Royal Horticultural Society for distribution at
their local exhibitions, together with the privilege of appoint-
ing one of their committee to represent the society at all
meetings, iSio.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Eoyal Horti-
cultural Society held on the 13th the following candidates
were proposed and duly elected Fellows of the Society — viz.,
Jas. Aldous, Madame Bassano, Mrs. Bentham, Richard Dean,
William Drace, H. W. Darant, Col. H. P. Goodenough, Peter
Grieve, Mrs. Hargreaves, Dowager Lady Keane,Miss Longman,
Mrs. McGarel, R. B. Postans, Jno. C. Quennell, Mrs. Robertson,
G. Smith, G. D. Stibbard, G. D. Whatman, Jas. Baily, Col. A.
Croll, Robert Driimmond, J. D. C. Farrell, Hon. J. T. Fiennes,
Thos. Lyon, Sir H. St. John Mildmay, Bt., Sir Julian Paunce-
fote, Mrs. Lanrence Peel, T. Francis Rivers, Mrs. Culme Sey-
mour, Viscountess Templetown, Geo. A. H. Tucker, Count
Guidoboni Visconti, Robt. Wake, Edward Webb, E. A. Webb,
Lieut.-Col. Gould Weston, Mrs. W. Burbury, Hon. Olivia Cal-
thorpe, Mrs. A. Croll, <t'0.

On the 27lh of January died Mr. William Melville,

aged sixty-six. He was gardener for thirty years to the Earl
of Roseberry, Dalmeny Park near Edinburgh. Mr. Melville
was an ardent horticulturist and a keen bybridiser. In his
youthful years the Pansy was one of his favourites, and he was
one of the first to improve it. In his later years the Brassica
family attracted his attention, and he raised the Roseberry and
Albert Sprouts also many tine forms of variegated Kale. He
was also the raiser of the Champion Muscat Grape, a variety
seldom seen now, but when well grown no other of the Black
Muscats sarpasses it in flavour ; the berries are very large, but
resemble in colour the Grizzly Frontignan. Mr. Melville re-
signed his situation in 18C9, and received a handsome annuity
from Lord Roseberry. He retired to Jersey, where he managed
a range of vineries on his own account very successfully at Tyne-
ville St. Aubyns, where he died. He was a man of pleasing
manners, very fond of entering into conversation with gardeners
like-minded with himself. He was the father of fifteen children,
whom he educated and trained to good positions in life. Six
of his sons follow the profession of gardeners ; let us hope
that they will emulate tbe example of their parent, and if they
cannot all attain to tbe same height in their profession as he
did, they can deserve success.

On the 4th iust. Mr. John Harrison, nurseryman, of

Darlington, Scorton, and Catterick, died in his own home at
Catterick, at the nge of seventy-six. Mr. Harrison stood very
high as a Rose-grower, aud was well known as a prizetaker at
exhibitions. His Roses were in request over the kingdom,
and he also shone as a cultivator of Dahlias and Hollyhocks,
Mr. Harrison was a native of Yarm, and had been in business
at York before he took the Darlington Nursery. Those who
were well acquainted with him say that his love of Rosea
dated from a very early age, and he has been known as a
practical cultivator of that queen of flowers for sixty years at
least.

• An American paper says the art of making scarecrows

should be studied. It is an imaginative bit of work to make
an artificial hawk from a big potato and long goose and turkey
feathers. Tbe maker can exercise his imitative skill in stick-
ing the feathers into tbe potato so that they resemble tbo
spread wings and tail of the hawk. It is astonishing what a
ferocious-looking bird of prey can be constructed from the
above simple materials. It only remains to hang the object
from a tall bent pole, and tho wind will do the rest. The bird
makes swoops aud dashes in the most headlong and threaten-
ing manner.

At the last meeting of the Linnffian Society a pot of

growing Wheat was exhibited by Mr. R. Irwin Lynch, which
had been sown from the grain left in Polaris Bay, 81° 38' N.,
by tho American Expedition. The grain had been exposed to
the winter frosts, 1872-70, yet the above sample grown at Kew

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUSE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ FeLrnaiy 15, 1877.

gave 64 per cent, as capable of germination. A grain of Maize
among the Wheat also germinated.

BOYAL HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY.

FEBRrART 14th.
At the meeting held on Taesday the President of the Society
acknoirledged the aid of the principal uarBerymen in rendering
the meetings and shows attractive. The compUment had bseu
well merited, and liberal contributions of plants arranged in
the conservatory to-day constituted an extensive and beautiful
spring exhibition — a good augury that the year is not to be a
barren one, and that future gatherings will be worthy of exten-
sive patronage. The display was arranged on tables occupying
the entire length of the conservatory; and when we say that the
best examples from such sources a? those of Messrs. Veitch,
WJliams, Bull, Turner, Wills, and Osborn, besides those of
private growers, were forthcoming, including a large collection
of fruit from Leonardslee, the value and character of the show,
for show it was, will be understood.

Fruit Committee. — Henry Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair.
Mr. Joshua Atkins, gardener t:i Col. Lloyd Lindsay, sent three
very fine bunches of Black Alicante Grapes, which were awarded
a cultural commendation. Mr. Harrison Weir, of Weirleigh,
Kent, exhibited a dish of Mrs. Pinoe's Miiacat Grapes, which
were grown in a house without artificial heat. The flavour was
excellent, and the fruit was in fine condition. A cultural com-
mendation was awarded. Messrs. Veitch exhibited two seedling
Apples they received from Essex and Lancaster, but they were
not of superior quality. Messrs. Veitch also exhibited a large
seedling Pear from Acton, which was not considered of any
merit. Mr. Z. Stevem, ?,irdener to the Duke of Sutherland at
Trentham, sent a tree of CalviUe Blanche Apple in a pot laden
with fruit. These trees are used for table decoration at Trent-
ham. Tile fruit was very fine, and, though somewhat past its
best, was very good. A culturil commendation was awarded.
Messrs. Stuart & Mein of Kelso seat a punnet of the Lily-white
Seakale, which is of an uniform bright yellow colour, and not
tinged at the points with purple, as the ordinary variety is. It
was decided that before an opinion could be formed of its merits
it should be grown at Chiswick side by side with the old variety,
and when cooked submitted to the Committee. Mr. James
Batters, gardener to Mrs. Willis Fleming, Chilworth Manor,
Eomsey, sent a basket of Snowflake Potatoes grown in 7J--inch
pots. A cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. Batters also
exhibited a dish of Mushrooms. A couple of specimens of Limes
grown at Nettlecombe, Somerset, by Sir Walter Trevelyau, were
exhibited by Mr. David Wooster. A very fiue collection of
Apples and Pears was exhibited by Mr. Sidney Ford, gardener
to W. E. Hubbard, Esq., Leonardslee, Horsham, and the Com-
mittee recommended a Davis bronze medal.

The Fruit Committee — haviog had under their consideration
the correspondence in reference to the Grape exhibited by Mr.
Bell of Clive House, Alnwick, before them on December 6th,
1876 — desire to place on record their regret that Mr. Bell should
have withheld ttie facts as to the origin of the Grape, and more
particularly draw attention that in his letter to the Committee
with the Grapes he stated the parentage was " a cross with
Black Morocco, and a seedling raised, I understand, at Wortley ; "
and in his letter of January 25th, 1877, in the Jojirnal of Horti-
culture, he affirmed " it is a foundline, the parentage and con-
nections of which none can vouch." Had the Committee known
at the time of making tUe award the real facts of the case they
would not have recognised the name of Clive House Seedling,
and which they now cancel.

Florai, Committee, — Mr. B. S. Williams in the chair.
Messrs. Veitch exhibited a large group of plants, gorgeous by a
collection of nearly a hundred Amaryllises, in colours ranging
from rich crimson scarlet to creamy white, some of the petals
beiag tipped, others mottled, and nearly all of great substince
and superior merit. A first class certificate was awarded for
Princess of Teck, flame scarlet. The Orchids in this collection
included Lyoasta Skinnerii in several varieties, and L. oruenta,
highly perfumed; Lcslia tmlcherrimi albi, very beautiful
Angi-iEOum sesquipedale, with five flowers ; Phalteoopses ,
Olontoglossums in several species and varieties ; tbe singular
Masdevallia Wallisii (chimeral, to which a first class certificate
was awarded. Chysis Chelsoni, a fine cross from C. l;rvis and
C. Limminghi ; Cypripediums, including C. Schlimmi album
and C. Haynaldianum; Dendrobinm Domini, and D. endocharis,
the latter being a distinct cross between D. japonioum and D.
heterocarpum, a fine plant of Dendrochilum glumaceum, &c.
In the centre of the group a striking liliaceous plant — Eurycles
auBtcalasicuB — commanded much attention. It somewhat re-
sembles an Eiicharis, but each flower spike, which is stout and
6 inches in height, is surmounted witti a dozen white flowers
with yellow st!imens. This will be invaluable as a decorative
plant, and is almost sure to find its way int 3 most conservatories.
The group was fringed with ;auperior Cyclamens and .Lilies,

and contained densely bloomed examples of Rhododendron
Early Gem; also a fine form of Cydonia (Pyrus) japonica alba,
much superior both in the size of the flowers, purity of the
petals, and free flowering, to the old white. The new variety
was introduced by the late Mr. J. G. Veit -h, and must be pro-
nounced an acquisition; a first-class certificate was awarded.
Messrs. Veitch also exhibited flowering sprays of the new shrab
Azara microphylla; Cornns mas variegata, covered with small
orange-coloured flowers; and a collection of cut blooms of
Camellias. A silver-gilt medal was recommended for the col-
lection.

Mr. Bull staged a very commanding group, every plant being
choice and in superior condition. The background was com-
posed of Cycads, Eocephalartes, Dracfcnas, Palms, Phormiums,
etc., at the front of which were Orchids and ornamental-foliaged
plants. Amongst the Orchids were Odontoglossum oirrhosum,
Lycaste Skinneri rubella, very rich ; Uropedium Lindeni,
Odontoglossum Roezlii, Dendrobium speciosum and Wardianum,
Cypripedium Harrisomanum,and a bright yellow Cypripedium,
resembling C. pubescens. To one fine plant in this group —
Cycas media latissima — a first-class certificate was awarded ; a
similar award also being given for Crotou Morti, a bold and
Btitely plant with well-coloured foliage ; and a silver medal was
recommended for the collection.

Mr. Williams exhibited Orchids, including Dendrobiums nobile
and Wardianum, Lailia superbiens, Lycaste Skinneri, remarkably
well bloomed; Odontoglossum cordatum, Zygopetalum orinitum,
and Cypripediums Dayanum, insignis, and villosum ; also Palms,
Cyclamens, and plants of a splendid strain of Primula sinensis
fimbriata alba. A vote of thanks was awarded.

Mr. Wills staged a large collection, arranged in a bold free
style, which is an agreeable relief to the orthodox formaUsm of
flat smooth groups. The large plants consisted principally of
Palms, the groundwork being composed of small flowering
plants and Adiantnms, with an irregular fringe of Ficus repena
and Isolepis gracilis. A vote of thanks was awarded.

Messrs. Osijorn & Sons, Fulham, exhibited a small collection
of choice Palms and Aralias suitable for table decoration. The
plants were remarkably healthy and clean, and meriting and
receiving the thanks of the Committee.

Mr. Turner, Slough, exhibited well-bloomed Camellias, the
old Donckelarii being conspicuous by its numerous and richly
marbled flowers. Fine standard and heavily berried Aucubas,
a standard umbrella-like plant of Enonymus latifolius varie-
gatus, and ornamental pyramid Ivies. A distinct and excellent
group for which a vote of thanks was given.

Mr. R. Dean, Baling, exhibited a collection of Primroses
(some of them Polyanthuses), inpot?. A new white, Virginiana,
P. altaioa. Rosy Mora, Brilliant, and others were very effective.
Mr. Dean also exhibited Victoria Eegina Violet in good condition.
Mr. Aldous also staged a compact collection of flowering plants,
and both exhibitors received the thanks of the Committee.

Mr. F. Newman, gardener to W. H. MichoU, Esq., Highgate,
exhibited a very fine croup of Orchids, including upwards of a
dozen Phalajaopses; Colax j'lcosns, distinct from the purity of
its sepals and its heavily blotched petals; Vanda Cathcarti, Mil-
tonia Warscewiezii, Odontoglossum triumphans, and superior
Dendrobiums, Wardianum, crassinode, and litniflorum^an ex-
tremely fresh and bright collection, for which a silver medal
was recommended.

Mr. James, gardener to W. P. Watson, Esq., Eedlees, staged
nearly a hundred Cyclamens, excellently grown and in superior
varieties ; also a dozen seedling Cinerarias, remarkable alike for
the vigour of the plants and the high quality of the varieties. A
silver medal was worthily recommended for this excellent col-
lection. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Dulwich, also staged good
Cinerarias.

Mr. Ollerhead, gardener to Sir Henry Peek, Bart., Wimbledon
House, staged a small but very good group of Orchids, Vandas
sua vis and tricolor, Dendrobium Boxalli with fifty-three flowerB,
D. crassinode, Phalienopses, etc., and received the thanks of the
Committee. A similar murk of acknowledgment was made to
Mr. Roberta, gardener to W. Terry, Esq , Peterborough House,
Fulham, who staged a small collection of Orchids, Ccelogyne
criststa and Goodyera discolor being in very good condition.

Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford Lodge, Dorking, ex-
hibited some choice Orchids, botanical commendations being
awarded ti Cutasetnm sourra, distinct and powerfully per-
fumed; and Spathaglottis Libbii, pale yellow ; and a first-class
certificate to Odontoglossum Cervantesii var. decorum, a great
improvement on the epacies. Miltonia Warscewiczii pallida in
this choice group wa^t very beautiful. A first-class certifioate
was also awarded for Calanthe vestita rubra oculata, very
vigorous and fiue.

A cultural commendation was awarded to Mr. Denning, gar-
dener to Lord Londesborough, for a densely flowered plant of
the Cobweb Dendrobe, Dendrobium teretifolium ; and a botani-
cal certificate for Masdevallia macrura, a robust and remarkable
species from the State of Columbia. Mr. Laing, Forest Hill
Nurseries, exhibited forced Lilacs; and Mr. Clarke, Twicken-

February 15, 1677. ]

JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

127

ham, fine baskets cf Cyclamens, and received a vote of thanks.
A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr. Edmonds, Hayes
Nnrsery, for Cyclamen persicum albam msgnifioum — a com-
pact plant, but 7!ot a compact name.

Prizes were offered by Meesrs. Veitch for Poicsettia pulcher-
rima pleniEsima, and were awarded — first to Mr. Ollerhead, and
second to Mr. Tnbbs gardener toB.W. Smith, Esq. ,Hampstead.
Mr. Olleihead's specimen was fairly good, but the others were
only indifferent.

In addition to the above colleclicrs (he conservstoiy wbs
rendered attractive by a well-grown assortment of flowering
plants from the Society's Garden at Chiswick.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HABDY FKUIT GAEDEN.

The weather during last week was very fine, and as the
borders had an untidy look with the manure dressing on the
surface it has been dug in. Pear trees are in a very forward
state, and a few weeks of fine weather will cause the buds to
burst their scaly coverings. It would be better if the weather
was colder, as there is always a great risk in an early-blossoming
period.

It is time that nailing was quite finished, as the season is so
early, and when the buds are too much advanced they are fre-
quently rubbed off during the operation. All the work ought
to be done in a careful manner, and if many decaying branches
or any that are badly gummed have to be removed, it may be
better to loosen all the branches from the walls and renail them
regularly over the required space. As a rule wall trees are too
much crowded with young wood, and when this is the case fine
well- coloured fruit cannot be expected. Peach trees are usually
left until the last, and after all useless wood has been removed
the trees should be washed with atrong soapy water if they
are infesteil with any insect pests, taking care not to injure
the buds which are now well advanced. Fan-trained trees have
usually the weakest and most unsatisfactory growths near the
base of the wall, and the growths improve towards the top of
the tree. Sometimes it is better to remove the weak under-
growths and bring down those nearer the top. This may be
done a little every year, and the trees will be kept in better con-
dition thereby. AH the main branches ought to be laid into
their places first, the intervening spaces to be furnished with
the smaller branches and bearing wood. The main branches of
Peach and Nectarine trees are destitute of buds of any sort, and
to furnish the walls regularly with bearing wood it is desirable
to train wood of last season close to or over the bare stems.
"Walls well furnished with healthy fruit fnl wood, skilfully trained,
are a source of continual enjoyment; badly trained trees, with
the branches running into each other, are eyesores and a disgrace
to any garden, although otherwise it may be well kept.

riNE HOUSES.

Fruiters started early in January are throwing up fruit very
freely. With a high temperature and a moderately moist atmo-
sphere they may be expected to ripen-off in June and July.
Smooth-leaved C.aj-ennes and Charlotte Kothschild do not throw
up 80 freely as Queens, but they also are in some cases showing
fruit. It is a good plan to water with weal: manure water after
the fruit shows. It has been recommended by some to with-
hold water until the fruit shows, but when water is withhold
from plants that are in a moist atmosphere and high temperature
they are apt to suffer injory. If it is desirable to throw all the
plants into fruit at one time, and some of them are erratic,
give just sufiicient water to moisten the ball, and do not water
again except so far as to prevent the young fibres from receiving
injury. This ia the evil to be avoided in the case of keeping
any plants too dry for a purpose, for if the points of the small
hair-hke roots are killed, the chances of success are weakened
to an enormous extent. We have not yet potted the young
plants raised from rootless suckers in Aupust last year. We
find it necessary to grow them in a low },it where the tempe-
rature cannot be kept up over 5.5° in cold weather, whereas to
pow the plants well Gu° to 65" would be better. We hope to
have an opportunity to pot them in a week or two ; they are
now growing very well in G and 7-inch pots. If possible they
will be repotted in 11 and 12-inch pots, using good turfy loam
with a fifth part of decayed manure ard a flinch potful of
crushed bones to each barrowload of loam. We were very nn-
anccessful with the Pines when driven to use our own light
sandy loam, but when a good yellow slightly unctuous loam was
obtained an improvement was evident in larger and better fruit.
In our own soil the growth was all that could be desired, in-
deed better than in the more clayey loam, tut fruit did not
show 80 quickly, and when it did the pips never swells d well;
it seemed that all the potting material became exhausted in the
formation of large leaves. See page 87 for iottructious as to
»ii-giving, Ac.

PEACH HOUSE.

Thia is excellent weather for fruit setting. Indeed it is a

question whether January has not beenagocd month for forcing
Peaches, notwithstanding the enormous rainfall. The weather
has been mild, and air could be admitted freely. Windy days
were prevalent, and it has been stated that in countries w-here
the Peach does well as standards in the open air cold winds are
frequent when the trees are in flower, yet the blossoms set well.
A distinction, however, must be made between cold winds and
frosty winds ; air-giving must be conducted with caution when
their icy breath freezes the ground under our feet. In the
earliest house the fruit must be all well set, and it ought to be
freely thinned- out before it injures the trees. The first thinning
should be made when the fruit is well set, and the last at the
commencement of stoning. Syringe freely on fine days, and
as in the case of Pines, close early to utilise sun beat. The
great importance of making sure that the inside borders are not
too dry has been frequently urged ; if the roots are in an over-
dry medium failure is certain. Even this may occur when the
gardener thinks that everything is all right. A rich dressing of
loam and manure is placed over the surface, with the result
that the surface waterings keep this constantly moist, while
the soil beneath may be dust-dry; see that this is not bo. Of
course where the roots are outside and not protected in any way,
except by a covering of leaves or some similar material, the soil
will be wet enough. See that the Peach aphis does not gain a
foothold on the leaves. Syringing will not destroy this pest.
Fumigating with tobacco smoke is the best remedy, but it is
sometimes necessary to smoke three times before the insects
succumb.

Straiohcrrles in Pots. — The first flowers of Black Prince were
open some time ago, but owing to the temperature of the house
having been too high and insufScient ventilation they have not
set well. The first sign of anything being wrong was the petals
not drrpping. When the petals hang on and increase in size it
is hkely to follow that the centre will be a blank. Later blcoms
have set well, for as soon as the etato of matters was observed
the temxjerature was lowered a few degrees, and more air was
admitted. We now water freely with manure water until about
the time of the fruit colouring, when the water is withheld.
Succession plants may be introduced into a higher temperature
at once, as they are now on the move in cool houses. Plants
intended to fiuit just before those out of doors, are stored ou
the shelves in tlie orchard house ; they require water about
twice a-week.

FLOWEB GARnEN.

Florists will now have plenty to do if they have full coUeo-
tions of what are usually designated florists' flowers. Auriculas,
if not already done, must be surface-dressed by removing an
inch or so of the old surface soil and replacing it with some
rich material. We began this work on our own collection the
last week in January and finished last week. Some few of
the plants were potted by way of experiment. The Auricula
wakes up from its winter sleep about the end of January or
first week in February, and root as well as top grows with
unwonted vigour, and it may be that if petting is performed at
this time a good result would follow. The plants will at least
make vigorous growth. All rootless offsets put in about Sep-
tember or early in October, if they remain through the winter
without producing any roots, they will strike out roots at this
time and start into free growth. A quantity of offsets were
also put in at the time of surface-dretsing the pots; they root
well in open frames at this time, and ought to be put in round
the sides of small pots in loam, sand, and leaf soil in about equal
proportions. There is every promise of an early bloom this
year, as many fine trusses are already far advanced. The plants
ought not to suffer for want of water after this time. And ven-
tilation is rather a ticklish question. The plants mast have
plenty of air, else the trusses are weak on the stem and likely to
lean over. Although we tie them to neat sticks for the flower
shows, these are not wanted ou the home stage, except in the
case of a very few weak-stemmed sorts. The Manchester growers
disdain sticks, even at an exhibition, and rather than show with
them they will unstick the plants in the morning and place
sticks to them again at night.

We ran the hoe through the ground amongst Tulips. These
are coming up strongly. We have no' blanks, although there
has been so much wet that a fine bed of the old Giant Bromitou
Stock has been quite destroyed. Oa the first favourable oppor-
tunity a bed of Pansies will be planted out; these have been
wintered in pots and the pots placed in a cold frame. Carnations
and Picotees are making a start into growth, and if the present
mild weather continues we shall begin potting-off the plants.

We are putting in cuttings of any bedding plants of which
the supply is not sufficient. Verbenas, Ageratums, and other
plants of a similar free-growing habit are better as grown from
spring-struck cuttings. All tho zonal Pelargoniums have been
potted-off or the plants have been planted in boxes. Stocks and
Asters, if they are intended for early flowering, should now be
sown in hotbeds, and all tender or half-hardy annuals may be
treated in the same way. Roses are starting into growth, but
we have not yet ventured to prune them. — J. DouanAs.

128

JOURNAL OP HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDBNEB.

[ February 15, 1877.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

W. Heuder & Sou, Vlymonth.— Illustrated Catalogue of Vege
table. Flower, and Agricultural Seeds.

Laird & Sinclair, Dandee. — Catalogue of Seeds, Boots, and
Garden Hequisites.

Andre Leroy ;i Angers (Maine et Loire), France.— PWce Cur-
rent of Vegetable, Flower, and Aqricaltural Seeds.

Harrison & Sons, Leicester. — Catalogue of Choice Seeds for
the Garden and Farm.

B. S. WiUiama, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Holloway,
London. — Catalogue of New Plants.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*,* All correspondence ehould be directed either to " The
Editors," or to "The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub-
jects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion
should be written on one side of the paper only. We
cannot reply to questions through the post.
Books (S. FT.).— Cathill's " Market Gardening Round Londou." We know
of no work devoted to eeed-growing.

Red-skinned Flodrball Potato {H. HiU}.— Althongli it does not succeed
in your soil and situation it may on others. We are pleased to read that you
have established an Amateur Gardeners' Society at Astwood Bank.

Lawn Mossy {A Constant Subscriber).— From now to the end of March, in
mild weather, have the lawn well scratched with a new iron rake so as (o
briug up and remove the moss. The more you remove the better ; clear it off.
In March give a good dressing of decayed manure or rich compost, spreading it
evenly, and not more than half an inch thick. In April rake again well with
the iron rake, removing any rough and unsightly portions of the manure and
any stones, and with an early prospect of rain sow over it evenly Slbn. Festuca
duriuscula, 12 lbs. Cynosurus cristatus, Bibs. Featuca tenuifolia, 8 lbs. Poa
nemoraliti sempervircus, 8 lbs. Trifolium repena, and 4 lbs. Trifolium minus,
an mixture for 1 acre. If jou are troubled with birds, rake lightly with a
wooden rake after sowing; if not, simply roll well ; rolling should also follow
the rakiog. Let the grass grow until the middle or end of May, then mow
with a scythe, and afterwards keep under with the mowing machine. If the
lawn is wet the moss would be subdued by draining.

Bbiars ( Tyro). — "I do not, of course, know who your correspondent's brother
is, but I would recommend him to go into some large nursery, and if he doea
not find a very large proportion of the Briars there " ^reen " I will own that
I am entirely unfit to advise on any subject connected with Rose-growing.
The varieties of Briar are legion; but the younger they are, provided they
have aaflflcient stamina and stoutness, the better. Soma Briars brown in
■colour era very good, but my experience proves that the green are the best.
A man once brought me a Briar 6 feet hiyh as green in colour aa the
grasB. Would " Tyeo's" brother eay that it was only one year oldV— Wyld
Savage."

Barbarossa and Gros Guillaume Grapes IDcvout Reader).— The Groa
Guillaume Grape was introduced some years ago under the erroneous name of
Barbarossa. and this has adhered to it more or less ever since, but it is being
gradually dropped. The true Barbarossa is not in this country, though one
Tery similar to it is occasionally met with, called Gromier du Cantal.

Carpet-bedding Plant (J. Cnrrtcfc).— The only low-growing, dark-foliaged,
half-hardy plant that occurs to us as being suitable for your requiremeuts is
Oxalis corniculata rubra. Seed may be sown now, and the seedlings be raitied
io heat and subsequently hardened-off the same as Lobelias and other tender
bedding plants. The Oxalis grows about 8 inches high, and the foliage is of
a dark coppery brown colour. The plants grow freely in almost any soil, and
are nearly or quite hardy.

Hphagndm for Orchids (E. J. B.) — It should be used in a fresh state
though many prefer it dried, as it is theu more readily choppod-up, and the
dust or smaller particles can be rejected the more rtadily.

Seeds from India (J. L.). — Poincianaregia is a stove evergreen shrub or
tree, thriving well in turfy loam, with a third of leaf soil or thoroughly de-
cayed manure, and a sixth of sand. A little peat may be added if the loam
be deficient in fibre. The seeds ehould be sown in a brink bottom heat (Ou'^i,
in early March, previously steeping them in water at a temperature of llO-^
lor twenty four hours. Lagerstrieuiia regina; is au evergreen stove shrub-
like tree, succeeding iu peat and loam in equal parts with a half part of Itaf
soil and a free admixture of sand. The seeds should be sown in a brisk
bottom heat early next month. Combretum grandiflurum is a stove shrub,
succeeding in a compost of peat and loam. It is uecessarj that the seed bo
sown iu brisk heat ia spring, growing the plants in moist heat during the
summer, keeping them rather dry in winter. The seedlicga should be potted-
off singly when large enough.

Pruning Chiuonanthus fbaorans (H. O. M.) — Cut it back after fluwcr-
ing, and restrict the aummer pruning to the removal of irregular growths.

Oxalis versicolor not Flowering (Idcjii). — We can only attribute their
not flowering to the crowded state of the bulba. Thoy should have at least
twice the pot room, and bo given a good Hcaaon of rest, not withholding water
nntil the growth ceases, repotting when growth commeucea. A compost of
turfy loam and a little peat and leaf soil will grow them perfectly. They
ehould have a light airy position in a greenhouse, watering freely during
growth, but not making the soil sudden.

ToDEA sui'ERBA ITudea). — The old fronds usually go off about this time,
or when the young fronds are being made. The old fruuda will require to be
cut away after the plant has furnished itself with new growth. Continue it
in the cool house, in which it will do better than in an intermediate house.

Plants for Intermediate House (An Old Subscriber]. — The Vines will
give you all the shade required during summer; and in winter, from October
to March inclusive, no shading whatever is required. Your house will be suit-
able for such flowering stove plants as Allamaoda nerifolia, Aphelandra auran-
tiaca Roezli, Centropogon Luceana, Conoclinum ianthinum, Balechampia
Roezliana rosea, EpiphvUum truncatum vars., Eranthemum pulchellum,
Euphorbia splendens, Frauciscea calycina major. Gardenia fiorida, Imanto-
phyllum miniatum, Lasiandra macrautha floribunda, Libonia floribonda,
Monochiptum ensiferum. Plumbago coccinea superba, Scutellaria Moecini-
ana, Rogiera gratissima, and Vinca alba oculata. Variegated or foliage—
Cyperus alternifolius variegatua, Draciena stricta, D. reginte, Franciscea con-
fertiflora variegata, Fittonia (Gymnostachyum) Pearcei, Pandanus elegan-
tiesimus, Pauicum variegatum, Paullinia thalictrifoha, Pavetta borbonica,
Sanchezia nobilia variegata, Maranta zebrina, and Tillandsia acaulia zebriua.

Plants for Labge Conservatory iLeodiemis).—!. Folioge plants.—
Beaucarnea recurvata, Chamrerops Fortunei, Dasylirion gracile, Cordyline
indivisa, Livistonia australis, Lomatia elegantissima, Dicksonia antarticft
and D. squarroaa, Phormium tenas variegatum. Yucca aloifolia variegata,
and Y. quadriciilor. 2. Flowering plants— Rhododendron Countess of Had-
dington, R. Dalhousianiim, R. Princess Royal, Luculia gratissima, Abutilon
vexiilarium marmoratum, Habrothamnus elegans, Clianthus puniceus,
Camellias of sorts— viz., Alba plena, Bjnomiana, Fimbriata, imhricata.Matho-
tiaua, and Elegans.

Keeping Late Grapes (S. G).— Alter the fruit is ripe the night tempe-
rature should be about 45". It does not injure the Vines much to allow the
Grapes to remain, provided they are cut before the sap rises.

Clue Root IE. M. P.).— If the gas company will not let you have half a
bushel of gaa lime, we do not know where you can purchase it.

CocuMiiEBS Unhealthy {J. G., Bn'sioZ).— Remove the unhealthy growths,
top-dress to induce surface roots, water copiously with tepid water, and raise
the temperature of the house, increasing also the atmospheric moisture, and
we think your plants will recover.

Climbing Roses (G. I. H.).— All inquirii^a must be sent to the Editors.
Many correspondents would be annoyed by private letters.

Vine Bleeding (T. E. D.).— Char the bleeding surface again, and deeply;
then rub-in a paste made of grease and lime.

Club ROOT (J. G. M.K— It is caused by a weevil, which deposits its eggs in
the bark of the roots. If the roots are dipped into a paste of soot and water
at planting time, end soot is sprmkled over the surface of the soil, jou will
find the treatment beneficial.

Protecting Fruit Trees (J. Rogers).— The "heat, " that is tho most
eflncient coverings, are frigi domo or canvas, but these must not remain oyer
the trees, and a system of rollers becomes necessary for raising and lowering
the protection according to the weather. The "cheapest," for remaining
over the trees, admitting light and air, and affording protectiou from slight
frosts, is stout woolly hexagon netting.

Fungus on Camellias ( rv. B.I.— There are slight signs of black fungus
on tho leaves sent, but the incrustation is principally caused by dust and
sooty particles from the atmosphere. Sponee the leaves with a strong warm
solution of soft soap, and then syiiuge regularly once or twice a-day through-
out the season of growth. The leaves do not appear to be unhealthy, but
they must speedily become so unless jou take prompt and efficient i
to clean them and keep them clean.

Names of Fruits (Grej/ori/). —Cockle Pippin.

POTJLTEY, BEE, AND PiaEOK OHEONIOLE.

LOWESTOFT POULTRY, &c., SHOW.

The ninth Exhibition of poultry, Pigeons, and cage birds was
held in the Public Hall, Lowestoft, on the 7th and 8th inst. The
birds, although not numerous, were very good, more especially
the Pigeon classes, scarcely a pen being without a card. The
Hon. Sec. (Mr. L. AVren), as usual, was very active and obliging,
and the birds were well attended to.

Dorkings headed the catalogue. A fair class. First a good
pen ; second almost as good. Coc/iins.— First and second Lady
Gwydyr, both pens exceedingly good ; third very yellow.
Brahmas (Dark). — Lady Gwydyr again taking first and second
honours, which they deserved. Brahmas (Light).— P. Haines,
the woU-known Light Brahma breeder, taking first and second.
The first pen grand birds, but slightly out of coudition. Game
a poor class, very little to choose between the first, second, or
third, all the winners being Brown Rede, but lacked the gipsy
face so much desired. Spanish, — First grand birds, the hen
having an immense comb and face ; second very fair birds.
Uamburghs (Gold or Silver-pencilled).— The third (W. K. Tick-
ner) wo preferred to either the first or second, third being placed
in a very dark place. Himburghs (Gold-spangled) —As a class
poor, but well placed. Hftmburghs (Silver-spangled).— Combs of
all the winners much too large. Hamburghs (Black).— A rather
better class. Pen 72 too late ; would have stood a good chance
of winning. Bantams (Game) a ooor class. Bantams (Black
good. Bantams (<ii«y other varietj) a fair class; the winners very)
good Sebrights. Bantams (Selling class) —Third (Black Beds)
would have won in the open class. Duclis should have been
divided into two classes at least.

Pigeons. — Carriers three classes, exceedingly good. They
must have given Jlr. Hutton, who judged them, much trouble
in awarding the prizes. Barbs good classes. Dragoons a grand
class for a local show. Pen 217 too late ; would have run the
winners very close. Tumblers superior. 296 pen first (Yard-
ley), a good bird, but unwell; have been, to all appearances,
overshown. Pouters a grand class. First and second will in all

Fobrnary 15, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENKJlJ.

probability meet again, when the awards may be reversed, both
birds quite good enough to win at any show. Other classes were
well filled and well judged. It struck us that many of the cards
might have been dispensed with, as out of about iCO pens only
nine pens were without a card.

Cagd Birds a very faw entries. The winners were very fair
birds. The following awards were made : —

POCLTRV.-DoEKi><as.-l. J. Chamberlain. 2, F. Parlott. 3 and Looal,
Miaa CrowfL'Ot Cochins.— 1 and 2. Lady Gwydyr. 8, Mrs. Berners. Brahmas.
— Darfc.— 1 and 2. Lady Gwydyr. 3. C. Denton. Lij/iJ — 1 and 2. P. Haines. 8.
Eev. H. C. Fellowcs. G«J1E.-1 and 2. H. E. Martin. S, A. P. Bvford. Local,
H.Reynolds. SPiXisB.— 1, J. T. Mumby. 2, D.M.Mills. S. W Carter. Ham-
vcROBa.—Ooldor Silver-pencUUd.—l,H.K.B.ohsou. 2. C. W. Gibbs. S, W.K.
Tiokner. Local. W. Herrod. i>)k;, H. Kidger. Gald-apangled.—l. T. Dean. 2,
T. E. Jonea. 3, H. Reynolds. Sitver'Spangled.—l, H. Stanworth. 2 and
Local, T. E. Tbirtle 8, H. R. Plattin, Jan. Black— I, Rev. H. C. Fellowes. 2.
W. Clark. 3, H. Kidger. Local, W. Kmahta. Fkekoh.— 1, C. W. Gibbs. 2, W.
CiiUack, jun. 3, A. W. Darley. Any other Vaeieiy.— 1. A. 4 Vf. H. Silvester.
i, T. W. Kulcber. 3. E. Brantord. Selliso Clabs.-CocJ: or Brake.— 1, W.
Carter. 2 and 8. Mrs. Bemers. Local. W- Knights. Hens.—l, Nutman and
Wright. 2. T. E. Thirtle. 3, W. Carter. Local, G. Prettyman. Bantams.-
Game.—l.W. Darrant 2, W. Dods. S. P. P. C. Barrett. Local, W. Haver-
son. vhc, W. Long. Black or White.-l, Lodlow i Rackham. 2. A. & W. H.
Silvester. 3. K. H. Ashton. Local, T. E. Thirtle. vhc, R. Wingfleld, L. G.
Morrell, Ludlow & Rackham, G. P. Ladd. Any other variety.— \. 2, R. and vhc,
W. Holmes. Selling Class— I, W. Holmes. 2, R. Wingfleld. 3, A. W. Darley.
Local. T.E. Thirtle. tide. H. W. & H. King, Lndlowi Rackham. DucKS.-^ny
e();.-l, A. .i W.H.Silvester. 2, Dr. E. V. SneU. 3, Mrs. Berners. Local,

B. Spencer, rhc, C. Laing, R. Cant. I'ounj Cocfc or Hen —1, P. R. Spencer. 2

C. H. Clarke. 3, C. Laing Local. N. N. CbipperHeld. vhc, C. H. Clarke, G. S.
Clements, R. Cant (2). C. H. Clarke. Barbs.— 1 and 2, H. Yardley. 3. C. Nor
man. Local, G. Darrant. J'ounf; —1 and 2, J. Stanley. 3, E.B. Trotter. Local'
G. Darrant. Dragoons. -1 and Local, A. W. Wren. 2, R. Woods. 3, W. C
Moody, younj.— 1 ands, A. W. Wren. 2, E. Holland. Local, W. Hamwell'
vlic, W. Hamwell. P. R. Spencer. Tdmblehs.— Bald or Beard— 1, A. & W. H.
Silvester. 2, H. Yardley. 3 and Local, J. G. Farman. Any other variety.— 1
and a. H Yardley. 3, L. E. Willet. vhc, L. E. WUlet, Lndlow & Rackham. A.
and W. H. Silvester. Poctebs.— 1. L. Watkin. 2 and 3. A. P. Bvford. Local,
H.Reynolds. Fantails.— 1 and 2, W. J. Warhnrst. 3, J. F. Loversidge. Local,
G. Darrant, Jan. Antwerps.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, G. Darraot. 3, C. Cowles.
TcRBiTa.— 1. R. Woods. 2, R. Reeder. 3. E. J. Chipperfleld. Local, W.
Darrant. vhc, E. Holland, G. Webster. T. Homes. Anv other Variety.- 1,
P. R. Spencer. 2 and 3. A. & W. Silvester. Local, W. Darrant. vhc. Miss
Eeles ^-^). W. Dnrrant, P. R. Spencer. Selling Class.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, J.
K. Bailey. R. Woods. 3. A. W. Wren. Local. J. G. Farman. dAc, Misa Eeles,
J. G. Fatman, T. Chambers, T. G. Hainawortb, E. Reeder.

CAGE BIKDS.-Casaries.— Clear Yellow or BulT.-l and 2, Sadler & Barber.
Local. W. Havcraon, sen. fariegated Yellow or Biijr.-l and 2, Sadler and
Barber. Local, W. Haverson. sen. Any other variety— 1 and 2, Sadler and
Barber. Local. W. Haverson. sen. Mdles.— 1, W. Laugley. 2, T. Green.
Parrot ob PABAKEEr.— 1 and2,Mi88Eele3. Any other Variety of British
OR Foreign.— 1, R. Humphrey. 2 and vhc. Miss Eelea. Selling Class. -2,

Judges.— Kev. T. L FeUowes, and Mr. E. Hutton.

MELROSE POULTRY, &c., SHOW.

The Waverley Poultry Show was held in the Corn Exchange,
Melrose, on Wednesday and Thursday, 24th and 25th. The
queries showed an increase of more tbau tifty over last year.

Dorkings were first on the list, first being Dark Dorkings,
very large ; second also Dark, both being from the yard of Mr.
Amos. In the young class Mr. Amos again carried all the prizes.
CucJuHS. — First a splendid bird. Buff, grand in fluff and colour;
second White, also good ; third good Partridge. Brahmas. —
First very fine birds both in colour and shape, and of immense
size; second and third also good, all being Dark. Game. — First
a very perfect pen of Blacks, second Black Ileds, third Reds.
In Sjjunish Mrs. Gracie, EdiuburKh, took first and second with
superior birds, which carried off the cap for the best pen.
French. — Mr. Park won first with a very fine pen of young birds ;
third we thought should havt* been second, as the second wanted
crest and had a bad comb. Haynhnrghs, Spangled. — First a good
cock bird, but we did not like the hen, and thought the second
pen better, having a splendid hen ; third fair Silvers. Pencilled.
— First (Sanders) cock a good even-coloured bird ; second red in
ears; third bad hen ; 51 (Parkj we thought better than either of
them. Any variety. — First Scotch Greys, a very perfect pen of
that type of breed, being the cup birds at Edinburgh and Kirk-
caldy; second Black Hamburghs, third Scotch Greys. Game
lianta/ns, Black or Brown Beds. — Cup a very smart bird; second
also good; a large class. Ducks very good and large classes.

Fantails, Jacobins, Owls, and Any variety all good classes.

P0ULTBY.-DoREiNO8.-land2, G. Amos. 3,A. Oilzean. CWeiew -1 and
3,O.Amo». 2, R.Patcrson. Cochin.Chinas.-I, J. Wyse. 2 and 3. A. Gilzean.
Bbahma Pooteas.—1,W. R.Park. 2, J. Sandcman. 3. W. G. Duncan. Game.
— l^p. J. Broagh. 2. J. A. Neilson. 3, W. 4 H. Adams. Spanish.— 1, Special,
ands, Mrs. Gracie. S, R. Somerville. Fre»ch.-1, W. P.. Park. 2. J. D. Brown.
8, W. Linton. Hambcrohs.— Goirf or Silver-sijangled.-l, J. W. Campbell.
2, W. R. Park. 3. J. Ashcrnfl. Penciiled.—I. H. Sanders. 2, A. N. Eckford.
S,J. Grierson. Ant other Variety —1. W. K. Park. 2, J. Grierson. S.Mrs.
B. Mardie. Bantaiis.— Game, Blac/e or Broicn i?ed.— Cup. J. A. Neilson. 2, A.
YoMg. S.J.Tate. Game, ani/ oldercaneli/.-l, J. A. Neilson. 2, R. E. Frew.
8, A. Walker. Any other hariety.—l, R. H. Ashton. 2, Miss R. Frew. 3, J.
Archibald. Any variety.— Cock.— \, 3. A. NeilBon. 2. R. H. Ashton. S, Miss R.
Krew. Cottaoeb.' Class.- 1. R. H. Ashton. 2, W. Linton. 3. J. Ashcroft.
Ducks.— ^llie>l/uri/.— tup, A. Mitchell. 2, G. Drvden. 3, A. Campbell. Bouen.
— 1, H. B. MarshaU. !. J. A. Neilson. S, T. E Gibson. Any other variety -
I and 3, W. Morrison. 2.R. H. Ashton. Selling CLAsa.—l, J. Ashcroft. 2, W.
Linton. 3. Lady MajoribankB. Tubbeys —2, A. Robertson. 3, J. C. Tambull.
Oes»e,-2. Lady Ma oribanks. S, Mm. Tumball.

PIGEONS, -PocTERS.-l, J. M'Donald. 2. R. Irvine. 3. D. Thomson. Fan-
TAiLS.-l, J. Jones. 2, F. Renwick. 3. T. Hislop. NuNS.-l, R. Lawrie. 2, B. P.
new. 8, W. Brjdone. Jacobins.- 1,2, and 3, W. Brydone Tciiblees.- 1, H.

Coalston 2 and 3, W. Brydone. Tdrbitb.—1 and 3, W. Brydone. 2, R. Lawrie.
Owls — English.— \, F. Renwick. 2, R. Lawrie. 3, W. Brydone. Any other
Variety.-1,W. Brydone. 2. R. Lawrie. 3, W. Moody. SelliHG CLASS.- L H.
Brydone. 2, W. Brydone. 3, J. Y. Hunter.

Judges.— Mr. B. Teebay, Preston; Mr. G. Park, Galashiels.

READING PIGEON AND BIRD SHOW.

The Beading Show is always a treat. Much as we delight in
poultry there is a certain relief in finding a show free from
crowing. The twittering of the small birds was charming,
though marred occasionally by a hoarse and horrid Cockatoo.

The Pigeon Show was a very fine one, the entries numbering
nearly 550. Considering how easy of access Reading is from
London, we were surprised on the first day not to see more
fanciers there. The Show is not, we believe, snlEciently ad-
vertised.

Carriers had four classes. In the class for Black or Dun
cocks first was Mr. Baker's now renowned bird, second a Dun
with a very good beak, third a Black fine in form but with
a beak wattle not very well shaped. The Carrier cup went to a
Dun hen, a capital dark-coloured bird ; second was another
Dun ; third a good Black, good in eye-wattle. The winners in
the class for cocks any other colour, were all Blues. First a
stylish bird in form, but not equal we thought to the second, a
grand Pigeon in length and head ; third rather too Dragoon-
like in head. The first hen was a good Blue, apparently young
and wild ; third a Silver Dun. Mr. Fulton showed a bird of
singularly strong frame.

Dragoons are now certainly most popular birds. They had
four classes, numbering together eighty-eight pens. First in
Blue or Silver cocks was a wonderful Blue, very fine in head,
and far removed from the Carrier-like type of bird, he justly
carried off the cup ; second another Blue of the same style ;
third a Blue heavier in bUl. We much admired 47 (Burnell),
a young Silver. In Blue or Silver hens a capital Silver won;
second was a good Blue ; third a fair Blue. Red or Yellow.
— First a splendid rich-coloured Red ; second a Yellow very
sound in colour ; third a Yellow not superior in colour, but
good in head and beak. Any other colour, a capital Grizzle
came first; second a White with a beautiful beak; third a Blue
Chequer.

Antwerps (homing), had three classes. It is impossible to
criticise these classes, but most of the winners had the appear-
ance of being fine workers. Short. faced numbered sixteen.
First a Red Chequer good in beak ; second and third also Reds.

Pnult-rs had six classes. In cocks (Black or Blue), first was a
splendid Black, second also aBlacK,third a Blue. There seemed
some confusion in the hen class, two birds were credited with
the cup. The one to which it doubtless was awarded was a
splendid Black in magnificent condition and with beautiful
breast marking ; second fine Blue ; third another Blue.
Whites were good. The first cock struck us as much the best,
very slim in girth and of great length. In the Any other colour
Reds carried oil all the prizes for cocks ; and for hens the
winners were a Mealy, a Yellow, and a Dun.

Tumblers. — The first and second Almonds were capital. The
cup went to a lovely Agate. Second in the same class was a
Kite, capitil in head ; third a Black Mottle. In the class for
Flying Tumblers a very pretty Yellow was first; second a
Muffled Black Mottle ; third a Blue Bald.

Foreign Owls were a fine class, the winners all Whites.
Englisii Owls were another very good class. First-and-cup was
a magnificent Blue splendid in gullet ; second a Silver a little
coarse.

Turhits were not so good as we have often seen them of late.
In the Blue or Silver class, first was a pretty down-faced little
Blue ; second a Silver good in head ; third a Silver with nice
gullet but little more to recommend it. The cup went to a
little Yellow now well known ; second was a very long-faced
Black ; third a much better Black.

Magpies were both good classes, the winners being remark-
able for being true Magpies in head and not Tumbler-like.

Archangels were a large and good class. The variety is
evidently coming into favour. Like Black East Indian Ducks
Black Hamburghs, and other birds of lustre, they require a
strong light, but at Reading were in the darkest part of the
show-room. We regret to see the Judges going-in entirely for
the darkest birds ; many prefer the bright coppery pink
breasts, which contrast so beautifully with black backs, even
though this colour be accompanied with a little blue on the tail.

Jacobins wore a splendid class. First and-cup a Red wonder-
fully close in chain and hood ; second a Red too, very rich in
colour and without mane. He would please Mr. Harrison
Weir. Third another Red, very fine in beak and hood.

Barbs. — The winners were all Blacks. Second apparently a
young bird, very good in eye.

Fantails were fair. First very round in tail but rather coarse
and dirty ; second fair, also of English type ; third very good in
tail. We preferred this bird to its owner's first.

JOUF.NAL OP HORTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 15, 1877.

Any other Variety. — First one of the best Blue Priests we
have ever seen; second a Black Enssian Trumpeter; third a
Bine Fairy Swallow. Reading and its neighbourLood boast
many local fanciers, and the classes for them were well filled.

Captain Norman Hill judged the Pouter classes ; Mr. W. B.
Tegetmeier the Dragoons, Antwerps, and Variety classes ; Mr.
F. Bsquilant the rest.

We must not pass over the Cage Bird Show, which was
lovely. Every variety of Canary was well represented, and we
were glad to see well-filled classes of British birds. Twenty-
four Bnllfiuohes, sixteen Cioldfinohes, twelve Linnets, besides
Blackbirds, Thrushes, Blackcaps, aud a most tuneful Dove
which cooed incessantly. The classes for foreign birds were
some of the best we have ever seen. Mrs. Monk showed a
most varied collection of Parrots, her aviaries almost rival her
kennels. Cardinals and Virginian Nightingales seem this year
in peculiarly good condition. We thought Mrs. Monk's Mule
resplendent, one of the most glorious birds we have ever seen.
It rightly divided first honours with Mr. Williams's " Green-
Leeks," a charming variety of Paraquets. The Corn Exchange
was well heated, and we thought tlie Show generally a decided
success. Mr. Blakaton judged the cage birds.

SPEING DUTIES.

DtjKiNG the winter months many bees die by reason of age,
and lie on the boards of the hives till they are removed by the
surviving bees in fine weather, or till they are swept off by the
hand of the bee-master. lu cold weather and long storms, when
bees canuot leave their hives, their droppings accumulate on
the boards too. In early spring it is desirulDle to scrape all
offensive matter off the boards, so that the bees may commence
operations for the season in clean sweet houses. On the first
day of this month all our hives were turned up aud examined,
and their boards cleaned. Owing to the bees being able to leave
their hives during the late mild winter, comparatively few dead
were found, and very little dirt.

Mild winters are evidently more conducive or less hurtful to
the health of the inhabitants of hives than cold frosty weather.
Of course, in open favourable winters bees eat a little more food
than they do in cold ones, but this fact is so well known that
practical bee-keepers consider and provide for a little difference
of consumption. It is always well to be on the safe side, aud see
that none of our industrious favourites perish for lack of food.

As the weather is mild, and indicating an early spring, bee-
keepers in the south may now begin to stimulate their bees by
slow and gentle feeding. One halfpennyworth of sugar melted
in boiling water given to a hive three or four times a-week will
speedUy cause the bees tu commence breeding. This artificial
feeding should be continued till outdoor work commences. This
gentle continuous spring-feeding is helpful, as it promotes either
early swarming or early supering. In my own apiary I shall not
begin feeding for some time — for this reason, that many of my
Btooka w<ere created in October and November of last year by
syrup-feeding. They have no bee bread in them. I do not wish
them to begin breeding till the bees are able to find pollen on
the flowers of this spring. The bees which I fed into stocks were
obtained very late last autumn, about six weeks later than the
usual time. Stocks created in September by artificial feeding
are generally very strong, and equal to all the wants of nursing
and working.

As soon as breeding commences hives should be kept as warm
as possible. In my case it is easier to preach than to practise on
this point, for I have so many to cover that I can never get
materials enough to keep them all warm. Old sacks and matting,
old carpets, blankots, aud old garments are gathered up for this
purpose, and used as the under flannels of our bee hives. All
hives should be well covered and kept warm in the months of
February, March, and April. — A. Pettigrew.

DEATH OP STOCK OF BEES,

" A BEE-KEF.rER " says, "One of mv stocks was very strong
last summer, but would not swarm. The bees hung out in large
numbers night and day, and stopped up the door of the hive,
preventing air from getting in, and thereby suffocating as many
as would have made a good swarm. After the dead bees were
removed, the living liees found sutlicieut room inside. la the
autumn I fed them with as much sugar as they would take. A
few days ago I found that all the bees had died; the hive and
board together weighing 2C lbs.— weight of hive and board with-
out the combs 12 lbs., honey aud combs 14 lbs. Can any of your
correspondents inform me as to the c»UBe of the bees dying with
BO much honey in the hive ? "

It is impossible to soy with certainty what caused the loss of
this stock. The suffocation of the bees in the summer resulted
from inattention on the part of the bee-master, as bees never
voluntarily suffocate their associates or endanger the lives of
their fellow workers by preventing air from entering the hives.
The clusters which are formed over the doors of hives are some-
times drowned or chilled by rain and fall down, and thus close

the doors and choke the bees inside. Suffocation is produced
by dead and dying ; not by living active bees. Clusters of bees
hanging about the doors of hives should be securely protected
from rain. Ultimately your hive perished from want of bees;
in other words, from not breeding young bees enough in the
autumn. But nobody, iu the absence of sight or an examina-
tion, can say why bees enough were not bred in the autumn.
The queen may have been suff'ocated, or the centre combs may
have been filled with foul brood, or too well filled with honey
and syrup, — A. P.

OUR LETTER BOX.

IlAiiBCRGHa AT WOLVERHAMPTON. — Yonr reporter, in his criticisms oa
Wolverhampton Show, says, " The first-prize peD of Gold- pen ciiled coDtained
an old cock, which we remember in the same position at Birmingham." He
is in error, as onr old cock was not shown at Birmingham, and is the one we
won very many first prizes with in 1876, and was not in feather for the large
shows. Please correct this in your next issoe, and oblige — G-. & J. Dookwouth.

Feather not Dyed (E.'L. G.).— We have submitted the feather to every
test we know — alkalis, ammonia, and acids of every sort. We can detect no
trace of colouring, nor do we believe his feather has been tampered with.
We cannot see what object they could have, as there is toothing in the culour
contrary to a Pile. It is such an one as would be almost essential in a
Worcestershire Pile.

Hen Retaining hee Egos (S. A. B.).— Probably the egg-passage is ia-
flamed. Give the hen a dessert-spoonful cf castor oil, lettuce leaves, and no
corn. Avoid cabbage loaves unless they are boiled.

Dubbing [R. rr.i.— We stated in our Journal ou the 25th of January that
we decline entering on the subject. We have too many letters on both sides
to induce us to alter our determination.

Pcllet Dropping Hee Eggs {A Constant Oh^erver). — Give her a table-
spoonful of castor oil, feed on barleymeal mash, and give her lettuce leaves
daily.

Rats in Poultry Hocse (B. W ).— Wo have tried most things, but have
found nothing so efficacioas as having numbers of cats in the places where
the chickens are kept. We have no difficulty in accomplisbiog it if we bring
up the kittens among the poultry and feed them. The rats will not come
where the cats are, and the cats will not eat the chicken3 unless driveu to it
by hunger. Our chickens are at present under cover. We shall soon put them
out, then we move the cats into the field with them, supply them with small
hutches, and tie them by m-'ans of a long string. We lose no chickens by
rats. We generallv ferret the haunts of the rats about once in a mouth.
We have seme good doge, and we kill many rats. They must not be allowed
to " rest and be thankful." If they are continually disturbed they will at
last shift their quoiters. The best traps we know are Brailsford's, aud the
most destructive engine is the gio. It can be covered with paper, linen, or
sawdust, if put in a run ; if exposed it must be baited. We know no bait
better than red herring.

Ferrets ( W, C.).— '^q know of no book upon their management.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS,

Date.

9 a.m.

In the DAT.

iS.«

g«

-^ .

Eadiation

.9

|--j51

ter.

.#

a is

perature.

Temperature.

«

Feb.

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

H

Max.

Min.

BUn.

graaa.

deK.

dee.

deR.

des.

In.

We. 7

30.125

53 .S

al.'i

W.

410

58 5

1S.3

63 6

44 9

0.019

Th. 8

30.183

«8

43.9

N.W.

43.0

02.0

4S.3

9t8

40.8

Fri. 9

30.07)

43.S

41.7

w.

43.S

53.6

37 0

65.9

83 3

—

Sat. 10

2'J.873

5IJ.6

48.6

44.1

53.2

43.0

69.3

42 7

0.070

Sun. 11

29.8)0

61.0

49.0

s w.

45 0

54.5

33.0

92.0

46.0

u.iss

Mo. 12

29 812

47.0

4S3

W.

45.0

64.6

44.4

68.3

41.8

0.157

Tu. 13

29.739

47.9
48.3

46 9
46.8

w.

44.8
41.2

51.3
63.9

45.1

42.7

41.3

41.3

0.S39

Means.

29.913

75.4

0.738

REMARKS.
7th.— Very fine all the forenoon ; dull in afternoon, and rain In the evening.
8th. — Fine morning ; a beautiful day, bright and warm.
9th. — Rather colder and less bright than the previous day, but stUl a fine
day.
10th, — Fine morning ; very alight shower at noon, but soon over; wind lather

high at night.
11th.— Rain 6 to 3 A.ai., fine at 0, and followed by a brilliant day and still

more brilliant starlit night ; le°s bright at midnight.
12th.— Very rainy in forenoon ; afternoon bright and fine.
llUh.— Fine morninij, rain at 10 a.m. aud at times all day ; very dark aboufc
4p.m.
Mild week, damp air and westerly wind.— Q. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Februabt 14.
Alt. classes of goods are now getting into a small compass, and with basi-
nesK better, prices have somewhat improved. All kinds of early forced vege-
tables can now be had, and are coinrnauding fairpiice i.

FEUIT.

Apples i sieve 8 6to7 0

Apricots dozen 0 0 0 0

Chestnuts busbel 0 U 0 0

Currants * sieve 0 0 0 0

Blade ^ do> 0 0 0 0

Ficra dozen 0 0 d 0

Filberts lb. 0 0 0 0

Cobs lb. 10 16

Gooseberries yuar. 0 0 0 0

Grapes, hothouse lb. 4 0 12 0

Lemons V\m r. 0 10 0

Melons each 0 0 0 0

Nectarines dozen o otoO 0

Oranges tt^ 100 8 0 12 0

Peaches dozen 0 0 O 0

Fears, kitchen.,., dozen 0 0 0 0

dessert dozen 3 0 Ti 0

PineApplea lb. 1 6 4 U

PluMs i seive 0 0 l> 0

Quinces bushel 0 0 0 0

RaBpberriea lb. 0 0 0 0

Strawberries lb. 0 0 0 0

Walnuts bushel 5 0 b 0

ditto ^p- 100 1 9 a 0

February 22, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE.

131

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day

of of 1 FEBBUAKY 22—28, 1877.
Month Week.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Snn
Bise;.

Snn

Set3.

Moon
Bines.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
sun.

Day

of
Year.

33
i»
24
25
26
27
28

TH

F

8

Son

M

To

W

Rojal Society at 8.30 p.m.

Koyal iDSiltalion at 8 P.M.

Roval Botanic Society a.', 3 45 P H.

2 Sunday in Lent.

R.jyal Geographical Society at 8.30 p.m.

Iiojai MeJical and Chirurgical Society at 8.30 p.m.

Society of Arls at 8 P.M.

Day. Night.
465 1 31.7
47.1 i 31.3

46 7 32 5

47 3 1 33.4
47 0 1 3.5.2
47 7 33 4
49.0 33.0

Meao.l h. m.
891 1 7 2
.39.3 ; 7 0

39 6 1 G 58
398 1 6 65
40.1 6 63

40 5 6 51
41.0 6 49

h. ra.
5 26
5 28
S 29
5 31
5 33
5 8.5
5 36

h. m : h. m.

10 19 ' 3 80

11 23 ' 4 S9
0a47 ! 5 29

2 19 1 6 S

3 65 1 6 27

5 28 6 45

6 57 6 69

Davs.
9
10
II

12
13

a

15

is' 42
13 84
13 25
13 15
13 5
U 64
12 42

63
51
65
66
67
68
69

From obaervations taken near London daring forty-threo years, the average day tcmpcratuia ol the week is 47.3' ; and ita night temperature

THE AUKICULA.

."S^i/?.

HIS pretty spring flower is now beoinmng to
make rapid growth, and many of the earhest
trusses are considerably advanced ; they are
begintiug to repay the ardent cultivator for
luaay months of atteiition.

The plants now require more care — shelter
from biiiog winds and fharp frosts at night
— than they do at any other season of the
year. It will be well to double-mat the
frames if the thermometer is likely to regis-
ter 8° or 10' of frost. All ths plants ought to be surface-
dressed before the second week ia February ; this of course
depends to a certain extent oa the weather. I have known
a severe frost set in about Christmas and continue until
February. The soil in the pots would in that case be frozen
hard and could not be touched until mild weather. After
the surface-dressing is applied, which ought to be of mode-
rately rich material — about two-'.hirds loam to one-thii'd
decayed manure and a little faad and leaf soil — the plants
ought not to suffer for want of water at the roots, and it
ought only to be applied to the roots; the iiue mealy-fo-
liaged sorts are utterly spoiled when the leaves are dashed
with raindrops or water from the pots. At present the
foliage of Topsy, Trail's Beauty, Taylor's Glory, b'mith's
Ann Smith, and many otheiv, as it is increasing in growth
is extremely beautiful and ought to be as carefully pre-
served as the pasts in the centre of tbc flowers or the
white-powdered edge. We often hear of the fine flowers
that used to be grjwn half a century ago, but when one
reads of the treatment (and I do not now a'lude to the
over-rich composts, but to the way the plants were ex-
posed to the weather in early spring) it almost makes one
shudder. Aftfr the blooming period is over a shower is
not of so much matter ; but one of the principal growers,
Mr. Hogg of PaddingtoD, who took lessons from Kmmer-
ton, Kenny, and other growers, says in his treatise in
reference to the treatment in March — " Let the lights be
off all day if tlie weather is in any degree favourable, and
let the plants receive all the soft and gentle rains that
fall until the pips open. Protect them, however, from
cold sleet and snow and cold cutting winds.'' In February
he says, "If any of the plants require shifting into larger
pots now is the tiaie to do it;" and, again, they are to
have plenty of rain — " at least rain sufficient to reach
the roots at the bottom of the pots, and this may be
repeated when necessary through the month. " What
grower north or south would treat their plants in that
way?

Anricnla shows were very frequent at that time, and
fanciers would go to much trouble and expense to win
the blue ribbon, a silver cup. Hogg gives an amusing
account of the trials of a gentleman holding some office
in the India House whom Emmerton had imbued witli
the Auricula fancy, and who undtr his directions was
confident of Aioning Iho silvs r cup. He purchased about
one hundred plants of the best sorts ; but Emmerton
contended that without bullocks' blood and goose dung

No. eSJ.-Voi,. .\XXII., New Sksies.

they would stand no chance. He persuaded his pupil to
commission some country waggoner out of Sussex to
bring him at midsummer two geese and a gander, which,
according to Emmerton's calculation, would produce dung
enough by Christmas to last him two years, when they
would be fat and fit to kUI, and well adapted for good fare
wherewith to treat his friends at that joyous season. This
project was soon put in execution. The geese were brought
to town and cooped up in a eorcer of his small garden, which
might be 10 yards long by .5 wide. Kierything was going
smoothly; the plants grew and the dung accumulated;
only the man's wife complained of the filthy smell arising
from the heated and fermenting dung, but Emmerton
promised soon to remedy that evil by covering it with
loam. Notwithstanding, as the dung increased and was
stirred up with the blood, the stench increased too, and
became so intolerable that the women living at the two
adjoining houses joined their complaints with here, and
abused him whenever he made his appearance. Emmer-
ton finding the storm gathering in earnest judged it pru-
dent to decamp, telling them that the London ladies
were too fine-nosed by half; but he never dared to repeat
his visits afterwards. Ihis was only a prelude to the
vexation which the gentleman had to experience himself.
" Ono day when absent at his office the door of the coop
was left open, and the gf ese finding themselves at liberty
waddled about the garden unnoticed ; and liaving been
deprived of grass and green food so long, fell upon the
Auriculas in the frame, pecked, bit, and pulled them out
of the pots, trod over and spoiled them so completely"
that they were of little use afterwards. Emmerton seems
to have been unfortunate, not only in business, but in
other respects; he libelled the parson of his parish, a
magistrate withal, by hanging him in effigy on a tree
amongst his Auriculas, for which offence he was in-
dicted, and suffered a year's imprisonment in the King's
Bench.

The Auricula-growers now make no secret of their
composts. I have already told all I know about them in
these pages; and about two years ago three of the best
articles 1 have ever read were published in this Journal
from the pen of the Bev. F. D. Horner of Kirkby Mal-
zeard, Eipon. The lists of varieties need not be altered
yet, and the cultural directions are complete.

■We are all looking forward to the great show to be
hold at the Crystal Palace April 24th. It promises to
be such a show for magnitude as has not been held in
England before (of the Auricula, of course). There will
be very little restriction in the schedule ; it has been
framed to admit of as many competitors as possible. And
in this respect it rather differs from that of the National
Society at Manchester. In that schedule the "pans" of six
must have all the classes represeLted— that is, green, grey,
white, and self edged ; and in a class for twelve pots they
would suggest that there should bo at least two plants
from each class. When a grower has a largo collection
to select from he can easily do this, but a small grower
might not possess the stipulated number of the differont
classes, and yet might be able to arrange an efl'ective

No. 1182.— Vol. LVII., Old Sebius.

132

JOtJBNAL OF HOBTIOULTTJBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ F£brn»ry 22, 1877.

gronp ; and tbi'! could be done if one of the classes was to be
quite left out of it. Of course such a one could not stand
before an exhibitor who had all the classes represented and of
equal quality. Variety in classes must with a competent judge
stand for something. A case in point occurred at one of the
provincial shows of the Royal Horticultural Society. A set of
prizes were offered for "the beat six Pine Apples." One ex-
hibitor had staged a collection in, I think, three varieties,
when a friend of mine said, " I intend to put up six, but they
are all Queens. How will I stand against that collection?" I
said it was very likely that the judges would give a little in
favour of variety — perhaps a point or so. " Well, then," he
says, " I will not stage mine. I think they ought to stand
upon their merits alone." He did puck them up, and was
about sending them back to the station. However, I urged
him to bring them out of the box, and my friend was easily
first with his Queens ; their quality quite overbalanced the
variety of his opponent. Had the fruit been about equal in
quality the tables might have been turned.

Placing sticks to the trusses of Auriculas is a sore trial to
northern tastes. Down south we do it without the least com-
punction ; we fancy it is an improvement. The northerners
say the Auricula needs no support. There are a few other im-
material points, but it is most likely that we shall learn from
each other, and who knows hut the rules and regulations will
be the same next year v

Next to the show or stage Auriculas come the Alpines, and
here again north aad south are at issue. It seems there are
shaded and self Alpines. In the north only the shaded flowers
are admitted in competition. Were some of the fine varieties
raised by Mr. C. Turner of Slough, admired by all the fre-
quenters of our exhibitions, and certiticated by the Floral Com-
mittee of the Royal Horticultural S 'Clety, exhibited for com-
petition at Manchester they would \>a disqualified — that is, if
they had the edge one decided colour— unshaded. A true self —
that is, a flower with white paste, must be unshaded ; it must be
self-edged. The true Alpine has a yellow centre, and it must
be unshaded. I would just like to put this question to our
northern li-iends. What right have you to make this distinc-
tion ? One of our best florists writing the other day in a con-
temporary says, " Seedling-raising is an admirable school for
teaching humility and opening the mmd and heart to the
limitless power of the Infinite." Why then should we limit
that power ? I cannot yet see why we should let one class of
flowers quite override another and equally beautiful one.
Perhaps some of our friends will kindly explain it to us.

Then we have the Polyanthus. Mr. Dean of Ealing has
taken in hand the border flowers and improved them by selec-
tion. They are well adapted for decorative purposes, and they
have been admitted at our southern exhibitions; why should
they be excluded because they do not conform to certain rules
laid down by floii^ts half a century ago ? The question for
the judges would be first. Are they Polyanthupes ? The next
the quality of the flowers and their general ei'feetiveness. If
the old-fashioned flowers, such as Pearson's Alexander, Buck's
George IV., Niohokon's Bang Europe, or Eckerslej'a Jolly
Dragoon are superior to the improved border flowers let the
judges decide.

I do hope that collections of the best Alpine Auriculas and
Polyanthus will be sent from the north, and that we shall be
able to have a friendly discussion about them. In makirg
the above remarks I trust it will be understood that I write
in no captious spirit, nor have I been prompted by any
member of the southern committee. I am entirely re-
sponsible.—J. DeuoLAS.

MUSHROOM GROWING.

Tms subject, although often written about, is by no means
"threadbare" so far as regards every reader being able to put
the printed instructions into successful practice. I hava not
always grown Mushrooms. I can remember tliB time when I
knew nothing whatever about the subject further than what
I read in the Journal and eleewhere, and then I of leu thought
how diflicult it must be to grow Mashrooms, acd hoped I
should never have occasion to do so, as, although moderately
informed, I f-hould be sure "to make a mess of it." Now I
find growing Muebrooma to be one of the most timple affairs
I am called on to perform, and I cannot see why it thould not
be the same to others.

All our beds this winter have done extraordinarily well so
far. The Muehtooms have averaged in size from the tender

little " button " to the full form of a common tea-eancer.
These latter when quickly grown are favourites with the cook,
and so are the buttons, which is the name given to the
Mushrooms when they are about the size of a coat button j
but I do not approve of cutting them so small, because if they
are only left for two days longer they will be three times as
large and quite as good to eat; but although I recommend
their being allowed to develope, I have cut a good many
lately in a small state simply for the reason that they came
up so thick in the bed that they had to be thinned-out to give
the remainder room to spread. Some may say the spawn
must have been excellent to produce such results ; but I do
not think it was anything extra, neither was the treatment to
which the beds were subjected, everything having been dona
in a simple manner, as will be seen from the following brief
deEcription of my practice.

A barrowload of fresh horse droppings is brought from the
stable every day. We make a bed out of about eighteen barrow-
loads ; consequently it takes about three weeks to get suffi-
cient together to form a bed. The whole of the manure ia
placed in an open shed. As each barrowload is added it is
mixed with that previously laid down. It is thrown down
loosely and spread out thinly, and during all the time it is
drying it is never allowed to heat excessively or ferment.
When the desired quantity ia collected together it is cleared
away to make room for a fresh lot. Before taking it into the
Mushroom house it is turned over twice, and previous to doing
this two or three barrowloada of open soil are thrown over the
heap and the whole mixed up together.

In making the bed a beginning is made by placing a layer
2 or 3 inches thick all over the bottom, beating it firmly, then-
adding layer after layer until the whole of the material has
been used. For a day or two after thia has been finished
nothing is done to it, and by that time the heat ia becoming
strong. The bed ia spawned at this time by breaking the
bricka into bits about the size of a walnut and putting these
all over the surface, but 2 inches below it, and about the same
distance apart. A cabbage dibble ia used for making the holes,
and they are left open for a night and are then cloeed over the
spawn. The surface is beaten firmly and smoothly, and then
open soil to the depth of 2 inches is spread all over it ; this
is also beaten firmly, and afterwards watered and smoothed
with the back of a spade. This completes the whole opera-
tion. We begin cutting the Mushrooms from four to five
weeks after spawning.

I think our practice differs in several points from that I have
seen recommended. It is generally advised to let the heat
rise in the bed and again decline before putting in the spawn.
I question if this is always the correct thing to do. I have
never tried and therefore cannot say what amount of heat will
destroy the spawn, but I am inclined to infer from what I
have observed that when the heat is allowed to decline it often
does so to the extent that it has no power to move the spawn,
consequently it remains dormant, and the bed is a failure. I
find the best way to keep up a constant supply of Mushrooma
ia to make the beds small and often ; curs are gi uorally about
8 feet long and 1 feet wide. The house is always kept dark,
and the temperature from 50° to 55 ; a higher tunperature
has no advantage. We never syringe, but only damp the floor
three times a-day. Some beds are never watered from the fir t,
but any that may become dry on the surface are given a slight
sprinkling. In gathering we twist the ifolated Mushrooms out
by the root?, but those growing in clusters are cut, as drawirg
them often injures the others. — A KncuEN Gahdener.

AURICULAS ATTACKED BY WOOLLY APHIS.
In answer to your correspondent John T. D. Llewelyn,
page '.10, respecting the use of Gishurst compound to his
Auriculas attacked by woolly aphis, I beg to inform him that
he may use it with perfect safety, although Mr. Horner, in bis
very great dread of using anything to our pets the composition
of which he is not acquainted with, advises him not to do so.
I had the misfortune to have my plants infested uith the enemy
Uat autumn, and as I repot early (beginning of June) my plants
had become well established when I first detected the aphis,
and I waa therefore very loth to disturb the plants ; but know-
ing the danger to which I was expofed I resolutely made up
my mind that however serious it might be to disturb them at
that season, it could not be so bad as to allow the spread o{
the blight, and I therefore at once turned the affected plants
out of the soil and washed them, root, stem, and leaf, in a

Febrnary 22, 1K7 ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

133

solntion of Giehnrst componnd of the nsnal Etrengtb, and
with, I am happy to Bay, the best result, for none of those bo
treated show any tign of the blight, nor are they now any
worse for the remedy.

I am afraid this pest is likely to be a sonrce of annoyance to
Anricnla growers, as I hear of it in more than one collection,
and I know of one grower who, having jnst detected it, is
treating his plants with Gisburst. I have also heard of it
among CamelJias and Yines. Have any other of your readers ?
— W.,tS., York.

KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETT.

Mant letters have been written and suggestions made for
the better government of this Society. Some of the letters
have been temperate, others intemperate. Some writers have
arrived at " lame and impotent conclusions," and others have
advocated a destructive policy. In fact it is only by a stretch
of charity that we can believe that all who have endeavoured
to " assist " it are really desirous of seeing the " old Society "
prosper. Some of the letters, if one is to be curious enough
-to read between the lines, almost reveal a fear lest after all the
patient should recover ; but these are only a few and are not
worthy of discussioa, the majority having evidently been
.prompted by good intentions.

Probably no one has worked harder and with a better motive
thin Mr. G. F. Wilson, but, so far at least, the results have
be5n "impotent" indeed and extremely disappointing. Who
are there in tbe horticultural world who have read the many
" encouraging " letters which have appeared in the press, who
were not struck with amazement on reading the speech of Mr.
H. J. Yeitch as delivered at the meeting of the l:Uh inst. ?

More than half of the horticultural world had begun, as it
were, to acquiesce in the destructive policy on the faith of
the tacit understanding that four thousand or five thousand
" would-be guinea Follows " were ready to hoist " the flag of
freedom " and march in dignity to the goal of glory ; but when
these four thousand or five thousand dwindle down, ai Mr.
Teitch showed, to 373, and one-third of them are already
Fellows of the Society, " what a miserable falling-off is here."
I regret this exceedingly, for the best of all reasons— that I
was a believer in the guinea scheme. I do not hesitate to say
that I am deceived and almost humiliated. Mr. Veitch has
brought me from the clouds to my humbl>i level on mother
earth, and I will not again listen to exclamations about '■ dig-
nity " until I know that there is meaning and money attached
to it.

I have again read Mr. Wilson's appeal and still think it good
in principle ; but after the tone of the meeting on Tuesday
last, and the apparent utter inadequacy of the expected guinea
response, I think the appeal would be greatly improved by
taking oat of it one sentence in parenthesis, yet very important
—namely, " that the guinea fellowsbipa do not come into force
until the SDciety is free from K-nsington." After having con-
sidered the matter in conjunction with the various statements
and expressions of opinion which have come before the public,
I think the removal of that condition would enable Mr. Wilson
to do more substantial good to the Society which he desires
to see prosperous than he can possibly do by its retention.
Mr. Wilson has more than once expressed his confidence in
the present Council, and has discountenanced by anticipation
any change ; he knows also that it is imnossible for them (how-
ever strong their desire might be to do so) to leave Kensington
for a considerable time. It savours, therefore, somewhat of
a dog-in-themanger policy to be able to render aid and yet
withhold it, at the same time that such aid cannot be effec-
tively applied in another manner. That the Council also enjoys
the confidence of the horticulturists is abundantly evident, or
they (the Council) would not have the liberal and gratuitous sup-
port which has been so spontaneously rendered by all the leading
metropolitan nurserymen. The Council are evidently a body
of trusted ofiicials ready and anxious to promote the interests
of horticulture to the utmost of their power. Then why re-
strict any sources of aid ? L'jt the guineas come in as fast as
they will from the country horticulturists ; and as the Council
have clearly expressed that " the manner in which the Ken-
sington garden? are kept depends on the subscriptions of the
Kensmgtoniang," there is no fear that the country guineas
will be spent in mere town parade.

The Council, too, it appears, are willing to accept guinea
Fellows, admitting each to the full privileges of the Society
«icept voting, and some, in fact, I think have already joined.

I fully expected that some opposition would have been ex-
pressed at the meeting on the voting question as restricted by
the Council, but so far as I can learn not one voice was heard
against the Council's decision, although the meeting was
largely composed of horticulturists, and included the editors
of the gardening journals, and even also Mr. G. F. Wilson.
Not one word in opposition to the official views was heard, but
there was a really unanimous approval — the approval of silence.
And after all what does the voting of guinea subscribers amount
to? A long journey to vote on a matter which not one in ten
would care to vote about, or at least would not incur the
expense of the " privilege." I am sure I should not, and I
am as willing to pay my guinea as a countryman without
having a vote as in possessing that which I should not incur
the trouble or expense of exercising.

So long as there is a distinction in Fellows' contributions so
long must there be a distinction of privileges. It is so in all
societies, and if the privileges are to be equal so also must be
the contributions. If guinea Fellows, or whatever they are
called, have a right to every privilege of the Society, everyone
must command the right of being a guinea Fellow.

The Council are engaged in an onerous and thankless task;
and what is their object ? The establishing of the Society and
the advancement of horticulture. What is their reward? The
hpped-for aid of all who are as anxious as they are. Country
guineas alone cannot save the Soeif ty. Country people have
local societies to support, and only a small proportion will
render aid to a national society also ; but why should they be
unable to do so on account of arbitrary restrictions? As an
earnest of the Council to extend the infiuence of the Society,
their last effort to incorporate local societies, giving them pri-
vileges and granting them medals, etc., affords ample proof.
I ask that the unmerited distrust may cease, and that aid from
all sources — local and general — be permitted to come in, for
according to those who are best able to ju.lge it is only by such
united aid that the Eoyal Horticultural Society can flourish.
— A Guinea Man.

The following letter has been sent to the Pall Mall Gazette
by Sir Charles W. Stri';kland, Bart. : —

" Sir,— I am sorry to see thut such a paper as the Pall Mall
Gazette should advocate the breaking up of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, because it has unfortunately made the blunder
of becoming a partner with the Commissioners iu the making
and management of the gardens at South Kensington. In
the article :u jour number for last Thursday it seems to be
assumed that the Society exists wholly, or at least chiefly, for
the maint-nance of this miserable tea garden. The writer of
that article appears to ba wholly uaawjre that the Society
still does a good deal of valuable work in its proper sphere —
that is, in the promotion of horticulture, and that if it could
get rid of South Kensington, or could entirely separate the
South Kensington account and its management from that of
the Horticultural Society proper, it soon would do much more
of its own work, and that it is for the sake of this work that
I and many more of the older members of the Society continue
to belong to it. I have invested four guineas a-year for many
years in the Society, and consider that I have a vested interest
in it, and that it would be an act of injustice and robbery to
break up the Society. And let no one delude themselves with
the idea that they could set up a now Horticultural Society in
the place of the old one. If 1 were to see all that I have spent
upon the Horticultural Society thrown away, do you suppose
that I should be such a fool as to begin over again and invest
in a new Society ? and I have no doubt that a large part of
the members of the Society would feel and act as I should do."

CELERY CULTURE.

Yery soon preparations must be made for a supply of Celery
for next autumn and winter. Celery is seldom wanted before
October or November, and the beginning of March is a very
good time for sowing the seed. If want.d earlier than the
period named, of course the seed must be sown earlier ; but it
should be remembered that the plant is really a biennial, and
would under natural conditions flower the second year, but
under a course of artificial treatment it is started into growth
mnoh earlier than would be the case in La'ure, and when this
happens it has a tendency, like many other biennials, to
flower the same season.

The seed shonld be Eown thinly in pans or boxes and placed
in gentle beat, and as soon as the phnts appear they should

134

JOURNAL OF aOKTICDLiTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

t Febraarj 23, 1877.

ba removed to a oold frame, giving plenty of air on all favour-
able occasions till the end of April, when the pans or boxes
may be placed outside, so that the plants may be ready for
pricking-ont about the middle of Slay. The course usually
adopted is to prepare a bed and plant the small seedlings out
about 4 or 5 inches apart, to be again transplanted into the
trenches; but if the groucd is vacant I recommend that the
trenches be prepared and the seedlings be put out about a foot
apart in them at once, taking great care in handling them ;
and if watered with a fine rose till the plants make a start
they receive no check, as they must do when transplanted in
the hot weather later on, for it is important that from the
time they arc fir^t plautad to keep them always in a free
growing state. [ have followed this course with good results,
and the loss of plants in the rows was only two per cent.

The trenches shouM bo made in an open position in the
garden, digging them 9 inches deep, and placing in them about
4 inches of rich manure, and the nearer they are to tho pump
or tap the better, for without plenty of water throughout the
season good Celery cannot be grown. When earthing-up is
commenced, which should not be until the plants have at-
tained a good size, the rows should be gone over to remove
any side shoots, and a thorough soaking of water should be
given the night before the earth is applied, being careful that
the plants are quile dry before any soil is placed rouud them.
The practice of pushing tho soil against the plants in 'the
form of a sharp ridge is bad, as it is liable to throw off all the
water from the roots, and at that period of growth they still
require a good supply, but at the final earthing it will be
necessary to have the ridge-like form for throwing-oS the rains
during the winter.

Sandringham Dwarf White and Incomparable Dwarf White
are two good white kinds, or perhaps they are synonymoua.
[Yea.] Manchester Red and Leicester Red are good red kinds,
but if I were only to plant one sort it would be Leicester Red,
for it ia of good quality and flavour, and ^keepa sound in light
soil till March.— A. H.

[We have seen the Celery grown by our correspondent both
as exhibited at South Kensington and as growing in the gar-
den under his charge, and we never observed better produce.
We noticed that was the best which had been transferred
direct from the seed-pans to the trenches without any inter-
mediate transplanting. — Eds ]

EXHIBITION PANSIES.-No. 2.

When advocating the claims of fancy Pansies I meant to do
show varieties no injustice ; I merely laboured for the recogni-
tion that is being tardily accorded the former. Some of the
fancies which have been sent out are, I confess, sufficiently
bad to disgust any true florist, and could only serve the pur-
pose of deepening the prejudice against the species. The bad
varieties have been chiefly remarkable for size, and but for
this characteristic would have left the seedling bed for the
rubbish heap ; but size without the other elements of a good
flower is worth nothing, and the destination of such an one
ought to be the spot indicate d. One of this class, called H. W.
Tngwell, Efq., was sent out in 1875 by a noted Pansy grower
of Bath, and proved the most disappointing flower it has ever
been my misfortune to purchase. When it bloomed I could
not believe it was true to name, so diilerent was it from the
raiser's description, and I sent direct for another plant; but it
was true, and at the same time very false, for instead of being
of "large firie form, edged with rose, circlets of white, and
blotch of lavender," it was the veriest mongrel ever sent out
and unworthy ef existence.

While, however, good fancies may be raised in comparative
profusion, equally good show flowers are few aod far between.
Last year several were sent out, reaching the very highest
standard of form, colour, and substance, and so good that it
is diflicult to believe they will ever have to give way for others.

Dean Ramsay, sent out by Meesrs. Dickeons & Co. of Edin-
burgh, is an exceedingly rich velvety crimson self, of ex-
qpisite form and ample substance, and one upon which an ex-
hibitor may always depend, being constant, vigorous, and a
free bloomer. Zama, raised by Messrs. Dowuie & Laird of
Edinburgh, is a perfect yellow self, as round as a coin, and so
smooth as to require no manipulation to make it lie down
in the pan ; it would, nevertheless, be better if it was a trifle
bigger, but I hope next year to find it improved in this respect.
Flag of Truce, by the same raisers, is of the purest white, and
equal to Zama for form and quality. As far as I have seen

The Sultan (Dicksons) is the best new yellow ground, having »
beautiful golden field, maroon belt, dense blotch, and is smooth,
constant, and large. Close up is .John Paton (Downie) with
its bright purplish belt and very fine form, followed closely by
William Martin (Dicksons), a primrose ground, rich ohooolata
belt, solid blotch, and a smoothness equal to Zama. A really
good white ground, like a perfect self, is a rara ui'is in Pansy-
raising, and wheu Messrs. Dicksons first saw Beatrice tho
thrill of pleasure must have been intense. Their own descrip-
tion of the flower is as follows:— ■' Clear white ground, very
dark heavy purple belt, fine folid blotch, and neat eye; very
large, of great substance, and always fit for exhibition," and
I can safely say there is not the least exaggeration. Unlike-
many white grounds it is a good grower, and unless shows
occur especially fast, with cnro a good bloom may always be
obtained. Messr?. Dowuie A- Laird's Duchess, too, is a grauil
flower, as is also Miss Todd. Of other new show varieties I
may name Mrs. Henderson, P. W. Sime, William Forbes, and
Demetrius (Cocker), but the list is necessarily short, as I only
speak of those I have proved. The Queen, sent out by H.
Hoopsr of Bath, I have kept purposely to the last, not because
it is the best, but because it is the largest. As its raiser
claims, it is " the largest white ground ever raised," but it has
not done well with me ; it has come so rough and uneven, and
often ragged in the belting, but it has many of the properties
of a good flower, aud I shall try it this year under two or three
varieties of condition.

Taken as a whole, the show flowers of 1876 are a good lot,,
and many of them are a vast improvement upon varieties pre-
viously in cultivation ; still there seems to ba too strong a
desire to send out a long list of new sorts, and only under very
exceptional circumstances can this bo done without saorinoing
quality to quantity. For myself I would rather send out one
really good flower in five jears than annually put upon the-
market a dozen or two of mediocre merit to the injury of my
own reputation and the discouragement of those desirous of
keeping pace with the times. I have suffered so much from
tho result of blind faith in raisers' descriptions that I have
often half resolved to buy nothing which I have not seen in
bloom ; but as I cannot journey every year to Edinburgh,
Aberdeen, and Bath, I am forced to select a few from each
raiser, and give him the best order the following year whose
descriptions are nearest the truth.

Next week I will give a brief list of older show flowers o^
merit and a few remarks upon cultivating and exhibiting. —
M. H. MiLLEE, Leek.

NOVELTIES IN THE EOYAL GARDENS, KEW.

litis EETicuLiTA is the finest of the herbaceous plants in flower
at Kew. Its purple flowers relieved with orange form a dense,
mass which the slender leaves do not hide, but shooting above-
add greatly to the (ffect. I. stjlosa is also very fine, though
the flowers are somewhat obscured by the stronger leaves.
These beautiful plants, especially the former, cannot bo too
strongly recommended for the most liberal planting.

Many beautiful Orchids are flowering. The Dcndrobiums-
are represented by several fine species. A good specimen of
D. crassinode has several stems thickly laden with rosy-tipped
flowers. Of D. Wardianum there are light and daik varieties.
D. primulinnm is attractive and diitinot in appearance, so tlso
is D. heterocarpum. D. HiUii , of which there are several plants,
is certainly one of the most elTective. D. speciosnm, to which
the last may he referred as a variety, is als o in bloom. D. moni-
liforme, D. noldle, aud the variety pendulum add much to the
display, besides which there are several of less ornamental
character. Steuonhyncbis speciosa is a rather rare terrestrial
Orchid, easily cultivated and of much merit. It has crimson
flowers, and conspicuous bracts which show the same colour
almost from the first appearance of tho scape. There is a
variety with spotted leaves, and both are ornamental when ont
of flower. Oncidium oheirophorum is an extremely pretty
species, of which a figure is given in the "Botanical Maga-
zine " of this month. It has a neat small habit of growth,
and the diminutive flowers are very numerous. They are
bright yellow and sweetly scented. Other species are 0. aurenir,
0. reflexum, aud O. flexuosum. Odontoglossums are now in
variety. These are 0. cordatum, O. gloriosum, 0. nebulosnrr,
0. triumphans, 0 pulchellum, 0. Rossii, 0. Rossii tuperbum,
and 0. Lindleyanum. In company on tho same shelf are
Lycaste Skicneri, L. lingnella, aud Ada aurantiaca. Among
the Cypripediums are C. venustum, C. bifiornm, C. Kuezli,

Febra»r7 2?, 1377. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

135

C. pardinum, C. Hirrisiannm, and 0. javanieum. Besides
AngrtBonm eesquipedale are A. ebnrncum and the variety virens,
both of which are highly ornamental though less choice. In
biskets near the Dendrobiuma in the warm division are
Phalienopsia rosea, P. grandiflora, S.iecolabiam gattatam, and
S. Harriaonianam, which often attracts attention from its
agreeable perfume. Epidendrum xauthinum is a fine orna-
msntal species, with dense heads of yellow flowers. The same
may be said of E. ereotum, with purple flowers. E. fragrans,
4hoagh not showy, ia of pleasing appeBr.^uce and delightfully
fragrant, on which account alone it is worth cultivating.
E. coohleatnm is of similar habit, and peculiar from its nearly
black ahell-shaped lip and narrow sepals and pe'.als. Lielia
saperbiens has some beautiful heads of bloom, with which also
is L. anceps. Of Oattleya Triauffi there are fine light and
dark varieties.

THE LILV.

In my CDmmunication of the l^t inst., whsn alladiug to a
show of flowers which had been made, as it was stated, by a
bulb that hid flowered the previous year, I said " it was the
successor of the former bulb that produced the display, as a
Lily bulb cin only flower oaoe — that is, during one aeasou."
Permit me now to explain.

In the first place, I ask. Is a Lily an annual or a perennial,
or is it between the two, a biennial ? The origin of a Lily
bulb is a germ or seed bud. Nature causes this to vegetate or
grow the first year, to bloom the second year, and then it dies
— leaves, stem, aciles, and roots all pei'ish. Such is the short
span of th3 existence of a Lily bulb. If a bulb that has
fljwered is taken up, say late in the nest autuma, and cut
in two vertically, it will be seen that it has within itself three
distinct generations — 'hat U, a portion of the parent bulb
which has flowered this year, 1S77 ; the whole of a new bulb
which Nature destined to flower in 1878; and a germ or seed
bad which was intended to grow up a full-8iz°d bulb and
flower in 1^79. At this time, the autumn of 1877, the seed
bad will be so minute aa not to be perceptiblo without the aid
of a magnifying glass, but if a similar bulb is takeu up in
January, 1878, and dissected the seed bud will then be per-
ceptible to the naked eye, aa it will be about the size of a
canary seed, and will, if the scales are picked off carefully, be
found ia the axil between the inmost fleshy scale and the base
of the new flower-stem. I send you a slice, marked No. 1, of
a bulb I cat open last month ; it is now coueiderably decayed
by exposure, but still you will perceive the seed bud at the
base between the scales and a portion of the now flower-stem.
No. 2 is a portion of a bulb I took up only two days ago. It
is a very fiue fresh specimen, as I was careful ia picking off
the scales. At the base of the flower-stem which was destined
to flower this year you will see the seed bud eight or ten times
larger than No. 1, showing the comparati''e Urge increase in
growth it has made in only one month. This seed bud was
destined to become a full-grown bulb and flower iu 1878.

The plan that I adopted in order to trace the progress of
the seed bud as it grew up into a fully-formed bulb waa this : —
In Octobsr, 187^-1, I lifted some fifty thoroughly matured bulbs
and replanted them in a piece of spare ground. In January I
oommencsd by taking up two or three, catting the bulbs ver-
tically ia two, and otherwise dissecting them for the purposes of
my experiments. In this month I fouad the seed bul, as I
have said, about the siz) of a canary seed. Ia this manner I
continued to lift two or three bulbi every month up to the
following October, in flower or not, as the case might be, and
noted the progress of the seed bud until it had grown up
similar ia sizs to oae I had out and laid open for inspection
in the previous autama.

By this simple experiment it may be proved in the most
satisfactory manner that the parent bnlb of this year, after
hafiog flowered, and after having all the sap absorbed from
iti scales for the nourishment of the new bnlb, decays and
dies. In like manner its successor flowers the next year,
decays and dies; and so on, one generation following the other
year after year, and all emanating from germs or seed buds.

There are some professional Lily-growers who have vary
strange notions about the physiology of the bulb, who have
passed round and round about it for many years, who have
actually stumbled over it withoat apparently having perceptive
powers snflicient to grasp its very simple details. Messrs.
Tentschel, the extensive growers and imp .rters of the Lily, in
theu: observations aay : — " What is the balb bat a receptacle

of stored up force daring the winter months to preserva life
aad perpetuate spring growth ?" Again : — " A yearly increment
of growth occurs in healthy Lilies iu the interior of the bulb,
the outer and old scales are pushed farther apart by the new
growth, and the balb increases in siza more or less according
to the nature and health of the bulb." Again: — " We have
constantly observed when Lilies are taken up that there are
two sets of scales, the outer irregular discoloured portion,
which represents all that is left of last year's bulb, and an
inner, regular, plump, white set of scales, representing the
growth of the previous and the inflorescence of the coming
season." Now, what possible information can passages like
these convey to the mind of the inquiring amateur ? They
can only bewilder and discourage him. Another extract and
I have done. Jlesars. Teutschel say : — " A bulb will send up
two or more stems. At the close of the season it will be found
that each stem has acquired a separate bulb, and that two,
three, or more bulbs have been formed out of the original
parent."

With reference to this list extract, which very imperfectly
aecouuts for the pheaomeuou, we know that almost every
scale of a fresh ripe bulb could be made to germinate, but not
while tbey are connected with a growing new bulb, as such a
bulb draws all the nutriment out of the scales of the parent
bulb until the parent decays and dies. There are, however,
sometimes more than one seed bud which grows out of ihe
new bplb altogether independent of the parent bulb, and iLia
gives rise to the phenomenon of what is properly called twin-
bullis. As an illustration of the fact I send yon the half of a
speciosum bnlb which I took up last October and cut in two.
It is shrivelled up by exposure to the atmosphere, but still you
will see that there are two finely formed twin-bulbs, and be-
hind, and entirely distinct from them, is the decayed stump of
last year's flower-stem. Theee bulbs are equal in size, and
show each the rudiments of a new flower-stem, and had the
parent bulb been left in the ground or replanted these bulbs
would doubtless have both flowered this year. Look at the
remains of the parent bulb ; if it h^d been allowed to remain
ia the ground these twin-bulbs would have been much larger
than they are now, and the remains of the parent bulb in the
ordinary course of nature would have been dead and gone by
this time. Then how can it be said with truth that the bulb
that has flowered this year has ever flowered before? Or with
what truth can it be said that the bulb that has flowered one
year will ever flower again ? — Dcnedin.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

At the last meeting of the Floral Committee of the Eoyal
HonTicuLTUB-Ui SociETT a silver Davis medal waa recom-
mended to be given to W. H. Michael, E^q , not " MiohoU," aa
published in our report. Iu connection with these meetings
we cannot overlook the apparent anomaly, that while all the
collections of the nurserymen have the exhibitors' names, &c. ,
attacheil, tho private collections are exhibited under numbers
only. Surely if the names of half of the exhibitors may be
attached to their productions those of the other half may bo
similarly given. Mistakes in reporting would then be less
likely to occur, uniformity would be secured, the meetings
would be more interesting to visitors, equally fair to exhibitor?,
and more generally convenient to all concerned.

The Council of the lloyal Horticultural Society have

decided upon holding a Provincial Snow this year, and as
soon aa the necessary preliminaries are arranged due notice
will be given.

We have received a copy of the proposed schedule of

the Cabnatios and Picotee Snow which ia to be held in
London in July next. There are ten classes, and the value of
the prizes range from 70.f. downwards. A list of supporters is
appended, showiog that upwards of £40 has been subscribed.
Further aid is solicited, and we trust that it will be forth-
coming, so that a aubstantial impetus may be given to the
cultivation of these beautiful flowers.

A CORRESPONDENT Writes to us as follows regarding the

flowering of the Laurustinus :—" Many have remarked on
the remarkable profusion of flowers which are being produced
by this shrub; bat ia it not remarkatile that while vegetation
is earlier than asual owing to the mild winter, the Liurustiaus
is much later in flowering than has often been the case daring
Bcvero winters?" We should say it is very remarkable if it ia
so. What do other observers say on the subject ?

136

JOUBNAL OF HOBTIODIiTUBB AND COTTAGE GABUENEB.

[ February 22, 1877-

At the suggestion of Lord Alfred S. Churchill the

Connoil of the Royal Horticultukal Society have decided
upon affiliating provincial horticultural societies upon an
annual subscription of five guineas ; and the privileges offered
to Buoh societies are : A member's ticket to the Secretary, and
twelve single tickets of admission to any meeting or show of
the Society in London; also the following medals to be offered
as prizes at the shows of the local society — one silver Knightian,
one silver Banksian, one bronze Knightian, and one bronze
Banksian, so that societies which have not medals of their own
will be enabUd to offer these as premier prizes.

Standish Memorial Fund. — An excellent portrait by

Mr. P. Havill has been secured, and is now hung, together
with those of Mr. T. Rivers, the late Mr. James Veitch, and
Rev. J. Dix, in the Council-room of the Royal Horticultural
Society at South Keneington. The ownership of the portrait
is vested in the trustees of the Lindley Library, as per annexed
letter, who also hold the other portraits, so that should cir-
cumstances necessitate it, it can at any time be claimed and
removed from its present position, where it hangs by permission
of the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society.

" Royal Hnrticultural Society, South Kensington, June 9th, 1876.
" 11. ,T. Veitch, Eeq.
" Sir, — Your application on behalf of the Lindley Library Trustees for per-
mission to hang the Standish portrait in the Council-room of this Society,
was laid before the Council at their last meetini?, and I was instructed to
inform you that they have much pleasure in granting your request.
" I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

" J. Douglas Dkk."

A suitable stone and curbing has been placed over Mr. Standish's
grave in Ascot churchyard, with the following inscription —

This Stone is erected by

a few Personal Friends

to the memory of

JOHN STANDISH,

Nurseryman,

Bom March 26th, 1814.

Died Jnly 24th, 1875.

The Committee think it only right to annex a copy of a letter
received from Mr. Gibbs, to whom the erection of the memorial
was entrusted, and which speaks for itself,

Standish Mfmorial.
" Albert Gate, Knightsbridge, September 28th, 1876.
" H. J. Veitch, Efq.
" Sir, — The above monument was fixed la^t week, and out of respect for
the late Mr. Sdindieh I have made it in polished granite instead of stone
as originally contracted for. " I am. Sir, yours truly,

" J. F. Gibb:."

One of the most useful of Azaleas for forcing and

early flowering is A. amiena, and the greatest improvements on
the species which we have seen were those exhibited at Regent's
Park in April, 187-5, by Mr. Carmiohael, gardener to W. Tug-
well, Esq., Crowe Court, Bath. To two varieties— William
Carmiohael, the result of a cross between A. amona and
A. Flag of Truce, and Mrs. Carmichael, a seedling from
A. amcena and A. Stella — floral certificates were awarded.
A. amcena was the male parent in both instances. Mr. Car-
michael's seedlings passed into the hands of Mr. B. S. Williams,
who has, we observed the other day, raieed a large stock which
he will in due time distribute. The new varieties have the
same small foliage as A. atntena and flower similarly freely,
but the flowers are half as large again and are distinct in
colour. These varieties cannot fail to be valuable for afford-
ing out flowers and for general decorative purposes.

In reference to the report of the General Meeting of

the Royal IIorticultcbal Society Dr. Denny writes to us that
he wished to convey to the meeting that he " did not believe,
if the matter was properly put before the Finance Committee,
that that body could well refuse to allow of the borrowed
money being refunded out of the Society's current account."
Dr. Denny further remarks " that in instituting the Society's
provincial shows the Finance Committee refused to allow any
of the Society's money being spent for that purpose ; and that
the first show was carried out through the exertions and per-
sonal guarantee of a few spirited horticulturists outeide of
and on the Council, but with the understanding that the pro-
fits (if any) resulting should be allowed to constitute a distinct
fund for similar undertakings in future; and this arrangement
was subsequently confirmed by the action of the Finance Com-
mittee. I therefore maintain that the money borrowed by
the Treasurer (Mr. Dobree) from this fund is as much a debt
of the Society's as that which was borrowed to meet the exi
gencies of the Society of Her Majesty's Commissioners, and
ivbich has been repaid."

■ In the account of Wortley Hall in another columa

attention is directed to the fact that Adiantum fakleyesse as
potted in loam is much more vigorous than other plants which
are growing in soil containing more or less of peat. Mr. Oiler-
head of Wimbledon, we have noticed, grows this Fern exten-
sively and successfully and never troubles himself about pea*,
and he has established a large stock of healthy plants in a
very short time. It is a question if peat has not been over-
estimated in the culture of Ferns ; at any rate it is clear that
this fine Maidenhair will flourish without it as well if not
better than with it. As the period for the repotting of Ferus
is arriving it would be well for those who have not a commani
of good peat to try a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and sand for
the culture of these elegant plants.

A Welsh reader writes, " About this time of the yesr

complaints are often made about Alternanthekas keeping
BADLY or dying-off altogether throughout the winter. That
they can be kept in excellent health I had proof of tbo other
day by some plants which were wintered by Mr. Henderson
at Thoresby Park. They were in as robust health as ever I
saw any in August or September. If Mr. Hendercou would
say through the Journal how he treats them with such per-
fect success, he would do a service to the community at
large."

On January 22nd at the residence of A. R. Whitney,

Illinois, was celebrated the 86th EiBTHD-iY of Nathan Whit-
ney, father of A. E. Whitney. The son had, very commend-
ably, arranged a surprise party in honour of his father. Tbey
had killed the fatted calf and loaded the table with the deli-
cacies of the land. It bad been arranged that the pioneer
horticulturists of the state should ba present. Four generations
of Whitueys sat down to that table that day. Itisremarkabl*
that four brothers of this Whiiney family still live there, whose
ages are respectively 82, 8G. 92, and 'Ji. Mr. Whitney is tbo
king of orehardists in the United States. His crop of Apples
the past season amoi ntod to 25,000 bushels, and his purchaser
of Apples foot up 15,000 bu h He made 2800 barrels of cider
and viu' gar. He stows cider thit is eight' en years old. Hi*
orchard embraces 165 aeies an! about 20,000 trees.

In connection with Amsterdam Exhiiution, which was

noticed last weik, there i? to be a Congress. The subjects fur
discussion will ba divided iuto three division;- — 1, Botany ;
2, Horticu'ture ; 3, V getable Products. Tha questions pro-
posed to be di cussed in relatiou to borticu'ture are the fo'low-
ing : — What is the best wa? t ) < rgauiee experimental gardens
and horticultural laborotories? The best mode of oonvejiog
instruction in horticulture. The permanence of varieties
among bulbous plants. The influence of mcnnres on culti-
vated plants, especially on Hyacinths, Tulips, and Cabbages.
The best method of ventilating greenhouses. The influence
of coloured glass on the development of flowers.

TiiEBE is no other leaf of Pelargoniums so durable, so

Fern-like and graceful for bouooets, as that of P. fernifolinm [? j .
" Spray " is a word peculiarly appropriate as applied to this
leaf, since it is so divided that little else besides the main veins
are left. The " Skeleton leaf" is better known. Yet this is
as coarse, compared with the other, as the common Sumach
(Rhus glabra) is compared with its cut-leaved form (R. g.
laciniata). The leaves are borne upon long slender petiolep,
and the mid-vein so curves as to Rive to the whole plant a
rounded, almost drooping habit. Yet, though short-juiutfd
and close-growing, the leaves are so slight that a newspopir
can be read if held upon the other side of the plant. When
used in bouquets these filmy leaves furnish the much-needed
bright green without concealing the flowers, and the lorg
petioles reach the water, and are thus preserved quite fresh as
long as the bouquet is worth retaining. — {American Journal >

Dr. H. Hoffmann of Giessen has recently published

the results of his observations on the formation of honeydew
rroN the lea\'es of plants, and has come to the conclusion
that it is not to be attributed to the aphis or other insects.
A healthy specimen of Camellia, which afforded an instance of
the phenomenon, was found to be entirely free from ireecte.
The so-called honeydew consisted of a sticky colourless liquid,
which possessed a sweetish taste, and contained principally
gum. This gradually appeared on the surface of the leaves,
slowly forming drops on the under side, which dropped down
to bo continually replaced. The separation of the liquid coc-
tinufd vigorously for some time, even after the removal of the
leaves from the plant. Although showing that the appearance
of the dew is rot attrilutable to insects, Professor Hoffmann

Febraary 22, 1877

JOUENAL OP HORTIOULXURE AND COTTAGE QAEDENEB.

137

wa3 unable to ascertain the real method of formation. —
{Xatun:)

In a paper read before the Sin Francisco Miorojcopical

Society Mr. J. P. Moore states that Pinos tuebkiul.vta can be
readily distingaished from other species from the fact thit it
bears its cones on the main trunk of tho trfe, giving it a
singular appearance, as they are arranged around the trunlt
almost in a circle. I'snally five, though often seven cones
compose the circle : sometimes two or three of these circles of
cones will be crowded together. A peculiar feature of those
cones is their mode of attachment to the trunls. It may be
observed that the bases of the cones lest againist the bsrlc, and
that they are so firmly fixed as to bear the pressure of several
hundred pounds without breaking oil. These cones appear
upon the trunk while the tree is young, and never shed until
the Irje dies or ha^ been felled, and even then they do not
open for a long time. — [Aiiicricnn Ciilliiatnr )

The first number is issued of an important publication,

" The Wii.i> Fi.o.vEns of A.^[EEICA," by Dr. D. L. Goodale, Pro-
fessor in Ilirvard University, with coloured illustrations by
Isaac Sprogne. Tho number consists of figures of five species
in four plitee, and the pUto! are accompanied by a botanical
description together with some gossip about folk-lore, popular
name.', iVo.

THE CCLTDBE OF PRIMDL.\S.

The Pi-imula being one of the most useful and effective
plants for autumn and winter decoration, also for affording
flowers for cutting, that it may be useful to state how I pro-
duced the good specimens which were noticed in the Journal
a few weeks ago. They were grown in small IS-sized pots,
some of Ihe plants being 2 feet in diameter, each caa-ying l.jO
to 200 flowers, some of which measured 2 inches across. I
grew two varieties of Mr. Williams's strain — namely, sinensis
fimbtiata and filicifolia, white and red.

Mv mole of culture is as follows: — The seeds are sown
in Fdbruiry in shallow square pans. The pins are well
drained with crocks, over which is placed a layer of moss.
Although the pans are shallow the moss hold^ moisturo for a
long time, which is a great point in rearing Primulas. The
pans are tilled with well-deciyed leaf soil sifted through a
rathsr coarse sieve, not pressing the soil firmly, but leaving it
rough on the surface. The seed is sown thinly and not covered,
but is sprinkldd with water at about 70". The pan is covered
with a squire of glass, and is placed in a stove where it is quite
away from the direct rays of the sun. The reason I prefer
square pins for ssed-sowiog is that I find them much more
easy to cover with g'a-"3 than round pm?. Very little water is
required until the sied has gPiuiiaated, which I fiad with this
treatment i< in about fourteen days from the time of sowing.
When the seedlings appear finely sifted leaf soil is sprinkled
amongst them. I have often seen the roots incline to come
npwvrds instead of taking to their proper home; hence the
sprinkling referred to, v.hich I have found to be beneficial.

As Eo?n as the se?d!iog3 are Urge enough they are pricked
off into pans ot the same kind filled in the same manner as
before, with the exception that a Iit*.le loam is used with tfce
leaf soil, and they are placed on a shelf in a warm structure.
As soon as they have filled the pans with roots, which is about
the middle of Miy, they are potted singly into tiO-sized pots,
using this time a little stronger compost. The seedlings fjel
their removal but very slightly, alter having been previously
grown in leaf soil. Tbey are potted rather tirmly. Until this
season I was under the impression that the Primula did not
like firm potting, but I potted these plants when I gave them
their final shift as firmly as I should Pelargoniums, and I have
been well rewarded. About the end of Miyor beginning of
June the plants are placed in a frame, shading them during
the hottest part of the day. As soon as the pots are well filled
with roots, which is about the middle of 'uly, they are potted
into IS-sizel pots well drained, ming about two parts and a
half of good loam, one part ot leaf soil, and a halt part of two-
year-old fowls' manure, adding a little pounded charcoal, and
plenty ot silver sand. They are afterwards placed in a cold
frame, alfordiig th=m plenty of room for a free circulation of
air amongst thsm. They are syringed slightly after the shading
is removed about four o'clock in the afternoon. All the air
possible is admitted during llie day, and the ventilators are
left open about 2 inches at the back of the frame at night.
The roots ore never allowed to become dry, liberal supplies of
water being indispensable to the well-doing of the plautj.

After the middle of August a pinch ot guano is sprinkled
over the surface of the soil onca a week, which is of great
assistance to the plants, improving tho size and colours of the
flowers. The flower buds are pinched out until the middle of
September, after which time they are allowed to remain and
expand. About the end ot September or the beginning of
Octobsr tho plants are removed from the frame and are placed
oa a shelf in a greenhouse. They are in full beauty by the
middle of November, and continue flowering freely until the
present time with the assistance of a little guano and manure
water.— .J. PniiERs.

DINNER TO MR. JOHN LEE.
We noticed in our last issue that it was the intention of
some friends of Mr. Lse, who were members of the Horticul-
tural Club, to invite him to a complimentary dinner at the
Club house on the occasion of his retirement from business
after an honourable career of fifty-four years. The dinner
took place on Thursday evening last, and was in every respect
a most successful one. A very large number of horticulturists
met to do honour to their guest, many having come from
various parts of the country for tho purpose. The chair was
occupied by Dr. Hogg, and the vice-chair by Ihe Hon. and llev.
■I T. Bo cawen. Amongst those present were Messrs. (i. l'\
Wilson, H. J. Elwes, L-swia H. Kiliick, J. West, Dr. Masterg,
Piev. H. H. Dombrain, Herbert Adams, T. Moore, T. M. Shnt-
tleworth, E. E. Cutler, H. K. Mayor, Henry Webb, H. G.
(^•uilter. Smith (Kew), A.F.Barron (Chiswick), Harry Veitch,
Bull, McMauus, C. Turner, G. Paul, Wheeler, Wills, Deal,
Francis Rivers, Matthews, A. Henderson, Charles Lee, Williams,
&a. The tibles were most beautifully decorated by Mr. Wills
with his accustomed ta^te, who thus desired to show his respect
for the guest, and the choicest flowers and plants were lavishly
used for the occasion. Mr. L. H. Killick contributed a fine col-
lection of fruit f jr the dessert. The dinner wa.s of the most
ri'cherchk description, and reflected great credit on the manager
of the Club.

The toast of the evening, the health of Mr. Lee, was proposed

in feeling and appropriate terms by the chairman, who alluded

to the historical character ot the firm, and how during its long

career it had been bound up with the prigress of horticulture

in this country. He spoke also of hie own long friendship

with Mr. Lee, and tendered him on his own behalf, and that

of those assembled, tho right hand of fellowship, wishing him

long life and happiness to enjoy his Wfll-earued rest. Mr.

Lee, who on ri.-iog was received with hearty cheers again and

{ again repeated, acknowledged with much emotion the compti-

I ment which had been paid him, so unexpected and yet so

welcome, and cordially thanked all those who had been iu any

I way instrumental in paying him this compliment and the

I many friends who were present, and said that the recollections

I of this evening would ever remain in bis memory. Among the

I other toasts proposed were the Chairman, by the llev. H. H.

' Dombrain ; tbe Vice-Chairman, by H. J. lilwts, Esq ; the

[ Horticultural Club, by Dr. Masters, Aj.

There was but one sentiment expressed by all present, that
of unmixed satisfaction at the complete success of the dinner.

SPECIAL SHOW'?.
More than^ one of your contemporaries have made some
remarks not over-complimentary about " special societies."
One of them cannot see the use of the said societies, unlesB,
perhaps, one for the encouragement of the Potato; and an-
other would like to know what good there is in fottering the
separate existenca of such bodies as the Carnation, Auricula,
and Chiysanlheiuum Societies. Now, I happen to know that
there aris many gardeners ready to ask just such a question,
and perhaps some amateurs. I answer this ijuestion by asking
them another — What is the object of cultivating flowers at all /
Gardening has been called " tbe purest of human pleasures"
by the sajje and the philosopher, and the man who takes a
special personal interest in his flowers is the man who derives
the greatest benefit from his garden. An Auricula exhibition
does good iu many ways ; It stimulates the growers to put
forth all their powers to bring tbuir plants up to the highest
state of perfection. They are each eager to stand first iu the
race, and their flowers are watched and tended with incessant
care. All this gives pleasure which is unknown to the man
who has not himself luu in tbe rase and been first at the

1S8

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Fobrn»i7 22, 1877.

Then thc-re is another pleasure (or the growers after the
ardnous lahours of etaRing the plants : New acqaaiDtauoes are
formed, and old friends meet to talk over matters connected
with the flowers in which they are intorested ; and apecial
shows promote the cnltare of favourite flowers, and to those
shows which have been held yearly for three-quarters of a
century wo owe the great improvements that have been made
in the Auricula.

An Auricula show in London or Manchester brings growers
from different parts of England, from Scotland, Wales, and
even Ireland who are growers but not exhibitors. They see
the flowers as they may not have seen them before, and to
see Booth's Freedom with nine perfect pips, or Smiling Beauty,
the fairest of the fair, or some rare old variety like Page's
Champion, is worth a journey from Ireland or Aberdeen. Such
success has not yet fallen to their own lot, but they will go
homo carrying many pleasant reminiscences with them, and
they will also try to emulate the growers who exhibit at the
great show. It is not worth while to dwell on other flowers,
the Tulip, Carnation, or Pink ; but as there will be three great
"special" shows of Carnations and Picotees this year — London,
Loed?, and Manchester, it may be worth while to consider
■whether they "claim any special notice," or " whether they
have accomplished anythiug after all." There are others who
have been in the field for many years, and who could eay
much about the pleasure they have derived from the culture of
these flow, rs, and how they havo been fostered and improved by
the aid of special Foeietits ; and eome of the old growers, such
a? Mr. E S. Dudwell, who grew for exhibition when most of
ua were beordle-s boy?, conlJ if they chose tell us of the good
th=y Bud their fellow eihiiiitors derived from studying the
habits and eharaoterittics of their plants.

One reason why this matter has been taken np at the pre-
sent time is the alteration in the arrang^ments of the Royal
Horticultural Society. Growers fancied that no prizes would
be ottered ; and the Royal Botanic Society, who gtive prizes
for them, have rUo turned from the Carnation, Piootee, and
Pink. Are the florists to blame for espousing the cause of
their own favourites? I trow not. They cinnot go in for
Potatoes, nor will they throw cold Wiiler in the face of thoEO
who wish to promote their culture. Mr. R. Gilbert, ever first
to eepouse the cause of the Cabbage or Potato, has already
suggested that the growers take the matter in their own hands,
and if they go into the work with the mmc zoul as the florists
there will be no need to trust to peed firms or royal societies.
They will find ready sympathisers in the florists, who know
from experience the amount of labour to be cudcired before
the work is accomplished. — J. Douglas.

POINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA PLENISSIMA.

Me Taylor (page 123), who can grow the old Poinsettia so
well, will, I think, be satisfied with the new one another year,
if ho does not, as so many do when they obtiin a cilebrated
plant, weaken it by an exhaustive system of propagation. I
have not been able to "try my hand" at growing the new
plant, but my neighbour has, and as he has succeeded and not
Eucccoded, and as I know the " reason why," I can write just
as usefully as if I had been the actual grower.

My neighbour purchased t?fo plants of the new Poinsettia,
Both of them on arrival were, on account of the grer.t demand
and rapid propagation to meet it, found to be ueceesarily email
and weakly. The largest of the two plants was encouraged to
grow in the best manner possible, and was not permitted to
receive any checks either by stepping or deficiency of support.
Thio plant ptrftoled a very gcoi head of eleven disticct crowns.
The other and the smalltr plant was aho grown m well as
possible, but was stopped ard the catting was struck. Giber
cuttings were subsequently tiken, and the stock now numbers
B dez»n plaots. The heads produced by th^Eo small plants
were very poor and unsatisfactory. Success was clearly the
result of a luxuriant plant, eob-sucocbs the result of weakly
plants.

Now I do not suppose it possible that small plants purchased
last spring could by any course oi cuUuie be (o vigorous in
their nature as wuo the plants which produced the gorgeous
heads which MesEr^■. Ycitch had grown in 187^'). I bad the
opportuuity of seeing those holds, and I can only justly de-
ecribe them in one vord — mr.gnificent.

As I am a believer in the dictum that what has been dore
otcs can bo done again, I am very hopeful that with strong
cuttings to bt'giu with, no stopping throughout the season, and

a course of generous treatment, resulting in really vigorous
plants, that infinitely totter results will bo produced in Ihs
next than was the case in the past season, and I am satisfied
that another year of experience is needed before a just judg-
ment can be pronounced on this closely propagated plant.

Tho bracts produced by the small plants referred to wore
not nearly so bright as those on the more vigorous plant and
larger crown. When I saw the now variety at its beet the
colour was decidedly brighter than that of the old species — rich
as our old friend is acknowledged to be. — Ex-ExniBiTon.

Your correspondent, Mr. S. Taylor, hn?, I think, somowhat
prematurely expressed his " disappointment with the new
Poinsettia." I received my plant from the Messrs. Vdlch
(not a strong one) ; it was placed with my other Poinsettias,
and was in due time repotted. The soil used was three parts
turfy loam, one part peat (Epps's), some silver sand and char-
coal. It received tho same treatment as the other plants. On
its first forming its head of brilliant colour I found the outer
or lower bracts rather smaller and not quite so intense in
colour as those of the old species ; this may have aiisen fiom
tho plant not being a strong one. It takes fully a month longer
alter first showing the colour in its lower leaves before its
centra or tho clutters from its flowers are fully expanded.
When so grown it forms a well-filled compact head, which if
not grand i-s very great improvement on the other two sorts
which I grow. I consider it very fairly sustains the character
given of it, and I think it probable that stronger plants will
produce still finer heads. — Geo. W. Greenhill, Whist House,
Asliford, Kent.

SELECT FKUITS FOB SMALL GARDENS.

Under this heading " Pkactitioker," on pige 08, has sub-
mitted a short iibt of varieties, and has appended the request
that those criticising should substitute other varieties rather
than add to tho length of the list. I think in the main th«t
your correspondent is right in hmitirg the varieties of fruit
for a small garden, but I cannot but think that in many
gardens which may be included in the designation " small " a
few more Apples than those named might be advantageously
included. The subject broached by " Practitionek " is a very
important one, and on the whole he has submitted an excellent
list — his object having been to select old sorts of establiehpd
merit rather than to include new introductions.

I will commence my criticism by saying that I think the
Griipes and Peaches named are suflioient, and excellently
adapted for the great mass of small anel medium-sized gardens
and for ordinary cultivators — that is, those requiring a succes-
sion of good fruit certain of being produced under ordinarily
good cultivation ; yet I may add in reference to the Grapes
that those who have conveniences for ripening Lady Downe's
Seedling and Gros Guillaiimo may also include a Muscat,
and I recommend tho Bowood or Tynningham Muscat as
setting somewhat batter than the splendid old Muscat of Alex-
andria. I mention this because I know there are many who
covet Muscat Grapes, but are afraid of planting them on ac-
count of imaginary dilliculties of cultivation and the fear of
not being able to aii'ord them snliioieut heat. I repeat, there-
fore, that those who can grow satisfactorily the two late black
Grapes named may grow also the Bowood Muscit, which I
think is identical with Tynningham Muscat.

The list of Peaches beiog excellent, I pa?3 oa to Nectarines.
"Practitioner" has named two, and two are quite suflicient
for many gardens, but those named — Yioletto Ha live ai/d
lllruge — are ripe at the same time ; in fact they are very nearly
alike in all their quulitifs. For the sake, therefore, of havirg
greater distinctness, and especially as affording a encocssion if
ripe fruit, I shouM certainly substitute Lord Napier forElruge.
Lord Napier is distinctly early, the tree is a good grower and
bearer, and the fnnt is largo end of escellent quality. It ia
one of the very best Nectarines in cultivation, and is worthy
of a place in the smallest collection.

Fig^ I will pass over with the remark that those who enjoy
this fruit and have not grown Negro Lirgo have a treat in
store. I say this without findicg any fault with the two good
old sorts recommended — Brown 'Turkey and White Marseilles.

Apricots, I thiLk, call for no comment, but I must pause at
the list of Plums recommended by your correspondent. I
cannot conceive any collection of Plums complete without ic-
cludiug Bivers'd Early Prolific. It is a variety of the greatest
value, and ought never to be overlooked by intending planters.

Febrmry 3}, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

130

As I must not extend the list I would take out KirkeV, because
that good Plum is in u^e almost at the same time as the still
more useful variety Yiotoria. An excellent email collection I
consider the followinf;: — Early Prolific, Green Gage, Goliath,
Victoria, Coe's Golden Drop, and Damson. If two Piutus only
are wanted my choice is Rivera's Early Prolific and Victoria,
which are profitable varieties for plantiug in large numbers.

In the list of Apples " Practitioser " has included both
Lord Suflield and Keswick Codlin. I doubt if both are required
in a small garden. If for pyramic's or espaliers I should choose
Lord Saffield ; if for standards Keswick Codlin. I make the
distinction, because the large fruit of the former valuable
Apple is apt to be blown off standard trees in exposed places.
I should substitute Cellini for one of the sorts named. Haw-
tborndon cankers in light soils, and I generally prefer Stirling
Castle. Besspool is named — an excellent Apple, but a lifetime
before arriving at a free-bearing state. The li?t given is other-
wise good, but a garden cannot be completely stocked with
Apple trees that does not include Cox's Orange Pippin. Beauty
of Kent for early winter and Gooseberry Apple for late spring
are valuable culinary sorts.

In the list of Pears your correspondent has included Eeurr(5
de Banoe, but in many places that late Pear refuses to ripen ;
a late sort more certain, and I think more generallyusefui, I
consider Bergamotto Esperen.

Tho remainder of the fraits named are, I think, well selected.
In criticising I have acceded to " Practitioner's " request by
substituting a few sorts for those mentioned in the list re-
ferred to, and which is worth perusal by those making a " se-
lection of fruit for a small garden." — A Noethebn Garpeijer.

SQUIRRELS AS DEPREDATOES.

Mncn as I admire the feeling which animates a " Wiltshire
Eectob " in his dissertations at page 108, I cannot agree with
him as to the harmlessnesa of hia inotege the squirrel. For
over forty years I have had ample opportunities for observing
the habits of squirrels, and know from actual observation that
at times they descive more than they get, and get more thaa
they have any light to. Some twenty years ago I could not
account for the disappearance of the Strawberries from an early
plantation, but one morning I saw numbers of "Elondins"
(I should think two or three generations) hop across from a
quarter of Currant trees, each seize a Strawberry, and away to
the woods went they, but if suddenly disturbed would takerolugo
on an old Pear tree which was near. When they considered
all danger was over they would renew tho attack. I was crte'.
enough to send them a few mesBages in the form of shot, and
before seven o'clock the next morning I had destroyed upwards
of a dozen , and I felt no compunction for the deed. After that
slaughter my Strawbtrries were unmolested.

I have also had numbers of Apricots, Peaches, Cherries,
Nectarines, and Filberts taken by sqnirrels— Apricots more
especially; and, from that part of the wall where "that
gwdening boy" could not reach were he so disposed. I have
frequently seen them nibbling away at a half-rips Nectarino on
the top of a lofty Pino tree, and more frequently picked up a
half-destroyed fruit under tho Pino or Cedar trees, v/bicbescr
wore most convenient for them. I have also seen them run
along the paropet or coping of a wail, and when they arrived at
a tree hearing fruit suitable to their palate drop down, take
one, and carry it off. I have (much as I dislike steel traps)
been cruel enough to bait several traps, place them on the
coping, and after securing several of the "graceful" thieves,
and scaring others, the fruit was sufa from the marauders.

My organ of destructivcness is not very largely developed,
but when I have an eneojy I feel bound to fight till I conquer,
and I consider that when a gardener has produced a crop of
fruit that ha is equally bound to prtserve it. — J. Gadd.

Many years ago I was a mischievous " gardea"~boy," and
once stole a Peach from a young and favouiito tree than bear-
ing its first crop in a vinery. The owner was naturally
greatly chagrined when acquainted with the fact by his
gardener-^not the fact of my being the culprit, for I kept that
knowledge to my=elf, but that anyone should have been guilty
of stealing from that particular tree.

The owner conferred with his experienced and sensible steward ,
the result was that all the men and boys in tho garden were
what is known as " cirpeted," the carpet in that instance
being one of Nature's weaviug — the "mossy lawn," beneath
the ehado of an ancestral tree. Tho " old man with silvery

locks " then addressed his assemblage somewhat as follows: —
I am desired to speak on a matter which to you may appear

trifling, but which Lord regards as serious. His lordship,

as you know, is not a hard master, and the value of a hundred
Peaches are nothing to him, but that one Peach — the first of
its kind which had ripened in his garden — was being antici-
pated with sijeoial interest, and someone stole it. No one
amongst you is su3peotod as being dishonest, and not one of
you is permitted to deny having committed what was doubtless
merely a thoughtless act. I am only desired to uige on ono
and all never to take on the sly what you would be ashamed to
take openly, for his lordship wants to feel that everyone in
his employ is tiustworthy and honourable. The one who took
tho Peach may, it he chooses, admit to the gardener having
done so, the gardener having undertaken not to mention the
confession to anyone, and in fact is prohibited from doing so
to his lordship and myself.

That was the gist of the " old man's " address. It left me
very uncomfortable, and after one sleepless night I confessed
my fault to the gardener, and I cannot look back to any oir-
cumstauce with greater pleasure than to the taking advantage
of the " conscience clause," and certainly I have never since
— in the seneo of stealing — taken fruit which did not belong
to me.

Shortly after t'nat episode several Peaches and Nectarines
were missed from tho south wall of the garden, and other
fruits were nibbled and left on the trees. Many hundreds of
fruits were " stolen," and I was told by the gardener that had
I not so willingly confessed my former fault I should have
been suspected of the present and greater delinquency. There
was a reward of having done right — a good name following the
acknowledgment of a bad deed.

Determiuitig it possible to find out the rogue, I decided to
piSs the night in the garden ensconced amongst tho Currant
bushes. It was not until daybreak that I obtained " a clue"
— a most convincing one. First one squirrel came, then
another, until at least a dozen of the " agile creatuioi " were
" trying " the fruit, and carrying away those which separated
easily from the spurs. Tho gardener was told of the circum-
stance, hut was not convinced until he saw the same " little
game " repeated the next morning. There was nothing for it
but to destroy the robbers, which were mercifully shot, and not
cruelly trapped. Many times since then I have known squirrels
to have committed groat depredations on the Peach walls,
having repeatedly seen them carrying ciJ the fruit.

I have read with great pleasure " Wiltsuire Rector's "
humane letters, and I trust he will never cease wibldiog his
pen against heedless pain being inflicted on any dumb animals ;
but I cannot allow " that gardening boy " btiag made the
scapegoat for tho pilferings of " those graceful creatures" the
squirrels. — An Old Gardkninq Boy.

Amount of Water in Trees. — Farmers and gardeners have
often observed, and the fact is rtferred to by Liudley, that
duiieg cold weather the branches of certain trees are Bome-
times so much bebt down as to obstruct passage below tho
tree, tut that with the advfnt of mild weather they return to
their former positions. In investigating these phenomena
Professor Gelezuow observed that they depend not only upon
temperature but also upon the humidity of the air, and he
undertook, therefore, a series of researches to ascertain the
amount of water contained in different parts of the branches
under various atmospheric conditions. Tho first part of these
researches (not yet published) proved (1) that the amount of
water increases in each branch from its base to its summit;
(2) that the bark of the Larch throughout tho year contains
more water than the wood ; and (li) that in Conifer;e the upper
part — I.e., the part above the pith of a horizontal branch, con-
tains always more water than the lower part, whilst in other
trees, as, for inutance, the Birch, the conditions are reversed ;
altogether, that Conifersj and Dicotyledons teem to possess
opposite properties as regards the distribution of water in the
tree. Further researchts, published now in full [Bull. Ac. de
St. Pctersb., vol. xsii.. No. 3), introduced new elements into
the inquiry — namely, the varjing amount of water in tho bark
and the wood. It appears from these rtsearchesthat humidity
of the wood and dryness of bark have a constant relation ;
that in certain trees (Fir and Maple) the wood remains
throughout tho year drier than the bark, while in others
(Birch and Aspen) this is the case only during a part of the
year, the conditions being rtvcreod at other times, The re-

110

JOOUNAL OF HORTICULTUSE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

I Februaij -23, 1877.

lationB between the humidity of the batl; and that of the wood
r.re so constant that a useful classification could be based on
them. It apppare, farther, that the smallest amount of water
contained by the branches of certain trees, as, for inelaEce,
the Fir, is observed duiicg the teason when the vepetation i3
in fullest vigour, and that this circumstance, as well as some
other important tacts, is in ulose relation with the development
of leaves. Altogether tLe reFearchfs, which are yet far from
being completed, promise to diEclose, and probably explain, a
variety of very ilatereEtiug facts. — {Nature.)

PRIMULA INTEGRIFOLIA.

SixcE attention ha9 been more particularly directed to old
species of garden flowers, this somewhat rare Primula has been
inquired for. Only a few of the modern c^inJeners know this
plant, and fewer pofK?6sit. Not that tulllcient time has not
elapsed for its increase,
for it was known and was
probably more plentiful in
Phillip Miller's time than
it is now ; at any rate it
is alluded to by that old
author, who quotes de-
scriptions of it by Haller,
Soopoli, Jacquin, and
others. It is a dainty gem
from the Swiss, Pyrenean,
and Austrian mountains,
having somewhat of the
habit of P. auricula, but
flowers perhaps less freely
than that species. In fo-
liage it is perfectly distinct.
The colour of the flower
is a deep rosy red, with a
white centre and yellow
anthers. It is a hardy
plant, but cannot endure
stagnant water, and ia
worthy of the shelter
afforded by rugged stones
or rockwoik. lilr. (K F.
■Wilson ia succestf ul in the
culture of many delicate
alpine plants, by protect-
ing them with stones set
on edge, forming trian-
gular recesses for choice
species. Mr. Matthews of
We8ton-snpcr->[are has also provided earthenware protections.
which cannot fail to be useful for " old and rare " alpine plants
of low stature and subject to injury by prolonged wet. A
plant of P. integrifolia was figured in the "Botanical Maga-
zine" more than half a century ago from a specimen raised by
Mr. Loddigea from seeds which had been i^tut from Auatiia.
It is readily increased by oiLsets of the roots, which are pro-
duced freely ; the plant, in fact, may be said to grow more
freely than it flowers, atill it is a " dainty alpine gen " worthy
of notice.

WORTLEY HALL,

THE r.ESIDlvNCE OF KABL OF WHARNCLIFFE.
Tms grand old Knglish mansion is siluate^ in the midst of
a thickly populated district, nice miles from Sbeftield and five
from Barnsley. The Hall is a fine stone mant ion, which covers
nearly an acre of ground, and is encircled by verdant lawns
and thiiving shrubberies. The Earl of Wharncliffe is this
owner of other estates, as extensive as Wortley, in Scotland
and the north of England, besides possessions in Cornwall and
elsewhere; hut the Wortley estita is the most valuable, ou ac-
count of its coal and other minerals. In the seclusion of the
parks, which extend around the Hall on every side, the
stranger would never suspect that he was in the centre of one
of the most densely populated industrial districts in England,
and that underneath the very ground on v.hich he stood there
was for liules in all directions a working population, day and
night, nearly as nuiuerous as that a'^ove ground. Though
none of the pit shafts or villages, or even a bouse, are visible
from theHall,b£can?pof the surrounding woods, the pit "work-
ing's" are pushed up to within a few hundred yards of it, and

Fie. 1!>.— PniM

Eo near the surface do they come insomeplaeea that the aonnd
of the colliers' mattocks can be heard from the surface, while
the colliers can bear the travellers' footstfpa overhead. This
is near the "outcrops" however, for in oilier directions the
coal seams descend rapidly to a depth of some -JOO yards. Not
far off is the fatal Oaks Colliery and Swaith r\laiu, which with-
in the last few years have rntombcd at leasi seven hundred
victims, besides oilier explosions, brirging the destruction of
human life up to nearly one thousand.

The present Hall ia a comparatively modern structure. The
original mansion (Wharncliti'e Lodge) was built in I.JIO by
S.r Thomas Wortley, that he might have the pleasure of hear-
ing the wild duck's bell, a sylvan sound that appears to have
been very pleEsing to our accsttors. Tbis lodge, a part of which
still stsnJF, was at WharnclilTe Chase, about three milea from
the present Hill, and now forms a deer paik 1000 acres in
extent. H;re also is Whaixc'ill'a Oak Wood, which comprises
about 2200 acres of land,
and is said to be the most
extensive in England, and
Wharncliffe Crags, the
traditional home of the
" dragon of Wantley,"
which ate up " geese and
cattle," and everything
that came in its way,
"Save tbe atones poor Jack which
it ooulii i;ot cjack.
And voii'll tinij them there oa
thi hill."

Through the kindness
and liberality of the Earl
of Wharncliffe nearly the
whole of tbis vast tract ia
absolutely free to the pubUo
three days in the week,
and Worlley station ia a
regnUr depTit for "spe-
cials " during the summer
! oason .bringing thousands
from Manchester, Liver-
pocd, and Yorkshire. It is
the birthplace oi the Hon,
Edward Wortley Monta-
gue; and thcHCComplishtd
Lady Mary Wortley Mon-
tague, ancestress of Loid
Wharncliffe, spent a con-
isTEr,i;n [,i,n. siderable portion of her

time at Wharncliffe Lodge,
from which port of her correspondence is dated. She it was
who iutroduL-ed inoculation into this country from the east,
and which led eventual'y to l>r. .Tenner's famous discovery of
vaccination. Lady Mary first experimented upon her own little
sou, who was icoculated from a Turk. This boy afterwards
btoame the famous " Tuik Wortley," and died, it is said, in
the Mahommedan faith. I saw a h.aU-Uugth portrait of this
member of the family in his Tuikish robes hang in the Hall,
and I can say a " p?ifect Turk " he looks.

From the top of Wharncliffe Crags, more than 1000 feet
above the sea level, the spectator gazes upon one of the most
extensive and perfectly panoramic views in England— hill and
dale, wood and water here all unite to make one of the most
beautiful rural scenes imaginable. Far down in the valley of
the I'on below the landscape is spread out before you like a
map, and away beyot;d risej the Yorkshire hills, which foini
pait of tho "backbone" of England. The crags, as they
are called, form a precipitous ledge of rock^ some three miles
lorg, and tvtiywhere lifted and rent in the most irregular
manner. They remind one of Salisbury Crags near Kdinburgb,
only that the top3 of the ridge seem to have toppled over at
its upheaval anel rolled down into the valley btlow, which U
tver,i where strewn with huga fiagmi'uts of rock, many of ihem
perhaps .jO or 100 tons in weight. Passengers from Loudon to
Manchester i ia the Great Xortberii raihvay pass through
five or six miles of Wharnclilf j Wood ; at the bottom of the
valley and on both sides of the line great boulders are to bo
seen scattered in every direction, but they aie now green and
mossy, and half concealed with I'eius and undergrowth.

With this brief description of the extensive woods, and
park', and crags of Wharncliff'd Chase we now retrace our
steps and tnrn to the modern gaidena of Wortley Ilall. I

F.biuaiy l!, 18,7 1

JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Ml

had heard so maeb of tUe fctme of Mr. Simpson, an! knowing
bis uime was a " honaeholJ word," I had long felt an ine'.ina-
tioa to pay him a vi,-it, and though itwai the Ist of I'oeember,
one of tho39 pililess raiuy days, nevertU--Ie;3 I was amply
regarded wiiU what I saw. Dull licO?mler is not Iho moat
fivourable month in tho year for viiiting garden estahlith-
ments and giving reports thereon, but at a place like Wortley
there is always some ioterest and something to be learnt and
remuibered. Hiving left the pictartsiiue scenery of Wliarn-
cbflfa Chase we now reach the kitchen gardens. These are
said to be three acres in extent, and a good portion will hi
covered with glass which at present is rather limited for the
wants of such an establiuhmjnt, but vegetables and salads
appsared to be abundant. The gardens stand on elevated
ground, about 700 feet above the sei level, TUe climate is
cold, and the more tender fiuits often suffer. TUe gardenei's
cottage is situated at the west end of the garden near the

ranges of glass hou-ts, and starting at this point we will
bfgin with the first block, which is 130 feet long and divided
ioto four divisiouf, thrro of which are vineries. The tiret
house is 30 feet long, 10 feet wide, with a hipped roof. All
the Vines aio Sluscit of A'exandiia. The fruit was ripe early
ia August; several lunches that were still hanging wouUl
wei^h from 3 lbs. to 1 Us. each. The Vines were planted iu
1807 1 feet apait, and there are two rods to eaeU Vine. In
this bouic the wood w:.s strong, short-jointed, with large round
prominent buds. What little foliage was left ou the Vines was
thick and leathery, and it bore no traces of having been in the
least d?gree infested either with thrips or red spider. At the
winter c'eaniog of tho houses tUe Vices are never dressed, nor is
any of the loo-e bark reu\oved from tliem. The tec md house i3
also :10 feat by IJ, and planted with young Vines. Of the sorts
I noticed Black Hamburgh, Gros t'olman, ^Vddt's St. Peter's,
Itoyal Muscadine, Buckland Sweetwater, Golden (Jueen, wLicU

rit 20 — \\ 01 TLE\ H LL

will remain a lasting memorial of its skilful raiser; Duke of
Biccleuoh, Venn's DIack Muscat, which Uas cot proved so
good as the Muscat Hamburgh, wbicU it was in all respects to
supersede; and the Golden Champion, the wood of the latter
being twice as strong as that of any of tho other Vines. While
80 many gardeners give the Golden Champion a bad character,
Mr. Simpson has succeeded in producing some splendid bunches
of this variety. The house was filled with store pots of succu-
lentsfor thesummer flower garden. TUe third house contained
Vines in pots, of which I counted sixly just pushing into growth,
and from the manner that they were breaking tliey promised
an abundant and useful crop of fruit, (renerally it is found
difllcult to excite pot Vines before Christmas unless they have
been prepared for the purpose the suiumer previous ; but t'-ese
appeared to break as freely tUe first week in December as if it
had been the middle of I'tbruary. Besides the Vines in pots
there were large batches of Azilea3,E:)ses,Iiilyof theVull(y,iV;.,
for early blooming. TUe last Uouse in this range was used for
miscellaneons greenhouse plants, and contained good speci-
mens of Azaleas, Camellia". Roses, Heath'. Epacriaes, Piiue-
laas. From the roof was suspended streamers of Tao<onia
Van-Volxemii, Lapagoria rosea, L. alba, Mati'ehal Niel Rose,
and Acacia Riceaua, a most useful plant for the purpose. Oa
the back wall was a large Rose of SouveLi.' d'un Ami. It
is a most fragrant Rose, and trained against the wall under

glass it affords a handsome flower for the button-hole nearly
every day iu the year.

Leaving this block of houEes we next entered a vinery oOfeet
loEg. It was formeily in two compartment?, but new both
divisions are thrown into ono. TUe Vines in one half of the
house aro planted iu the centro of the inside border. They
are taken to the roof and then allowed to form iwo branches ;
one is trained up and the other down the roof. They have
been planted about bix years, and though they were only in-
tended to remain for two or three years, yet, having done so
well, they have been allowed to remain undisturbed. TheVines
which previously occupied the house were started ioto growth
about Christmas, and by the end of Juno all the fruit was
gathsred, tlie old Vines cleared out, and these young Vines
planted in a new border. As soon as tho roots were set at
liberty and entered their new pasture the Mnes grew with
great rapidity and made strong canes by autumn. Tho follow-
ing season they curried a heavy crop of Grapes, and have done
so each returning year. They aro chiefly Black Alicautes and
Lady Downe's, and when I saw them they were such as either
Mr. Simpson or any other gardener might be proud of. This is
a simple way of renewing a house of Vines without losing a crop.
The next house was formerly set apart for Pines, but is now
used as a plant hou:e. In front of these houses I noticed along
border full of Lettuces about three parts grown, covered with

142

JOUKNAL OF HOItTICULTUhE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Februai7 22, 1877.

temporary lights snd in the highest state of luxuiiance. They
were Bown about the end of July, and when large enough to
handle they were planted in rows 7 inches from each other
and 4 inches apart in the rowa. The sort— for there was only
cue — was Hardy Hammersujitb. There were upwards of a
thousand plants, which would supply the talad bowl for a con-
siderable part of the winter.

Turning away from the Lettuce bed, whiuh was really a
grand sight on the let of Dtoember, M'e next passed through a
small fpan-roofed house 24 feet long by 10 wide. It is used
in summer as a nursery for young Vines that are being grown
for forcing the following winter, but when I saw it was filled
with a healthy hatch of Cinerarias and bulbs for early bloom-
ing. Proceeding still onwards we enter the Fig and Straw-
berry house, 50 feet long. The Figs are grown in pots in an
open pit iu front of the house, and the Strawberries on
shelves at the bact. Forcing the latter was commencing, and
they are brought- in in batches of about four hundred plants
at once. The last houses in this range were two upright
vineries 25 feet long each, and about 8 feet wide, with ridge-
and-furrow roof. There are two Vines to each house. From
the main vertical shoot other horizontal shoots emanate and
are trained near the front glas?. The fruit was all gathered
and the Vines were at rest, but the young growth was some-
what marvellous. It was firm and well ripened, and about the
strength of an ordinary walking-stick. If my memory serves
me right the roots were in the inside, and, combined with skil-
ful culture, Mr. Simpson uses highly stimulating manures.

Crossing the kitchen garden we reached another range of
houses. Tbe first is a block of vineries 100 feet long with
Vines trained up the front rafters and along the top of the back
wall. They were at rest awaiting their winter pruning. Here
the growth was also remarkable for its strength and firmness.
All available spaces in the house were occupied with plants
grown for some useful purpose, and not the least useful among
these was that most valuable plant for winter blooming, Rho-
dodendron ciliatnm. Beyond were two lean-to Peach houses
each 25 feet long and containing two trees each. There were
capital fxp.mplts of Royal George Peach, Elruge and Stirling
Castle Nectarine, the latter being found very valuable. These
houses were filled with Strawberries iu pots in premising con-
dition. Upwards of 1400 aro potted for forcing, which
furnish ample gatherings from March till tbe time of Straw-
berries in the open air. Mr. Simpson finds the most useful
for his purpose are Black Prince, Prince of Walts, and Vioom-
tesse Herioart de Thury. They were grown in 4J-inch pots
and were in splendid condition.

Leaving the fruit hou-:e3 we next reached a range of span-
roofed plant houses which run north and south across the
garden, and divided into three divisions. The first was for
greenhouse plants, furnished with a stage in the centre and
benches all round. It is a ustful house, and contained a
valuable selection of plant J. There were semi-double PrimuIaF,
Roman Hyacinths, Ericas, Epaorises, Epiphyllnms, Cycla-
mens, CamtUias, and Daphnes in beautiful bloom. The second
compartment was for stove plants, and many of them were
Buitalile for placing in vases. Here we fouud many of tbe
most popular plants of the day, including some wtUgrowu
Euoharis amazonicaa throwing-up a wonderful crop of flower
spikes; Crotons-.snch as C. Weismanni, C. interrnptum, C. uia-
jeeticum, and C. Veitchianum in excellent health ; efiually good
Dracajnas of almost every size, shape, and colour. The most
handsome for the table was Dracajna gracilis, a plant of
slender foliage and of elegant habit. There were also Ma-
raatas, Alccifias, and many other plants which form indis-
pensable f.jaturod iu a plant stove. I muat not omit tha Ferns
such as the popular AJiantum farleyonsc, A. gracillimum,
A. tonerum, A. macrophyllum, A. ooncinnum latum, Ac. One
thing hero is worthy of tpecial remark in reference to the
soil used for the Ferns — Adiautum farleyeuse was growing
in peat alone, peat and loam mixed, and loam without peat,
aud (hose plants grown entirely iu loam were twice the size of
those grown in any other compost and twice as vigoroua. On
the roof was trained AUamandas, Clerodendron Balfourii, aud
Stephanotis floribnnda. The third was an iutormediate house,
and contained many excellent plants. Near at hand was a
block of warm and cold pits several hundred feet in length,
used in spring for forcing vegetables, and summer for Melons
and Cucumbers; but when I saw them some were filled with
Tomatoes, Kidney Beans, bedding Geraniums, winter Cucum-
bers, and Strawberries ; end one range contained ono thousand
nearly full-grown Lettuces.

Turning into the kitchen garden I observed it was well
stocked with all sorts of winter vegetables ; one flat of Broccoli
contained sixteen sorts, or at least sixteen lot?, with different
names; Beet, Carrots, Salsafy, and Parsnips are left in tha
ground, and the beds covered with h.-aves to protect the crowns
from the frost. These roots are found to keep much better in
this way than when taken up and stored in sand or foil. Be-
sides the Lettuce in pits and nndir spare lights thousands
were planted in the open quarters. Round the various quar-
ters I noticed many buth and pyramid Apple and Pear trees,
and from their appearance I should presume they carried in
average seasons tolerable good crops of fruit. I inquired of
Mr. Simpson what sorts he found to succeed the best north of
Sheffield, when I was informed that of Apples all the Codling
did well ; Claygate Pearmain, an excellent dessert Apple, has
the flavour of the well-known Ribston Pippin ; Lord Nelson, a
very handsome table Apple ; Lord SnfBeld, fine kitchen Apple;
Hawthornden, a good Apple; and Tower of Glumis, an ex-
cellent heavy kitchen Apple. Of Pears, Williamb' Bon Chretien,
Napoleon, Jargonelle, Benirfi Clairgeau, Baronno de Mello,
Knight's Monarch, Louise Bonne of Jersey, and Marie Louise.
Oq a south wall was found to succeed the last two named,
Glou Morv?au, and Beurre Diel. The Cherries on a west wall
were in excellent condition. Such sorts as White Heart and
Black Eagle ripen at Wortley early iu July, and are found very
useful for dessert.

We now reluctauily pass out of the kitchen garden on to
the spacious pleasure grounds. These cover an area of fifteen
acres, and are kept in the most perfect order. The kitchen
garden walls on the south side are judiciously concealed by a
broad belt of shrubs, including many fine Hollies. Parallel
with the wall there is au herbaceous border 700 feet long and
12 feet wide. This border is rich in hardy treasures, aud to
enumerate all that is beautiful would beimpossiblo. Formerly
this border was filled during the summer season with half-
hardy bedding plants, but now it is filled-up with a choice
selection of hardy perenniul plants : it is not only a great
saving of labour, but there is something useful for cutting
nearly " all the year round." The gem of the border for late
summer blooming was Anemone juponioa alba, ono of our
very best hardy autumnal-blooming perennials. It produces
luxniimt dark green foliaj;o with a profusion of flowers as
white aa snow. Then there was Tiitoma uvaria grandiflora,
a stately genus of great beauty for ijroad borders ; Spirffia pal-
mata, ono of the handsomest 6pecio3 of this beautiful genua;
Iberis corilolia, Lithospeimum prottratum, Potentillas, Pent-
etemons. Phloxes, Ddlphiniuma, Polemonium casrnleum varie-
gatum, and many others too numerous to mention. The wall
was covered with a choice selection of climbers, from the simple
Louiof-ra aureo-reticulata and the beautiful Ampelopsis Veitchii
to the gaudy Cratfegus pyracantha and the aristocratic Wis-
taria sinensis.

We now pass on to a broad terrace walk flanked by lines of
Roses of every hue and shade, and these again backed by
stately Hollies. At the terminus of this walk there is a relic
of old Sherwood forest — a majestic Oak 8 fett in diameter at
its base, and 7 feet through 5 feet from tbe ground. It has
occupied the same position for upwards of a thousand jears,
and exhibits no symptoms of deeay. Turning to the left
there is a broad glade 400 feet long and 100 feet wide. It
is margined with Cedars, Pinuses, Yews, and the usual ever-
greens that are found iu places of such importance. From this
grand avenue wo reach tho terraces in front of the mansion.

The flower garden is approached by different flights of
steps, and hero the sccno IJecoines of tho most enchanting
character. Many of the beds aro large, and bounded by
margins of Yews and Portugal Laurels kept low by constant
clipping. The climate is too cold for spring bedding to
succeed. I much regret I did not see this fine flower garden
when it was embellished with its twenty thousand plants. The
water was drained from the fountain in the centre, and the
basin was fiUed-in with dwaif common Laurels. Oa tho cast
side of the parterre is an old conservatory with curvilinear
roof. A stage occupied part of the centre, and round the out-
sides were other stages. It was all nglow with Chrysanthe-
mums and other bright winter-blooming plants, and was quite
a picture of flora' loveliuess and beauty. Streamers dangled
from the roof in grace and luxuriance, the most oonspiouonB
bei'jg a very old plant of Acacia Ricoana. It is one of the
oldest plants of its kind in the country, and it covered a large
portion of the roof. This Acaoia deserves more extensive cul-
tivation, for it ia exceedingly useful to cut from ; its long pen-

Pobruary 23, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

143

dalons branches (from 2 to 3 feet long), wben coverocl with
flowers, renders it useful for various de<!oratiYa purposes.
TarniDg out of the conservatory we passed dowu a flight of
Btono a'ep-s iuto aaother floscor garden, which Mr. Simpson
informed me was generally filled with succulents during the
summer. It had a fountain in the centre, and was bounded
by Ivy, rockwork, and evergreens.

It is no mere compliment to say that the good keeping of
the place reflected the greatest credit on Mr. Simpson, for iu
each department there was the manifestation of superior skill.
I am indebted to him for his courteey in enabling me to see
the many interesting objects abo&uling on this extensive
domain. — Q. K.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

As was stated iu " Notts and Gleanings " on page 103, many
mistakes are made by planting largG-gro\\ing Conifers wht-vc
there is no room for them to dcvelope. Doubtless those who
pUnt them have reajon to admire tbem for the first few
years, after which the mistake becomes more apparent, and
the great dillituilty aiisej as to which ought to be sacrificed,
and many times none are thinned-out, but they are left to grow
one into the other, deteriorating in beauty every year. I sub-
mit that nine times ont of ten the fault ia that of planting too ■
thickly, and then not watchiog the growth of the shrubs Rutfi-
cieutly close and tbiuuiug them out at the proper time. If t'le
shrubs are left to become injured t'aey are cot easily remedied.

I dislike to tee Deodars and o her similar commanding
Conifers pressed into a limited space where tbeir true character
and beauty cannot bo attained ; rather would I see small com-
pact-growing shrubs planted, which would be more suitable to
the limited space, and would increase in beauty year hf cer year.
The little lawns are then well kept in view, and the gr iceful
carves by the paths an well maintiined, and the bacligrouud so
prominently kept in sight that the cbaoge in the foliage is seen
to perfection. I like to see a handsome Deodar standing in the
centre of a circular lawn of moderate size, with sutlicieut scope
of grass round it to show it off to advantage, while other parts
may be planted with Cupressns Lawsoniana and others of a
similar growth. Cryptoaieria elegaos is a grand Conifer to grow
as a single specimen ; while there is Jnniperus virginiana, J.ex-
celaa and J. chinensis, as well as J. ericoides, one of the prettiest
and most compact; while among d.varfer growers there is J. re-
cirva and J. densa, while Abies pygmfes, a very pretty dwatf
grower and almost an undershnib, but it looks well by itself.
Thujas, too, always commend themselves to auy villa residence
with small private gronnds. Next we come to the common
Yew, Taxus baccata, sad the golden variety, wbii^h really look
hindsome by themselves and are easily kept within bounds,
Irish Yews take np little room, but when well grown they are
handsome sprenians, while as affording contrast is the Swiss
Jnniper, erect yet compact growth, and always looks well.

It will bo seen by the above that there ia plenty of choice
among dwarf or small-growing Conifers to tatiafy anyone, aud
those named will grow in towns as well as in the suburbs.
Those who need dwarfer plants still mny plant the common
Savin, Jnniperns sabina, also J. tamariscifolia, both very pretty
at all times.

I will mw mention a few shrubs as commendable for villa
gardens. One of the best is the vaiiegated Ancaba, a generil
tavouriti in all towns. The Laarnstinus, too, must not be for-
gotten; gold, silver, and plain Hollies must be included in the
list as fumous town plants. Several varieties of evergreen
Berberises, such as B. Darwinii, B. dalcis, and B. japonica are
all suitable. The Arbutus, too, sometimes doea well, not for
getting the Sweet B-iy and the variegated and green Box. The
dark foliage of the I'hillyrea alvays looks well, and it is also a
robr.st shrub, doing well iu towns. Ttie common and Poitiigol
Laurels may well be mixed among them. Tbe EuonymuE — -
the green, silver, and golden-leaved varieties — are handsome
shrubs fir town gardens.

With the above and a few deciduous plants mixed np with
them, such as the large-flowering aud Persian Lilacs, some of
the Acacias and Maples of the variegated kind, the red Dogwood,
tbe white and pink flowering Thorrs, wi'h here and there a
plant of Y'ucoa gloriosa, all judiciously planted and tbe colours
blended together, an effect would be produced that would be
at once cheerful and ought to satisfy the moat fastidious. —
TuoM.is Recorii.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN O.IKDEN".

We have been forking over some of the ground that wis dug
or tieached in the autumn iu order to get in the spring crops.
It is very wet, indeed wetter than we cv^^r remember to have
Been it before at this period of the year. When our light soil is

in this state what can be said of wet districts where tire soil ia
heavy? Even i£ sefds are of the very best quality, it ia more
than probable that a large portion of them will be destroyed by
the wet cold soils. In large gardens, or even gardens that aie
not large, there is always refuse loam which accumulates from
various sources, such as spent soil shaken from the roots of
bedding plants which have been transferred from cutting-boxes
to pots or other boxes, the surface of Vine or Peach bordera, or
the old soil of Cucumbers or Melons. If this is kept under
cover and sifted it is of great value iu auoh a season as this;
a little of it under and over the seeds will make all the differ-
ence between perhaps no growth at all and a healthy lot of
young seedlings. Tbe seeds ought to have been brought iu long
before this time, but many delay purchasing until the feeds are
required for sowing, and tbeu grumble if tho seedsmen cannot
supply them at a few hours' notice. For our own part we order
early, aud take care not only to order from a good house, but
also give the beat price ; bad seeds are not worth having at any
price. Some amateurs and yonng gardeners are also apt ti ruu
after novelties to the exclusion of other proved sorts. Now it
is quit^ right to try as many new varieties of plants or vege-
tables aa one can find room for, but it is not wise to trust
entirely to them. Those varieties which have done us good
servico must be retained until we are quite certain that the new
varieties are better than the old.

Wo have siwn Early Scarlet Horn Carrots, Hicks' Hardy
White Lettuce, and the oliva-shape 1 breakfast Radish u der tbe
ground vineries. It would have heen useless sowing iu tbe
ordinary soil, but tbe fine dry refuse loam, &c , was valuable
for covering the seeds. We also planted out the Cauliflower
plants which have been preservnl in cold frames during the
winter; thej' have growu so much, even with the lights off
night and day, that it was certainly better to plant them out .
Ttie weather may change speedily to froat, and perhaps cold
eist winds will try the plants very much ; but they have beeu
planted iu drills, and if uecesFary some manure laid over tho
surfice of the ground will keep tbem safe from injury.

It will now be comparatively e-asy to keep-up a supply of
forced vegetables in succession to those that are now going off.
Asparagus roots put in a little heut will soon grow up aud be
ready for use. Seakale may readily be fu-ced by placing blanch-
ing pots or boxes over the roots, aid enough manure or leaves
to cause a gentle heat. Succession pots of Dwatf Kidney Btar.s
can be brought on rapidly in any house, but they are better
when the p its can be placed near tho glass, as the stems are apt
to draw up leggy in the early stages of the plant's growth. They
like rich soil composed of good loam and a little decayed
manure. The leaves suffer much from tho altacka of red spider
and thrips, but spider will not bs likely to gain a foothold upnn
them if they are frequently syringed with tepid water and they
do not suffer for want of water at the roots. If plants are well
attended to with water and judicious air-giving they are mt
so apt to suffer from insect pests aa are those which are badly
cultivated.

VINEUIES.

The late houses have been made ready for forcing in the way
that has been already recommended. At many places the fruit
is not keeping very well, it could hatdly be expected to dj so
after so much wet and muggy weather,' We are now reduced
to Lady Downe's Seedling, which have now been cut for t vo
months nearly, and the stalks put in bottles of wa'er. Afew
berries have become mouldy, but the^e are promptly removed.
The largest proportion cf the bunches are almost in aa good
condition as on the day they were cut, the berries are plump
and the foolstalka quite green.

There is now considerable improvement in the early honaes.
When it was observed that the buds did not start freely they
were not forced into growth. Now that the Vines show signs of
vigorous development the temperature at night of the Ilam-
liurgh house is 65'^, aud that of the Muscat house 70°, with a
proportionate rise by day. There ia now plenty ot work tying-
d iwn and stopping the lateral growths, llxcept the leaders tho
other growths are stopped two leaves beyond the bunches. Wo
are very careful with the tyiog-down ; it doea not answer to pull
the strong rapid. growing sbooti too much down at one time,
as they are apt to snap either at the time of tying or afterwards.
The Eeedlings raised by Mr. W. Thomson, also Canon Hall
Muscat, have very strong yonng wood and require greater care
than most other varieties. With increased warmth more mois-
ture is required in the atmosphere ; tho evaporatinj: troughs are
kept full of v.ater, and in bright sucsbire tbe walls and paths
of the house are sprinkled with water two fu* three times a-day.
We have placed fermenting materi.il (stable manure), in the
earlieet housei, but when the souug leavis appear it is very
dangerous to allow even a small portion of rank steam in the
house, as the leaves might be destroyed thereby, or at least
suffer considerable injury. Those who have berries ready for
thinning ought to lose no time in attending to it. One who has
had sufficient practice iu this work can thin-out a sufficient
number of berries all at once. It ia not possible to do the work

141

JOUBNAL OF HORTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ February 22, 1877.

well if it is necessary to go to it a second time. The bonlers of |
all the early hoiiEOs have liatl a good 'ivateritig with tepicl water ;
the outer border was dressed wilh a fjesh lot of fermenting
dung, mixing it well with the old.

Vines in pots that were stiled for the earliest crops will
renuirc a plfntifiil supply of water at the roots, aod every al-
ternate watering shouM b3 of weak mauure water. A dressing
of rich material on the surface of the pot3 is highly benctlcial
t" the ^■incs ; the roots very soon work into it and afterwai Is
grow with greater vigour. No time should nowbelostininEertirg
the eyes intended for fruiting canes next year. Ours were put
in last week, one eve in the centre of a CiH-sized pot, using good
Bound loam mixed with a liltle elecayed leaf soil, and bcfcij
inEetting the e>e a little sand was placed in the centre of the
pot, pressiug this Hown iis the eye was inserteil. The soil
ought to be rather moist, as it is very desirable not to water it
before the roots are well formed. Watering causes many of the
eyes to die off just as they are coming through the soil. The
bottom heat cught not to exceed 90" or '.(.j '. When the young
plants have made a little growth and the roots have taken hoM
ft the Bides of the pots, the Vines may again be potted into
(i inch pots. Our plau is to have the young Vines sufficiently
moist at the roots and the potting material also moitt, so that
it is not necessary to water for some days, perhaps a week after
potting. The pots may be plunged in bottom heat to start the
roots, but afterwards this is not necessary A better class of
roots is formed without bottom heat, and if the Vines ere
managed well no one could take exception to the strength of the
canes.

Firjs ill Pots —Figs are propagated in the same way as Vines,
and are even of more exuberant growth. Eyes put in now will
Bfart very freely, and if grown in a houee with u night tempera-
ture of (ioS they will become strong fruiting plants for next
year. The Fig is a very pross feeder, and i's roots reijuire rich
soil ard will absorb plenty of manure water. Those plants
which wen- started in December will now require a night tcm-
peralure of GO" and plenty of v/ater at the roots. They may
also be surface-ilresseil and receive manure water the same us
Vines in pots. The young growths must be stopped at the
fourth or fifth leaf, and the stopping must be done as soon as it
is possible to do so. The shoot will bleed either way, but the
mischief is grestest when the shoots are allowed to run out
some length before being ttopprd. Figs planted-out in open
borders where the roots can ramble unchecked will not reejuire
rich feeding. This is only necessary when they are in pots or
in narrow borders.

PLiXT STOVE ANI> OECIIID HOUSES.

It is veiy deeirable to maintain a genial heat in the tan bed
at this feasou, not that the plants shoulil be plunged deeply
into it, bul^ if they are ai'ranged on the snrface the heat and
moisture arises amongst the foliage and causes a healthy clean
growth. If there are no other houses warm enough where a
few cuttings can be struclc, it is well to make a propagating
corner in the stove. All that is required is a light frame which
on be closed rr opened at pleasure. Cuttings of snch plants as
AUamandis, Bougainvillea=, Dipladenias, Tbyrsacauthus ruti-
lius, Clerodendrons, Eranthemum pulchellum, and many other
eiuick-rooting free-growing plants should now be put in. It is
much better to piopagite a tew of all such plants at this season
and let old worn out specimens go to the rubbish heap than to
retain the old plants. With a bottom heat of INl" or 9V% and the
frame kept close for a while, rcots will form rapidly. If the
cuttings show signs of growth they must le turned out of the
pot', and if roots are formed it is desirable to pet the plants
off at once. They will in this way uxpeiienca but little check
to their growth, and in a lemperatuie of 7U at night will with
good cultivation make good plants by midsumi'ier.

When mealybug has become establiehed on Isrge specimen
plants it is almost as hopeless a (ask as making ropes of sand
to destroy tha pest by washing. The best plan is to take cut-
tings and watch them well for any develeipment of the enemy,
anei as soon as it is seen that the cuttings are rooted destroy the
old plants. Thoroughly clean, and if possible well paint the
house. Ixores, Dipladenias. Cravdenias, and Stephanotis fieri-
brnda are gene'i-ally most dil'tJcuU to keep clean. We have not
yet potted any plants, but all young specimens which have
tilUil their pots with roots will be potted without delay. The
soil is usually put into a warm house for a day or so before
using it.

Orchids that are beginning to push-out fresh roots will also
be repotted at once. j;ast Indian Orchids require more heat
anel moisture iu the atmosphere. Goodyera l)aWKOnii is a valu-
able plant, as the flower spikes are ueeful for cutting, and if the
leaves ef the plants can be maintained iu good health they are
very ornamental. Ana-ctcchili, such as A. Lowii with its large
handsome foliage, and many of the other species with smaller
leaves marked with the most delicate tracery, do well in baml-
glasses iu a t'ucumber house. Now is a good time to pot them ;
we use plenty of clean potsherds for drainage, nnd very turfy peat
with live sphagnum chopped tine for these plants. Wherever

any Orchids are emitting roots freely it is time to repot them
if necessary. A sharp look-out must be kept for slngp, cock-
roaches, and crickets, and a very email snail which is very
troublesome to us. They are readily caught with the aid of a
lantern at night. — J. Douglas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence shonld be diieeted either to " TLe
Editors," or to " The Pahlisber." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doirg so sabjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

rooi;s {Ehilil-n.ors Sttltnih,r).— T\ . l.cok on "Pl^ius of flower Giivdens,
&c.." is being rcpiiotcd. (A'fV/ff).— Kdrlej''s "Iliuh-class Gardening," or if
yon want one to iurlude fruits, Thonmeon's " Ganlenet's Assistant." (Mrs.
'Milh). — Keane's " Indoor Gardenins-"

Books roE Youkg OAEnrsKEBS (TI'. Kiori?).— Cobljcll.'s (iramraar is
the one recommended in the list you refer to. It is a work meant "to lay
rlie solid foundation of literary knou'ledge among.st the labouring classes of
the community : to give practical effect to the natural genius found in the
soldier, the sailor, the apprentit-e, nud the iiloughboy, anil make that genius
n perennial source of wealth and streogtb," .Vc. These words are taken freni
the book itself, and will be seou in the dedication "To Her Mrst Gracious
iMnjesty (^ueen Caroline." Here I will aclcnowlcdge my indebtedness to Mr.
Cobbett for his English Grammar, and urge all young mm who have not
been taught at school tlie grammar of their mother tongue to procure tbo
work and master it. Gardeners are introduced to and have to converse with
the highest, most cultured, and relincd classes of the realm. It is no smsi 1
gr-atitrca' ion to employers to have gardeners of education— of gooi address
and cultured manners. And it is no small satislaction for gardeners to
know that they have education enough to fxpiess their opinions and thoughts
in becoming language, and appear to advantage in any society. I^ducatinu
and good manners are of far more importance to young ruen than mauy cf
them fancy. " To entitle a man to respect there must be," says C.jbl)ett,
"something of his own doing, boyond the bounds of his well-known duties
aud obligations." ]Oducation bc'ps men "to get up and get on." The
scientilro books which were mentioned two years ago were simply catechisms
and alphabet-^. ^Ve found Itennie's " Alphabets on Botany, Chemistry,
Naturul Pliilosophy," &c.. very instructive. Since our younger days many
educational courses haVd been published. Gardeners sbculd give special
atteution to vegetable physiology, botany, chemistry, aud many of tbo
branches of natural philosophy. It is better and more protrtable to dig down
to the roots of one subject and master it than it is to scratch on aud skip
over the surface of ten. — A. P.

Er.ECTtoN or Apples.— jMi*. Eellick wishes Blenheim Orange to be in-
cluded in the list of dessert Apples, and asks for a speedy transmission of
the lists.

TriE AuEiNOEMENT OF liOCKS AND EARTH MOCNDS (Olx.rr. l),— Do Dot

attempt the formation of miniature Alps or nuy similar " toys " Your supply
of large masses of rock will enable jou to produce some pictniosiiue etTects.
Let your walks wind in numerous curves and form nooks andcorrreis for
the Kerns, avoiding apatcb of Ferns, another of Rhododendrons, and another
cf Conifers, rather let all mingle iu graceful combinations; and do not forge*,
that your rocks afford unusual facilities for the cultr;re of alpine plants, and
the formation of "rock beds," which are raised beds and banks of soil with
protruding rocky crag-i so arranged as to convey the idea of stratitication,
however broken or irregular the airangement may he. Among and over the
recks there should be a rich collection of dwarf shrubs and trailing plants.
Should you decide to mate a fountain iu the centre of the oval space let
iha basin be large rather than small, in proportion to the area of surrounding
open space. Thus much generally. Without an actual inspection cr plats
we cannot venture to enter upon details, for in laying out a garden every
feature of the place and its surroundings exercise a mutual inllueuce to which
due weight must be giren, or failure will inevitably follow.

How TO UTii.rsE A Glass Koop {M, A. H.). — A glass roof upon opaque
walla U feet high will not give sufficient light for the culture of dwarf fruit
trees. Standard fruit trees with tall stems would answer piovid.d the ven-
tilation is thorough, .\prieots. Peaches, Kectoiiees, Fi^'>, and Oianges
might all be so grown ; but as the light comes only from the roof, we would
plant the trees somewl at farther apart than is usual in an ordinary orchard
house. Of course, such a roof would answer peilently well for the culture of
Grapes, but then you would not have the other fruits.

ItooT-oBAiTrxG (/fitjft).— Use nothing but soft matting, which being
covf II d wilh soil dccajs by the time the stock and scion are united. Both
wool aud grafting-wax are objectionable, the wool decaying so slowly that the
new growth swells over P. and suffers proportionately, and to use wax is ruere
waste.

Propagation of EnoNV.Mr3E3 (Old Sithsnibir. I.iV nut, :ii).— It is too lata
to put in cuttings of Euonymusea; they should betaken larlyln November
and inserted in pure sand under band-lights, or iu pots in a celd frame eir
pit. You may, however, layer yoru plants successfully now iu soil containing
a liberal admixture of sand aud old mature to induce a strong free growth,
when the layered branches make roots.

KiiiooN-uoBDER Arbanoesients (5. (/. D.).— Substitute Petunias for the
GerauiuMis behind (he yellow Calceo'a'ia. and the ariunjement while pre-
senting nothing new will be attractive and in excelb nt taste without being
glaring, as it would be if you retain the Geranium In such a positior.

Lead (P. Y.) — Sixtcoo ounces are a pound.

Ouafting Wax (II'. J., P/««(/).— The following recipe has been recom-
mended by a lust-rate autlrority :— Take common sealing-wax. apy colour but
green, one part; mutton fat one part, white wax one part, iojiI honey one
eigl th part. The white was and the fat ure to be first melted, aud then the
sealing-wax is to be added gradually in smu'I pieces, the mixture being kept
constantly stirred; and lastly, the honeymust be put in jirst before taking It
off the tire. It should he poured hot into paper or tin moulels to preserve for
ute B^ wanted, and be kept slightly stirred tilt it begins to harden. As you
appear to have only one tree to graft, your simplest plan would be to take
e-iuirl parts of adhesive clay, dry horse droppings, and fresh cow dung; mix

Febrairy 22, 1877. J

JOURNAL O? HORTIOUIiTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

and knead well until of the consistence of soft soap, and plaster this smoothly
roand the lower parts of the Rrafte. If the composition should crack in
drying the fiesares shonld be closed, excludicg air, and the grafts, all other
conditions being right, will grow.

FoEciNO Vines (FT. F.).— Follow the instrnctions of Mr. Douglas in his
*' Doinps;" you cannot have a safer guide. You may admit a little air at the
top of the house when the temperature rises to 60", increasing the ventilation
(gradually as the heat increase?, not permitting it to exceed 80-. Daring dull
dnys you shonld raise the temperature to 60= by Ore heat— that is, when the
Vines are in full leaf. The greater the heat the more atmospheric moisture
is required. When the Vines are in blossom the air should be drier than
before, but not arid. Such sorts as Black Hamburgh usually set well without
any artificial distribution of the pollen, but a gentle shake of the Vines can
do DO barm, aod may possibly be beneficial.

Planting Hvacinths, &c. {N. B.).— Hyacinths after being i^-rown in
water seldom flower the year following after having been planted out, but
Hyacinths which have been grown in pots are useful for flowering in the
borders during after years. They do not, of course, produce spikes equal to
those from newly-imported bulbs. In order to have them as good as possible
(he spikes should be cut immediately the flowers have faded, and the plants
shonld be placed in a light place under glass and be watered regularly until
the foliage shows signs of decay. Hyacinths are often much abuecd after
flowering, either by being saddenly exposed to frost or by ceasing to apply
water, so that the foliage cannot be properly matured. We are pleaded to
hear that your Koses afford you so much pleasure, and we shall be glad of
any aid yc u can render in making our national flower still more popular.

Woolly Insect (Mr. Lh well nn).— There was no insect in the box. Many
of the apbi'Jes exude a white downy secretion, such as the common American
Apple blight, the Larch leaflets, and the Beech-bark species. There are also
several species which are found at the roots of various plants, as the Rhizo-
bins Helianthemi on the Jerusalem Artichoke tubers; the Lettuce- root
species, Rhizobius Lactmit, and several others. Whether the one which has
injured the Auricula roots is identical with one of these or a distinct species
we cannnt determine without seeing specimens, but we should consider lb
most liiely to prove a distinct species.— I. 0. W.

Sowing Seville Long-pod Bean and Db. Maclean Pea (A Young
Amateur}.~ThQ Beans should be sown the second week in April. The Pea
shonld be sown sixteen weeks before the time required to be ready for use,
the Bean eighteen week", but the weather will make a Uiffereuce of a week
to ten days in the commg-in of the crops.

Asters for Exhik.ition in August (Wt-i»).— Sow the seed at the end of
March or early in April io gentle heat, growing the plants on, and planting
cnt at the close of Alay or early June.

Pine-Apple Management {Eifjht-ijcars S«6.sc7 iVr).— The treatment you
are giving your plants is the correct one, and ought to cause the plants to
show frait shortly, they being in good condition. If they show in March
you will be able to have the fruit ripe by the time required.

ALTERNANTnERA.s (An Ohi Hca.ierj.— The plants should now be kept moist
and encouraifed to grow by an increase of temperature, potting them (if re-
quired) in equal parts of turfy loira and leaf soil or well-decayed manure.
By a brisk mois'; hpat you will insure growth for cuttings, which should be
struck in a hotbed aud grown-on, hardening well off before planting out in
early June.

Lobelia Defiance and LEUcopnTTON Browni (fficm). — Any of the nur-
serymen advertising in our columns could supply them or procure them for
yoD. We cannot recommend dealers.

Raising Bedding Plants from Seed (Kit tie). —'Phlox Drummondi will
bloom for a long time, and is very fine for beds ; Tagetes signa'a pumila is a
fine yellow; Ageratum Imperial Dwarf, lavender; Senecio elegans vars.
double crim*0D, lilac, purple, red, and white. Petunias are fine for beds, aod
Verbenas may bs had very good from seed and in decided colours, as scarlet,
blue, and white ; also Verbeca venota, purple, all of which require the treat-
ment of half-hardy annuals. Violas will also flower well if sown early.
Dianthua ileddewigi is too variable in colour for your purpose. Lobelia,
Golden Feather Pyrethrum, and Pcrilla which you name, a'eo crimson Beet,
are suitable, in addition to which are Saponaria calabrica and var. alba, and
Nasturtium King of Tom Thumb-*, scarlet and goiueu. A hotbed is usually
ready for use in a week to ten days. «

Winter Chebrv, Ar. (Idem).— Cat down the plants ; they will fruit more
freely than young plants. Give the Dielytra spectabilis more liberal treat-
ment—richer soil, and it will throw stronger shfiots. The usual distance for
planting Gooseberries is 5 feet ; 4 feet in poor soils, 6 feet in rich.

Destroying American Blight (A. D.).— With a fine brush paint the
affected parts of the Apple trees with parattio. It kills the blight and docs
not injure the trets. We had a choice tree in a pot, and ordered one nf the
men to apply parafliu to the affected parts; he did so most effectually by
painting the tiee all over, iocluding the buds. The tree does not seem to be
injured in the least, the buds are all right, and there is now no trace of the
woolly pest.

Raipino Gladiolus from Seeds (L. H.).—Sow in March and place the
pota or bf'Xea in a hotV.ed. la two weeks the plants will be up, when a fair
snpply of air should he admitted to the frame. Ventilate more freely as the
plaats attiin strength, and by the end of M^iy remove the lights altogether ;
water freely during summer, and when the leaves begin turning yellow with-
hold water gradually, and altogether whco they are quite yellow. The bulbs
at the end of the seasoti wi:l be found from the size of a pea to a good-sized
filbert nut. They will nearly all flower the following year.

Gladioli CtshTtRK* (Constant Riader\—'i^o mention of locality is made,
and a good deal depends on this as to the period of blooming. In the south
ol England the best period of the bloom is from August 15th to 25th. I
Bhoold reeommcLd that the bulbs bs left where they are, notwithstanding
their signs of growing, until next month, and then be planted deep, say
6 inches, and probably many tf them will bloom in September; but sorts
vary. Some kinds, such as Shakespeare and Adolphe Brogniart, are over very
e&rly, and others, such as Phiebns, so late that they are useless for exhibition.
— D., Deal.

Culture of Justicia carnea (Con^lnnt Sutiscribcr). — As soon as cuttings
can be obtained insert them in sandy soil and place in a brisk moist heat, as
that of a Cucumber ftame or propagating house. When rooted pot thera in
Buall pots io a compust of loam, leaf fnil, and peat, aLd replace io the frame
nntU estabhshtd. When in free growth btop the plants, and before the
roots are matted repot Into 5-iuch pots, placing the plants near the glass in a

stove. Stop the shoots again to induce bushy plants, and shift as soon as
the roots show through the bottoms of the pots into pots 8 inches in dia-
meter, using loam and decayed manure. After the middleof Juno the plants
may be placed on ashes in a frame, keeping somewhat close. All the shoots-
may then be stopped again. The pots must be well drained, placing over the
crocks some flaky manure or moss to keep the drainage free. The soil must
at no time become dry, and when the pots are filled with roots copious sup-
plies of water will bo necessary, giving weak li'inid manure twice a-week.
Yonng plants should be established every year, destroying the old plants
after cuttings have been struck. Frequent stoppings, good drainage, plenty
of water, and a worm and rather moist atmosphere, are the essential points
of culture to be attended to.

Potatoes from One Pound of Seed (St. Edmund^).— "Hr. Pink, gar-
dener to Lord Sondes, Lees Court, Faversham, has grown 672 lbs. of Eureka
from 1 lb. of seed. The seed tubers were cut into 121 sets, and were planted
each a yard apart on the 3rd of April in deeply-dug and well manured
ground, in which the following compost had been incorporated — ten bushels
of wood ashes, one bushel of soot, two bushels of caustic lime, and ten
bushels of leaf soil; 4 lbs. of sulphate of ammonia, Gibs, of sulphate of
soda, 10 lbs. of nitrate of soda, and 10 lbs. of sulphate of potash to twenty
perches of ground. When io full growth the crop was top-dressed with
50 lbs. of superphosphate of lime. Each eye of a Potato was made to form
a set. Send ten penny postage stamps to Mr. Pink, and he will return you a
pamphlet on this fancy mode of Potato culture.

Roses against Brick Wall (Coicjht).— The white inflorescence from tha
mortar will not injure the Rose trees. It is saltpetre.

Pea Hurdles. — J. A, and Others wish the sizes and prices of these were
advertised.

Best Varieties of Celery (0. O. Ii.).—Red: Leicester Red. Ivery'a
Nonsuch, Manchester Red, aud for a dwarf sort Carter's Incomparable Crim-
scn. Whitt: : Wright's Grovo White, Veitch's Solid White, Dixon's Mam-
moth White, aud for a dwarf grower Incomparable Dwarf White.

POULTRY BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

POULTRY AND BIRD NEWS.

The whole of Mr. G. S. Sainsbury's far-famed Black East
Indian Ducks have passed into the hands of Miss Brown, Chard-
leigh Green, Chard. The variety has lost an enthasiaBtic breeder,
but we hope his great succasses will follow the birds to their
new home.

Mr. CresBwell and others sued the Committee of the Ports-
mouth Show the other week for their prize money, and we are
glad to say obtiined it. We wonder the President and his com-
panions allowed the case to go into Court, for the result must
have been certain, especially as they had so recenUy lost a
similar one when sued by the Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton only a.
few weeks ago.

We mentioned the other day the illness of Mr. T. P. Edwards
of Lyndhuret. We now learn that the whole of his stock of
White-crested Black Polands have passed into the hands of Mr.
Norwood of Salitbary.

There is to be ii Show of Poultry in the Winter Gardens,
Bournemouth. We have a copy of the schedule. It seema
almost a fac simile of the one issued by Weymouth in the sum-
mer, and we hope this Show may be as well managed and as
great a euccees aa was that. We doubt, however, the wisdom of
the numerous chicken classes, as by the date of the Show many
of the birds can be fourteen or fifteen months old, which will
probably cause some confusion however sharp the Judge may
be. The names of the Poultry a^d Pigeon Judges are not
announced, but we understand they will be Messrs. Hewitt and
Esquilant, while Mr. Billett will take the Piseons. The schedule
seema to be carefully drawn up and the prizes liberal. We
have also a schedule from Nottingham, where the classes are
arranged on the single-bird system. The prizes are good with
a low entry ft-e, while most breeds are well provided for. We.
caa fiud the na-ne of no Judge ai nounced, which we regret.

Thfra is to be a " Great London aud All-England Rabbit
Exhibition," on April 18th aud lOlh. The Show is to be held in
the Montpelier Assembly Rooms, Walworth, and there are to be
twelve cupa awarded. As the prize money is, we understand,
Buaranteed, we hope to see a large entry. The Secretary is
Mr. Jennings, H8, Sumner Road, Peckham, S E.

We hear there is a Langshan Club on foot, members of
which may on election pay 21s. or 10s Cd. each aa they choose,
but only those paying the larger sum can be on the Committee^
The enthufiaets who are trung to stait this breed are Mr. Nunn
of The Lodge, Barton, Cambridge, lud Major Croad of the Manor
House, Dnrrington, Worthing. \^'e undeistand two dozen or
more gentlemen have already joined this proposed Association.

The Wild Fowl Preservation Act, 1S7G. came into force last
week, which protects Woodcocks, Widgeon, Teal, Snipe, Plovers ,
Wild Ducks, Wild Geese, Curlews, Sealarks, Sandpipers, God-
wits, Greenshanka, Ruffn, Shovellers, Stonehatch, Spoonbills,
Dunlins, &c. The Blackcap was seen on February 2ad in
Surrey, which is an early date for the arrival of this migratory
bird.

A periodical sale of Poultry, Pigeons, Dogs, &o., has been
opened in South London. The mirt is in Biyson Road, Cam-

146

JOURNAli OF HORTICUIiTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Febraary 23, 1877.

berwell, and the anctioneer is Mr. Snch. We Bhoald think
fanciers in that neighbourhoofl will fiud this a useful means of
sale, sitaated as the rooms are in so densely populated a part.
The first sale was well attended. — W.

AQUARIUM POULTRY SHOW.

Among all the modern improvements for giving enjoyment to
man, the now fashionable Winter Gardens rank high. It cer-
tainly is pleasing to find shelter from the open parks on windy
days in a well warmed garden under glass, where strains of
popular music are hoard, and the exquisite odours of spring
flowers and the colouring of varied and ornamental stive
foliage plants mingle pleasantly and kindly for our gratificition.
This week is added to those charms in the Winter Garden at
Westminster a poultry and Pigeon Exhibition for the United
Kingdom. From Ireland, Scotland, and Wales ; from the busy
towns of Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool ; from quiet
country homes in inaccessible districts, came in the baskets on
Monday evening, succeeded by their owners on Tuesday morn-
ing to enjoy the well-ordered menu of Messrs. CottoH & Ous-
tance. It is late in the exhibition ar-^na for a show on so large a
scale, and this must account for tho sparse entries in many
classes; and again, many have by now had their eyes ojoened,
and having learnt the locale of most winning specimens perhaps
dreaded the rechauffe oi Bristol, Birmingham, and Wolverhamp-
ton awards, among which their own birds may not have found
place?, and so kept their birds at home. The quality, however,
embraces most of the choicest winners extant ; and fashionable
London, already domiciled for the season, has had an oppor-
tunity, amid the odours of hyacinths and the bright colours of
tulips, of seeing a poultry show under exceptionally goid cir-
cumstances. The Pigeons alone were well worth a visit. On
Tuesday the arrangements seemed very much behindhand, and
the cards were not up on many pens whea we left at 8 p.m. We
understand, however, that Mr. Billet and his staff only got into
the hall on Monday evening, as a concert was being held, conse-
quently the work must have been severe ; anyhow, at 3 p.m.
Pigeons and poultry were without water and food, and cicks
back to back were fighting between the bars of the pens. This
seemed bad, but mat*,erB gradually improved as the afiernoon
wore on. We still, however, say the cards should have been put
on far more promptly, iix several fanciers from distint counties
went home again quite ignorant .as to what their birds had
done. The greater part of our report for this reason we must
defer until next week, only giving now a few particulars. The
two Dorkiog cups went to Mr. Parlttt's Coloured cock, and to
Mr. Cresswell's Whites. Mr. Proctor won the Cocbin cup with
a good Buff hen. Spanish and Polands were magnificent, Mr.
Norwood again pulling-ofi the Poland cup with his Blacks.
French were poor, save for the Houdan hens of Mr. Vallance
and the first Crcve cock. Brabmas were moderate, Hamburghs
excellent, and the Bantams too were good. Among them we
noticed a superb pen of White Rnsecombs, as good a pair as we
have seen for along time. The Waterfowl were a fair coUeotioD,
the Rouen Ducks being especially fine. — W.
THE PIGEONS.

Poultry and Pigeons at an aquarium ; well, this is indeed
strange ! Birds and fish, they don't even ooms on the table
togettier ! I have seen poultry and Pigeons in a drill hall ; right
enough, too, for Game cock? are tho hest of volunteer fighters,
and among Pigeons there are always Trumpeters. I have seen
Pigeons in a palace over and over agiin ; right, too, for the
Carrier is, we all know, king of Pigeons. I have seen them also
in a tent on the green sward at our summer shows, and the
green grass and the Dorkings seemed to suit each other, both
having a country look; but I certainly never expected to see
birds at an aquarium. It has alt igethe'r afisJi;/ look.

Now, for the sake of our country readers, and as the Aquarium
is a new place, let mo say what it is like. It is a sort of smaller
Crystal Palace, a cross between that and the Bethnal Green
Museum — not all glass, but brick walls, with a glass arch above,
galleries round, shops iu parts, and the fish in tanks ranged
round the walls, and you see them through the plate-glasa side
near you. The Aquarium is most easy to get at — no journey
out after London is reached. It is within the shadow of the old
Abbey of Westminster, Houses of Parliament clnfe by, aad the
boom of Bi:? Ben is heard a? one walks under the glass. It is
a London show, then— actual real London. Theday— Tueediy—
is, for this soppy drenching winter, quita a respectable day.
It does not rain (mark that in your pocket-books), and there is
a very old, almost forgotten, acquaintance called the sun actually
out, and showing a half-ashamed but still a shining face.

Next for a good-humoured grumble. Everything is sadly
behindhand. It seems there was a concert lati last night, and
the birds were not staged till this morning, an ■'' at two o'clock
never a card up. I leave when darkness comes, and yet the
cards, notably upon the Carriers, Barb.i, and Jacobins, not yet
up, and no prize lii-t until to-morrow. Hence I must say some-
thing about the Show this week and more next. There must

not be such hurry-scurry anotheryoar; bad for birds, exhibitora,
juJges, and reporters. There are over a thousand Pigeons to
eight hundred fowls — Pigeons for near London and Londoners.
Perhaps the Aquarium is the best place yet for a show; the
light is perfect, the glassy arch high, but not too high. Another
tims there must not be pen above pen. With this exception
the arrangement is all right, and rows down but not across at
the ends is good. Next wei k I shall hope to go through class
after class. Now, only to speak generally, the White Pouters
perhaps were ahead cf the other classes. The Carriers grand,
and one Black cock beyond in wattle anjthing ever before seen.
Dragoons most numerous and excellent. Of Tumblers the
Short-faced, not being Almonds, very superior. Flying Tumblers
a ca])ital lot. Jacjbins some wondrously long-feathered birds;
long in chain, across I me-iu. Magpies are rapidly rising into
great and deserved favour. Here I leave this pretty show for
the present ; pretty, indted, as viewed from the galleries,
whence a bird's-eye view nf the birds ; but too far for a general
and most telling peep. — Wiltshire Hectob.

[The awards (although the jufiging commenced on Tuesday)
were not forthcoming at the time of our going to press.]

NORTHAMPTON SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

The eighth annual Show was held on the 11th and 15th inst.
under the management of a new Committee of the newly formed
Columbarian Society. The entries were good, and the whole
placed under the management of Mr. Edge of Birmingham.
Mr. Hewitt judged the whole of the poultry, which was no easy
task.

Dorldngs headed the list, and the^e were fair classes. 'The
fivot-prize cockerel very good, but evidently overshown, as bia
tail fell to one side. In the other colours cf Dorkings Silver-
Greys and Whites divided the prizes. Cochins were very good
classes, the Buffs by far the best; bnt Brahmas vrere to some
extent a failure iu quality. French were very good classes, and
in cocks, with one exception, the» beat were Houdans ; but not
so in hens, for here wore some capital Creves. S;panish. which
seem to get a push from this quarter, were very good, the cooks
especially fine in face. Game, with here and there a good bird,
were a bad lot. Hajnburglis very good. Gold-spangles taking
the lead in quality as well as numbers. Silver-spangled cocks
were good as far aa the winners went, but the rest only moderate.
Hens a good lot. Pencils were mixed classes. Silvers taking
the had in btth cases, thtse being by far the beet. Blacks were
good classes, and very well placed. Iu Polish the entries were
uncommonly large. In coclts a Silver was first and Gold second,
with a Silver third, many ethers well deserving a position ; and
in hens a grand Silver was first, two capital Golds coming in
for second and third. Some good Malay cocks were shown in
the Variety class ; but the Eccond position was awarded to a
Bo-oalltd Langshan. Iu hens a smart Sullau was first, Malay
second, and Minorca third. The Selling cl8S9es were rather
extensive, and there were some good birds shown iu them.
Game Sanfams were not as good as we expected to fiud them.
In the two Variety classes Sebrights won all the prizes. The
entries were upwards of ,5.oO.

Pigeons had 150 entries, of which Mr. Gresham judged the
Pouters, Mr. Hutton the Selling clafses, and Mr. Tegetmeier all
the rest. Pouters, White, cocks. — First the Lowestoft winner,
clear of the rest, which, however, were very good. Hens a good
lot, and the competiiiou close. Any other colour. — First a grand
Blue; second a Rid, large in crop but thick in girth ; thirds
small smart Black. Hens. — First a Blue and also the second,
the third a Red ; a fiir let. Carriers had three classes. First
iu cocks was a Dun ; the third, a Dan, we liked qnite as well as
the second-prize Black. Hens. — First a Black, rather of a light
type; second and third were Dun and Black of heavier buiid.
Barbs were mostly noticed, and were very good iu both classes.
Tumblers. — First a grand Agate, second and third Almonds.
Tumblers, Long-faces, were first a Red Bald, second aRisewing,
and third a Ytrllow Mottle. Foreign Owls were good, and
the local birds look the lead ; first and second White, and third
Blue. English Owls were very good, indeed one Blue cock
that was put second was in our opinion about perfect as a Blue.
Turbits, with a fewexcep'ionp,were not very first-rate. Dragoons
had three class 'S, eight out of the niue prizes going to one loft.
Jicobins were uncommonly good iu all classes. There were
several Selling classes, which were well filled.

The liabbits were judged by Mr. Hutton, as also the Cats.
Of the former there weie 173 in eight classes. The Lops were
a very good cla'S ; first a Sooty Fawn, 23 by 5, a grand one in
all points ; second a Fawn-and-white, 21 J by 5, good iu all points
but smaller; third a Sooty Fawn Buck, large aud very pendant
in ear, 22 by -i'i. several others coming close iu measurement.
Angoras were also good, the first large and full, of very fine
wool: seoind smaller, but aleo fine iu wool: the third losing
very little. Many good ones were sadly matted. Himalayans
were not a good lot, only the first being of high merit, and
this had been bit on the nose, aud showed the scar very pro-

Jcbruary 33, 1877. ]

JODBNAL OF HOKTICOLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

minentlj. Datch were an extremely graud lot, the first a
Silver Fawn, perfectly marked iu every respect, and the blaze
runoiog quite through the ears : Becond a Black, conntiDg very
close upoa the first, but not aa perfect in blaze ; third a Grey,
also very good and Eound in colour; pen 10i5 (Foster) well
marked, only wautiog the cut through the ears, and was large
and rather coarse in ear, several others coming very close.
Silver-Greys were a very even lot, and three extra thirds were
awarded. First a small young one, most perfect in feet, ears,
face, and body, with just tbat slighieat shade on the nose ; second
large, equal iu body, but a little darker on feet, and face, and
ears; the rest to which awaids were made being close upon the
above. Belgian Hares made the best class we have ever seen,
and about six of the best pretty near equal iu point of merit; the
ground colour and tickiug was perfect, ai-d yet not one had the
lacing on the edge of the ear as distinct as we could wish. The
extra prize of ±'2 given by the Rev. T. Beasley was awarded
here. The Variety class were all, with one exception, Silver
Creams, and all were noticed. First :i young one, tbe best in
colour yet produced ; second a good one, that seems to be a little
faded iu colour; and third almost equal. We hope to see this
once despised breed brought to the front, for there is no breed
more beaatifal. The Selling class was very large, and many
cards were placed on the pens.

In Cats were some good, sleek, and well-cared-for specimens.
First iu Long-haired was a monstor of its kind, a reddish.grey
Tabby, with enormous beard and whiskers ; second a Red, good
in colour but wanting in beard ; and thiid a young Blue. Short-
haired Tabbies were a good class ; first a large beautifully barred
male ; second aa large but not as well marked ; and third a grand
young one, all Greys. In the Variety class first was a Tortoise-
shell, tecond a Bla^k, and third one of the prettiest and richest
coloured Tortoiseshell kittens we have seen at any show.

POULTRY.— DoEKiNG».—Coio«r«i.—Cocfc.—l. Countess ot Dartmouth. 2. J-
Davies. 8, M. Leno, jon. Hen.— I and 3, R. Johusoa. 2, Mrs. H. Jary, vhc
Dr. Snell. Any stlier colour.~Cock.—l, W. Roe, Jan. 'i. Countess of Dart-
moalh. 2. C. Boyce. Hen.— 1, R. Johnson. 2. Mrs. K. WilUams. 3. VV. Eog,
Jan. CucHiNs —Cinnamon or Bujf.—Cock.—l, K. Peroival. 2, H. Tomlinaon.
3. W. A. Bindley. Ben— I, W. Bindley. 2. C. Bloodwortb. S, W. Harvey.
vhe, J. Bloodworth. Any other colour.— Cock.— '\, J. Bloodworth. 2. H.
Tomlinson. S, K. Percival. Hen.-l, R. Percival. 2, C. Bloodworth. 3, Rev. A.
Fielden. rhc. Countess of Dartmouth. Bbahmas — iiflfti-— Cocfc.— 1, J. Birch.

2, R. Percival. 3. Coantess of Danmonlh. iJcn— l.J. Birch. 2, E. Matthevts.

3, E. Borsfall. ti/ic, R. Percival. Dar*.— Coc/c. -I, J. S. Clarke. 2, R. Percival.
3, E. Watts. Hfii— 1,T. H. Warrm. 2. R. Perciv.il. 3, J. S. Clarke. Fhench.
—Cock.—\, W. Cutlack. 2, J. H. Brooks. 3, A. Darley. vhc, C. M. Saunders,
iffn.-l, 8. Thomas. 2, C. Giljhs. 3, ADarlev. ftc, C. M. Saunders. SPiXisn.
—Cock.-'i, G- Jones. 2, D. Mills. 3, W. G. Henry, vhc, J. Parker, T. Finch.
Een.—\. — Aldridge. 2. G. Jonea. 3, Mrs. AUsopp. vhe, J. Parker. Game.—
Broucnrhreoited Red.— Cock.— "i, Patenall & Chambers. 2, C. Rowley. 3, Morlin^
and Waller. Hen.— 1, Patenall 4 CSambers. 2, F. Sales. 8. T. Hancock. Any
other colour.— Cock.— \, J. Mayne. 2, A. Nixon. 8, J. Bngshaw. Hen— I, T.
Warren. 2. H. A. Clark. 3, R. Tyte. H.vmucrghs.— GoWen-sjJaHgied.— Cocfc.—
I.T.May. 2, C. Gibbs. 3. T. Pote. ti/ic, Jackson & Nicholson, Hen. l.T. E.
Jones. 2, Jackaon & Nicholson. 3. T. Dean. t?hc, T. Pope. Silver-spangled —
Coclr— land2, J. Rswnsley. 3.J. Thirtle Hen.— 1,R. Johnson 2. T. Manley.
8. Ashlon 4 Booth. Gold or Silvcrpencilled -Cock.— I and 2. Dr. Snell. 3, H.
KidKer. phe, J. Harrison, J. Smith, L. Holds worth. Hen —1. Dr. Snell. 2 0,
Gibbs. 3, J. Daniel Black.-Cock.—\, C Pembcrton. 2, W. Bentley. 3, J,
Rawnsley. Hen.— 1, N. Marlow. 2, J. Rawnsley. 3, B. Hinde. vhc. Rev. H. C.
Fellows, J. Pickup, jun., W. Bentley. Polism.-CocA; —1, A. & W. H. Silv. ster.
2, A. i W. H. Silvester. 8, Countess of Dartmou.h. vhc, A. & W. H. Silvester,
W. Harvey. Hen— 1, Count'ss ol Dartmouth 2, G. Boothby. 3, J. Rawnsley.
vhe, W. Uarvey. Any other ViaiETY.— Coc* 1, T. Lawe. 2, Perkins and
Pettipher. 3. Rev. N.J, Ridley. Hen, -1, O. Gibbs. 2, J. Bond. 3, T, Lowe.
vhe. Mrs, W. Hnghes. SELLl.iG Classes.— Banfains and Duck9 excepted.—
Coe*.—l. D. Mills. 2, J. Faxton. 3, T. Finch, ti/ic, S, Hallam. Hen.-l, G,
BomeU, 2, — Boissier. 3,J,Parker. Dftc,«r. Snell, J, Aldridge, H, Yardley,
J, W. Holdeo. Patr.-I, D, Mills, 2, J. Catte'l, 3. J. Binsham. iiftc, D. Lotlus,
G.Jones, H. Yaroley, W. Notta^te. OVCK9.— Aylesbury or Uouen.—l and 2, Dr.
Snell. 3. T. KiBgsley. cdc, J, Hedges, M. Saudford, Morling i Waller. Any
other varieiy.—l and vhc. A, & W. Silvester. 2 and 3, M Ltno, Selling
Cuss.-Ducts— ), Dr. Snell. 2 and vhc. T. Kingsley. 8, C. Holt. Basiams,—
Oom«.— Coct.-l, W. Roe, jun. 2, Miss Sandf jrd 8, Capt. Wetheiall. Hen —
I, Faulkner & Newton, 2, VV. Roe, jun. S.J.Powell. Any other variety.—
CocA:,—l, Countess of Dartmouth. 2 and 3, M, Leno. r/ic, R Ashtm. Hen.—
], Countess of Dartmouth. 2 and 3, M. Leno. Selling VL\as.— Bantams.—

1, Dr. Snell. 2, Miss .-andford. 3, M. Leno.

PIGEONS.- PoDTERS — ir/iite.-Coefc— 1, L. 4 W, Walkin, 2, J. Baker. 3.,I.
Stiles, jun. Die, H. Stimpson. Hen -1, J. Baker. 2, Mrs, Laid. 8, L. 4 W.
Waikin t>/ie, W. Nottage. Any otiver coloiir.-Cock.—l, L. 4 W, Watkin,
S.W.Tenny. 8,J,Baker, Hen -1, J, Baker, 2 H. Tenny. 3, L. 4 W, Watkin.
CARaiEHS.— Coc*.— 1 and 2, J. Baker. 3, H. Vardley. Hen -1, R. Wood. 2 and
8, J, Baker, vhe. H, Yaroley, Black.-Young Cock or Hen.—l, Mrs Hallam.
S, C. Clark. 3, W. Massey. Any other eotour. -Young Cock or Hen.— I, W.
Mftsaey. 2, H. Stimpson 3, C. Clarke. Barbs.- CocA: or Hen —1 and 2, J.
Baker. 3. P. H.Jones. I'ouni; Cock or Hen.-l, J. Baker, 2, H. 4 J. Pickworlh.
8, P, H. Jones. TtMULEss.— S«or(-/<iecd.— Coct or Hen.- 1 and 3, J, Baker.
S. H, Yardlev. Z.on(7/n<:ed.—Coct or Hen.-l, F. Sabbage 2, W. G. Mipple-
beck. a, J. Edge. OWLS.— Foreian.—Coc/c or Hen.—l and 3, T. Chambers.

2, J. Baker. Englith.—Cock.-l and 2, J. Barnes. 3, E. Lee. Hcn,-1, J.
Barnes. 2, J. W. Stausfield. 8, W. G. Henry. TuasiTS.— filue or Sitver.-
Cocfcorflen.— 1,F. sharrod. 2, W. Hcnrv, 3, T. Homes, .4ni/ offtcr colour,—
CocJc or Ben.— I, W. G. Henry. 2, F. >harrod. 3. J. Baker. Dbaooqnb,—
Bliu or Silver.-Cock or Hen - 1, 2, and 3, K. Woodi. vhc, W. Massey Red
or yelloc.—Cock or Hen— I, 2, and 3, R. Woods, Any other colour.— Cock or
Hen.— I and 2, R. Woods. 3, J. Baker. Jao imat.-Red.—Oock or Hen.— I and
S. E. M. Royds. 3. J. baker, whc, J. Gardner, i'eiloir.— CocA: or Hen.-l and 2,
E, M. Royds. S, J, Baker. Any other colour.-Cock or Urn -1, 2, and vhc, J.
Baker, 3, W. Printer. Fantails.— Coct or Hen.-l and 2, J Loversidge. 3,R.
Blairc, AsiwEEP3,-S/ior(-/aced.—t'o--fc or Hen.-l and r/ie, J, Qardn.r. 2, VV.
Harvey, 3, T. Kemp. Lon^f faced or Homing.— Cock or Hen.—l and 5, C.
Barrieir. 2, T. Wheeler. Uiaflis. -Black. Cock or Hen.—l, F. P. Bulley.
St 0, Gardner, 3, U, Jacjb. Any other eolour.—Cock or Ben —I and 2, F. P.
Bnliey. 3, . I. Gardner, Any othbb Vabibtv— Cocfc or Hen —1, J. Baker. 2,
A. 4 W. H. Silvester, 3, J. Gardner, ii/ic, W. Harvey, selling Classes —
Cock or Hen -Price not to exceed 2 ».-l, F. 4 W. Hardiii*. 2, W. Nottage.
8.v;. Clark, cfic, T, Wheeler. Co:k or Hen.-Price not to exceed 3(«— 1, W,
Nottoge. 2. W. Massey. 3, T, Chambers, rue, W. Nottage, T. chambers.
i'air.-i'rice not to exceed 40».— 1, T. Wicka. 2, J, Baker, 3, H. Weaving, vhc,

W Nottage, Pair.- Price no( to eieeed 60,«.—l, W, Nottage. 2, T. Chambers.
3, J. Yardley, v/ic, J. Baker, N. Woods, W, Nottage, Local Selling Class,—
1 and S, W, Nottage, 2, T, Chambers.

RABiJITS.— Lop-eased.- iJucfc or Doe.—I, — Cranch, 2, J. Petler. 3, C.
Thompson, vhc, — Cranch, J. H, Jones, B, Johnson. Akgoba.— Bucfc or Doe,
—1, — Boissier. 2, C, G Chambers, 3, S. Taylor, vhc, J. Barron. J. Bellamy.
HiMALAYAN.-Bnc* or Doc— 1, A. W. Whitetouse. 2. T. 4 E J. Fell, 3. J. A.
James, viic, H. Gilbert, R. Nen-som. DoTcii.— Bucfc or Doe.—I, H, Field.

2, R. Newsom. 3, Mrs. Pickworth, vhc, 3. Petler, C, G Chsmbers, R.Newsom,
Mrs, Foster, J, Robinson, E. 4 T. G. Fell. SiLVEH-GaEY.-Buct or Doc.—l, E.
Pepper, 2, F. 4 E. J. FeU. 3, T, W. Anns, Extra 3, J. A. Barrs, B. Newsom,
J. Bingham, vhc. Dr. Snell, J, Petler, F. Purser. Belgian Hahes.— Bncfc or
Doe.— I and 8, P. Ogilvie. 2, J. H. Roberts, vhc, F, White, J. Petler, J. Dent,
J, E, Pilgrim. Any uthek Vaeiety,— BMifc or Doe.— 1, H, Gilbert. 2. E. Pepper.

3, F, Sabbage. v/ic, E. M'Kay. Selling Class.— iJuefc or Doe.— 1 and2,r;ev.
T. C. Beasley. Ext-a 2, J. Feller. S,J. Tebbutt. Extra 3, H. iSuggetr. tJic,
Mrs. Pickworlh. Abbott 4 Pettett. H. E. Hallam,

CATS.— Long-haired.— ifa!e,—l, G.Owen, 2, E, Cumpslon. 3, T, Weightmon.
rlic, J, Ward, J, Brocklias, — Neep. Female.— 1, Mrs, E, Clarke. 2, Mrs.
Faulkner, S, J. Howard, rite, Mrs. A. Newton. Tabbies.- Jtfale or FeJ?lale. —
1, F. Wright. 2, T, Weightman. 3, S, Dean, -jhc, R. Kitchen, D, B. Smith.
Any other Variety.— Jl/ale or Female.— 1, H. Hancock. 2, Mrs. Slater. 3, L.
Gill, vhc, J, Goodall, J. Freear, C. Henshaw.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE BIRD SHOW.

The largest and finest exhibition of cage birds ever hel3
opened at tbe Crystal Palace on Saturday the 17th inst , and
continued until to-day the 22ad. The entire entries enumerated
in the catalogue reached tbe unprecedented number of 2131),
and the space devot.d to the exhibits occupied the whole cf the
north nave, a length of about 290 feet, covered-in with canvas,
the sides being draped with coloured cloths, the centre being
decorated with statuary and choice flowering plants. 01 the
exhibits, about one-half were taken up with the various breeds
of Canaries and iSiules, concerning which we shall more par-
ticularly refer next week. The fourteen " Briliah " classes
were represented with nearly three hundred fine specimena, the
class for BuUfiuehes being the finest wo ever sa'v, but among the
half hundred biids in the class were several BuUflncbes of
foreign breed, which were disqualified. There were about the
same number of Goldfinches, the rest of the olasses being made
up with Chstfinches, Liuneta, Redpoles, Siskins, Skylarks,
Robins, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Slailings, Magpiea, Jays, Jack-
daws, and an Any other variety class, comprisiog Red and
yellow Buntings, Nuthatches, Hawflocbes, Woodlarks, Mountain
Finches, Pipits or Titlarks, Crossbills, Twites, and numeroua
others of interest. Iu the " birds of passage and migratory
birds," three claasee, four Blackcaps, half a dozen Nightingales,
and eleven others in the Other variety class put in an appear-
ance. Tbe remaining porticn of the Exhibition was made up
with the foreign birds, which far outstretched in number and
variety all previous exhibitions, at the Palace, Tbe class for
cages was responded to with twenty-five entries, some of which
were of very ingenious construction, others too intricate to be
entertained by tbe Judges; but those which were considered to
be the best adapted, takiog into consideration the stipulation of
the class for such " cages, including fittings, which ahall in the
opinion of the Judges best fulfil the combined requirements of
cheapness and excellence of construction," the prizes were thus
dispoied of :— First-prize, silver medal, to Mr. T, Alwin of Dept-
foid, who, if we remember rightly, has carried oti' a previous
honour for a show cage. The second prize was awarded to a
showy cage eshibited by Mr. W. Wade, jun., cf Featberston
Street, City Road, London; whilst the third prize was given to a
cage with the feeding troughs (the one for water being lined
with tin) inserted very cleverly through a couple of small aper-
tures behind tbe cages. This cage, we believe, was exhibited
by Mr. Tuttle < f Wcatbourne Park. The frizes for food were
won by Mr. E. Ilawliins of Bear Street, Leicester Square, Lon-
don, and Mr. R. A. Pralt of Lupus Street, Pimlico, London,
with a very high commendation given to Mr. R. A. Hyde oi
Villa Street, Walworth Road, London, for his Hariz mountain
bread. The prizes for the nest boxes were withheld. With re-
spect to the various kinds of food shown by Mr. Hawkins every-
thing which could be desired were provided for seed-tating
birds, and preparations of soft foods for insectivorous birds.
Mr, Pratt's stall cf seeds, German paste, ants' eggs, etc., were
fully deserving of second honours.

Approaching the lower part of the huge tent considerable
space was alb. tted t^ the veiy many fine-plumed and brilliant-
coloured foreign birds, conspicuous amid the various lots being
tbe choice and beautiful collection exhibited by Dr. Carl Russ
of Steglolz, near Berlin, a well-known gentleman naturalist,
who likewise forwarded to the Crystal Palace a very valuable
and rare collection of works on natural history. Most of Dr.
Russ'b birds were shown iu pairs, consisting of white, spotted,
and yellow varieties of the Java Sparrow, Grey .Japaneae, Beu-
galese, Pied Grassfinches, with three young of the same breed
not yet in colour ; Blossom-headed Parrakeeta, besides a pair of
the progeny of the same; White-headed Love Birds with their
progeny; Japaneae Nightitigalea, bred by exhibitor in 1876;
three common Weavtr Birds, with breeding nest built by the
above, besides a toy nest built habitually by the male bird ; pair
of Beusal Weavers with nests ; five Mauyar Weavers with nests ;
pair ol Hilf masked Weaver Birds, bred by exhibitor one mala

118

JOUKNAL OF HOBTIOULTOBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

t February 22, 1877.

Little-masked Weaver, bred by exhibitor ; two nests of Olive
Weavers, besides many other nests equally interesting, bnilt in
the aviaries of the exhibitor. There were also one male mule
of the St. Helena Waxbill and Crimson eared Waxbill, male
mule betwixt the African Silver- beak and St. Helena WaxbiU,
male mule between a Diamoud Sparrow and Zebra Finch,
female mule from Black and Bronze Manakins, male mule be-
twixt the Chestnut Finch and White-headed Nun, besides ei^ht
entries of stuffed specimens from the following :— American
Goldfinch and Canary, Oranf,'e-cheeked Waxbill and St. Helena
Waxbill, the common Waxbill and St. Helena Waxbill, Siskin
and Goldfinch, young Diamond Sparrow, Australian Double-
banded Finch, &o. To Dr. Euss's collections were given the
A'5 first prize of either a silver cup or gold medal, besides a gold
medal valued at .i3 as a second prize. As some proof of the
care taken in the despatch of these birds through the post from
Berlin to Brussels and thence to London, it may be interesting
to know that the cages containing the birds are so fitted and
provisioned so that the delicate occupants suffered no incon-
venience from want of either food or air, the birds being sup-
plied with drink through sponges being saturated with water
kept cool in glass bottles, in which there are holes or apertures
to admit of the birds' heads. Another speciality in the foreign
department was a collection of Starlings, neither for sale or
competition, exhibited by an amateur, consisting of the Long-
tailed Glossy kind and the Short-tailed Glossy (African) spt.ci-
mens, also an Indian Grey-headed Pagoda bird, two Black-
headed Pagodas, one Rose (South of Europe), two Red-beaded
Troopials (South America), an Indian Bulbnl, Dwarf Quail,
Green Cardinal, and a Dominican Cardinal. The same gentla-
man also exhibited an Australian Cockateal bred by exhibitor,
an Australian common Roeella, besides one Blue Rosella from
Australia. There were also fine collections of Finches from
Australia, comprising Diamond Sparrows, Zebras, Sidney,
Chestnut, Parson, Doable-banded, and Red-tailed; Finches
irom South America of the Crested or Pileated, Snow, and
Saffron kinds ; the Nonpareil from North America (three years
in confinement), and Finches from Africa of the White-headed
Aurora, Three-coloured, Paradise Whydab (tail feathers shed in
December, 1876), Pin-tailed Wbydah, Last Indian, and Cut-
throat. Although no prize was here sought for, still the Judges
■could not conclude their arduous duties without attaching their
signatures to a written expression of praise respecting the col-
lection sent to the Palace by " An Amateur."

Independent of the two above extra collections were the
score of classes for foreign birds, containing numerous beauti-
ful birds, and to describe which we must be excused devot-
ing more space than adnding to one speciality in the Show
(that in the Any other variety of foreign birds) — a large Sjuth
Australian Toucan, which is pronounced to be very tame, so that
a child may play with it, and it will follow its owner (Mr. John
Drake, of The Aviary, Ipswich) about the house. The catalogue
states that " visitors may feed it with biscuits, apples, or fruit
of any kind." Judging from its very capacious beak, we should
imagine it to possess an appetite or no mean order. Apparently
it was a point of immense attraction when the Lxhibition was
opened to the public, especially the juvenile portion, who freely
patronised the bird witfi biscuits. The management of the
Show (entrusted to Mr. Wilson, naturalist of the Crystal Palace)
was admirable, and the birds were well looked after by a thorough
practical staff of assistants.

We may here state that the silver cup, provided for ihe
winner of moEt points ranging over the first fourteen classes of
Canaries, was awarded to Messrs. M.ackley Bros., of Norwich,
whilst they likewise won the extra fl prize to the most succi ss-
ful winner in the first half dozen classes of cayenne-pepper-fed
Canaries. Messrs. ilackley fniiid a strong competitor in Mr.
Athersuch of Coventry, and indeed it was stated, through an
error in counting up the poiut-i, that Mr. Athersuch had wou the
extra prize, but such was not tbe case. Two exhibitors especi-
ally— Mr. Jas. Doel of Plymouth (the veteran Mule exhiliit ir,
who has carried off three silver cups at previous Palace 1-lxhi-
bitions), and Mr. J. C. Salt of Bmtin — entered somewhat
heavily for the cup given to Glasses 3-1 to 3G, each contestant
bringing forth their heaviest guns for the occasion; but iVIr.
Doel proved the victor, with forty. six runs to spare, to speak in
cricketing parlance.

The jiidging was eutrnst^d to H. VfAr, Esq., F.R H.S. ; J. J.
Weir, Esq., F.L S. ; and Messrs. G. J. Barnesby, A. Willmore,
T. Moore, and J. Calvert. Mr. R. L. Wallace, who was an-
nounced in the schedule as one of the Judges, was prevented
through illness from fulfilling his duties.

OANARIES.-Noiwjcn.— Cicnr Yelloii' —I. J. Adams. 2 und 8, R. J. Pope-
r.xtra 2. Cox & GrifflQ. Extra S. C. J. Salt. 4. a E. Kassell. 5. J. AlherEutb.
Extra 6, Mackley Bros, vlic, J. Doe', Macklcy Bros- (2). C. J. Salt (1), W.
Havers, J. T. Gale», D. Audlev, J. Capita (4), W. G. Bush. Clear BiitT.— 1,
Extras, and Extra 5, J. Athersnch. 2 aud Equal 4, J. T. Oal>-y. Equ»l ■-', U. E.
Kassell. S.J.Capln. 4,J.Yallop. 5, W. Avers. Extra 5. Mackley Bros, vhc,
J. Doel (2). Mackley Bros.. C. J Salt (;), W. Hovers. R. J. I ope. J. Aihersuoh.
J. Caplin (2). J. Yallop, Brown « Gnyton. Et^enln-maikei Yellow -1, U.
Aadley, 2. Mackley Bros. 3, .T. Athersuch. vhc, Mackley Bros., C. J. i-'alt, S.
Tomes. Et'enly-marked or Variegated Jiuff~l, 2. and vke, Mackley Bros.
Extra 2 and S, CI. J. Salt. 4, W. Smith. Ticked Vnei'mlu-mn'-ked.aitd Tirie-

gated Yellow— I, D. Andlev. 2 and Equal S, Mackley Bros. Extra 2, J. Ather-
such. 3, Brown & Gaytoii. flic, Mackley Bros., J. Salt (6), K. J. Pope, J.
Athersuch (3). Brown & Gayton. Ticked, Unevenly-marked, and Variegated
Buff.—i, D. Audley. 2, R. J. Pope. Extra 2 and Extra 8, Brown i Gayton. 3,
J. Athersuch Extra 8. W. Radmore. vhc, 3. Doel. Mackley Bros. (2), C. J.
Salt (4). W. Havers, D. Audley, 3. Caplin, W. Radmore. J. Yallop. Clear
Yellop, not cayenne-pepper fed.~l, R. J. Troake. 2 and 4. Mackley Bros. 8, R.
J. Pope, vhc, Mackley Bros.. 0. J. Salt (61, R. J. Pope (2), VT. Smith, B.
Fanner, H. Larke. Evenly-marked Yellow, not cayenne-pepper-fed.— \, 2, and 3,
Mackley Bros. 4 and vhc, C.J. Salt. XJnevenly-marked Yellow, not cayenne'
pepper fed— \, W. C. Selkirk. 2, J- Beisoo. 3. H. Larke. 4, Withheld vhe,
E. Miller. Evenly-marked Crested Yellow.— \, Mackley Pros. 2. W. Cordon. R,
G. E. Russell, vhc, R. J. Pope. A. Dunn. Evenly-marked Crested Bug.—\, W.
J.Hampton. 2, Extra 2, and Extra 3, Mackley Bros. 3. W. V. Hovell. vhe, 3,
Mackley Bros., C. Doel, J. Salt, S. Tomes, J. Athersuch, J. Caplin, G. Wonr 8.
Uneienly-marked and Variegated-crested Yellow.— 1, Mackley Bros, 2, G. E,
Russell. 8, J. Yallop. vhc, Mackley Bros., A. Dunn, G. Wones. Unevenly-
marked and Variegated-crested Buff.— I, W. J. Hampton. 2 and S. Mackley
Bros, vhc, Mackley Bros., S. Tomes, — Judd. G E. Russell. Clean body, with
Clear, Grey, or Dark Crest, irrespective of colonr.—\, G E. Russell. 2, Miss S.
H. Northcote. Extra 2, A. Dunn S.J. Yallop. 4. Browne & Gaj ton. 5, With-
held, vhc. Cox & Griffin- Belgians.— Clear and Ticked Yellow.— 1 and Extra
3, 3. Docl. 2, Wright & Smethurst. Extra 2 and 3. J. Rntter. Equal 8. J, F,
Byerley. vhc, 3. Doel (2). Wright & Smethurst. M. E Shelley, J. Butter (8), T.
M. Reid, Mrs. Sleep. Clear and Ticked Buff —I, WriRht 4 Smethurst. 2 and
Extra 3. J. Rutter. Extra 2, J. Doel. f ;ic. J. Doel 12), VVrisht & Smethurst, J.
Rutter (3), J. Stevens. T. M. Reid, Eev. H. F. Hamilton, J. F. Byerley. Tane-
gated, irrespective of colour.— 1. ?, 3, and vhc, 3. Kutt r. Lonpon Fancy.—
Jonque.—\, -i, and 3. J. 4 W. Waller, vhc, 3. & W. WaUer (2), J. M. 'Wilson. J.
Prico. Mealy --\, 2, and 3, J. & W. Waller, vhc, 3. & W. Waller (2), T. Irons.
LiziiiD.-GoWe?i-»j)ai!i/lftf.—l,R Ritchie. 2. C. J. Salt 3. F. M. Reid. Extra
3. S. Bunting, vhc. Bell & SUter, K. Ritchie. T. W. W. Fairbrai-s (2), C.
Hootou. F. Munnee. t-ilver-spangled—\, S. Bunting. 2, T. "W. W. Fairhrass.
3. C. J. Salt. Equal 3, R Ritchie, li'ic. F Mathews. Oold-spangled with
Broken Caps.—l. T. W. W. Fairbrass 2, C. J. Salt. 3. G. E. Russell, tifcc. R.
Ritchie (2). J. R Navlar. Silver-spangled with Broken Caps —1, 2. Equal 3,
and 3. T. W. W- Fairbrass. vhc, O. J. Salt. Yopkshibe.— C£€nr Yellow.— \,
Wilkinson & Holroyl. 2, J. H. ThacVary. 3, L. Belk uftc, . I. Caplin. Clear
BiijT.-l, J. H. Thackary. 2, G. Turner. 3, L. Belk. Variegated YcUow.—l,i,
and 3. J. H. Thackary yftc, Wright & Smethurst Variegated Buff —\,%g.ni
vhc, 3. H. Thackary. 2. Wilkinson & Holroyd. Cinnamon.— ye/tow?, high
colour.— 1 and Extra 3. R J Pupe. 2. F. Munnea. Extra 2, C. J. Salt. 8, .7,
Athersuch. vhc, Mackley Bros.. G. E Russell, Brown & Gayton, T. W. W.
Fairbrass, G. Smith. Briff, high colour.— 1, R. J. Pope 3 and Extra 3, J.
Adams. Extra 2, C. J. Salt. 3, J. Caplin. olic, Mackley Bros. (2). C. J. Salt
(2). W. Smith, J. Athersnch (2), J. Caplin (2), J. 4 W. Waller; W. Rice (2).
Yellow, not high colour.— I and 3, Mackley Bros. 2, T. Irons, vhc, J. Bexson.
J. & W. Waller, R.Whittaker. Buff, not higheolour.—l, H.Kenderman. 2 and
3, W. Smith, vhc, J. & W. Waller. Marked or Variegated, irrespective of
colour.— i, C. J. Salt. 2. L. Belk. 3. W. Burmiston. vhc, W. Smith, J. 4 W.
Waller, Wright & Smethurst, L Belk. Wilkinson & Bolroyd. Any otheb
Vakiett of Canary— I and 2, Mrs. G. Allen. 3, J. Bexson. vhc, Mackley Bros ,
S. Stratford, Mrs. G. Allen. J. F. Byerley. Norwich.— Best Six in One Cage,
irrespective of colour.— I, 2, and 3. Macklev Bros, vhc, C. J. Salt. Lizabds —
Best Six in One Cage, irrespective oj co'lour.-}, T. W. W. Fa-rbrass. 2, F.
Mnnnes 3, C.J. Salt. Lancashire Coppy or Plainheads —1, Mackley Bros.,

2, Wright i Smethurst. Equal 2, C. J. Salt. 3, J. H. Thackary. ji/ic. Knight
and Spencer. Scotch Fancy.— 1, J Thorpe. 2. J ICirkettle. 3, A, A. Manchin
vhc, Clark & Simpson, Miss C. Borrow, F. Saunders.

MULES.- Goldfinch.— Bp8( Si> in One Cage —1 and 3, J. A. Sleep. 2, C. J.
Salt. Evenly-marked Yellow —1, 2, and Kxtra 3, J. Doel. Equal 2, G. Rnsaell.

3. C. J. Salt. Extra 3, J. Brown, vhc, C. J. Salt, G. E. Russell. W. Burniston.
Evenly-marked Buff.— I, 2, and 3, J Doel Equal 2, C. J. Sail, J. Stevens.
Extra 3. C. J. Salt. Bell & Slater, vhc, 3. Doel (3) C. J. Salt (2) Variegated,
or Unevenly-marked Yellow— 1, 2. and 3, 3. Doel. Extra 2. G E. Enssfl'.
Extra 3, T. Willsbire. vhr, 3 Doel (2). C. J. Salt (2), A. A. Manchan. Vaiie-
gated or Unevenly-marked Bii#— Special Prize. C. J. Salt, J. Brown. 1, 2, !*,
and Exlra 3, J Doel. Extra 2, C. J. Salt. L. Belk. Extra 3, A. A. Manehan.
vhc, 3. Doel (S). 0. J. Salt. Dorfc relloic— 1 , 2. and 3, O. J. Salt. vhc. S. Bunt-
ing. Brown ,t Gayton Dark Meahj.-l, 3. Bexson. 2. Cox & Oriffln. 8. It.
Pearson, vhc, C. 3. Salt. Mrs Sleep. I.i^ini.t— 1 and S, J. Stevens. 2, J.
Spence. vhc, 3. Spenc^, J. Bax'er Dark—\, T. Tenniswood. 2. J. Steven--.
3, H. Miles, vhc. Cox & Griffin. S. Cook. Any other Vabiety of Canary —1,
J. Stevens 2, Cox it Griffin. 3, Mackley Bros, vhc, 3. Baxter.

BRITISH BIRDS.-Bci,LFiNcn.— I. T. Willsher. Equal 2. C. J. Salt, Mrs G.
Allen, T. Fletcher, vhc, R. Pearson, J. Devanev, J. Yallop. J. Fletcher. Got d-
finch.—!, a. A. Manchan. 2. J. Doel. vhc, K. Allsop, R. Robinson ClU'-
Flvcn- 1. E. Ward. 2, T. Willsher. l))ii. G. Jobling. Liinet.— 1, J. Brown.
2, G. Patersou. Equal 2, T. Willsher. vlic, W. Oarrick. J. Drake. Redpolb
OR Siskin.— 1, Mrs. J. Fogg. 2. J. C. Thirkettle. vftc. T. Fletcher. SKynABK.—
1. — Judd. 2,J.J. Deams. nlic, — Judd, S. Cook. Robin.— 1, G. Warren. 2,
W. Swaysland. uJie, S. Arthur. BLiCRBlKD.— 1, R. J. Troate. Equal S, J.
Wright, jun , ICnight A Spencer, vhe, C Burniston, J Ha > pton. SoKO
Thrush -1, Mrs. M. E. Mewmarch. 2, F. Chandler, vhc, W. Carrick, J.
Lacey. STAm.i».a —1, — Judd. 2, Mackley Bros, vhe, W. Bi lings. J. Tbaokrey.
Maopie.- 1, - Judd. 2, J. Drake Jay. -1, Dr. Waller. 2. E Barber. Jack-
D\w.— 1, Slronde & Goode 2. J. Drake. ANY (Thrr Variety —1, R. Hum>
ph'cy. Extra 1, H. A. Manchan. Equal 2, — Judd T. Willshire (2), Hills and
Tilncy. vhc, W. Swaysland (2), T. Alwin, Stroud & Gonde. E Hawkins, J.
Groom (2). Blackcap. -1 and a, C. Varetn. t»ic. Hills » Tilney (2) NiOBTlN-
OAT.E.— 1, Mrs. Lilley. 2, J. Curtis, vhc. Hills & Tilney (2). Any other
Variety.— 1. Hills 4 Tilncy. 2, A. & C. Ncwmarch. I'Jto, W. «waysland, E.
Small FlKCHFS.-i. E. Hawkins. 2 Withheld.

. — Red-headed. — 1. 2, and vhc, J. Groom.
II— land 2, E. Hawkins, f/i'-, Miss M Smith. Wax-
-1, E H:'.w«in!. 2. J. M. Johnstone Sparrows.- Jiira.- 1, J. H.
V.-rrall. 2. E. fl iwkins. Limniomi.-l and 2, E. Hawkins vhc, A 4 C. New-
march. WEAV^R Birds.— 1 and 2, J M. John.tone. Doves —Barfcan/ or
Turtle.-I, H. Small. 2, M as O. H. C. Henley, vhc, C. J. Norton. Lova
Birds.- 1, E. H. Sweeting. 2. A. & C. Ncwmarch. vhc, 3. Groom, A. 4 C. New-
march. CocKETEAis.— 1, W. Corden. 2, W.C.Clark. Parakeets —.4i«(raii(iii
Grass I, W. C. Clark. 2, J. Drake, vhc, 3. M. Johnston, M. Edwards.
.diufroliun— l.W. Aldridge. 2, Mrs. Manning. vhc,A.&C Newmaroh. Ding-
necked or lndian.-\, E. Hawkins 2, Mrs. L Cheese, vhc, 3. Goy, J. Brig-
nail. R Day, J. Drake, T. Flelcher. Parrots. -Aiiiir.-], J, A Barra. 2, «.
Pearson, vhc, — Judd, E. Hawkins. H. Linnell. C Green. Green, or any
other variety of large except Orci/.-I, C. C.Welch. 2, E. Nankivell. Grey.—
1,G. Chencry. 2. W. Lockyer. 3, Mrs. Keaya. I'/tr. Lady bhcrer, Mrs. KeayB.
Parrots oh Parakeets.- .!«« other variety of smr.U.—l, Miss F. W. Pope. 8,
J- Groom. CocKAToo.-iendtrafer or nosc-brea-Hrd —:, Vrs. F. Short. 2. W.
Dougla". vhe, 3. Groom, A. 4 C. Newiuarch. Lemon or Orange-crested.— i, F.
Cndd. 2, B. Cross, ulic, W. Hopekirk. Jui/ of/icr !-orii>(!/.—l. A. 4 0. New-
march. Any OTHER Vauety.— Equal I. J. Ilrako. Mr*. } . Fowler. Equal 2,
Hon. A Rev F. Dutton, E Hawkins. Equals. J. Drake, H. T. Thompson, vhc,
3 M. Johnston (2), E Hawkins (I). T. Fletcher (il, J. Drake, J. H. Ley, T.
Willsher. Mias E. (owler, J. McLachlan.

CAGES.-1,T. Alwin 2. W. Wade, jun 3. F W. Tuttle.

SPECIMENS OF FOOD FOR CAGE BIRDS -1, E. Hawkins. 2, R. A.
Pratt, vhc, R. A Hyde.

The Cup tor ihe jMule classes was wcm by J. Doel, of Plymouth. The Cup

for the Norwich classes and the Ex

1 by Mackley Bros.

Febraary 22, 1877.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

149

THE ADVANCE OF BEE CULTURE.

" B. it W." seema to lament that we have not adfled much to
onr knowledge of bee life since the time of ITubcr. Patieuce,
friend " B. & W.," there is a race of bee-keepers growing up to
knowledge who yet will add a few facts to Huber's etore, thanks
to frame hives and not least to the British Bee-keepers' Associa-
tion, who, by their great and interesting shows, have done so
much to make kaowa modern hives and appliances. There is
no gainsaying the fact that during the three years of the As-
sociation's existence bee-keepers and interest in the bee has
vastly multiplied. Following the metropolitan exa-u pie, bae hives
and honey shows were last year held and associations est.-iblished
at Weston-snper-Mare, Worcester, Exeter, Glasgow, Wolver-
hampton, Grantham, Huntley, Sherborne, Odiham,A'c., in addi-
tion to which the classes for honey were greatly increased at
rural horticultural shows ; but while the cliildren are in their
lusty infancy the parent languishes for want of more members
and funds following. I feel sure this has only to be widely made
known and help will come, for there wants but a small per-
centage of the many thousands who have visited the Crystal
Palace and Alexandra Palace shows to become members of the
-Association, and the Committee will be stimulated to grander
works in future. The Association in their shows havo never
aimed at making a profit ; entrance f^^es were always nominal,
never more than Is , and nothing to cottagers. All the cfiicers
have worked for love. The prizes and expenses of each show
amount to about llt>", to which the 2.30 members' subscriptions,
mostly .5.S. each, go but a small way. The result has been the
Committee have had each year to go round with the hat to make
both ends meet, and I fear the same means must be adopted this
year to create a prize list. Now let me ask bee-keepers who read
my appeal to further the good work by joining the Association
without delay. The amount of snbfcription is optional, need not
be more than 5s. per annum, and I shall be happy to give any
desired information on the subject. — John Hu.nteb, Eaton lli.ie,
Ealing.

STRAW VERSUS STEWARTON HIVES.

I NOTICE in the letter by "A Renfrewshire Bee-keeter"
in the Journal of February Ist an answer to Mr. Liwe's inquiry,
whether it is the form, material, or constriiction of the Stewarton
hive which enabled it tn outdo the straw hive. He says that
the straw hive in question ia the usual dome-shaped, but he
_ does not state what size it was, and which I take to mean the
common small round-topped hive which Mr. Pettigrew is doing
bis beet to get replaced by larger hives, the small hives being
next to worthless.

I do not consider it quite fair of the "Eenfbewshibe Bee-
KEEPEB," to put one of the sort of hive I mean against the
Stewarton for compari-on, and then publish the difference
— viz., "Straw i*. Stewarton;" because in my opinion, if it
had been an IS inch Pettigrew straw hive, under the fiame cir-
camstances it wonM have shown a very different result, both
in breeding more bees to work and gather honey, and having
eomewhere to put it when it was gathered, for, as a rule, if
there :.'< honey to be had the bees will have it; and also an 18-iuch
Pettigrew hive will hold large supers on the top of almost any
kind without any fear of them falling off, and there is a large
h:>le on the top ready mad« for sup* ring.

Next, the super used being of glass ma'le the result of the
straw hivo still worse ; whereas if it had been a hive that would
have held a straw cr wood super it is very probable that there
would have been much mf re honey stored in it, and not so
much would have been consumed in c mb-building.

If the " Renfrewshibk'Bee keeper" would this next season
try an is inch Pettigrew straw hive against the Stewarton, both
equal in health and strength and under the same cireumstances,
without partiality to either, and then publih the results in the
Journal, he would give valuable assistance to bee-keepera in
generil.

I reduced my bees last au'nmn to five good hives, all of Pet-
tigrew'a style. Two of these succumbed to the long cold weather
at the beginning of the year, and two I had promised to friends
before I lost the others, and therefore I was left with my is-inch
hive. My garden is bounded on one side by large ironworks,
coke ovens, Arc, and the other side? are dotted over with pita
and other works, so that my beea have only about one-half the
ground to work oi that mo.st bees have, and that at some distince
off. They had to be fed until the middl.i r.f Jane to keep them
alive, and then the weather was grand for them, and they gained
in weight and numbers rapidly. They were ready to swarm .ibout
the first week in .July; but the clover was coming ii. to flower
jnat then, and the weather so good I wanted to keep them in a
short time longer, bo I put an eke under and a super on the top
to hold about 5 lbs., more to prevent them swarming than for
filling. About a week after they were so full and the weather
80 hot I dare trust them no longer, and I expected finding they
had gone when I returned home from w.irk every night.

I took the Btraw super off fall on the Saturday afternoon,

then I weighed the hive, &o. ; it was 82 lbs. I had a splendid
first swarm at night, 7 lbs. good weight, with plenty of beea left
in the stock. About ten days after I took a second swarm out,
successfully as I thought, when I left them at night; but in the
morning there was a nice mess, there had been an accident.
Through the weather being so hot it had made the combs very
soft, and some honeycomb had fallen down after I left them,
the cross-sticks cutting it in pieces as it fell, and all the re-
maining bees were on the board and out on the front of the hive
half drowned in honey. I did what I could for them, and put
all I could to the second swarm; but bees when covered with
honey cannot clean themselves, and will not stay in the hivo,
and they were creeping about in all directions, but there waa no
helping it. It was at the very least 20 lbs. out of my way,
besides the loss of a good turn-out. I took 21 lbs. of honey out
of it and the 5 lb. super.

'The first swarm of 7 lbs. weight of bees were put into an
IS inch Pettigrew hive, and this they filled with combs in eight
days aft r. I therefore put a straw super on it, and in three
weeks from putting them in took the snper off full and a virgin
swarm out of it of 6 lbs. weight, which wore put into an 18-inch
Pettigrew hive, and fed them for the winter, and three weeks
after that I turned the remainder out a good turn-out, and put
it into a IG-inch Pettigre^v hive full o! new combs and fed them
for the winter. I took a .5-lb. super and 29 lbs. of hijuey equal
to super honey, all stored in the first three weeks (the weather
broke up aftert, beside filling the hive and super with combs,
lu all I obtained over GO lbs. of the finest honey from the stock
and its swarms, which in my locality I think no other sort of
hive would have beaten. It apeaka very well for large straw
hives in a poor place, ao what will they not do in a good place ?
and while they do ao well with me I can do nothing elae but
recommend them. They are the cheapest sort of hivea for the
working man, and answer all the purposes he wants with
them. I introduced them to several of my friends last sum-
mer, who are now using them, and also the artificial swarming
principle.

I try to get as much honey in the hive as I can, because run
honey is the sort wanted here, and supers have to be run the
same. I sold about 56 lbs. at Is. 6d. per lb., and if there had
been more to dispose tf it would have gone at the same price.
— P. E.UNFOKD, Wigan.

THE BATTLE OF THE HIVES.

Since penning a few remarks under the above heading we
have been favoured with two papers by ''A Renfrewshire Bee-
keeper." In the article of 1st February I am reminded of a
former controversy on the same subject carried on in this
Journal in the beginning of 1873, in which I with other well-
known bee-keepera took part, and I am informed for my com-
fort that my views when then enunciated were considered ao
latitudinarian and theoretic by the fraternity, *' that little sup-
port " was accorded to them.

In looking into the Journal of that date I find a keen con-
troversy was being waged on this same question, and with the
view of settling it various competitive tests were proposed as
between the respective hives named, but very properly no such
competition ever came off. On the 27th February of the abovo
year (1873) I wrctn an article on the question at issue, iu which
I very fully nude known my views upon the whole subject, and
conclusively showed, I think, so far as amount of stores wns
concerned, that though all the best hives named were engaged
in such a contest, a common box taken from a tea warehouse
(however ludicrous) might be the winner.

Let us see, therefore, from the following quotations how far
"A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper" is justitied in saying that
my views received ** little support from the fraternity."

Mr. Abbott writes: "I entirely deny that any merit ia due to
any class or variety of hive, as a means iu itself, of acquiring
honey." Mr. R. Symington said : " I had a good laugh over Mr.
Lowe's fancied contest and the championahip of the tea-cheat.
There is no doubt auch a reault might follow. That the hive
itself, be it straw, wood, cr a combination of both, with move-
able combs or without, round, octagon, or square, has a direct
iniluence upon the nett result of honey to be obtained in one
season, I for one do not believe." Mr. S. Bevan Fox ia the only
one who gave forth a dubious utterance. He writes : " I cannot
Bay that I have much confidence in the infallibility of Mr.
Lowe's judgment." Then, in summing-up, your excellent cor-
respondent, "B. & W.," thus gives his opinion : " Mr. Lowe's
valuable mojiograph on the subject, happily corroborative of my
own opinion, puts the question in its true light," and thus the
" best hive controversy " of 1873 waa summarily dismissed. On
these quotations I make no comment, they speak for themselves.

Let us now revert to the teat case cf the two hives — the straw
and the Stewarton — in the " Renfrewshike Bee-keeper's"
garden as narrated in a previous article, but which ia more fully
explained in his paper of Ist February. By this explanation we
have additional light thrown upon the case, and consequently

JOUBNAIi OP HOKTICDLTUBB AND COTTAGE ftARDENEB.

[ Febroary 22, 1877.

are enabled more fully to understaod not only ita chiraoter, but '
also in some measure its results. Tbis explanation is vouchsafed ;
in answer to my query, "Is it by reason of the form, material, or !
oonstriiction of the Stewarton hive which enabled it to eclipse ;
BO greatly the straw skep in amassing stores?" Tee reply of
yourcorrespoudentis, "I auswerin the ailirmative .... Fiist |
'form,' the straw hive being tlie usual dome shape, prevented
any snper sitting conveniently on it, saving the Ab n^dou glass ,
and even to get it placed I had to cut out a portion of the apei ■
with my penkoife and lashed the glass with cord to the pro- .
truding cross-sticks. Then the material of the super portiou rf
that hive being glass told much against the return .... Ibava
heard it estimated by experienced bee keepers in glass-filling
that their bees would readily store from 3 to 4 lbs. of honey in
■wood for every one in glass, and, to crown all, the extra breeding
and supering area in the Stewarton over the straw must alike
have stimulated th>3 fertility of the queen and the actjuisitive
principle in the ever increasing band of her more numerous
staff of honey- gatherers."

Now this explanation reveals two things : Firat, theio was no
attempt whatever to ascertain the respective merits of the two
hives qua hives for obtaining honey irrespective of system, a
point necessarily implied in this controversy; second, the pro-
fessed object of the test referred to was to ascertain the merits
of the straw and Stewarton on the depriving system, aud hence
can have no bearing on the question at issue. This being the
case we might pass at once from any consideration of it, but
even in this light it is unsatisfactory.

" To fairly compare results one hive with another," says " A
Kenfbewshire Bee keeper," " it is obvious that they must
occupy a common field." Granted; but there is another equally
obvious condition — they must both be treated fairly aud alike
according to the system adopted. Now, were these two hives
in his garden fair representatives of those in dispute between
Mr. Pettigrew and himself ? and second, was the sam5 system
as adopted by him with the Stewarton carried out in all its
entirety and fairly with the straw? Let us see. The Stewarton,
we presume, was of the form, size, aud material considered best
by him. The straw, however, was not a straw <; la Pettigrew,
and certainly it has little affinity except in material to the flat-
topped modern straw hives in my own apiary and locility. I
had no idea that so advanced an apiarian as " A RE.NFnEwsniHE
Bee-keeper" would have such an antiquated piece of farniture
in his apiary ; and yet with this dome-shaped antiquated hive,
never intended, and having no facilities for superins; or work-
ing-out the depriving system, we ore asked to believe the Stew-
arton and it were "well matched." There is an ill and ap-
propriate saying with which your correspondent will. I doubt
not, be familiar, that " we cauuc-t take the breeks off a Highland-
man;" so surely as liitle can we take a super off a dome-shaped
hive. We are told that with all the cutting aud carving on the
upper portion of the hive, resulting only in a certain aperture
being obtained, over which afUss globe of the Ahicgdon type
was lashed with cords to keep it up, and thi?, too, with the
admitted knowledge, as stated, that for every pouud rf honey
stored in this receptacle lashed ever the st;-aw, 3 to -1 lbs. would
be stored in the wooden super surmouuting the Ste-varton, and
"to crown all" the poor striw laboured under the disadvantage
of lack of breeding space belovaud s'orage room above. Yet
notwithstanding all these drawbacks, this same straw, mirahiln
dicta! stored about 22 lbs, of honey in the gl.ass super, being
fully above the quantity which, according to the above estimate,
the Stewarton hive itself would have stored had a glass super,
in equal fairness, been placed over it instead of a wooden one.
The Stewattm, however, was stored bel)w as woU, while the
straw, curiously enough, was ^X starvatioa point ; but your cor-
respondent accounts for this "to want of breeding space," which
is another unequal condition to which the straw v.'as subjected.

But it is needless to pursue the subjec' further. Wnatever
may have been the re.il cause of the d fferei:o9 in honey reauKs
in this particular case, it cannot for a moment be supposed
that it was in vittae of the one domicile being of straw and the
other of wood.

"A EENFUEwsniRE Bee-keipbr" remarks, that if cerliia
other gentlemen aud myself were "more practical," we would
Bee ruatters in another light. Fcr myself, I will only say if
experience and practice could give knowledge I should have a
little, and it is because of that experience and kuowledge that I
have presumed to enunciate ray views on this question so un-
hesitatingly. It has always been mv habit, nhslher in elucidat-
ing the natural history of the bee or dealing with the more
practical work of the apiary, to firm opiinous ftod test principles
lor myself, and in imitiiion of Ruber, the prince of apiarians,
to take nothing for granted which we hav^i the means of sub-
jecting through the crucible of close olsirvation aud rigid ex-
periment.

Our common object must certainly be the advancement cjf
sound knowledge on this as on all other poiiiti. In speakins; of
the different kinds of hive we mn^t dcaly fairly by all ; and it
was only when I noticed that onr old friend the straw hive (I do

not mean the antiquated dome-shaped cf your correspondent,
but the straw now generally in use) was being so abased and
caricatured as well as to its size and form as to its entire un-
suitabiliry to all the ordinary operatioos of the apiary, and
above all as to its nacessary connection with the sulphur pit, I
did not hesitate to repudiate these disparaging opinions regard-
ing our old friend.

"A Senfrewshire Bee keeper" remarks at the cocclusi'jn
of one of his articles as to his observatory as j^ kind of hive not
suitable for stioiiog honey ; I quite agree with him. Such class
or unicomb hives were never intended for such a purpose. They
are constrcctad not for the ordinary purposes of the apiary, but
for opecifie ohj-^cts^for stidy, experiment, or pleasure, and
therefore do not come within the scope cf my arguments nor of
any other writer on this question.

That " no such adventitious circumstance as the kind of hive
alluded to, wood or straw, can have much or any influenca on
the amonut of stores collected by the bees," is a statement
supported by such eminent apiarian writers as Dr. Bovan, Gold-
ing, Dunbar, Jardine, Langstroth, Huish, and Taylor, ami many
others I might name. — J. Lowe.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Vertigo (B. H. T.) — Ic is usually cau?eil by pressure of blood on the
braiu. Tile escitement produced by beiug exhibited would oaaae it. A
tableRpooDfal of cistor oil aad a supply uf lettuce leaves is the best, pre-
veLtive aodrcixeiy.

Grass for Fowls [C S ). — Apply to Messrs- Carter or to Messrs. SuttoD,
and ttll tbem the bize of yo-jr grouud and kiud of soil. Letting chickens oat
depends up jn the weather more thaa their age. Do not let tbem out hefsiB
mid-day unless

CiSAniES Dvi.s-Q (S. P. H.I.— They were not killed by the Cadrus deodara
buds. The birds scat to us we think were cramped, probably from esposure
to cold winds.

Stewabton Hive (F. J.). — The Sbewarton bivo is quite dissimilar from
the Carr Stewarton, the former being an octaiioD. the latter a square hive.
The btewarton hive is usually wrought ti a depth of 18 inches breeding
spase — at leas^, my bjxes are 7 inches deep. Two at 9 inches might do as
well. Mine are made bjr James Allan, cabinet maker, Stewarton, Ayrshire,
Scotland, who will supply with bars or frames a3 required. Honey boies are
but 4 inches deep with seven bars 11 inch wide, all moveable — to all intents
aud pQrpoaos sectional. My colonies are protected by light-wooded moveable
cjveis, top also moveable. The hivo is usually wrought with three breeding
boxes, aud the lowermost removed for winter when vacated by bees. Boxes
could be carried cheaply from Ayrshire to Cork vid Greenock steamer, aEdl
hnd can hj had much cheaper from thence than locil tradesmen will make
them. To IB inches breeiing space, with best colonies, I find it necessary la
good years to use as many as seven supers at one time to keep all honey
gatherers at full wjrk, or a total depth of 46 inches. The Carr hive is a
sma.ler, more fanciful new idea. — A liENFRsiwsHmE Bee-keepeh.

MErEOROLOGtCAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camoen Square, London.

Lat.5l--83-4r N.; Long. 0' 8' 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date

9 am.

In t£

E Dai.

16T7.

Hygrome.
ter.

OT3

w

ss-S

Shade Tem-
perature.

Radiation
Temperature.

1

Feb.

= Sa3

In

On

Dry. Wet.

H

Max.

Min.

grass.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

We. 14

49 976

51.4 19.)

4.i2

511

63 3

44 3

29 938

19 8 < 13 1

IG.O

62.0

46.2

63.8

0 087

29.78;

li.7 88 7
12 8 iO.l

15 5

19.7

S9S

OJl

87 3

—

29.9.3

13.2

49 9

37.2

85.0

38 8

o.om

31.071

44 9 ' 41.8

42 0

49.1

39.0

61.9

81.5

01-38

299:1

11.6 1 .4

41.0

?7.7

89.7

91.5

37 0

0.830

In. 21

29.141

81.9 1 S18

1-3.8

15.3

31.9

33.7

O.C6i

Moans.

29.830

13 7 1 43 2

41.1

49.7

40.0

75.7

87.6

0.6»

REMARKS.

14th.— RaiQ i-*: forenoon; attcrnoon and evening fair but doll.

locu.— fair all day bat dull ; very little buu.

16th.— Rttiu is the oarly morning, but followed by a beaatiful day.

17th. — Very fino all day bat cold.

IStU. — Fine bnt cold all tbo forenoon; rain commenced aboat 1 p.m., and

coDtioued at intervals all day.
loth.— Fair though cold all the (ore part of the day ; very dark at 4.15 P.II..

vih>'u 8DOW and K:>ft liait fell; heavy rain at ui^ht. A very rapid and

sudden fall in the barometer between 9 p.m. aud midnight, and thd

wind very hijjh.
20th.— Much raiQ aijd bii^h wind in the nifjht and oarly morning, with snow,

followed by a very bright Bunny day.
About 5^ colder than last week. The inosfe remarkable feature was Ibft
arrival on the IQth of a »harp t^lorm of wind, agreein^i; remarkably with the
trlographic warming aent several days before from New York. — G. J. Symons.

COVEKT GARDEN MARKET.- Febhuaby 21.
Business has aga'.n teen flat and prices barely maintained. No alUration
to ti«ote.

March 1, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HORTICUIiTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day

of ot

Month Week.

MiRCH 1-7

1877.

Temperature near
London.

Bises.

Pnn
Sets.

Moon
Kitfes.

lIor)n
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
bun.

Day
ot
Year.

Th

Day. [Night.

Mean.

h.

m

h. m.

h. m ' t. m.

Royal Sooi( ty at 8.30 p. h. Sa

e of Orchids at Levton.

47.6 I 88.5

40.6

B

47

5 38

8 25 7 12

16

12 81

60

Bojal losutation at 8 P.M.

48 8 1 84,8

41.8

K

44

5 40

9 1 7 24

17

12 18

61

49 7

31 9

40 8

B

4:>.

6 4-3

11 15 7 38

18

12 5

62

3 Sunday in Lest.

49 6

81.0 '

40 3

B

40

6 44

LoDilon iDstitutinn at 5 P.M.

487

81.6 ;

40.1

B

88

5 45

0 88 1 8 17

20

11 3<

64

Zoologioa' 8ooi8lv at 8 31 P.M.

48 7

SOO

89,8

B

3B

5 47

1 56 8 48

<
22

Bojal Horlicultuial Society-

-Frnit nnd Floral Com-

49.3

Si 4

40,9

B

34

5 49

3 4 ' 8 29

11 9

65

[ mitteesatll a m.

S3.1

Prom obsoira'Jona taten near London

ioring forty-threo yearp,

the avQrage day temporatnre

of the week is 43 8' ; aod its night temperature

FLORIST PliOWEBS RAISED FEOM SEED.

^l^jf^NQDESTIONABLYthe most important, ex-
vi.-,-.JIl pensive, and indispensable of tiower seeds
are tliose of tiie plants under notice. No
other class caii.ses when inferior so much
^^JL disappointment, none afforJs greater satis-
!^^^ faction when superior. Only the best strains
W-i/f^ are worth growing. Such being the result
J^" of much care and forethought— the very

^]j best examples in habit of plant with flowers

of great size, fine form, great substance, and
well-defined colour being selected for seeding, they are
not low-priced ; in fact 1 invariably find that a packet
of seed of a valuable strain coitains but few seeds,
causing occasionally perhaps a feeling of disappointment
at having so little for the money expended ; wbilt-t a lot
of seed, whatever satisfaciion may be afforded at sowing
time, is to my mind suggestive of in-oportionate annoyance
at flowering time. Economy in steds is not found in
cheap articles.

Florist flowers from seed are noticeable for, as com-
pared with named varieties, possessing robustness of
growth, dwarfness of habit, and vigorous constitution,
combined with a diversity of colour and superior flowers.
In brief, to such a staodard of excellence has the seed of
florist flowers attained, tliat for general decorative purposes
plants so raised are much superior to named varieties
continued by cuttings or other modes of propagation. I
do not, of course, intend these remarks to apply to such
plants as Auricula, Carnation, &c , grown for exhibition,
but I do submit that for a majority of cultivators and
general purposes many (and I shall only mention such
as are rehable) plants had from seed are hardier in con-
stitution and more floriferons in character than are named
kinds which are raised by other means.

Primula sinensis, or Chinese Primrose, is the first
demanding notice. The strains of Primulas are now so
good, so certain of coming true to character from seed,
that no one cares to treat the plants other than as annuals.
The plants are dietingui--hed by dwarf robust habit and
amplitude of firm-textured, rather deeply-indeLted leaves,
largo trusses of flowers borne above the foliage, but not
80 high as to be straggling ; the flowers remarkable for
their brightness and intensity of colour, clear eye, large
size, great substance, and exquisite fringing. The flowers
are not meritorious if under ordinary cultivation they are
not 2 inches in diameter. I have a decided dislike to
those forms which have a disposition to produce the
flowers in whorls. They have a loose etragghng appear-
ance, anything but the compactness ard ■ hness of those
exhibiting their flowers in a hall-ball.

The varieties are rather numerous. P r. -eMisfimbriata
rubra, purplish red or crimson, and sulphur eye; and
P. sinensis fimbriata alba are, when the strain is good,
nneurpassed ; but I also appreciate their varieties follow-
ing, which are very fine — viz., Florence, scarlet, shaded
red ; kermcsina splendens, bright rosy carmine ; Cottage
Maid white, striped and spotted carmine ; striatiflora,

No. SSl.-VoL. XXXII., New Seeies.

very like the last, but striped and splashed deep rose ;
punctata eleganliasima, crimson, of great velvety sub-
stance, marked with small white dots, and perfect in
fringing ; and lilaciua lutrrginata, ro.sy lilac, margioed
white. All have finely-fringed flowers, and are indis-
pensable for effect where variety is sought for. Russell's
Pyramid Bed and 'White are remarkable for having the
flowers in a pyramid and throwing them well above the
foliage; and the Fern-leaved (P. filicifolia alba and rubra)
are amply furnished with foliage ; but the flowers of the
last four are not worth much in comparison with those
preceding.

I would particularly note the great value of Double
Primulas which are now x-aised from seed. I have some so
large and double as to be taken for named varieties, only
the greater vigour of plants and their floriferons charaeter
soon dispel any such assumption. 'J he colours are white,
purplish crimson — the old colour of P. siueusis fimbriata
rubra; double kermesina splendens (Prince Arthur), car-
mine crimson ; and Double Florence (Prince of Wales), soar-
let, shaded red. 'Ihe doubles often produce their flowers
in whorls, giving a pyramidal aspect, and have longer
stalks than the singles, hence every pip is available for
cutting, otherwise I look irpon the wborl tendency as a
disadvantage, though there is no deny log the beauty of
the pyramidal form for table purposts. 'Ihe doubles are
more enduring in a cut state than the singles. A green-
house without its Primulas deprives its owner of the
finest of all dwarf autumn, winter, and spring ornaments.

It is usual to sow at various times for different seasons
of bloom, but, except for spring bloom, I consider one
sowing sufficient — namely, the early part of April. The
pots being well drained and filled to within half an
inch of the rim with turfy loam, and decayed manure
(reduced to soil by exposure for a considerable time)
in equal parts, and a little silver sand, watering the
pots before sowing the seed. The seeds are only just
or barely covered with very fine soil. Ihe pots are
placed in a hotbed— a Cucumber or Melon frame, and
kept shaded, 'ihe seedlings will be up in ten days to a
fortnight, and must be kept shaded, aiid they are better
rather dry than wet, as when the soil is made very wet
the plants damp off; also ventilate freely to ensure
sturdy growth. Pot-off singly in small pots auS. return to
a frame— a cold one will answer, only keep it close and
shaded, l)ut bo careful not to overwater or keep so close
as to induce damping. After a few days the plants will
be established, and should have moderate ventilation and
shade throughout the summer. A tiffany or sciim canvas
(fine) shading is suitable. The plants are sprinkled over-
head every afternoori, and in this way watering is done;
but if the weathtr be dull and the plants not requiring
water it is omitted.

The plants ai-e shifted into larger pots as required,
which is when they fill with roots, assorting the plants
into sizes after they are brought to the potting bench for
the final shift, which will be required early in July. The
strongest plants have 8-inch pots, the next size 7-inch,
and the sniallest 6-inch pots. The drainage is thorough,

No. Ht8.— Vol. LVII., OlD SEEIte

1S2

JOUKNAL OF HOBTIUULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAliDENEK.

[ MartU 1, 1877.

and the compost need eonsista of turfy loam and manure
reduced to soil in equal parts, with a sixth part each of
silver sand and charcoal brok><n up rather small. The plants
are afforded room for devtlopment by placing them thinly on
ashes in a cold frame, and are duly attended to with water,
avoiding overwatering ; the trusses appearing before Septem-
ber are removed with a pair of Bcissors, and at the end of that
month a light airy position is given the plants in any house
having a greenhouse temperature — viz., 40° to 45° from fire
heat. Liquid manure is given at every alternate watering
after the pots fill with roots. The plants flower from October
until April.

For late spring flowering the seed may be sown in heat in
June, growing the plants on in cold frames until October, when
the plants should be shifted into their blooming pots, if not
already done in September, which is preferable. They require
to be very carefully watered and never overhead after the
weather becomes dull and wet; say from September to April
inclusive, and being careful not to pour the water upon the
collar of the plant The trusses should be removed up to the
middle of February for an April bloom, or to within six week3
of when the flowers are required. After the plants have ceased
flowering in the greenhouse they will, if they are kept from
frost and the spent trusses and old leaves are removed, flower
grandly in August onwards if planted out at the end of May
or early Jane in rich light soil, preferably a vegetable one, in
a slightly shaded situation. The plants, however, are not
worth keeping for a second bloom in pots ; young plants are
very superior.

Cinerarias. — These must be of dwarf branching habit, robust
and healthy in constitution, and if the strain be good the
flowers will surpass in form, size, and colour named varieties.
The flowers under ordinary cultivation will not be less than
IJ inch in diameter, and these will have a much better eiiect
than a great umbel of clustered small flowers as starry and
ragged as a wild Daisy. From a well-assorted packet of
Cineraria seed we may calculate upon at least half a dozen
distinct colours in the progeny — the highest number I have
known being ten — and when this is the ease the grower may
indeed consider himself fortunate, for in not a few instances
a majority of the seedlings are selfs, and what is remarkable,
blue ; indeed I have myself had nothing else at times from a
packet of seed. The plants aiJordicg blue flowers are when
in a small state readily distinguishable by their superlative
robustness and the blue tint of their leaves, especially the
under side and footstalks. Only the number desired of that
oolour should be selected from the seedlings. Plants which
are weakest in their young state almost invariably afford the
best flowers in size, form, and colour.

A woid as to double Cinerarias. They must be very dif-
ferent to any I have had to compare favourably with the
single. The flowers are too small in size, the petals too nar-
row and not numerous enough to come up to what we expect
of a double flower ; indeed the extra internal petals, which
constitute anything rather than doubleness, and to which the
flower is indebted for its title, detract from rather than add
to its beauty. " Blindness " is sometimes alluded to as a
defect in Cinerarias, notably of the double. Now I do not
remember to have had a plant without florets of some kind,
but I have had quite my ehare of plants the petals which
might as well for any good they were never have appeared — in
fact some of them, as if aware of their inferiority, could hardlj'
show themselves beyond the calyx. These flowers will un-
fortunately seed just as freely or more so than those with
petals three-quarters of an inch long, and it ij the saving of
seed from such palfied plants that is productive of so much
annoyance.

There has been of late a growing disposition to look upon
Cinerarias with doubt, it being alleged the progeny were dege-
nerate, and recourse would again have to be had to cutting or
offset propagation from named varieties. Such is not con-
sonant with my experience, and will not, I think, be found
that of those who will take the trouble to select the best plants
and flowers only for seeding. I have known all the beet flowers
cut by the flower-gatherer, and what flowers were left ex-
pected to furnish seed and ultimately plants with flowers
equalling them in time to come. No wonder the result is so
much blindness and disappointment ; but when the best plants
and flowers only are selected for seeding I have invariably
foimd that the offspring is marked by, in a majority of cases,
superiority. Seed of such will be limited in quantity, and
command a relatively higher value than that collected from

plants indiscriminately. There is no plant but what under
superior cultivation and selection from for seeding in its best
form will exhibit in the progeny decided advancement. Seed
of most plants is best when saved by those devoting their care
and forethought to some particular class of flower.

In raising plants to flower in winter I sow the seed in April
in pans well drained, and filled to within a quarter of an inch
of the lim with a compost of three parts turfy loam and one-
third of leaf soil or thoroughly deoajed manure. The surface
is covered with a little fine soil and made level ; a gentle water-
ing is given before sowing, and the seed is sprinkled very lightly
with fine soil. The seed pans are placed in gentle heat or a
hotbed, and kept moist, taking care not to sodden the soil nor
allow it to become very dry. The seedlings appear in ten days
to a fortnight, and are then kept moist, shaded from bright
sun, near the glass, and well ventilated. They are potted-o£E
singly into 3inch pots when they have a rough leaf and
showing another, placing in a cold frame, keeping close for
a few days. When the plants are established air is admitted
freely. They are shifted from 3-inch to 5 or C-inch pots
before the roots are very closely matted, and from these are
transferred to 8 or 9-inch pots. It is necessary that the
plants have plenty of room and light — the fierce rays of the
sun being broken by shading. They are duly attended to
with water, a gentle sprinkling overhead in hot weather of an
evening being very beneficial. The plants will be advanced
for flowering by early October, but will not expand freely with-
out a temperature of about 50° from fire heat. In an ordinary
greenhouse they will flower by January and continue nntU
March. If aphis, for which scrutinise the plants frequently,
appear, fumigate with tobacco.

To flower in spring sow in June, and place in a shaded
frame, growing on in the same up to October, and then trans-
fer to a pit or other low structure where they will have plenty
of light, and ventilation with safety from frost. Shift into
larger pots as required, taking care the balls are not very closely
matted before each potting. They will flower from March
until June. A slight shade when in flower is necessary, and
weak liquid manure m-iy be given at every alternate watering
after the pots are filled with roots. — G. Abbey.
(To be continued. )

JERUSALEM AETICHOKES.

Jerusalem is a popular corruption of the Italian name for
the Sunflower, Girasole, which is literally, to turn to the snn.
Artichoke was applied to this vegetable because its tubers
when boiled have a flavour like that of the head of the com-
mon Artichoke. It belongs to the same botanical genus as
the Sunflower, and is the Helianthua tuberosus, a native of
S.nth America, and is becoming increasingly popular as a
culinary vegetable for winter use.

Not many years ago it only existed in a few gardens much as
Horseradish existed, being left to occupy the same plot of
ground year by year ; a few miserable tubers were dug up as
they happened to be wanted or could be found, and receiving
no systematic or intelligent cultivation. That negligent mode
of treating the Jerusalem Artichoke has happily become obso-
lete, and now the crop is cultivated as a staple winter vege-
table in nearly all well-managed gardens. Neither is it limited
to the gardens of the wealthy, for as its usefulness became
known its cultivation spread into the home plots of every class.

All consumers of vegetables do not, of course, relish the
peculiar flavour of Jerusalem, or, as thoy are becoming popu-
larly known, "Potato-Artichokes," any more than all men
enjoy Parsnips ; but Artichokes are approved by the palates of
most people, and hence these tubers are now offered in con-
siderable quantities in the public markets. The increase of
Jerusalem Artichokes has probably received a stimulus in con-
sequence of the periodical destruction of the Potato crops by
the murrain, and a desire has been thereby fostered to find a
substitute for the indispensable " earth fruit," the Potato; but
neither Artichokes uor any other root can be regarded as a
satisfactory substitute for the Potato, any more than Cabbages
are substitutes for Cauliflowers, or Beans for Peas.

Jerusalem Artichokes are essentially different from Potatoes,
inapmuch as the former contain very little starch, while in
tbe Potato starch is a considerable and valuable constituent.
Bat that does not prove that these Artichokes are to that
extent inferior to Potatoes in nutritious properties. Tlie
Potato has, perhaps, been over-estimated as a flesh-forming
vegetable, and possibly the Artichoke has been nuder-estiiuated

March 1, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEil.

153

aa an article of food beoauee of its deficiency of starch, but it
contains what ia closely allied to starch, inuline, also sugar,
which is not a component of the Potato.

Taste is sometimes regarded as trivial, bnt so far from being
unimportant it is all-powerful. " Why do yon smoke tobacco ?"
said a gentleman to his coachman in my hearing. " Because
I like it, sir," was the reply. The obnoxious nature of the
"weed" was then as forcibly as possible placed before its
"votary, and when it was hoped that some impression had been
made on Jehu, his only response was, "I can't help it, sir; I
like it," and he continued its use until the end. So it is with
vegetables. Potatoes have become popular beoanse people
"like them," and Jerusalem Artichokes will also become more
popular than they now are as they gradually find their way to
the tables of the "masses." There are thousands who have
not yet tasted these Artichokes. I have occasionally given a
few to my industrial friends for a first ta-te, and it has been
strange indeed if some of the household has not " liked them,"
and as a consequence I have seen their admission into not a
few cottage gardens. Bat it is not as providing a " dish " that
they are alone useful in small families, for they are particularly
valuable for " assisting " in soups. Many a family meal
might be made more enjoyable by the aid of half a dozen
Artichokes, and especially when, as is often the case, the
butcher's shop his only a limited share in the proceedings.
The full value of these Artichokes for rendcriog thin soups
thicker, and insipid brotha toothsome, has not yet become fully
recognised. It is not as affording a substitute for Potatoes,
but 83 an adjunct to them that they are recommended, and
a few should be planted in many more gardens than ia the
case at present. They are by no means dainty as to soil, and
are productive ; their tops also in some places being useful, for
horses and cattle will eat them greedily ; but what animals
will eat Potato haulm ? The tubers of Artichokes are also
Uked by most animals, and they are relished by and are bene-
ficial to poultry.

Than Jerusalem Artichokes no crop is more easily cultivated.
Kich soil is not necessary, neither is deep trenching; in fact,
good crops are produced on comparatively poor and hard soil.
If the ground ia very deep and rich, luxuriant tops are pro-
dnofd and large ugly tubers, while poorer and firmer soil is
promotive of smoother and more useful tubers.

A common mistake is made in planting too closely. J'jrusa-
lem Artichokes never yield so well as when planted in a single
row, and in this way they are often useful in forming a screen
— hiding something which is best out of tight — during the
summer months. 'There are not many gardens where a row of
them ia not only not admissible, but where their appearance
would be an advantage. Look out for such places, and plant
in single rows if you desire the greatest yield. If it is neces-
sary to grow in plots on several rows, the sets should not be
less than 3 feet apart ; in a single row the tubers may be a foot
apart. Naw is the time for planting, covering the tubers 3 or
i inches deep. In the cultivation of this crop there is no fear
of injury resulting by frost or any disease. It ia a poor man's
and a rich man's vegetable — a crop, in fact, for everybody who
ias room for growing it. — J. W.

NEW ROSES OP 1877.

When are we to have any information about new Roses ?
In the present dull season any information from our great
Eoae-growers and importers would be thankfully received by
very many readers.

Assuredly English-raised seedlings are coming to the front.
I have reason to believe that they will receive special attention
in the National Rose Society's schedule, which will shortly be
published, and to which Mr. Cranston has given such a grand
start with his fifty-guinea cup. I incline to think that our
EogUsh-raised seedlings are beginning to do more than hold
their own against the more numerous French productions.
Last season produced some grand new English Koaes. Will
anyone give any idea what we have this year to expect ? I
see that Mr. Laxton's stock has been purchased by Mr. Turner;
in such hands we may confidently expect real additions.

I have before me Messrs. Ewing's of Norwich list of new
French Roses. It is impoasibje to judge much from descrip-
tions or without seeing the Roses growing, but among the
sixteen mentioned there appear to be some of promise. Two
or three which are really gocd are, I apprehend, quite as many
as can be expected from an average year. A seedling from
Baronne de RothBohild — M. L.Pernet (Pernet) — appears hopeful,

"retaining the same habit as its parent." The colour is stated
to be very bright rose. Mens. C. Tournier (Levet), deep rose,
obtained a first prize at Lyons, as did aleo Mdlle. L. Poizeau
(Levet), Tea, orange-yellow. Another Tea of 1870, Beauty
of Glazenwood, if it comes up to its description is likely to
prove interesting, being " yellow-gold striped and flaked with
carmine, and may possibly prove," we are told " an entirely
new genus." A pink Gloire de Dijon (a sport) is also spoken
favourably of by the Messrs. Ewing, as even more robust than
its still unsurpassed parent. — A. C, Brocliliam.

FLOWER-GARDEN NOTES FOR 1877.

The latter half of February and the whole month of March
is always a busy time with those who have flower gardens to
plant in summer. Many kinds of plants, especially Geraniums,
may be wholly provided with advantage the autumn previous,
but there are others which are best raised iu spring, and there
are places, again, where there is little or no accommodation for
wintering bedding plants, and still they are required in large
quantities in summer. It is iu ca=es of this kind, and they
are very numerous, where a push has to be made now with
propagation. Before beginning this operation, however, there
should always be a clear underbtanding of what is wanted.
It is no use propagating a large quantity of one thing when
the halt of it will not be wanted, and neglecting another of
which there will not be enough. This is often the case with
plants which are easily raised from seed or cuttings, and I
think this may often account for the undue predominance of
one plant over another in many flower gardens.

Before beginning to propagate to a large extent, plans of the
flower beds to be filled in summer should be drawn out, and
the way they are to be planted should be distinctly marked on
each bed, then a calculation made of how mauy plants it will
take of each kind to complete the arrangement, and propagate
accordingly. This saves all confusion at planting time. Our
flower-garden arrangement for the incoming summer was all
understood before the new year, and this admits of discarding
any unsuitable plants and working up a suiScient stock of
those of the most meritorious description. Much might be
said about the arrangements of the different plants and colours
in the beds, but this is a matter I do not intend enlarging upon,
because I find that a combination which one person would call
beautiful another would consider the reverse. Some like
yellow in nearly every bed to the partial or total exclusion of
a desirable amount of other necessary shades and coloura ;
but good taste is always shown by equalising all hues and
allowing nothing too " hard " or too " soft " to appear in any
arrangement whatever.

Small beds look best planted with one variety of plant, bnt
where there are a number of such beds not far from one
another the same subject must not occur too often. As to
what colours should go against one another must depend very
much on the size, number, and design of the figure or beds.
I will only detail one arrangement by way of illustration of
what is considered lawful by the regulation of harmony and
contrast. Take a small group of five beds, such as may be
found in many gardens, with a circle as a centre and four out-
lying beds forming a square near to it, but with small grass or
gravel walka between — plant in the centre of the circle yellow
Calceolaria, next to this Purple King Verbena, outer edge
Dactylia glomerata or dwarf white-leaved Geranium. Centre
of four outside beds scarlet Geranium, next to this Cloth of
Gold or yellow Calceolaria, outer edges blue Lobelia. It will
thus be seen that between the yellow in the centre and the
band.s in the outer beds there are blue, white, and purple inter-
vening, and no other two cjlours are alike.

Where plants are deficient for this or any other arrangement
no time must now be lost in increasing the number. Those
having well-heated propagating houses have no difficulty in
rooting any quantity of cuttings without loss, but, unfor-
tunately, many with flower gardens have no such convenience,
and are therefore obliged to resort to other means. The next
best thing to a house for striking cuttings is a good hotbed.
Luavea and long stable litter are the best materials with which
to form thia. The two should be mixed in a heap together in
about equal parts. After lying for about a week turn the whole
over and allow it to lie as long again, and then make it into a
firm bed about IJ foot larger in every way than the frame
which has to be placed on the top of it. When the frame has
been set on build up the sides until they are level with the top.
It will be a few days before there ia much heat ; and a day or

3^1

JOUENAL OF HOBTIOULTUBE AUD COTTAGE GABBEJIBB.

[ March 1, 18-|7.

two before any Guttings are to be pat into it place a lajer of
Bawdust 8 or 10 int-bes deep in the inside of the fi ■••i e. Tbi^i
is an excelleiit material in wbich to plunge tbe i'. u. When
all tbis bas been done catlings may be put in ac oiii e. Have
a quantity of clean 6iuch pots, balf fill each of tbem with
crocks, epread a few rougb leaves orer tbem, and fill up tbe
remaioder with fine leaf soil aud eand. Wbeu the cuitiuga
aie choice and tender a layer of eand ebould be put over tbe
surface of all. As soon as tbe pots have been filled witb
cuttioga give a eligLt watering and pluoge tbem at once. All
kinds of common bedding pbiute, such aa Verbenas, Iresiuet^,
Tropajolnms, Agenitamj, &c., root freely under tbe same cir-
cnmstances, but ufter they ure rooted care should be taken not
to expose them too toon to cold, and do not be in a hurry to
"pot tbem off" after they are rooted, as they are all the
better of becoming wc:l hardened both in root and leaf before
this is done.

Some propagator.-i piido themselves in making a plant out of
every joint and leaf. Tbii may be desirable when anything is
scarce, but it is not lecummendable. Small cuttings make
small plants, and tbete are of very little use where a large
extent of ground baa to be filled at bedding-out time. When
Calceolarias are E0:v:oe I find tops dibbled into a cold frame
now make tine plants by May.

Many kinds of annuals for bedding may be sown in tbe
open ground, but otbeis must be raised in heat and under
glass. These comprise suob as Lobelia, Pyretbrum, Perilla,
Stocke, Tagetes, ifc«. These seeds should be sjnn in pans or
boxes and set iu a beat of GU". Before the Siiedlinga become
crowded or drawn th(y must be transplanted and given suffi-
cient room to develope and harden until they can be finally
" bedded out."— S. W.

SEAKALB.

Pephaps there are no gaiden crops whereon differences of
op'nion as to mode of culture, &d., do not exist amonget
gardeners. Mr. Abbey on page 110 has referred to Seukale,
and has detailed bis mode of culture and plans of forcing with
considerab'e minuteness. Yet careful as your correspondent
has been to omit nothing of importance, he has yet overlooked
two cultural points wbieb, in my opinion, are at least as
worthy of mention as the details alluded to. What is the
cause of Seakale teed so often refusing to vegetate freely,
causing the plants to appear irregularly and over a long period
of time? Many old amateurs and young gardeners have ex-
perienced this difficulty, tbe only difficulty iu fact, in raising
plants from seed ; yet Mr. Abbey makes no allusion to it, and
does not tell us that the outer hufks of the seed should be
broken before sowing. If tbe seed is sown iu the spring, and
a term of sunny weather follows, which is generally the case,
no previous preparation of soil can ensure the germination of
the seed and the free growth of the young plants if the seed
has been sown with its bird outer cuticle unbroken. When
the outer covering — the prison wall — of the seed is partially
shattered germination is considerably expedited, aud tbe joung
plants appear above ground as regular as do Radishes.

Next, What is the reafon of small crowns '? Bad position or
poor soil are not tbe only causes of puny crowns aud email
"Kale," nor, indeed, are they the primary causes ; the great
evil is overcrowding. Mr. Abbey gives correct information aa
to the distances for planting, but that is not sufficit-nt to
ensure bold crowns. He tells ns that previous to planting the
main crown should be cut oft to prevent the formation of a
flower stem, when other crowns will form and grow large
enough for forcing. Yes, they will do fo under one condition,
but which is (no dou'ut inadvertently) omitted — namely, tbe
crowns must be thinned out when in a growing state. When
the primary crowns of Seakale are severed from tho roots a
claster of other crowns form, it may be a dozen in the space
of a few inches. It is impossible that these can become bold
and plump if thinning is not resorted to. After the stools
have grown, say 3 inches, they should be examined and super-
fluous growths should be removed, leaving from one to three
shoots on each stool to form future crowns.

It is only when room is afforded for tbe development of tbe
foliage that good crowns can be perfected, and without a thin-
ning-out of the growths during tbe spring preventing over-
crowding it is impossible that vigorous crowns can be foimed
and the best Kale be produced. Yet bow often is this simple
but necessary practice of tbinnirg crowns overlooked in private
gardens 1 Thinning of the crowns is not neglected by the

matket growers. They cannot afford to waste manure in
growing a multiplicity of leaves, large cluBters of small crowns,
and weakly Kale ; they must have fewer crowns aud goo(i
and stout Kale : hence the importance of a timely and Eiiffi-
cient tbiuning-out of tbe superfluous growths. This is oi 3 of
the principal poiLts (and withal is one of the aaost neglct ed)
in tbe culture of Seakale.

When stout crowns are produced forcing is a very siitj-'le
matter. Mr. Abbey writes ditparagingly on the old mode of
forcing in beds; he calls it expensive, troublesome, and anti-
quated. Without underrating tbe advantages of digging up
tbe roots and forcing tbem iu frames aud Mnsbroom bouses
I have yet an opinion that more ind he tui Kale is produced
by forcing in beds than by the " modern " plan of divgii'gup'
the roots. Seakale pots are cbtap, and with care will last a>
lifetime; but even these are not indispensable, for rough
wooden skeleton covers or a few sticks placed round and over
each stool are sufficient to keep the heating material from
pressing on the crowns. In fact there is no mystery about
forcing Seakale, nor growing it either. An open potition, good
soil, ai:d growing the crowns thinly, are the essential points to
be attended to.

There is no reason why a few stools of Seakale should not
be grown in even small gardens, for the roots, as stated by
Mr. Abbey, may be dug-up and forced in any daik place ; or it
the produce is not waiited early the sun may do the loicing
and garden soil the blanching — heaping tbe soil ovir the
crowns iu the form of cones, when the Kale will push its way
through, aud be of the first quality — stout, tender, and afford-
ing an agreeable change for the table during April and May.
— A Maeket Gaedener.

PROPOSED CARNATION AND PICOTEB SHOW.

It owes its origin to the fact that, save by this special
show, no opportunity is afforded to tbe cultivators of these
flowerj for their presentation before the public, neither of the
two societies devoted to horticulture offering inciucements in
the shape of prizes, or days of exbibitioc, suitable for their pro-
duction, whilst undoubtedly a further incentive to this course
of action may be found iu an assertion made some time since
in your pages — viz., " that florieto' flowers were hopelessly at
a dit^count in the south."

When I state further that the proposed show is due directly
to the Euggettiou of Mr. Charles Turner of tbe Ro.^al Nursery,
Slough, aud of Mr. Douglas, who has charge of the fine col-
lection at Loxford Hall, I shall have said eEout;h to assure
your dders the display will be of great merit and worthy the
notice of all lovers of these very biautiful floaers; whilst
further, a reference to the sul scription list, copy of wbich I
enclose, will show the promoters do not solicit aid without first
contributing liberally from tbeir own pockets.

A schedule of prizes wbich has been proposed, and which
the promoters be'ieve would apfropriately illustrate tbe culti-
vation and development of the flowers, offers ninety-one prizes,
includingin Carnations collections of twenty-fours and twelves,,
and single specimens in each class. Picotees, white grounds
tbe same ; yellow ground Picotees, prizes for collections of
twelves and for single specimens ; miscellaneous, selfs or
fancies (a class usually especially interesting to ladies), three
prizes each of twelve blooms ; aud plants iu pots two prizes
each for twelve specimens, resulting in an aggregate of 4C2'
specimens, and a money total of £51 16.s. The funds thus
far contributed amount in round numbers to fifty guineas ; a
further sum of £15 to £20 is therefore needed to provide the
desired prizes and the expenses iucidental to the show, and to
this extent the promoters will gladly accept of help from any
of your readers disposed thereto. — E. 8. Dodwell, lion. Sec.,.
11, Chatham Terrace, Larkhall Rise, Glapham, S W.

McLaren 's prolific raspberry.

"A Market Gardener" on page 9-1 makes inquiries whether
any growers can detail tbeir experience regarding McLaren's
Prolific. In November, 1872, I had occasion to make a fresh
plantation of Raspberries, The red varieties planted consisted
of Fastolf, Semper Fidelis, Carter's Prolific, aud Ked Antwerp,,
and for experiment one dozen plants of McLaren's Prolifio
were at the same time planted, aud all the sorts were trained
to wire trellises. McLaren's favouiite has turned out vastly
superior to any of the other varieties named. It is very early,
ripening fully twelve days before any of the others, and ibS'

M«rck 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE! AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

155

frnit is vfty large and handsome. It is a most abandant
bearer, and is of a very robust and yet dwarf habit of growth.
Altogether I oontider McLaren's favourite Raspberry a vtry
valuable acquisition. I believe it to be a most profitable
variety and well worthy of extended cultivation. — A Gardener,
Durham.

THE EFFECTS OF AMMONIA ON VEGETABLE
AND INSECT LIFE.
Much has been written from time to time on the above sub-
ject in your Journal, and I doubt not with profit. In the year
1871 Mr. Abbey detailed his practice with ammonia in deal-
ing with mealy busr, red spider, &a , wbich was followed by an
article from Mr. Wright informing us distinctly that am-
monia arising from guano heated in a liquid state would
destroy or keep at bay thrips and red spider. In those articles
the writers, while testifying to the value of ammouia a^ au
insect- destroying agent, advised also that it should be used
cautiously, as an excess of it would be injurious to vegetatioo.
But there ifj another manure which gives off more ammonia
than guano, and is, I believe, more potent and dangerous —
namely, horse or stable manure, for when in its first stage of
decomposition it gives off ammouiain volumes, which i< equally
83 destructive to vegetable as animal life. la my early vinery
there is a pit about 4 feet deep, which every year we fill with
stable manure and leaves. In the spring of 187C we put a
quantity ot manure fresh from the stable, at the same time
sprinkled it well with water, and in a few days it began to
steam and give-off quantities of ammonia, which desiroyed
the old foliage of the plants in the housi but not the young
leaves — a fact I cannot explain.

The plants in the house were a miscellaneous lot, therefore
I will describe the effect on each. Ferns stood it badly, as all
the old fronds were bluckened and presents 1 the sppearnnce
of having been burnt or severely sco'ohed. P'-Lirginiums,
Echeverias, Lobelias, Cypripedinms, CHutradenias, Az ileas,
Statices, aud Tricolor Geraniums all suffered much from loss
of foliage, but soon afterwards commenced growing vigorously.
Camellias, Gajtuse.<, Oranges, &c , stood in the hou-e without
being the least affected. The Viues were only swelling thuir
buds, and consequently escaped injury. We repeated our
practice this spriog, but with more care, as we put on air as
soon as the dang began fermentiog.

I have read a great deal latterly about the injurious effects
produced by fumigating with tobacco, burning sulphur in
Peach houses and vineries to destroy red spider, aud painting
hot-water pipes with sulphur for the same purpose. AU these
practices have been classed as being more or less dangerous,
and extreme caution has been advised in their adoption.
Perhaps I should qualify this statement, as fumigitiug with
tobacco is inoladed, which is not very dangerous ; yet there
are some plants. Ferns for instanc", which will not stand
tobacco smoke, and Gesueraceous plants do not like it.

I will no V refer to the effects of ammonia on insect life.
M-jaly bugs, I believe, are not easily killed by the fumes of
ammonia. Picking and squeezing them, or smothering them
with paint, as on Vines and the woodwork ot houses, are, I con-
ceive, the safest means of destruction. It has been stated
that this insect cannot stand water or d*mp, but where is
moisture more plentiful than in a steaming stove? I might
almost say that mealy bugs are " waterproof," as I have
rolled them through tobacco and soft-soap liquid, and they
have afterwards run away as if nothing had happened. The
covering of dust, or " meal " as it is called, enables the insect
to bid defiance to most liquids, at least when they are applied
with sifety to the plants. Paraffin oil will kill bug at once,
but it will also kill the plants or trees. To beome well ac-
quainted with anything is to know its habits from birth till
maturity. To this end I have watched this insect iu all
stages. I will first mention a fair-sized one secreted under
bark or under a leaf : soon it will be surrounded with some-
thing like very fine cotton wool, and ia the process of time
the " nest " will be as large as a Cucumber or Melon seed. In
this the bng deposits its eggs, not less than one hundred.
Now, if the syringe is brought to bear upon these nests mucti
good results, but in a moist stive or vinery th3 young progeny
thrives equally ai well as the plants.

As regards r"d spider I cannot say, liko some of your corra-
Bpondents, that I " never have to do with it," for I have had
much to dj v>ith it. I find ths best cure aud preventive is
aleanliness, plenty of syringing, and washing the wood, trees and

plants, in winter with strong soft-soap water. It has been
said that red spider will not frequent healthy trees or plants.
I believe this is a mistaken idea, for there is nothing they like
better than healthy pasture. What gave rise to this was, I
believe, they were seldom found on healthy foliage ; for trees
or plants infested with them, if healthy, will not be long so,
but that is no reason why they would rather have an nnhealth;
pasture. Neglected plants afford them a splendid opportunity
for the incubation of their eggs.

Thrips is less hardy than the last-named insect. They can
be destroyed by tobacco fumes and tobacco water, and syringing
with clean water will destroy their eggs, which are very nume-
rous. Ammonia will also kill them, as I obs-erved many deaths
from what I described above about the stable manure. We
may write much, and talk much, and be loud about our dis-
coveries of insecticides and such lik-*, still we are the assistants
of insect-propagation in our gardens by affording a congenial
atmosphere and an undisturbed season for incubation.

I had written thus far when the Journal arrived, aud I flaw
a paragraph calling attention to the use of paratlia against
scale and mealy bug. I have not the presumption to question
Mr. K'irr's practice, but I would caution every young gardener
against the use of paraffia. In the year 1873 I mixed some
with paint which I was preparing fur Vines aud Peach trees,
the former being much infested with m^aly bug. I did not
perceive any harm it did the Peaches, but my strong he i hy
Vines were so much affected that the buds as they b > ke
withered, and it was a long time before they anything like re-
covered. I have never used paraffin sine. Peach trees infested
with scale can be successfully cleaned of them by washing the
trees with soft-soap water during winter, and afterwards dress-
ing them all over with a compnsition of tough clay, sulphur,
and tobacco water. — B. G., Co. Down.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.
It was announced in the annual report of the Eoyal Hor-
ticultural Society that the Wednesday Committee meetings
will henceforth be held in the conservatory, after which a
military band will be in attendance. The next meeting of the
Committees will therefore be held in the conservatory, and a
fine Sbow is anticipated.

What Azalea amoiaa is amongst its species — namely,

small, early, and distinct, so is Eaklt Gem amongst Ehodo-
denlrons. This, as it has been exhibited by Mes-rs. Veitch,ia
exceedingly early, dwarf, and floriferous, and for producing
pleasing masses of flowers, either in the garden or conservatory,
it is a plant not to be overlooked. The culour of the flowers
is rosy lilac, aud the plant is of very clo-e habit. It must be
regarded as an acquisition for winter and spring decorative
purpoies, its natural precocity rendering but little forcing
necessary to assist in unfolding its numerous flowers during
the early months of the year.

" I NEVER before saw so much blossom on the Laurus-

TiNCS as there is this year. All the winter it has been most
useful for the flower stands, and with a few green sprays from
the shrubbery and a few Primulas to give colour has been very
effective, and since the Crocuses, H^ath, and other spring
flowers have come in still more so. I do not Consider it later
than in some other seasons — last year for instance. Some
blossoms always come out in the autumn, and the others wait
for heat, but occasionally the frost in winter is so severe that
all the remaining blossom buds are destroyed, and in com-
parison with those seasons the present blossom muy be said to
be later, but not otherwise. — Amateur, Cir<:nceslfr."

We have received the following note from a " City

Man" in reference to Sutton's Golden Globe Savoy: — "I
have had three sorts of Savoys sent me from a garden in
Surrey, and could not resist admiring the beautiful appearance
of Sutton's Golden Globe. When cook«d it was also the most
tender and delicate iu flavour of tbe three. Its colour may be
an objection with some, but I think no one can dispute its
superior quality."

The following hardy herbaceous plants flowered daring

February at the Messrs. Rollisson & Sons, Tooting Nursery : —
Galanthns plicatus, G. nivalis, Kcilla sibprica, Sixifraga rubra,
S. oppjsitifolia major, S. oppofitifoliii pjronaica, S. cordifolia,
S. S'.racheyi, Diaathus Maria Pur-', Eranthis hyemalis, H"pa-
tica angulosa, H. triloba alba, H. triloba staminubus rubra,
H. triloba rubra, H. triloba rosea, H. triloba coernlen. Iris re-
ticulata (fragrant as Violets), Sisyrinchium grandiflorum, Ery-

JOURNAL OF EOETIODLTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENBB.

[ March 1, 1877.

throninm deas-canis in variety, Musoari pallidnm, Primnla
denticulats, P. polyantha, Helleborue niger, Aubrietia deltoidea
grandiflora, and Triteleia grandiflora.

It is not generally known that anyone may now become

a member of the Eoyal HoRTicrLTCBAL Society on the pay-
ment of an annual subscription of one guinea, and this entitles
them to free admission to all shows, promenades, and meetings
of the Society except the annual meeting. In short, it gives
the privileges of a Fellow with the exception of voting at meet-
ings on questions of government and finance, and these are
privileges wLich not one in a hundred of the Fellows ever
avail themselves of. What people mostly want are to be
allowed to walk in the gardens and to attend shows and pro-
menades, and this they can do by becoming guinea members.

Mr. N. Hodgkin writing to us from The Gardens,

Downgate, Sandhurst, Kent, on the mildness of the season,
states that he has now (February 12th) Veronicas, Hepaticas,
Heaths, white Mezereon, Snowdrops, Crocuses, Jonquils, white
and yellow Narcissus, and Hyacinths, all in full bloom. He
has gathered Roses all the winter, and on February 13th
Gloire de Dijon, GSueral Jacqueminot, Souvenir do la Malmai-
Bon, MaiL-chal Ninl, Lamarque, and Bankeian Yellow, as good
blossoms as in summer, from north-west and south-east walls.
Leaves of bulbs of all kinds are above ground ; Liliums pnno-
tatnm, roseum, album, rubrum, and longiflorum are 9 inches
high, all in the open ground. A Daphne indica rubra planted
in a sheltered position has been in full bloom for the last six
weeks, and vegetation generally is in a very forward state.

In "The British Trade Journal" is a portrait and

memoir of Mr. Martin Hope Sutton, of the well-known Read-
ing Nursery firm. It states : " The day of his nativity (March
14th, 1815) was one of misfortune. On it occurred a bank
failure, by which his father was seriously affected, and this
calamity was intenfifled by the news that a large London
house to which Mr. Sutton jjfre was in the habit of consigning
large quantities of flour had come to the ground. The worthy
gentleman seems to ha^e maintained a bold front in the face
of these reverses, and to show his confidence in the fulfilment
of the motto, ' Le hons temps viendra,' gave to his son the
name of Martin Hope. In 1832 the youth was promoted from
school to a place in the parental counting house. His father's
business, located in Reading, was that of a miller and corn
merchant, an rffshoot being small dealings in agricultural
seeds. Young Sutton was an enthusiastic botanical student,
and a lover of floriculture for its own sake, and he was allowed
to dabble at his own risk in the raising and selling of garden
seeds, a branch which his father deemed too insignificant to
form an integral part of the seed business. His sober ambition
was to establish a nursery garden, and by-and-by it was real-
ised. A small plot of ground was secured, and it was not very
long before a gorgeous Tulip bed in connection with it became
in the blooming season one of the local attractions of Reading.
In 1837 the quiet enterprise of the young man met its reward
in the establishment of partnership relations between himself
and father, under the firm of .John Sutton & Son. Their
nursery began to gain a repute, and at the time when Dahlias
were the fashionable rage in horticulture, their floral col-
lection was referred to by Miss Mitford in a charming article
entitled ' The Lost Dahlia,' which appeared in ' Chambers's
Edinburgh Journal,' as ' the most choice and select I have
ever seen.' In the year 1843 Mr. Alfred Sutton, who had for
some time been actively associated with the business, was ad-
mitted as a partner, and the firm assumed the title of Sutton
and Sons, by which it is still known."

As an instance of the mildness of the winter in West-
morland there is in the gardens. Fox Ghyll, Amblesido, a
scarlet Eiiododendron in foll bloom. The first flowirs cut
from it were on the 19tb December. It is usual for it to flower
about Christmas, but as a rule gets cut down with severe
weather. The Laurnstinus also are two or three weeks earlier
in flowering than they are generally.

Mr. Pithers, The Gardens, Monster House, Fulham,

has sent us sprays of Aucdba japonica more heavily laden with
berries than any that we have hitherto seen. The sprays have
been cut from large shrubs which have had no male plants
near them, and their fruitfulness can only be accounted for by
the distribution of pollen conveyed by the wind from Mr.
Dancer's Nursery, about 200yari's distant from Munster House.
This is another proof that it is not always necessary to place
the male and female plants side by side for ensuring a crop of
fruit. We remember having seen large Auouba bashes at

Denbies covered with fruit without artificial fertilisation havicy
been resorted to. Male plants flowered in the garden some-
distance from the female shrubs, and the wind conveyed the
pollen in the most effective manner. All who possess shrubs
of the old mottled Auouba should also obtain male plants, and
the beauty of their shrubs will be enhanced when producing
clusters of brilliant scarlet berries.

" N. B. " sends us a note'sayingthat if Jcsticia flavi-

coMA recently mentioned by Mr. Anderson is identical (as he
thinks it is) with Schaueria calicotricha he can endorse all
that has been said in its favour, as he has found the plant
which he has under the name of Schaueria one of the brightest
and best of winter-blooming plants.

" MiDLANDER " asks what acid is in the Gooseberry?

We print in reply the following analysis made by M. Berard.
Green Gooseberries have been analysed by him, both before,
they were ripe and when ripe : —

Unripe. Ripe.

Chlorpbyl (green colouring matter) 0.03 .... —

Sugar 0.52 .... 6 24

Gum 1.3G .... 0.78

Albumen 1.07 0.86

Malic acia 1.80 .... 2.41

Citric acid 0.12 .... 0.81

Lime 024 0.29

Fibrin, inclndiug the seeds 8.45 .... 8.01

Water 86.41 .... 81.10

100.00 lOO.OO

Whoever wishes for full and authentic informatioa

of all kinds relative to the Colony of Victoria should refer to
the "Notes" published "by authority." It is historical as
well as geographical, meteorological and statistical. It records
that there are there 1500 gardeners not domestic servants j
that about £40,000 worth of Potatoes are exported yearly,
and the following prices (f some garden prodnete in 1874.
Potatoes, wholesale, £4 to £4 10s. per ton; retail, jd. to \d.
per lb. ; Onions, dried, 9s. to 20s. per owt. ; Carrots, &d. to Is,
per dozen bunches ; Turnips, 6rf. to 2s. per dozan bunches ;
Radishes, id. to dd. per dozen bunches ; Cabbages, 9(J. to 10s.
per dozen ; Cauliflowers, 2s. 6d. to 8s. per dozen ; Lettuces, 2(i.
to 2s. per dozen ; Green Pea', \\d. to id. per lb.

Messrs. Backhouse & Son state Galanthus iMPEBATr

is the finest of all Snowdrops. The leaves are narrower anS
altogether smaller than those of G. plicatus (the Crimean
Snowdrop), while the flower ia larger, the petals being nearly
or quite one-h.ilt longer than those of G. nivalis. A graceful
Snowdrop, resembling the common one, but with flowers
nearly IJ inch long, forms no ordinary addition to our early
border plants, and must be welcome everywhere.

We regret to have to announce the death of Mr.

Henry Obmson, the eminent hothouse builder and hot-water
engineer, which occurred on Tuesday, 20th of February, in the
Isle of Wight, where he had gone for the benefit of his health.

Mr. Darwin has received as a testimonial, on the

occasion of his sixty-ninth birthday, an album, a magnificent
folio, bound in velvet and silver, containing the photographs
of 154 men of science in Germany. The list contains some ol
the best known and most highly honoured names in Europe.
He has likewise received on the same occasion from Holland
an album with the photographs of 217 distinguished protessorft
and lovers of science in that country. These gifts are not only
highly honourable to Mr. Darwin, but also to the senders as a
proof of their generous sympathy with a foreigner; and they
further show how widely the great principle of evolution is now
accepted by naturalists. A German correspondent informs us
that the German album bears on the handsome title-pnge the
inscription "Don Ecformator der Naturgeschiclite, Charlea
Darwin." — {Nature).

AZALEA PESTS.
It is well known that Azaleas are extremely liabb to become
infested with insects, especially red spider and thrips. The
time these are most likely to become established is when the
plants are in bloom, as syringing or fumigating cannot be done
then. After they go out of flower it is a very general practice
to place the plants in a vinery to start them into growth. The
insects have then a fine opportunity of mnking their way on to-
the Vines, and they are not slow in availing themselves of the
chance. Now it is very desirable that this should not take
place, because when the insects find their way to the Vines thus
early they are certain to do much mischief bafore the end of the

March 1, 187?. J

JODKNAL OF HOUTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

157

season; whereas if they were not introduced with the Azaleas
it is more than probable they might never have fonnd their
way in. My advice to all putting Azaleas into vineries at this
or any other time is to be certain that they are thoroughly clean.
I have found no difficulty in killing every insect by the follow-
ing means : — I fill a large tab or barrel full of clean water.
Tobacco juice is then added until the water is the colour of
London porter. Gishurst compound is then dissolved and added
until the water looks like soapsuds. The plants are then in an
inverted position submerged in the solution and allowed to
remain about one hour, and I have not seen the insect which
will survive this treatment. The mouth of the pot is rested on
pieces of wood laid across the tub. When they are taken out
of the water the mixture is not hurriedly syringed ofi the
leaves, but. on the contrary, it is allowed to dry on, and this I
am of opinion gives the leaves a disagreeable taste to the in-
sects for a long time afterwards. — J. M.

EOYAL HOETICULTUBAL SOCIETY.

Hx first letter on guinea fellowships, printed on the 21st of
October, 187.3, called " upon some one with time and a fresh
head at his disposal to come forward and take the lead," and
it was only when no one responded that, rather than a good
work should be shelved, I determined after urging the Council
about this time last year to make the appeal to the country,
to attempt the work myself.

I said, and say still, that our snooessful experiment tried in
this neighbourhood is in my opinion absolutely conclusive. If
we could get about fifty owners of gardens who had either
never joined the Society or who had left it, to express their
willingness to become guinea Fellows or find a substitute,
it is nearly certain that with time and work other neighbour-
hoods would do likewise, with the result that we should have
Fellows enough to furnish all the funds which could possibly
be required.

" A Guinea Man " considers that " the results have been
impotent." I do not agree with him. In our first issue of
names of would-be guinea Fellows there are a greater number
of those of the representative horticulturists of the country
than are contained in the long last-printed " list of Fellows,"
that of 1873, before the great defection took place. " A Guinea
Man " quotes Mr. H. .T. Veitch's speech at the meeting of the
13th. I think Mr. Veitch should have given me notice of his
change of mind, though this cannot have been a very decided
one, as he said publicly after the meeting that he still believed
in the guinea fellowships ; but he certainly should not have
stated that one-third of our would-be Fellows were already
Fellows of the Society. Our names were 377 ; out of these
forty-three were, or had been (some had left) " already Fellows,"
but five of these were lite Fellows who had compounded, there-
fore any further payment from them would have been so much
to the good. So, in fact, instead of two-thirds as stated, more
than nine-tenths of our names were practically new.

I fully admit that some who, like "A Guinea Man," were
" believers in the guinea scheme," rather disappointed me.
(Did "A Guinea Man" ask a single friend to join?). But
where influential horticulturists took trouble in nemo districts
they brought in excellent names. Witness Col. Page of Llan-
daff, Rev. Harper Crewe of Triug, Dr. Lionel Beale of London,
who all collected first-class names. Miss Hope of Wardie,
too, brought in three very good names of ladies, besides her
own well-known one. Our number of names are the results
of the labour of but a few ; with a little more study and ex-
perience we shall learn how to induce more to work. Our
short list, too, contains such influential names that it must
tell. Some first-class names have come in since our list was
printed. A Yorkshire horticulturist, with his county's energy,
has gone to the expense of a lithographed letter from himself,
which he is sending round in hia district with our circular
enclosed.

Now as to the future. What has made me work is this
strong fact, that the Society has never for any time together
(since its very early days when it started as a scientific society),
prospered. It has never trusted to those most interested in
horticulture for its support. All other scientific societies have
trusted to those most interested in their several objects and
have prospered. I believe if we should so change the con-
stitution of our Society as to resemble theirs in the above
respect, horticulture having more friends through the country
than any other science has, it would become the most pro-
eperoas Society of all.

The Council have admitted three classes, one of Fellows
paying £4 Is. and having two transferable tickets, a second
paying £2 2s. having one transferable, a third members with-
out a vote having one non-transferable ticket. I believe one
reason for withholding a vote from these last was the fear
that so many in the neighbourhood might become guinea
Fellows that their votes would swamp those of Fellows not on
the spot. A member of the Council, after the meeting, I un-
derstood to say would have supported guinea fellowships to
those living outside the London letters. If the Council would
agree to this, I think that many of the best horticulturists of
the country rather than wait until 1892 would come in, though
some would not. Fellows living out of town have less good
from the gardens, therefore it seems fair that they should pay
less. It has been said. Let those who want to vote pay £2 2s.
Not a few of the very best horticulturists of the country cannot
or will not pay more than a guinea, and I do not think it reason-
able to ask more from them. Anyone looking at our list will
see supporters from distant parts of the kingdom; many of
them when sending their names said that they could not
expect personal good, but to help a Society for promotion of
their favourite science they would become guinea Fellows. I
must again remind, that some of the best horticulturists in
the country whose names would add strength to any society,
and who have great influence in their districts (especially
clergymen), aro often not overburdened with guineas in pro-
portion to the number of calls upon them, and that a guinea
is as much as they will or can be expected to spare.

If these representative horticulturists would come in —
and I believe they would in numbers — the Society would be
leavened with the horticultural element which has been the
great object of our work. Some would say the Society has
still the South Kensington encumbrance. True, but if they
were asked only for a guinea it is not they who would pay for
this, they would get horticultural consideration for their
guinea, while the £4 4s. and £2 2s. subscribers would pay for
the South Kensington Gardens. These have often been likened
to a white elephant, but it is not the white elephant (at least
as far as horticulturists are concerned), that is an evil, but
the having to pay for its keep, and this they would not have
to do. If the Council will not grant guinea fellowships with
votes to those living outside the letters, I would counsel going
on collecting names and waiting, trusting to the chapter of
accidents. The Council may rechange their policy, the £10,000
for the year may not be raised. The public or Parliament
may effectually protest against the land bought with the people's
shillings being used except for public purposes. In any case,
judging from the tone of letters to me, I think the best hor-
ticulturists will not, by giving guineas for a membership with-
out a vote, to that extent bolster-up what such a long ex-
perience has shown to lead only to unsucjess.

" A Guinea Man " speaks of the " approval of silence" of the
meeting when guinea members were not given votes, and
mentions that I was present. Guinea membership not having
been mentioned in the report. I at first thought the Council
had let it drop ; but any way. the idea of guinea fellowship
outside the letters not having then been suggested, and our
supporters having only given their names for fellowship with
a vote when free from encumbrance, we were not concerned in
the matter; besides, I deny that silence gives consent, or
means more than a desire to avoid needless discussion. For
instance, the report says of the fortnightly meetings—" The
large attendance of Fellows and their friends that are usually
seen at these meetings," I whispered to my neighbour that I
thought that the attendance had been notoriously painfully
small, but did not consider it my business to protest against
the statement. — George F. Wilson.

The following letter from Mr. Hanghton has appeared in
the Pall Hall Gazette .•—

" Sib, — I do not in the least contest your right to criticise
the acts of the Society and of the Commissioners ; but I may
not unreasonably ask for accuracy in the statement of facts
when yon seek to condemn the efforts of the Council of the
former body on their merits. In your article of yesterday you
speak of " public land " which the Society monopolises ; its
land being in fact no more public than that of St. Bartholo-
mew's Hospital or of one of the City companies. The Com-
missioners hold in fee their South Kensington property as
trustees for certain purposes which our law terms charitable.
The benefit of that property by dedicating part of it as an
ornamental garden was one of the objects avowed on the face

loo

JuUiviNAi^ Ui' ailtil lUOljJ Uhr

of the agreement to carry out which the Society'fl charter was
granted; and the event Las proved that the South Kensington
Gaiilene have added to the surrounding property much more
than their original value plus the money spent on them. The
Society has bo spent 73,000 on permanent works, and £20,000
or £30,000 on materials and labour — in all something like
£100,000, which the advocates of the public now ask to oon-
fiscate ; and it no more monopolises its gardens than the pro-
prietors of the Pall Mall Gazette monopolise that popular
journal. Opinions may reasonably differ as to what is a fair
rent, but that paid for the gardens by the Society during the
last fifteen years has considerably exceeded in amount that paid
during the fiame time by the Royal Botanic Society for an equal
acreage in Regent's Park. Your statement that the Society
'could not exist if it depended wholly on South Kensington'
may be true if (as in your article) you limit this district to two
or three streets, but it is otherwise if yon extend it so as to
embrace the metropolitan Fellows who enjoy the gardens there.
So nnderstood it would be more correct to say Chiswick on its
present scale could not exist without South Kensington, for
the scientific work carried on at the former place absorbs every
penny of what I may be allowed to call purely horticultural
Bubscriptions, together with a considerable rate in aid from
the latter. In conclusion, I may say that if you will honour
the Society with your presence at the next fruit and floral
meeting on the 7th of March, yon will not only see a display
of plants worthy of the best of its bygone days, but will also be
able to satisfy yourself that the gardens are far from being a
wilderness."

NOTES ON POMOLOGY IN HEREFOBDSHIRE.

(Kead at a meeting of the Woolhope Club bj tho Kev. C. H. Bnlmrr.)
I WILL in my retrospective survey take a glance at the
historic Apples and Pears which were formerly cultivated in
Herefordshire, although most of them are best known now-a-
days by their varieties. It seems to me I can most practically
thus treat my subject, because I thoroughly endorse Andrew
Koight'e remark, though contrary, I am aware, to the opinion
of the best old pomological writers, that " Herefordshire is not
60 much indebted to its soil as to some valuable varieties ;"
and in commenting on thepe varieties seriatim I shall be able
to show you further that there is also great truth iu another
remark of Andrew Knight, that from the description that Par-
kinson (who wrote in 1C29) has given of the Apples cultivated
in his time, it is evident that many of those known by the
same name are quite different and probably new varieties, some
being so altered for better or worse as to assume quite a new
seasonal or structural character. Among cider Apples, to
which these remarks specially apply, the Bedstreak or Souda-
more Crab then reigned supreme ; tho early-fruiting Genet
Moyle, its hardly formidable rival except with the ladies — both
varieties long years ago overtaken and swept away by the tide
of time; the Must and Golden Pippin, pigmy anatomies of
their former selves; while the Foxwhelp and Styre in a mori-
bund state are only exitting on their past reputation, which
their numerous progeny unfortunately does not in any degree
give promise of sustaining.

I will take first some of our historic perry Pears on account
of their extreme longevity and from being so well known to us
all. The Teignton Squash is first in point of excellence if
not of antiquity, having existed without doubt at the beginning
of the sixteenth century. Its origin is unknown. Although
in the last stage of debility and decay the old trees bear well,
though disappearing fast. The growth of the Teignton Squush
resmibles very closely that of the Longland, a variety which
is still flourishing, and of all Pears I should call the farmer's
friend, as its fruit keeps fairly and makes very good perry;
while to the housewife nothing can exceed it as a stewing Pear
iu richness and colour, before the Catillac and other late stew-
ing Pears come into season. The Oldfield, however, is the
best Pear we have, whether its fecundity or the lasting qualities
of its fruit or perry is considered. Evelyn mentions in his
day (1706) a gentleman who had some bottles of Oldfield
perry brought him from a distance of eight hundred miles that
was over forty years old, as rich and high- flavoured as ever it
was — a perfect regale be calls it. I can also endorse Evelyn's
eulogium, "Penes auctorem fit fides," as I have tasted some
bottled perry from this variety over forty years old in perfect
condition made from my own glebe orchard from original trees,
I do not hesitate saying, although in full bearing, that are in
their third century. These, however, I regret to say, are iso-

lated facts — the exception, not the rule ; as the description of
Palladius holds good now-a-days as in his times, centories
ago, that perry, chiefly owing to its irrepressible fermentation,
" Ilyemc durat, sed prima accessit instate." The most pic-
turesque and popular without doubt is the venerable Barland
or Bearland, originally of Bosbury ; the same eld lofty-growing
trees we see growing now most probably filled the tankards of
the Herefordshire farmer and his guests in the seventeenth
century, and is more a sister beverage — a right sort of smoUe-
a-pipe perry, as an old right-sorted farmer himself described
Foxwhelp cider — than any other. Of dessert sorts of historio
Pears time will only allow of my mentioning two — the Easter
Beurrc and Beurrc Diel, and to find them a local and special
history. These two varieties, I have ascertained, were shown
in far larger quantities at the last pomological exhibition than
any others, and both in their selection and production reflected
great credit on the growers. Looking at the market price of
fruit in Covent Garden a short time back, and before the
London season began, I found these two identical Pears alone
mentioned by name at what must be considered the highly
remunerative price of os. to 12s. per dozen; while Blenheim
and Kibston Pippins (again strange to record), shown at our
pomological exhibition both by far greater quantities than any
other variety of Apples, fetched from 12s. to ISs. per bushel.
It is well, I believe, to ceimment on facts like these when in
Herefordshire, the orchard of England, so many tons of first-
quality fruit are suffered to perish through want of seasonable
pruning, sheltering, or picking, or still more unpardonable
neglect of the simplest rules to bo observed in subsequent
hoarding. Thus the home counties and Hertfordshire, and
even some parts of Yorkshire, who, as Phillips sings —

" do not disdain to leftvn
IIow Katare's gifts may be imiiroved by Art,"
command a ready market ; while Herefordshire, with the finest
natural advantages in the world, is obliged perfunctorily to
depend upon the impecunious visits of the huckster for the
sale of her immense surplus stock of what she has only to
thank herself for being pit fruit and pot fruit.

As I must hurry on, I feel, to bring my paper to a close, I
win only give you a list of the most celebrated of the historio
varieties of Apples, making a few remarks afterwards chiefly
as regards the nomenclature and varieties of those oldest, best
known, and valued.

The Joan or Juneating and Margaret, the Pomeroy, tho
Catthead and Costard, the Winter Qnoining or Queening, the
old Pearmain, the Kusset or Eoyal Kusset, tbe Lemon or
Quince Pippin, the Golden Pippin, the Nonpareil, the Beefing
and the Margil ; and among cider fruit the Bed Dymock, the
Forest Styre, the Boyal Wilding, tbe Bedstreak, the Woodcock,
the Foxwhelp. This list, I believe, includes nearly all that
may be styled the historic varieties, some flourishing, some
lingering ou to tbe present day.

The etymology of tho Joannetting or Juneating Apple is so
singular and decides the names of so many other Apples and
Pears, that I shall not apologise for selecting it. It is one of
the oldest and earliest bearing Apple?, hence the mistake about
its name being Juueatiug, iu aiii: Ma to its maturity at the
end of June or July. Dr. Hogg traci's its name to Joannetting,
because its Apples ripened about St. John's day ; and for a
similar reason the next Apple I mention, the Margaret Apple,
derives its name from St. Margaret's day, the 20th July, when
this Apple would be in season. The Costard is one of the
oldest of our English Apples. This variety is actually men-
tioned by name in a fruiterer's bill in Edward I.'s reign in
1202, as previously alluded to ; and although now almost
extinct, still used to be so common that retailers of it (even
the very price mentioned at l.s'. per 100) were called costard
mongers, a name in popular use now in tbe word costermonger.
Some etymologists, including the great Br. Johnson, consider
the name Costard to be derived from eosi, a head, but how it
iB hard to say or rather to see. Dr. Hogg traces the name to
costatus, anijlice costate or ribbed, on account of the promi-
nent ribs on its sides. The (Juoining or Queening Apple is an
old Apple, of which we have many '\'arieties in Herelordshire
(notably the Cowarne Quoiniiig, a most valuable Apple) which
were excellently and numerously shown at our pomological
exhibition. The name (^HioiuiDg may be traced by the angularity
of the shape of the Apple, similarly as in the Costard, from
the word quoin or coin, the corner-stone of a building. The
Catshead is another very old Apple still grown amongst us,
hut chiefly I have noticed in cottagers' gardens, where it is
gradually giving way to the Hawthornden and Lord Snflield,

llardi 1, 1S77. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

159

especially ia Hertfordshire. Phillips einga its praises thus —
" The Catshead's weighty orb enormous in its growth." The
Old or Winter Pearmaiu must by no means be omitted. It ia
the very oldest historic variety we have. In Bloomfield's
history of Norfolk, as quoted by Hogg, there is curious mention
made of a tenure in that county by petty sergeantry and the
payment of two hundred Pearmaiua and four hogsheads of
cider of Pearmains into the Exchequer at the Feaat of St.
Michael. The origin of the name is equally curious. In early
hiatoricil works of the same period Charlemagne is written
Charlemaine, the last syllable as Pearmaine ; and aa Charle-
magne was derived from Carolna magnus, so Pearmaine is
derived from Pyrus magnus, the Great Pear Apple, in allusion
to its pyriform shape. The Lemon or Quince Pippin ia men-
tioned by Ellis in 1744 as so good an Apple for all agea that
many plant this tree in preference to all others. I kaow a
nurseryman in my very neighbourhood who has several trees
of this variety in wonderful bearing, but he says he could sell
twenty times the quantity be has to different nurseries, where,
owing to its briek and refreshing taste, it is a special favourite.

The Golden Pippin, although of the greatest antiquity, haa
very little early history. It ia not the Golden Pippin of John
Parkinson, because he speaks of it as a large variety. Evelyn,
in his Pomona, states that Lord Clarendon had in his time at
his estate in Berkshire an orchard of a thousand Golden and
other cider Pippins, but no allusion is made to it as a dessert
Apple. The Margii is still grown successfully in Herefordshire.
It ia said to have been originally introduced from Versailles
in 1750. This Apple was shown very nicely at our last pomo-
logical exhibition. In delicacy of flavour it is unsurpassed,
but unfortunately it is a shy bearer, owing chiefly to its blos-
soms suffering from frost more than any other Apple. The
laat, although one of the earliest historic Apples, I shall men-
tion is the Pomeroy or King's Apple. This Apple is of extreme
antiquity, very little is known of its early history. In Hogg'a
" Fruit Mannol" (a work most judiciously added by Dr. Bull
to the Free Library), and from whose descriptions I have
largely borrowed, two distinct varieties are mentioned in use
nearly at the same time, but differing altogether in shape,
flavour, quality, and colour of flesh. I take particular interest
in this old and highly valuable variety, because in my parish
we have three or more very old trees still flourishing, and I
was glad to see this Apple shown from many parts at our
late exhibition. The original variety of Pomeroy still bears
very fine juioy and delicious ftnit in September, but which
very soon perish ; indeed last year many Apples dwcayed while
hanging on the tree. This undoubtedly would be the Pomeroy
of Somerset mentioned by Hogg, though he puts back its aeaaou
too late from October to December. Now I was shown, indeed
I tasted, a fortnight ago a specimen of the second variety, the
Pomeroy of Lancashire, which had been bought in the Here-
ford Christmas market under the pseudonym of the Green
Blenheim. This cannot be the true Pomeroy, aa this variety
does not answer at all to the description given it by the old
writers neither seasonably nor etructurally. I was pleased to
find in Forsyth, who wrote his treatise in 1810, that this ia
only a late variety of the true Pomeroy. He describes it as
the Winter Pomeroy, a good baking Apple and keeping till
.January. I should say this might be a variety of the true
Pomeroy promiscuously crossed with the Nonpareil or one
of its many varieties, as it bears strong resemblance to this
Apple,

The most interesting of our cider historic Apples which may
be considered aa existing now are the Dymock Bed, the Royal
Wilding, the Cowarne Red, the Thyme's Kernel, the Forest
Styre, the Underleaf, the Woodcock, and the Foxwhelp. Of
these varieties I will only briefly say that the Dymock Red is
either a different Apple altogether or altered strangely in
character. Now it is one of our earliest and best cider fruits
in the Ledbury diatriet, while in Forsyth's time a Dymock
Red similar otherwise in description kept from January to
March.

The Royal Wilding also demands a special notice. It ia
one of our best cider fruit, and I always thought that Here-
fordshire had the credit of raining it until undeceived by
Dr. Hogg, who claims that honour for Devonshire. Now, I
find in old Barry Laugley so different a plate altogether of the
lluyal Wilding in hia time to what it is now with us, that I
moat consider them two distinct varieties of Apples until dis-
proved by seeing a specimen of this fruit in the autumn from
Devonshire.

The Woodcock is extensively grown in several parts of

Herefordshire. The trees that I have Been are generally
pictures of healthiness and fecundity, while the fruit bears the
undoubted characteristics of the original species in structure,
especially as regards a curious enlargement on the side of the
fruitstalk. Still the cider now-a-days is miserably poor — thin
and whelp-like, and not at all in keeping with the high repu-
tation it held among writers in the seventeenth century.

Of the Forest Styre I have failed in obtaining any history
whatever. It is mentioned by the oldest writers, and its praise
extolled to the skies when grown on light and chalky soils. It
is an early sort, and the strength of its cider immense. I am
told grafts from the old trees canker soon and perish sooner
or later ; while the cider made now is harsh and has lost all
that charm of flavour for which formerly it was so celebrated.

With the Foxwhelp this is not the case, I mean with the
original trees. If fruit only can be had the flavour or gnat is
most prononce : but from any other trees than the original
this flavour ia barely perceptible. With this piece of informa-
tion I come to a full stop. Evelyn dismisses the Foxwhelp in
a single line coutemptaonsly " as making a cider that requires
two or three years to come round." Can I with any sense of
self-respect or in common justice believe to the last and dis-
miss hurriedly our prince of Apples, the aole survivor in the race
of time — our highly-flavoured fruit, that like Shelley's flower
is dying of its own sweet loveliness, and like the expiring swan
is singing only in its death? No, we orchard lords of Hereford-
shire, as represented by the Woolhope Club, mean to pay the
highest tribute in our power, and to make its fame immortal
by allotting to the Foxwhelp Apple the pride of place in the
first number of our standard Herefordshire Pomona ; while as
to myself I will not, I repeat, insult a time-honoured lichen-
sheathed giant by giving him now a beggarly passing notice ;
but thanking the company for their attention, will leave to
some brother member the high privilege of reading a special
paper in honour of the Foxwhelp, on its longevity, its specific
untransferableness, and its nnrivalled power in the words of
Evelyn speaking of all good cider, "in soberly eihilirating the
spirits of us hypochondriacal islanders."

WOOLLY APHIS AND THE AUKICDLA.

I GRIEVE to say that I must be added to the list of sufferers
by this peat, the existence of which, as far as the Auricula ia
concerned, 1 was utterly ignorant of until the letters that have
lately appeared in ihe Journal attracted my notice. I had
been much disappointed with the appearance of some of my
planta after top-dressing. They did not move with accustomed
vigour, and as the loam which I used had been laid up for
gome years I concluded it was at fanlt, but against this was
the fact that some of the plants were as fine as usual. When
the letter of " A. S." appeared in last week's Journal I be-
thought me, Can I have this plague ? and so in fear and
trembling I went to my frames. The first plant I examined
was one of C. J. Perry. I turned it out carefully, and alas !
all along the roots which had well filled the pot were the
white woolly threads, which I am afraid must be it ; if so, my
failure is to be accounted for. I know not what to do. To
turn them cut of their pots now would be, I fear, hurtful, and
would spoil all my chance of a bloom (now I fear but a poor
one), and yet if I leave them alone I am afraid of the effect on
the plants. Need it be said that I feel this to be a great
calamity ? We are about to have a grand tournament in Lon-
don, and, although the owners of " the largo battalions " in
the north are coming with force, I should Uke to have been in
the mek'e, and still hope to be in a small way ; but this will
very materially hamper me. I am in a ditlioulty here for
shade, aad during the summer place my frames under a hedge
near which are some old Apple trees, and I fear it is from
them I must have the pest. These insect ravages are most
mysterious. I have grown Anricalas for forty years on and
oti, and yet I never heard of such an enemy as this before.
It is not alluded to in any writings on the flower that I am
acquainted with, and all at once we hear of it in various di-
rections ; and the beasts cannot certainly have communicated
one with another, and said, " We have had enough Apple diet
for some time, suppose we go in for Auriculas." We unfortu-
nate sufferers are indeed to be pitied.

While writing of garden pests will you allow me to say that
the trustful gentleman who said that red-leading Peas was a
complete protection against mice is a gay deceiver? at least the
Kentish mice are above being stopped by such mean devices.
My first sowing of Emerald Gem was well red-leaded, but not.

leo

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

[ March 1, 1877.

withstanding this not only have the mice been at them, bat I
fonod some of the Peas still retaining the red on them care-
fully laiii up in a corner of mv Auricula pit, ready for another
mfsl. I must now try paraffin. Is it to be U3ed pure or
dilated?— D., Deal.

THE ANCHOR-FOOT STANDARD FOR WIRE
FENCING.

Wire fencing is au article which U bo mnch need in the par-
tition of parks, pastures, and moors, that (he mode of fixing it
is of the greatest importance. Next to strength, the mode of
fixing it in the ground is the consideration most to bo attended
to. We some time ago had brought to our notice a standard
manufactured by Messrs. A. & J. Main & Co., of Queen Vic-
toria Street, E.G., which we have found by experience to
be very effective. It is represented in the accompanying
engraving, and it is distinguished by the name of the

P-

Fig. 21.

" Anchor-foot standard." We have used it rather exten-
sively for separating pastures and as boundaries of farm
roads where there are no live fences, and we feel ourselves
justified in speaking of it in the highest terms. Its power of
resistance to cattle is perfect. In our own case the standards
are 9 feet apart with six and seven lines of galvanised wire,
and this we have fonnd so strong as to resist the charge of
a young horse, which when first turned out rushed up against
it, ignorant of its existence. Notwithstanding the force directed
against it, not more than two of the standards were displaced,
and that not more than 0 or 7 inches out of the perpendicular.
With such a test as this it is with confidence that we recom-
mend the anchor-foot standard for wire fencing.

TEA ROSES,

Mv experience in growing Tea Rosea is somewhat different
from that of " A YoBKsniBEiiAN " on page 81. I find that here,
a few miles on the west side of Lincoln, on a light dry soil, I
cannot by " A YoKusniREMiN's " method keep my Tea Roses
through an average winter. I always take them np at the latter
end of October and lay them in under a south wall, putting a
little dry fern amongst them if the weather becomes very severe.
I take care, however, to remove the fern or any other protec-
tion as soon as there is a change of weather, as I believe the
want of a free circulation of air among the branches for any
length of time is almost as destructive as the frost.

Aa] Boon as I have taken up the Roses I dig a quantity of

good pig manure into the ground (an east border), and dig it
over again a week or two before I replant in the beginning of
March, and I take care, as soon as I can, to mulch the newly
planted Rosea with grass cut from the lawn. I lose very few,
and in due season am richly rewarded for all the pains I take.
I have only half-standards at present, though I have laid-in
a stock of seedling Lriars, from which I am hoping great
things if I can only manage to work them. As I have no
glass, and cannot raise any Teas from cuttings, would that
"Wyld Savage" or any other of your correspondents show
me how?— J. E. B.

I THANK the Rev. J. B. M. Camm for his practical and genial
notes on Tea Roses, also for the complimentary way he speaks
of Leek and its rosarians. They are truly enthusiastic and
deserve the praise bestowed by Mr. Camm, and I am sure his
advice will encourage ns in the attempt to cultivate these
beautiful flowers, and I hope we shall be able to report favour-
ably next autumn of our success. I wish they were like that
hardy free-flowering Gloire de Dijon, for at Pickwood Hall, the
residence of William Challoner, Esq., not a mile out of Leek,
were cut on the 13th of January eight perfect blooms of that
Rose, and there are several fine fresh-looking buds, which if
the weather continues open will be flowers shortly. Will any
of your correspondents kindly say if they have seen anything
so nnusual in the month of January ? I ought to say that
Pickwood is belted by well-grown forest trees and shrubberies
except to the south-west, which looks down a delightful valley
— exoeptionably favourable. I might also mention that the
Clematis is in bloom, and not more than five weeks ago I saw
Mr. Challoner with a flower of Rhododendron, which he bad
cat from a plant the men were removing. — S. Eybe.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS-EVENING PRIMROSES.

If the old saying, " that there is nothing new under the sun,"
does not apply to anything particular it must be to flowers, for
they are ever new, and the more we see of their beauties and
inhale their fragrance the more we enjoy them. Oenothera
biennis is now bo well naturahsed in some parts of the country
that only a pinch of secid requires sowing in onr borders when
the plants come up, and by simply leaving them alone we soon
have Evening Primroses in abundance. The CEnotheras are
an extensive family of border flowers, and were much prized
in years gone by when bedding plants were not so numerona
as they are now. We used to tend CEnothera Drnmmondii
with care and employ it with good effect. The Dandelion-
leaved CEnothera taraxifolia, with its monstrous white flowers,
when pegged-dowu is a fine plant in the borders ; but perhaps
CEnothera macrooarpa has tlie largest flowers of the whole
family. Many others, as Q3. Fraserii, CE. speciosa, CE. glauca,
and Qu. hybrida, are all fine border flowers, many of them
emitting a delicate perfume. The herbaceous kinds are in-
creased by cuttings in the autumn and division in the spring.
They like a moderately dry sandy soil and full exposure.
Some one has said that (Enothera biennis expands its flowers
just as the sun sinks below the horizon.— Veritas.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTDRAL SOCIETY'S

GARDENS, KENSINGTON.
These gardens occupy about twenty-three acres. They are
a parallelogram in shape, surrounded by colonnades and
covered arcades, and on the north side, in the centre of the
arcades, is a very large conservatory. The gardens are laid
out in the Italian style, planned with good taste, and eminently
adapted for promenade by numerous intersections of grass
and gravel walks, highly embellished fountains, basins, canals,
cascades, balustrades, vases of rich design, statues in marble
and bronze, and numerous other^ embellishments ; terraces,
flights of steps, alcoves, and parapets; sloping lawns, and a
variety of surface producing pleasing effects. The water for
the fountains, cascades, &c., is supplied by an artesian well
■100 feet in depth, and is capable of supplying a million gallons
in twenty-four hours of a pure and soft quality suitable for
the purpose of the g.ardeu. The artificial adornments are
brought into harmony with the natural beauties of the treeB
and shrubs, and the various climbing plants twine round and
between the balusters, clustering on the tops and varying the
height of the terrace walls in various styles. The arcades,
alcoves, and projections from buildings are made supporters of
climbing plants, softening down the sharp outlines of masonry.

March I, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDEE AND COTTAGE QARDENEB.

161

The trees have grown to a size producing depth of green-
ness and breadth of shadow, and break the continuity of
view, BO that the eye cannot range over the whole space as
formerly without being attracted to some pleasing forms of
vegetation, and in all parts of the grounds there begins to
appear that boldness of relief which only time could give.
AU the decorations of this garden are highly ornamental,
and accord with the surrounding style and character of the
buildings; and if well kept up it would become very popular,
for it is well situated for fashionable resort and surrounded by
residences of families moving in the highest society, and the
garden preserves an open space in a district which has been fast
olosed-in by buildings in this fashionable quarter of the metro-
polis. A garden thus situated could not be better calculated
for exhibiting good examples of the high art of horticulture.

All should again unite in fellowship to support the old
institution that has done so much good service in its pro-

At this time (about 1818) the Society began the system of
procuring seeds and plants from abroad, and distributing them
to the Fellows. Plants were first sent from China by Mr. John
Reeves, a zealous horticulturist, and by-and-by the Council
began to send out collectors on their own account. The assets
of the Society increased. The house in Regent Street, which
for forty yeais afterwards was the focus of horticulture in
Europe, was bought at the price of £4200. The subscription
to the Society was raised from £2 2s. to £3 3s., and the ad-
mission fee from £3 3s. to £5 5s. ; and in 1821 there were as
many as 328 elections in one year.

Stimulated (some have said intoxicated) by this prosperity,
the Society resolved to take a lease from the Duke of Devon-
shire of the present grounds at Chiswick, and abandoning the
gardens at Kensington and Ealing, to concentrate all their
operations there. The land consisted of thirty-three acres,
and was leased at a yearly rent of £300 a-year, with a power

I ig. i;.'.— i;ov.iL

gresB of sixty-eight years, fostering and encouraging every
branch of horticulture, the articles of necessity rendering the
vegetable kingdom still more useful and more pleasurable.
Certainly the Society has before been in cloudy circumstances
and on the point of extinction, but then the good Prince Con-
Bort revived it; his influence restored its prestige, his plans
which recruited its funds, and so enabled the Society to con-
etruot the garden and restored all to prospsrity. Captain
Fowke, Mr. Smirke, and :Mr. Nesfield furnished plans for the
garden, but it was the Prince who Uret suggested the ideas
which they put on paper; it was he wlio examined the plans,
altered, and corrected them until they gradually assumed their
preeent form.

In 1818 it was thought the Society was in a position to
warrant the eetablishment of an experimental garden. The
income was £17;tl ; the funded property £1400, and floating
property ehtimated to be worth £3000 (a large proportion of
which wa?, doubtless, arrears of subscriptions). An experi-
mental garden was accordinply established at Kensington,
with an auxiliary nureery at EhHu j. The turn of events has
»B«in brought round a recurrence of the same conditions
which (xiitcd fifty years ago. The Horticultural Society has
tetnined to Ken-^ingtnn, m ar the spot where the old garden
ctoii.i, and it has HKaia its auxiliary nursery, only it ia at
Chiawick instead of Ealing.

of renewal for ever upon n lino of t-i-iO every thirty years.
At the end of the first thirty years this power was not exercised,
and a renewed lease at the same rent was entered upon for
another thirty years, with power to relinquish possession on
giving one year's notice. This lease will come to a termina-
tion on the 29th of September, 1881. — N. Cole, Kensington,

KITCHEN GARDENING.

At the usual fortnightly meeting of the Darlington Gardeners'
Institute the following practical and useful paper was read by
Mr. Maclndoe of Hutton Hall: —

At the present time the want of a knowledge of the culinary
garden is undoubtedly an ugly fact in connection with the
rising generation of gardeners. This no doubt arises from one
of two causes — either from want of opportunity or a disin-
clination on the part of young men to undergo the laborious
drudgery ot cultivating the soil. Journeymen gardeners who
can very creditably stake a Heath, turn a large Azalea bush
into a shapely pyramid, or neatly train a Peach tree to the
wires, are frequently met with ; but, whilst these things are
all very desirable in their way, how seldom do you find a
young gardener who can make an Onion bed in a workmanlike
manner, and I hold that no man has a right to call himself a
gardener until he is capable of making a neat and trim Onion

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Maroh 1, 1877.

bed. Again, how rarely do we meet with a young gardener
having any knowledge of the different varieties of either hardy
frnits or vegetables ; and I ask, How many are there who can
name at sisht say half a dozen sorts of Gooseberries or Straw-
berries ? How many could at eight nama three varieties of
Peas or of Broccoli? This is, I think, a state of things which
we all ought to try and remedy without further delay, as I can
conceive nothing so humiliating to a head gardener as his
being obliged to acquire a knowledge of kitchen gardening
fiom those under him ; and what can lower him so much in
the estimation of his men as an inability to show them how
to properly handle the spade or rake, arts which cannot well
be learnt in after lite? I would sincerely urge those who have
not had the good fortune to be well trained in the kitchen
garden during their apprenticeship to lose no time in placing
themselves under some good practical gardener where kitchen
gardening is well done, oven if this step should involve pecu-
niary loss and a sacrifice of personal comfort. When a gardener
enters upon his first responsible situaliou he should make it
one of his first duties to take stock of the kitchen garden, and,
having ascertained as soon as possible the requirements, likes,
and dislikes of the family, he should arrange his crops for the
following season, allotting as nearly as he can to each vegetable
the proportion likely to be at his disposal, and taking care to
avoid a glut or a famine at any time.

The following is the plan I adopt :— On some fine day in
autumn I go round pocket-book in hand, and on one page I
draw a rough plan of the garden, on which I affix a number to
each border and quarter ; I then number the succeeding pages
to correspond, and proceed to allot the next year's crops to
each plot, arranging what is to be dug or trenched, heavily or
lightly manured. The south borders I consider most valuable,
inasmuch as the earliest vegetables are always most highly
appreciated, for which reason these borders should always be
divided into several parts, of which the first would be occupied
with early Peas sown about the second week in November,
and which I consider a good crop to precede Strawberries for
the following year. Allow me to remark in passing that not-
withstanding all the high trumpet soundings about Alpha,
Ringleader, Emerald Gem, Blue Peter, or William I., I have not
found one Pea to surpass the old Dillistone's Early lor the first
dish. The adjoining piece of ground I give to early Potatoes,
always taking care to have them well sprouted before planting;
and for the first dish I have not yet met with any to beat the
old Ashleaf Kidney, of which, however, there are many spurious
stocks or so-called improved Aahleaved Kidneys. The true sort
is easily known, as, when commencing their growth, they have
smooth yellow sprouts with green points, whilst the bulk of
the others have purple sprouts. In the remaining portions of
the south borders places should be found for winter Onions,
early Carrots, Turnips, Cauliflowers, Broad and Kidney Beans,
Radishes, Lettuces, &a., and when these come off the land is
usually in good condition for late crops of French Beans,
Spinach, Turnips, Salading, &c.

The east and west borders are always useful for a variety of
crops successional to those grown under more favourable oir-
cnmstances, whilst the north border is valuable for lata Siraw-
berries. Turnips, Saladinp, Parcley, Herbs, and many otlier
things. I may rtmark that it is better not to occupy Iruit-
tree borders with tall vegetables or anything likely to injure
the trees on the walls.

Turning now to the main portion of the garden, we shall
have to determine how the quarters are to be cropped. In the
first place, a good space must be set apart for Potatoes; and in
my experience I have always found that, in addition to manure.
Potatoes are much benefited by a little fresh lime being applied
to the land at planting time, as, besides the good done to the
land, the quahty of the Potatoes is much improved. If the
land has been recently trenched, and is in good condition after
the second early Potatoes, fine crops of late Broccoli, Savoys,
or winter greens may be had, and those in turn may be ad-
vantageously succeeded by Celery. The year following the
maiu crop of Peas will do very well where the Celery has been,
taking care to have the Peas where the Celery trenches were,
as in this way the manure serves for two crops. The part of
the garden allotted to Carrots, Beet, Par-nips, and Onions
ought always to be trenched at least two spits deep some time
during the preceding autumn, and well mauured for the crop
of Onions. The best time to sow spring Onions is so soon ua
you can trample on the ground without the soil sticking to
your boots. 1 have for a number of years found wood ashes
very beneficial to Onions, Carrots, Beet, and Turnips. When

the seed is sown I have the drills filled up with the ashes, the
back of the rake is then drawn over the whole, and in due time
the seed sprouts Btrongly through the loose surface, which
never cakes, no matter how many showers there may have been
in the interim, and, moreover, I never knew Onions, when
treated as I have described, to be badly attacked with the grub
so common in old gardens. Onions mako a very good crop to
precede Cabbages, as they are got off the ground early in the
autumn, and the Cabbage plants get a good hold of the soil
before winter sets in.

You will observe I have not said anything about such vege-
tables as Asparagus, Globo Artichoke, Seakale, or Rhubarb,
which ars so often found in back out-of-the-way places ; these
I consider most valuable vegetables, and they will well repay
any extra labour bestowed upon them. Before making a new
plantation of these be sure to have the laud well manured and
deeply trenched, and, with ordinary attention afterwards, suc-
cess is almost certain. Such are a few general observations on
the management of the culinaiy garden ; and in conclusion I
would beg to be allowed earnestly to impress on all young head
gardeners to look well after the rotation of crops ; to keep the
garden clean and tidy ; to strive at all times to have a variety
of vegetables ready for the pot, and not to allow the salad-bowl
to be neglected. — [Darlington and Stockton Times.)

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FKOIT GARDEN.

So far the birds have not done any harm to the buds of the
Gooseberry bushes, which are now at that stage when they
usually attack them . The weather has been mild, and probably
green food of another sort has been plentiful. Pruning should
now be finished without any delay. We generally leave Morello
Cherry trees until the last, but they are now pruned and nailed.
The buds on the north walls are starting. It may not be gene-
rally known that the Morello as a pyramid succeeds well on the
dwarfing (Cerasus Mahaleb) stock, and it is possible to obtain
fruit for preserving purposes, as it ia not so much relished by
the birds as the other varieties. The old Kentish succeeds
quite as well on this stock, and they both make wonderfully
vigorous growth. The trees have a tendency to become over-
crowded with young wood, but this can be avoided by attention
in summer, and if it was not thinned-out at that time it ought
to be done at once. Wo have finished forking over the surface
of all the fruit-tree borders. Many gardeners object to this
operation ; they believe that it is uunecesfeary if not positively
injurious. In our light soil it is needful to give an annual
dressing of manure, and if this is left on the surface the birds
scratch it on to the walks, and the garden never looks in good
order ; whereas if the surface is merely forked over and care
taken not to injure the roots with the fork, the borders look
much neater. Should any weeds appear it is very easy to run
the Dutch hoe through amongst the trees.

Gooseberry bushes require a good dressing of rich manure.
It is not easy to overfeed them ; and if the trees were infested
last season with the Gooseberry caterpillar it will be as well to
pare off the soil under the bushes with a spade to the depth of
u inches, and trench it down 'J inches or a foot under the sur-
face, bringing up the fresh soil to woiL under the bufhes in the
place i)f that winch has been removed. The Lancashire growers
plant their bushes on very highly manured soil, and they also
give copious supplies of manure water, and by judicious shading
and thinning of the fruit they grow the fruit of such a size as
has not been equalled in any other part of the Biitish Empire.

When it is intended to regraft any of the Apple or Pear treeB
thoy ought to be headed-down in the early part of the winter;
but if they were not done at that time they may bo done at
once, and grafting may be performed about the end of March.

The Strawberrj' quarters have again been hoed over. We are
partieular to have the plants quite free from weeds at this
season and until the flowers open. If the beds are clean at that
time there will be no danger of their being overgrown with
weeds until the fruit has been cleared off.

CUCUMBER AND MELON UOUSES.

Those who grow the above in frames will now require to pay
considerable attention to them. It will be necessary to cover
the frames with mats every night, and should there be any
symptoms of severe frost they ou^ht to be doubled-matted. At
the same time light and air must be as freely admitted to tbe
frames as the state of the weather will permit. When the heat
dechnes it must be increased by linings of stable manure and
leavi.'i'. The plants will make but little progress in Cdld weather,
and with the cold winds wo have had recently i t has scarcely
been possible to give air. Where there are eificiently heated
houses Melons that were sown the first week in the new year
1 ought to be considerably advanced. It is not well to retain the

JUicli 1, l8?7. ]

jaUit.NAL, Ui' HOa'flGULTUaa ANL) G'JITaGK GAKUEisfEB.

163

plants too long in pots, but at this season they ought to be
fairly well established before planting them out. The best soil
for Melons is good clayey loam, added toone-eixthpart of decayed
stable manure, and this ought to be trodden into the bed mcde-
rate'y firm.

We have planted out the Cucumber plants raised from seeds
early in the year ; they require rather more manure in tho poil
than Melons, and the temperature of the house ought to be 70*^
at niL'ht : while 65^ is a more healthy state of the atmosphere
for Melons. With the temperature of 70° a considerable amount
of atmospheric moisture is necessary ; but we have fonud that
this may be overdone. In, our house there are two evaporating
troughs c-ist on the -1-inch pipe", and these two would throw off
six gallons of water iu twenty-four hours. This was too much,
ae the plants never continued long in health when both troughb
were kept full of water. When only one trough is used the
health of the plants is quite satisfactory. In au early Muscat
house it was fcuud that a large quantity of water evaporated
from troughs over the pipes was injurious.

TEACH HOUSES.

The trees in the late houses will now be in (lower, and with
a night temperature of from ia" to 6U" the fruit will set very
freely. The trees may be gently shaken twice a-day to disperse
the pollen. In the early houses disbudding ought to be attended
to in time, as the trees are certain to suffer when too much growth
is removed at one time. The fruit may also be thinned-out in its
early stages, allowing a small proportion to remain until stoning
commences. It is needless to reiterate instructions about allow-
ing only sufficient young wood to remain for next season's crop ;
this and instructions as to wataring and destroying insect pests
may be found in recent numbers.

GREENHOUSE .\ND CONSERVATORY.

During roagh weather the owners of largegardens ought to find
much enjoyment in their houses at this season, and a very small
forcing house, with the aid of those flowers that are in naturally,
will servo to keep a good-sized house gay all through the season.
Camellias are adapted for the largest conservatory or for the
greenhouse of the humble amateur, and they need no forcing.
Cinerarias and Cyclamens supply cut flowers in abundance from
Christmas until April or later with only sufficient heat to keep
the frost from them. A few pots of Mignonette may be grown
in any cold pits or frames, and be removed to the greenhouse
when tho flowers commence opening. The plants should have
a sunny position, and he as close to the glass as possible.

Cuttings of tree Carnations have been put in in a house where
the temperature is about 05' at night, and with a bottom heat
of So' they soon emit roots. It is not necessary so early in
the year to shade them from the sun, but some loose squares of
glass laid over them cause the moisture to be retained about
the cuttings. The glass may rest upon the tops of the labels, or
in some other convenient way. Iu selecting cuttiugs we avoid
the large pithy growths, and select only the small side shools.
They strike well in a compost of equal parts of loam, leaf soil,
and river sand. When the cuttings are rooted the pots ought to
be taken out of the bottom heat and be removed to a cooler
place, potting off the plants about two weeks after.

A numher of small specimens of hardwooded greenhouse
plants, comprising Capo Heaths, Epacris, Geuetyllis, Aphelexis,
Boronias, Phccnocoma prolifera, and other plants of this descrip-
tion that were repotted in August last year have now filled
their pots with roots, and will be repotted at once. Heaths and
Epacris succeed best in good turfy peat, with a little silver sand
added if necessary. Most other Cape and New Holland plants
are the better with a little turfy loam added to the peat. We
are careful to use clean pots and to drain them well, placing
some of the most fibrous portion of the peat over the pot-
sherds. Potting ought to be done in a careful manner. It is
no use trying to do such work in a hurry. Many of the speci-
mens will have roots that are thoroughly matted round the
ball ; with a pointed sticK these should be disentangled, and
Bpace be left between the baU and sides of the pot wide enough
to allow the fingers to be thrust down ; a rammer made of deal
ought also to be at hand, as the compost ought to be pressed
down rather firmly, liach plant should also be rather moist at
the roots before potting it, and must not be watered at the roots
for four or six days after repotting. All such plants require
plenty of ventilation, but it will be better to keep the house
rather close, and shelter from cutting winds until fresh roots
are formed. They will very soon lay hold of the fresh material.

We have propagated all the Chrysanthemums that we require,
and shall be glad to wheel all the old stools out to the rubbish
heap. Plants intended for specimens have been potted into
4-inch, and when these are well filled with roots the plants will
be transferred to 7-inch pots. Chrysanthemums are hardy,
easily-grown plants, but to have them in perfection they must
be putted in rich material. The plants must not become root-
bound before they are shifted into the flowering pots. There
are always a number of cuttings that fail to do well, and it is
not safe to turn out the old stools before all the oattinga have
started into healthy growth.

Cuttings of Phloxes were also put in ; one cutting in the centre
of a small pot. They soon strike roots, and when well estab-
lished they are potted in 5 and 6-inch pots in rich loam, and are
very useful for furnishing the greenhouse during August and
September. — J. Douglas.

TEADE CATALOGDES KECEIVED.

EobertParker,Exotic Nursery, Tor'trng.— Catalogue of Hardy
Alpine, Hcrbaceons. and Aquatic Plants, Fruit Trees, d-c.

W»lter Ford, Pamber, Basingstoke. — Catalogue of English
and Amrrican Seed Potatoes, and General List of Garden and
Farm Seeds.

H. Cannell, Swanley Nurseries, Kent.— Ilhistraied Floral
Guide and General Catalogue of Plants and Seeds.

Abbott Brothers, Fairlawn, Southall, London. — Catalogue of
Hives and Bee Furniture.

W. B. Kowe, 65, Broad Street, Worcester.— GemeraJ Heed
Catalogue.

William Parham, 280, Oxford Street, Loudon,— Trai^c List of
Glass Structures.

William Clibran & Son, Oldfield Nursery, Altrincham,Che8hire.
— General Catalogue of Plants and Seeds.

Btunning & Co., No. 3, Regent Street, Great Yarmouth.— 7K«3-
trated Descriptire Catalogue of Seeds, die.

Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Sloucbiiige.— Catalogue of Far'm
Seeds.

James Backhouse & Son, Yotk.—Cataloguc of Aljiine Plants
and Hard;/ Perennials.

Ewing & Co., Royal Norfolk Nurseries, Eaton, Norwich. — List
of Nero Enqlish and French Boses.

George Yates, 29, Little Underbank, ?itock-poxt.— Descriptive
Catalogue of Choice Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Gladioli, £c.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondenoe should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, aa doing bo Bubjeota them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Royal noKTicDLTORAL Society's Guinea Fellows (C. J.).— For a sub-
scnptiou of one giline.a to the Koynl Hnrticalturat Society you can become a
member and iiave the privileges of a Follow of attending a.l meetioga and
ahoivs of the Society. Tlie only privilege you cannot enjoy is that of voting
at public meetings, and as you live in the country it ia one wbich jou nro-
balily care very little about.

Violets in Fr.imes Eughted (.1/. H.).— We think the leaves are infested
with aphis, l.)r which fumigate with tobacco : or they may be attacked by
miliJsw, which may be destroyed by flowers of sulphur, applying through a
muslin bag to the under as well as upper .surtrcea of the leaves. Never have
we kuown Violets do so well in frames as this winter. They are planted out,
;.)at yours are in pots, which may account for the difference. Czar is not
nearly so good as Victoria Regina; tor one flower of Czar wo have lialt a
dozen in a similar space of Victoria Begina, and these larger and better
formed.

Seedling Roses [Peaccfieli'.—Toke the "hops" and break them to
pieces with the Ungera, and sow the seeds at once in pots well drained and
flUcd to within an inch of the rim with a compost cl turfy loam and one-
third leaf soil or well-decoyed manore. Having made the soil rather firm
and levelled the surface, scatter tho Eeeds evenly and cover half an inch deep
with fine soil. The pots must then be plunged to the rim in an open warm
situation outdoors, watering them in dry weather. In April or May the
young plants may appear, though not untrequentlj the seeillinKs do not ap-
pear until a year after sowing. When three or four leaves (not calculating
the seed leaves) have formed gently raise the seedlings with a long uarrow-
bladed Iinife, and then pot in 3-inch pots and place in a cold frame, shading
and keeping rather close for a few days. When established in the pots, aa
they will be in about a month, plant them out a foot apart in rich soil in an
open situation. 'Ihey will grow freely; some of them by the end of August
or early September will have made shoots long enough for budding. Two
or three stocks may be budded with each. Those will make strong shoot.i
the following year and flower the season following, but ought not to bo pruned,
or very slightly. ^Vuy not having shoota strong enough to take buds fiom
should be cut down to two eyes, and they will give shoots from which buds
may be taken ne.\t year. Many would flower on their own roots in the third
year, but the best varieties are rather shy bloomers on their own roots.

Seedlino Beiaes (Iii^m).— Take up the plants (which appear this spring)
from the seed bod in autumn and plant them oat in rows a loot apart and
9 inches asunder in the rows, omittiufj every third row. Keep off all side
shoots, disbudding to one shoot. They should have rich soil. The seedlings
coming up in the second year may bo treated as before stated for those ap-
pearing in the first.

Plants kroji Seed for Beddino (JF. H. H.).— Calceolarias for bedding,
if you mean shrubby kinds, should have been sown in early August; but the
herbaceous varieties may be sown now in gentle heat, and will flower in
August, but they are not good " bedding plants." Lobeliafi, Petunias,
Ageratuma, Pentstemons, Pyrethrums, and Cerastiums sow early in March
in a hotbed, pricking off the seedlings in pans or boxes when large enough
to handle, returning to the hotbed or to gentle heat, though they will do in a
cold frame if it bo kept close and shaded from sun, but gentle heat is pre-
ferable, removing the plants to a cold frame after becoming well established,
hardening-off before planting out in May. Pcrilla may be sown early in
April in a cold frame or slight hotbed, and Portnlacca at the same time iu
gentle heat. The Perilla to bo pricked t'fl when the L^econd leaves oppcar,

I6t

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

and grown-on in centle heat until eBtabliehed, then removed to a cold frame.
Portulaccas ebeuld be treated eimilarly, but tbey are very impatient of
moisture, and must be kept rather dry and near tbe glass.

Eepottino Geraniums (Jrff ju).— Both the old plamts and seedlinps should
have a shift into slightly larcer pots. Lobelia cuttiops should be taken, also
Geranium cuttinfra early in March. The Lobelias to he pnt-in in pans about
an inch apart, and placed in a hotbed and shaded fmrn bright sun, and tbe
Geraniums inserted singly in 3-Jnch pots and placed in a hotbed, but not
■haded, and having their points pinched out after they have struck. They
will make good plantn by bedding time. Both the Geraniums and Lobelias
Should bo subsequently placed in a cold frame and hardened off before
planting out. They will strike in a temperature oE 55'^.

Painting GBEENHorsE (Idfvi).~The painting of the honse will necessitate
the removal of tbe plants, as the effluvia will be more or less iDJuriouB to the
tender foliage. Defer the painting until such time as tbe house can be
cleared of plants, .say at the end of May or early in June. If you cannot
remove the plants use the patent "driers" freely and little or no turpentine,
and then by leaving the ventila^rors open day and night injury to the plants
would be reduced to a minimum.

RESTOBrNG Grass under Trees {N. B.).— The gi-ass being destroyed by
the droppings of the " flocks of starlings," it is doubtful whether you can
restore it without a similar result occurring again, or freeing yourself of tbe
cause. Tbey are such ereat destroyers of frrubs that the destruction of the
starlings would be suicidal to the best interests of tbe agriculturist for miles
around. We should try and recover tbe grass by sowing snob kinds of
grasses as thrive beneath trees — viz., Poa nemoralis sempervirens and Fes-
tnca dnriuscula, but the first-camed is much the best. Ivy would probably
do well, but would be liable to di8li::;urement.

GoDETiA Lady Albemarle (Yorkf!hircman).—Th\3 is the finest of all tbe
Godotias, but we have no experience of ib as a " bedding plant." Its parents
G. Wbitneyi and G. Lindleyana do well in Yorkshire, and Lady Albemarla
no doubt would also succeed well. It would cummence floweriog in July (if
sown in early April where tbe plants are to remain), and would continue in
beauty for sis or eight weeks.

Hyacinths in Glasses (Hele7>).—ThG bulbs will not be again available

for flowering in glasses. You will require fresh bulbs for another year's

flowering. The old bulbs may be planted out in a warm border, covering

them about an inch deep, where they may remain for flowering.

Roses under Glass (A Ladrj 'm Choihirc). — The Roses should now be

?runed if it be required, and placed in a light position iu the greenhouse.
f in small pots for the size of tbe plants they may be shifted into larger,
but without disturbing the ball or only scratching the sides, and removing
any loose surface soil. Three parts turfy loam with a part well decayed
manure is a suitable compost. Sprinkle overhead morning and evening, and
water rather spariugly until the plants are jrowitii:: freely and are in good
foliage, and then water copiously; and at every alternate watering, or twice
a-week. with weak liquid manure. Discontinue the syringing' after the
flower l)ud3 commence opeuing. Keep free from insects and admit air freely.
Tomatoes from November to May (^ Younri Gnrrf('ner).~Sow tbe seed
early in June, pnt off the plants and grow them ou in pots or plant out when
large enough. We, however, keep ours in pots until September, planting out
the" first week in the mouth, the plants being then in a bearing state, and the
temperature through the winter is kept at 05^ to GO^ at night, 70"= to 75- by
dav, the plants being duly supplied with water and a light position atforded
them. Tbey are best on a trellis about a foot from the glass. Beyond the
temperature they require no different treatment to those grown in summer.

Climbers tor Screen (F. M. S.).— Tbe climbing Roses— Ayrshire or
Dundee Rambler, Alice Gray, (^ueeu, Boursault, Amadis ; Hybrid climbing—
Princps3 Louise Victoria, Tbe Garland, and the one you name would succeed
with Ivy, but they mcst be kept moderately thin, bo as not to overpower it.
AVe should also plant some Clematises, having a Rprinkling of both Roses and
Clematis with the Ivy.

Limewash on Fruit Trees (7(?em).— The lime will not injure the stems
of the fruit trees and Currant and Gooseberry bushes. Leave it on until it
is washed off by tbe rains.

Market Gardening (T. Wcnlc).—CnthilVB little volume "Market Garden-
ing Round London " will suit you. Seed-growing needs no further directions
than are in tbe usual works on kitchen gardening.

Climbing Plants for a Corridor (G. fl".).— To brighten the most pbaded
part we would plant Cob.va scandens variegata and Hoya camosa vari^gata,
and against tbe more open piers of brickwork plant tlie blue-flowered Plum-
bago capensis. Lapageria roFca, Abutilon striatum, Rhynchospermum ja--^-
minoides, Mnndevilla snaveolens. and for the roof Tacsonia Van \olxeuiii.
Fuchsiis, Heliotropes, and Geraniums may also be introduced, the two first
growing to a considerablf height when kept trained and pruned, and with a
little management Geraniums may be had in flower throughout winter.

Green Carpet Plants (Jr J. I.).— Mentha Pulegium gibraltaricum has
been advertif-ed for sali' by Mr. Cannell, The Nurseries, Swanley, Kent ; and
Mr. Parker, The Exotic Nurseries, Tooting, London. Either of these nursery-
men could doubtless also supply you with plants of Sedum lydium.

CLniBiNG Roses {A Lndy, Carnarvon).— •^end. the names of the Roses you
require to tbe nearest large Rose-growing nurseryman, who will probably
supply them, or they may be obtained from any of the metropolitau nurseries.
Consult our advertising columns.

Potatoes Diseased (C. K. S.)-— The tuber sent is undoubtedly affected
with the "ordinary Potato disease." Many tons of Potatoes have "gone bad"
which when stored were apparently free from the murrain. There is only one
way of evading the disease, and that is by taking up the crops before the
commencement of the autumn rains. Waiting for the tubers ripeniug and
the haulm decaying is frequently waitiug for the malady, which renders the
produce worthless. When tbe tubers have attained their full size they should
be taken up in dry weather, eveu if their skins are not " set " and the haulm
is green. By adopting that plan our Potatoes have been " disease-proof " for
twenty years.

Amateur {Essex Amateur). — Any person who ctiltivates a garden not for
commercied gain is an omateur gardener, whether that person employs a
gardener or not. " A private grower " is synonymous with "amateur;" hut
for fair competition there ought to be three clasRos: 1, Amateurs employing
a professional gardener or gardeners ; 2, Amateurs employing a gardener
occasionally; 3, Amateurs having no garden assintant.

Grape-growing as a Profitable Investment (F((is).— There is no
doubt but that Grapes may bo grown ueoi- London to return a good pro&t on

the money invested. Good Grapes always obtain a ready sale and bring high
prices. Ordinary fruit seldom brings a profitable return, and has often to be
disposed of at ruinous prices. Early Grapes bring tbe highest prices, say
in April or May, but then not only does it cost perhaps twice as much for fuel
to have the fruit in so early, but tbe Vines will not carry nearly so much
weight of fruit, and it does not take long to wear them out. We advise you
to build houses for succession, so that you can have Grapes nearly all the
year round. Grow Black Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria. Alicante, Groa
Colmau. and Lad? Downe's. Appearance is nsaally placed before quality in
the London market. It would not be advisable lo trust entirely to Grape-
growing. Winter Cucumbers and plants to be sold in pots, as well as growing
them for cut blooms, might be tried with hut little expense. As to distance
from London or locality, the best place would be where loam could be had
without much expense.

BoPEs ON Manetti {S. p.).— If the Roses recently purchased are only one
year from the bud, cut the young wood down to within 3 or 4 inches from
jhe base.

Portland Cement Injuring Glass (I;ivi"'ivr).— We cannot conceive
how this has dulled the glass ; it was used to a large extent in many of our
own honses, and the glasa was not injured in the least. If you cannot
remove tbe obscurity with warm rain water and wash leather, we fear the
glass must he permanently injured.

Heating Conservatory and Booms in a Mansion (Sjicro).— The con-
servatory will require about 180 feet of 4-incb pipes. For the ball, two rows
of 4-inch pipes might he enough ; but we should be inclined to put in three
rows, as tbe atmosphere is much more pleasant when the pipes are not made
too warm. Or say in all about 65 feet for the hall, 50 feet for the large room,
and 36 feet for the smaller one. Ordinary sheet glass is the best for the
fernery. You must use some sort of shading material for it in hot weather.

Destroying Daisies on Lawn [J, H.).— Watering freely will not destroy
Daisies, they delight in moisture during tbe summer months. If you object
to spud them out we do not know what to recommend. We tried Watson's
lawn sand and found that it killed the leaves of grass and Daisies alike, but
it did not destroy the plants.

Squirrel Traps (J. G.).— They are sold by the cage and bird-trap makers
in various parts of London.

Hyacinth Forked (J. IF.).— The flower stem is fasciated— two stems
partly united. It ia not a common dotormity, bat has often been observed.

Sowing Potato Seed (Q. L.). — If yon have the convenience of a hotbed
or hothouse let it be sown now thinly in flower pots of rich light earth, and
cover very lightly. Iu a month or six weeks, or as soon as tbe young plants
are an inch high, tbey are to be raispd carefully and planted singly in small
pots, and placed in a fram? where they will havj a very little warmth, and
where they must have plenty of air and water as required until tbe middle
of May, when tbey may be turned out of tbe pots into tbe open ground
without breaking the ball. By this treatment the Potatoes will be so large
the first year as to enable you to judge of their merits. If you cannot com-
mand artificial warmth sow the seed in shallow drills of light rich earth early
in April, and transplant tbe young plants into rich earth in June ; raise the
Potatoes at tbe usual time, and treat them afterwards in the usual way ; they
will prove themselves the second year.

Pruning Geraniums (ii L(Z(fi/}. — You do not say whether you have other
accommodation for tbe plants than the granary. We should prune the
plants, but not "close down to the pots." Leave a few eyes of last year's
wood. They may remain in the granary until growth fairly commences, and
tbey should then be removed to a pit or house where the expanding foliage
can have plenty of light.

Flowering of Variegated Hibiscos (.1/. E. H.).— Though not so free-
flowering as the normal form, it is not unusual for the variegated Hibisons,
as n. rosa sineusia Cooperi and H. rosa sinensis foliis variegatis, to flower.
We have noticed that other variegated plants, notably Franoisceas and Gar-
deuias, flower more sparsely thaa tbe green-leaved kinds.

Acacia Biceana not Flowering (-1 Tcn-JicarsSubscriber).~'We think the
supplies of water have been insufficient, the dry condition of the soil causing
tbe buds to drop. The plant may also require increased pot room. If you
cannot conveniently give tbe plant a larger pot remove an inch or two of the
surface soil and replace it with fresh compost.

Destroying Worms (B. S., Yorl-). — We think the lime water has not been
applied in safllcient strength or quantity to bring the worms to the surlooa
of your lawn. If 1 lb. of quicklime is dissolved in three gallons of water,
stirring it well and letting it stand two or three days, and a soaking is given
tbe lawn with a rose watering-pot, it will bring the worms to the surface.
The quantity named would not saturate more than two square yards of surfooet
Half an ounce of corrosive sublimate (bichloride of mercury) dissolved in
fifteen gallons of water will bring the worms to the surface, but they must
bo kept from fowls as the solution is poisonous.

Names of Fruit {A.'^hford House).— ^e Plus Meuris. (J. E.).— It is Lady's
Finger, and is a good-flavoured Apple.

II

POULTRY BEE, AID PIGEON OHEONIOLE.

THE SUPPRESSION OF FRAUD.

The time hns come to be np and etirring, think many f ancierSi
The "recess" iu the exhibition world is at hand, and now
seems to be the time to organise some scheme whereby poultry
shows may be placed on a more substantial footing. The past
months have been thickly attended with denouements, and the
faith of many has been shaken from the very foundations. We
will not return to them. This Journal has long been known
for the absence of painful letters : expressions and facts and
bygones shall be bygones, but let the new season — the new year,
bo celebrated for somethiag quite novel — namely, for an assooi-
ation for the suppression of fraud.

The idea is not our own, it comes from the great caterer for
poultry benefits ; but we will gladly back him up and strive to
help him build np his castle. The cjuestion arises, What is to
be done, and how can things be better regulated now than in

March 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I65

past years ? It can be only done by all true fanciers working
together. Secretaries, exhibitors, judges, pen proprietors, com-
mittees— all should enrol themselves members of one body and
guarantee, come what may, as a body to oppofe malpractices.
When such a company is formed and a protest has to be made,
or something to be exposed, the name of no one individual must
be given to expose him or her to the merciless attacks of the
foe, but it must be done in the name of all and carried out by
all. Once this is done and fairly started troubles would so
diminish, and disqualifications would become so few, that the
society would merely have to look out against their reneiral, for
in the face of a mighty party of all the loyal fanciers of Great
Britain the opposing party would be crushed. A dozen names
of gentlemen have been mentioned to carry out such a scheme.
We give their names here in alphabetical order : Messrs. Atkins,
Boiseier, T. C. and W. A. Burntll, Cresswell, Button, Lingwood,
Manby, Matthew, Pritchard, Tudman, and Wood. Among them
are breeders of Polands, Cochins, Dorkings, Game, Brahmas,
and French, in fact all of our chief breeds. We ask fanciers
who have the intere&ts of the poultry world in their hearts to
come forward and make these twelve gentlemen a committee.
They were originally selected at random from a catalogue, and
are members of no clique or party, consequentlj they are in
every way suitable for the purpose. We repeat, let them be the
commiltee and organise a meeting, arrange for the balloting of
members, leaving out all they deem ineligible for any good
reason, and let them try to take the matter into their own hands.
They are geutlt men ef the fiirest fame, and no one can object
to join their army under them as generals. Editors and pro-
prietors of journals or managers of exhibitions cannot themselves
do these things, for the world is ever ready to ascribe to them
private or selfish motives; but exhibitors can themselves do it,
and we hope to see it done. What is to be the peculiar badge
or mark of membership we will not pretend to propose, but we
do say the entrance fee should be small, for the expenses could
not be great and all should be enrolled — everyone who has an
interest in the cultivation of our feathered friends, from those
with the income of thousands to the recipient of a few shillings
a-week.

We would especially recommend the committees of shows to
belong, even if they are holding only honorary positions aiid are
not themselves fanciers, for they would be able to ailord oppor-
tnnities of checking by discovery nefarious practices, and give
all the members aid in prosecuting inquiries at their shows. In
fact the committees of exhibitions would be of as much help as
anyone; for if orce they approved of the society, no matter if
it only consisted besides themselves of those twelve gentlemen
whose names we have given, they as a number would have the
law pretty much in their own hands. And we would even re-
commend that at shows where more than half of the committee,
or say a dozen members, were present, that they should have

Sower to disqualify in the event of the judge having failed to
etectsome pinned comb, dyed hackle, plucked hocks, and so
on. We think this because we fancy when such a fraud is dis-
covered, and the judge subsequently recalled for his opinion,
he is inclined frequeiitly to differ with the protettors that he
may back up his previous decision. This may be natural, but
whether it is so or not we believe it is frequently done ; but for
members to be able to take such a step the committee must give
their consent, and, in fact, sanction the work of the association.

Mr. Wallace Smith has done us a great good by getting all
fanciers who were in favour of the j udges' names being announced
in the Pcbertules to send him their names on a postcard; he
then arranged them in order and published them, and the benefit
has already begun to show gond frait. We should think some
inch arrangement could be done in this case. All in favour of
some such association as has been proposed could send in their
names and addresses on postcards to any one of the twelve
named gentlemen if they will only hold office; and they can j
after a certain date, which can be determined upon, also arrange
the names and publish them. And that all might know what
they were sending in their signatures for we should suggest I
SomethiDg like the following — " The undersigned are in favour
of all loyal fanciers forming themselves into an association for
the purpose of exposing, and consequently suppressing, frauds
at poultry exhibitions." Those then giving in their names could
be balloted for by the committee, and so the matter wonld
gradually be worked into shape. As we, however, said before,
the larger the number that join the more hope is there for re&l
and permanent success ; and consequently we ask all those who
have the interest of their hobby at heart to talk this matter
over very seriously and see if they cannot come to some deter-
minati'n to arrange the matter to the satisfaction of all, and to
}he exclusion of no genuine fancier whether it be of poultry or
ol Pigeons.— W.

The FoBJtEB Bohrsemodth Show.— A lady exhibitor thus
writes to roe : — " The Bournemouth Show was held in Feb-
ruary, 1876, and I there took a second prize. After many months
had elapsed (quite six I shonld say) I wrote to the Secretary,

but received no answer to any of my letters. I then wrote to
the Treasurer, and from him I received a most courteous reply,
saying that he was astonished I had not received my prize
money, and that he would write to the Secretary. My solicitor
also wrote. The answer then came that he had no money.
Doubtless there are many sufferers equally with myself, and I
think we should join together and get some redress. I certainly
think that before they get up another show, as I see they are
about to do from 'our Journal' of last week, they should pay
off old scores." So far the lady. Permit me to add that surely
this is a very disgraceful case. Nothing is mere calculated to
ruin shows than such proceedings. Exhibitors doubtless will
remember the proverb, " Once bitten twice shy," and be very
shy indeed of showing at Bournemoutb. Perhaps the Secretary
miy be able to clear up the matter and put all straight. — Wilt-
shire Rector.

AQUABIUM POULTRY SHOW.

Before criticising the classes we must speak of the fanltiness
in the arrangements. It is no good to cloak matters, and had
the Show been a local or country one long and loud would have
been the outcries. It seems hardly credible when the Show
opened on Tuesday at 2 p M., that on Wednesday at the same
hour, twenty. four hours afterwards, not only were the cards not
lip in very many classes, but it was impossible to find out the
winners. We had to send news to distant friends, and could
not find out who had won. It is ridiculous for the Cimmittee
to say that the push was so great that they could not get the
work done, for the Show after all was only a moderately- sized
one. We have had to help in the management of as large a
show, and we know that the cards could have been placed on
the pens at a much earlier hour. A regular hmdeversement
happened, too, among the clasaea each Judge was to adjudicate
upon, and after Mr. Tegetmeier was announced to jadge the
poultry we cannc t see why he was put to the Pigeons. Then
many birds fought terribly for want of proper pen divisions, and
exhibitors on Tuesday were seen running here and there with
food and water for their neglected birds. These things com-
bined will, we should thiuk.make many shy of sending to this
Show again under the same management. It is a sad pity, for
the room is so well and evenly lighted, and the place itseit so
convenient t^f access. We are sorry to have to grumble so much,
but the things we complain of were on everyone's lips. We
believe the birds were speedily dispatched at the close of the
Show — which was the redeeming point — as we hear of many
who received their birds home in excellent time.

Beahjus.- i>(ir'.- (cocks).- This was a poor class. The third-
prize bird we considered in many points the best, but he has an
u^ly white patch on his breast, which doubtless lost him the
first honours. We were very much surprised that we did not
see Mr. Lingwood's name in the catalogue. Hens a much
better class. First a beautifully pencilled pullet, rather small
and deficient in cushion. Second and third large well-marked
hens. Light, in spite cf their four prizes and the good money
value, failed to make a better show than Dorkings, Spanish, r.r
any other less favoured breed. The cup went to Mr. Horsfall.
We candidly confess we did not care for the award, and we feel
sure he is not tbo champion bird, for he has neither the width,
shape, nor feather of that cock. Our own choice was for the
third prize bird, and if the fourth had even had the first prize
wo should not have said a word. These were two good birds,
shapely, large, and well feathered. Second we did not fancy
either. He had not the shape we like for the breed ; he had,
too, an immense tail, and we did net like his colour very much.
Hens we thought on the whole carefully placed. First was a
large bird but pale in head and looking a little out cf condition.
Second was the pullet which was protested against at Wolver-
hampton. She is undoubtedly a pullet, and a grand one to.
Third wcs an excellent hen, large and good in shape; while
fourth went to a capital bird, but too dark in hackles for our
taste, still a finely-shaped bird. Mr. Leno sent a beautiful
pullet which, perhaps, ought to have come in somewhere. Mrs.
Tiudal's bird, too, was shapely, but she seemed quite ill and out
of condition. In the i'.5 .5.s. class a well-shown pen came m
first, but we noticed no very striking pen, and should consider
the class a failure, there only being nine pens for the £0 wortti
of prizes.

Si'ANisn made two excellent classes, and Mr. Howard was very
happy we thought in his selections. In cocks the winner was a
good bird; his comb was capital, and bis lobe fine and open.
The second also had a beautiful face, but he seemed a ht'le high
in the tail. We even thought he was a little round in the bacj,
but the Judge told us be had handled him, and that this was
not the case. Third went to a good cockerel, well shown and
large in lobe. The hens made a fine collection of two dozen
pens. The first was a superb bird, good in face and comb. She
was shown iu lovely form, and would probably have had the
cup had it not been for a small fold on one Bide of her face.
Second and third went to fine puUeta, well shown and well

166

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

r March 1, 1877.

plao93. ^Mrs. AUsopp's bird in pen 261 was a remarkibly good
hen, bnt she had a email piece torn on one side of her face,
which kept her, we flnppose, out of the prize list. The Spanish
cap went to the cockerel.

French made but small classes. Soudan cocks were poor,
and we did not see a comb in the class we really liked. Hens
W9ra;mDoh better, and Mrs. Vallanoe scored another triumph fir
htir grand old hen, which, as we have before stated, is onr beau
ideal of Hon dan markings. SecDod was also a well marked
large hen, as too was the third, but the latter did not lock quite
ao bright as the first-prize bird. We were sorry to notice that
the Rev. W. Pearce's cockerel had had his tail injured, aptiarently
by having the chief fail feathors cut ripbt asunder in the middle,
lu Crrve cocks the first won easily. He is lustrous, large, anl
well shaped, but poor in bead. Second was a good bird, but not
80 large as the tirst. Crtve hens only numbered six. The
first good in fhape and siza, but not very pre'.ty in crest.
Second and third were fine hens, but not in their best looks.
Miss Arnold sent a sl.ate-coloured hen, which was good in
points, and we thought deserved some nolice.

GAJin had six classes and eighteen prizes, half of which and
the cup were moriopolised by Mr. Matthews. The cock was a
fine old dark bird of splendid sbape aud bright colour. The
chicken from the same yard, which won second, closely, how.
ever, pressing on his heels, for he was a Btylish biid with
Crtp'tal ca'riHge and in splendid feather. The first hen in
Black Beds was a shapely bird, and good in colour. Of the
Brown Rctts, as a lot, Wr thought the cocks the most superior,
but the wiuLiiig hen was a fine one in hard feather. In the
next cock class good JDuckuinijs were first and second, while a
yellow-legged Pile of quality won third. In hens the winners
were all Diickwinfjs. The first a pullet of much merit, sound in
■colour aud iu fine condition.

Sf_ Malays wiih fourteen pens were a fine lot, first once more
gniuK to Mr. Lecher. The cock is a good one, but we fancied
either Mr. Penny's or Mr. Stanley's hen before his companion.
We liked too Mr. Brauford's pair. Mr. Juint sent two good
pens, tint hardly of as good colour as the winners.

Leghorns had two classes, in which were seven pens of
Browns and five of Whites— no very great muster. We thought;
in Browns the winning pair were the largett ; they bad good
combs aud earVibes; the second also were a smart pair. Wiiites
wer- n't quite fo good, and we did not much admire the colour
of thi- first cock, but iu other respecti he. was a good bird.

Andall'sians were moderate. Nine of the eleven entries be-
longed to Mr. Fry and Miss Arnold. We thought there was an
inclinatien to high tails here as in Leghorns, bnt the winners
were appirently well chosen.

Silkies made a pretty little collection. The winners we liked
much, and we placed them in that position before the cards
came round. Secnnd cnntaiued a sweetly pretty cock, but a
poor hen; and tuird were but moderate iu claws aud crest, but
had the pretty turquoise blue ears. The judging gave us the
idea tba' combs on the c^cks had been taken mote iLti consider-
ation than anything. We have always made a great p int of
■this feature, but wo do not think for it claws, crests, and silki-
ness should tie disregarded. Mrs. Holmes's highly c.immeuded
pen v&i laher coar.e or else good. Mr. H. Dean sent a pretty
pair, bnt one bird had a crooked toe.

The Variety cla^s was a good one. La Flcche winning first and
diokoo Cochins second honours. There were also other good
birds of this latter variety and another excellent pen of La
Fleche. We saw, too, tome Black aud Wljite Minorcas and a
pen or two of the " wild Turkey's " couuectiona.

Tho Sale classes as a lot we thout;ht remnrkably poor. We
noticed one or two fnir Light Brahmas, a sound coloured pair
of Buff Cochin bens of Mr. Darby's, and a good pair of White
Cochin hens of Mrs. Tindal's. Spanish here were well repre-
.1-nled, aud iu their classes won all the three first prizes. The
French Selling classes were but meagrely filled, but the fact is
by now most fanciers have either disposed of or have eaten their
surplus birds, and purchasers are mostly Buit>;d. — W.

Dorkings. — Coloured gnoi cl.asses. Cocks.— First-and-cup
(Parleti) a well-shaped bird with good feet. Second (Burnell)
appears to have been recently fighting, but the accident did not
deirive hiiu of hit position, which we thought he justly de-
served. Hens.— Parlett agnin first with a fi'iie bird, second and
third also pood. Silver Grei/s a capital class. The competition
between the first aud secoi, d was Vrry cIohc. Third a n'ce pen.
Cuckoos pleased us very much. Nine entries, nearly all good.
The improvement that baa been made in this variety during the
lift two years is very satisfactory. Wliilcs a small class of five.
The winners were an e,\qoihite pair, aud well deserved the cup.

Cochins— i'K/s (cock-).— First a grand bird, beautiful in
colour and well feathered ; second a»;d third closely presntd liy
pens G2, (i:i, and 67. Farlridge (oocWb) a moderate class. The
prizes we c oieidered were juntly dihtr'Kuttd. H-ns were su-
perior to the cocks. Mr. Wood exhibitiid three splendid birds.
The fiirst was the lnrge^t and perhips the best shaped ; but the
pullet iu the adjoining pen (90) was much more clearly marked

on the breast, and equally as well feathered in the leg. Pen 88,
the same owner, we also thought deserved a position. TVkites
wvre a very beautiful lot. Some lit'le fault was found with the
hackle of the hen iu the winning pen, but we thought the
Judge's aw irds correct. Blacks wcrs iiir. They appear to have
found many new friends, and we trast the ensuing season will
show some marked improvement.

We thought the Hambdrohs very good classes as compared
with the average standard of merit through the show. Golden^
spriiigled (eight entries) — The cup went to the first pair in this
class. The cock is a lovely bird in carriage ; but part of his
breast almost too heavily spangled to please us. Second a small
and neat pair, very even in mooning; third a very narrow-
comt>ed cock with blushine' lobes, aud a hen somewhat uneven in
spangling though bright. Silver spangled (eleven entries). — First
and St cond were two lovely pens, splendidly shown. The cocks'
siekli-s were singularly well spangled, and their hackles beauti-
fully white. The first cock was the best in carriage ; but in
some points we preferred the second hen. The third-prize pen
contained a very fair cock, but his comb, we fear, not as nature
made it; and a beautiful hen all roui d. Goldm jycyicilled
(twenty-one entries), a capital class. This is now everywhere
the best and best-filled class of Himburgbs, we fancy because
they are so much more easily bred than the other varieties,
good cockerels and pullets beiog produced from the same pen if
only judiciously mated. The firtt cock was neat in head and
even in colour, bnt with Utjly bars across his sickle; the hen
evenly marked on a good ground colour. Second a good cock,
and a heu rich in colour but rather coarse in marking. Third
not a good pullet — badly maiktd on the breast; but a capital
cock with a well-laced tail. Mr. Hildswtrth's very highly com-
mended pen contained a cock with fine carriige ; and Mr.
Cr-Sfwell's highly commeuded pen a very pretty pair all round.
Silver-2>eneilled (seven entries) — This variety is certainly at a
low ebb. The only really good pen was the first, the cock of
which had a beautiful tail. Sec md was acock tf rribly out of
c ndition, with reddish lobes but well laced tail, aud a very
fair hen. Third were not well hhown ; the cock had a good tail
but bad comb. Black (sixteen entries) — Ttiese were most un-
fortunately placed, some of the pens being at one ead of the
building iu a capital light, the rest at the other end almost in
diiiktiess. Firfct was by far the most lustrous aud green cock
we ever saT, with very fair carriage; the hen preity in shape
but rather puiple than tureen. Second a iieat and good pair all
round, but in the bad light. Thiid only a fair pair; the hen
very bad in comb. Mr. Serjeantson showed two capital pairs,
one apparently quite equal tottc fiist-priz.< pair ; bnt unfortu-
nately ihey wtre penned after the Judge had gone round.

Polish. Golden-spangles (<even entries). — Tbe first pair were
large in crest; but ihe hen's crest was almost white. The oocU
Was, for the breed, in good plumage, with a dark tail, and his
markings really incline to sparg'iug. Second a cock with crest
better )u shapo than the first, antl a prettily lactd hen; but
generally inferior to the fir.-t pair. Third a cock » ith enormous
crest thrown too far forward, and a ben too heavy in marking.
Silvers (''our entriee) — First a marvellous pair; but we do not
like a cock's tuft so much over in front. S^-cfiud were a pair
with very well shaped crests. Black or anv other variety (eight
entries) — The Polish cup went to Mr. Norwood's pair of Blacks
first iu this class. They are now well kuown and remarkable
f r their well-formed crests. Second another beautiful pair of
Blacks; the cock has a splendid crest, and the hen is a perfect
bird, though her crest does not s^em to have fully expanded
since the moult. Well it may not do so, as we believe she is
eleven years old! Thiid Black again; tbe cock's crest a little
rough in front ; the pullet waa, we think, the first Birmingham
bird, with a splendid tuft for her age. Oue poor pair of BuSs
put in an appearance.

Bantams —Game, Black Bed (feuiteen entries). — The bird*
iu this class were generally too large. The cup pen, however,
were a lovely little pair, the cock capital both in style and
colour. In the second pen was a cock not well dubbed and
swelled about the head, with a ben far too dark; third were
large ; fourth pan contained the second best cck in our opinion,
bnt a mi.s-y ben. Brown Beds (five entrie-), were all large and
not a good class. The second-prize pair were much the smallest,
but til" cpck carried his tail badly. Fourth were good in
carriage but very big. Any other Varietij (uiue eoliiof). — Fiist
small Dnckwinga good in style, the cock's wing colour mixy;
second Pile-', the cock good, hen too large ; third Dnc-kwings;
f iiirth pretty Piles, which we should buvo put higher. Single
Cocks (t-n entries) — First a beautiful little Black Red ; seoond
another equally good in form but much larger; thiid a fiir Pile;
fourth a Duckwiug. Black (ibirieeu entiles). —First a neat
pair, hi u rather devoid of sheen ; second rather big but good in
gb Es and stylish; third large ngaiu. the cock very bright, but
his tail feathers too broad. Schrights (teu entries), were not
BO good "s wo have seen tbem. The c.ip pair were Silvers; the
cook very good, the Leu too lightly laced. Second Golden; tha
heu a model of lacing, but he cock too hcivily marked. Third

MMch 1S77.

jo0R:un oj? aaaTiGULTUBB and cottage gaedener.

157

Silvers, email and well laced. We Bnppoee a little mossing on
the cock's tail went Bgaiust them, otlierwise we Ibought tbpm
the beat pair. Any other Tariety I'geventeeu eiitriet^), were a
capital aud moBt iutere^tiug class. First a pair of WLite c'etn-
legged, better tban aijy we have seen f'^'i* a long 'ime. Stcoud,
White-boct d, nicely shown. Tliir-1 a, perfei , little pair of
Pekins ; the beu, perhaps, was not quite so Coc'vn-like in style
as the cock. Mr. Phelps and Mr. MoCrae ahow-l ^ood pairs of
Cuckoos, and Mrs. Holmes a pretty pair of Black-booted.

Ducks — Atjleshu-ry (soveneijtrief-) — First a very large pair and
not over-fatted ; tectiud a good drake but a dreadfully fat Duck;
third fair bnds. Bouens .twelve entries) — The cop pair wtrti a
msgniliceat Duck a.ud a drake which looked uuhealihy iu
throat aud hill; seoou.l a good pair; third a gond drake and a
Duck showiug tiio much white om the wing. Mr. R. Gladstone's
very highly cojimended ai d highly commended pairs looked
healthy and liue. Blacks (fourteen entries) — F'irtt «ere very
small and t'eoidedly the best pair; second were large bat very
lustrous. We 5 id not think the third so good as one of this
owner's vtry highly comrceudtd pairs.

ORNXiicNT.vL W-vTE^FOWL (seventeen entries), were a beautiful
and most attractive class. The cup went to Mandatius, Biuall
and good iu all Ih^ir pi ints. Second faultless t.'arolina'^, the
Dorchester cup pen we fancy. Third the well-known Ktsarkaa
or Paradise Ducks. Among the very highly commeiidfds were
a pair of the no.*' Pekiu Docks and small Egypti«u G-ese — C.

The judging, we believe, was divided thus:— Mr. Teebay the
Game, G»me Biotams, Silkits, Jlalays, aud Hamburghs ; Mr.
Hewitt, DorkiugH, tJnohins, aud Waterfowl; Mr. NichoUs, Dark
Brahmas, French, Polish, Lt^ghorns, Andalusiaus, aud the
Variety class ; and Mr. Howard the remaining poultry classes.

PIGEONS.

H-iViNG spoken of the Show generally last week I now come
to particulars.

Pouters come first, an arrangement which I have noticed to
be on the increase, and I think these very tail birds deserve this
position. Their pens are higher and wholly different in shape,
and the formation of the bird is so peculiar that it, attra'-ting
the instant notice of non- fancier visit rs, deserves the first [->lace.
Blue pied cock< — First a bird of Mr. Fulton's (854), well shaped,
but legs t"0 fur*ard and uot ovtr-oleau in plum-ige. Second,
860 (Watkin), a good bird with wondrously long legs. Third,
Fulton. No. S58, belouKiug to Rhv. W. J. Burdett, was the best-
coloured bird iu the claes, a pure Blue without a ti<'k, anf^ with
good bar, but iu tis^nre too thick : a pity this. Black pied cocks.
— First-and-cup (Wroot) a good style aud a good shape, and
soperioi in sleuderrjess to the general run of Blacks. Sccund
another good bird (Fu'tm), but crop loose. Third (Fultm), a
good all-roond tiird. Yellow or Red cocks. — First (Herrieff), a
Red and very fine, with vast crop ; this bird was all but winning
the cup. S>C)nd Mr. Fulton's Yellow, an old friend. Toird a
Red (Gill), the best Red as to colour iu the Show, but deficient
in crop : the c dour with a good crop would win first everywhere.
Mr. Gill had also a large Yellow but somewhat thick ; he de-
servedly had a v.H.c White cocks — A very good class iudeed.
First the beet Wbite Pouter now alive. Sec nd (Baker) a tbo-
roughly gO' d l>ird; an of third and of the four others noticed.
Pouter hens — Blue pied. — First (Fulton) a very charming hen.
bifih'ped on one wing aud pretty playful; but, as if she knew
her fault, kef/t t'-^'C best wiii^ to the front. Second (Bak. r), very
good o.'our aud half moon. Black pied heus. — Fir^t-and-cup a
very elegant slenrfer boa ff Mr. Fulton's, very rightly placed.
Second (Bnker), over gay. Yellow hens, an excellent class. First
(Foltoi t, good colour and crop. Secand ditto in every respect
save colour, it being red. Thirda Y'ellow. AnotherYellow, v.h c
Mr. Baker had a very large. cropped bird, a Red, which hod
an H c. White hens. — Fir-t Mrs. Ladd's White, which sbe may
be gratified to hear is considered to have more than taken the
place of the bird tbatdied coming from Edinburgh. The Judges
and fanciers ai?reo in their estimate < f the grandness of this
bird. .Secnd Fulton, third Biker. Mr. Heath's commended
bird will yet do better. The Pigmies were chiefly noticeable in
having two hens ( f the standard colours, one a Black pied and
another a Bine pied, both good attempts and deserving praise
for the pains ami skill bestowed.

Carriers. — Chaa3pi"n class for cocks over one year ; and mark,
every one of these birds to be eligible for admission must have
won not less than three first prizes of I'l each. Six binis were
foncd equal to the < ccasion, and Mr. lickroyd'a bird with eiior-
EaouB wattle above aud below stobd, as he must stand, first.
Mr. Maynard had the honour of breeding this Carrier. Next
oame the uon eligiblee fir the champion class, being the Black
cocks aepari.tf;'l from the Duns. First Flicker; secrmd Heri-
tage, a good Pigeon ; third Chandler. Dun Cf ( ks.— Cup Fulton,
aecood Baker. Other classes followed, the Black hens being
very superior; and the first Dun (Eckroyd) a particularly nice
colour and with even flis(hts. The young Black cocks were re
garded as excellent. 1 believe the Judge wishes it to be known
that he at first threw out Col. Hassard's birds, judging them not

bred in 1876, thinking thoai older; but afterwards he was con-
vinced they wire geLuine young birds. These young cl., aa
were very j,ood.

Dragoons. — An old and good fancy now revived and won-
drously popular, a popularity which even Antwerps have not
been able to effect. The great prizewinner of the day is certiinly
Mr. R. Woods. The most valuable prizes, whether £ r Blues,
Yellows, Silver^, Chequers fell to Mr. Woods both in cocks aud
hens. IJot renders must not conclude that his birds only were
good, far from it. Almost every Blue ccck was good; so cf
many Yelhtwp. Iudeed so even are the Dragoons now at large
shows that only little points decide.

Short-faced Tumblers. — The Almonds were not very numerous
and many of them did not please tliose close critics Almond
fanciers, Mr. Eckrnyd'a cup cuck and Mr. Baker's rich hen, first
prize, excepted. The Shortfaces not Almonds were a little more
numerous than usual, even in the Black Mottled class. Mr.
Henning's two best birds, the cup and second-prize, were very
charming, followed well by Mr. Baker's third. Bald and Beard
Stiortfaces were fairly numerous. First Mr. Woodhouse, a
Blue Bald; second Blue Beard, same owner ; third a very rich-
cobiured neat Rod Bild. Mr. Reddock had two good Black
Ba'ds, acd Mr. Murphy a good Red. Among the other Short-
faces Agates were the winners, aid Buker and Fulton their
owners.

In Barbs the good old names of P. H. Jones and Miyuard
stood high. The former gentleman has been one of the steadiest
fanciers i f this class for a great number of years.

Jacobins. — Concerning ttiese one peueral remark may bemadej
viz., that the leng'h of the chain feathers from back to front
has visibly increased r.f late, but a little break iu the top of the
hood will make its unfortunate appearance still. Oh, that ugly
gap ! The cup Red cock was a charming exception. Second
Red cock (Fulton), as good a bird save iu hood. Third (Biker)
short face aud good long flights, quite the Jacobin shape.
Yellow cocks. — First (Fulton) very good, but not equal to Reds
iu hood, though not had even in that point. Second (Frame)
rather too loose iu mane. Third (Heiitage) very goid. Bla-ks,
— These will come too long-faced. First (Baker) small, neat
and good flights ; seofiud good long bird, bad hood; third very
good flights. Jaiobin hens.—RaAB: First (Fulton) neat and
small, and yet good Jock points. Yellow hens : Cup (Frame)
very excellent; would that the face were shorter. Black bens :
First a very pretty bird if intense black. The White Jacoldna
are ootning on well, but many of them were sadly dingy, not the
clear beautiful whita. London fanciers have a difficulty v.-ith
their white- pi nmaged pets. First (Baker) a wondeifuUy good
White. Third (Mr. Jesse Thompson) nice shape and good mane.
Among (he Any other colour Jscobius were some very queer
colours, but with magiificent Jack points. First a very washed-
out Yellow, but such a good Jacobin ; s-CO'id Dun ; thiid a kiud
Y.-Uow Splash. These lighter birds would help the Whites
much, and have hence much value.

Funiails — Two divisions, English and Scotch. Former, cup
(Maynard) was like a man with Scotch blood that will show.
Others were regular large, flat-tailed English biids. The grace-
ful little Scotch have improved in tail of late. In fact the two
nations have joined, and each are the better. A very pretty
pair I f Black Saddlebacks took a first prize in the Otht r coloured
class. Next to the White these are the handsomest Fans.

Nuns. — A little more numerous, and a Scotch fancier all the
way from pretty Montrose deserved aud won the first prize.
Some of these birds were very dirty.

Trumpctrrs — Mr. Hutchinson's magnificent Mottles won the
cup ; the best birds in the fancy.

English Owls.— The champion class, like all champions, small
but so good. There were in all fifty-three English Owls to
niueteen foreign. The former seem to be now the favourites,
but I hope the latter will be cherished, fir they are among the
most lovely and are the smallest if Pii/eons.

2'„,.;„7,,._Blue, Silver, Red, and Yellow. The prize birds,
especially Messrs. Eckroyd and Salter, very snpermr. In the
small class of any other colour the first was a good Black and a
pretty Pigeon, but with a head like a mouse. No. KiOT very
superior iu this point.

Magpies bid fair to be more numerous than the bird from
which they take their name. Singular is the fate < i Toy Pigeons.
A veiy few get into lasting favour, many new birds come and
soon disappear. Mr. Salter's Yellow cup bird was singularly
good aud neat. As good Mags aio shown <f the three colours
Black, Rod, and Yellow, what a pily that a still older bird the
Nun ia net as f irtunate.

Swallows and Archangels next. Mr. Long's first Red Swallow
of a very rich colour; and Mr. Tedd's second, black in colour
and very correct in markings. With Archangels it is a case of
standstill : pity this.

Hunts, the aldermen of Pigeons, on the increase. Amnsing
very was it to see the big things cuddled up in handkerchiefs
and put iu the scales. Not that they resisted, no ; giaiti have
easy tempers. 'Tis your little bipeds leathered or nnfaatherea

158

JOURNAL OF aORTICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

[ March 1, 1877.

that are peppery. The very diseiviug, beoanse infinitely amus-
ing clifBea, Fiyiug Tumblers, were lar^^e aud good.

Balds or JJeunh. — First good, clean-cut, old-fashioned Black
Bald, neat as was. Second au fciiually old-fashioned Black
Beard. Third a Yellow Beard. Tne Any other colour still
better, but to get pretty birds aud good colours there has been
too much crossing with the Shortfaces. Judges ! look out. Let
this class be true to its name, nut a mere resort for coarsely bred
Shorlfaces.

In the Ant/ variety class Frillbacks now seem to predominate.
A pair of those uucomfortable-looking birds Lace Fantails took
second. I was pleased to see a pair of Turbiteens, one being
very good. Antwerps, Short faced aud Homing, followed, and
tivo good Selling cla-ses, £'d aud £2 in price, followed, and a
Flying class of Homers finished the Show.

I am inclined to think that all the printers in London and for
many miles round were on the strike, for even on the second
afteruoou of this Show no prize list was printed — aihingthat has
never occurred during the fifteen years or so that I have attended
poultry shows. It was a matter of relief to me to find that
daily newspapers were still printed. Indeed, hulecd, this late-
ness was too bad. Another time doubtless this and kindred
faults will be avoided. — Wiltshike Rectok.

P.S. — Is it possible that the fish at the Aqnarium ijere by
mistake fed on Tuesday on the prize cards, and on Wednesday
on the prize lists ?

POULTRY.

DOKKiNos.— CoIouKd.— CocJ:.— Cup. K Parlett. 2, T. C. Bumell. 8, J. Copple.
Here.— 1 aud 2. F. Parleit. 3, T. C. Burnell. vhc, J. Uopple. Silver-Brey.-l.
L.Wren. 2, O. E. Oresswell. 8, T. C. Burnell. Blue or Cuckoo. -1, Mib. B.
Allen. 2, J. L. Playfoot. 8, Virgo & Son. TF/iiie— Uup, O. E.Cresswell. 2, K.
A. Boissier. S, Mias Fairhurst. Belling Class —I, J. L. Lowndes. 2, (i. EUia.
3, Major W. Plummer.

CooHiN3.-Bujr.— Coo*.— 1 and 2. G. H. Proctor, 3. Mrs. A Tmdal. Hen.—
Cup, U. H. Proctor. 2, H. Tomllnson. 8. V?. A. Bumeil. Partridge.— Coch —
1, r. Aspden. 2, Mrs. J. Hendrie. S, R. P. Percival. vHc, R. J. Wood,
T. -haroe, W. Smart. Se«.— Dup, E. J. Wood. 2 ana 3, E. Tudman. vhc, R.
.7. Wood. Tr;ii(i!.— Cup, K. P. Percival. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. 3, A. Darby, vhc.
Ho.'. A. W. Ward. W. A. Burnell. H. Tomlinson. Black.— 1 and 3, A. Darby,
a, T. Aspden. Selling Class.— I, Mrs A.Tiadal. 2, H. W EeviUe. 3. A. Darljy.

DKiBSiS.— Bark.— Cock.— Cup and 2, J. F. Smilh. 3. Miaa E. C Shuter. 4,
E. ITitcliard. fleii.— 1, Mies E C. Shuter. 2. Key. J. D. Peake. 3, T. F. Ana-
dell. 4, W. R. Gamer, vkc. Rev. W. Pearce, J. F. Smith. Selling ClaS8.—l, Mrs.
A. Tmdal. 2. M. Leno. 3, W. Jacob, 4, A. Comyna. jun. Light.— Cock.— 1,

Wooiis i/en — 1. J. Bonlton. 2and3. B. Jc

French.- HoudoiM — Cocfc. 1, G. D. Harrison. 2. Mrs. Wilson. S, L. W.
Thomas. Hen.— I and 8, Mrs. Vallance. 2, L W. Thomas. Creve-Cieitrs.-
Cock.—l, J. B. Brown. 2, W. Cutlack, jun. 8, H. Stephens. Ben.—l. E.
Burrell. 2. J. Mackwell. 8. J. J. Maiden.

HiMBOKOBs.— GoM-sjjaiii7(«(J.— Cup, G. 4 ,T. Duckworth. 2, J. Rawnsloy. 3.
T. Dean. Silver-spanyled.-l and 2, J. Rawnsley. 3, R. Hartley. Gold-
jienciUed —1, C. Judson. 2, Miss D. Mackenzie. 3, Duke of Sutherland, vhc,
J. T- K Castell, W. K. Tickner, L. Holdsworth. Silver-pencilled.— i, Ur. E.
Snell. 2, Duke of Sutherland. 3, PerriuBioj. Bioc*:.— Cup, W. Clarke. 2, W.
E. George. 3. J. Ross.

Qame.— Black-Red.— Cock.— Cup and 2, S. Matthews. 8, W. J. Pope, vhc, W.
H. Stagg. Here.— Cup. W. J. Pope. 2, S. Ma'thew. 3, W. H, Stagg. vhc.Q.
btapleton. Brown Red.—Cock.-l and 8, S Maithew 2, H E. Martin. Hen
—1, S. Matthew. 2, W. Watson. B, H E. Martin. Anp other variety.— Cock.—
1 and 2, S. Matthew 8, Duke of Sutherland, vhc, F. Warde. Ben.—l, S.
Matthew. 2, E. Pettitt. 3, B. MoUett. Selling Class.— 1, C. Venables. 2, W.

_ . ----„ -^r*-' -• — — ^•- "' "• *" "''".".^.o. 8, J. Downing, vhc, T.
Joint {it, E. Branford.

Polish.— OoWs^janijieti.-l, G. W. Boothby. 2, H. A. Clark. 8. A. & W. H.
fcilvoater. Silver-spangled.— I and 2, G. C. Adkins. 3, Mias P. Gallivev. Ang
other vanety.—Cup, T. Nirwood. 2 and !, A. Darby, vhc, T. Norwood'.

LEOHuH.vB.-Broicn,— 1, S L Bradbury 2, A KiteLin. 3, W. Hitchcock.
II ;ii(e.-l, B. C. Seaman. 2, Mrs. W. P. Huahea. 8, Mias Handlield.

ANDiLusiANS.— 1 aud 2, J. H. Fry. 3, Miss M. Arnold.

SiLKits — 1, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 2, O. E. Cresswell. 3, W. Ch.indler.

Any oTHEH ViEiLTT.-l, H. Stephens. 2, T. Aspden. 3, F. J. R. Nunn. vhc,
<*. de Faye,

Selling Chiss.— Dorkings, Brahmas, or Cochins.— I, W. Tedd. 2. Rev. G.
WalBon. 8, J. Long, i, W. A. Burnell. Cocfc -1, W. A. BurneU. 2, Mrs. A,
Tmdal. 3, G. B. C, Breeze. 4, E. Durand. Hens.— I. Mrs. A. Tindal. 2. G. J.
Lenny. 3. Key. J. D. Peake. 4, W. A. Burn.U. French.-Cock.-l, Re-r C.
C. Ewbank. 2. A. W. Darley. 3. Miss E WiUiams 4, H. Stephens, flcns.-
J,C. Dickens. 2, W. Cutlack, jun. 3, Rev. N. J. Kidley. I.H.Stephens. Any
other variety except Bantams.— 1, W. E. Bull. 2, G. P. Pointer. 8, K. Newbitt.
4, J. Loader. CocK.—l, R. Newbitt. 2, W. Bentley S. G. W. Boothby. 4, E.
atauiey. He««.— 1, H. Browo. 2, J. T. Parker. 3, P. Hanscm. 4, T. Docwra.

Baktamb.- Black Hed.—Cup, W. Adams. 2, J. R, Robmson. 8, F. W. R.
Hore. 4,Mrs. M. A.Haynes. Brown iied.—l, E. Newbnt. 2. W. S. Marsh, 3,
A. Swires. 4, T Putnam. Any other variety Game.— 1, R. Newbitt. 2, J. K.
Robmson. 3, J. Eaton. 4, J. Booth. Single Oame Cock.-l, T. W. Anns. 2,
K. Newbilt. 8, J. K. Kobinaou. 4, W. S. Marah. Black.— 1, L. G. Morrell. 2,
W. White. 3, C. Eeid. Sebright.-Cap and 2, M. Leno. 3, W. Holmes, Any
other vanety.-l, T. Green. 2. S, Clapbam. 8, H. B. Smith. Selling Clam.-i,
a. Vigers. 2, T. Buah. 3, R. Newbitt 4, J. Long.

DDCK8.-^]/i€«6url/.-l, Dr.E, Snell. 2.J. Bedges 3,Mrs. Radclyffe. Roiiere.
-Cup, W.Evans. 2, F. Parlett. 8. F, E. Arter. l;/ie, R. Gladstone. Blac*.-
1, 3, and vhc, Miss E. Browne. 2, J. J. Maiden. Any other variety.— Cup, M.
Leno. 2, W.E. George. 3, Rev. W. Scriejntson. rhc.G. Parkinson. Miss A. T.
Tntton, Rev. W. Serjeantson, W. Boutcber (2), A. & W. H. Silvester, M. Leno (2).
PIGEONS.

PODTEKS.- CooAs.— BlHeP/cd.-landS. E. Fulton. 2,L.4W. Watkin. Black
Pted.—Cup, C. Wroot, 2 and 3, E. Fulton. Yellow or Hed.—l, T. Herricff, 2.
E. f niton. 8 and vhc, M. H. Gill. White —1, L. 4 W. Watkin, 2. J Baker.
3, J. stiles, juu. nhc, Mrs. Ladd. J, H. Uulohioson. hens.— Blue Pied.-l and
3. E. Fnllon. 2, J. Baker. Black Pied.— Cup, E Kulton 2, J, Baker. Yellow
or Bed Pitii—1, 2, and Ddc. E. Fultun 3, M.H.Gill. IK/iilB.-l, Mrs Laid. 2,
R. FuUon. 8, J. Baker. Piamj/ or .4uj(rJore.— Cocfc.— 1, H. W. Webb. 2,11
.Fulton. 8, C. B. Child. H«/i.-Cnp, C. B. Child. 2, G. Holloway, inn 3, J.
Baker, tide, H W. Webb.

CAHaiEa8.-C'ocfc«.-C/la7np(on Ctass.—\ and 2, R. & J. Ecroyd. Black.— I, E.
Flicker, 2, H. Heritage. 3, J. Chandler. I'Ae, H. M. Mavnard, R. Fulton, H.
Heritage. Dun.-Oap, R. Fulton. 3, R. Fulton. 2, J, iiaker. vhc, W, O.
Hammock. Any other colour.— 1, W. Maesey. 2, E. Cant. 3, U. fiuekin.

I

Hens.— Black.— Cap, E. Fulton. 2 and 8, H. M. Maynard. vhc, 3. Baker.
Dun.— 1, R, 4 I. Eoroyd, 2, G. Bentley. 3, R. Fulton. i>iic, H. M. Maynard.,
^nj/ ot'ter coiorer.—l and 2, W. Hooker. 8, G Bentley. Young.— Black.-Cock.^^
I.H.Fulton. 2. H. M. Maynard. S. H. Heritage. Bun.— Cocfc — 1, H. M. Ma;
nard. 2 and 3. W. Massey, Any other colour.— Cock.— \, R, Fulton 2, J.
Ord. 8. H. Buskin. Blac/c.— Here.— Cup. H. Heritage. 2 aud 3, H. M. Maynan
Dim.— Hen.-l, G. Kempton. 2. C. G. Cave. 8, E Fulton. Any other colour?
—Here.— 1, N. Hooker. 2, K Fulton. 8, J. C. Old.

Dkaqoons,- Cocfcs.- Biue.— 1 and 2. R. Woods 8. W. Smith. Yellow or Red,
—1,2, and uftc, E. Woods. 8, Hon, W. Sugden. Any other colour. Cup, 2, and
8. E. Woods, vhc, J. Baker. Hens.— Blue.- Cup and 3, E. WoimIs. 2, W. S.
Flanagan. Yelhw or Red.— l.R.Wooia. 2, A.M'Kenzie. 3, J. Baker. Silver,}
—1 and 2, R. Woods. 3, L. Whitehead. Any other colour.— 1 and 3, E. Woods.
2, .T. Baker.

Tn^Bi.F.B3.— Skort-faced.—Almond.— Cock— Cup and 2, R. & J, Ecroyd.
Yardley. Here.— 1 and 2, J. Baker. 8, H. Yardley. Young.— Cup and
Hallam. 2. G. Howard. Black Mottled— Cup and 2. H- <5. Henning.
Baker. BaM or Bearii — 1 and -i, W. Woodhouse. 8, A. Reddock. Any oihs
variety.— 1, 3. Baker. 8, H. Fulton.

B4BB3— Coc't.-Blact or Dure.— Cup, 2. and 3, J. Firth, r/ic, H. M. Maynan
Any other colour.— I. K. Fulton. 2 and 3. P. H. Jones, Hens.— Black or Dm
—1 and vhc, H, H. Maynard. 2, E, Fulton, 3, R. Fulton, Any other eolou
—1 anu 2, R, W, Bryco. 8, H. Yardley, vhc, P. H. Jones. Young c'oclt.- Ca]
E. Fulton. 2. H. M. Maynard. 8, J. Firth. I'ourei; Here.— Cup, E. Fulton. ^^
and 3, J. Firth.

JAC^iBiNs —Cocfcs.— Bed.— Cup, S Salter. 2, E. Fulton, 3, J. Baker. vhc,'l
Fulton (2), H Heritage reiioii'.-l. K. Fulton. 2, J. Frame. 8, b. Heritagi
vhc, 3. Baker, J. Frame Black.— \, 3. Baker. 2. J. Frame. 3, R. FnltuI
vhc.U Fulton. Heres.-Bed —1, E. FuUon 2, J. Baker. 8, J. Schweitzer, reltoll
—1. Cup, and 2. J, Frame. 3, H. Heritage, vhc, R. Fulton (u). Black.-
Fulton. 2. H. Heii'.age. 3, J. Pyper. vhc, 3. Schweitzer. Cock or Heh^
JF/i(ie.— 1, J. Baker. ^. J. Schweitzer. S.J.Thompson. « 'ic, J. Schweitzer, j
Baker, .4ni/ ot/ier colour,— 1, J. Frame. 2, R Fulton. 8, H. Dwelly,

Fantait a.— White, English style.— Cup, B. M. Maynard. 2 and 8, Rev. "V]
Serjeantson vhc, Eev. W. Serjeantsou, J. Walker (2). Scotch Style.— Cui
Eev. W. Serjeantson. 2 and 8, J. £ Spence vhc, H. M. Maynard, J. Baki
J. F, Loverside. Any other colour or crossbred.— 1, J. E. Spence. 2,
Dickinson. 8. H Yardley.

Ndns.— 1, A. Duthie. 2, W, Tedd 3, T. S Stephenson.

Tbcmpetprs.— Cup an 1 3, J H. Hutchinson. 2, J. Baker.

Owls —English —Cliampion Cla^s —Cock.—l, A. Duthie. 2. R. & J. Ecroy<
BiucorPou)iie?-e<iBiuc.—c;oc*:—l. J. Barnes. 2, SSalte;-. 3, H. Vernon, vln
R. 4 J. Ecroyd. Silver or Powdered Silner.— Cock.-l, E. W. Bryco. 2, i
Barnes. 8, R. & J. E:royd. Here*- 1, J. Barnes. 2 and 3, R. & 3. Ecroyi
Poreijre.- 1, R, 4 J. Ecroyd. 2 H Pidc 'ck. 3 and tilic, J. J. Sparrow.

TORBITS. -Bine or stlDer.- Coet.— Cup, R, & J, Ecroyd. 2 and 3, S. Saltai
Red or Yellow.— I and 2, R. 4 J Eoroyd. 3. O. E. Cresswell. Any otht
colour.— 1, S. Salter. 2. J. Baker, 3, O, E, Cresswell.

Magpies.- Blac*,- 1. F. P. BuUey. 2, S. Salter. 8, W. Tedd. Red or Yellow
-Cup, s. Salter, 2 and 3, F. P. Bulley.

Swallows.— 1. J. Long. 2. W. Tedd. S.V.Shaw.

Ahohinoels.- Cttpand2. H W.Webb. 3, O. E Cresswell.

EoNTs.- c'ocfc— rup and 2, T D Green. 8. A. Miles.
ToMBLEES.-BaW or Beard— I, K. Woods,

L. Allen. 8, J. O.
W. Sugden. 8, J.

8,

Spendluve. Any other colour.— 1, H. O. Crane. 2, Ho
Wilson.

Any other Variety except Antwerps.- 1, R. \V. Bryce. 2, J.Wallace.
H. YarJley.

ANTWEBP3.— Sftorf/aced.— Cup. R. 4 J. Ecroyd. 2, J. T. Theobald. 3. J. J.
Bradle.v. nJic, E, Flicker. Homing.-Cock—\,R Thornton. 2. J. W. Barker.
3, T. H. May. Hen,-1, J, J, Sparrow. 2 J. Donaldson. S. R Thornton.

SELLING Classes.— CJarrters, Pouters or Short faced Tumblers.— 1, H. Yard-
ley. 2, E, Fulton. 3, C. Howard. 4, M Weston. Any other variety.— 1. H.
Yardley 2, Hon. W Sugden. 3, P. H Jones. 4, J. Pyper. Any variety.— Pair.
— I.J.Ford, a, W. G. Kempton. 8. R Woods. 4, W. P. Stephensoa. Flying
Class or Homing Birds— l,':ol.Ra.es!iii. 2, J. Edmonds. S, J. T.Theobald. 4,
J. Edmunds. 6, W. S. Marsh.

Mb. Powell's Spanish Hen. — A case of intsrast to Spanish
fanciers was settled to-day by a pojt-mortem examination iu
presence of the seven whose names ^re hereto subscribed. Mr.
Powell's celebrated Spanish hen. Old Queen, which was formerly
so great a winner both for him aud for Mr. Moore, who pur-
chased her at a high figure, was afterwards disputed on the
ground of sex, the last show she won at being Burslem, 1876.
Some fauciers contended that she was a neuter. Mr. Powell
determined to have the matter settled, and perceiving that a
rupture iu the abdomen was increasing brought her down to
Bradford, aud she was killed and dissected in our presence,
wheu we fuund the ovaries well developed, but au accumulation
of yulks in a ruptured part of the oviduct. — Enoch Hutton;,
Henry Beldon, Bmglcy; John Preston, AUertou ; John Powell,
Bradf id; W. H. Robinson, Keighley; W. F. Eutwisle, Wyke;
Jonathan Craven, AUerton.

STEWARTON veesus LARGE STRAW HIVES.

In the Journal of February l^t your correspondent " Ken-
FiiEWsHiBE Bee-keeper," in reply to me says that it (the Stew-
aitou), as well as the straw were crammed, but only with the
progeuy of their respective queens. If such was the case, how
are we to understand that the Stewarton stock was in such
excellent condition, while that of the straw skep was at etarvft-
tion poiut? I confess I aai greatly puzzled by your oorre-
spondent's statements concerning his test of hives. He also
says the great weight of houey collected by the bees in the
Stewarton, as compared to the little stored by tho other, waB
due to the form, material, aud construction, and hints that if I
was a more practical apiarian I might have seen it for myself.
To this I say I cannot see it possitjle. I admire very much the
splendid boxes of the purest white honeycomb I have seen taken
from i ho Stewartoa hive, and must contend the causes to be
other thau the three above mentioned. For mere weight of
honeycomb (for that is all your correspondent cared for in his
" test "), what are we to say for " form, material, and con-
struction " to be found in an old chimney tlue ? List autumn a
ueighboar of miue determined to open one of these structures

March 1, 1S77. ]

JOOtiNit. OF HDSriCULTURE AND OOrfAQB GARDENEB.

169

to deprive a strong stock of bees of their stores. Whea the
brickwork was cut away what a sif>ht presented itself! One
large flue, its diametar completely filled-up with euormous
combs tuick and heavy. This appears to have been the breed-
ing space, for the bees hai passed through a very small hole in
a partition-wall and built magnificent combs in au afijoiuiog
flue, the greater part of the cjmbs were filled and sealed-up.
The man mformed me their depth and breadth were such that
as he cut them out aad handed them down a ladder, he could I
only compare to " flitches of bacon." Another stock which had
taken up their quarters in the roof of a thatched cottage was
deprived of their stores about the same time, and was reached
by cutting away the ceiling of a bedroom. The combs were
built on the outside of a brick chimney which passed through
the roof and also on the rafters. They were supposed to have ]
measured many of them about '2 feet by '2i feet, and of groit
thickness, and as they were cut away were handed down and
stacked iuto talis, pans, dishes, bo ivls, and every available vessel
to be found. Unfortunately the weights of neither stock are
known, but the produce of the two could not have been much
short of 400 lbs., and perhaps considerably more. It would
appear to most common-sense people that these two stocks of
bees were strong and healthy, and had abundance of houey at
easy distance, and good weather to collect it, and plenty of store
room. Will your correspondent tell us that this ohimuey-stack
and cottage roof had "form, material, and construction" in-
ferior or superior to the best hive ever made ? While some talk
of "wood versus straw," why should not I ask. Then what abont
bricks and mortar if mere weight is all we hive t > consider ?

I'oar correspondent seems singularly unfortunate in the shape
and working of his skeps, and would have us {your read- rs I
meao) believe that a glass only can be placed to super them,
and that, too, in a very bungling manner. lu all humility I
would mmend a leaf or two out of Mr. Pettigrew's book to his
notice. I can put on my large straw skeps boxes belonging to
any hive, b^ll-glasses, or, what I prefer, straw supers 4 inches
djep and from 8 to 13 inches over, flat-topped, very strong, and
having a U or 4 inch hole in the top, which ia covered with a
piece of glass, then woollen, and a thin piece of board, to enable
me to report progress when the bees are not wanted to go
higher.

The same correspondent on page 109 writes, speaking of con-
vincing a straw hivist, " To be sure I had one advantage over
him in possessing the Italian bee." Is this an advantage? I
ask this of anyone who will kindly give the information through
the Journal, because it ought to be settled in whut respect they
are better, equal, or worse than the common bee. A few yenrs
ago I had decided to give ,£.5 for a good stock of Italians, and I
went to Exeter to see the good Mr. Woodbury and bia apiary,
who very kindly offered me a veil. "What is that for?" I asked.
"To put on your face ; it is safer for both of us," he said. Then
he proceeded to take out his bar frames, beginning with the
Italians, poiutiug out all the little matters of interest. "See
how these Italians sail about us," he rt-marked, as he held
up their combs for inspection; not so the black bees, wLich we
came to next. These were examined in the same gentle and
systematic manner, and exhibited their irritible temper a little,
but nothing compared to what I have seen since when changing
floor-boards. "Now, Mr. Woodbury," I asked, "will you be good
enough to tell me in what respect are these Liguriaus superior to
the common bee? All things beiug equal, will they collect and
store m'Jie houey?" "No," was the reply, and his emphatic
" no " decided me. " Then in what way are they superior ?" I
asked. His reply was, " Only that they are less willing to use
their stings." From that day to this I have never p.issessed an
Italian, but should be pleased to do so if there is ajy good in
them which the comniou bee does not poaaess. If that was the
decided c jncluaiou this groat apiarian had come to, where now
lay their superiority V

One more important question I atked of this gentleman —
namely, "Will bees collect and store a greater weight of honey
in your bar-framo hives than in a common box 14 inches by 14
by 10, and supered as required ?" "No," was his answer; "but
my hives may possess otUer advantigea." Certainly, and thank-
ing him very mnch I took leave of Mr. Woodbury, much pleased
with the interview. I may mention that at tnat time all my
bees were in boxes as above, Nutl's hives, and Stewatton, all of
which I have Btill.— W. J. C.

CEUDE HONEY AND THEORIES.

YotJB esteemed correspondent the Vice-president of the Cale-
donian Apiarian Society was kind enough to publish in your \
namber for the 11th December some notea of a visit he paid to
my apiary during last summer, and he referrtd to the oppor- j
tunity which he and the two keen entomological friends who
accompanied him had of inspectiog the procedure of the honey-
laden bees as they arrived aud deposited their loads in the comb
cells of my observatory, which carried conviction to the minds
of my friends of the untenablenei^s of the " twice-swallowing and
disgorging theory " which Mr, Pettigrew has maintained with

a pertinacity worthy of a better cause. There was a sectional
portion of comb in the upper pait running parallel to and
wrought on the glass, thereby showing a half comb, the divided
side beiug next the observer, which I had allowed to remain
on as a special treat to my visitors. From its central backbone
the cells were attenuated and carried out on either side to a
depth requiring three and four separate divisions or " bulk-
heads," to use a nautical phrase, and the marked contrast in
colour of the different honeys stored in each, with the unin-
terrupted view of the head of each bee while discharging the
secretion, elicited expressions of the greatest interest and
delight from my friends.

To account for the difference"; of opinion on this and many
points in the natural history of the bee, for the benefit of the
general reader it becomes necessary to explain that parties who
keep bees in domiciles with fixed combs are of necessity on such
points in the dark, the hive being to them a sealed book, hence
the tempting opp irtunity for the exercise of a lively imagina-
tion and the guesswork of fiction to set against fact. They deny
the toiling labourers their well-earned repose; they suppose
them busily employed during the silent watches of the night
in moving about the eggs which the queen has improperly
deposited, changiug their sex by a process without a parallel in
auimated nature ; and, heaviest task of all, removing to a different
portion of the hive the entire gleanings of the day, and re-
storing it a chemically changed substance, robbing our little
favourites of half their heaveu-born instincts. These crudest
ot crud3 theories disappeir like "the baseless fabric of a vision"
when the bee-keeper advances from " fixism " to " mobilism."
The precious truth is then laid bare.

The workers are never seen to " set" or move the eggs about,
although rarely they may eat them when pressed by want.
The queen does not drop them at haphazard ; she thrusts her
head carefully into the cell in every instance, and on satisfying
herself on its thorough preparedness then deposits the egg,
fixing it in position by that familiar half turn she never omits.
The honey-lsd-u bee is seen to carry the nectar of the flower
right up without auy intermediate resting-place for security to
the super or uppermost portion of the combs, and hurry off for
more till the coll is filled. Then what follows ? Is it moved
to another portion of the hive ? Never, there is no such super-
fluous waste of labour in the hive. It stands a time ; the watery
property (proportioned ti> the state of the atmosphere and
weather) rises to the surface aud is sipped off by the workers,
aud the final extraction made through that little central orifice
of what I described three years ago as the " aqueous and aerial "
properties, before it be hermetically sealed-up. When at that
time describing the process as above, your correspondent Mr.
Pettigrew prouounced my fact as unworthy of a place "at the
top of the list " t'f theories ; but fortunately its truthfulness was
subsequently confirmed by a special experiment instituted by
that most excellent correspondent " R. S.," whose graceful con-
tributions to these columns are much missed by us all.

The separation of the watery element takes place somewhat
after the style affected by a clergyman's lady of my acquaint-
ance, who, strongly suspecting some twitches of the iron-tailed
cow in her milk supply, put aside a sample tumbler for a time,
set it on a plate, aud astounded her milkman at the door as
follows :—" Here is your milk; if you intend to give me this
quantity," pointing to the thicker strata at the bottom, " in
return for my money, well, I'll just take it; and please allow me
to flivoiir it with t'lis," pointing to the water floating on top,
" to my own taste for the future."

Many years ago I had an observatory stock placed in a stair-
case window, which stood much in want of feeding, and feed it
I did with no stinted hand. Owing to its inside position aud
consequent warmth of the house they took down greedily. The
exposure was from where

" Boreas wi' hia fclaatg did blow"
so vigorously in at the entrance that not a solitary bee dared
venture abroad, placing my little favourites in a most unenviable
plight with their loaded sugar-syrup combs. The wind chopped
round at last, aud the sun shone out brilliantly. The extracting
process began with a vengeance— the pent-up prisoners caine
forth like a swarm, and at their high altitude could be seen dis-
porting themselves backwards and forwards over a bit of lawn
like mlidcaps, at the same time emitting in long jet-like clear
streams crossing and recrossiug each other, which could only
be compared to a sweetened shower.

I cannot close these remarks without impressing on the novice
the great necessity for the careful keeping separate and distinct
for running the unsealed from the sealed combs. The contents
of the latter will consolidate and keep even at midsummer; that
of the former should always be scrupulously kept out, otherwise
the smallest quantity acts "like the little leaven which leaveneth
the whole lump." — A Eenfbewshibe Bee-keeper.

In Memobiam — We regret this week to have to record the loss
of another poultry fancier. Mr. H. 0. Dear, of North Stoneham
Park, Southampton, has passed away from us. He was one of

JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( Ma-ch 1, 18^7.

the first introdncers oi ooncliraeiit for live stock, and hiq pre-
pared meal was a'3 HnuoHsaful with catble as poultry. He has
been in failirtg heal'h a lonjj time, and when we saw him at the
last Boaruemuatli Poalbry Sbow we thoaj^bt him sadly changsd
for the wcrae. We uudnrBtnad his business will be taken on by
his widow, at the great wish of the deceased. Besides being
the mannfHctiiter of these foods, he was an enthusiastic poultry
fancier, and poeaeEsed some of the best blooded Game fowls of
the day. — W.

SCIENTIFIC BEE-KEEPEES.

"Scientific bee-keepprs " is a term land others have often
used; but how few th^re are who deserve the name. The
"scieDCe" of bee-keeping is scarcely born. Look at the bee of our
day. It is tho ^-arue a'l S'iue of by old Virgil twenty centuries ago.
Regard our cattle, our pnu'try, our fruits and flowers, and con-
trast them with the Btocbs of a hundred years ago. The difference
is marvellous. Oar great grandmothers would not recoguise the
pullets they trussed or the vegetables they cooked as articles of
the same genera. On these things ecience has truly been
brought to bear. Patient selectiou of the best individuals, ru'h-
lesB destruc'ion of the 'rorst, judicious crossing, and introduc-
tion of foreign varieties have made the products of our farms and
gardens what they are. Why, then, should not like results be
obtained by "Rcientific" culture of the hive bee? The intro-
duction of tlie Litiuriau bee was a step iu the right direction, but
this was twenty-five years a^o — rather a long distance from the
first step to ttiH second. However the better quali'ies of the
Ligurian may have been exaggerated, and they doubtless have
been, yet few who have giv^u them a fair trial will gainsay the
assertion that the variety is an improvement on our old black
friend. No new diKCi)very, for does not Virgil say —
" Tho b tfer brood, unlike the bastard crew,
Are market with royal stroaks of shiaiag hue."

The world is wide, and in it are many species and varieties of
hees ; it would be stranti:e indeed if we have absolutely the best.
A bee having equnl or better industrious habits to oura without
a sting would be a very desirable acquisition ; next to Ihis, one
disinclined to use her weapon would not be despicable, and such
a character is possessed by the " krainer " or Hungarian bee,
which is slowly spreading over Europe, and has also emigrated
to America. I also have a krainer queen gradually gathering
her children roand her, whose characters I hope duly to
chronicle. Great thiatis are said <if a bee from the Isle of
Cyprus. A few (f the leading German bee-keepers have this
variety, and it ia hitihiy prized and jealously kept. At the Api-
cultural Exiiibitiou at Strasbourp, 1875, a queen was exliibited
and sold for 75 francs to a professional queen-breeder, who adver-
tised her progeny for f-ale during tbe ensuing summer. But it
is never wise to count chickeius before they are hatched. The
queen died, aud numernns orders for her daus^htera were unful-
filled. I have a conditional promise of a Cyprian queen next
summer. This bee is snid to far excel the black and Li^nrian
in prolificness and industry, but not to be commended for
amiability. In the country round the Gulf of Cflttirod«"ells a bee
very hardy and muscular ; were they not so they would starve,
for they have to gather their honey from the flowers which grow
in the crevices and ravines of the mountains — high, steep, and
exposed to rough winds. Their character ia good so long aa they
are not disturbed, but if mec^dled with they become most wicked,
Btinging viciously and p>iiufally. Perhaps these would suit our
mountains and expnt^ed coasts, where our native bee finds it
difficult to Bupp-^'it itself. But is it presumption to say that a
judicious crossing of such varieties as I have named (for they
are all believed to be of the same species) would improve our
breed and enlarge rur honey harvests ?

A *' Renfrewshiue Bee-keeper," Mr. Phillips, and others
have chronicled the splendid results of individunl hivts, or I
may say the extraordinary industry of ceit lin worker bees, the
daughters of known queens who above others in the same apiary
have distinguithf d tht mnelveh by theescellouce of their progeny.
Common sense would tell ua that here i^ a proper case for selec-
tion : weed out the other queens, and replace by the bett'-r brood.
Experienced handp, as our frieuda here named, would find no
difficulty in stocking the hives of a village fiom a favourite
queen. In America this principle ia recognised and practised.
There is a bee in India which builds long combs pendent from
the branches of trees. I have not the account to refer to, but I
think tbe combs were describe d by Professor Wallace to be 6 feet
long. India, in point of tiuje, ia not a farc>)Uutry now. Perhaps
one of our cnmpatriota on his homeward trip will some day bring
us a live queen of this sp-^cies, aud some among us may live to
Bee the day when the scientific bee-keeper may proudly say,
"Look on this pictura and on that." — Joun Hunteb, Eaton
Bise, Ealing.

OUR LETTER BOX.

PnnoNrno C&rolina. Docks {E.K. L.).— Pinion! og them does not dis-
qualify them for exbibiticn; onpinicued birds are the exception. Almost

all fancy wild fowl must beiepfc pinioned, or they mnst be treated as ca^ed
birds and eucloeed on every side atid dverhead with wire or netting. Even
bir'iH bff-d tame will flv away iu tbe winter if they are fall-wiug.'d. There
always remaim en jugh u( in-itiact iu them fjr that ; but if thoy are pinianad
they remain. II th-^re were any cimlitiuu to be apptnied to the esbibition
of wild iiwl it should be timt they thould be pinioned, as that is the only
state iu which they can be kept.

EiR-FRAME Hives. — J. Q. wishes to know the best maker. These hives
should be aivertised.

Stewarton Hive (J. H. Elridjc).— There are no entrances allowed to
Stewarton coHnies, except at bjito ji of the pile, half in«h deep and as wide
as the dovetail wili allow, a central and one in each dlvi^i('n on either side,
making three in all, fully open durio",' theheatof summer. Three 7-ioc'i boxes
are amply auffioient ; 18 iuohea of brr-ediuii apacs in ordioarv cases snflioea.
A hive without an entrance ia as inc mvenient as a house without a iloor &t
swarm-ug time. Thoughtlessly set dnwn ou a temporary boarl or table suffo-
cates the bees. Windows back and frout, as at present, shows through the
state! of th-a very centre tiive. Q i^eus a^e eh>*ni'ed in non-swarmiDg stocks
ofteoer than is Buppnsed. Hero ihey are always dethroned at the end of
the third Beason at furthest. No winter packing is required with ontBide
cover. Your friend will lose all the advantage of tte et-aifying sjstem in
hi-t projected hive. The yield of hives is depeud<int on season and locaUty.
Here swarms iu colonies jield uothiug tbe first season unless donbled.— .\
Renfrewshire Bee-i

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CA]UDC!f Square, Losdom.

Lat. 51= 32' 4T' N. ; Long, 0' S' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 4 11.

In the D*-?.

1877.

Hygrome-

'■§2

it

n— r

So-

■ibade Tem-
perature.

Radiation
Temperature.

1

Feb.

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

f

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass-

Inches

des.

deK.

des

i«K-

aeg.

deg.

deg

In.

We. 21

29 766

88 2

34?

40 8

il.3

33.8

Th. 2!

3.050

S5.6

83.7

N.W.

4 .1

413

314

0.110

29 911

S6 3

85 3

N.I

40.0

419

S3.6

0.100

29 672

4i.7

^2.0

W.

40 1

51.7

36.2

76.4

—

29 )6i

47.0

45.6

N.

400

54.1

42.ll

0 038

tt.O

38 3

N.

42.7

42.6

894

76 8

0.«8

Ta. 27

29.8J4

36 8

S4.1)

n.

41.0

40.0

818

83.0

27 6

—

Mems.

29.696

39 8

37 6

40.5

45 3

33.7

78.3

32.7

0.316

REMAHKS.
21st.— Fine all day till 3 p m., but theu dull ; a very eligbt snow shower in the

night, which was otherwise v-ry fine.
22Dd.— Fine luorniDg. but dull afternoon; rain began at 1 r M and fell fti

times during the rest of thf'dny.
23rd.— Fine morning ; dull but fair all tho after part of the day.
2ith. — Rainy morning, but clearing up by 11 a.m., and fine during the re-

mAinder of tho day.
25th.— Fair, but dull in early morning; but elight showers at intervals all

day after 10 a.m.
26th.— Beautifully brijiht and fiue at fi.Sfl, but in Ics' than an hour snowing

heavily, but only fur a short time; hue afttrnoou and bri^iht moon-
light night.
27th.— Very tlight white frost at 0; a slight fall of aleet at 10 A.3I. ; but

bright, though co'd during the res-, of the day.
A fine bright week, northerly wmd^ aud lower temperature. — Q. J. Svmoss.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— Febuuatiy 23.
Trade is again quiet, and scarcely anrthing doing worthy of note. Good
■■ cimpass, and are the only fruit that

Apples i sieve !

Apricots dozen I

ChestDute bushel i

Currants } sieve '

Black 4 do. i

Figs dozen '

Filherts lb.

Cobs lb.

Gooseberries qnai.

Grapes, hothouse .... lb.

r.eraons f*' 100

Melons each

Artichokes dozen (

Aspaiagu!! f*- 100 :

French bundle '

Beans, Ki.luoy e* lOJ

Beet, Red dnzen

Broccoli bundle

Brussels Sprouts. .i sieve

Cabnage doten

Carrola bunch

Cj.paicums Tt* 10 1

Cauliflower d^zen

Celery bundle

Ctileworta.. dot. buncbea

Cucumbers each

Endive dozen

Fennel bunoh

GarUc lb.

Herbs bunoh

Horseradish bundle

Lettuce dozen

Leeka bunoh

Nectarines

. dozen

. f 101)
. dozen
. dozen
.. dozen
lb.

0
«

0
0
3
1
0
0
0

rtoO
0 u

0 0

Pears, kitchen.,
dessert

0 0

n 12

'. bushel
lb.

Quinces

Raspberries . ...

0 0
0 0

>trawlierrie8...- lb. 0

Walnuti bushel C

1 ditto %>'100 1

TEGETAJBLES.

Mushrooms pottle

Mustard & Cress punnet

Onions bnshel

pickling qu<«rt

doz. bunobes 2 0 0 0
dozen 0 0 0 U
quirt 0 0 0 0

RadisheB.. doz. banchei

Knubarb bundle

salsafv bundle

Scorzonera bundle

seakrtle basket

Shallots lb.

Spinach bushel

Tomatoes i i

lb. 0 9 2 0

. bunch 0 4 0ft

Vegetable Marrows o 0 0 0

March 8, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day

1 of 'of
Month Week.

MARCH 8—14, 1877.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Eiaea.

San
Sets.

Moon
Biaee.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Son.

Day
of
Year.

8
9
10
U
12
13
U

Th Koyal Society at 8.30 p.m.

F Boyalliistimtionat 8 P.M.

8 Boval Botanic Society nt 3.45 P.3I.

Sns 4 SDND4V IN Lent.

M Boyal Geographical Society at 8.30 P.M.

To Royal Medical and Chirargioal Society at 8 30 p.m.

W Society of Arte at 8 P.M.

Day.
49.4
49.3

49.7
492
50.6
60.7
51.1

Night.
31.7
30.9
31.6
32.1
82.0
33,8
34.7

Mean.
40 5
40.1
40.7
40.7
41.3
42.2
42.9

h. m.
6 81

6 29
6 27
6 25
6 22
6 20
6 18

b. m.
5 51

5 62

6 54

B 66
5 67

5 59

6 1

h. m

3 68
i 39
5 7

5 28

6 43

5 65

6 6

h. m.

10 24

11 29
0a4l
1 55

3 8

4 20

5 33

Days.

23
24
25
26
27
28
29

lo' 64
10 89
10 24
10 8
9 51
9 85
9 18

67

68
69
70
71

72
73

From obserrationa taken near London daring forty-three yeus, the average day temperatore of the week ia SO.O^ ; and its night temperators

PEACH FOBCING.— No. 7.

' S the period of the year has arrived when
forcitig operations are in progress tbis Bub-
ject may be seasonably resumeil. I will
discuss it under four cardinal heads — mois-
ture, ventilation, disbudding, and pruuiug.

MolSTUEE. — From the closing of the house
to the flowers expanding the trees are to be
sprinkled in the morning and afternoon,
except when the weather is very wet and
foggy, it being better in such weather to
damp the floor and every available surface other than the
trees, which affords sufficient moisture and is infinitely
better than keeping the trees dripping with water. The
evaporation troughs ought also to be filled with water,
and should never be empty from that day forward to
artificial heat being discontinued. My evaporating troughs
are equal to about half of the extent of the heated surfaces
of the pipes.

After the first blossoms expand syringing so far as the
trees are concerned is, until the fruit is set and swelling,
discontinued ; but the whole available surfaces of the
house are sprinkled with water in the morning and after-
noon, which with the moisture constantly being eva-
porated from the troughs secures all that is needful for
tbe maintenance of the blossom, for if the atmosphere be
very dry, no moitture atforded by sprinkling or from
troughs, it is certain that the Ijest results will not follow.
" Ob, but a dry atmosphere is neceseaiy for Peach and
other blossoms at the time of setting," some may remark.
If by a dry atmosphere is meant such as we have in an
nnheated bouse, or one only heated so as to exclude frost
or during bright fair weather when the trees outdoors are
in blossom, I agree in the definition of a dry atmosphere ;
but the moisture in such houses (though no syringing bo
resorted to) and outdoors is fully equal to that of a house
sprinkled twice daily and with evaporating troughs con-
stantly giviug off moisture. We must take into considera-
tion tbe altered ciroumetances of trees started in Novem-
ber or December and dependant from first to last upon a
temperature maintained by artificial heat. Instead of
the moisture in the latter case being injurious I am cer-
tain it might, wlien there arc no evaporating troughs,
little piping requiring to be! highly heated, and bright
weather prevailing, be advantageous to the setting to
syringe the trees occasionally. It is moisture in a mea-
sure that supports the petals and feeds the stamens. It
ia dryness which contracts and moisture which expands
the pollen cases, causing their bursting and effecting fer-
tilisation. With a parched atmosphere the petals soon
drop, the anthers are lean, and a good syringing in such
cases is often beneficial. It is not now my practice to
syringe Peach trees whilst in blossom, for with the mois-
ture had from the troughs and tbe sprinklings, I have
in the brightest and most severe weather the moisture
required, and to syringe would be to convert the pollen
into paste, hindering instead of furthering its dispersion.
What Peaches need at setting is a congenial atmosphere,

Ho. 882.- Vol. XXXII., Nsw SKaiss.

moist but not stagnant. If anything a parching dryness
is likely to be more injurious than a moist atmosphere or
syringing ; but the main thing is to keep the atmosphere
whilst the setting is taking place from being close — stag-
nated. That moisture is not inimical to the setting hatu-
rally of any of the order BoBacese may be inferred from so
many having their parts exposed directly upwards as if to
receive descending moisture — rain or dew. At the same
time we cannot but admit water driven against the under
surfaces of the leaves to be diametrically opposed to
nature. It is not, therefore, so foreign to nature to sy-
ringe a Peach when it is in blossom as to force water
twice every day against the under side of its leaves after
the fruit is swelling. It is done, of course, to prevent red
spider obtaining a footing — a hold that it will not let go
until driven by a force it cannot resist.

After the blossoms are set I am not in a hurry to resort
to syi'inging the trees, but wait until the fruit commences
swelling and has attained the size of a horse bean. The
house is nevertheless kept sprinkled with water twice
daily, the evaporating troughs never empty ; and I would
not even then resort to driving water against the under
side of the leaves bad not experience taught that it must
be done if the leaves are to be kept free from red spider.
The syringing twice daily is resorted to after the fruit ia
fairly swelling, and is continued daily until ripening com-
mences, and the house is then damped twice a-day, and
the evaporating troughs are not allowed to be dry so long
as artificial heat is applied.

A good syringing is given the trees after the fruit
is gathered, and is continued every evening so as to
thoroughly subdue the red spider ; for upon continuing
the foliage in a healthy state until the wood is completely
ripe depends future crops. If there is no red spider there
is no need of the syringe. In respect of the temperature
of the water for syringing I have a preference for it of
the same temperature as that of the house, but am only
particular in this matter whilst the fruit is young, having
often given a thorough downpour over the trees as well
as against their under surfaces with water from a hose-
pipe as much as 20° below the temperature of the house
without experiencing any evil consequences. I do not,
however, recommend the water used for syringing to be
lower in temperature than that of the house.

VENTn..vTioN. — When the first blossoms expand an
opening of about half to three-quarters of an inch is given
the whole length of the house at top constantly day and
night whatever the weather may be, and as tbe whole of
the front lights open and do not fit very closely, so that
even when they are closed air will pass in in proportion
to that escaping by the upper opening. This increase
of air is regulated by the temperature, as has been pre-
viously alluded to. I do not agree with raising the
temperature artificially for the mere purpose of admitting
air in large volumes — that, in my opinion, being tanta-
mount to "doing evil that good may come." All that ia
intended by ventilation is the prevention of a stagnant
atmosphere on the one hand, and preventing the tem-
perature rising too high on the other.

No. 1484.— Vol. LVII., Old Seeie s.

172

JUC£NAL OF HOfillOULTUBE AND COTIAQB QABDBMEB.

( March 8, 1817.

DiSBCDDiNO. — This is resorted to, to prevent overcrowding and
to give shoots at required positions, as well as to secure the ex-
tension of the trees ; also to secure suitable growths for the sup-
port of the fruit, and to provide for produciog future crops. If
the trees are vigorous they will be ready for disbudding by the
time the flowering is past. Some advocate pinching out the
points of the shoots which have fruit at their base, and most
growers agree that disbudding should be done gradually, re-
moving part of the superfluous growths at one time and part
at another. Any who are timid over disbudding will have
many useless growths, which must afterwards be stopped or
out out. I cannot see the value of allowing shoots to grow
which must be ultimately removed. I can understand the
necessity of not disbudding all at once when the trees are
against walls or in a cold house, where the foliage acts as pro-
tection to the setting fruit, and its removal in quantity at an
early stage may cause the leaves to suffer severely from blister,
an evil which I consider is entirely due to insuflieient protec-
tion. I have never had a ' ' blistered " leaf in a heated structure,
and in such a house I do all the disbudding at once.

When the shoots are long enough to be handled I remove
unflinchingly every shoot or bud not wanted. I practise the long-
pruning system, though I do not And fault with short-pruning,
but have a decided objection to the finger and thumb being
ever kept at work upon Peach trees — a certain mode, as I have
found it, of having lots of blossom, the fruit also setting freely
enough, but much of it dropping very soon from an insufficiency
of foliage and sap. Presuming that the trees are fan-trained,
the main branches 9 inches to 12 inches distance apart, and the
shoots upon them 12 to 15 inches distance and trained in be-
tween those branches, we have to remove the shoots on the
under and upper side of the branches, and leave side shoots for
training-in at 12 inches apart, and at about every 3 feet a shoot
will require to be laid-in and trained so that it will be at a dis-
tance of 12 inches from the shoot it originated from. A shoot
will also require to be left for the continuation of each main
branch. The bearing shoots have all the shoots removed except
one at the base, selecting the lowest in eveiy case for retaining,
and one at the extremity of the shoot or above the fruit ; and
this shoot, not being required for extension, is stopped to three
leaves, and any growth it may make afterwards is closely stopped
at one leaf. Any fruiting side shoots failing to set are out
away to the lowest bud of their origin for the production of
fruiting shoots for next year.

The shoots trained in from the base of the current fruiting
shoots are, if very vigorous, stopped at a foot in length ; but
any shoots not likely to exceed 14 inches in length are not
interfered with, as the moderately vigorous shoots of from
9 inches to a foot in length are always the most fruitful. One
of the main objects to be aimed at is the equalisation of the
vigour of the trees. It is better to cut away an over-vigorous
shoot or restrain it by close pinching than permit it to mono-
polise nutriment needed by other parts of the tree.

Pkuning. — When the fruit is gathered we cut away the
shoots which have produced the fruit, others being provided to
furnish the crop of the coming year. Exception must be made
of shoots that are required for extension, forming as they do
part of the principal branches ; and if the trees have any long
bare branches no time is so fitting for their removal as when
the crop is gathered, for we thereby admit the maximum of
light and air to the foliage of the parts left, and enhance the
ripening of the wood. When the leaves have fallen the trees
are untied, and the pruning completed by cutting the shoots
back to » or 9 inches of their length, and to a triple bud, or at
least a wood bud, and if these are only produced at their base
and extremity the shoots are not shortened, but are left their
full length. Shoots required for extension are shortened so as
to maiutaiu the tree's equilibrium, and any unripe growths are
out back to firm ripe wood. — G. Abbey.

FORCING LILT OF THE VALLEY.
We have received from the Hon. and Bev. J. T. Boscawen
some highly superior flowers of this popular plant, and
fully equal to the best examples of continental growth. Ac-
companying the flowers was a letter from Mr. Boscawen,
which is worthy of attention on account of the special stress
which is laid on the carefully maturing the foliage after the
flowers have been gathered. As a rule much injury is done to
forced plants of various kinds by subjecting them to an un-
natural system of treatment immediately after they have
ceased flowering. It is only by fostering a perfect growth of

foliage that perfect flowers can follow, and there are no plants
to which this applies more forcibly than to Lilies of the Valley.
By adopting this principle Mr. Boscawen has produced flowers
from plants which have been in the same pots for ten years,
and if others will follow the plan of this skilled horticulturist
they will have equally satisfactory results, and we doubt not
will arrive at the same conclusion, that there is "no difference
between continental and English-grown plants." The follow-
ing is an extract from Mr. Boscawen's letter : —

"I send you some Lilies of the Valley that you may see
that it is possible to grow them in England as good as those
flowered from imported plants. Much nonsense has been
written of late years about French and Dutch versus English
plants. I believe there is no difference. The blossoms I send
are from a pot of roots taken up four years ago from a bed at
least one hundred years old. I had some much finer (but out
of flower now) that have been in the same pots ten years. I
find it the best plan to force every other year, but to place all
the pots in March under glass, in order that the leaves may
grow early, being protected. By this means I obtain leaves as
well as flowers at Christmas."

SELECT HAEDY WALL PLANTS.

Some two or three months ago a correspondent asked for the
names of some climbing plants suitable for covering a fence.
More pressing matters caused this to be set aside for the
moment, and I now hasten to give the requisite information
while there is yet time for the planting to be well done.

Climbers for fences should coueist m the main of those
which partake of the evergreen type, in order to secure an agree-
able and lively effect throughout the year ; several distinct
sorts should be mingled together for the sake of variety and
for flowers at different seasons of the year. At the present
moment we have Jasminum nudiflorum laden with its bright
yellow flowers, and, although bare of foliage, yet the green-
baiked spray always presents a fresh and lively appearance.
The winter-flowering Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrautissima)
is abundantly clothed with handsome foliage, and with a pair
of its pretty white and fragrant flowers springing from tho
axil of every leaf. Garrya ellipiica, an evergreen of very
stout robust growth, is now highly attractive from the striking
effect of its tufts of long catkins of flowers pendant from the
tip of every shoot. A little later on we shall have the bright
yellow flowers of Premontia californioa, with the pink, blue,
and white of the Ceanothus and Escallonias. Very few
shrubs are so striking as is Ceanothus rigidus when seen in
the full spring beauty of its dense clusters of pale lavender-
coloured flowers. C. divaricatus is also a spring-flowering
variety. It is an evergreen of much more vigorous growth
than rigidus, and has such handsome foliage that a prominent
position ought always to be given it. I have two plants of it,
both about 10 feet high, one on the south side of a building
and the other facing the west ; they are in perfect health, but
neither of them bear many flowers, and I shall be glad to know
if it proves more floriferous in other hands. Ceanothus
azureus, a good old autumn-flowering sort, is a general
favourite, its handsome blue flower spikes always attracting'
attention and being most useful for cutting. I have had more
applicants for its name than for any other of an extensive
collection of climbing plants. With mild weather it continues
flowering very late, and its flowers have continued opening
throughout the present winter.

Of the Escallonias, maorantha deservedly ranks first, tlM-
elegant dark-hued, evergreen, glossy foliage forming a charming
foil to its bold flower spikes of a deep rich pink, which open
into full beauty in spring and early summer. E. Ingram!,
while closely resembling macrantha, is certainly inferior to it
in the size and colour of both foliage and blossom ; but I would
not entirely discard Ingrami, for it continues much longer in
flower than macrantha, and its light pink flowers are very
pretty. The white-flowered variety, E. pterocladon, bears a
profusion of charming white Heath-like flower spikes early io
the year. It is wonderfully robust, and climbs almost as fast
as macrantha.

The Honeysuckles (Lonicera) comprise much too important
a section of this charming class of plants to be left out. The
winter-flowering L. fragrautissima has already been noticed;
next to it comes L. flexuosa and L. brachypoda, the first having
dark-coloured foliage and flowers, and the other being of a-
lighter hue in both respects, otherwise they bear a close re-
semblance in freedom of growth, perfume, and abundance of

M»roh 8, 1877. ]

jodrnaij op hortioultore and cottage gardener.

173

flowers. Both are eepeeially valuable for the rapidity with
which they cover a building and lor their sub-evergreen habit.
L. )?rata is valuable as an evergreen variety, growing freely
and coming into flower about midsummer. It is a very dis-
tinct variety, as is also the scarlet-flowered L. sempervirens.
Some confusion exists concerning the nomenclature of this
genus. In the selection of four or five here given I have re-
tained the names by which they are generally known. In this
neighbourhood the common Woodbine — the most familiar
form of Honeysuckle — abounds, the roadside hedges being
often crested with thousands of its flower clusters, loading the
air with their delicious perfume. Poets have sung the praises
of the Woodbine, but gardeners Jo not appear to recognise its
value. Not a woodland walk should be without it and that
other poet's flower the Eglantine (Rosa rnbiginosa), with the
lovely pink-flowered Rosa canina, that in the wild grace of its
bold yet most delicate flower sprays surpasses our best efl'orts
in the formal Rose garden.

This paper is not intended to be an exhaustive one, and I
must rest content with adding that Berberidopsis oorallina,
with stout, handsome, and very dark evergreen foliage and
drooping clusters of coral-red flowers, ought to have a place
in every collection ; that Cotoneaster miorophylla is quite the
best climber for a windy corner or any exposed situation,
clothing the wall with a dense growth of deepest green, en-
riched throughout winter with rioh-hued crimson berries ;
C. Simonsii climbing quite as fast, and being equally effective
in its way with foliage and berries of a lighter hue — the effect
of both is wonderfully neat and trim ; that the white-flowered
Jasmine, J. officinale, should always have a place ; and that
Ampelopsis Veitchii and A. hederacea, Berberis Darwinii and
B. stenophylla, Chimonanthus fragrans, Bignonia radioans
major, lots of Roses, and a perfect host of Clematis, upon
which I may dilate upon a future occasion, are all " jewels
rich and rare." Whatever may be your decision about sorts,
plant them so that the growth may intermingle — the deciduous
with the evergreen, light flowers with dark, blue colours blend-
ing with pink and white, and yon will thus add much to the
charms of what is always charming, and to the grace of what
is always graceful and lovely. — Edwabd Luckhurst.

EOTAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

March 7th.

Fruit Committee. — Henry Webb, E^q., V.P., in the chau'.
A letter was read from Mr. D. P. Bell of Alnwick relative to the
withdr,iwal of the certificate in connection with the name Clive
House Seedling Grape ; and it was decideil to associate the name
of Alnwick Seedling in connection with the certificate. Messrs.
Rivers & Son sent a dish of very line St. Michael's Oranges,
grown and ripened in their houses at Sawbridgeworth. They
were fine in Savour; also Maltese Blood Oranges of delicious
flavour; the White Orange, with pale flesh, was good in flavour ;
the Prata or Silver Orange was aho very good. The Com-
mittee unanimously awarded a cultural oommendition. Mr.
Bennett of the Ribley Nurseries, Birnet, sent an excellent
basket of Garibaldi Strawberry, which was awarded a cultaral
commendation.

Floral Committee. — H. Little, E»q., in the chair. The exhi-
bition (" meeting" ia an inadequate word) was arranged in the
conservatory, and was both extensive and excellent. The nur-
Ssrymen'g collections merit prominent notice, but the pressure
on ear advertising columns precludes a detailed account of the
several collections. The morning was cold, yet many choice
tender plants were stage d.

One of the most prominent plants exhibited was Dendrobinm
Pierardii from Mr. Selwood, gardener to the Duke of West-
minster, Eaton Hall, Chester. The plant was in a basket, and
had twenty-three pendulous stems, ranging from ;! to 5 feet
4 inches in length, and densely covered with delica'e flowers.
The largest number of flowers ou one growth was eighty, the
total number on the plant 1121. A silver-gilt medal was
worthily awarded to Mr. Selwood for this splendid plant.

W. H. Michael, Esq. (Mr. Newman, gardener), Cholmoley
Park, Highgate, exhibited a very rich group of Orchids, com-
prising twenty superior PhaL-enopses, D -ndrobiums litniflorum,
thrysitlorum, and crassinode very fine; the strikingly spotted
Honlettia Brocklehurstiana, Colax jiigosus, and excellent Odon-
togloBsums. An exceedingly creditable collection of Orchids
was alsostagcd by Mr. OUerhead, gardener to Sir Henry Peek,
Bart., Wimbledon House. The plants numbered about forty,
and every one was in admirable condition. Amongst them we
noticed Trichopilia suavis, Lycaste omenta, Cattleyas citrina
and Ttiana?, Dendrobiums Wardianum, lituiflorum, and others ;
Dendrochilum glumaceum, Odontoglossums nebulosum and

Alexandrfp, Phalfenopsis, S:c. Silver medals were recommended
for the collections. Mr. Roberts, gardener to W. Terry, Esq.,
Peterborough House, Eulham, also staged half a dozen capital
plants ; Cymbidinm eburneum was very fine, and Brassavola
venosa, Vanda suavis, and Oncidiuma were noticeable. A vote
of thanks was awarded.

Mr. James, gardener to W. F. Wilson, Esq., Redlees, Isle-
worth, exhibited fifty Cinerarias, which for the vigour of plants,
size, substance, and rich colours of the flowers, have rarely been
equalled and never surpassed. The strain was highly com-
mended by the Committee, and for two splendid varieties (Mary,
and Thomas Winter) first-class certificates were voted.

The plants exhibited by Messrs. Veitch i- Sons were nume-
rous and rich. Lselia Veitchii, a cross between Cattleya labiata
and Lrelia crispa, was gorgeous by its mottled sepals and rich
labellum ; Oncidium splendidum was very striking, as also were
many other Orchids. Maranta Massangeana and Sonerila mar-
garitacea superba were prominent amongst the foliage plants ;
Cephalotus follicularis and Darlingtonia californica were curi-
ous. Abutilon Darwinii tessellatum was laden with flowers, al-
though the plants were only a few inches high. Lilies, Cycla-
mens, and Amaryllises completed this fine group. First-clasa
certificates were awarded to Messrs. Veitch for Euvycles austral-
Bsica, a striking and valuable Crinum-like plaat; Rbododendron
T.aylorii, rosy flowers, freely produced and charming; and Deun-
staedtia davallioides Youngii, a stately Fern of robust growth ;
also to Oamunda palustris. A ailver-gilt medal was recom-
mended for the collection.

Mr. Turner, Slough, staged fine heavily-berried standards of
Aucoba japonica, Camellias, and a new Carnation — Rose Perfec-
tion— a most free-flowering variety, attractive and sweet, and
received a vote of thanks. Messrs. W. Paul ct Son, Waltbam
Cross, exhibited cut blooms of Camellias in a hundred varieties
— a splendid display of superior flowers, for which a silver medal
was recommended to be given. Mr. B. S. Williams staged a
varied and effective group of ornamental-foliaged and flowering
plants, and also flowers of great merit of three varieties of
Primula sinensis, and a vote of thanks was awarded. A first-
class certificate was also awarded to Mr. Williams for a hybrid
Azalea — Mrs. Carmiohael. Mr. Wills exhibited a large collection
of miscellaneous plants artistically arranged, also six new
Dracfeuas— Rebecca!, Terminalia alba, Gladstonei, Elizabethan,
Salmonia, and Sidneyi. These plants were in splendid con-
dition, and fully sustain all the encomiums which hiive been
previously bestowed on them. A firot-class certificate was
awarded for Terminalis alba, which is almost certain to become
a popular " market plant," and be in large demand. Mr. Dean
exhibited an attractive collection of Primroses, and received a
vote of thanks. Mes rs. Osborn & Sons, Fulham, staged a fine
semi double scarlet Azalea, a fine form of Cyclamen persicum,
and a white serrated Carnation named Guelder Rose — a tine
flower, to which a first-class certificite was awarded.

Messrs. G. Paul A- Son, Cheshunt, exhibited two Roses —
Fortune's Yellow, a coppery salmon colour; and Beauty of
Glazenwood, which is not striped, nor cannot in any sense be
regarded as novel. Its appearance in its present form is cer-
tainly disappointing. The Floral Committee decided that the
two Roses exhibited were identical, and Mr. Paul has done a
service to rosarians in placing the much- vaunted Rose in its right
position.

Sir T. Lawrence, Bart., Burford Lodge, Reading, was awarded
a first-class certificate for Dendrohium crassinode Barberianum.
A vote of thanks was awarded to Sir G. Macleay, Pendell Court,
Bletchingley, for .Ijchmea glomerata and Marica ca^rulea, which
were referred to the Scientific Committee. The thanks of the
Committee were also voted to J. S. Tyerman, Esq., Tregony,
Cornwall, for hardy cut flowers.

A collection of Epacriees was exhibited from the Society's
garden at Chiawick.

NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY.
The schedule has been now issued, and a most tempting one
it ia to all lovers of the Rose, whether exhibitors or simply
growers of the queen of flowers, for such a schedule is sure to
bring together a grand collection. £2.50 and more in prizes,
including a challenge cup of fifty guineas for amateurs, a five-
guinea cup given by the JnuTnal nf Uo^ticidtnri' for the best
twelve blooms exhibited by amateurs, and a five-guinea cup by
Edward Mawley. Esq., for twelve Teas. The challenge cup is
given by Messrs. Cranston & Co. of Hereford, and with the
very liberal candition that it must be won in three years, not
run over an indefinite time — thus, if A wins it in 1877 and B
in 1S78, only A and B can compete for it in 1879. Already
upwards of JE130 has been given as donations, and upwards of
a hundred members have enrolled themselves. The Committee
confidently hope to increase the donation list until it covers
the prize list, and to multiply their members very considerably

174-

JOUBNAL OF HOBTIOOLTUBK AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

I March 8, 1877.

when the papers now ready for isBue are oironlated. The Hor-
ticaltnral Clnb has placed its room at their disposal, and all
oommanications may ba addressed to the Hon. Secretary,
3, Adelphi Terrace, W.C. All lovers of the Rose ought to
patronise so laudable an effort as this to still further popularise
the Eose. — D., Deal.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

The Exhibition of aktificial flowers and fruit now
being held in the central transept of the Crystal Palace,
while containing several admirable examples of artistic skill,
is the reverse of being imposing. The exhibits are arranged
on half a dozen narrow tables, each about 20 feet in length,
and a few dozens of plants in pots are placed on shelves at the
Iront of the theatre. Artificial plant-making is evidently in
its infancy, and we must candidly affirm that we were not pre-
pared for such unnatural results. Nurserymen need not
tremble in their shoes in this generation for fear of being
superseded by the " artists." The wax plants are disappoint-
ing, and the fruit is far from being satisfying, even to look at.
The Plums are decidedly the most natural in appearance, and
Bome of the Pears, Peaches, and Nectarines are fairly well
executed, but the Grapes are " dead failures." The greatest
success is found amongst the flowers, some of which are truth-
fully, and it must be added dexterously, executed. Especially
noteworthy is a group of Allamandas, Eucharises, Stephanotis,
and Orchids from Mr. Charles Moggridge, 43, Charlotte Street,
Bedford Square. A large and skilfully executed collection is
also arranged by Mrs. Austin, Arnold Koad, Tooting. Bouquets,
especially those containing Base buds, Camellias, and Bou-
yardias are attractive, but those containing Verbenas, Gera-
niums, and Pausies are less natural. Boses in several varieties,
especially Marechal Niel, are very true to life. Camellias are
also good, the flowers being better than the foliage. A group of
Water Lilies is very fine. A gigantic bouquet of mixed flowers
commands attention by the richness of the colours and skilful
execution. No flowers ever grew at all like them, but (perhaps
in the artist's estimation) so much the worse for the flowers.
Flowers in "gold and silver" are represented; also in wool,
the latter being skilfully "worked;" but the most satisfactory
display of the Exhibition is that of the skeletonised leaves, the
delicate beauty of which commands much attention. Messrs.
Dick Eadclyffe & Co. contribute an attractive display of Grasses
and Everlastings. The Exhibition remains open until the 17th.
It is the first public display of its kind, and an inspection will
afford pleasure to many fair admirers, especially if they do not
go with " great expectations."

One of the finest double Primulas that hag come

under our notice is now flowering in the nursery of Messrs.
E. G. Henderson & Sons, Pine Apple Place, Maida Vale. The
flowers, which are nearly 2 inches in diameter, are produced
in large whorls. Id colour they are rosy carmine, and the
petals are slightly serrated. This Primula, which is not yet
in commerce, is named Eva Fish. It is not more remarkable
for the size of the flowers than for the vigour of the plant,
and must be regarded as a variety of the highest order of
merit. Excellent varieties of these valuable plants also
flowering in the same uurtery are (filicifolia) Emperor, dark;
(filioifolia) Empress, white; and Magenta Queen.

We learn that the EnssUN Society of Gardening has

appointed a special committee to prepare a scheme for the best
mode of representing Russian gardening at the Paris Exhibi-
tion of 1878.

TnE fourteenth annual exhibition of the Leeds Hoe-

TicuLTUKAL Society is announced to be held on June 27ih,
28th, and 29tb. The schedule numbers sixty-eight classes,
and liberal prizes are offered for plants, cut flowers, and fruit.
The principal amounts are .C24 for twelve stove and greenhouse
plants, £20 for collections of plants grouped for effect, and
£2.5 for show Pelargoniums. The railway companies will re-
turn plants, A'C, from the Show free of charge provided they
remuio the property of the exhibitor. We have no doubt the
Show will fully equal the excellent displays of past years.

We have received the report of the Ealing Chbysan-

THEMUiM Society and the schedule of the next show, to be
held on November 10th. We are glad to notice that the Society
is we I supported, and the early issue of the schedule suggests
also that It is wisely managed. The Ilight Hon. S. H. Walpole
is the Prei-ideut, and Mr. Thomas Simpson, Audley Lodge,
Florence Koad, Ealing, the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of
the Society.

We are pleased to learn that the Maidstone Gae-

DENERs' Improvement Association is in a flourishing con-
dition, new members, both honorary and ordinary, being
enrolled at almost every meeting. A spring show is to be
held on April 17th. No prizes are given ; the members exhibit
for the " love of the craft," and thus advance horticulture
and honour themselves. The Association devotes a portion
of its funds towards assisting deserving members during sick-
ness or other causes of adversity. Such a Society deserves to
prosper, and we cordially wish it success.

A correspondent writing to us from the North Biding

of Yorkshire on the late severe weather and its effects on
VEGETATION, statcs that after all hope of filling the ice-honse
was past, the weather suddenly changed on the 26th ult., and
frost set in with a fall of snow 2 inches deep, and on the three
following nights, 15', 16", and 18° of frost were registered,
giving ice 2 inches thick. Apricot blossoms are just showing
colour, and Pears on the Qainoe are dangerously forward, those
upon the Pear stock being later. There is a great promise of
blossom of all kinds, and Boses had produced shoots 2 or
3 inches long which were quite killed ; but the buds at the
base of the shoots will, after being pruned in early April, the
best time for pruning in a cold situation, grow strongly and
afford good blooms.

A CORRESPONDENT who Hves near the Bristol Channel

writes : — " In reference to Laurnstinuses being late in bloom-
ing, it is true to a certain extent here this winter. We have
many bushes; one of them was in flower in November, and it
has been in bloom ever since. At that time others looked as if
they would open their buds in a few days, and they are still
no further advanced than they were three months ago. The
weather has been very mild all the time. Should frost come
in March (as I hope it will not) I intend watching to see if the
cold will cause the flowers to open, and I may let yon know
the result. Would you say how many varieties of the white
winter-flowering Laurustinus there are ? There is a bush here
which produces trusses and individual flowers three times the
size of the sort commonly seen in gardens. As may be readily
imagined it ia vastly superior to it ; in fact, the two will bear
no comparison. Those who grow the Laurustinus for green-
house decoration should obtain this fine variety." [There are
half a dozen hardy evergreen Laurustinuses, the best being the
one referred to by our correspondent — Viburnum Tinus Inoi-
dum. It is valuable for garden and conservatory decoration,
and is deserving of extended cultivation.]

Mr. Hawkins, gardener, Ewenny Abbey, Bridgend,

Glamorganshire, tells us that he grew last year in pots Pit-
mastou Duchesee Pears weighing 27 ozs., Durandeau 21 ozs.,
and DoyennC du Comice 17 and 18 ozs., that fruit being of
excellent flavour. He wishes to know if other gardeners have
obtained fruits as fine or finer.

It is not generally known how valuable are the varie-
ties of Tree P.eonies (P. moutan) for conservatory decoration
during the early months of the year. At the Pine Apple
Nursery these plants are grown and forced with great success.
They flower quite freely in 5 and 6-inoh pots, and their massive ,
blooms in many hues produce a sirikiug effect. The principal
point to be attended to in forcing is to permit the flower buds
to form in a cool temperature, and not until they are fairly
prominent must the plants be placed in brisk heat. The
named varieties of these Pceonies are very beautiful, and their
colours are never so clear and pure as when the flowers expand
under glass. For general decorative purposes few plants can
be more effective than those referred to, and of which more
will probably be heard as their merits become better known.

The Leek Eose Sbciety's Snow is announced to be

held on July 17th. The schedule is a modest one. There are
five classes for Roses, also classes for stove and greenhouse
plants, and special prizes are offered for Fansies and table
decorations.

We are informed that the business of horticultural

engineer and maunfactarer of hot-water apparatus carried on
so successfully by the late Mr. Objison, ,at Stanley Bridge,
Chelsea, will be carried on as heretofore under the same name.

• In the three winter months ending February the mean

TEMPEBATOiiE at thp Royal Observatory, Greenwich, was 43 4°,
and exceeded by 5.4" the average for the corresponding period
in one hundred years.

The Succulent house at Kew, which is at all times

worthy of a visit, is perhaps specially so at the present time.

JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTURB AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

175

ne containing a flowering specimen of Agave Elemeetiana.
The flowers are greenish-yellow, and the towering spike com-
mands the attention of all visitors.

GLADIOLUS CULTUEE.

MccB has been written from time to time in the horticnl-
tnral papers on the failare in the culture of the Gladiolus,
and very recently in a contemporary on the (misnomer) dis-
ease. It is an acknowledged fact that the Gladiolus is one of
the greatest ornaments of the flower garden acd one which
commands the greatest amount of attraction at our autumn
ezhibitions. Many are deterred from growing this grand flower
through reading these erroneous statements set forth by in-
experienced growers.

Corms imported from France, as well as those grown in this
oonntry, have been submitted to our greatest physiologists for
examination and opinion. A work also has been written by
an able writer on horticulture on this subject, endeavouring to
show that all thej failures are caused by this contagious dis-
ease over which we have no control; yet no disease has been
proved to exist. I have devoted a great portion of my life to
the propagation and culture of this flower, and have no hesi-
tation in asserting that no inherent or contagious disease
exists, but it is a natural state of decay and exhaustion arising
from age and excessive reproduction. Thus the truth of the
old saying, " Pluck your flowers and save your plants ;" the
Gladiolus having a prohfic tendency, producing, as it does,
twice as much bloom as foliage. We do not experience more
losses amongst the Gladiolus than we do among other bulbous
plants ; for instance, the Lily and Hyacinth, which are im-
ported into this country in immense numbers ; yet oar gardens
are comparatively bare of these flowers. They do not die
from disease ; what, then, becomes of them ? They simply die
from exhaustion or wrong treatment. These as well as the
Gladiolus can be grown in this country to as high a state of
perfection as in any part of the world.

The method adopted here in cultivating the Gladiolus is very
simple. The situation is an open field of six acres. The soil
is sandy or gravelly loam on a bed of gravel. A moderate pro-
portion of ordinary manure is used, and for those of the most
delicate constitution I add a portion of peat and river sand.
I commence planting about the 20th of February, and have
now (March let) planted over an acre. The whole of the bulbs
are planted in drills from 1 to 3 inches deep and from 2 to
12 inches apart, according to the size of the bulbs. Medium-
size bulbs produce the finest flowers, although most purchasers
prefer large-size bulbs, which accounts for so many failure.",
as many of these are exhausted from age and the strain put
upon them the previous year.

The same remarks apply to the Hyacinth. Our best growers
know well from experience that firm, solid, mediutn-sized bulbs
produce the finest blooms. The beJs are kept free from weeds
and mulched over «ith short half-spent manure. All those
in the store beds as soon as they commence blooming are cut
and sent to all parts of England for decoration. Thus from the
flowers being plucked in theirearly state exhaustion is prevented,
and fine healthy bulbs are the result. In dry weather stimu-
lants are resorted to by applying liquid manure, which I find
beneficial.— .James Kelway, Gladioli ]'ill(j, Lcnigport, Somerset.

LIBONIA FLORIBUNDA— THYRSACANTflUS
EUTILANS.

I UAVE presided over two most successful meetings of the
Maidstone Gardeners' Improvement Association, to which
eevtral excellent specimtna were brought to illustrate the dis-
cussions that were likely to arise.

I have never before seen of the Libonia floribunda such
large specimens and so well flov.-ered as those brought on two
occasions by Mr. Longley, a gardener in the neighbourhood.
He stated his plan to be, after flowering to ripen the wood
well near the glass in a cool house ; after that to cut the plant
back in proportion to the growth it has made, and when started
fairly potting firmly in rich loamy soil. Early in Jane the
plants are plunged in the full sun and kept well watered, and |
twice a-week with liquid manure of almost any kind ; but he
always mixes a handful or two of eoot with it. I ought to |
eay that he mixes rape dust with the soil and sand. He also i
brought a plant very little inferior to the one alovo spoken of j
Uiat had l^een treated similarly up to June ; but instead of j

being kept in a pot it was planted-out and taken up in September
and potted again, when it soon came into bloom, and will to
all appearance continue so for some time yet. The effect of
planting-out was to make the foliage larger and bring the
flowers finer and also of a richer colour. The thanks of the
meeting were awarded to Mr. Longley.

Mr. Coseam, gardener to Campbell Bannerman, Esq., M.P.,
produced a tine plant 3 feet high and proportionately large of
Thrysacanthus ratilans, which for fine folisge .and: its long
racemes of large highly coloured flowers has not been surpassed
at this Society's meetings. The difficulty in the cultivation of
this plant is to keep its foliage in a healthy state, as it is
known that a chouk will cause this plant to shed all its leaves,
leaviog its stems like eo many sticks. Mr. Coesam uses peat
and loam in equal parts, and plenty of sand mixed with the
loam ; but weak guano water is applied often, and the plant
kept growing fast till flowering time comes.^T. Kecjbd.

EOTAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY.

So much space has been devoted to the discussion arising
out of Mr. Wilson's guinea scheme that I am almost ashamed
to ask for more, yet I must reply as briefly as possible to that
gentleman's letter on page 157.

Mr. Wilson in parenthesis aeks of me a plain question (he
puts all his pertinent points in parenthesis) — namely, if I have
asked " a single person to become a guinea subscriber ?" Yes,
I have asked several single persons and also many who are
married to send in their names as guinea subscribers, and I
know some of them have done so.

Next, Mr. Wilson objects to my conclusions that the results
of his appeal are " impotent." We must judge of this in a
comparative sense. I should be sorry to say that three hun-
dred guinea subscribers to the Society were in themselves im-
potent ; but when we consider that eighty thousand appeals
have been generously distributed by Mr. Wilson, and that the
gardening and daily press have jiven him such liberal aid ;
when we further consider that the term was only a quotation
from Mr. Wilson's letter when he suggested the formation of
a new society by those responding to the appeal ; and when we
find that the entire roll-call numbers less than four hundred
guiueaists, then I submit that the quotation of Mr. Wilson'.?
term as applied to the efforts of the Council was perfectly
justifiable. I thought, and hundreds thought, that from the
high tone adopted that at least four thousand were ready to
come in, and I could not resist expressing my disappointment.

Mr. Wikon at the fir=t relied on numbers, but now these
have proved so limited he takes refuge irnder names — "good
names," "influential," &a., are mentioned. Granted that
these are good and would be an acquisition to a royal society,
still nothing can atone for the absence of numbers in a guinea
scheme, the very essence of which consists in its numerical
character.

I fully agree with Mr. Wilson that there are many hundred.'!
of country residents who cannot be expected to contribute
more than a guinea to the Society, and it ia on this account
that I am a believer in the guinea scheme, probably in tho
same sense as Mr. Veitch is (although I have not had an
opportunity of consulting that gentleman)— that is, I am in
favour of guinea subsjribers joining the Sjcitty under pretent
circumstances and as managed by a council which even on Mr.
Wilson's own showing, as well as by other equally good proofs,
has the conSdeuca of horticulturists. Mr. Wilson's plan is to
admit guinea subscribers only on the condition that the Society
relinquishes the gardens at South Kensington — a condition
which he kno vs it is impossible at present to carry out. Mr.
Wilson also stipulates that guinea subscribers should have
the full privileges of four-guinea or two-guinea subscribers — ■
i.e., should have voting power. I once thought the same, but
I am now satisfied that the request is untenable, and I repeat
that if every guinea subscriber has a right to vote, everyone
has a right to bo a guinea subscriber ; and on the same prin-
ciple— the pretty theoretical principle — of equality, the dis-
tinction of privileges between the four and twc -guinea members
becomes an anomaly. I am in a position to know that that ia
the view taken by some large subccribcrs, and I am sure their
opinions are worthy of consideration.

I am glad, however, to find that Mr. Wilson shows a dig-
position to yield his point relative to the severance of the
Society from South Kensington, for ho says on tho puga
quoted, "If tho ^guinea] representative horticulturists would
come in tho Society would bo levelled by the horticultural

l76

JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE QABDENEK.

( March 8, 1877.

element, which has been the great object of our work." Mr.
Wilson farther remarks — " Some would say the Society has
still the South Kensington encumbrance ; but if they were
asked only for a guinea it is not they who would pay for this,
they would get horticultural consideration for their guinea,
while the £i 4s. and £2 2s. subscribers would pay for the
South Kensington Gardens." Exactly. A more cogent argu-
ment could not be advanced in favour of gainea subscribers
joining the Society as at present constituted, and Mr. Wilson
can no longer (except on the matter of voting) object to their
joining from this time henceforth.

I now revert to the question of voting. As a plea for the
" approval of silence " given by Mr. Wilson and all the lead-
ing horticulturists to the policy of the Council (at the general
meeting of the 13th nit.), your correspondent states that
guinea membership was not mentioned in the report. That
may be true, but it is equally true that the subject was pro-
minently brought before the meeting and discussed, Lord
Alfred Churchill clearly enunciating the policy of the Council,
and to that policy, and at that proper time for doing so, not
one dissentient voice was heard. A discusfion on a point
considered by anyone to be vital could surely not be deemed
" needless ;" but in reality voting is generally esteemed as
practically inapplicable to the great bulk of country subscribers ;
and although the term " voting" possesses an alluring sound,
it is to those who would refuse paying a fine (travelling ex-
penses) of, it may be, much more than an extra guinea to
exercise it, only an alluring sound.

In conclusion I ask that as the Council is trusted aa horti-
culturists desirous of doing the best for the Society and pro-
moting the work it was established to foster, the guineas may
come in, and I am not without hope that a horticulturist so
earnest as Mr. Wilson will yet perceive that that is preferable
to trusting to any casual " chapter of accidents." — A Guinea
Man.

[As the plans of the Council aro settled for the ensuing
year, and as guinea members are now being admitted, we can-
not occupy valuable space in the further discussion of a subject
which can be of no practical benefit, and which has hitherto
been productive of such feeble yet mischievous results.— Eds.]

PICUS PARCELLI FBUITING.

1 HAVE a plant of Fious Patcelli bearing a fruit. The Fig is
precisely the same form as an ordinary Fig, but much smaller.
I do not know if it will increase in size; it is now about as
large as a blackbird's egg, beautifully variegated. Is its fruit-
ing uncommon ?— Jovenile.

[This is the first time that we know of this Fig fruiting in
England. As there are many to whom this beautiful varie-
gated-leaved plant is not known we will add a few relative par-
ticulars. It is named after its discoverer, Mr. Parcell, plant
collector for Messrs. Baptist & Son, Sydney. Messrs. Veitch
and Sons were awarded lor it a first-class certificate by the
Eoyal Horticultural and lloyal Botanic Societies iu 1871. Its
leaves are dark green profusely blotched with white.]

RED-LEADING SEEDS.

"D., Deal," says that notwithstanding having well red-
leaded hia Peas tho mice have been at them. I wish to ask
him if he prepared the seed iu the manner I described, or did
be fall into the same mistake which Jlr. Fisli laboured under
when he rtcommonded the seed to be damped with water
instead of linseed oil ? or are tho Kentieh mice of another
species to thoeo of a more northern climate? " !>., Deal,"
does not state to what extent he has suffered, nor how many
Peas he found stored up iu his Auricula pit as a reserve for a
future meal. I quite believe him iu saying that he found some
carried away. I myself, in the first or secmd year after dis-
covery, on lookiug over the rows of Pea? found five holes made
by mice, and the following day the enme number of Peosimdei
a draining tile. What "D., Deal," ha? advanced does not
prove the dressing of the seeds to ke a failure, or that I am a
deceiver. Such authorities as Mr. McEwen (see " Florist and
Pomologist," 1875, p. 7) and Mv. Fish (sec Journal of Uorii-
culture, 1870, p. S'.lti), with hundreds of practical horticulturists
sustain me.

For the benefit of your subscribers I will just describe the
proper way to prepare the seeds. Having a suitable vessel,
say a tin can, large enough, shake the seeds round, adding by

degrees as much Unseed oil as will give a slight coating whilst
shaking, then add aa much dry red lead as will make the seeds
appear as it painted, and by well shaking in twenty-four hours
they will be fit to handle. One teaepoonful of oil is sufficient
for a quart of Peas, and for other seeds in proportion. I have
found it necessary in the case of wrinkled Peas and Beans to
use a larger quantity of oil, and allow it to drain off through a
fine sieve. Seeds thus properly prepared I am certain, after
the experience of more than twenty years, will be perfectly
safe from the ravages of both rats, mice, and birds.— Joseph
Bukoess, Knutsford.

PRUNING ROSES.
EvEKBoDV is asking. How about pruning in this extra-
ordinary season? I have been hoping to have seen remaika
on the subject. Yon have many high authorities amongst
your correspondents ; but as private letters have been addressed
to mo, I will venture to express my opinion, in the hope of
inducing others. It is this, that, taking one season with
another, the first week in March for the south and sonth-east
is as good a time aa can be selected ; and for Tea Eoses at
least a month later. Perhaps pruning may be desirable a week
or two sooner on budded stocks which are to be out back very
close, and a week later will be desirable in cases where March
"comes in" really "like a lion." Certainly, the difficulty this
year with some excitable Manettia is to find a single bud any-
where to out back to as dormant. — A. C, Brockham.

AURICULAS.

I AM sorry to see that our brother of Deal is among the
afflicted with woolly aphis upon bis Auricula roots ; but when
he speaks of having been utterly ignorant of its existence on
this plant till recent notices of it iu this Journal I am afraid
he does not see the "Florist and Pomologist," in which so
far back as last October I did what I could to put all growers
on their guard against this secret foe. I spoke of it as " a
terrible thing, infesting the roots, permeating the soil, starting
apparently from centres of decayed vegetable matter iu tho
compost, destroying the fine white fibres of the plant, and
causing it to have a languid, dull, set look, very noticeable
and distressing."

This intimation would, I thought, at least give each grower
uneasiness enough to lead him to examine his own collection
thoroughly to see that all was safe. Attention in the begiunirg
of Ootobtr would have made all the difference, for the plants
in thf ir autumnal growth would have rooted again before long.

The only counsel I have for my friend now is, that late as it
looks, and forwarder as Auriculas mu?t be in Kent than in
North Yorkshire, I should still prefer ridding them of the pest
to allowing them mieerably to struggle through the bloom with
this wretched insect preying on their vitals. The plants can
only bo even more and more distressed by leaving them in
their present case.

Either they should be turned out of tho pota and have their
stems and roots well washed in soft soap and water, or at least
the soil should have a good watcrirg with that solution. I
should prefer the former method, but should not now wash
the foliage. It is so advanced that a Smiling Beauty or Glory
would be quite ruined in appearance; and with " D., Deal"
all the blooming foliage will be now developed, and all the
rich meal would be lost by a leaf-bath.

Auricula fibres are in high activity now ; and if they could
even yet be sot healthily to work in sweet new compost, I feel
sure, from intimacy with these plant?, the nature of which I
have striven to understand, that to give them this chance is
the best treatment " D., Deal," can afford them. That iB
what I should do, and I should have the new compost com-
fortably moist, so much so as both to work freely and yet sup-
port the plints without wnter for a week or more. I should
keep tlieui clo?o for that lime to encourage them to draw root,
whicli Auriculas will always sooner do in an open soil than in
one clogged and wet with water. When they showed signs of
go ug along again I should j^ive thtm air as u&ual, but they
must be watched, and not allowed to become drawn. Ihope,
then, my friend will take hnart nprain. It is no good doing
notbing ; therefore " why these weeps V" If he will tackle the
enemy boldly and handle his ailing plants with such-like
unremitting care as gentle Bob Cratchit had for poor Tiny Tim
I can foresee that his nursing also will be rewarded and hiB
affected plants recover, though they cannot of course recover

Mareh 8, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HOBTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE QABDENEB.

177

all their lost ground tbia time, and I hope that still his chances
at the great Bouth show may not turn out the ghostly thing
he fears.

I am glad to know from a correspondent that Gishnrst com-
pound may be safely used to Auricula roots as a wash, though
the plainer and effective remedy of soft Eoap contents me well.
Still do I repeat the caution, Treat no valuable Auriculas with
any lotion or medicaments of unknown powers and unproved
effects. Try experiments first in corpore vili — on some cheap
life, say of seedlings that are inferior and will be thrown
away.

As to paraffin oil, a drop of it upon Auricula foliage I have
found injurious. I lost a fine plant of Pizarro by one drop in
the heart, but syringing plants with water just flavoured with
it I have heard destroys green fly without hurt to the plant.
If " D., Deal," wishes to exptrioient with it against woolly
aphis on Auricula roots I should think it had better be very
much diluted indeed, and tried first upon something of no
value. — F. D. Hokneb, Kirhhy MaUeard, Eipon,

THE SEASON AND THE CALENDARS.

In a season like the present, when the weather has been so
inconsistent as to hinder the work and at the same time push
vegetation so forward as to make it doubly necessary to have
many of the routine operations completed early, it becomes a
matter for immediate consideration as to what work there is a
probability of finishing fairly well. I do not want to encourage
laziness or unnecessary procrastination, but I would always
have it borne in mind that " what is worth doing at all is
worth doing well ;" and as it is quite impossible this spring to
complete all which was contemplated, it is better to look the
matter full in the face at once with a view to prevent attempt-
ing impo6Bibilities,and to make sure that we do not get behind
in everything, for if such a misfortune happens at the be-
ginning of the year there is no remedy for it afterwards. If
one were to read all the calendars of operations written for the
present month and attempt to carry them out to the letter,
there would certainly be an ignominious failure. There is bo
much which " must be pressed forward with the least possible
delay," that there certainly would be no time to look round
and think, and the harder one worked tho greater would be
the muddle and confusion.

No one can write a calendar of operations to suit everybody
at every place and in every season. Calendars should only be
taken as hints, and as such they are extremely useful, but
generally speaking if followed to the letter they will do nearly
as much harm as good, especially such as are written in
standard books and intended to be used year alter year. For
instance: In Thompson's "Gardener's Assistant, " the best
book on practical gardening ever published, we read in the
calendar for March that " the planting of deciduous trees
should be completed as early as possible." Now, he who plants
fruit trees in March thia year will very likely have to plant
again next autumn or the autumn following, and instead of
gaining time he will lose one or two years besides his money
and labour. Generally speaking there are only about seven
weeks when it is proper to plant fruit trees — that ie, from the
last week in October to the middle of December, and instead
ol losing time everything will be gained by deferring planting
all deciduous trees to next autumn, and properly preparing
the ground during the summer.

There are generally two short seasons to plant evergreens :
one is just as their buds are starting in the spring, in average
seasons say the end of April, and the other towards the end of
summer when the new growth has become a little hardened.
Someone may ask. Why is it that evergreens may be moved
so late in the spring, while it is forbidden to move deciduous
trees at that lime? The practical reason is that we know
from expirieuci), and the theoretic one that the old leaves of
evergreens in;ible tlum to make roots quickir than deciduous
trees could. I'runiijg of evergreens, if tho health and vigour
of the shrubs are stuJied, is best done late in summer after the
growth is completed, say alter the middle of August, and the
only excuse for doing it in spring is that the stiff appearance
left by cntti.'g is sooner hid.

Tnif may be laid at any time during summer with the
greatest success. Where the ground has been newly made up
or trenched I prefer laying the turf ifl summer or late in
spring. Last summer was certainly sufficiently hot and dry to
try the system, and it answered perfectly without one drop oi
artificial watering. Tho eniy precaution, and that was an abso-

lutely necessary one, was to cover the turf over with fine sandy
soil to the depth of half an inch. The turf laid late last spring
(the end of May), was carted two miles, laid roUed-up two or
three weeks till it became blanched, and although laid on newly
made-up ground was in perfect order for playing tennis on in
September. The lawn could not have been need last autumn
if the turf had been laid early, for the ground was of ueoeeeity
prepared during the very changeable weather of winter, and
consequently settled unevenly from the rains in spring.

Walks and roada are better made in summer than at any
other time, but there is no harm in making them now if there
is a lack of more important work ; but work comes on apace
at this time of the year, and some of it will not bear delaying
a day. — William Taylob.

AUTUMN-STRUCK CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Eaely in December last I received seventy-five cuttings of
Chrysanthemums in twenty-five varieties — i.e., three cuttings
of each variety. Having procured some light leafy compost
and a quantity of large CO-sized pots and drained them well,
I filled them with the compost, and then made three deep
insertions round the side of each with my finger, and filled up
the holes with silver sand, inserting one cutting firmly into
each of these httle wells of sand. I thus had twenty-five pots,
each containing one variety and taking up very little room.
These I placed on coal ashes in a close frame, in a cold green,
house in the full light, keeping them shghtly damp and shading
a little from bright sun.

Early in February they were rooted, and I have now potted
off sixty-six healthy plants singly and placed them again on
coal ashes in a cold frame out of doors, giving air abundantly.
I have therefore only lost nine cuttings out of the seventy-five
I originally had.— P. F. S.

WOOLLY APHIS AND THE AURICULA.

As the attack of the woolly aphis on Auricula roots does not
Beem to be widely known, and all information that can be col-
lected is of value to resist an enemy, I offer a few more notes,
hoping others who have had experience may do the same.
Since detecting the enemy on my plants I have found it also
on another and independent (since last potting) collection a
few miles distant, but I observe no new features beyond the
mere fact which call for remark.

In discussing such a subject it matters less how the pest
came in, the remedies form the valuable subject for discussion.
Experiments I have in hand since the potting season show it
was not in the soil, of which I had five samples from as many
different placfs. The manure, however, mixed in the propor-
tion of ouo-third was uniform. But I imagine that an aphis —
if indeed this insect be an aphis — passes some period of its
existence in a winged state, and it seems impossible thoroughly
to guard a free air-loving plant like an Auricula from the
insidious visits of the fuU-fledgod aphis.

I am happy to say it has not taken as strong a hold ol
my collection as I at first feared ; nevertheless, Mr. Horner's
advice is so kindly given, and advice from so successful and
experienced a grower is so valuable, that I should be ungrateful
and unwise were I not to follow it out as fully as I can. In
some cases I had already repotted and thoroughly washed my
plants, roots and foliage, in a strong solution of soft soap and
water, washing also the pot and throwing away the infected
soil ; while the frame in which they live is to be thoroughly
washed and painted, and tho woodwork laths on which the
pots stand to be destroyed and fresh laths supplied.

I fear, however, that some plants are eo forward that I must
leave them and quarantine them till after the blooming. I
have Col. Cbampueys, Lady Ann Wilbraham, Kay's Alexander
Meiklejohu, Conqueror of Europe, and some Alpines now in
bloom ; so it must be a question of quarantine for a short
time till I can treat all alike.

I am very sorry I have given some plants away and ex-
changed others, and I cannot say how 1 regret the probability
of having imparted the mischief to other growers. I have
written to call their attention to the notice in the Journal, and
this is all I can do.

I need scarcely Fay I shall not send any of my plants to any
exhibition this year, nor allow them to leave my custody till
I can conscientiously pass a clean bill of health. Adversity is
the most instructive form of experience, and sorry as I am to
injure my bloom for this year, extermination is the only cure

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ March 8, 1877.

for an enemy which may itself be an exterminator. — John
T. D. Llewelyn.

EXHIBITION TANSIES.— No. 8.

Of the older fhow flowers it is somewhat difficult to speak,
their name being legion ; but if I narrow the area of disserta-
tion to the varieties I grow myself, and only refer to a few of
the most meritorious, I may hope to succeed in not wearying
your readers.

By common consent selfs are placed first in order, and follow-
ing the rule I will refer to them first, though briefly. Of dark
selfs those nearest perfection are free from shading and lack
that shadowy blotch which so often surrounds the eye, though
there are many very beautiful flowers which have not this dis-
tinction. Finale has stood its ground for many years, and is
not likely to be ousted at present, and the same may ba said
of Locomotive, Eobert Black, Alexander MeNab, Eev. D.
Taylor, and Miss Muir. The darkest I know is Erebus (Dick-
sons), and is an intense black of good substance; Count Bis-
marck, too, is black, but not by any means so good a flower as
Erebus. Of good yellow selfs there is a large number, and
selection is not easy. Cherub has long held its place as one of
the finest, but its raiser (Mr. Henry Hooper of Bath) sent one
out in 1875 which, though slightly deficient perhaps iu quality,
is a really good flower : I refer to Capt. H»yter, and it will bo
found to be very smooth, large, of the finest form, and with a
splendid blotch. King Koffee came out with honours from
Oxford, Manohfster, and the Royal Botanic Society, but to
my mind, of Mr. Hooper's two flowers, the Captain is the beat.
Golden Qaeen is a chaste light yellow of high merit, and Indian
■fellow, Ophir, and Cloth of Gold are worthy of a place iu the
most select collections. The last-named has long been rele-
gated to the ranks of bedders, but that does not cause it to bo
any the worse flower, and many inferior sorts even now pass
muster at exhibitions. The host light self I know is Hooper's
Duchess of Edinburgh, a beautiful cream with very large dark
purple blotch, of exquisite form and wonderful substance.
Cyril, though but of medium size, is a good flower, and George
White, Hilen Douglas, Marquis of Bute, Mrs. Tnrufr, Mrs.
Felton, and Koyal Charter are admirable examples of this
type. Though there are so many selfs and of so many hues,
including black, white, cream, yellow, violet, purple, mauve,
maroon, plum, blue, and mulberry, there is still room for im-
provement, and I hope that some day we may have a bright
Ecarlet, rose, or crimson self to give additional attractiveness
to exhibition pans. The desired colours are already in some
fancies, such as William Melville, rosy purple ; Michael Scott,
dark rosy red; GeorgeWood, light crimson ; Leith Walk Hero,
carmine; and David Dickson, crimson, and we may reasonably
hope that the busy bees or systematic hybridisation may pro-
duce selfs of the colours named.

Yellow grounds form a very laiga family, and there are bo
many of escelleuca that improvement seems scarcely possible.
For a long time Robert Burns was the most esteemed, and not
without cause, for its lemon ground and chocolate belt kept it
distinct from its myriad purple-belted competitors. Defoe,
too, held its place until Dickson's Christopher North discovered
itself, and I may safely say a mora handsome yellow ground I
do not know. Walter McKay is an excellent flower, and
William Catley (Hooper) is indispensable, being large, smooth,
and constant. Beauty of B:tth when caught is very beautiful,
but with me it has proved as " fickle as fair." Amongst other
good varieties John Downie, Miss L. Murray, Dr. Wood,
Acme, Atlas, Senator, Sparkler, Perfection, and William
Campbell are very dlBtinct, and fulfil in addition all the require-
ments of good flowerp. The kinds I have mentioned are for
the most part constant, and this ia a strong recommendation
in Pansies. Last year I raised a seedling with a bright yellow
ground and a broad brown belting, of medium size, perfect
form, and good substance, but as inconstant as a flower could
poesildy be. Now and then it came true, but sometimes the
belting came in spots, and sometimes there was. no belting at
all. Of course under these circumstances it was worthless,
but I shall try it again ; and if I can persuade it to be true, an
excellent flower of wonderful distinctness will be added to the
list of yellow grounds.

Really good white grounds are scarce, though the number of
kinds grown is great. Uusually there is some irregularity iu
the belting, which, though apparently trivial, is to the florist
an eyesore. In one the field ia not well defined, the belting
on the lower petal intruding upon the liuo laid down by the

side petals, and in others want of constancy is the leading
fault, especially it the belting is a narrow one. Jane Grieve
is the best variety I have grown, and is, as it claims to bs, the
finest flower in its class. I have never seen a deficient bloom,
and, unlike many, it is a good grower, though not a profuse
bloomer. Mrs. Galloway is a good flower with a deep bluish
purple bolting, and close up is The Mede with a broad purple
belt. Dawn of Day, too, has no mean claim, its narrow bright
purple belt rendering it very distinct and valuable. Mrs.
Hogarth, Miss Addison, Miss IBessy McAslan, Ladybnrn Rival,
Patroness, Bonny Jean, Mrs, Wrigley, Lady Paley, Mrs. Eyles,
Mary Harper, and Tickler have merit, and are more or loss to
be depended upon. I have found that of all Pausies white
grounds are the shyest bloomers, and last year this was espe-
cially the case, though, perhaps, the dryness of the season
may have been the cause. Next week I will conclude my re-
marks with a few practical observations on cultivating and ex-
hibiting.— M. H. MiLLEK, Leek.

As a florists' flower how little we see or hear of the Pansy —
a flower that deserves to bo more widely known and to be
more largely loved. What can be more beautiful than the
black velvety texture of Dux, or of the rich yellow of Golden
Emperor? to say nothing of Alma, Princess Beatrice, Midland
Beauty, John Currie, and other light and yellow grounds. I
am not much in favour of fancies except as bsdding Pansies,
They are very pretty and afford a contrast to the solid colours
of the more beautiful show Pansies. No doubt, as your corre-
spondent has said in his article on page 98, that the Pansy has
been a neglected flower, yet in our district it ia never omitted
from the schedules of flower shows. We have here Pansy
enthusiasts, and I know men wha have spent years of toil in
cultivating their favourite flower.

I am glad that your correspondent admits having had a
narrow escape of diequaliflcatiou at the Nottingham Show.
If he had been exhibiting at one of our local shows, where the
Pansy is appreciated, he would have been — not almost, but
altogether disqualified. I, with many others, went to that Show
to see the Pansies and Rosea, expecting to have seen the first
prize for Pansies awarded to a pan worthy of the honour, and
not to a mixed lot. The best pan of Pansies, exhibited by Mr.
Taywell of Nottingham, was passed by altogether. I could
have understood the award had the blooms been either all
fancy or all show Pansies, but awarding the flrst to a mixed
collection waa past my comprehensiin. I find your oorre-
apondent considers that a pan has not that disliaotnesa in a
twelve show pan as iu a mixed lot. I contend that a good
Pansy judge can see a distinction iu show Pansies without the
aid of Bolgiau fancies; if not, then either the judges or the
Pansies are at fault. Then, again, he aajs that in the oata-
loguea of floritti' flowers you see fancies introduced. I would
aek him if he finds them mixed or whether tbey are separate?
Every florist knows that there is a wide difference between a
fancy and other varieties. What would be the result, for
instance, it a stand of forty-eight Dahlias was composed partly
of fancy and partly of show kinds, and another stand was
wholly composed of show varieties v The answer is obvious.

I should like for all Pansy fanciers to read the characterietios
of a good Pansy as described in " Flonats' Flowers," sent out
from the office of your journal, and they will there find what
constitutes a good flower. I wiU quote the last oharaoteristio,
No. 7, aa some of your many readers may not have seen it: —
" Ragged or notched edges, crumpled petals, indentures on the
petal, indistinct markings or penoillings, and flushed or run
colours are great blemishes ; but if a bloom has one ground
colour to the lower petal and another colour to the side ones,
or if it haa two shades of ground colour at all, it is not a
show flower ; the yellow within the eye is not considered
ground colour." That is what constitutes a good Panay, and
not the same as some your correspondent exhibited at Not-
tingham.— C. E., Notts.

PETDNIAS AND THEIR CDLTDBE.

The Petunia and Tobacco do not at the first glance appeal
to be relatives, jet Petunia and Nieotiana are genera placed iu
the same natural order — Nightshades (Solauaccie). The very
name, indeed, of Petunia ia derived from the Brazilian name
for Tobacco {piiini), hence lovers of the " weed " should have
a certain amount of respect for Petunias apa>.'t from their in-
trinsic boauty.

Ia ^cy fewplants has Iho improv«ment besa ao great and so

Maroh 8, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGB GARDENER.

179

rapid as in Petunias, and it is a question if they are cultivated
60 extensively as tlioir merits deserve, either as decorative
plants for the flower garden or as specimen plants for the
conservatory. Only a very few years ago the large flabby
single pnrple Petunia phLtnicea, and a ilimsy-petalled dirty
white flower (P. uyctagiuiflora) were the sole representatives of
bedding Petunias, but from these two species varieties increased
rapidly after the ardent and indefatigable Donald Beaton first
" broke the ice."

P. pho'niceawaa the first plant that Mr. Beaton took in hand
for the purpose of solving a botanical problem and determining
to what genus the plant really belonged. At that time doctors

differed on the point ; one regarding the plant as a Salpiglossls,
another a Nierembergia, and a third a Nicotiana. I3ut with
none of the representatives of these genera could the experi-
mentalist obtnin ft cros?, while with the old Petunia nyctagini-
flora the typical purple Petania crossed most readily, and the
true genus of the plant was determined. New varieties now
increased apace, Shrubland White and Shrublaud Rose proving
lastingly useful for bedding purposes ; and it is a question if
the latter has ever been (in its colour) superseded for massing,
although Countess of EUesmere is deeper in colour, and both
come tolerably true from seed.
About twenty years ago a little "stir" was made in the

rig.'23.— Double fimbeiated petunia.

horticultural world by the announcement of a double white
Petunia (Imperialis), sent out, I believe, by Mr. E. G. Hender-
son. This was expected to prove a valuable bedding plant, a
character which it failed to sustain ; but it was largely culti-
vated for conservatory decoration. Other double varieties
now followed in rapid succession, and a batch of English-raised
seedlings (by Mr. Scott), which flowered in Mr. Beaton's ex-
perimental garden at Surbiton in 1858, were designated by
their owner as the " royal family of bedding plants," from the
fact that the varieties were named after the different members
of the Royal Familv, and had the high honour of a special visit
from the Qaeen, Prince Albert, and the whole of the royal
children, who called on Mr. Beaton at his house at Surbiton
to see the new plants. That was sofllcient to render Petunias
fashionable, and there was " quite a rage " for thorn at the
time, the rage— as rages often do— ultimately tubaiding, and
Petunias again fall into abeyance.

Petunias, however, have always been more or less cultivated,
although they have been for a length of time quite over-
shadowed by the ever-inoreasingly popular Geraniums, The

Geranium fever, in tarn, appears now to have reached its
height, and Petunias once more have an increased measure of
attention accorded to them ; and well are they worthy of that
attention, for few plants are more beautiful — bold without
being gaudy, delicately perfumed, and easily cultivated.

A great advantage pertaining to Petunias is that they are
readily raised from seed, and flower profusely when treated as
half-hardy annuals. Double as well as single varieties are
grown in this manner ; the seed of the former being saved
from semi-double flowers (the same as Balsams), and from
this seed a certain number of plants are raiced with flowers as
double as Camellias — some with smooth petals, some serrated,
some margined with a second colour, others veintd, and the
rest selfs. These are not adapted for bedding, but they are
admirable for greenhouse and conservatory decoration during
the summfr months. They can, of course, be also increased
by cuttings, and the beat varieties should bo thus perpetuated,
at least uutil they are superseded by improved forms.

One of the finest collections of Petunias which I have seen
is pojeessed by Mr. Cannell at Swanley, to whom I am in-

180

JOUBNAL OF HORTIOULTDEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ Maroh 8, 1877.

debted for the accompanying illnstration of a seedling fringed
variety, which shows the effeetivenesg of this type of flowers.
Half a dozen superior named double varieties are Beauty of
Clapham, white veined with pink ; Snowball, white ; niamond,
white suffused with pink ; Patroness, white flaked and mottled
with purple; Prince of Wales, white and violet; and King of
Crimsons, a fine rich self.

But the singles are as valuable as the doubles for cultivation
in pots, while for bedding, especially in light soils and sunny
positions, they are invaluable. For producing a rich dark bed,
purple shaded with crimson, few plants can surpass Spitfire.
Magnificent beds of this Petunia were produced at the Crystal
Palace a few years ago. Shrubland Rose, as before mentioned,
makes a pleasing mass of a distinct colour. But perhaps the
moat striking effect is produced by planting large masses of
the margined and veined varieties in mixture — plants raised
from seed. The " latest improvements " of these striped and
marbled Petunias are very decided, and those who have not
grown them have a treat in store.

The seed requires to be sown in pans at the present time
and placed in gentle heat until the seedlings appear. The
plants should then be placed near the glass in a light house or
frame, having a temperature of .50° to .5-5'', and then be pricked-
off in boxes or small pots to become established, subsequently
to be removed to cold frames to harden preparatory to being
planted out.

The soil should be light and rich, and should be well watered
before the seed is sown. It should be sown thinly, very thinly,
and be covered slightly and shaded until it germinates. Pe-
tunia seed is almost invariably sown too thickly, and the
seedlings are retained too long in a high temperature before
being transplanted, and a weakly growth is consequently
fostered. Thin sowing, light, air, and a genial temperature
are the essentials for producing sturdy growth and satisfactory
plants.

Plants raised from cuttings require much the same treat-
ment, in fact precisely the same after roots are emitted ; until
then brisk heat and shade are necessary.

The cultivation of plants in pots is very simple. Sound
loam enriched with decayed manure, and rendered porous if
necessary by an admixture of sand, will grow the plants ad-
mirably. They must not be overpotted, for Petunias are

white, but for the reverse reason — because they are never
purely white. They come out of a dirty colour, and bleach by
degrees. Where the body colour is dark and rich as in Diamond
the bright yellow paste is charming; but I have never seen
this paste in flowers like Conspicua with violet tints. Bright
yellow would not harmonise with these, and Nature, who paintB
with an inimitable pencil, accords to them (so far as I have
seen) a custard-coloured paste. We must therefore either
accept this or discard Violets altogether. The dirty white I
have noticed above seems to arise from crossing the Alpine
with a show self. — G. Spakkes.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

KITCnEN GAEDEN.

It is noteworthy that the last half of this month and the first
half of April is as busy a time as any in the year both for gar-
deners and amateurs. After arriving at the middle of Marchit
is advisable to sow and plant as many crops as possible — that is,
as soon as the ground is workable ou the surface. Very little
chance, however, has presented itself yet for seed-sowing, but
all should be in readiness ; and it may be that, owing to the
wet, the soil will not work down well. We had last week two
nights of frost, one of 8" and the next 11°, and if it had continued
for a few more nights, thougli not so severe, much good would ,
have been done to the soil. Wet days have succeeded the frost,
and the soil is now worse than before.

The crops of Onions and Parsnips should be sown, also further
Bowings of Peas and Broad Beans phoold be made as Eoon as
possible. A border must be prepared for several small seeds, such
as those ot Brussels Sprouts, Cauiiflowers, Lettuce, Cabbages,
Early Ulm Savoy, and Eadisbes. Turnips should always be
sown in small patches until the middle of summer, as in garden
ground they soon become hot and stringy. Asparagus beds
should be made if any sre needed, and the work should bo
done well, especially if they are to remain as permanent beds.
The roots may be planted just as growth commences, and be
covered over thinly at first, but to have a top-dressing of ma-
nure as they grow. Plant Horseradish it needed: it is not
well to let a bed remain too long, or many small crowns are
formed instead of large clean roots. Seakale, too, must be
planted if a fresh plantation is required. Globe Artichokes
muBt be attended tj by removing all suckers which are not
wanted, and levelling down the ridges of manure placed round

tho plants for protection, and digging it in between the rows,
rather "tender-rooted plants. Neither must they become pot- I The suckers should be planted either to fill up the old bed or to
bound before being transferred to larger pots until the bloom- I make a new one. Now that the wheeling of manure is finished
ing pots are given. Attractive plants may be grown in 5 and | let the walks be put in order and have fresh gravel applied
C-inoh pots, S-inch pots being large enough for specimens i '^^^'■'' "^''^^^"J'
3 feet in diameter. The plants cannot endure shade or a close
atmosphere — " coddling " is fatal to success. They must have
the lightest position at command, and abundance of air. They
must be stopped frequently, not bruising the tips by roughly
pinching, but cutting oil' their tops with a sharp knife. The

FKUIT OAECEN.

The trees are very forward. Apricots in the south have been
iu bloom Eome time, but where they have been protected by
twigs of fir and laurel the frosf has not injured them. One ob-
jection to the use of these is that in windy weather they blow
and fro and rub the blossom, or even knock it quite off.

habit of Petunias being naturally loose and straggling, stop- 1 Hexagon netting fixed to the top of the wall, and pegKed down
plug, tjing-down, and training are operations which must not j at the bottom a little distance from the wall, is better than fir
be neglected. Stopping may be continued until within six ; boughs. There is a very good show of bloom on most kinds of

weeks of the time when the plants are required to commence
expanding their flowers. When flowering manure water is
necessary, and insects must be prevented by occasional fumi-
gations.

Some of the newest named varieties are particularly at-
tractive. Dr. Hogg has been justly compared to a Gloxinia, it
is very distinct. Hon. A. L. Melville, Mr. Tillery, Mrs. Wright,
Mrs. Shirley Hibberd, Miss Harrison, Captain Thomas, and
Mrs. Wynne are striped and marbled iu the most artistic
manner, and if they prove constant will be very valuable for
decorative purposes. It is only fair to say, however, that
striped Petunias are sportive in their nature, and time is re-
quired to establish their permanency. — W.

ALPINE AURICULAS.

A SHADED body colour and deep yellow paste have hitherto
been contidered.iu the north particularly, as the indispensable
characteristics of a good Alpine. This year, I understand,
flowers wanting in these points are to be permitted to be shown.
It is not probable, however, that the discussion will drop alto-
gether, and a few words on the subject may be opportune.

And first as to shaded colour. Among show celfs both
shaded and non-shaded flowers are allowed ; Martin's Miss
Martin being an example of the former. It seems, therefore,
unreasonable not to allow an equal diversity in Alpines — which
of the two is preferable is a mere matter of individual taste.

As to white pastes, I object to them, not because they are

fruits, but particularly on trees which produced spaiingly
last year. Doyenne du Comice, Bergamotte Esperen, Easter
Beurrr, Doyenci.' Bonssoch, Althorpe Crassane, Winter Nelis,
and Glont Morcean are prolific among Pears ; and of Apples
Lord Snffleld, Stirling Castle, Cellini, Hawthornden, Scarlet
Nonpaieil, Blenheim Orange, and several other sorts are very
full of fruit buds. Plant early Melons as soon as possible ; they
need particular attention in the matters of heat and ventilation.
There are numbers of sorts to choose from, and most of them
good. In vineries where the buds are breaking a little warmth
must be given, and the temperature kept regular but by no
means high tor the present. Jlr. Douglas, who is an excellent
Grape-grower, narrates his treatment in such a practical way
that if his weekly advice is followed few failures will occur.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Plants for the flower garden should be prepared as rapidly as
possible. Geraniums which have been wintered in pots or boxes
should now be potted singly in small pots, and be afforded a
genial temperature until established, and then be removed to
cold frames. Cuttings strike freely at this season if placed in
beat and not shaded, but they do not flower so freely as autumn-
struck plants. It is only, therefore, advisable to propagate now
those variegated sorts which are grown for the beauty of their
foliage; and of these, plants raised iu spring are equal if not
superior to plants raised iu autumn. Cuttings cf Verbenas,
Heliotropes. Ageratums, itc, require to be inserted in sandy
soil, and be placed in a brisk moist heat and shaded until rooted.
Plants of these, also of Petunias and Lobelias, may be raised
from seed, sowing at the present time, so that the plants may
have as long a period as possible to attain strength before " bed-
ding-out time" arrives. Very useful is Verbena venosa, seed oJ

March 8, 1877.

JOUBNAL OF HORTIODLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

181

wbich shonld be sown at once by those requiring plants. The
sowing of Stocks, Asters, Zinnias, iSrc, may be deferred, especi-
ally by those having limited frame conveniences for growing
the plants. A bedding plant that deserves to bs better known
and more generally cultivated is Leucophytou Browni — a bright
Bilvery.foliaged plant with wiry stems, and growing abuut
4 inches high. It is excellent for carpet bedding, and is a tell-
ing plant among Alternantheras. I struck my plants last autumn
with Verbenas on a spent dung bed, and now I have just potted
them from the cutting pots. I shall grow them on as fast as
possible in a close frame, and take cuttings from time to time
and plant these out also. Pegging down is not needed if the
plants are planted closely together and properly grown, but
there will be a few shoots rise above the others, which must be
out off. As a dwarf-growing silvery-foliaged plant it is worthy
of a place in all flower gardens. — Thomas Eecobd.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WOEK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN OAKDEN.

As soon as the weather permits a sowing of Broad Beans and
of Peas will be made. For the largest-growing Beans the dis-
tance between the rows ought to be 3 feet, and for those of lesser
growth 2 feet G inches. There are some who plant Savoys or
Cabbage plants between the Bean rows, in which case they may
be i or 5 feet apart. It is a good plan, especially in wet districts,
to sow the Beans on turf placed in shiiUow boxes and plant
them out after they are started. This system admits of a longer
period in which to prepare the ground, but it is certain that
they will not do well unless they are grown in a well-ventilated
place and near the glass. The boxes should be placed out of
doors for a few days before planting-ontthe Beans, which should
be done in a careful manner, so that the roots may not be dis-
turbed any more than is absolutely necessary. Peas may be
treated much in the same manner as Beans. We generally sow
the early sorts 'd feet apart, and late sorts 3 feet 6 inches. Peas
which were raised under glass may be planted out either next
week or the week following, according to their size and the
state of the weather. If the soil is wet a little dry loam placed
roond the roots will be highly beneficial.

Wo have pricked out spring-sown Cauliflower plants, Early
London and Walcheren. Fer our purpose a largo quantity of
plants is not required, hence we find it convenient to grow them
in boxes ; but when a large number must be raised the best
plan is to prick out the plants on a prepared hotbed, not a steam-
ing heat, but just warm enough to start them into free growth.
They should be pricked out as soon as the seed leaves are fully
developed, and after having grown a little air must be given,
increasing it until they cau bear almost full exposure, taking
care, however, that growth is not materially checked during the
preparing procets. With us spring-sown Cauliflowers are ready
for use from the middle to the end of June, those sown in autumn
being ready abont three weeks earlier. Another sowing should
now be made on a warm border to succeed those sown under
glass and brought on by its aid.

Parsley may be sown to form edgings for borders, and, if a
good strain is obtained, the lively green beautifully cut leaves
are very ornamental. "When a very large supply is wanted sow
in open ground in rows from B inches to a foot apart. No time
ought to be lost in sowing Parsnips ; if the ground requires
manure it ought to be placed a foot below the surface, for if
mixed with the soil the roots are very likely to bo badly forked.
We generally sow Spinach between the rows of Peas. Wc
have planted out Onions from seeds sown in autumn. Our soil
has a tendency to breed maggots, but", the autumn-sown crop
never suffers. We generally sow the White Spanish in autumn,
and also a few in spring ; but the best to keep are James's
Keeping and Brown Globe. O irs are not yet sown, but they
will bo at once. We sow in drills a foot apart in preference to
beds. As soon as the weather is fine and the ground is in good
condition Carrots will also be sown in drills 1 foot apart. All
small salads after this may be sown once a-week, such as Cress,
Radish, Rape, Mustard, &o. The kitchen garden ought now to
be put into first- r-ite order ; all the litter that has been used as
protecting material during the winter should be removed,
Celery trenches shonld be levelled, and any leaves that may
have been left on the ground should be carried to the rubbish
heap. The gravel walks have been put in order by being re-
gravelled. This was done two months ago; we would rather
have done it this month, but it is not possible to crowd such
work into March.

VINEHIES.

Here wo have plenty of work tying the young growths into
position. Wo have frequently said that the liitcral growths
should bo stopped two leaves beyond the bunch. This is the
rule, but in all vineries there are exceptions, sometimes owing
to an occasional spur not starling, or a blank space occurring
from any other cause : tho laterals may be allowed to run to
the third or fourth leaf beyond the bunch to fill-up the space.

On the other hand, if any part of the roof is likely to be over-
crowded with leaves the growths may be stopped at one leaf
from the bunch. When young rods are being trained-up to
take the place of those which have become unsightly with Ion"
gnarled spurs, the leaves of the young rods should be well
exposed to the light. It is certain that they cannot make good
growth underneath the laterals of the old rod. Those who
would grow first-cla«3 Grapes must not be afraid to thin-out
the lateral growths ; no good Grapes can be produced when the
Vines are a thicket of wood and foliage.

The Vines are in flower in the early house, and increased
vigilance is necessary to preserve them from iojury. Cold cut-
ting winds are apt, if allowed to blow direct on the bunches to
produce rust when the skin is tender. It is necessary to' go
over the bunches twice a day and gently shake them when in
flower. Some gardeners lower the temperature of their vineries
at the time the Vines are in flower and have been successful.
We have generally raised it about 5° more than it was previously"
and have found this plan to answer. Moisture is also withheld'
to a considerable extent.

Where Vinos are grown in pots for the earliest crop they will
now be in full growth and making roots freely. The roots must
on no account suffer by want of water, and besides the surface
dressing already directed to be given, every alternate watering
ought to be with weak manure water. Should red spider appear
and it is considered objectionable to syringe, the hot-water
pipes ought to be painted with flowers of sulphur formed into a
paste by mixing it with soapy water. The pipes require to be
heated to a considerable extent to maintain the requisite tem-
perature for the remedy to be effectual.

Many growers are complaining that their earliest Vines are
starting very irregularly, and this (s not to be wondered at,
especially where the roots have been under water. That was
the position of our Vines, and it has only been by fixing power-
ful pumps, which are even now constantly kept at work, that
the stokeholes have been kept free from water. Tho Muscats
did not start well, but the reason was suspected, and the night
ternperature was kept down and they are now doing well. When
it is observed that Vines will not break regularly they ought
not to be pushed, as this only makes matters worse; lower the
temperature to say 55°, and when the shoots have grown a little
increase it to G5°.

FLOWEB GAHDEN AND SHRUBBEM.

By this time all alterations should be completod, such aa
forming new shrubbery borders or levelling lawns by cutting
the turf, and after making the ground level relaying it. This is
a good time to prune the shrubs, especially Portugal and com-
mon Laurels. In our light soil, where the ground has been
made rich by manuring, common Laurels grow with great
vigour, but they do not last long in good condition unless they
are periodically pruned; the under branches die aud tho plants
are rendered unsightly, whereas if systematically pruned the
bushes become regularly furoished with healthy branches.
Large hushes which have been allowed to grow wild may be cut
back to within a few feet of the cround, and they will start
again into free growth from the old wood. Portugal Laurels
may be treated in the same manner, but they do not run away
into naked wood like the others ; indeed, there are few more
noble-looking objects to be seen in the pleasure grounds than
large bushes of this shrub, and they may be seen in many
places clothed with foliage from base to summit. If there is
any planting still to be done it ought to be finished without any
delay, and newly planted bushes should be mulched with ma-
nure. This is excellent for preventing evaporation and keeping
the ground of a more equable temperature.

If lawns are poor now is a good lime to dress them. An ex-
cellent dressing is wood ashes, guano, and fine soil in equal
parts. A dressing applied now aud in a month hence will cause
a most vigorous growth. The fine weather has made tho grass
to grow very strongly, and we have rolled frequautly and run
the lawn mower over the grass twice. In a few weeks tho walks
will bo regravelled or the old surface will be forked up, raked,
aud well rolled down again.

Although the Roses had made growths 2 or li inches in length
we deferred pruning as late as possible owing to the danger to
be feared from frosts. We had pruned half of them when frost
did set in, Fahrenheit's thermometer registering on one occasion
11' of frost— quite enough to blacken all the growths on the uu-
pruned plants. Frost suddenly disappeared on the evening of
the 1st of March, and rather more than quarter of an inch of
rain fell, when the pruning was finished; we then commenced
to dig oyer tho borders.

No time should now be lost in inserting cuttings of bedding
plants that are likely to be required. Of many quick-growing
plants cuttings struck in spring are more, useful than those pro-
pagated inautumn. We shall shortly placo the hardiest plants
in a turf pit, which will give us moro room for those which are
being grown-on in warm houses.

IXOBIBT TLOWEBS.

Tulips start very early into growth, aud owicg to bo laucli

182

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

mild weallier are in a forward state. They do not suffer from
frost unleBS, as not unfrequently happens, water gathers in the
asils of the leaves and freezes theic. When the ground and
leaves are quite dry they are eafe. Anricnlas are growing freely
and require attention as to ventilation. We found it necessary
to double mat the frames at ni^ht, and when the frost was most
severe the leaves were even then crusted with it. Carnatious
and Picotees have been potted into their blooming pots. Many
growers pot their plants into 11-incb pots, three plants in a pot,
or two in a 10-inch. Ours are mottly potted in 7, 8, and 0-inch
pots. They are quite largo enough to grow the plants; but
there is this objection to them in the copo of those who are
away from their gardens in the daytime, the plants are more
liable to suffer for want of water in hot weather. When large
potg are used they do not suffer from this cauFC ; moreover,
there is sometimes not sufflcient space for the layers in small
pots. These plants require plenty of draiuage, and the potting
material should bo good tnrfy loam with one barrowload of leaf
Boil and the same quantity of decayed manure to every five of
the loam, a little silver sand to be added if necessary. The
plants require the protection of glass frames for a month longer
at least.— J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED. «

James Carter & Co., 2:37 and 238, High Holborn, London.—
Illnstrated Catalogue of Prize Fariii Seeds.

ZThomas S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, Ijondon.
— Illustrated Catalogue of Hardy Perennials and Florhls^
Flowers.

James Dickson & Sons, 108, Eastgate Street, Chester.— Ca^rt-
logue of Farm Seeds.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
•^* All correspondence should be directed either to " The
Editors," or to *' The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no ono will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doirg so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mis up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub-
jects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. AU articles intended for ineertiou
should be written on one side of the paper only. We
cannot reply to questions through the post.
Cypkess Plant. — *'£. P." esks for iuformation in refcronco to the Cypress
pliint which rtowb in America. Ho has hadsonoe seeds given to him received
from Amorica, and wishes to know eomethicg of the habits and nature of
the plant, and whether it will fjrow out of doors iu this country or lequires a
Rreenhouse or stove. It has a pretty small flower. The chief attraction ia
iu tha leaf, which is beautifully coloured.

Vine Leaves Si-.-tted (L. D. E.).— We fail to perceive any spots on tic
foliage sent. There are some Blight brown blotches which may be attributable
to a sudden outburst of suu after a period of dull weather. The leaves sug-
gest talthoDgh it is difficult to judge in their early Bta^et that more yet judi-
cious ventilation, and also a stimulant to the rootseither in the form of
Boanare or tepid manure water, would be advantageous for the purpose of
improving the bubstance of the foliuge, rendeilng it less liable to injury from
changoa of temperature or infect attackp.

Lawn ii&sD (Chrmicus).—'We do not know of what it is composed. Any
small mowjpg machine will cut the graea on banks.

Geeenhouse Khododendrons U. £.).— The plants will not "throw"
side branches until the terminal bud becomes a flowering one, or the apex bo
removed. We have several plants which were grow Ing up, as yours appear to
he duing, with a feii^'le stem; we cat them Aovm to 6 inches, and they are
now furnished with choots at that height. Cut them back to the height at
which you require side ehoots, taking care to notice whether they are grafted,
in which caee sufficient wood of the scion must be retained to furnish fresh
RhootF. Keep rather dry until the plants begin gi-owing again. They should
be cut back at once. If you want the plants with stems of the present height
of plants tbe removal of the central shoot or tenninal bud will cause the for-
mation of side shoots.

CucuMiJEEs AND Melons IN Cold Frames (F. 7.).— The boxes you name
are much too small, and are also needless, for there ia no dirt arising from
manure or soil that would injuio the frame in the least, or only what could
be washed off. It would coet less to line tho frames inside with a deal board,
half-inch thick and 11 icches broad, than to make boxes and a trellis. The
half-inch boaids would keep the sides of the frame clean. Put in the frames
some fresh horse manure, pressing it firmly down 12 inches deep in the
centre c f the frames, dimiuishiog gradually to 6 inches at the sides, and upon
the dung place G inches depth of soil, and ticad it very firm for the Melons,
and moderately so for the Cucumbers. The soil should be a strong loam for
the Melons, but medium-textured for the Cucumbers. Tho seed should ho
sown in gentle heat the first week in April, and tbe plants be potted singly in
email pots when they show the rough leaf, and have their points pinched nut
when they have made two rough or second fcaves. planting out in May. One
plant in the centre of en ch light ia BUfiticieut. Telegraph is a good Cucum-
ber, alec Munro's Puke of Edinburgh, and Little Ilcnth Melon will luit. Von
Moltke Melon, scarlet flf sh, ia also a good kind for cool treatment, and if
you want a green llosh EaBtnor Castle is good and free.

Clejiatises and Tea Koses for Low AValls ih'Icm).—Cli:matis—Mre.
G. M. Inues, Thomas Tennent, Alexandra, Victoria, The Shah, and Madame
Van Hontte. Tca-scadcd liosea— Duchess of EdiLburgb, Gloire de Dijon

Catherine Mermet, Madame Levet, Mflvie Slsley, and Sombreuil. We should
have tbe Boses upon the west and Clematis upon the east aspect. They
would not do together. Passifiora cnnruleasuccoods againat a south wall, and
would probably thrive in your mild climate upon the east aspect.

Planting Amaryllis Outdoors (J. TT'. 0.1. — You may plant out all the
species named— viz., A. atamasco, A. (Crinnm capense) longifolia, A. Bella-
donna, A. formosipsima, A. lutea (Sternbergia), Itnt the Agapanthus should
not be planted until May. There is, wo presume, a frame to carry the clafls,
or it may be laid upon the soil over the bulbs until the growth appears above-
ground. There is no work of recent date treating of the cultivation of theae
plants.

Successional Crops of Melons (IF. H.).~lt is not desirable to have
plants planted at intervals in the same house. Your house will only accom-
modate four plants, one under each light, and thosa we should plant at the
same time, so as to have the fruit setting and ripening at about the same
period. You will find some difflculty in growing plants in vftriou.s stages in
Uie eame bouse and border; besides, four plants will not give you over a
dozen frnit at a crop, and will not ripen off within a few days of each other.
Easinor Castle is a very free successional bearer, also Osmaston Manor, both
green-flesh ; A. F. Barron and Read's Scarlet-flesh are the best of that colour.
Tacsonia insignis Blighted {T. E. D.).— The leaves do not appear to
have been injured by cold. The appearance is that of an attack of red
spider, of which there are troces upon the upper surface of the leaves, a result,
probably, of the plants having been kept too dry during the summer. We
should prune the plants now or thin out the shoots, removing the worst
affected leaves. These plant.s do little good in pots, requiring to be planted
out, and are then grand.

Paraffin Oil (A. L. IT.).— PaiaHin, according to the testimony of Mr.
Horner, is injurious to the foliage of Auriculas unless the oil is greatly diluted.
Mr. Dickson of Arkleton and other gardeners have also found it injurious to
fruit trees when used in its pure state. Wo have not yet tested its effect on
seeds. We intend mixing the paraftiu with dry earth and sowing In the rows
after the seeds are put in, and advise you doing the same. We have had no
experience with carbolic acid, but would like to know who has.

Culture or Violets {M. J. D.).— Violets are so easily grown and require
80 very little attention that they are often neglected. They are propagated
by runners, and to keep-up a supply of healthy free-flowering p'ants a few
ought to be planted-out annually in rich deeply-dug aoil. Yours have not
succeeded because " you did nothing to them last year."

Pli.-ms not EEARiNa IJ. B.).— You may graft Ihem as you propose. We
fancy the Frogmora Damson is now to b3 bad iu the *' trade," and thct Is
tho only way in which you can obtain it. Apply to Mr. C. Turner of Slongh.
The shading will do admirably either to protect the blos'soms from frost
now, or the fruit from flies and wasp-ii in summer. Yon must tot leave it
over the blossoms during fine weather.

Oleander Unhealthy (C. E. P.). — The leaves gent are much infested
with scale, especially on tlieir under sides. You may adopt one of the
following remedies:—!, Dissolve 4 ozs. of soft soap in a gallon of wflter,
and with a sponge wash every leaf thoroughly, further displacing the scale by
drawing a bluntly pointed stick down tbe leaves next tho midrib. Wash also
the stems of the plant. Tbe solution should be used as hot as tho hand can
endure it. The work must he well and carefully done. 2, Cut down the
plant at any convenient height helow the foliage, and it will shortly push
fresh growtii, and yon will have a ckan plant which will probably flower next
year. In cither case remove a considerable portion of tho surface soil, and
replace with fresh compost. If you do not cut down the plant give more
lopicns supplies of water, and liquid manure once a-week. It is impossible
for your plant to thrive until it is freed from the scale and the dirty
encrustation. We cever .';aw leaves in a worse state, and we ad-vise you to be
prompt with either of the remedies suggested.

Swede (0. 1-. La7if7?ri/).— Taken literally "a Swede*' is a human being, a
n;itive of Sweden ; but if the term was applied to the cultivated bulb, that
bulb is a Turcip. It is described in botauiciU works as a variety of the Turnip
under the name of Biasaica campestris rutabaga.
Names of Fruits {Connaught SMbaccfTtc?-).— Stamford Pippin^
Names of Plants (C. Cdi/nn)-— Pi'obably Arum draonnculaa.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHKONIOLE.

AN UNITED POULTRY CLUB.

OuE article of last week was in type before the Ainarium
Meeting, but at that Show we had an opportunity of tdkiug
with many esperienced fanciers on the above Bubject. The im-
pression Eeems to bo that one united poultry clnb would answer
all purposes better than any associations for particular branches.
Very probably this would be the case, aa a larger number of
fanciers v/ould moft likely be thus collected together who could
take all matters of dispute or interest into consideration. Such
a club, however, wants to be delicately handled, and for it to
be a real and permanent succcas there must not be a brfath of
antagonistic feeling among the members, for should they once
cease to work iu harmocy the good derivable from any such
collection of fanciers would certainly be frustrated. Conse-
ijuently the club must be formed and put into working order as
openly and as publicly as possible, when all could give their
own idturi and eo enable the rules to be drawn-up with the ap-
pro.bation of all. We mentioned twelve gentlerr.cn last week
which had been £ elected at random from a recent catalogue, and
we see no reason why the same should not still be tho leading
parties to try and slnrl this club. Wo know that several of
that number have the subject much at heart, and talked tha
matter over at Westmiuater among themtelvcs (he other day,
coming to the resolution that the thing was feasible, and that
they would help the matter on. A general impresBiou, however,
seems to exist that the subject should not be pushed on in too

March 8, 1877. ]

JODBNAL OF HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

183

great a harry, bat that time ehoald be given to oolleot the
opinions of all interested in the matter.

We hear that a meeting for the purpose of forming snch a
club was held on the last day of the Aiiaarium meeting, and
that certain resolutions were adopted aud a gentleman ohoseu
to act as Honorary Secretary ^iro tern. We cannot help much
regretting, as do so many more, that this meeting did not take
place on an earlier day in the Show week, for by Friday so many
of the fancy who are interested in the matter had left for home
again, and surely the more that could attend a meeting where a
sabject of snch general importance was to be discussed would
have been the better. Still the resolutions passed, we hear, are
not to be made public until they have been before another
meeting, and so those who were present on that first occasion
have still ample time to consult the opinions of others who
were not present ; for we know several importint breeders and
fanciers who will never allow themselves to be "ridden over
roughshod," and so if this meeting, held the other week, is to
be thennolena of the United Poultry Club, perfect openuess and
no secrecy must be employed.

We have seen a letter in a contemporary written by some
one who was present at this meeting, saying that it was his
" privilege to receive an invitation." We confess this word
" privilege " astounds us. If this meeting was for the private in-
terests of particular persona we can imagine the writer con-
sidering it a privilege tj join such a coterie; but when it was
held to consider the wisdom of establishing a poultry club to
embrace all real and loyal fanciers, surely at a first meeting
for the purpose no publicity could have been too great nor no
number of fanciers too large to carefully take into consideration
Bach an important matter. We say openly and with certainty,
that once the matter is conducted secretly and among certain
parties only, the Club will do ten times more harm to the cause
than ever it will do good.

From the general tone of the letter to which we have referred
we should think that it was written with the full approbation of
the gentlemen present at the said meetinp, although no names
are yet announced. Whether this is so or not, we still take
this opportunity of most fully concurring with one paragraph-
namely, "It was deemed essential for the prosperity of the
Association that it be entirely unconnected with any journal
published in the interests of the fancy." We assent most cor-
dially, for we are sure that this ia important. There are, we
conclude, however, persons in existence who read daily a penny
paper and who do not see the London Titn,-s : that again there
are fanciers who read our pages who read no others which are
devoted to poultry culture ; and so we agree with the corre-
spondent of our contemporary, and say that, fatal as it wonld be
to make one journal /aciZeji/'ejuvj/s the organ for ventilating the
Club movements, still it would be as damnatory to it not to
allow all journals to fully recognise the movement, and by ven-
tilating the sabject and recording the movements to help to
form, collect, cement together, and amalgamate fanciers of
poultry and of Pigeons. It is unison that we want — the joining
together, for one common purpose, of all fanciers ; and only by
the absence of petty jealousies, by shelving former disputes and
quarrels, by working together in true harmony, will the poultry
fancy in their Club succeed. Most earnestly do we trust that
this may be the case ; and fairly, firmly, straightforwardly
started, we do believe a poultry club which properly considers
all subjects laid before it, will work a real benefit in thepoixltry
world.— W.

THE LIABILITY OF EAILWAT COMPANIES.

A CASE of considerable interest to poultry and Pigeon exhi-
bitors was tried at the Bradford County Court on the 23rd ult.,
before Mr. Daniels, Q.C., in which Mr. Thresh of Bradford sued
the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company for XI, which
he alleged he had lost by the ntglect of the defendants. Mr.
Terry appeared for the railway company, and Mr. Thresh con-
ducted his own case. The plaintiff stated that on the 22nd of
September laet he sent a pen of Spanish fowls to Chaddertou
Agricultural Show, Moston station, by the Lancashire and York-
shire line, at 9. in p m , but instead of the birds arriving in reason-
able time they were delayed until 12 10 p.m. next day, when the
judging was over. The plaintiff now claimed i'l, the amount
of the first prize, and he called Mr. Dixon the judge, who fctated
that if the birds had been in time he should certainly have
awarded them the first prize. Mr. Terry, for the defendants,
contended that the company had entered into no contract for
the delivery ot the birds at any sp.-cified lime. Mr. Daniels
ruled, however, that the defendants, by allowing the fowls to be
booked to the show, had bound themselves to deliver tbem in
reasonable time, as otherwise it would have been useless sending
them. He therefore gave a verdict for the plaintiff for the
amount claimed with costs.

was quite a financial speculation on the part of Messrs. Barnes
and Co. of Portsmouth ; and being held before the Winter
Garden Company was in existence, or rather before the Winter
Garden was built, it could have no possible connection with it.
The Dog, Cat, aud Rabbit Show held by the Company in No-
vember last reflected great credit on the promoters, and all
claims were settled within a short time ; I believe to the satis-
faction of the exhibitors generally. — Geokge Billett.

BODBNEMOCTD ShOW OF PoHLTRY, PiGEONB, AND CaOE BiECS.

— The defaulting Show to which " Wiltshire Kector " referred

THE PATAQONIAN RABBIT.

The Patigonian Rabbit is the giant of the Rabbit tribe ; tower-
ing above all the other breeds, it stands unsurpassed and un-
equalled for size and weight. A fine full-grown and fat speci-
men of this breed will outweigh three small Dutch Rabbits. At
this period, when butchers are " piling on tbe agony " and even
passing the shilling-per-pound price, surely everything that can
with advantage be brought into the meat market should be, aud
what can be more advantafCously introduced than the mammoth
Rabbit species ? The Patagonian is not a Rabbit that a lady or
child would select as a pet, as it grows awkward in appearance
—the larger, and hence more valuable, it becomes the less
graceful it appears. Still appearances are often deceitful, and
" beauty is only skin deep," so I think we are right if we affirm
what is correct when we say that this is the most valuable
breed of Rabbits extant.

The Patagonian is indieenous to France and Flanders, and
probably never saw Patagonia. The only possible claim it can
have to the name is its size, and even this cannot be advanced
as a very cogent one. Its importation into this country baa
never been accompanied with much success, as Rabbit fanciers
are such thoroughgoing conservatives that as long as the Lop
is present for them to experiment upon they will not welcome
a stranger. So the Patagonian has been nourished and cul-
tivated by a few only, and their cultivation has not resulted in
improving the breed much, as it is no better now than it was
ten years ago, and foreign blood has been so freely introduced
that the thorough-bred Patagonian is seldom seen in a rabbitry.
In France, however, it is different. The peasants do not carry
away many francs for their wages, and so, instead of grumbling
and joining unions, they save what they can, rent a small piece
of ground, and keep such animals on it as they can. If large,
some of the larger and more valuable animals are kept ; but if
the land aud resources are at once small Rabbits are taken to,
and found to pay admirably. In this case Patagonians are almost
always selected because of their great size, and because they
eat but little more than their smaller brethren, and certainly
require much less attention than their fastidious relatives the
Lops.

Having briefly mentioned the nature of the breed as an article
of commerce, we come next to its characteristics. The Pata-
gonian should be as large as possible — large all round — that is,
long and broad. Controversies on the size qitestion are very
fashionable among Rabbit keepers, but it ia an admitted fact
that size in a Patagonian is the great criterion. But this is not
all. We must have something more besides size ; we must have
shape. The frame of the Patagonian should he roomy and
bulky. The head should be large and bull-doggish— that is, the
face should bo broad and the nose somewhat stumpy. When in
condition the cheeks will swell out a good deal, presenting a
heavy look from the front. The eye should be large and bold,
and if it does not glow, sparkle, aud look full, it is certain that
the animal is in bad health. Tbe ears should be very long and
heavy. In a Lop length, thinness, and grace are the attributes of
the ears of a good specimen, but with a Patagonian it is diffe-
rent; length, breadth, and thickness— or, to sum up in one word,
massiveness- are required. I admit that in an animal reared
for pot purposes the ears are not of vital import, but still as
indicators of breed they require attention. They must stand up
from the forehead in an upright position, the muscles being
strong enough to effect this. The ears, however, are too heavy
(top-heavy fs perhaps the correct word) to remain perfectly
upright, so that they gradually drop outwards. Thus a person
standing in front of a Rabbitof this breed can see between these
organs with ease. The neck is generally short and heavy, and
the shonldets are set wide apart. As a matter of course the legs
are similarly placed. From the shoulders to the hips the sides
gradually extend outwards, and the back rises. The hind legs
are very'long, and are set a considerable distance apait. They
are also very thick and heavy. The whole formation and shape
then, is heavy aud massive.

The fur is very thick, and about the same length as the Lops,
or perhaps a trifle shorter. The ears are covered with a pro-
fusion of hair ou the outside, and on the inside are generally
blackish, and not very pretty. The fur on the head is not so
long as on the body, and generally of a softer quality.

The Patagonian presents neither beauty nor variety to the
eye, but is of one regular colour— a dull heavy grey, or more
correctly speaking, a very dark greyish brown. A wild Rabbit
is generally called grey, but it is not really grey at all but

181

JOURNAL OF HOKTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 8, 1877.

merely brown, of a more or less greyish shade. The Patagonian
is much darker than the wild warren Rabbit. If a pencil be
drawn up its back it will be seen that there are a large number
of black hairs predominant, and these give a dark shade to the
far. The colour, then, of the breed under notice is dark grey,
as it is orthodoxly called. The head in generally inclined tj
be a little darker than the body, and this is no detriment. The
under parts are lighter, sometimes almost white, and although
there should not be too much of it, a specimen will rarely be
seen without it. There should not be any signs of sandiness
either above or beneath, but the j auction of the two colonrs
should be light grey.

_ The points, then, are these : — Massive frame, with rump con-
siderably larger than fore quarters ; large head ; large and semi-
pendant ears; dark grey body and head, and light underparts.
The light colour should not be discoverable, except upon exami-
nation. When in a reclining position the animal's sides gradu-
ally extend outwards, presenting from the front a form of a
capital V.

The Patagonian is not very docile, but is not by any means
aggressive. While not fond of caressing, it may yet be taught to
know and recognise its feeder, and is moderately sociable. The
doe is fairly prolific, though not so good in this respect as the
smaller varieties. About three litters a- year, and from three to
five in each litter, m.ay be confidently looked for.— Geta.

HEDGEHOGS.

Though fully agreeing with " Wlltshike Rectob " in his re-
marks respecting the preservation of and kiudness to all dumb
animals, I cannot quite endorse bis statements, quoted from a
French paper, as to the harmlessness of hedgehogs. I can bear
witness to the fact that they are sad thieves of eggs, even climb-
ing low shrubs to obt jin the eggs of small birds, and also robbing
partridge neets. Some years since our meu were removing some
timber; underneath the logs was a hedgehog's nest with several
dozen eggshells in it of all kinds, and a litter of young hedge-
hogs about a month old. I have also had these animals so tame
in the house that they came when whistled for, and the greatest
treat they could have was a fresh-laid bantam egg. I have no
doubt they, like all other animals, are most useful in their way,
but, like the graceful squirrel, require keeping within bounds. —
An Old Scescbieer.

THE CET8TAL PALACE BIKD SHOW.

(Contimied )

Canasies and Mules numbered considerably more than one-
haU of the entire Show, most of the principal breeders and
exhibitors being represented with their best peppered and non-
peppered birds. There was an immense competition in the first
half-dozen classes (especially the ■' Clears ") for the honours and
extra £\ given to the highest winner in the Norwich peppered
classes. Messrs. Mackley Bros, of Norwich were the victors.
In the half-dozen classes there were 291 exhibits, averaging
nearly fifty in each class. The other classes throughout the
exhibition were well represented.

The principal prizetakers in Class 1 were Mr. John Adams ot
Coventry, whose famous champion Yellow (a bird full in size,
and possessing colour, condition, and all essential qualifications
for an Al show bird) succeeded in winning first honours in its
class at the best show ever held at the Palace. We assert this
without the slightest reservation. This may be considered as one
of the greatest victories in the Show, Mr. Adams's bird having
to compete in its class with seventy-seven others, most of them
really fine birds, and to the numerous observers as much like
the others as the others were like them. Other noted exhibitors
brought forward their high-coloured beauties, notably a couple
belonging to Mr. E. J. Pope of Brighton, the lesser-priced
bird of the two running Mr. Adams's top-sawyer a closer race
than we have known any other Yellow bird to do during the
past season, although Mr. Adams has had his bird placed
second on more than one occasion. Mr. Pope, however, took a
second and a third; Messrs. Cox A- Griflin of the Northampton
school splitting the pair for an extra second place, and keeping
up the lasting reputation of the town noted for its high-heeled
steppers. Mr. J. C. Salt of Burton with his very hot eight
obtained an extra third poeition with No. 12, not his highest
priced bird, which lacked thoroagh condition compared to
numerous others in the class. Whether Mr. Salt's No. 10 (very
highly commended) be the identical bird or not which gained
for him a first and extra prize at Reading Show a week or more
previous, we are nnable to say. Mr. G. E. Kussell of Brierley
Hill, Staffordshire, scored a clever fourth; Mr. Athersnch of
Coventry fifth ; and Mackley Bros, of Norwich an extra fifth.
With so fine a lot of birds in the above class to dispose of for
prizes, the task of awarding them must have brought into re-
quisition much close aitention, from the fact of au hour and a
half fully being devoted to judging the Yellow.

In Class 2 an almost equally difficult task had to be encountered

over the sixty-six Bufla. The first prize was awarded to a most
magnificent type of a Buff, full of bloom, quality, and in the
very pink of condition ; in fact a great bird of its variety, and
one doing credit to Mr. Athersuch, who likewise gained an
extra third and au extra fifth with other meritorious speci-
mens. Mr. Galey of Clapham took a clever second and equal
fourth ; Mr. Eussell an equal second ; Mr. .1. Caplin of Canter-
bury third ; Mr. Yallop, Cossey. near Norwich, fourth; Mr. W,
Havers, Norwich, fifth ; and a similar degree of merit to Mackley
Bros., which completed the list of prizewinners in the class.
The competition in many instances was close, and the awards
were doubled compared to the schedale.

The two "Clear" classes being disposed of. judging travelling
became somewhat lighter as the classes were patiently gone
through one by one. The "Even" and "Unevenly-marked"
Yellows and Buffs were very showy ; Mr. D. Audley of Leicester
carrying off three firsts out of four classes, Messrs. Mackley and
Athersuch being the nest best winners.

The noupepperfed birds muttered well, and in most instances
true in colour to the call of the classes. Mr. R. J. Troake'a first
Clear Yellow was very fine, and was well backed-up with Mr-
Pope's third, and Mackley Bros.' second and fourth, which latter
exhibitors won first, second, and third in Class 8, Mr. Salt gain-
ing Mr. Wallace's bird book for fourth honours. The first-prize
bird in Class 9 certainly must have been a mistake, owing to
the high pepper colour it presented. The Crested birds bore
the usual, and we may say unusual, attractive markings and
abundant crests, the chief winners being Mr. W. J. Hampton of
Darlington, Mackley Bros., and Mr. G. E. Russell.

As to the Belgians, they were not only high in their shoulders
but high in their numbers, the chief winners being Mr. J. Doel
of Plymouth, who scored a first (with immense shoulders) and
equal third in Yellows and a second and extra third in Buffs.
Mr. Rutter of Sunderland took no less than eight prizes in three
classes — sufficient for any ordinary exhibitor, but insufficient for
one of such extraordinary Belgian proolivitieB he possesses.
Were Mr. Rutter permitted to get-up his own birds " against a
wall," and not beneath the canvas teat provided, then perchance
they would show to better advantage true Belgian form, which
they failed doing owing to the queer ways they had (in several
instances) of shooting out their tails and balancing their bodies
upon their legs. We like to see a bird with good stand, small
head, and sweeping neck, with close tail down to the perch,
and hoisting-up a well-filled pair of shoulders as high as it can
get them. We much admired the general style of Messrs.
Wright >1- Smethurst's second Yellow and first Bnff.

Although there were twenty-eight entries in the two London
Fancy classes, Messrs. J. i' W. Waller of Finsbury, London,
took the entire sis prizes — not at all to be wondered at consider-
ing the style in which the birds were moulted and brought
for exhibition. We know from experience that nothing is more
difficult to achieve in Canary fiucying than bringing out
" London Fancy " birds in proper show trim.

We will continue our remarks next week.

AMEEICAN APIARIES.

LrcE most things in America, bee keeping is there commonly
carried-ou on a much larger scale than in England, and from
the leviathan honey-raiser, Mr. Harbison of California, with bis
three thousand hives, to the small bee-farmer owning but fifty
or one hundred stocks, all use the frame hive, and more or less
the extractor. The variety of patterns and dimensions of frame
hives are endless ; but the principle of all combs being moveable
and frames interchangeable is fully recognised. I have before
me a photograph, lithograph, and two woodcuts of different
bee gardens, and I choose the first, where no exaggeration can
be charged, to illustrate my present article. The apiary is that
of Mr. A. I. Root of Medina, Ohio, well known as a bee- writer
under the non df'. phnne of " Novice," and editor of " Gleanings
in Bee-culture," a monthly magazine wholly devoted to our
hobby. Mr. Root is eminently an experimentalist— has tried
all schemes of bee-keepiug, most hives, supers, and feeding
dodges ; his manifold failure.'; and successes all being duly
chronicled in his .Tournal. It will be perceived that the hives
all stand on the ground or nearly so, and this is the case in th©
other apiaries as shown on the pictures I have. I should prefer
some elevation both for comfort in working and for fear of
damp ; but perhaps their climate is drier than ours. Behind
each row of hives is seen a trellis on which is trained grape
vines, affording grateful shade to the be.;3 and profit to the bee-
master, as the Grapes in Ohio ripen readily thus cultivated.

The building in the centre of the picture is the bee-house, used
both as a workshop and store. On the right of the house is S
colony suspended by a spring balance, of which the daily loss or
gain is noted, and which gives timely warning of a glut of honey
when it occurs. In front to the left is seen the extractor, a
busy machine here, for Mr. Root is one of its strongest advo-
cates, although he has followed the times and lately gone in
for sectional supers, of which he has kindly forwarded me some

March 8, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETXCULTUaE AND COirAGE GABDENEE.

neat and inexpensive patterns for our enlightenment. Mr. Root
appreciates shade for his bees ; bnt in most American apiaries
the hives seem to be simply set down in open fields without any
protection whatever.

Great attempts were made in the United States to institute a
" standard frame," and there is one so-called; but the name is
practically useless, for bee-keepers will use their own judgment
as to the requirements of their bees and locality. The same
question was discussed by the British Bee-keepers* Association
for Eogland, but recognised as impracticable, although I see

system of management. Throwing up such a oload of theoretic
dust may help to amuse Mr. L^we ; but has it not already
blinded his ally — the patriarchal Mr. Pettigrew — to publicly dis-
own " his ain true love," the big straw skep, aud actually em-
brace at his champion's bidding the empty wooden boxes from
the grocer's shop ? To help to allay this dust I would put one
or two questions. - ~^

"Would Messrs. Lowe and Pettigrew kindly state the extent of
their experience (if any) of thi^ Stewarton hive and system of
bee mauigement ? So far as the records of the apiarian comb

Fig. 21.— Ajibhican apiart.

two hive-makers advertise their wares as the " standard." It
may ease the minds of straw bivists here to know that the
Yankees are too 'cute to go in for expensive hives. Most of
their hives cost no more than i2 or $'i, and frame hives in
England need not cost more for profitable working; indeed,
they may be had quite as cheap as Mr. Pettigrew's excellent
large skeps, with theii' floor-boards, supers, and covers. — John
Hdnteb, Eaton liiae, Ealing.

THE BATTLE OF THE HIVES.

Ln this controversy we have already pointed out to Mr. Lowe
it lies not between all hives and systems of bee management,
but simply two — the Stewarton and the straw — for comparative
honey results. We may, therefore, be pardoned if we ask the
practical utility of all your correspondent's verbiage meander-
ings, this mere play ou tho meaning of words, this hive qua
liiTe, this word-splitting attempt to sever the hive from its

show they have none. I would ask farther if they have ever even
seen a well-managed 46-inch octagon colony at work ? May
their position not be similar to my respected friend President
Bennet, who had the frankness, as well as the generosity, to
record in these pages that in my apiary the last summer " he
had been introduced to a phase of apiculture of which he had
previously no conception." Admit this till we are informed to
the contrary, and does it not savour somewhat of presumption
that either gentleman should pass judgment ou what they
have no experience whatever 'i* But, says Mr. Lowe, look at our
backers, Messrs. Abbott, Symington, " B. & W,," and all the
authorities ; only think, " Bevan, Golding, Dunbar, Jardine,
Langstroth, Huish, and Taylor, and many others I could name."
So far as the apiarian records show the first two gentlemen —
Messrs. Abbott and Symington— have no experience of the
Stewarton hive; and as to Mr. Lowe's sole supporter, "B. & W.,"
all we remember of his connection with that hive was in his
making a reference daring the " superposing " controversy in an

JOUBNAIi OF HORTIOUOTUBE AND OOTTAQE QARDENEB.

[ March 8, 1817.

article of his we read on a railway journey, wherein be referred
to the " crown board " of that hive, feeling evidently posed as
to its position, and at a station we pennf d a hurried reply, and
at the moment forgetting your much- vulued contributor was not
a brother Scot, used as the aptest phrase that came to hand that
of " taBiug the breeks oS a Heelacdmau," which we ever regret,
as he has never alluded to the Stewarton since, consequently
we may assume his experience is alike limited. " But you qaite
forget the authorities," says Mr. Lowe ; " are they not grand?"
We have as muoh respect as anyone for the honoured names ;
but would your correspondent at leisnre quote the passages from
all or any who refer to, much less condemn, my favourite hive
the Stewarton ?

Before closing have been asked to reply to fresh queries anent
my competitive straw hive. What a fund of information has
been dug from its recesses ! how many have been taught ! It is
positively refreshing how the informer has been re-informed
therefrom. Mr. Lowe finds fault it had not been wrought a la
Pettigrew. Now, I beg to acquaint him and all readers my aim
is to produce as much super honey as possible from my stocks.
Thought I had already mentioned, had it been so wrought
strictly on such principle twos^varms would have emerged, and
the " honey result " — the contents of the beautiful glass which so
omameuted the table of my friends — would have been frittered
away in the construction of the combs of afiresaid swarms,
which (1875) was so bad a season here they would both have
died before autumn unfed, as well as the parent; but Mr. Bain-
ford thinks what a gain there would have been had Ihe hive
been a full-sized Pettigrew. Similar if not worse results would
have followed. The honey which I did manage to divert owing
to the comparative small size at first « la Stewarton to the
super would have disappeared in comb-building in the Pettigrew ;
and so successfully was it managed the lightness of the body
bore indisputable proof, a task Messrs. Liwe and Pettigrew will
find not quite so easily accomplished when they take to stori-
fying. For fuller information as to the evils attendant on
employing too large straw skeps in a poor district, I rafer
Mr. Riiiiford to an able article by an esteemed correspondent,
" R. S," vol. xxiv., where he will find that that gentleman was
obliged to entirely abandon them, yielding little else than bees
and empty combs in his county (Dumfriesshire), a much better
than ours. As to this hive Mr. Lowe farther remarks, " I had
no idea that so advanced an apiarian as ' A Renfrewshire
Bee-keeper' would have such an antiquated piece of furniture
in his apiary.' For once Mr. Lowe has guessed right; not
exactly my style, an incomer from his friend Mr. Pettigrew's
native county of Lanark, one of three purchased there unseen.
When they came I did think that however universal Mr. Petti-
grew supposes his large skeps to have spread over Scotland,
" a prophet is not without honour save in his own country," as
of old. — A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper.

[We have been obliged to omit part of the above communica-
tion from want of space. — Eds.]

STRAW SKEPS versus BAR HIVES.

In the Journal of Horticulture of October 12th an account was
given of the harvest of super honey which I obtained from one
set of Stewarton boxes — i c , lii lbs. of perfectly pure virgin
honeycomb. A brief narrative of the subsequent history of the
liive may interest some of your contributors. The two last
sapors were removed early in August, and the stock then occu-
pied three 7-inch body boxes. They remained undisturbed until
October, when it became necessary to prepare for their winter
campaign.

The lowest box was first removed. This had been given to
the bees as an empty box early in June. It was quite full of
comb, but contained scarcely any honey. Out of eight combs
the two outer are attached to li-inch bars, and are intended only
for the storage of honey. Four fjf the interior combs were com-
posed exclusively of worker cells ; the remaining two combs
were about half drone and half worker cells.

The upper box was next overhauled, and proved to bo almost
completely filled with sealed honey and pollen : there was
hardly an unsealed cell in the whole box. The four central
frames were removed, and after the bees had been shaken and
brushed off the combs the lids of the cells were sliced off, and
the combs put into one of Abbott's centrifugal extractors, and
6 lbs. of honey was thus obtained. All the pollen, and a consi-
derable quantity of honey owing to the comparatively low tem-
perature, remained in the cells ; but the combs thus relieved
of a portion of their superflaoas treasure were then returned
uninjured to the bees. The centre, now the lowest box, was
finally examined : it contained a considerable store of honey, of
which a large portion was unsealed for present use.

From this single colony I thus obtained iu one season 144 lbs. of
pure virgin super honeycomb, G lbs. of fine run or slang honey,
and a box of excellent empty comb, which cau either be returned
to the bees as it is or be used as guide comb for new stock boxes.
In addition to this, the colony which has yielded this harvest is

still amply provided for and will not require any feeding. In
1875 this colony, as previously stated, yielded about 30 lbs. of
super honey and required no feeding after one of the worst
honey seasons ever known iu this district, Mr. Pettigrew seems
to make light of this; but had he been iu this locality he would
have found numbers of hives, both stocks and swarms, dying of
famine in the middle of Jaly. No honey was accumulated after
the middle of Jnne.

In conclusion, I will remark that after the honey had been
removed from the central combs in the top box, the bees who had
previously clustered most densely in the box beneath ascended
en masse into the upper storey, and, after they had cleared the
combs and re-arranged their stores, took fall possession of the
box, and seem to have made it head quarters during the winter.
Both boxes are, however, pretty well occupied. Last winter
(1875-G) the bees occupied only the upper box. — J. E. Briscoe,
Albrighton.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Books iC. H. S.).— Davy's "Elemeata of Agricultural Chemistry," edited
by Mr. Shier,

ADDEE33 (J. Tomlinsoti).-~We cannot state the aidress. If yoa enclose a
stamped letter here and open we will forward it.

Rabbits (C. C).— We cannot name dealers. Go to auy of the prize-
winners and be your own judge.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

C&u

DE.-J SgniBE, LOSDOK.

I,at.5F33'40'N.-

Laag. I]

■•8-0" W.; AUitud

e. Ill feet.

DiTE.

9 i.M.

In the DAT.

i?ia

HyKroma.

OT3

"S- .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

.g

Feb.
aud

.if.

p.^ o

perature.

Temperature.

K

In

On

Dry.

iex.

Wet.

deg.

Max.

deK.

UiD.
deg.

sun.

grass,
deg.

Inches-

deg.

In.

We. 28

3M69

3i.2

2] i

38 0

S9.0

25.3

81.8

Th. 1

3).890

29.0

26.2

N.

36.8

411

23.5

77-3

23.S

0.185

Fri. 2

3D.209

43.1

43.0

W.

36.3

54.3

28.5

74.0

28 0

0.020

Sat. S

SO 127

47.1

46.4

w.

40.5

52.6

42.8

64.0

41.7

0.180

Snn. i

29.884

45.0

41.8

N.W.

40.8

47.0

43 0

69.0

42.8

0.314

Mo. 5

29.918

39 4

37.6

N-W.

415

47.4

34.5

83 9

318

0.IJ20

Tu. 6

29 893

S7 2
38 7

35 2
37.2

N.

4).0
39.1

443
46.6

82.7
32.9

68 6

29.5
SlT

0.(99

Means.

3).l8!

74 8

0.809

REMARKS.
2Stli.— Very bright and fine all day, bat the aoldeat day this year, taking it as
a whole.
Ist. — Colder early thau the preceding day, but very bright and pleasant,
getting gradually more warm toward night, followed by rain at mid-
night.
2Dd. — Rain in night and early morning ; fine from 10 a.m. to noon, after then
3rd. — Showery all day, ftod very warm. [damp aud showery.

4th. — Dull and showery all day, rather bettor towards night.
5th. — Very bright, with slight white frost early, continuing bright aud fine
till 4.45 F m:., when it suddenly clouded over, and at 5 the darkness
was almost awful ; it only lasted a very short time, during which rain
fell, aud by 5.20 all was a^ bright a^ before.
6th. — Fine pleasant day, though rather cold early.
Mean temperatures nearly identic il with last week. Sharp frost at the
beginning of the week being compensated by considerable warmth on 8rd and
4th.— G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— MiECH 7.
No alteration in our market worth quoting. Trade very quiet,
little coming to this market.

Apples

..dozen
, bushel

i do.
dozen

S
0
0
0
0
0
0

1

0
6
6
0

0

8

0
0

0

1

0

6 to 7 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 (1
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0

0 10

0 0 0
0 12 0
0 10 0
0 0 0

d. s. d.
otoo 0
0 10 0

0 16
6 3 li
9 1 6
0 4 0
0 2 0
4 0 8
6 2 0
0 4 0
6 2 0
0 4 0
0 2 0
0 2 1
8 0 0
6 0 (

3 0 0
0 0 0
0 2 0

4 0 0

Nectarines

. dozen
. -vim
. dozen
, dozen
.. dozen

0
8
0
0
8
1
0
0
0
0

e

1

i

0
0
0
2
0
0

a
s

0

1

9
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
0

ot

0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
9

d.

6t
9
0
4

e

0
0
6
0
9
0
0
9
0
6
S
6
0
4
0

oO

Currants

Black

Pears, kitchen.,
dessert

0
12

. i seiye
. bushel

lb.

Qmnccs..

...^»100
... eacli

. dozen

Grapes, hothous

strawberries...

lb.

. bnshel
. iP'lOO

.. pottle
punnet
bushel
. . quart
bunches
. dozen
. quart
. bushel

do.

.... lb.
bunches
. bundle
bundle
bundle
. basket

0

Artichokes

iBLES.

Mushrooms

Mustard Jt Cress

9. d

oi 0

...«>10)
,. dozen
bundle

.. dozen

Beet. Red

pickling

Parsley.... doz.
Parsnips

0 6

Brussels Sproats

0 (

Potatoes

Kidney

New

Radishes., doz

Rnubarb

Salsafy

Seakale ...'.'.'.'.'.

Capsicums

Caulidower

Celery

Coleworts.. doz.

.. t^ 101
.. dozen
. bundle
bunobes

6 C
2
1 6

1 e

. dozen
. bunch

Fennel

2

Herbs

Horseradish...,

. bunch
. bundle

Spiuacb

Tomatoes

. bushel
..1 sieye

4 (
0

Leeks

. bunob

Vegetable Marrows

0

Much 15, 1877. J

JOURXIL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

MiRCH 15-21, 1877.

TemoeratuPenear S"° ^nn Moon Mooo Moon's

London! *'''^'- ^'"- '"'"'=■ ' ^^''' ' ^K^'

Royal HorticuUnral Society — Fnii», and Floral Com-
[ mittees at 11 A.ir. Boyal Botanic Spring Sliow.

5 J. 8
i 51.4
I 19.9
50.3
51.S
51.4
50.7

Night,
I 33.9
( 34.8
I 32.6

Mean.
42.3
42.9
41.2
41.8
42.2
42 6
41.5

6 8

6 9

6 11

6 18

Glook
before
Sun.

6 37 I 9 17

8 15 1 20

From obserrations taken near London daring forty-three yeare, the average day temperature of the week is 50.1^ ; and its night temperature

AUEICULAS.

^C^"" *''*' florist's Alpiuc? Am-icnla the two great
?^*^lb^- pi'0P<'i'ti<'s iu oolourins are — first, the shaded
'^i jKi'n petal; secondly, the golden centre. This is
'^i^'.:.llpiKJ the old-established rule, and it holds good
stiil, and is not to be lightly set aside.
'Sj Flowers possessing both these properties in
tS'^V* perfection must, as regards colour-points,

r" P rank as first-class Alpines. Those which

possess the fii-st, but are weak in the second,
are comparatively second-class varieties.
They are represented by a number of shaded flowers with
cenh-es pale in colour, like so many custards more or
less short of egg, and sometimes of the washiest whitey
yellow.

A third division has sprang up, possessing indeed the
golden centre, but completely wanting in the leading
point of shading. They have been called " Self Alpines,"
which although to florists a contradictory term, yet ex-
presses them exactly. They combine the solid body
colour of the self proper with tlie golden centre of the
proper Alpine, and so do not really belong to either, but
are a mixture of tlie two. If they are shown in either
class they should be on an equality with the flowers of
the class, or their position becomes a foregone and de-
pressing conclusion ; and if they are exhibited on an
equality with either selfs or Alpines (being as much one
as the other), then that established class, hitherto dis-
tinctly defined and thoroughly understood, has to be
altered, diluted, loosened, and pulled down from its high
standard to accommodate a perplexing and most prolific
laxity. This should not be the spirit of the times.

The shaded flower is undoubtedly the truer "Alpine;"
and shadiag combined with the golden centre is the
strongest f jrm of the flower. Where it is judged by com-
petent judges and by recognised rules all its weaker types
must cause some anxiety. At the least, the shaded petal
is a point, an addition ; it must go for something ; I have
stated its worth. It seems that flowers without it should
be relegated to a separate class whose position we must
leave Alpine growers to determine. These yellow-centred
selfs need not be lost tight of ; but the question is whether
it is right that they should be made to confuse existing
well-known class distinctions in florist sections of the
Anricula. My friend Mr. Douglas also asks us what right
we have to make such a distinction ; and I might ask,
What right have our brethren in the south to confound it?

If an Alpine may or may not bo shaded, or a self may
or may not have dense white paste, and any new com-
bination between the two may rank with either, the
worth and virtue of the best flowers are unprotected.
" Self Alpines " are exceedingly pretty, but then there is
not a member in the whole family they belong to other-
wise than beautiful. This being so, we must, for distinc-
tion and honour, mark out certain combinations of beauty
more or less difficult to obt.ain, in order to have rank and
contrast, in order to have pull and resistance enough to
give us steerage way. 'With no right to make distinctions

No. 8S3'-Vol. XXXn., New Siwis.

and no obligation to abide by them, all florist law and
order are at an end, showing and judging helplessly con-
fused, and the encouragements to produce seedlings of
rare merit gone.

Mr. Douglas as a true florist will, I am certain, feel this.
I am sure he understands that every stern point demanded
in a classic flower adds to the grace and beauty of that
flower, and Nature works with us and lor us to bestow
each gift. Who obtained the first approach to an edged
Auricula is probably a fact never to be recovered from the
oblivion of prehietoric floriculture ; but the history repeats
itself in every batch of first-rate seedlings where some
are selfs with just a tip or fringe of green or white round
the petal edges.

And why do we discard the pin eye but for this, that
the flower is infinitely fuller of sweet expression with
a tube well-furnished with golden anthers than with a
hollow throat out of which the naked pistil protrudes
almost like a serpent's tongue ? In the one case there is
the hght of a bright eye full of life, in the other the cold
stony stare of a sculptured one. I think we have the
right to draw and maintain these distinctions, small and
unintelligible as they may seem to the uninitiated.

I am sorry to see now and then those who are certainly
not florists themselves, nor presumably conversant with
florist flowers, undertake in various floral papers to
find fault with the florist and to hope he will grow less
particular. Why ! they owe to those very principles
which florists work upon that they have Eibston Pippins
for dessert and not Crab Apples.

Mr. Douglas invites an explanation why we should let
one class of flowers override another and equally beauti-
ful one. Well, the one may be much more difficult to
obtain than the other, through having more points of
merit. The greater the time and skill required to gain
an object the higher the value of the thing attained. I
think' this is why green edges in Auriculas override the
selfs, and why a feathered Tulip overrides the plain
" breeder." They are the higher and more honourable
forme, though the preference casts no slur upon the less-
gifted flowers. All are full of beauty in then: way, but
you cannot say there is no difference in degree, no reason
why one should rank before another.

Auriculas are to be shown in London with sticks to
the trusses. I concede cheerfully that Alpines with then-
slenderer stems may require this, but not the Auricula
proper. The insuperable objection to sticks is that they
hide that important property of the plants, the possession
of a firm, elastic, self-supporting stem, and they also con-
ceal a sin against good culture ; for a careless grower may
draw his plants, and a stick save him from tlie penally.
How anyone can fancy a support, the crutchiuess of which
cannot be hid, improves an elegant plant able to carry
gracefully it.s own head erect I cannot tell. However,
our brethren down south rather admire wooden legs than
otherwise, and their courteous recommendation to use
them at their show will of course be gracefully complied
with. But to see the plants thus is like seeing a friend
sitting in exhibition form for his photograph— sticked like

No. 1485.- Vol. LVII., Old Seeieb

188

JOUKNAL OF HOBTICtlLTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ March 1», 1677.

ibe Auricula with the apparatus behind that grips him by the
head, and is no doubt much to blame for those forced atti-
tudes and etifiuesBeB in nhich we all "come out" so little
like our own natural easy upright selves.

As to the improved border Polyanthus competing with our
refined old sorts as floritt flowers I do not think they can do
it yet. They have not jet attained, as far as I am aware, the
purity and depth of colour, the breadth and smoothness and
uniform light yellow of the eye, or the perfect gold-wire
lacing round and down the petals that mark the florist flower ;
they are rough imitations, I have seen them nothing nearer.
The old florist Polyanthus may yet be grown gay with many
heads of bloom — witness Cheshire Favourite and Lord Lincoln
in black grounds, and Kingfisher and George IV. in red. But
our Polyanthus wants sceding-up. Most of the old sorts are
extinct ; but seedlings from those I name would possess vigour
enough and quality that could not now be surpassed.

Like Mr. Douglas, I write all this in no captious spirit ; I
simply offer a reply as candid as the questions he has asked
in brotherly friendship, and he knows me well enough to
believe that I would not wittingly use one acid word. — F. D.
HoBNEK, Kirkbtj MaUeard, Eipon.

KITCHEN GARDENING.

Mr. MaoIndoe gives excellent advice in the remarks pub-
lished on page 161. If any young gardener, or old one either,
has not read the article to which I refer they have omitted
what will benefit them to remember and practise. A thorough
knowledge of how to produce a continual supply of first-rate
vegetables is a really valuable attainment, and no gardener
who does not possess this will ever retain the esteem of his
employer. Where there is a garden at all there is sure to be
a kitchen garden, consequently every young gardener has an
opportunity of learning in this department, so that I do not
think it is for want of opportunity that anyone need be igno-
rant of kitchen gardening ; but I fear that many consider it
drudgery, and this is a great mistake, as anyone may feel as
much interested in the kitchen garden and its work as in grow-
ing Orchids or. any fine specimen plants. Many young gar-
deners are compelled to pass a certain amount of their time
in the kitchen garden when they are serving their time, but as
soon as this is over their leading idea is to get into the houses,
from whence it is considered to lower their dignity to return
until they may be appointed to some charge of their own,
when their deficiency of kitchen gardening is very often the
cause of their failure. I can say from experience that a good
knowledge of kitchen-garden work will cover a multitude of
other deficiencies, but I pity the man who depends on his
knowledge ef specimens and housework to carry him through
the requirements of a general place.

As the present is the most instructive period in all the year
for kitchen-garden work I would strongly advise all young
gardeners to pay great attention to all that is done in this
department. Do not think that by looking "through the
glass " that you know all about how the seeds are put in, but,
if necessary, express your willingness to go out and make your-
self useful in these busy times, and never rest satisfied until
you know how long it takes each vegetable to come to perfec-
tion, the tillage, manure, &c., which suits each beat, and all
the different ways of getting some things in early and others
late. — A Kitchen Gakdenee.

NOTES FROM MY GARDEN IN 1876.— No. 3.

GREENHOUSE.

There cannot be much to say of a structure some 20 feet
by 12 with a small aunex, and yet there are a few noteworthy
things to record for the benefit of "little men" like myself,
who are obliged to make shift, and who wish at the same time
to have something at all reasons to look at. This seems to
me preferable to going in for a house full of bloom at one time
and comparatively empty at another. You may have it gay
with Azaleas, or Cyclamens, or Pelargoniums, or Fuchsias, but
if you give your house up exclusively to one or other of these
flowers it is very much hke the bedding-out in the open garden
— you sacrifice continuous enjoyment for the seke cf one grand
flush of bloom ; and hence my effort has always been to secure
a supply of flowers on which the eye may dwell with pleasure,
and especially during the earlier months of the year.

Camellias were very good with me ; the buds did not drop

and the flowers were fine. I attribute this to three causes —
the obtaining of Mr. Epps selected peat, which is really a great
boon to small gardeners ; the keeping of the plants in the
house all the year, never standing them out of doors ; and the
use of Standen's gardener's manure two or three times when
the buds are swelling. A shift out of doors in the shade la
congenial to the Camellia, but the danger is that watering is
either overdone or neglected, and then when one is looking for
the buds to open they become brown and drop off ; whereas
when in the house under the shade of the Vines they are not
liable to the vicissitudes of weather and can be more carefully
looked after. Amongst the few that I am enabled to grow I
was particularly struck with Madame Ambroiae Verschaffelt,
most beautifully flaked with rose. There were some blooms
of it that might well have passed for a rose flake Carnation,
and without the need of any dressing.

I have already drawn attention to the beautiful class of
bulbous roots — the Ixias, Sparaxis, and Babianas. The former
of these especially it is almost impossible to praise too highly.
They are so elegant in form and habit, and so beautiful in
their colouring, that I have been induced this year to grow
them still more; and they are so thoroughly appreciated,
too, for cutting for decoration, that they ought to be more
grown than they are.

Another class of bulbous plants remarkable for their quaint-
ness and beauty I had a few of last year, and owing to the
kindness of Mr. Bull a larger number this year. I allude to
the Californian bulbs, Cjclobothra and Calochortus. They
are utterly unlike anything we have had as yet ; are said to be
perfectly hardy, and, if not that, they are certainly most easily
grown. Cyolobothra cierulea is very lovely, and Calochortus
venustus is a gem ; but indeed all are very beautiful.

I had as usual sent me from Slough the new varieties of
Pelargoniums, a class of plants the neglect of which one must
ever more and more deplore, for they are very lovely, and for
two months at least give a continuous and brilliant bloom.
With one exception all those sent out last year came from the
garden at Clewer, whence Mr. Foster has for so many years
sent forth so many fine varieties. Some of my earliest floral
associations are connected with them, and one must only hope
that some day there may be a revival of the taste. There is
improvement from year to year, although small, yet on looking
back and comparing those of the past season with those, eay,
of 1873, the improvement is seen.

Ambassador (Foster). — A flower in which the spot does not
cover the whole of the upper petals, but is of medium size, the
petals being deep pink, while the lower petals are a lighter
shade of the same colour.

Arduhike (Foster). — In this the upper petals are entirely
covered with deep maroon with the exception of a narrow wire
edge of deep orange; lower petals are pink, slightly veined j
centre pure white.

Aurora (Foster.) — Brilliant fiery scarlet ; a remarkably high-
coloured flower with a medium spot. The plant at once strikes
the eye even amongst others of a similar shade.

Challenger (Foster). — Scarlet petals with maroon spot. An
attractive flower.

Diplomatist (Foster). — Top petals deep maroon ; lower petals
purple with a clear white eye. A very fine flower, and free in
growth.

Enchantress (Foster). — Crimson pink, with dark maroon
upper petals ; clear white centre.

Gipsy (Foster). — A very dark flower, meriting its name.
Very dark top petals with a narrow crimson margin ; centre
white ; lower petals very richly painted.

Judith (Foster). — Upper petals dark maroon ; rosy pink
lower petals, white centre. Flower full and large.

Mrs. A. Matlliews (Matthews). — A beautiful soft rosy-coloured
flower ; centre white ; very smooth and even.

Potentate (Foster). — Maroon top, deep rose lower petals.
A very lovely flower.

In addition to these Mr. Biehaut, who is an enthusiastic
grower of this class of plants, sent me three or four small
plants of seedlings of his own raising, amongst them a pure
white flower which I think will be highly prized as a stage
flower, and which will I believe appear in Mr. Turner's list of
new varieties of this spring.

I have found some difficulty in filling up my house after the
Pelargoniums were out of bloom, but last year managed by
the help of Lilies, Fuchsias, and the bulbous-rooted Begonias
to keep it tolerably gay. The latter are very useful and hand-
some, and snoU kinds as Vesuvius, Model, and others of a like

llaroli 15, 1877. 1

JOUBNAL OP HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDHNEB.

189

strain are a great boon. Thsy are easily grown and very gay.
Thus from January until the end of September I have been
enabled to make my little bouse presentable, and liave had
much enjoyment for myself and pleasure for others out of it.
— D., Deal.

KUST ON GRAPES.

I HAVE often read of and heard discussions relative to the
cause of rust on Grapes. I think it has come to be generally
believed that sulphur applied to hot-water pipes when the
berries are in the embryo state will produce rust ; others again
say that damp hands while thinning, touching the berries with
hair of the head, cold winds, i&c, are the causes. I am not
going to condemn all that has been said regarding the rust, but
will express my opinion as to a principal source of its origin.

It is pretty well understood that thrips is very fond of the
juices of the Vine, and this pleates their taste best when the
wood, leaves, and fruit are in the young state. At this stage
thrips are exceedingly busy (of course I allude to those only
who have a stock of that troublesome little pest), preying on
the young berries as well as the wood and leaves. I am de-
cidedly of opinion that this is one of the principal causes of
met. Although to the naked eye the injury is invisible for a
time, nevertheless damage is done, and it will make its appear-
ance more and more while the berries swell until they have
nearly attained their full size. No doubt by painting hot-
water pipes or flues with sulphur the fumes will hasten the in-
crustation on the Grapes in the same manner as it will kill
warts on the back of the leaves ; but notwithstanding, had the
damage not been there previous to the application of sulphur
I am convinced it would do no harm unless applied very hot.
If sulphur was the cause of rust, why are some of the berries of
bunches quite clean and others bad with rust ? One would
imagine that all of the berries are subject to being affected by
the fumes.

The most effectual cure that I have found for thrips is smok-
ing with tobacco or tobacco paper. As our vineries are never
clear of plants, and adhering to the old adage that " preven-
tion is better than cure," we fumigate before commencing
forcing, and periodically throughout the season. This is the
most effectual and economical plan in keeping the Vines clean.
Those whose houses are very much infested with thrips must
fumigate three nights in succession. — James Dickson.

CULTURE OF THE DAHLIA.

Afteb an interval of several years I am about to resume the
eolture of Dahlias — not for the production of flowers for exhi-
bition, but for ordinary garden decoration ; and it occurs to
me that a brief explanation of how I intend doing this may
prove useful to the many who are on the outlook for flowers,
which, in addition to being really attractive and ornamental,
poeeess the valuable property of being amenable to easy and
inexpensive methods of culture.

I am starting with a selection of some forty varieties, com-
prising a few of each class — fancy, bedding, bouquet, and exhi-
bition, my object being to secure diversity in the plants as well
as in the flowers which they bear. The whole of them are
" pot roots," or, in other words, the dried roots of plants
raised from cuttings taken late last season (in August), with
the Bpeoial view of keeping them in pots to form an easily
portable stock for propagation this spring. There are various
ways of managing the propagation ; that which I prefer is
early in the present month to mix together some leaves and
fresh stable manure for a hotbed, not a very hot one ; 3 feet
high is quite snllioient to afford the gentle but steady bottom
heat that is necessary to induce the quiescent tubers to put
forth roots and the crowns to send up shoots. Upon the hot-
bed is placed a frame consisting of four rough deal boards
nailed together. It is nearly filled with rich gritty soil, into
which the roots are tamed out of the pots, a hurdle thatched
with straw being the only covering, and even this is removed
upon every fine day. As the young shoots appear they are
taken off close to the crown, potted, and put in a propagating
frame or pit along with other cuttings. Boots form quickly,
and the young plants are soon ready for a shift into -1-inch
pots, when they are taken to a cold frame, receiving all due
attention in watering, abundant ventilation, and protection
from frost and cold catting winds.

My reason fur giving preference to this method of propaga-
tion is that it is very simple and very elBcient, the plants

resulting from it being far preferable to those raised by any
other method, for the gentle yet steady heat that is constantly
rising to the roots induces a slow yet certain growth, while the
constant play of fresh air about the crowns renders that growth
very sturdy and robust, presenting a striking and pleasing con-
trast to the delicate straw-like appearance of such plants as
we sometimes see in pits and forcing honses.

The Dahlia requires generous treatment like most other
plants of a free succulent growth, and with my poor soil I shall
be compelled to use plenty 8f manure or fail outright. The
very best soil for the Dahlia is a deep, rich, sandy loam.
What an unctuous sound the phrase has belonging to it, and
how often do we have it in our mouths or at the tip of our
pens when we want to describe soil that is very fertile ! Well,
that is the soil which I have not, but which I shall try to
imitate as well as I can. Plenty of manure and gritty matter
mixed with my poor soil will do this sufficiently well, just as
a few cartloads or even barrowfuls of road scrapings would
answer the same purpose for the puzzled dweller in a suburban
villa, to whom^ — it he were to ask me to describe the best soil
for his Dahlias ; aye, and for most other flowers — I could not
do better than advise him to make a heap, or rather a deep
bed, of such road scrapings as are gathered on every highway,
and to plant them therein.

Planting should not be done until the end of May or be-
ginning of June ; then select and mark the position of each
plant with a stake driven firmly into the soil and left as a
permanent support throughout the entire season of growth.
By this method the long fleshy tuberous roots escape the
damage so often inflicted when stakes are driven in to support
them after they are planted. Water will be given abundantly
and frequently in dry weather, preference being given to sew-
age water or liquid manure so often as it can be spared. In
autumn the plants will be cut down when decay sets in, the
roots lifted, and kept in a dry shed or cellar till spring oomea
round again. — Edwabd Luckhdrst.

SPROUTING POTATOES BEFORE PLANTING.

Like every matter relating to gardening this subject has been
largely written about in the Journal. I observe that some
correspondents recommend starting Potatoes far into growth
in a heated house before planting. I daresay many of your
readers who grow both early and late Potatoes have no heated
house to start them in, and if they credit all this starting
process they must think their chances of successful Potato-
growing a hopeless one ; but I can tell them and show some
proof that they need have no fear on that score. I never put
one of my tubers into artificial heat to sprout. I planted a
large pit with two or three sorts of kidneys about the middle
of January ; the haulms are now a foot high, and a healthier
lot of Potatoes I have not seen for a long time either under
glass or in the open air. If sprouting is an advantage it should
be most shown in the short dull days, and one would suppose
that unless the tubers were far advanced in growth the haulm
would be long in appearing, even with a little heat, at that
time, but such is not the case.

I will yield to the sprouting advocates so far, as I do not
plant the tubers with no indication of growth about them.
Most of those I have planted have been sprouted about half an
inch, and this was done in a way that everybody may practise.
All tubers intended for planting are spread thinly out in a
half-lighted cool place, such as is afforded in any ordinary
shed. The shoots formed here are short and thick, and the
points have a pink appearance. This is a healthy sign, and
is never found in those sprouted in strong heat. Their pale
colour is a sure indication of a severe check when they come
to be planted in the cold soil ; and while they are standing still
between life and death, those slightly but strongly sprouted in
a cool place will make substantial progress. — PBiciicALisi.

PRIMULAS.

I have read with very great pleasure, and I hope profit,
Mr. Abbey's very interesting notes on Primulas, and most
certainly agree with him that " a greenhouse at this season of
the year without Primulas is indeed poor." There is one
point in this article respecting double Primulas that is so
much at variance with my practice that I hope your corre-
spondent will excuse me noticing it. Mr. Abbey is reported to
say, " I would particularly uote the great value of double
Primulas whioh are now raised from seed.. I have eome so

190

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

March 15, 1877.

large and double as to be taken for named varietiee, only the
great vigour of the plants and their floriferons character Boon
dispel any ench aeenmption."

Permit me to Bay I now have Primulas worthily occupying
16-Bized pots. So vigorous and healthy are theee plants that
the rims of the pots are completely hidden ; and as to their
floriferona character, I have this day counted 110 flowers fully
expanded on one plant, and twice that quantity of buds. Mr.
Abbey mentioned Prince Arthur which I have from seed, but it
is oniy semi-donhle. The Primulas in question were struck last
April, and are quite as double as Daisies. I Bhall be happy to
send Mr.Abbey a few flowers, but as I intend exhibiting cut
flowers at Kensington on Wednesday the 2l6t inet., they cannot
be spared until after the exhibition. — R, Gilbebt, Burgliley.

PRESERVING SEEDS FROM BIRDS.

Seed time brings more than one anxiety to the gardener.
Bad weather makes it impossible to sow many crops at their
proper time, and many other obstacles make spring progress
anything but plain sailing ; but of all pests and misfortunes
there is none more aggravating than to have the seeds carefully
placed in the ground and then to have them scatohed up and
voraciously eaten by the birds. Many schemes have been put
in operation to avoid this. Nets form a safeguard, but every-
one has not the means to possess a quantity of these ; besides,
resting them on the soil rots them, and there is much work
entailed in putting them on and oflf the seed beds. I have
been sowing a lot of Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, and other
seeds that birds are fond of ; and although they abound in
flocks in the woods all round the garden, there is not one of
them ever goes near a seed bed. I have spent no time in con-
triving " bogies," but all I have done is to scatter enough fine
white lime over the surface of the beds to make them appear
white. Why it is I cannot say, but not a bird will alight on
this. Apart from the birds, snails have a strong aversion to
the lime, so that it is as good as "killing two birds with one
stone." — A Kitchen Gaepener.

[We have observed the same results. The white surtaoe is
objectionable to birds, and sometimes aleo to owners of gar-
dens, or we think the practice of dusting the surface of the
Boil and the branches of fruit trees with lime would be more
generally adopted. — Eds]

COCKSCOMB CULTURE.

At the usual fortnightly meeting of the Darlington Gar-
deners' Institute, the following paper on the Celosia or Cooks-
comb was read by Mr. Hilliard of Greenoroft East : —

" The Calosia cristata is an old and a very favourite annual.
The seed may be sown in a warm house or hotbed at any
time from the 1st of January to the end of March, or even
April, according to the time the plants are required. As soon
as they are large enough to handle they may be pricked-out
in pans or boxes, using well-enriched soil — namely, loam, leaf
Boil, and manure in equal parts, with sufficient sand to make
the whole porous. Place them close to the glass in a brisk
hotbed, and shade from bright sunshine. When they are well
established and large enough pot them singly in 5-inch pots,
using the same compost as before. Never allow them to become
dry, or all your labour will be lost, for they will never forget
the check they receive if watering be neglected, and all your
after caie will not compensate for that omission. When the
5-inch pois are well filled with roots give them the final shift,
and plunge again in bottom heat, very carefully shading them
for a few days, for if exposed to hot sunshine they will lose
their lower foliage, turn brown, and be spoiled. When they
have reached maturity they may be gradually hardened off
and placed in any light airy structure, where if watched care-
fully and syringed occasionally to keep off the red spider
(which is very apt to attack them), they may be kept good for
two or three months. Before I come to the pyramidal varieties
I would adviee those who wish to grow Celosias for late bloom-
ing to be very careful about the drainage, as in the dark dull
autumn days they are apt to decay at the neck if not well
drained and carefully watered.

" The pyramidal section, commonly known as ' Celosia pyra-
midalis,' requires somewhat similar treatment in their earlier
stages, and somewhat similar soil. Bat if good and neat planta
are wanted, bow early and strike cuttings, as by this mode dwarf
pyramids closer set than if grown from seed may be obtained.
Do not, however, adopt this plan with Celosia eristata, for it

will not produce such good combs as if grown from seed, and
is too much dwarfed by the process. Very good speoimene of
the latter, pot and all not exceeding 12 or 14 inches, dwarf
enough for any purpose, may be had from seed. To return to
the pyramidal varieties, it will generally be impracticable to
grow them to perfection in bottom heat, but this may be at-
tained by having them in any warm house, if a genial moist
atmosphere be maintained and they are not allowed to receive
a sudden check. If, however, you have the former at com-
mand by all means avail yourself of it, and they will amply
repay you for it and any extra care you bestow on them, as in
the dull autumn and winter days their bright colours are very
cheering and are a splendid contrast to foliage plants. They
must be moved as required, and strong plants may be put into
10-inch pot?, in which fine plants large enough for any pur-
pose may be grown. Select drooping or weeping varieties for
your best plants. I do not mean weeping to the same com-
parative extent as a drooping Ash or Beech, but those with
the plumes slightly drooping. A few erect kinds should be
grown for the sake of their plumes, as they make a desirable
variety when intermixed with the pendulous varieties. The
latter, are, however, best for all decorative purposes, as they
usually grow much closer than the erect growers, which are
apt to become straggling. When the plants show signs of
bloom they may be watered with weak manure water; this
will strengthen them, and bring them to perfection. In con-
clusion, I would advise all who require plants for conservatory
decoration to grow Celosia pyramidalis ; it may be safely
classed among the brightest of winter decorative plants, and is
of easy cultivation." — {Darlington and Stocl(to7i Tiines.)

MESSRS. ROLLISSON'S NURSERY, TOOTING.

Amongst the metropolitan nurseries worthy of notice for itil
long-established character and the extent and completeness of
its collections of plants must be placed the head-quarters of
William BolUsson it Sons. Being situated in the suburbs of
London, just as it were beyond the smoke line, the nursery
has the advantage of pare air, which is essential to the health
of the great variety of hardwooded plants which are cultivated,
and it is also convenient of access from the stations of Tooting
on the South- Western Railway, and Balham on the Brighton
line.

The nursery, which may be described as a wholesale and
retail plant emporiam, contains a considerable number of glass
structures — thirty large houses and numerous long ranges of
pits and frames. These structures are occupied with stocks of
plants of a very varied character— from Orchids, Palms, Ferns,
and choice stove plants to Heaths and other hardwooded
greenhouse plants ; also haidy herbaceous, alpine, and aquatic
plants, climbers, Roses, itc, all of which are grown on as
extenaive scale.

There is nothing of external grandeur connected with the
nursery, for its aspect is plain, the several houses having been
erected for use rather than ornament ; yet the more modem
structures are not devoid of attractive features. The moat
imposing building is doubtless the show house or conservatory
— a somewhat narrow and lofty span-roofed erection, which
cannot be less than 350 feet in length. A bed is formed along
the centre of the house with a pathway round it, a stage being
arranged on one side next the glass for flowering plants, the
other side being an opaque wall covered principally with
Camellias. The central bed is occupied with large Palms,
Tree Ferns, Araucanas, Camellias, &c. , and is bordered with
Lycopodinm dentioulatum, the side stage being gay with
Epacrises, Azaleas (A. mollis being particularly attractive).
Lilies, bulbs, Ac, margined with leolepis gracilis, and the
effect produced is very pleasing. The Tree Ferns in this house
are especially noteworthy, a large importation having recently
arrived, the trunks being straight and clean, and every one
starting into growth freely. They vary in height from 2 to
8 feet, and comprise all the most popular sorts, with the addi-
tion of a few which are comparatively rare — notably Dicksoni*
Diplanchei, a New Caledonian form of D. Toungii, with the
raol ii densely covered with oinnamon-oolonred hairs.

The next house is totally different in character, being a
wide flat-roofed lean-to, probably 300 feet long, and entirely
filled with Heaths. This class of plants constitute a speciality
of the nursery, the stock numbering 100,000 plants in almost
all sizes and extremely healthy. Many new varieties of Ericas,
probably nearly a hundred, have been raised in this nursery —
in fact, almost all the best representatives of this genus ar*

March 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

191

garden hybrids, many of which are frequently regarded aa
epeoiea. The new Ericas sent out last year by this firm are
Effosa, Opulenta, Ornata, Shannoni glabra, and Tricolor
profnsa, all raised by cross-fertilisation. Other new varieties
are now being proved. Sach popular decorative kinds as hye-
malis, Willmoreana, Ac, are raised by the thousand. The stock
of the former at the commencement of the season numbered
sixty thousand. Many plants are grown in frames, and others
are placed under a skeleton framework and are simply covered
with mats in severe weather. Potting is now being proceeded
with, it being considered desirable to complete the shifting of
Ericas by the Ist of April.

OrDamental-foliaged stove plants are extensively cultivated,
aeveral large houses being devoted to them. Nearly all the
new Crotons, Draofenas (including Wills's hybrids), Aralias,
(So., are being increased. Aralia Veitobii gra^illima appears
to retain its distinctly slender character, and a new green
variety of great elegance is highly promising ; it is not yet in
commerce. Noticeable in one of the stoves is a fine plant of
Spathiphyllum pictum in remarkably fine colour. This bold
plant was introduced by Mr. Bull, and appears to improve as
it grows older— a silent example for growers to follow. A fine
old dowering stove plant, Tabernsmontana coronaria fiore-
pleno, is being increased largely. So free is it that plants only
a few inches high are surmounted with a corona of flower
bade. Gesneraceous plants are also grown extensively, some
of the Tydosaa being now attractive with their richly-spotted
flowers.

Three or four houses are filled with Palms, many of the
plants consisting of popular kinds for decorative purposes,
while kinds more new and rare are also represented. Cocos
Weddelliana is flowering, and the newest forms of Kentias,
Geonomas, Astrocaryums, &c., are being established. Palms
are becoming increasing popular, and deservedly so, for no
plants can so long retain their fresh ornamental character in
the dry air of rooms and corridors, and can better resist injury
from changes of temperature.

Ferns are cultivated on an extensive scale, one house de-
voted to them having a novel appearance from the rafters
being heavily clothed with Ficus repeus, which is also at
intervals trained across the lights, forming as it were a series
of panels. It is thus grown for the purpose of affording shade
for the Ferns. In this house is a fine stock of Lomaria gibba
erispa, Adiantnm gracillimnm raised from spores, the plants
coming quite true to character ; but it is singular that in their
early stages the pinna; are large, resembling A. onneatum, the
fronds produced subsequently only coming of the peculiar
Blender character which suggested the popular name of " Gauze
Fern," which has been appropriately given to this Maidenhair.
The newer Adiantums, A. Semannii and A. speciosum, are also
represented, besides others " too numerous to mention."

A series of large light span-roofed houses are devoted to
such plants as Hedaromas, Draoophyllums, Pimeleae, Correas,
Tetrathecas, Aphelexes, Gnidias, Azaleas, &o. Gnidia pinifolia
is especially worthy of notice from its free-growing character,
slender foliage, and small yet conspicuous white flowers ; it is
a plant worth growing in every greenhouse. Greviilea Priessii,
which was certificated last year, is seen in goodly numbers ; it
is both novel and attractive, and likely to become popular.
Azaleas (umbrella-shaped plants) are in superior condition.
Many of them had been planted out in the summer conti-
nental fashion, and potted in the autumn, and the treatment
has evidently suited them, for no plants could be in better
condition. Camellias are also numerous and good, home-
raised and homegrown plants.

Orchids have a large share of attention bestowed on them,
two large houses being devoted to their culture. All the
popular kinds are represented, the plants being grown as cool
as possible consistent with safety, and they are clean and in
good condition. Amongst those now flowering are Dendro-
biams Wardiannm, pardalinum, Boxalli, nobile, lituiflorum,
Faalknerii, crassinode, and japonicum; Oncidiums Barcodes
and Cavendiehii ; Odontoglossums Cervanteaii, C. decora, and
Alexandra! ; Cattleyaa citrina and Warsoewiozii dehcata ; Vanda
tricolor, Miltonia cuneata, Sophronites grandiflora, Saooola-
biam Calceolaria, Phalienopsis grandiflora and Sohilleriana,
Dendrochilum glumaoenm, and several Cypripedinma.

As may be expected at the period of the year, the propagating
booses are being fully taxed ; large stocks of Tea Roses are
being worked, also Clematises and Vines, many of the latter
being already established in C-inch pots.

Hardy plants of all kinds receive special attention here;

fifty thousand are kept in small pots plunged in ashes, and
there are also large plantations of Phloxes, Pyrethrums,
Piconies, Ac. The demand for these plants is great and is
yearly increasing.

The nursery is now under the management of Mr. Gower,
whose name is a sufliaient guarantee that its reputation will
increase rather than diminish. To him, also to the proprietors,
I am indebted for much courtesy during my hasty " look
round." — YisiiOB.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

At a general meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society,
held on the 7th inst., the following candidates were elected
Fellows of the Society : — Mrs. Ghisholni Batten, J. Brun-
lees, C.E., Mrs. Chaplin, W. Jas. Epps, C. E. Hamilton, Mrs.
Mounsey Huysham, Major Horroeks, Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. Mait-
land, W. H. Michael, Henry Micholls, Robert Mixer, Sir W. B.
Riddeil, Bart., Mrs. Russell Roberts, G. Morley Saunders,
Frederic Sewell, and Andrew Stephen, M.D. The following
were also elected guinea members : — G. Smith, Mrs. E.
Maberly, Miss F. C. Cattley, Miss Edmonds, G. W. Greenhill,
R. Elliott, Lady MaoArthur, Hon. Isabel Calthorpe, S. Sidley,
and Lady Dorothy Nevill.

The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society propose

instituting at the Chiswick Gardens this season, under the
direction of the Fruit and Floral Committees, comparative
trials of the following subjects. Of vegetables : Tomatoes,
Cabbages, Savoys, Turnips, new Peas, and new Potatoes. Of
flowers : Epacriees, Gloxinias, Begonias, Cannas, new Zonal
Pelargoniums, Stocks, Asters, and new annuals. Fellows of
the Society and those desiring to contribute subjects for this
purpose will please communicate with Dr. Hogg, Secretary to
the Society; or Mr. Barron, Garden Superintendent at the
Royal Horticultural Gardens, Chiswick.

What is said to be an antidote to the Potato disease

is SALUS — a compound of sulphur and potassium discovered
by Mr. Worthington G. Smith, the eminent fungologist, who
has so perfectly investigated the economy of the Peronospora
infestans, which is the mould that gives rise to the disease.
We observe that Messrs. J. C. Wheeler & Son of Gloucester
are the sole agents fot Great Britain ; and it would be well
worth the trouble for all who are interested in this important
question if they were to give the salus a trial this season. We
should be quite prepared to publish any reports on the experi-
ment as may be sent us.

The Pelargonium Society holds its exhibition at the

Royal Horticultural Society's garden, South Kensington, on
the 20th of June. Members only can compete. There are
twenty-four classes, in most of which three prizes are offered,
varying in amount from £.5 to £1.

It will be remembered that a first-class certificate wag

awarded last year by the Royal Horticultural Society to Mr.
Wm. Bull for a Double Epacris, and the honour was well
merited. Mr. Bull has since been fortunate in obtaining
another and distinct variety of this new type of Epacrises, and
the plant now flowering at Chelsea is worthy of inspection. The
flowers are pure white and perfectly double, the " pips " being
about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, and having tubes
much shorter than the ordinary single flowers. The flowering
shoots are closely set with the miniature rosette-like flowers,
and present a charming appearance. There can be little doubt
that the intrinsic merits of these new double Epacrises will
render them as popular in their way as double Pelargoniums.
Like the Pelargoniums, the pips of the double Epacrises do
not drop off but shrivel on the plants — an admitted advantage
when the flowers are employed in a cut state. The new Epacris
is named Onosmfeflora nivalis, and it is sure to be extensively
cultivated. Another noticeable plant now flowering in this
nursery is Imantophyllum miniatum princeps, the flowers
being three times the size of those of the species, and are also
better formed and more richly coloured — a great acquisition.
Several Orchids are also flowering, and the Cycada and Tree
Ferns always command attention.

We learn that the subject of ELinnr or disease

affecting the plants in the Tea plantations of India has
been brought prominently under the notice of the Agri-
Horticultural Society of India, a letter having been addressed
to the Society to the effect that the attacks of " bhght and red
spider having become of such a serious nature on many Tea
gardens both at Aaeam and Caohar, but especially in the latter

193

JO0R^A.Ii OF HORXIGDLTORS AND COTIAGE GARDENER.

[ March 15, 1877.

province, it is necessary that all possible information, with a
view of mitigating the evil, should be obtained and made
widely known." At a subsequent meeting of the Society the
line of action proposed, subject to the assistance of those
interested in the matter, was to engage the services of an
entomologist from England for the period of two years, so
that he might have time and opportunity to observe and care-
fully study the character of the several kinds of blight in their
various localities, such observations to ba published under
the auspices of the Society.

There was a full attendance at the monthly meeting

of the Horticultural Club on Wednesday the 7 th inst., and the
following gentlemen were elected members : — Charles Lee,
Crosby House, Honuslow; H.J. Elwes, Preston, Cirencester;
John Smith, Royal Gardens, Kew ; H. G. Qailter, Birming-
ham; Benjamin R. Cant, Colchester; James F. West, Lyn-
mouth Lodge, Reigate; and William Leo, Brandenburg Road,
Gunnerebury.

We briefly announced in our report last week that the

Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society awarded
a first-class certificate to Messrs. James Veitch & Sons for
EuRTCLES AusiRALASicA. Thls plant deserves more than a
casual notice from its distinctness and value for decorative
purposes. It has been compared to an Eucharis and a Crinum,
but it is more intelligibly represented as a Pancratium — indeed,
it was once known as Pancratium australasicum. It is easy
to be described. It has a bulb similar to a Narcissus, which
throws up one or more heads of flowers 0 to 8 inches high
and as large as those of an Agapanthus, but of a pearly white
with yellow anthers. The leaves are produced occasionally
with the flowers, but generally afterwards; they are 5 or
G inches across and are of the same texture but lighter in colour
than those of the Eucharis. Eurycles australasica was in-
troduced from New Holland more than half a century ago, but
its full merits have only just been established. It is a plant
of easy culture, and appears to flower with great freedom; it
lasts also a considerable time in beauty — fully a month under
good management. It will be grown by the dozen and hundred
when it becomes sufficiently known, and is likely to be as
popular as the Eucharis.

■ — — Many striking Orchids are now flowering in Messrs.
Veitch's extensive collection at Chelsea. Foremost must be
named the grand Lajlia Yeitchii, a cross between Cattleya
labiata and L.tha crispa. L. Pilcherii, from L. Perrinii and
L. crispa, is also very attractive. Lycaste alba maxima com-
mands attention from its wax-like substance and purity. A
fine contrast ia afforded by Bletia amethysliua, purplish pink
and very free. Cattleya amethystogloEsa, with its richly
spotted sepals, ia very fine, and even finer from its size and its
purity is C. Trianaj alba. C. citrina is also just expanding.
Masdevallia chimera is protruding its grotesque flowers, Stan-
hopea-like, from the bottom of the basket in which it is grow-
ing, and il. tovarensis attracts by its purity. Phalienopses
and Odontoglossums are numerous, as also are Dendrobiums,
including D. Dominii. Amongst Oncidiums the soft yellow
of aggregatum commands attention, and even more so does
0. varicosum, which ia exceedingly fine, and the plants are in
hundreds. Of the new and strikingly spotted Odoutogloasum
cirrhosum only one plant is now in flower out of a stock of
probably ten thousand. The collection of Orchids in this
nursery is not more noticeable for ita magnitude than for the
remarkable cleanliness of every plant.

" A LoTER OF Birds " writes to us as follows : — " Last

season waa marked by a scarcity of Holly berries, and ' haws '
were not particularly plentiful. These form the staple of the
food of the soft-billed birds in severe weather. Providentially
the winter has been mild and wet, and worms and slugs have
been unusually active ; upon those the blackbirds and thrushes
have feasted, and did not eat the ' haws ' until the frost
and snow of March, when the worms and slugs had sought
shelter in the earth. An entomologist has recently observed
that the protracted wet has possibly proved fatal to insect life.
May we not also presume that more than the usual quantities
of grubs have been devoured by the birds during the extremely
mild winter? Birds only eat haws, &ti., in winter, and fruit
during summer when deprived of the natural food by severe
frost or extreme drought ; therefore do not wantonly destroy
the gardeners' friends — the birds."

The unusually mild weather and long-continued wet

of the winter season appears. Bays an experienced gardener, to
have had a marked effect upon the prodaotion of foeced Mcsn-

BOOMS. In no season have they been more abundant, the beds
more enduring, or the quality better. This points to the ne-
cessity of providing regular humidity and an equable tempera-
ture in Mushroom culture, conditions which are better afforded
in underground houses than in structures above ground. Arti-
ficial heat and frequent waterings, according to the evidence
of the closing winter, should be as much aa possible avoided
in the cultivation of Muahrooma.

We recently noticed superior examples of double

Primulas, also Moutan Pieoniea, as growing at Messrs. E. G.
Henderson & Son's Pine Apple Norsery. We may now say
that this nursery is undergoing various improvements, and
is being stocked in a manner worthy of its ownership. Large
collections of ornamental-foliaged plants, stove and greenhouse
flowering plants. Orchids, Lilies, Amaryllises, &c., besides
several "old and rare" plants not commonly met with, are
now to be seen at the " Pine Apple." Palms and Ferns are
very numerous, the stock of Adiantum farleyense numbering
2500, while of the useful Palm Corypha australis there are
four thousand plants. Orchids are also grown in large num-
bers, there being one thousand plants of OJontoglossum Alex-
andra, and eight hundred of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum. Many
Orchids are flowering, and we never saw finer varieties and
finer growths of Dendrobium Wardianum, some of the flowers
of this superlatively beautiful Dendrobe measuring ■! inches
and more in diameter. Hippeaetrum Hendersonii, a beautifnl
variety, is becoming increasingly popular. It is grown by
thousands in unhealed pits during the summer, and flowers
most freely during the winter mouths. A large number of
seedling Dracfenas are showing colour ; and it is remarkable
that while the whole of the seed was taken from one spray of
D. albicans crossed with D. pulcherrima, both narrow-leaved
kinds, the produce is extremely variable, many of the varieties
being broad and massive in their foliage, and have little in
common with their parentage. All the plants in the nursery
are healthy and clean, and reflect credit on the manager, Mr.
O'Brien.

The beautiful Tree Carnations, GnEUJEB Rose and

KosE Perfection, for which first-class certificates were awarded
at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, were
exhibited by Mr. Charles Turner, Slough.

We have reeeived the schedule of the International

Exhibition to be held at Carlisle on September the 6th, 7th,
and 8th. The schedule is divided into fourteen sections, com-
prising 228 classes. The prizes offered are very liberal, amount-
ing in the aggregate to upwards of £1200. For collections of
sixteen sorts of fruit the first prize is £20, for twelve sorts
£15, and for ten sorts £10 ; £111 being provided for the twelve
prizes offered in these collections. Grapes are well provided
for, not less than £200 being offered in prizes. For eight
varieties, one bunch of each, the amounts are £15, £12, £10,
and £8. There are also seventy other prizes offered for Grapes.
Liberal prizes are offered for Continental and American ooUeo-
tions of fruit. The prizes offered for plants in pots are equally
substantial, the chief being £20, £15, and £10 for twenty stove
and greeohouae plants, and the Sima amounts for twelve new
plants not yet in commerce. There are prizes also for cut
flowers, table decorations, vegetables, and horticultural re-
quisites. Several silver cups are offered by private donors, in-
cluding three by Mr. W. Bull of Chelsea. The exhibits must
be staged before 10 o'clock p.m. on September 5th, and must
remain until one o'clock on the Monday following. Professional
gardeners will be admitted on the first day of the Show from
9 to 11 A.M. on payment of one shilling each. The Exhibition
is under distinguished patronage and a practical comniittee,
and is to be managed by Mr. W. Thomson of Clovenfords.
Only fine weather during the Show days is requited to render
the great undertaking completely successful.

Upwards of £1300 was realised by the recent sale oi

the late Mr. Wilkins's Orchids at Stevens's rooms. The
principal prizes obtained were, for LreUa elegans Turnerli,
36 guineas ; Odoutogloasum vexillarium, 23 to 42 guineaa ; and
0. Phalasnopsis, 29 guineas. Prices ranging from 10 to 15
guineas were secured for La^lia anceps Dawsonii, Epidendrum
vitellinum majus, Odontoglossnm Bluntii, Oncidium amplia-
tam majus, and Dendrobium Wardianum.

At a recent meeting of the Meteorological SociBiy,

the President, after referring to the various theories advanced
to account for changes of climate, observed that the climate of
London has been modified by the consumption of fuel and the
vast population. He estimated that the heat developed from

Mnrch 15, 1S77. J

JOOaNAli OP HORriGOLTORE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

193

the present annual consumption of 5,000,000 tons of coal on
the metropolitan registration area of 118 square miles, and
from all other artificial sources, would suffice to raise the tem-
perature of a stratum of air 100 feet in depth resting on that
area 2' 5 every hour. The effect of the growth of the popula-
lation of London from 900,000 at the commencement of the
century to 3,500,000 at the present time, and of the still
greater increase in tho comparative consumption of coal, was
manifested by the rise in the average temperature of the air at
the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. For this reason Green-
wich was not a suitable place for a meteorological observatory
of the first order.

CLIVE HOUSE SEEDLING GBAPE.
We have been requested to publish the following : —

'• To the Secretary of the Fruit Committee of the Soyal Horti-
cultural Society.

" Sir, — I beg to acknowledge receipt of extract from the
minutes of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural
Society respecting Clive House Seedling, and must express my
astonishment that the Committee should have passed such a
minute without first asking from me an explanation of the
apparent inconsistency referred to.

" The whole oi the seedlings raised by ilr. Bailey was from the
same cross, the cross as given by me in my letter to the Com-
miltae. Ton may think it paradoxical when I sa.y in fhe. Journal
of Horliculture that it is a foundling; but I hold that the two
statements are perfectly reconcilable. The first refers to the
origin of my Vine, the second to its immediate relationship to
the plants now at Alnwick Castle, as the rest of my letter clearly
■hows.

" In addition to previous evidence I have now that of Mr.
Todd, head gardener at Eawclift'e, Laugside, Glasgow, and
formerly foreman at Alnwick Castle Gardens, who planted the
Vine in question, and testifies that there were no other seedlings
than those left by Mr. Bailey and known as his. My explana-
tion, then, on this point is that my statement about the un-
certainty of the parentage and connections had nothing to do
with the original production of the Seedling, but referred to
the immediate source — to the particular plant from which my
plant was taken, and its relation to those now being declared to
be the same under the absurd title of Caseley's Seedling.

" -Vs for the name Clive Honse Seedling, which you may
remember I reluctantly gave on tho spur of the moment, I have
no wish to maintain against the wish of the Committee if they
look upon it as implying what I have never once pretended, that
it was my own raising, and I am quite willing to adopt any
name they may suggest, provided it should be free from local or
personal bias.

" In closing I must Etrongly disclaim the charge of the Fruit
Committee that I withheld the facts as to the origin of the
Grape. My readiness to answer ill questions, my immediate
conli'idiction in the J<iurnal of JLjrlieullure of a groundless
oiaim, and my full statement of the facts of the case, ought to
have precluded such a charge; and I trust that the Fruit Com-
mittee will see their way to withdraw it and to place their with-
drawal on their minutes.

"I have nothing to conceal. If required I am prepared to
show that I obtained my Vines fairly and openly and am in-
debted to no man for them, and that I am not to blame if a
mistake was made which gave mo possession of this one and has
preserved it from destruction. At the risk of unpleasant per-
sonalities I will if required defend my own name and property,
and I trust that my present silence on personal transactions
will not be deemed a withholding of the facts of the case. If
the Fruit Committee have any questions to ask or any sugges-
tion to make I shall giva them my careful consideration. — I
■m. Sir, ic— D. P. Bell."

'The farther discussion of this euVject may now cease.
Everything has been said that can throw any light upon it,
and that is all the public care for. We think the Fruit Com-
mittee did quite right in giving the new name of Alnwick
Seedling, as this associates the Vine with the place where it
was raised without any invidious reference to any person in
particular.,

PRIMULA MINIMA.

Vakiocs are the popular names of this smallest known
ipecies of the genus; Smallest Bear's-ear, Smallest Auricula,
and Snow Rosette are among them.

" It has been supposed to be extremely impatient of cultiva-
tion when removed from its natural abode, the tops of the
highest mountains of the South of Europe, which it ascends
to the limits of perpetual snow, at the elevation of 7000 to
8000 feet above the level of the sea.

" The corolla is large in proportion to the plant, and varies
from pink to violet-purple and white ; sometimes it equals all
the rest of the plant together. The herb of the wild specimen
is still more diminutive than in the cultivated one.

" Rootstock about as thick as a large quill, blackish when
old; fibres white. Leaves cuneate, half an inch long, disposed
in rosettes, very smooth, shining, coriaceous, deeply toothed at
the end with pointed teeth. Scape obsoletely three-cornered,
shorter than the leaves, one, seldom two-flowered. Involucre
nearly of one piece, oblong, chaffy. Calyx tubular, five-oleft ;
segments rounded, short obtuse. Corolla aubsessile, often as
large as all the rest of the plant together ; faux furnished with
a whitish nap; limb spreading; segments cleft in two for half

Fig. 25. — Primula miuima.
their length like tho letter Y. Capsule very blunt, shining."
— {notaiiiral lu-'jisler.)

This species is not only noteworthy on account of its die-
tiuctnesp, but it has been found to have a tendency to cross
with other species, and may bo U60ful as a parent in raising
new varieties of these increasing popular flowers. P. Florkeaua
is the result of a cross between P. minima and V. glntinosa.
It is a little singular that while P. auricula is a prolific parent,
it has been found that a cross between it and P. minima cannot
be effected.

QUEEN ONION FOR SPRING SOWING.

A lAiLURi: of part of the autumn-sown Onions has induced
me to procure an extra quantity of the seed of Queen Onion,
and to sow a few ounces of it upon a sheltered border with a

191

JODENAL OF flOBTIOULTURfi AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

I March 15, 1877.

Bouthetn aspect in February, for the purpose of keeping up the
supply at that critical period when the antumn-sown crop be-
comes exhausted and the regular spring-sown bed is still unDt
for use, aa will undoubtedly be the case this year. In such an
emergency the quick growth and early maturity of the Qncen
render it of especial value. By the time the young Onions are
large enough to handle the soil may fairly be expected to be
dry enough to enable us to transplant them from the seed
bed. This plan is sometimes adopted for the general crop,
and very successfully too. It is advisable for its economy, no
seed being wasted ; and in such a wet season as this, timely
sowing may be done on a specially prepared border while the
main quarters are yet wet and sodden. — E. Luckhdest.

FICUS PARCELLII FRUITING.

This plant was fruited here in 1875, and since that time
young plants have produced fruit profusely, having borne
Figs in all stages of growth. This is one of the finest of
decorative plants when well grown, and should have a place in
every collection of stove plants. — Kichard Nisbet, Aswarhij
Park Gardena.

P.S. — Mr, B, S, Williams of Holloway thowed a plant of it
at the Crystal Palace in fruit the same year.

We have a plant of this which bore sixteen fruit last summer.
The fruit is of the size described by your correspondent on
page 170, and when ripe are beautifully striped and mottled.
We have also some young plants which were struck from the
above plant last August which are in fruit now. The fruit
pushes from the axils of the leaves, Ficua Cooperii is also in
fruit in our stoves.— William CooiiuEK, Superintendent Itoijal
Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park.

INSECT PESTS.

Mb, AiiCEEw Mcbbav has applied to Government to aid in
destroying the insects which destroy our crops, " lie wishes
to see some united active steps taken for clearing whole districts
at once of pests. If united action could by any means be
secured, the work would be simple, A scientific inspection of
a district would decide, with regard to a particular pest, the
covidition of dsvelopment in which it would be on certain days.
Instruction would be given as to the course to be adopted, and
if this were simultaneously acted on throughout a district, the
pest might be checked if not entirely removed. It is sincerely
to be hoped that either some society or the Department will
take so important a matter up,

" The attempt is not new. It has been already tried on a
greater or less scale, in various ways, and with more or less
success both in this country and on the Continent — the degree
of success being almost invariably correspondent to the care
taken and the extent of the district subjected to the experiment.
Its importance is, moreover, dally becoming better recognised.
During the present year the governments of France, Belgium,
and America all have had legislative measures on the subject
before them. Switzerland has already acted, and Italy, it is
understood, is also about to do so.

" In France the destruction of hurtful insects has been long
made compulsory by legal enactment. This attempt has
hitherto failed from the nnsuitableness and unworkableness of
the law; but a new projet de lo! is now before the Senate which
is expected to remedy the defects of the old law. A full account
of the whole progress of legislation on the subject in France is
given in the proposition de loi on which the above projet de !oi
is founded. The " Journal Officielle " (of 28th June last) con-
tains these documents,

"In Belgium a rural code is at this moment in preparation,
in which power is taken to compel the destruction of insects,
but it is reserved for royal warrant (nrrlie royalr) to direct
the measures to be taken and the machinery of action.

" General and simultaneous voluntary efforts have been tried
in many countries by offering prizes for the destruction of the
injurious insects, enlisting school children in their search, Ac,
and where this has been done under the auspices of some
central authority it has had good reBulte, For instance, in
18(58, which was a very bad year for cockchafers on the Conti-
nent, the central Agricultural Society of Saxony organised a
scheme under which they made an energetic appeal to the
laud-owners, magistrates, manufacturers, &t., begging them to
assist in getting the insects collected, and under that appeal
vast numbers wore doetroyed. Tho diliiculty, however, has

usually been to get a central authority of sufficient weight and
authority and extent of influence to charge itself with the
task.

"He would humbly submit that some such permissive measure
conducted under the authority and direction of the Government
would be best suited to the requirements of this country. Com-
pulsory legislation is probably premature, and at any rate could
be more effectively demanded if the permissive action had been
tried and failed. A central directing authority is absolutely
essential ; if the experiment is to be tried let us use our best
means.

" IIo would suggest that next year the attempt should be
made in two or three counties to begin with. Cheshire, Lan-
cashire, and Derbyshire have suffered greatly for some years
past from the Onion and Carrot flies. Let tho diminution or
extirpation of these flies iu these counties be the first experi-
ment, A trial to that extent would neither be troublesome
nor costly, and it would to a certain extent serve as a test and
guide for further proceedings. All that would be necessary
would be the circulation iu these counties through the clergy,
men, schoolmasters, municipal authorities, and local papers,
of an appeal urging every one to pull up and burn his infected
plants (which are easily distinguished) on a particular day
about a certain date, and to get the parochial authorities to
take some trouble to see that this is done. Some brief lectures
or explanations of what is wanted should also be given iu as
many parts of tho counties as possible a few weeks previously.

"Two or three years' perseverance iu such a course should
gradually diminish the numbers of the insects ; and tho process,
if successful, should each year be extended toother insects and
other counties until the whole kingdom is embraced."

GLADIOLUS DISEASE.
Anyone who thinks for himself and has the courage of his
opinions, is sure at some time or other to differ from those
who are engaged in the same pursuits as himself, and so
although Mr. ICelway grows Gladioli by the acre, and I only
by the hundred, we liave never been able to agree on the
subject on which he has written. I hope to discuss it by-and-
by when I have more leisure, but I must ask of him kindly to
say where in my little book on the subject I have said that it
is contngious ? I fancy I know the passage which has led him
to this conclusion. At page 13 I have said, "I some little
time back submitted some bulbs of Gladiolus to our most
eminent vegetable physiologist, the Eev. M. J. Berkeley, who
said it was a disease similar to that which attacks Crocus
corms, and is described in the Horticultural Society's Trans-
actions as an ulceration of the corm, similar to that which
takes place in the Potato. No cause is there assigned for it.
It is not fungus, although fungi come afterwards. It is con-
tagious." All of which are Mr. Berkeley's words, not mine,
and have reference to the Crocus, and not to the Gladiolus, —
D.,Dcni,

NEW BOOKS.

Text-hook of Structural and Pliysiologieal Polainj. By Otto
W. Thomi^. Translated and EditedbyA. W. Bennett, M.A.,
&c. Longmans. 1877. Small 8vo., pp. ix. and 479, with
copious illustrations.
A Manual of Botani/ (Anatomical and Physiological) for the
Use of Students. 73;/ B.Brown, M.A., Ph. D, Ac, Blackwood.
1871, 8vo., pp. xviii. and 614, with copious illustrations.
It has long been remarked by examiners in botany that there
must in general be some great fault in the mode of teaching,
or students could not go up to a competitive examination so
utterly ignorant of everything in the shape of practical know-
ledge. From the time when Professors Henslow and LindUy
first commenced examining at the University of London
great stress has always been laid upon this part of the exami-
nation, but, notwithstanding a continued practice of many
years following out their view, examiners still make the sama
complaint. Students go up with a mass of book-work, such
as it is ; but if a common Hyacinth, Tulip, or Primrose is pnt
into their hands, it has sometimes happened that not one of
these common plants was recognised. Even a Primrose on the
river's brim was not a Primrose to them ; or, if known, it was
nothing save a yellow Primroso. Now, the cause of all this
was believed to be an essential fault in the greater part of the
maunals placed into the hands of students, and cousequentlya
misapprehension on the part of instructors of the proper way

March IS, 1S77. 1

JODENAL OF HOETICULTUUE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

195

of teaohiag botany. It is a remarkable fact that two years
since not one person who went up for the Civil Service of
India, on the question being asked, was acquainted with
OUver'a " First Book of Indian Botany," which could scarcely
have been the case had not teachers been content to travel in
the old beaten rat.

This matter has been brought painfully to our mind by the
two publications at the head of this article ; the former destined
for school students, the other, in some respects less pretentious,
apparently for a slightly more advanced time of study. Both
begin with complicated questions as to the nature of cells and
their mode of development, before an acquaintance has been
made with the more apparent organs of a plant or the slightest
knowledge of the objects about which the science is concerned,
and the consequence is that the student is either utterly dis-
gusted and throws up the matter in despair, or acquires a mere
smattering of hard names and ill-digested facts, which he is
willing to get by rote for the mere purposes of a competitive
examination, with the foregone determination to throw the
whole aside when it has answered his self-interest, without in
the slightest degree doing what it was intended to do — as to
opening his mind or giving him a taste for observing with
proSt the stray pleasures which are spread abroad with a
bountiful hand, but are no sources of pleasure to the disgusted
crammer. There is much philosophy in the words of the
great French novelist, " I have always thought that it is more
easy to descend from the whole to a part than to ascend from
the part to the whole. It is a maxim of algebra that we should
proceed from the known to the unknown, and not from the un-
kaown to the known."

The translator of Thomfi's text book has done his part in
re?caing it from an objection which we should at once consider
fatal in a book placed in the hands of English students, ignor-
ing as it does almost everything that has been done in this
country ; for though comparatively little attention is paid here
to physiology, while we are however, on the contrary, strong
in systematic botany, it would be easy to point out many excep-
tions, and Darwin at least is the prince of physiologists. But,
apart from this, how can a boy obtain a clear knowledge from
such disquisitions as that with which the first pages commence,
where he will be left without anything save a confused concep-
tion of what a cell really i3, and will run the risk of thinking
that there may be a cell without any cell wall ? It would be easy
to point out matters in which the author is evidently wrong,
but this is not our object, but to show that such treatises are
comparatively useless as far as F.uglish students go, for we are
not looking to what may be suitable to the current German
mind ; and if mors advanced students want a manual, we
should rather at once recommend Sach'a book, notwithstand-
ing its acknowledged diflicnlties. Indeed, we are forcibly con-
vinced of this in comparing the one with the other. Nothing
is in general so unsatisfactory as a mere compendium. We do
not deny that the book contains a great deal that is valuable,
and the illustrations are for the most part good, and are often
on such a scale as to make them more intelligible ; but we can-
not conceive that to a beginner such an illustration as that at
page 57 and the accompanying text can convey any idea to a
Bchoolboy. If the book is used at all, we should recommend
beginning with the fourth chapter, and when that is mastered,
with some practical comparison of well-known examples, it
will be time to enter on the consideration of the more re-
condite structures.

The work of Dr. R. Brown, as regards the time of publica-
tion, appeared three years before the translation of Mr. Thome's
volume. As it comes from the hand of a man of great experi-
ence it may well bo expected to contain much of interest, and
it does not labour under the same charge of ignoring British
anthorities, as the copious references in the notes amply
testify ; nor docs it attempt in one volume to adopt what he
calls the time-honoured conventionality prevailing in text
books.

" The science," he says, " has become now so extensive, that
it the student is to have in a manual of this nature anything
better than a mere smattering of the well-worn facta of science,
BO interlarded as to be most repulsive with technical names in
use, obsolete, or which ought to bo abolished, or rather n(3ver
to have seen the light of print, it is impossible to cram into one
moderately sized volume anatomy, physiology, classification
of the natural orders, palfflo-phytology, and pliyto-geography.
Either the volume must become inconveniently bulky, or the
outline given no meagre as to be really useless." With this wo
entirely accord, and we only wish that our author had followed

the example set by Oliver in his lessons in elementary botany,
in which case his volume would have appeared in a useful con-
trast with many other manuals. It would bo hero again easy
to point out faults ; but in bo extensive a science, where every
day is modifying what was supposed to be accomplished yester-
day, and in some oases wrong notions might be accepted — as,
perhaps from inadvertency, the student might be led to conclude
that the elaters of Jangermanuia} and the so-called elaters of
Equisetum are of the same nature, from the reference which is
given to the figure. But, as said before, this is not our object,
but to call especial attention to the best mode of studying and
teaching botany, convinced as wa are that till some change is
made in this direction we shall have still in the greater number
of cases the same unsatisfactory reaults. Still less do we wish
for a moment to detract from the valuable mass of information
which, in many other respects, this excellent volume oontains.

EXHIBITION PANSIES.

Mr. Miller's contributions on Pansies have afforded ma
much pleasure. When one reads of special societies for the
encouragement of different florists' flowers — Chrysanthemums,
Carnations, Auriculas, <S;c., surely something may be done for
the purpose of giving an impetus to the cultivation of a flower
so beautiful as the Pansy. Is it not possible to offer prizes —
adventitious prizes— for Pansies at some of the special shows ?
If it is, and competition could be stimulated, those shows
would be rendered additionally attractive, and visitors would
have an opportunity of enjoying such flowers as they little
dream of being in existence. Florists would then be able to
appreciate the efforts of such men as Messrs. Downie, Dick-
sons, Hooper, &a., who have done so much in rendering our
gardens attractive and furnishing varieties of Pansies of snob
sterling merit.

Pansies are, I fear, not sufficiently appreciated in the south,
but the time must come when their claims will command the
attention of all lovers of hardy flowers, and tho heat and
drought which are supposed to be so inimical will only be re-
garded as incentives to further effort in perfecting tho culture of
flowers which are worthy of a place in every garden in Britain.

In the north Pansies are regarded as amongst the most
beautiful of hardy flowers, and when well cultivated they
afford as much gratification to visitors as any other oooupanta
of the garden. In the garden which has been under my
charge for a number of years, and where flowers of all kinds
are appreciated, those which give the greatest amount of
satisfaction are Boses and Pansies.

I am particularly pleased to find that Pansies have such an
able champion as Mr. Miller, and I shall anticipate with
pleasure his promised cultural notes. I trust they will tend to
dispel the delusion that Pansies can only be well grown in
Scotland, and perhaps they will remind the patrons of florists'
flowers in the south — Messrs. Dombrain, Dodwell, Douglas, ifcc,
that there are other flowers worthy of their patronage besides
Carnations and Auriculas. As to the mode of exhibiting I
concur with " C. R., Notts," that Show and Fancy Pansies
are sufficiently numerous and, in their sections, distinct as to
merit separate classes. If exhibited in mixture the tendency
would be to destroy the distinctive features of two clearly
defined types of beautiful flowers, which I think is undesirable.
— A Northern Gardener.

MICE AND BED LEAD.

Havino the valuable evidence of so large a number of ex-
perienced gardeners at your diapoaition you will perhaps scarcely
care for that of a lady amateur. Still, I will venture to off'er
it as at least practical. Last spring I planted two rows of
early Peas, having first thoroughly wetted them with linaecd
oil, and then shaken over them red lead until they were well
coated. I placed wires over the rows and waited in expecta-
tion of the usual promising-looking green shoots. To my dis-
may scarcely more than one-third appeared, but ugly gaps of
10 or 12 inches were left, and on close inapcction in these gaps
I found many remains of my tenderlycared-for Peas in the
shape of roots and red skins. In vain I searched for spaces
by which sparrows or even blnetits might have entered, and
was fairly puzzled uutU on a fine morning, lifting a seed pan
placed on a bank some 30 feet distant, a hole beneath revealed
two bright black specks, which moved, appeared, and dis-
appeared— a mouse! Forthwith my sharp little terrier came
to my aid, and turned out a nest of four young mice, and at

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Match 15, 1877.

the same time certain Termilion-ooloured skins, which too
plainly explained the thievish propensities of mother mouse. —
A Kentish Bee.

GLAZING WITHOUT PUTTY.

After feeing the article on this subject by a " Steward and
Gardener" I cannot resist the temptation to contribute my
experience on the subject of glazing without putty. My opinion
is that a " Steward and Gardener " is treading in the right
direction, and his nearly twenty years' experience ought to be
received as conclusive evidence that glass structures can be
made to exclude water partly without putty, and entirely without
it on the top side. I think the past was a favourable season
for trying whether any method of glazing will answer or not,
for the number of rainy days and depth of rainfall since last
September exceeds anything we have had in my recollection.

Last autumn I erected a vinery DO feet long by 'J feet wide,
with the roof at an angle of 45° ; and as I am only a working
amateur and with limited means my study was for cheapness
and effectiveupsB, two points which I think I have obtained

/

in 11 e method of glazing. But I go a little further than a
" Steward and Gakdeneii " — I have used no putty and no lap,
and if I could have commanded a wet season in order to try
whether my method of glazing would answer or not I could
not have been better accommodated than I have been during
the pai t four months ; yet scarcely a drop of water could I see
from the roof, and not one from the sfinares where they join.
And in furtherance of the object I have in view — namely, to
asfiot ill working amatenra liKe myself, through your journal,
who lile to follow my plan in glazing with lapless squares, I
send a section of my sashbar a, which is quite plain and can
be mare of any desired strength according to the size of the
vinoiy. My sashbaraare 3 inches by 2i, with squares 24 inches
by 14, 21-oz. glass, which are simply fastened down with four
wrought-iron sprigs (copper would be better) at the corners
of each square. The cap is nailed on with four 2-inch nails
with the heads left out a quarter of an inch, so that they can
easily be drawn and the cap taken off should a square get
broken and require renewing ; tht u it i-s only letting the squai-os
above the broken one slide gently down, putting the new square
in at the top, so that they may all fit close at the joints.
Other minor details in this method of glazing will easily be
seen by anyone who will give his attention to the subject.

If I had another rocf to glaze the only thing I should alter
would be to have the f quares cut 1 inch out of square where
they join edge to edge, or, in other words, to have them cut
bevelwise (as per sketch ii), so that any condensation under-
neath the gloss or any oozing through the joints from the top
side would find its way to the side of the eashbar, and by
having no putiy underneath and with thn unevenufss of the
glass will allow the condensation to fall on to the level edge

on which the glass rests and into the groove, and by having
the square cut as shown each side of the sashbar would get
its proper share of such condensation ; hut if the glass wag
cut with the bevels all one way, one groove on one side of the
sashbar would have to take all the water and the other side
none, which might not answer the purpose intended.

This notice of glazing without putty originated from an
inquiry in your Journal of November 16th last year, signed
" D. P. B.," who asked "it you knew of any vineries glazed
with roof glass batted." 1 replied in your issue of Novem-
ber 30th that I could show a method of doing so from prac-
tical experience, after which I had many communications,
which I replied to privately, not wishing to figure in the
Journal at that time as an authority on the subject of glazing
without putty and no lap ; but since then a brick and tile
manufacturer in this neighbourhood has erected a large vinery
and glazed the roof after this plan, and it answers well,
although at an angle of about 35°. He has also brought out
a new kind of flooring brick for vineries and greenhouses which
can be walked upon perfectly dry, still in the indented pattern
a quantity of water will rest for evaporation. The floor has a
neat appearance, and no doubt when advertised this kind of
brick will make its way into most new erections. I am now
superintending the erection of a vinery 25 feet by 13 feet, with
the roof at an angle of 40° to be glazod with lapless squares
and no putty, knowing that putty does more harm than good,
especially on the top side of a sashbar.

Your readers will perceive the bevtUed edge on which the
glass rests, which is all-important in assisting any condensa-
tion to fall into the groove, also taking care the cap does not
press hard upon the sprigs which keep the glass down. By
using say four coats of Carson's auticorroeive paint on the top
side of the sashbar before they are fixed there will be no fear
of any wet penetrating the wood, but as I began with the sub-
ject of cheapness I must conclude so. My bars had two coats
of gas tar and quicklime mixed to the consistency of thick
paint and laid on the top side before they were fixed, which I
have found in other work resists wet better than anything else.
Your readers must observe that I am no gardener, but having
a fancy for a vinery, and, like many other working amateurs
with limited means, had to study cheapness with effectiveness
— two things which I think I have obtained, and the few hints
I have given here on glazing may he a benefit to some amatenra
who feel a pleasure in doing the work themselves. — TnOMAS
Haedcastle, Vainer, Boroughbridge, Yorkshire.

DK. ERASMUS DARWIN.

His baptismal name did not influence his mental convictions.
He was no Erasmus in Christianity, and so devoted himself too
exclusively to an acquaintance with second causes. He was a
native of Elton, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, where he was
born December 12th, 1731. After going through the usual school
education under the Rev. Mr. Burrows at the grammar school
at Chesterfield with credit, he was sent to St. John's College
at Cambridge. There he only continued until he took his
bachelor's degree in medicine, when he went to Edinburgh to
complete his studies, which being finished and having taken
the degree of doctor in medicine, a profession to which he was
always attached, he went to Lichfield and there commenced
his career of practice. Being sent for soon after his arrival to
Mr. Inglis, a gentleman of considerable fortune in the neigh-
bourhood who was ill with fever and in so dangerous a state
that the attending physician had given up the case as hopeless,|
the doctor had the good fortune to restore him to health,
This gave him so high a degree of reputation at Lichfield and
in the neighbouring towns and villages that his competitor,
who was before in considerable practice, finding himself
neglected and nearly deserted left the place. Dr. Darwin soon
after married Miss Howard, the daughter of a respectable
inhabitant of Lichfield, by which he strengthened his interest
in the place. By this lady he had three sons. In 1781,
having married a second wife, he removed to Derby, where he
continued to reside to the lime of his dtath, which happened
on Sunday the ISth of April, 1802, in tho seventieth year of
his age. Six children by his second lady, with their mother,
remained to lament their loss.

The doctor was of an athletic make, was pitted with the
small pox, and he stammered much in his speech. He had
enjoyed an almost uninterrupted good state of health until
towards the conclusion of his life, which ho attributed, and
reasonably, to his temperate mode of living, particularly to his

I

March 15, 1877. I

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

197

moderation in the nae of fermented liquors. This practice he
recommended Btrenuouely to all who coneulted him.

His frequent journeys into the country on professional buei-
ness contributed also in no small degree to the preservation of
his health and his faculties, which latter remained unimpaired
to the day of his death. Hia death wag sudden, occasioned
by a fit of what he was used to call angina pectoris, which he
had several times experienced, and always relieved by bleeding
plentifully.

As Dr. Darwin was a votary to poetry as well as medicine,
he oooasionally sent his effusions in that way to one or other
of the monthly publications, but without his name, conceiving,
from the example of Akenside and Armstrong, that the repu-
tation he might acquire by his poetry would operate as a bar
to his advancement in the practice of medicine. His "Botanic
Garden," in which he celebrates what he calls the "Loves of
the Plants," the first of his poems to which he put his name,

was not published until the year 1781, when his medical fame
was so well established as to make it safe for him to indulge
his taste in any way he should choose. Besides, the poem was
so amply furnished with notes containing the natural history
and accounts of the properties of plants, that it did not seem
very alien from his profession. The " Botanic Garden " is
comprised in two parts. In the first the author treats of the
" Economy of Vegetables," in the second the "Loveaof the
Plants." The novelty of the design, the brilliancy of the
diction, full of figurative expressions, in which everything
was personified, rendered the poem lor some years extremely
popular.

In 1793 the author published the first volume of " Zco-
nomia, or the Laws of Organic Life," Ho. The second
volume, which completed the author's plan, was printed in
the year 179C. As the eccentric genius of the author was
Ijnown, great expectations were formed of this woik.the labour

Fig. 27.— Dr. EBiSMDS DABWIS.

we were told of more than twenty years. It was to reform, or foreoastinga of Dr. Darwin,
entirely new model, the whole system of medicine, professing [ tive, as when he wrote-

He made common topics attrao-

no less than to account for the manner in which man, animals,
and vegetables are formed. They all, it seems, take their
origin from living filaments susceptible of irritation, which is
the agent that sets them in motion. Archimedes was wont to
say, " Give me a place to stand on and I will move the earth ;"
such was hia confidence in his knowledge of the power of the
lever. Our author said, " Give me a fibre susceptible of irrita-
tion and I will make a tree, a dog, a horee, a man." It would
be useless to enter into an examination of the Zoonomia,
which has long ceased to be popular. Those who wish to see
a complete refutation of the sophisms contained in it will
read with satisfaction " Observations on the Zoonomia of Dr.
Darwin," by Thomas Brown, Esq., published at Edinburgh in
8vo. in 179S. In iHOl the author published " I'hytologia, or

the Philosophy of Agriculture and Gardening;" but the public,

tired with the reveries of the writer, let this large book of « ttot/ittt la Avrri miri? -nrrvriTTV apwtcj

six hundred pages in 4to. pass almost unnoticed. As little AURICULAS AND THE WOOLLY APHIS.

attention was paid to a small tract on female eJuoatiou, which I nAVE to thank my friend Mr. Horner for his note and
bad httle indeed to attract notice. good wishes on this subject, and am sorry to say that I did

We are admirers of the poetry, as well as of the aoientific not read his notice of it in the October number of the " Florist

' 3 here are of learned taete who still prefer
Cos Lettuce, Tarragon, and Cucumber;
There are who Btill with equal praisea yoke
Young Peas, Asparagus, and Artichoke;
Beaux there are Rtill with lamb and Sipinach nurt
And clowns eat Beans and bacon till they burst.
This boon I ask of Fate, where'er I dine,
O be the Proteus form of Cabbage mine;
Kale, Colewort, Cauliflower, or soft and clear
If Broccoli delight thy nicer ear,
Give, rural Muse t the culture and the name
In verse immortal to the rolls of Fame."
He foresaw the future when he penned —

" Sum shall thy arm, nnconqnerM Steam I afar
Drag the slow birga or drive llw ra,iid ear;
Or on wide-waving wings expanded bear
Tlie flj iug chariot through the fields of air."

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBB AND OOTTAGE GAKDENER.

[ March 15, 1877.

and Pomologist," or should Lave beeu ou the look-ont. I
grieve to add that to all appearance I shall loee one-half
of my stock — a sad loss at all times, bnt doubly so under
the ciroumstanoes of the proposed Exhibition at the Crystal
Palace, and after having had last season the finest bloom I
have had for many years. I am going next week to attend to
them, and will then say what I have found. Have any of
your correspondents seen the insect ? — D., Deal.

SEDUM SPEOTABILB.

Some time ago my name was mentioned in the Journal in
connection with this fine Sedum, and as it is becoming such a
popular plant, and just the one for an amateur to grow, I will
state a few particulars about it. In the first place, I bought
two plants which had been struck in the spring while they
were in bloom. After flowering had ceased the stems were
out oft and the plants were planted out in the rockery. When
February came there were numerous little shoots springing up
from them, which when large enough were taken off and
rooted in pots under a hand-glass without heat. These were
potted, and the tops of these again were taken oft and rooted
in the way above described. The plants which were struck
first pushed many shoots — too many for such young plants,
therefore I thinued them out to about three to each plant, and
made cuttings and rooted them. These were grown in pots till
the bedding arrangements were made, when the late-struck plants
were planted out in beds by themselves, and they flowered late,
commencing in August and continuing throughout September ;
their foliage was also very attractive, being different to any
other plant in the garden. Every visitor admired the plants,
and I have received many inquiries respecting the qualities of
this Sedum as a flower-garden plant.

My reply is that it is a very beautiful plant and can hardly
be put out of place. It does for bedding by itself, or among
subtropical plants it is very effective. For growing as a single
specimen in the herbaceous border I know of no plant more
acceptable ; and in vases, too, it thrives remarkably well and
looks noble and attractive. As a pot plant there is very little
trouble in growing it, and in all situations it will thrive, and I
may jsafely say in common garden soil. My plants have been
iu the ground two years and have stools more than a foot over
and are ehootiug up very thick, I shall therefore thin out the
smallest of the growths, and the others will grow up the
stronger and produce fine heads of flowers. Mr. Robson has
also grown this plant iu splendid condition at Linton Park. —
T. Becoed.

[Mr. Record has done well by directing attention to this
valuable hardy herbaceous plant, than which few will better
reward for high cultivation. — Eds ]

ASPECTS OF NATDKE— FEBRUARY.

DuBiNo February we have almost the first indications of
spring. A mild sunny day at this time appears to change the
aspect of nature as if by magic. While the sky was grey and
overcast all nature appeared clothed in the same sombre tint,
but a glint of sunlight on heathside or brook brings out each
swelling green bud in bright contrast to brown leafless stem
and bare branch, and seems to impart joyous life to every
ripple ou the water. The Hazel still hangs out its pretty yellow
tassels ; and in sheltered copse and warm spots on hedgerow
banks the wild Honeysuckle and the common Elder push forth
the first green leaflets. The Snowdrop, "the early herald of
the infant year," peeps forth in our gardens, and mild open
weather will give us this beautiful harbinger of spring iu clus-
tered profusion, drawing our attention from their desolate
surroundings to contemplate their pale pendulous bells, which
tinkle fairy-like with every breath of wind and bear a streak
of green on every petal, as though they, the first flowers of the
year, bore a touch of Nature's favourite universal colour as a
distinctive badge.

The birds come with the flowers. The robin, that constant
friend of man, has cheered the dreary winter mornings and
early afternoons with hia joyous if not thrilling pipings. Now,
too, the woodlark, one of the earliest and sweetest songsters
of the grove, begins to trill his melodious song ; while the har-
mony of the fields and woods is rendered still more entrancing
before the end of the month by the full, rich, enchanting notes
of the blaokbird and thrush.

Iu strong contrast to the inimitable songs of the smaller
birds we have the hoarse oawings of colonies ol rooks, wbioh

now begin to pair, and appear to let the world in general know
they contemplate commencing housekeeping at once from the
incessant noise and fuss they make over building their nests.
The wonderful instinct with which all living creatures are
endowed is sufficiently apparent in the building of rooks' nests,
as these birds break with their strong beaks from the living
trees the young green twigs pliable and fall of sap : dead sticks
could not be interlaced with the same facility, nor would they
bear the weight of such heavy birds.

On south walls the flowers of the Pyrus japonica are all
aglow, the beautiful rich scarlet blossoms having none of the
pale delicacy of tint so commonly ascribed to the early flowers
of spring. The Crocuses also show no lack of colour, and
seem to have guarded, from the time of their planting deep
down in the brown earth, the gold and purple of autumnal
skies, to bring these gorgeous tints to gladden our hearts iu
early spring.

The unexampled mildness of the season has this year made
February exceptionally rich in the number of plants in leaf
and bloom. Such frosts as have occurred have had but little
effect on the general forwardness of vegetation. In many
places the Elder trees are as green as in early summer, and the
wild favourites of March have come to us before their time.
White and purple Violets are in full bloom. Primroses may be
gathered in abundance, the Mezereon is in flower, and in ap-
pearance the month has many of the characteristics of March.

As a rule February is a wet month, and this season has
proved no exception, save that the "icy bonds" have been
conspicuous by their absence. ^ The poet's description is as
true to nature as of yore —

" Now shiftint,' gales with milder influence blow,
Cloud o'er the skies aud melt the falling sncw ;
The softened earth with fertile moiattire teems.
And, freed from icy bonds, down rush the swelling streams."

In very rural districts, where on high banks and hedgerows
Gooseberry and sometimes Currant bushes have taken root
and grow up among the Hawthorn, the bright tender green of
their early foliage is very conspicuous.

During the moist warm days of early spring headlands and
byelanes are in many places carpeted with the bright green
leaves of the Ground Nut. The foliage of this little-regarded
wildliug is invaluable for bouquets and- vases at this time of
year ; its Fern-like character and exquisitely delicate green tint
make it most suitable for arranging with the more carefully
tended blossoms of the greenhouse.

The seedtime is at hand, and in preparation for its advent
the farmer hastens forward the work of preparing the land j
and Virgil's description is as applicable now as when it waa
written so many centuries since —

" While yet the spring is young, while earth unbinds
Her frozen bosom to the western winds;
While mountain snows dissolve sguust the sun.
And streams jct new from precipices run;
E'en in this early dawning of the year
Produce the plough and yoke tho sturdy steer."

— T. S. J.

THE "BEOWNTAILS" AGAIN!
Albeady have I occupied some small space in the Journal
on two occasions, when I have been referring to the economy
of the Browntail Moth as it came under my observation in a
district of North Kent. Though I do not wish the reader to
suppose that I have " Browntails on the brain," I have con-
tinued to watch the habits of the colonies of the Browntail
(Liparis chrysorrhcea) which reside in the vicinity of Gravefl-
end and Chalk. The increase in numbers that was notable
in 1875 as compared with the two preceding years was not
followed up in 187i> by a still larger accession of caterpillar
devourers, and the reason, I apprehend, was this, that many
of the broods died off, wholly or partially, during the cold
spring and the unfavourable summer of 18711. But yet I sea
at this moment far more colonies than I could wish to see
studded over the Hawthorn hedges awaiting the bursting of
the April buds. Thus, for instance, in one part of a road
where tho hedge is made up of shrubs standing at slight
intervals apart I counted twenty-four nests upon one bush,
representing at the moderate average of lifty to a nest, more
than a thousand caterpillars to attack the foliage by-and-by.
It is a curious circumstance in the history of the Browntail
caterpillars, that though tliey are gregarious the whole brood
descended from one parent do not usually form one family.
The mother moth iu the process of egg-laying seems generally

March 15, 1877. J

JOURNAIi OF HOKTICOLTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

to shift her qnattera two or three times : hence few nests are
found to contain more than eighty or a hundred individuals,
Bome perhaps not more than twenty or thirty. Of course it ie
possible that in certain of these instances the small parties
are the survivors of larger colonies which had started on the
emergence of the caterpillars from the eggs.

The question was put by me whether any gardeners could
state from their own experience that they had found the insect
injurions either to fruit trees or to the Rose, as has also licon
insinuated against it. If the absence of replies is not con-
clusive evidence in favour of the harmlessness of the species
so far as Britain is concerned at present, it at least tends to
show that no person has any better accneatiou to make. Yet
the Browutail has an undeniably bad repute; a century or so
ago it occasioned alarm in many parts of England, and even
had the honour of a pamphlet devoted solely to its history,
containing an amusing farrago of fact and fiction. The late
Edward Newman assured me that he regarded the accounts
published concerning the ravages of the Browntail, which
accounts have often been referred to in entomological and
horticultural books, as largely made up of mis-statements ; but,
then, it is also true that on the Continent, even to this hour,
the species does prove itself a nuisance. In a letter I received
from Mr. Doubleday of Epping during the spring of 1874 he
mentions that a friend who had been in the south of France
saw the Browutail caterpillars travelling by millions on the
paths and roads, the authorities having to employ men to
sweep them up on account of the annoyance they caused.
Going about in that way there cannot be doubt that they
" meant business" — that is to say, they were in search of food,
and not likely to be very particular as to what Rosaceous plant
they settled upon.

In various places in Kent, especially in localities not far
from Gravesend, fruit culture is a matter of importance, and
the proprietors of orchards and market gardens ought to be
on the alert to ward off any enemy of which the inroads can be
anticipated. Nothing is easier than to deal with Browntail
caterpillars in the winter or spring, before they have begun
feeding ; and though in the hedges colonies are on the Haw-
thorn, Blackthorn, and wild EoBe,yet when these hedges are in
proximity to fruit trees, however tender of insect life we may
be, I think anyone would be justified in reducing the number
of the insects.

I should add that the Browntails in this locality are seem-
ingly as yet confined to a few lines of hedgerow along the old
Dover road near Denton, at East Milton, and near the village
of Chalk : hence with little trouble i'O per cent, could probably
be cleared off by the judicious use of shears. And here a
point of some nicety might be raised. Let us suppose B has
on his hedges this or some other insect likely to be injurious
to the gardening operations of C. B does not trouble about
it ; but C, finding B will take no measures which C deems
requisite, appeals to A, from whom both parties lease their
lands. Can A for the sake of his other tenant and for his
own (indirectly) oblige B to take steps to remove the pest? It
would seem in fairness he should have the right, or else to
intervene if B is inert, and himself do what may be done in
the ca?e.— J. R. S, C.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS— FRENCH
HONEYSUCKLE.
Teaes agoHedysarnm coronarium was treated as a biennial,
and is so treated still by some growers. Strictly speaking it
may not be a perennial, but lasting from year to year as it
does, and reproducing itself freely from seed, I have no hesita-
tion in placing it aa a perennial. The subject in hand is a
strong grower and requires staking; it is then a fine object
when well established, rising to the height of from 3 to 1 feet.
Its handsome foliage, pretty red flowers and delicate perfume,
elaim for it a prominent place, especially where cut flowers
are in demand, for it bears cutting wtll, continuing in bloom
for a long time. It is a capital plant for shrubbery borders
and open spaces, where, if desirable, it may be pegged down,
and in that way it flowers as freely as when trained upright.
Hedysarum coronarium album is a grand acquisition and ought
to be in company with 11. coromrium ; when grown together
they produce a fine effect. 11, rosoum is of much dwarfer
habit and is desirable as a rock plant ; H. argentenm with its
silvery-grey appearance is not to be despifed. It. veuustum is,
comparatively speaking, of recent introduction, but none of
the family appear to attract much attention, aa they are very

seldom met with. They are not at all particular as to soil or
situation. The place intended for them should be well broken
up to the depth of 2 feet, for, being strong deep-rootiug plants,
they require depth to develope themselves. They may be in-
creased by division, but they are much better raised from seed
sown in spring or summer, the plants being tbinned-out and
transplanted as the cultivator may think best.— Veeitas.

GARDENING IN ILLINOIS,

Mr. B. 0. AiETiD states in TIic Prairie Varmcr :— " My aged
mother, eighty-eight years of age (one of the two only persons
living who were settled in Edgar county in 1K18) has witnessed
the rise and progress of our horticulture from its commence-
ment to the present time, and with the weight of these many
years resting upon her she reviews it with much pleasure, and
often reminds me of the great variety of frait that we now
cultivate compared with what they had for years in the early
settlement. She says that Nature was very kind to them in
those early days in the profusion of her native fruits; that
when she settled here, sixty years ago, the wild Strawberries
grew in great abundance in the prairie. At my earliest recol-
lection there was but a single variety cultivated in the gardens,
and not much attention paid to theso, as a supply of the fruit
could be had by picking it on the commons. The Ilovey's
Seedling was not received here from the east until 1838. It
was a wonderful berry for that day. I have continued its cul-
tivation along with many of the most noted varieties, and it ia
yet almost unrivalled in all its qualities.

"AVild Plums were also numerous in the forests and in the
thickets, and could be gathered by the waggon-load, smooth
and fair ; not in the ruined condition we find them of late.
Wild Grapes were plentiful, a small winter Grape ascending to
tho tops of tall forest trees, and the summer and fall Grapes
spread over the shrubs and small bushes in the barrens and
along the watercourses.

" The White Cape and Black Cape Grapes were the only cul-
tivated varieties grown here for the first eighteen years of tho
settlement.

"In 183('> the Catawba, Isabella, Clinton, and York Madeira
were introduced, all of which did well (fruit without a blemish)
until 1853, when the rot appeared.

" Persons frequently called at the nursery for English Grapes,
English Gooseberries, English Currants, English Plums, and
English Mulberries, believing that all the fine fruit was of
English origin.

" There were only six varieties of Pear known here previous
to 18315. Of these the Mammoth, from tho famous mammoth
tree near Vincenne8,Ind., was tho queen of summer Pears, and
as common on tho farms of the early settlers as tho Bartlett ia
to-day. The old Pound Pear, monstrous in size and easily
grown, was king of the winter dessert, and we didn't know
that there was any better variety. In 1830 my father received
the Bartlett, White Doyenne:-, Flemish Beauty, Seckel, Julienne,
Urbdnist, and Colmar Van Mons, and by 1810 had collected
over a hundred varieties of Pears.

" The following are the varieties of Apples that he brought
with him to this country: — Winter .Tannette, or Neverfail,
Milam, Smith Cider, Yellow Pippin, Sweet R. I. Greening,
Winter Queen, Black Gillyflower, Newtown Pippin, Hannah,
Newtown Spilzenberg, Large Romantic, Little Romantic (Gil-
pin), Winter White, Lady's Finger, Hard Bed, Shaker Red, and
Priestly ; Autumn, Rambo.Fall Winesap, and Harper's Sweet."

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

IIAKDY IRniT OARDKN.

TiiHRE are lew gardens of large size where it is not necessary
to head down and rogroft Apple and Pear trees occasionally.
Sometimes a variety that has been introduced to the garden
proves to be either worthless or not true to name. The best way
in that case is to cut the tree down (as has alieady been iidvifcd
iu a previous number) and regraft it. When the branches are
large tbe bctl way is to work the trees on what is called the
crowu-graftiug system ; two grafts should bo placed opposite to
each otber. Small branches may be whip-grafted. Tbe grafts
should be tied firmly with stout bad and then be clayed over.
There are several sorts of grafting wax used, but we find stiff
clay tho most couvenient. It is mixed with a quantity of cut
hay, and when well worued together it does not crack after being
exposed on the trees.

some of the old authors recommend roul pruning io bo pur-

200

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDRE AND COTTAGE GABUENBB.

[ March 15, 1877.

formed at this season, and we agree with thena to a certain
extent, and would limit the trees to be operated upon to those
wMoh showed very exuberant growth indeed, and were not likely
to bear any frnit daring the ensuing season. It is now gene-
rally agreed amongst practical men that the best time to root-
prnne is in November, and the earlier in the month the bettor.
If the root-pruuing is done mow it should only be partially, by
cutting a few of the main roots and placing round them some
maiden loam free from manure. So far back as the time of I'.ve-
lyn attention had been given to checking the flow of superfluous
sap in fruit trees; but it is not certain that cutting the long
bare roots to cause the form.ition of fibres near the main stem
had been thought of. Evelyn recommended to lay bare the
roots in the winter ; but this is a dangerous practice, and with
cur present knowledge could not for a moment be entertained.
A mistake is sometimes made in pruning newly-planted trees
lay cutting them in too cloae. When Roses are bought in and
planted one year old from the bud, we cut them back to two or
three eyes ; and the old writers recommended the same practice
with wall trees two and three years old. If the trees have
been under good management in the nursery they will be well
furnished with fibrous roots, and when this is the case the shoots
should be out back to two-thirda of their length only.

The present is a good time to plant Fig trees. They may be
turned out of the pots, and all the roots that are matteil round
the ball should be laid carefully into some good loam — clayey
loam is the best, and it should not be too rich, as the tendency
of the Fig tree is to run too much to strong unfruitful growths.
The branches, being easily broken, .should be nailed to the wall.
Cuttings taken oft with heels and laid in against the wall in
some fine soil will soon strike out roots. If any newly-planted
fruit trees sway with the wind to the extent of loosening them
at the roots some support ought to be placed to them.

It is not our own practice to put out Strawberry plants at this
season, but many persona do so. The runners are selected in
the autumn and planted closely together in beds. They are
now starting into growth, and no time should be lost in trans-
ferring them into their permanent (juarters in deeply-trenched
and well-manured ground. Plants put out at this time will
throw a few flowers and would bear fruit ; but it is better not to
allow them to do .so. In suitible clay soil the same plants will
continue in bearing for many years. In light, gravelly, or sandy
soil they will do better if the beds are renewed annually. In
that case the plants must be put out early in August,

riNE IIODSES.

Fruiting plants in the earliest house are now going on well;
some of the frnit is considerably advanced, and a few plants
have it just showiu,;,' in the centre. Much attention is neces-
sary.as to watering. It will not do at all to allow the plants to
Buffer for want of water. We look over the plants twice a week,
and give manure water for every second watering. The tem-
perature at night when the weather is mild is 7U°, and even
with cold frost winds it is not allowed to fall below 05°. We
have not yet besn able to place the succession plants into their
fruiting pots owing to the cold weather. Xo time oiaght to be
lost in seeing to this if the plants are intended to fruit early
next year. Now that so much foreign fruit finds its way to our
markets the most profitable variety to grow is the Queen, and
(his is also by far the best for summer fruiting. It is not well
to allow too many suckers on the old plants. About two to each
plant will be enough, and if the plants are not require 1 it is
much better not to allow more than one. Queens throw up
suckers freely, sometimes from .six to nine cluster round the
base of a plant. Smooth-leaved Cayenne and Charlotte Itoth-
scbild do not usually throw up many suckers. With a higher
temperature and increa ed solar light and heat more moisture
is necessary, and this is applied both from the cvuporating
troughs and by sprinkling the walls and paths of the house
with water as often as may be necessary,

OECHABP noU^E.

The Peach and Nectarine trees are now in flower, and as Uio
weather is unfavourable for the setting of the fruit, more care
is necessary in seeing that the pollen is applied to the stigma
either by shaking the trees twice daily or by using a small
brush of camel's hair. It is better to use the brush for shy-
setting sorts, and it may also be well to tike pollen from, say.
Royal George Peach, and apply it to the flowers of lixipiisite
or Walbmton Admirable. With us the blossoms of Nectarines
set more freely than Peach blossoms, but it is better withal to
shake the trees once a-day, about 10 .\ m. Pear and Plum trees
have been taken into the huuse, but they are not yet in flower.
We have always found Pears the most difticult to set, but when
the trees are placed in the lightest part of the house with air
freely admitted, and the atmosphere kept as dry as possible, the
difEcuUy is overcome. None cf the trees must suffer by want
of water at the roots, and if this ia the case the fruit is sure to
aet badly. The shelves all round the house are tarnished with
Strawberry plants in pots, and seldom have we had a better
show for fruit; the crowna are very largo and plump, and they
are now bursting into leaf. The pots are occasionally supplied

with weak manure water, and aa aoon as the frnit is set on the
trees we shall syringe them and the Strawberries freely to
prevent the attacks of red spider.

PLANT STiiVE AND ORCHID HODSES.

There is now plenty of work in these structures, aa with in-
creasing light and heat many plants are starting into active
growth, and those requiring to be repotted must be seen to with-
out delay. It is much better to repot now than to let the plants
make much growth, as they will then experience a considerable
check. The method of potting and composition of the aoila
have been frequently described, and it will be unnecessary to
allude farther to it at this time. All free-growing plants ought
to be repotted if they are in small pots and it is intended to
grow them on. Cuttings put in some time ago will now be
rooted, and ought to be potted-off into small pots. If there is
any sign of thrips or aphis in the houses it is best to fumigate
with tobacco smoke until the pests are quite destroyed. If a few
of these escape at this period they spread rapidly and do con-
siderable damage, and it is very dangerous to use tobacco smoke
when the young leaves of tender planta or Orchids have just
been formed. Mealy bug should alao be carefully watched. It
is very diflicult indeed to eradicate it from any plants where it
has gained a foothold, and when the planta have been washed
again and again until one would think not a veatige of the pest
remained anywhere, the ardent cultivator is surprised to find a
colony of young insects between the leaves at the points of the
young growths of a choice Ixora, or on the succulent shoots of
Stephanotis floribunda. There ia no way of cleansing the plants
but by constant watchfulness and destroying the insecta as they
appear.

Caladiuma are now at rest under the stagea in the stove, but
they will be taken out presently and be aupplied with water,
and when they have made a little growth will be repotted into
the aame sized pots. Plants of Foinsettia pulcherrima are at
rest in a cooler house. At this time last year there waa a goodly
display of floral bracts, but, from what cause we know not, they
have dropped earlier this year. There are many planta subject
to the attacks of red spider, and it is always best to destroy or
keep it under by syringing if the plants have foliage or flowers
that would not be injured by the water. The shadings for the
roof have been put up, and they are used when the aun shines
strongly, but not more than is necessary, and they are let down
for a few hours only at midday.

We have been repotting and rebasketingsome of the Orchids.
A few are better potted at this season, others when they atart
into growth in summer. Calanthea must be repotted as soon as
they start into growth. Ours were potted a week or two ago, and
are already rooting freely in the fresh compost. The old soil ia
entirely shaken away from the bulbs, and the potting material,
which is good turfy loam with a little decayed manure added to
it, is pressed firmly round the base of the bulbs. The species
potted at this time are all the vestita section and C. Veitchii.
This variety partakes of Limalodes rosea in its nature, and does
not always grow sj freely as the vestita section, but it requires
similar treatment. Anguloa Clowesii has also been repotted in
a compost of about equal parts of turfy peat, chopped apbngnnm,
and clean xiotsherds ; the pola are also clean, and are filled
rather more than half full of draieaga. The Indian Crocuaea
(Plciones) have also been repotted ; the compost is the same and
also treatment as for Anguloa. Several other species of t)rchids
have been repotted; we like to do this as they start into active
growth. Cattleyaa will still endure a fair share of aun heat, but
if the we^ither should be fine and the sun strikes the glass
directly about mid-day we shall shade; the blinds have been
fixed ready.

Visa graniliflora ia a splendid Orchid when well grown. We
are sometimes t^ld " that it will do well in an ordinary green-
house ;" it sometimes succeeds admirably. At Chataworth
under the care of Mr. Speed it may be seen growing with great
freedom in an ordinary Heath house with very little shade. It
has failed at Loxfoid under exactly similar treatment; and Mr.
Ward cf Ley ton could do nothing with it aa a greenhouse plant,
but grew it fairly in the cool Orchid house. It requires plenty of
drainage and to be potted in peat and sphagnum. — J. Douglas.

TRADE OATALOQDE RECEIVED.

Francis & Arthur Diokaon it Sons, 10(3, Eastgata Street,
Cheater, — Catalogue of Select Farm Seeds.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
',' All correspondence should be direotod either to "The
Editors," or to " The PablisUer." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will Write privately to any
of oar correspondents, aa doing so sabjeots them to nn-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Chrysantuemum Suows (IT. S.}.— We cannot publish saoh a list. They
must advertise.

March 15. 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTlCaiiTURE AND OOrrAGEJ GARDENER.

201

Books (C. F. La ?«&).— Loudon's " Encyclopredia of Agricultoie."

PAEArrra Oil (Juvenik).-^Tvio wine glasses fall ot paraffia added to
three gallons of water would not injure Oraut'e trees at any time.

STBAW3ERBIES (A*. 5'. Z.). — Vicomtesse Hericart de Thuiy,! Keens' Seed-
ling, President, Sir Joseph Fasten, and Dr. Hog^.

BosE.— Could the name of the Roae asked for by Mr. Luckhurst ho Piorre
de St. Cyr? I think he does not name the colour, but surely Gloire de Dijon
is too well known to be so asked for. — C. R.

FoBciKG Spib.eas (Essex). — We can best aid you by stating our practice.
In the open ground we have beds 4 feet wide with four rows of plants in
& bed, and plautei 1 foot apart. We plant in March, dividing the old plants,
secoring at least one good crown, and it may be some smaller crowns to
each division, and a fair amount of roots. They are planted so that the
crowns are just c overed with soil, which i8 light and rich, giving a mulching
over the beds abjut an inch thick of short manure. Tha situation is open.
In autumn after the leaves fall the plants are lifted and potted in 7 ioch pots,
and buried in ashes in a sheltered spot, and we introduce them as required to
any heated house, such as a vinery started at the beginning of January.
These plants flower in March, others being introduced at fortnightly intervals
until ApriL They are very eauily forced in a temperature of 50" to 55^, better
if a few degrees lower to commence with. After they are in good foliage
watering requires to be copious, liquid manure being given at every alternate
watering. One half the plants only are taken up the first year, but remain to
give ns our outdoor bloom ; and in the autumn, the leaves having dropped,
they are taken up and potted into 9-inch pots, so that we have plants in
7-inch pots a year old, and others in 9-inch two years old. The latter are
best, but they take up more room. The old plants are kept in a cold house
or pit after flowering, not allowing them to sufif^r from want of water. In
June those in 7-iach pots are turned out with the ball entire in rows a foot
apart, and that distance between the plants ; but thoBS from 9-inch pots are
cut in two, and if the halves have mauy crowns theyai-e also cut in twain and
similarly planted. They are well watered during dry weather, end usually
commence flowering in the autumn, especially those which had not been
divided. They are allowed to grow a year clear without being again forced.
The cause of the leaves of your plants turning brown at the edges is no doubt
due to the house having been fumigated. We always remove the plants from
the house before fumigating, a« no plants are so susceptible of injury from
tobacco smoke as are these, or the injury may have arisen from want of water.

Vegetables, Ac, for Swampy Ground {E. i?ij7fi^>H}.— If water floods
in the winter no vegetable crop would succeed; otherwiBO from the moist
sandy nature of the soil it would admirably suit Asparagus, Seakale, Rhu-
barb, Parsnips, and Celery. Plants most likely to thrive are Acorusgrami lea
variegata, Epilobium hirsutum, Lysimachia thyrsifiora, Lythrum ro&eum
superbnm, Caltha palustris flore-pleno, Carci paniculate, C. penduia, and
Menyanthea trifoliata.

Drtvisg Worms out of Pots (L. Af.).— Place 1 lb. of quicklime in a tub,
pour over it three gallons of water, stir well, and let it stand forty-eight hours,
then pour off the clear hquid into a watering pot. With a lump of rather
stiff clay stop the holes in the pots, and satmate the soil for an hour. The
lime water should rest on the soil, or it will U'-»t be effectuaK The worms will
either come to the surface or perish. Remove the clay fi'om the drainage
holes, and allow the lime water to pass off ajjain. Repot the plants after-
wards at the earliest opportunity. Soot water will not injure the Ferns nor
destroy worms.

Pruning and Potting Bedding Geraniums (t7. A. A'.).— Cut the plants
down DOW, but do not do it too closely, leiving a few eyes of last yeai-'s wood.
When they are breaking freely, having shoots about an inch long, turn the
plants out of the pots, removing most of the old soil, and repot in the same
or slightly largar pots, watering carefully until the plants are in free growth.
The cuttings turn black because you keep the surface of the soil to < wet, or
they may have been braised with the dibble in closing the soil about them.
Tricolors require to be kept rather dry. We prefer inserting the cuttings in
Bmall pots sujgly, but they answer well if placed thinly around the sides of
»pot.

Tropxolum speciosdm (N. C). — Shift your plant into a size larger pot
and keep in a cool house until the middle of April or early in May, when
plant out where required.

Cultube of Eouvardias (/rft'Hi).— Take cuttings in April, strike thom in
gentle heat, pot-off when rooted, and grow in frames. They may be placed
outdoors in summer, housing them at the end of September. The old plants
miy be cut-in and potted after they have commenced growing, but they are
not nearly so good as young plants.

Stopping Bedding Calceolarias— Zonal Pelargoniums for Winter
Plcwehing [Idem). — Stop the Calceolarias to two joints and plant them out
9 inches apart if the soil be poor, or 12 inches if rich. The cuttings of Gera-
niums should now be potted-off singly in small pots, aud when they become
established stopped, or if in pots stop them at once. Shift into 6-inch pots
when they have made shoots an inch long after stopping, and stop aj^ain early
in June. They should have after this a position outdoors upon ashes in a
sheltered situation, and bo placed in the blooming pots {8 or 9 inches) about
the middle of July, the plants having been stopped abaut a week previously.
In late August and early September weak liquid manure should be given twice
»*week; the plants should ba placed under glass about the middle of Sep-
tember. To flower during the winter they require a temperature of 45= to
50^ and abandonee of light and air.

PoMPONE Rose (E. E., Witts).~-yfnte to Messrs. Curtis & Co., Bosery,
Torquay, Devon.

CccuiiBERs IN Small House (R. C). — You ought to have sufficient heat
from the floe, both for bottom and top heat ; and as you do not say whether
there has been any difficulty in getting up the heat, we can only conjecture
as to the cause. It is very likely that the fl'tos under the bed became too
hot. It requireii very little heat from a flue or hot-water pipes to heat a
border when the heat i^ confined. In your case it is not confined, as the
pigeon-holes allow part to escape to the hoaee. Our own way is to place a
good depth of brickbats over the pipes for bottom heat. The internal atmo-
sphere ia heated separately from the other. We advise you to do this, and
also to bring t bo flue into the aide of the path; the one return flue, if the
heat is confined, will be quite euthcient for bottom heat.

Failure of Crop in Visert (B. F. .V.).— Ab your border is inside only
perhaps It wants water. Cjuld you not have the valve altered so tfeat the
boat would not pass through it ? Vinea must have a season of rest. A heavy
crop last year would ia itself account for a partial failu'-e this.

Roses Dajipinq (J. T. M.). — New manure under the stage would certainly
cause more moisture, which would naturally increase tho evil. A dry boat ia
what you require, but if you cannot have this place the plants near the glass,
and admit plenty of air on all favourable occasions. If you can put in a
stove it will do good. Flowers of sulphur on hot plates will kill every green
leaf. Keep the soil in the pots moderately moist.

Green Fly on Sibawberry Plants (A Constant Reader), — They are
frequently attacked. Fumigate with tobacco smoke.

Forcing Vines in Pots (Z,(j:).— One flow and return S-inch pipe will be
quite suthcieut for bottom heat. No evaporating troughs are required on the
pipes for bottom heat. Sis 'J-feet lengths of 4-inch pipes should be fitted
with troughs. As to what is the cheapest and best way to adopt, we always
trust to a respectable builder, and it comes cheapest in the end.

Carbolic Acid {H. F. F.). — As your walks have wooden edgings the carbolic
acid one part mixed with one hundred parts of water will not injure the
flowers neai- the edge of the beds.

White Trumpet Lily (E. G. iJ.).— This is probably Lilium lougiflorum
snaveolens. A portrait and description is in the "Botanical Register,"
vii., 560. It is a native of Japan. A list of the Liliums is in all the
botanical dictionaries.

Pbondnoiation (D(7^a).— There is no work devoted to tho subject. AU
botanical dictionaries have the names accented.

Variegated Brussels Sprouts {W. B. B.).— The specimen sent is the
whitest we have ever sden, neither the head nor the side sprouts containing
more than a tinge of green. For culinary purposes we should not regard it
as being suitable, and for decoration much will depend on its hardiness aud
free growth. If healthy it would be conspicuous in shrubbery borders. The
plant sent appears to be in good health, but perhaps it has bsen " selected."
Give it a further trial in order to prove its constancy and hardiness. ,

Climber for Verandah (IK. P., Edge Hill).—\\'e should plant the Crim-
son Boursault Rise Amadis on One side, and Madame d'Arblay (hybrid
climber) on the other, and allow them to intermix. They might not cover
the verandah the first year, but would do so quickly. Or you may sow
Tropaolum canarieuse and tall Nasturtiums, which would answer until de-
stroyed by frost.

Winter-flowering Carnations {Wild Rose). — You do not say what
varieties are grown, but we presume the Tree Carnations. Young plants are
much preferable to old. They should be struck in gentle heat early in March.
After rooting they should ba potted-off singly in 4-inch pots, and kept rather
close uutil established, when they should be gradually hardened-off in a cold
frame, tho points of the cuttings being pinched out. After danger from frost
has passed the plants should be placed outdoors on ashes in an open yet
sheltered situation. All they require during summer is shifting into larger
pots, stopping the shoots, but not later thau the beginning of July, and duly
attending to with water, staking, tic , housing attheclose of September; 6and
7-iDcb pots are quite largo enough for plants the first year. The temperature,
if they are to flower during the winter with certainty, should not be less than
60=' from fire heat, affording plenty of light and air and a rise from sun heat
of 10^^ to 15- or more in bright mild weather. We prefer to have a few plauts
in 9-inch pots which are grown-on the second year the same as the first, but
not allowing them to bloom, stopping them until April and not afterwardf^,
regulating the shoots as they grow during the summer. They are partially
disrooted in spring, given the same pots, and shitted into the blooming pots
in June. They will bloom in late summer or autuuiu, and continue through
the winter. The best of the Tree Carnations are Princess Christian, Mis3
Joliffe, La Belle, Princess Beatrice, Zouave, Queen of the Belgians, Marchio-
ness of Westminster, Annie Williams, Empress of Germany, Monsieur Baldwin,
Le Grenadier, and Souvenir de laMalmaiaon. Piootees: Ascot Yellow, Prince
of Orange, aud Grandis.

AcHiMENES Cultuee (P. F. S.).— When the plants have grown about an
inch above the soil, or between that and 2 inches, they should ba lifted care-
fully, preserving the roots to each, and ba planted in pans, commencing at
the sides, plar^ing them 2 or 3 inches apart ; the tallest plants should be
placed in the centre. The pans we use are 8 inches in depth and 15 inches
in diimeter. We drain them about 1^ inch deep and place an inch of the
roughest of the compost over the drainage. The plants are inserted about an
inch deeper than they were before, and we have the soil next the rims of the
pans about half an inch below them, and rising slightly to the centre. The
plants are grown near the glass in a house or pit having a temperature
of 65- to G0= at night, and 70 to 75"^ by day, with a rise from sun heat to 80-,
admitting air freely aud mdintaioing a moist atmosphere. We top-dress the
pans when the plants are a few inches high with rich compost just before
staking, old cow dung or well-decayed manure and turfy loam in equal parls
answering well. The compost used consists of equal parts of light turfy
loam, 8andy peat, and leaf soil, with a half part of old cow dung or well-
decayed manure and silver sand, thoroughly mixed but not sifted. Water is
applied carefully, not allowing the plants to become very dry before giving a
supply, nor making sodden by too frequent applications. Some growers stop
the plants when 3 or 4 inches high, but instead we put in light green states at
that time, and eudeavour to form the plants by the disposition of the stakes
into a half ball, regulating as th3 growth proceeds, and as they branch from
the bottom ample shoots are had for filling in vacant space. Liquid manure
ia given at every alternate watering after the plants are growing freely.
When in flower tbey are the better of slight shade and a lower temperature.
There are few fiaer objects than a well-trained and bloomed pan of these
plants.

Hardy Annuals for Cdt Flowers {John Jo«, Sottft-Hti.— The liaat six
hardy annuals for cutting are Sweet Peas Invincible (striped), *Scarlet Invin-
cible, 'Centaurea Cyanus major, CbrysaDthomum carinatum Dannettu flore-
p'.ono. Sweet Sultan (purple), +Re6eda odorata var. Queen Victoria, and King
of Tuiu Thumb Scarlet Nasturtium. Having no heat no hardy biennials,
unleps you procure plants, will fl>wer this year. Six are-Campanula media
calycanthoma, Delphinium nudicaule. *D. grandiflorum cpelostinum, ■'Dian-
thuB chioensisHeddowigiiilaciniatuB flore-pleno, ■* Scabious double dwarf, and
Sweet William, Auricula-eyed ( Bragg's). The best six out of the two sections
are distinguished by asteriskfl. . ■ /^u- # //-.

Peas for Exhibition {Idem).— In addition to Commander- in- Chief (Car-
ter's), Bupplanter (Laxton) is good, having fine pods.

WIREW0RM3 IN ViNE BORDER (E. P., Leief»ter).—li you are certain that
wireworms greatly abound in the soil we advise you to remove it as soon as
po3:iib!e. If you only suspect their presence, or if there are only a few of
them in the eoU, they will not do aerious injury, and you might trap them by
buryicg Potatoes and Carrots, esamiuing them periodically. The best traps

JOURNAli OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 15, 1857.

for wireworms, however, that we hava seen were osefl in a olergyman'a garden
in Lincohishire. They consisted simply of square tnrves freshly dug from
a pastoie. Into these tnrves, when placed a few inches beneath the surface
of the ground, the wireworms "burrowed" by hundreds, and were then
easily destroyed.

Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son receive three or four catalogues from
the same nurseryman directed variously. Their only office for busicess is
Pine Apple Nursery, Maida Vale, London.

NAMEa OF Fruits (J. E. Ransom),— Lemon Pippin. (X X. X).— Hub-
bard'a Pearmain.

Names of Plants (Winchester).— Photinis. serrulata. It is budded on
Hawthorn stocks, and will be hardy in South Hants, but deserves a wall. It
oftfin ripeus seed, which should be sown like those of the Hawthcrn. (M.
Balh. — Habrotbamnus fasciculatus and Araucaria excelaa. {Lady C.
Tumour). — Yes, it is Anacharis alsinastrum. (G. B. C),—l, Apparently a
large form of Asplenium marinum; 2, Platyloma rotundifoUa. {J. i/.).— The
Polygala is P. oppositifolia. {A. B ). — The specimens arrived in too bad a
state tu determine. (Admiral).— \^q cannot name without more material.

POULTEY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHKONIOLE.

DEFAULTING SHOWS.

The recent failure at Bournemouth, as far as entries were con-
cerned, certainly shows us that fanciers object to be twice bitten.
We can conceive no other reason, as the classes were namerous
and the prizes good, why this Show, in class after class, should
have been such a lamentible failure. It seems hardly credible that
there should have been fifteen cl asses for poultry without entries
or sufficient competitiou; but so it was, aud £33 1.5s. was in
these classes alone saved by the Committee. In all there were
as many as fifty prizes going begging. We do not want to cast
a shadow on the specimens which were present, for in many
cases they were far above the average merit, and comprised
Palace, Bristol, aud Birmingham winners. But sad it was to
find a Show eo liberally drawn up in its prizes so very badly
supported. We have not probably far to go for the reason, as
the few lines which "Wiltshire Rector" wrote a week or
two back explain the cause. Last year the Show was a de-
faulting one, and fanciers feared it might be so again, and
so the sina of one party have been visited on another. The
days of poultry shows drawing the huge attendancss of old we
believe are nearly over. They have lost so much of their
novelty, and the world in these days pants for "something
novel," consequently shows must not be got up too much as
mere speculations, on the chance of the receipts at the doors
recompensing all expenditure not otherwise provided for, and
moreover putting a balance to the good at the same time. We
have an example in Bristol, where the management is all that
can be desired ; but of all the hundreds who daily pass up aud
down Park Street how few go in to see the Show, and conse-
quently year after year the B.i^hibition fails to pay its way, and
this year the manager had to aak exhibitors to take a part only
of their prize money; but we do not wish for a minute to cata-
logue Bristol as a defaulting Show, for Mr. Cambridge most
honourably proposed to pay in full all who objected to taking a
part only of their money. How his conduct shines up in con-
trast to Portsmouth, which was, and is, a defaulting Show with
a vengeance. The people there must have skins like a rhi-
noceros, for they seem impregnable, and letters, exposure, and
summonses seem to have no effect upon them. Theirs is a bad
case, for they with a huge sum to the bad started evidently a
new show .13 a speculation only, hoping thereby to retrieve
their fallen fortunes ; but they, trusting to a large attendance or
some such windfall, failed worse than ever, and not only did not
keep their promises, but did not even pay the same dividend to
all, some having their money in full aud some none at all. By-
theby, the firtt fiasco at Bournemouth was got by some Ports-
mouth Society who migrated for tho time to a new town, conse-
quently Portsmouth and its fanciers seem to be in a truly bad
state.

B seems a favourite capital for these defaulting exhibitions,
for we had the Summer Show at Birmingham, and the Winter
Show at Bromley. We were really annoyed that exhibitors took
these escapades so quietly, for after periodical growlinga in the
newspapers the matters were allowed to slumber. We know
that it is a long, difficult, and expensive task to bring these
people to book, but " union is streugth," and in the strength of
many fanciers which a club would possess should we be able
to defy these speculating societies. It will be only one more
instance of the great good a club will do, and in the face of it
there should be no fancier but would be proud to become a
member of a society which should endeavour to make matters
of public interest their especial study. One, two, three, or half
a dozen fanciers scattered in counties widely apart would never
be able to stamp-out wrongs and failures of promises, but the
mass would be able, and for these things to be done the fancy
must be united.
- With the above shows which we have mentioned, we have
not nearly named aU we know of or those which are known to

others, but we have called attention to the matter, and hope this
will be one of the first things our new club will look into. The
matter is not only of importance to the exhibitors themselves
who have spent money in entrance fees and carriage, but it is
also important to the fanciers who reside in the towns where
the defaulting exhibition has been held ; for should they at any
time wish themselves to get up a meeting, they may have the
same adversity following them which has come upon the last
Show at Bournemouth, for all here may indeed well learn a
lesson, since at this Exhibition which managed its late Dog
Show so successfully, there was nothing but the last Society's
poultry failure to go against it, and yet it actually only scored
157 entries for 140 prizes aud two extra donations, amounting in
all to ±110. This must indeed have been one of those delight-
ful lotteries which have hardly any blanks. Oar Eector's little
note in this Journal could have had nothing to do with this
failure we are, however, bound to say, as the entries had closed
before it appeared. — W.

BOURNEMOUTH POULTRY SHOW.

This Exhibition was held in the Winter Gardens, a place
most admirably .idapted for a uhow. The arrangements were
good, but the entries small. Mr. Hewitt awarded the prizes, to
the satisfaction apparently of all. We hope on another occasion
the Show will be more patronised, for it appears to deserve
eucouragemeut, and has nothing to do with the late defaulting
Exhibition held in the town.

Among the Dorkings the first adults were excellent. They
had good feet, aud were thorough Dorkings. The first chickens
were also fair. Cochins were a moderate collection; Whites
perhaps excelling, though some good Buffs were shown.
Brahmas we thought unusually poor. The first Dark hen and
the first Light cockerel seemed as good birds as any. Mam-
burc/lis had six classes, but they responded but badly, and no
particular merit was discernible. Leghorns again had four
classes, of which one was empty ; two more had not enough
entries for the prizes, and in the fourth the Judge could find
no pen good enough forsecond. PoJands were small classes, but
of capital merit. Four of the six prizes went to Blacks, the first
pen also taking the extra prize of i!3 3s. It is the Wolverhamp-
ton cup pen. The same exhibitor's first cockerel was a most
promising bird, and bids well to beat even his father. Malays
too were quite a good little lot, and the quality was equal to that
found at most shows. We noticed also an excellent pen of
Black Spanisli, chickens, which won the i'2 2s. extra prize. In
the adult Spanish class there were no entries, neither were
there any Cnves. A good pen of Houdans won first in their
class, neat in claws and very fair in colour, while in the Variety
class an excelloi^t pen of Japanese Silkies won first prize, second
going tD Andalusians, and third to Sultana. Bantams were only
moderate.

The entries in the Pigeons were certainly better, and the
quality very fair iudeed. Mr. Esquilant awarded the prizes here.
The two extra prizes were given to Mr. Chandler's Carrier cock
and to Mr. Yanlley's Tumbler. Dragoons were capitil, Blues
winning both prizes in one class, and Whites in the other. In
Jacobins first and second went to sound Reds, and in Turbits a
good pair of Yellows deservedly wou first. Fantails were good,
the second Whites being a very showy pen. Antwerpa made a
good class, and the prize birds seem to have been well selected.
The birds were, we believe, quickly dispatched at the close of
the Show. We furnish the list of awards below.

POULTRY.-DOEKINOS.— Cotoarci.— 1, RiT. U. S. S. Woodgate. 2. S. Newtek.
3. Mra. Kadclyffe. Chickem —1. W. Wallis, juo. 2, Jlra. Radcljffo. 3. J.
Baker. CocaiHB,-~Partridoe.~Chic}cem.-l, G. B. C. Breeze. 2. Mra. Rad-
civffe. 3. Mra. Martyn. Cimuimon and Buff.—l, Roy. G. F. Hodaon. 2, A,
Darby. S, G. Petta. Chickens.— 1. S. K. Harris. 2, A. Darby. 8. Rev. G. F.
Hodaon. Any other variety. -I, 'Rev. J, BackmastQr. 3. R A. Boissier. 8, A.
Darby. Chickem—l, A. Darby. 2, H. Yardley. 3, 3. R. Harris. Bk&ruas.—
Dark.— I and 2, Mrs. Eadclyffe. 3. J. Long. Chiokem.—], J. Long. 2. S. W.
Thomaa. 3, Mrs. Radclyffe. Liiir;i(.— I and 3, Mrs. Turner-Tumor. 3. T. Fry,
CMekens.—l, H. R. Dugmore. 2, Mrs. TurnerTurner. 3, Mrs. H. Popham.
GkUE.—Dlack-breasted Red —Ckicken^.—\, R. Bryan. 2, H. Adnca. 3. T, D. B.
Rawlins. Hamburohs.— floW and Silver-penciLled.-l, J. Long. 9, A, W.
Groves. 8. A. C. Gale. Chickens.— I, J. Caloutt. 2, J. T. Cable. 3. J. Long.
OoldandSilver-spangled.-Chickens.—l.T.'Miiy. 2. J. Long. 3, S. R Harris.
^ny o(/i^rvaric(j/.— l.J. Long. C/iic/c^na. -1, B. A. Hogg. 2,J.Long. Chickent*
— 1, E. C. Seaman. 2, Withheld. 3, T. Norwood. Polands.— 1 and Cup, T.
Norwood. 2, G. W. Boothby. 3. A. Darby, vftfl, J. Hinton. Chickens.— 1,1,
Norwood. 3, A. Darby. 3. J. Hinton. Malays.— 1. J. Downing. 2 and 3, T.
JoiDS. Chickens.— I, T. Fry. 2. T. Baa Uin. 3, E. Greenpill. Spanish.—
Black.— Chickens.— 1 and Cup, E. Holland. 2. J. Huasey. 3, F. Edwards.
MlttOBCkS.-Chicken.'i.—l, 3. Neal. 9, J. G. Rowe. 8. T. Norwood. HoODAKS.—
1. R. A. Boissier. 2, S. W. Thomas. 8. W. Howard. Jan. Fbesch. or Aht
OTHBR Variety.— L Rev. R. 8. S. Woodgate. 2, J. O. Rowe. 3. H. R Dugmon.
Bantams —Bloc;fc.i)r«(M(8d iied.— I, W. Adams. 2, C. A. Nicolle. 3, E. Payna.
Any other vari«ty.—\,3.'Loug. 2, Ludlow & Rackbam. S.E.Payne. SBLLma
CuA69v,a.— Dorkings, Brahmas, and Cochins— I. S. Newtek, a, H. Brine.
Chickens.— 1, S. Newtek. 2, Mra. Radclyffo. Qaine, Jiamhurqhs, SfianUh,
Leghorns, and Polands.— \, 3. Hussey. 3. B. A. Hogg. Chickem.-l, F.
Edwards. 2, J. Long. Bantams.— \, F. C. Temple. 2. Lndlow & Rackham.

PIGEONS.— Carrisrs.—CocIi.—I. Cap. and 3, J. Chandler. lien.— I, W. H.
Smith. 2, W. J. Nichols. Pooters.— 1, W. D. Riohardson. 2, H. S. Hansford.
Draoooss.- Bine.— Cocfc— 1, .1. Andrews. 3, R. Shutter. Uen.—\ and 2, R.
Shutler. Any other colour.— Cock.— 1,3. Cheui\^r. 2, J. Lush, jun. Sen,— I.
R. ShuUer. 2. 0. Howard. Barbs.- 1, C. W. BUlett. 2, J. Long. TuMDLKli.
—1 and Cup, H. Yardley. .41mond.—l, H. Yardley. 2, J. Andrews. AsTWsaPS.'
—1 and 2, J. Chandler. Owls.— 1, P. R. Spencer. 2, R. T. Harris. NcKS.— 1, 0

March IS, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HORriCOIiTUBS AND COTTAGE QAKDE^ER.

203

Parsons. 2. J. C. Lamacraft. Tcreits.— 1, F. Hod.ling. a, T. Homes

TAILS.— :, O. Parsons. S, J. F. Loversidge. ' . ._.i .> t i„

TacMPETERS.— 1, P. K. Spencer,
0. Parsons. Seluso C"

,—1 anti 2, J. Andrews.

_ _ J."^Vood(orcl. Aky othee Vahiett.— 1

1, C. Howard, 2, R. T. Harris. S, J, Chandler.

SQUIRRELS— HEDGEHOGS— BULLFINCHES.
I H.1VE read with interest the articles of J. Gadd and "An
Old GAiirENisG Boy " upon " Squirrels as Depredators " in our
Journal of February 22ad, and I have waited to see whether
more letters would follow, but as no more have appeared I now
claim room for a reply. My f^ardener friends must allow me to
E.iy that all men have their class prejadices and class dislikes.
The latter sometimes rise to simple hatreds. The dislike of some
gardeners to bird^ and animals may be classed among them.

My aim is truth, apart from sentiment on the one hand and
unreasoning destruotioa on the other; also I am always, I hope,
open to conviction. That there must be a balance preserved
throughout natare is, lam sure, necessary. In England as to
smaller birds that balance has been upset by the destruction of
the Lsvrk tribe by gamekeepers. They are the only men who
are allowed always to carry a gun. The carrying of swords by
gentlemen in the last century had to be put down by law because
of the destruction to human life caused by men going about
armed, aud I wish something of the sort could bo done as to the
keepers' guns. The men " get out of bed the wroug side," or
the chimney smokes, or the wife scolds, or the master is angry,
or last night's beer lingers in the head: the armed keeper avenges
himself by shooting every bird he sees and every squirrel on a
beech tree. If every man in England carried every day a loaded
gun I believe murders would abound all over the country.

Take now the squirrel. I have lived twenty years with them
around me, and have suffered no harm ? Why? Because there
Me millions upon millions of beech nuts in the shrubbery upon
which the animals feed. Under quite altered conditions I would
not advise the over-preservation of pquirrels, though indeed
they never abound save where the beech mast is plentiful. Keep
a tame sq'iirrel, let him out into your garden where there are
no beech trees, and he will find his way to the peaches, &:c. I
censure strongly indiscriminate slaughter of that unique animal
the squirrel. 'Then I am sure they are constantly blamed by
the dishonest. A head gardener who was proved to be dishonest,
and confessed his dishonesty at last — he was in the habit of
Bending his master's fruit to the large city near, and being ques-
tioned as to the scarcity of the fruit he always pleaded aa an
excuse the squirrels. Another man, dismissed for the same
reason, did the same. Masters and mistresses who read this
paper — and many do — I appeal to you against total destruction
of squirrels where there is beech mast for them, aud where there
are no plantations of small firs, the young ends of which I have
said they nibble oS.

Again I ask that when it is necessary that these animals be
destroyed that no traps be used, at least unless they be of a kind
to catch them alive and uninjured, when the trap can be plunged
into water and animal drowned. It is better, however, to shoot
them : a nice occupation for master himself, by the way, who
will only kill a limited number, for I have known gardeners with
a turn for shooting waste their time — I mean their master's —
hour after hour walking abotit with a gun. Stooping and work-
ing make the back ache, walking with gun on shoulder is no
work at all.

I notice in last week's Journal that my words extracted from
the French ministerial order are questioned as to harmlessness
of hedgehoga. These poor animals have suffered terribly from
class hatreds. The cowman declared they sucked the cows— a
thing impossible because their mouths were toe small, but it
was sufficient for a dishonest cowman to make his master believe
this nonsense. Then the gardeners in old times used to declare
that the hedgehogs rolled themselves on the fruit and walked
away with them on their spines ; but in truth their spines are
80 arranged by nature that no fruit will stick on them it the
experiment be tried. The poor hedgehog was perfectly free of
blame in both cases. Its usual food is beetles, worms, slugs
andsn.iils, also frogs, mice, and even snakes. Oooasionally it
ia said to eat eggs, and this is the point urged by " An Old Sub-
scRrBER." I am surprised to hear, however, that the hedgehog
can eat any than a small egg. What, however, is truly said by
"An Old St:BscRirEn" of the hedgehog may be said of birds
and squirrels, " they require keeping in bounds ;" but I think
the actaal usefulness of the hedgehog very greatly exceeds his
powers or habits of injury, and it nowhere is very abundant.

Returning to the squirrel. There was a custom in some parts
ol England for the riff raff of each village, the idle men and
boya, and, worse than either, the hobbedehoys, to go out in the
woods and plantations every St. Andrew's day, November 30th,
armed with sticks and weapons to hunt squirrels. A number
of thefc they maimed, bruised, wounded, and killed ; but the
real object was, under pretence of killing squirn-Ig. to pick at or
Ret hold of game and rabbits, to break hedges and plantations
and get firewood. The day ended by a supper at the public
honse, at which the game and rabbits were eaten, and the land-

lord benefited much by the quantity of beer drunk. The poor
squirrel has had a bid time of it — blamed wrongly, tortured,
and put forward as a pretence. Its beauty, grace of limb and
action, appealed all in vain to the cruel.

I now turn to the subject of the bullfinch, and I am sorry to
say I hive not a single good word to say for him. Naturally
and untaught he has no song. Unlike the chaffinch or the gold-
finch (would that the birdcatchers had not almost exterminated
them), or the linnet, he never cheers us with his song— he never
makes the garden joyous with music. His habits are shy, and
repelling, and unsocial. He lives almost all the year in the
woods. His colours are handsome, though rather gaudy perhaps,
but his shape is as unploasing as a bulldog's. lie remains fat
from man's dwelling except in the very early spring or late
winter, and he then comes a destroyer. Unfortunately bull-
finches are on the increase. They do not pay to catch, for they
cannot sing and cannot be taught to sing, except when taken
from the neat or in their brown nestiug feathers. And then
there are no hawks to kill them (oh, those keepers I) So unto
our gardens they come in February, and fir^t begin with the
Gooseberry bads. In a very few minutes all except on the
extreme ends of the shoots are picked out and eaten. Then
next they attack currant buds aud then the plum buds, and they
are eaten — nothing left but little empty cups all up the branches
of gooseberry, currant, and plum tree, and so the crop is gone.
This mild winter they have been unusually destructive in the
gardens around : rather strange this, but as holly berries were
nil so perhaps were the other berries of the hedges. I must
pronounce a sentence of death upon the bullfinch. I hold not
to sentiment but reason. Apparently little care was taken to
provide this mild winter against the depredations of the bull-
finch, and hence most gardens have suilered.

The best plan in regard to gooseberry bushes, especially those
of upright growth (with which only the plan can be well carried
out), is early in the winter to tie them close up with a withy or
a bit of wild clematis or tar string ; bend their branches together
in a mass ; and though the birds will eat the outer buds they
cannot get in to eat the inner. When the leaflets come out
untie the trees, for it ia only the buds as buds that are cared for.
Another plan is to get some balls of the thin twine — a loose, very
thin, flossy, yet strong string used by saddlers (it ia very cheap),
catch it on the branches, crossing and recrossing. Mr. BiiUy
thinks it a net, and, like all thieves, objects to be caught. White-
wash, too, they do not like. Shavings and little flying flags or
paper Mr. Bally is up to. They might have frightened his
great-great-great-great-great-grandmother when she was young,
but these are days of enlightenment and school boards. Bull-
finches must be shot down or killed in some humane manner,
they are no good, they do only harm. I am sorry to have to
write this, but a useless thief, though he wears a velvet cap and
a red waistcoat, must be got rid of. Germany will always
supply us with the best piping birds, and in her forests the
stock of birds is inexhaustible, and a good trade is made by the
German bird-teachers.

In conclusion I would say. Do not allow the squirrel to be ex-
terminated, but keep him where his natural supply of food is
provided. Do not exterminate the hedgehog, for his usefulness
is greater than his powers of injury. But do if you can thin-
down with no sparing hand the Bullfinch, for he is only to a
degree ornamental; he is not useful, and is a very injurious
bird. — Wiltshire Eectob.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE BIRD SHOW.

(Continued.)
The awards in the four Lizard classes were disposed of to
birds of the Gold and Silver-spangled stamp, pure and simple,
without any regard being paid to the pedantic and fatuous
notions of "pencilled" or "semi-pencilled" birds. To attempt
to estiblish classes for Lizards otherwise than "spangled" birds
would be an attempt at hair-splitting, anything but wise and
advantageous to the Lizard Canary fancy. The idea, evidently,
is a fon'l one, and about on a par with that which occurred
some years ago when an attempt was made to introduce " blue ''
Lizards, which are as unlikely as a blue dahlia. It is a treat
to UP, and one we never become satiated with, looking (not
in the way of a mere glance) at the Lizards. Class 20 com-
menced the lot, and we could not think otherwise than that the
first- prize bird fG30, Ritchie) was a bouncing specimen in all
points— a decid.;d win over the others in the class. The com-
petition rested more with Nos. CIO. second (Salt); 029, third
(Reid) ; and Bunting's 023, extra third. No. 033 (Fairbrass) would
have had a forward lolace, to judge from appearance, bar the
foul feather which did appear iu the shoulders, and which must
have been the means of lowering its flag. The class numbered
twentysix, aud was a tolerably good one, excepting hero and
there of a bird or two being poor. Of the two dozen Silvers
Mr Bunting landed a clever first in fine condition, a decicied
win although it must have run a dogged race with Mr. lair-
braea's second (058), Mr. Salt's third, and Mr. Ritchie s equal

201

JOUhNAL OF HOBTIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENBB.

[ March IS, 1877.

third, betwixt which there wis not mnch choice for places. In
Classes 22 and 23 Mr. Fairbrass was cock of the walk, taking
first in " broken " Golden, and first, second, extra second, and
third in " broken " Silver, the other prizes beiug disposed of to
Mr. Salt's 665 (second), which we thought good enough for a
first; and Mr. Bassell's 667 (third), cheap at the selling price of
15s., although there were other birds in the class we preferred.
Sixty-three Yorkshires were entered, of which number Mr.
Thackrey was the winner of three firsts, two seconds, and two
thirds out of his twenty-throe entered, whilst Messrs. Wilkinson
and Holroyd won a firot and second, and Mr. Belk a couple of
thirds, all fine birds of their respective breeds. In the bigh-
ooloured Cinnamons Mr. Pope of Brighton must have felt happy
in winning first in Yellow and first in Buff with two such
splendid birds, which, we believe, were (juickly claimed at
£2 12s. Gd. each by Messrs. J. & W. Waller of Finsbnry, the
noted breeders of the London Fancy and Cinnamon birds.
Although the noted Coventry breeder of Cinnamons (Adams)
was kuocked back a peg, still his Buffs were all there for colour,
quality, and condition, and were awarded second, third, and
extra third. We must not omit mentioniug Mr. Munnes'
second Yellow, Mr. Athersuch's third (iuother noted Coventry
breeder and exhibitor), and Mr. Pope's extra third. Mr. Salt's
(794) extra second and Mr. Caplin's (SOfij third prize both did
credit to their respective owners. The Cinnamons (not of high
colour) in the next two classes bore a more modest appearance
compared to their high-coloured compeers in the previous two
classes, and were we to make choice of birds for breeding pur-
poses we would rather choose those not peppered. Class 30
commenced the Y'ellows, and Mackley Bros., who headed the
list, chalked first and third, Mr. Irons cf Northampton being
second with a fine-feathered bird. We ar,3 always pleased to
hear of new exhibitors entering the competing arena, and we
fancy such is the case with Mr. Kinderman of Putney, who
won first honours in Class 31 with a fair bird, exceeding cheap
at the catalogue price of £1, although we preferred Mr. Smith's
second-prize bird.

Time pressing somewhat close upon ns, and having a wish to
devote a little attention to the Mules, we passed hurriedly over
Classes 32 and 33, both numerously represented with birds of a
varied kind. We could not help noticing that in the latter class
there were birds present which had no claim to a position, owing
to the stipulation that the class was for " Any other variety of
Canary not previously specified." Thiswas not adher^ to; but
we are not going to condemn entry ',112, which stated the bird
to be '■ twice crossed, threc-rinarter L jndon Fancy and remainder
Lizard!" A little of the Darwinian study here evidently. After
leaving cage ',122, a " wild Canary from St. Helena, a capital
songster" (no doubt incur absence) — we cime into immediate
contact with the Mules. We were not carried away with surprise
with the eleven entries in Class 3t, Evenly-marked Yellow Gold-
finch Mule. Mr. Doel of Plymouth headed the class— his old
place — the first-prize ticket being attached to cage 923, contain-
ing a seven-months-old bird, valued at i'lOu! We have seen
better Yellows shown by Mr. Doel, notably a couple of beauties
about five years back. As to condition the bird was all there,
and was well backed-up with two other specimens for second
and extra third places. Mr. G. P.usseH's equal second was sent
in exhibition form, and Mr. Salt's third Yellow would have
shown to greater advantage had it been in better condition.
Mr. John Brown, a well known Mule exhibitor hailing from
Penrith, gained a very deserving extra third prize with a good-
conditioned bird. The Even-marked Buff cla's contained seven-
teen entries, the first-prize bird, exhibited by Mr. Doel, being
the very best Even-marked Bafl we ever saw, and that is saying
a great deal. Its general ftyle, condition, and plumage was
really superb. The same exhibitor also took second and third
with birds in the pink of condition and plumage. Two equal
seconds were awarded, one to Mr. Steven's bird. No. 9i6, a fine
six-marked specimen, which, however, had one dark feather, the
side of its tail slightly broken ; the other to Mr. Salt's 941, which
at first sight appeared very attractive, but which had a feather
in its right wing misplaced, and appeared somewhat the worse
for the dark feathers up the left shoulder. 930 (Salt), a fair bird,
lacking somewhat in dash and general style. The clasn, how-
ever, was one of the best iu the show. Classes 36 (Unevenly-
marked Y''ellow) and 37 (Unevenly-marked Buff) were fairly
represented, the latter especially with twenty-nine birds. Here
again Mr. Doel was the chief winner, taking first, second, and
third honours with extra showy Yellows, Mr. Russell again
coming in for a very capital extra Eecond, and Mr. Willsher for
an extra third. In the Buffi out of seven Mules exhibited Mr.
Doel gained the premier p'ace besides second, third, and an
extra third, three others being very highly commended. An
extra second was also given to a splendid bird belonging to Mr.
Salt, and a nimilar mark of distinction to Mr. Luke Belk's bird.
Two special prizes wc^re given in the class to two beautiful
Mules full of quality, which no doubt were wcrlhy of the prizes
considering that the breeding of such choice specimens are of
BO rare an occurrence, the owners of the birds being Mr. C. J.

Salt, Burton, and Mr. Brown, Penrith. Classes 33 and 39, Dark
Mnles, Yellow. — Mr. Salt was the winner of the three prizes,
whilst Mr. Bexon was awarded first position in Buffs, a mistake
certainly, the second-prize bird belonging to Messrs. Cox and
Griffin being vastly superior. Classes 40 and 41.— The prizes in
the former, as usual, were disposed of thus : first and third to
Mr. Stevens, and second to Mr. Spenoe, both noted north-of-
England exhibitors. Of their kind the birds were particularly
choice. In the latter class (Dark Linnet Mules) the north
again triumphed over other parts, Mr. Tenniswood of Middles-
borough being first and Mr. Stevens of the same town second,
There were some very good cages of six in Norwich, Lizirds,
and Mules, the chief prizetakers being Messrs. Mackley Bros.,
Fairbrass, and J. A. Sleep of London. The Lancashire Coppy
and Plain-head class filled very well, but several of the entries
failed to put in appearance, owing to some unfortunate mistake
occurring in the non-delivery of the labels, which we were
assured were posted at the same time as others. Mackley Bros.,
Wright & Smetharst, Salt, and Thackrey were the prizewinners.
Class 47, Scotch Fancy, numbered fourteen entries, which was
good considering the distance for the birds to travel. The
first prize was won by Mr. Thorpe, Dumfries; second by Mr.
Thirkettle, Norwich; and third by Mr. Mauchan, Dumbarton. —
A Visitor to the Show,

APIARIAN OUTLOOK.

No more promising season than the present for popnloaa
hives and early and strong swarms has been known iu our part
of the country for many years. Spring is upon us in the middle
of February. A week ago I gathered a blackthorn blossom, and
saw laurels in fall bloom besides hosts of spring flowers of many
varieties. Never have I known such a splendid bloom of lanrus-
tinus, soenting the air far and near with its peculiar fragrance,
while a hedge of Berberis Darwinii has been out iu blossom for
some time, and its sister Berberis of Japan is overblown, and
B. aquifolia fast developing. Meanwhile my hives have been
hard at work pollen-gathering for full a fortnight, with a rapidly
rising temperature. Not only so, fresh gathered honey is seen
in two or three hives glistening — a cheering sight to the bee-
owner. I presume it must be gathered from the laarustinus, of
which we have a large quantity, while other flowers are no-
where in like aljundanco, not even the gay celandine, from
which bees gather such quantities of pollen and their earliest
honey supplies in most springs, although I see its cheerful
golden cnps peering out of the grass in all directions.

What is to happen no oue can tell, but it seems hardly pro-
bable we can see winter again with frost or snow, although a
long continuance of northern and eastern blasts is fairly due to
us. Nor is an early spring necessarily followed by an abundant
honey harvest. Still there is good hope, and I now write to
encourage all our apiarian friends to spare no pains to give their
bees every chance and opportunity of success.

It is, bear in mind, of the first importance to encourage the
growth of a large population. To this end three things are of
essential importance — warmth, food, and breeding space. To
these must be added shelter from the driving winds. Wrap-up
well ; supply diligently a gentle and continuous administration
of syrup with a dash of brandy in it ; enlarge the entrance, but
very gradually, and only as such enlarged room for exit is re-
quired; and do not fail to increase the breeding space in yonr
hives by adding ekes as time goes on. These can be removed
in the autumn after the honey season is over, and the hives
reduced in dimensions for the winter ; but in April and M.ay
every encouragement should be given the queen to lay, and the
bees to rear the largest possible quantity of brood. Swarming,
perhaps, will be delayed a week or two, but the swarms will be
larger and the honey harvest greatly increased as well in the
swarms as iu the parent hives. Simultaneously, too, with the
increase of space by means of ekes below, supers above the
hives should be given as the population grows and the weather
improves. If this is oaretuUy and judioiouely dene there will
he little complaint of the queens breeding in the supers. They
do so simply because they are cramped and confined below.

I am not an advocate for wintering bees in large hives. They
suffer more from cold, while they are not exempt from illness
common to bees, such even as dysentery ; but by all means let
them be as expansive in spring and summer time as the need of
the bees requires. The ekes added below should be from 2 to 3
or 4 inches deep, of straw or wood according to the pleasure of the
bee-keeper. A second may be added as the first is filled. Comb-
making will commence downwards by elongation of the over-
hanging combs, as early and as rapidly as the strength of the
population permits and the exigencies of the queen demand.
Perhaps the beginning of April is soon enough to commence
eking ordinary hives in ordinary years. Exceptional cases of
season and strength of stock will be met at the bee-master's
discretion.

As to feeding, there may be instances ot poorly supplied
kives ; if so, they ought to be fed more liberally bencefozth

March 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

205

for the amoaut of food conanmcd while breeding is going on
and as the popnlatioa increases is enormons ; and although
honey is collected from the early spring flowers in considerable
quantities, there will often be weeks during the prevalence of
dry parching winds when nothing will be gathered. Therefore,
let every bee-keeper be careful to watch his hives and test the
amount of food stored-up within each ttock as he shall be able
to do so. Here it is that the common straw hives are so defec-
tive. No one can tell properly their condition, as it is im-
possible to see anything of their stores. Nor will weighing the
hives be of much use, for the young brood in the cells is often
very heavy.

Mr. Pettigrew's advice in a recent number of this Journal
(page 130), is worth attending to. I am happy to be able to
endorse it to the fall.— B. & W.

DO BEES EAT POLLEN?

Weile on a visit to an enthusiastic apiarian a short time ago
he took from his bookcase some modern works on bees for me
to look at. On opening Mr. Frank Cheshire's little work the
following sentence met my eye : — "Mr. Pettigrew, whose prac-
tice is more accurate than his philosophy, tells ns that ' bees do
not eat pollen ; they die of starvation with a superabundance of
it in their hives.'" "But the latter fact," says Mr. Cheshire,
" does not prove the former. A man would die of starvation if
fed only on Liebig's extract of meat on the one hand, or on
arrowroot on the other; but by uniting the two he has aeulhcient
diet. So with the bee. With pollen only they would quickly
die of cold; with honey alone tissue is soon exhausted, and vital
energy slowly but surely extinguished. The physiologist per-
fectly understands this matter, and has shown long since that a
true proportion of the essential food of animals — tlesh aud heat
formers — is necessary, in order that the largest results may be
obtained by any given consumption of them." (page 61 )

It will be observed that Mr. Cheshire has not attempted to
sapport his statement by the evidence of facts. His reference
to the well-known physiological fact that heat and flesh are pro-
duced in animals from different principles, does not prove that
honey does not contain everythinj,' necessary for the health of
bees. We know that bees can work well and live a long time
without pollen. At the present time I have twenty-two hives,
strong in bees and healthy in every respect, that have not a
particle of pollen in them, and not a bee in these twenty-two
hives has tasted pollen for the last three or four months. Mr.
Cheshire may be able to build up pyramids of argument on this
point, but they will not outweigh this simple single fact. " Accu-
rate philosophy " is generally on the side of facts; and this I
believe Mr. Cheshire will readily admit, for he is an honest writer
and means well.

Swarms, on being placed in empty hives, do not gather pollen
for some time, though they work hard. In about three days of
fine weather, or when some combs are formed, a few bees begin
to carry in pollen, which, I believe, is used for nursing purposes
only. Bee-bread (or pollen) and water are used in rearing brood,
but I have never known adult bees use them on their own tables.
I am not aware that anybody can prove that bees eat pollen.
Many a time have I given bees honey s'ightly mixed with
pollen ; they invariably took the honey and left the pollen in
the vessels. Bees have the power of straining or filtering out
pure honey from a nasty mixture of honey and pollen. I have
referred to twenty-two hives in my garden which have not a
particle of pollen in them. I could UDdeitike to put one or
more of these hives into a dark cellar, and there keep the bees
in perfect health and strength ou either honey or sugar-syrup
alone till they die of old age. I hold that honey and sugar con-
tain both the heating and ilesh-sustaining elements, and that
pollen is not eaten by bees or necessary for their health. No
man is better able to place his experience before us in an in-
telligible form than Mr. Frank Cheshire, and if he possesses
facts on the question disputed, and is thns able to establish the
" accuracy of his philosophy," no ore will be more pleased to
see them than his sincere friend — A. Pettiohew.

STEW.\RTON VERSUS STRAW HIVES.

YouB correspondent " W. J. C." asks "How are we to under-
stand that the Stewarton stack was in such excellent condition,
while that of the straw ekep was at starvation point ?" I reply.
It is very easily understood when it is taken into account that
the Stewsrton was the best kind of hive, offering greater facili-
ties for its intended purpose and for etoring honey than the
straw. In Mr. Lowe's succeeding contribution he used the in-
formation I had furnished him and " W. J. C." against me, that
the two hives were not on a par to effect equal results, forgetting
all the while he was handling a two-edged sword. If they were
30, where was his equality theory ? I can assure " W. J. C." he
will find it much more difficult to understand that all kinds of
hives, whatever be their "form, material, and construction,"
oconpy a perfect equality or common level than he will that

the Stewarton is superior to the straw. He never will find
perfect equality of results from a variety of bee domiciles, al-
though he search fer it, as he did in his last letter, even up
a chimney flue. One chimney over another may be so con-
structed as to possess a greater back-draught and effect the
result as to quantity, and deteriorate the quality by sooting in
proportion.

" W. J. C." uses a rather strong expression as to my competi-
tive test hives, that after " being greatly puzzled by your corre-
spondent's statement I cannot see it possible." To this

it is replied I only Btated facts. The honey harvest from both
stocks was carefully weighed to an ounce; the condition of both
after being deprived was substantiated by two moat experienced
and credible witnesses, and I fail to perceive that the adducer
of facts is to be held responsible to reconcile such with the
notions of every reader.

" W. J. C." farther says, " Yonr correspondent seems singularly
nnfottunate in the shape and working of his ckeps . . . and that
too in a very bungling manner." Before these lines appear in
print his mind will probably be relieved to find the competitive
straw has found its proper level and is otherwise peopled. In-
stead of that straw being wrought in a " bungling manner,"
it was far the best-managed stock in my apiary. The clear
proof cf tbis was the thoroughness with which the honey was
diverted to the glass, aud the weight and beauty of that glass
placed it above its compeers.

Tbis correspondent narrates some particulars of a visit he
paid to the late Mr. Woodbury, and reports the gist of a con-
versation that passed between them, which I must confess both
puzzled aud surprised me as well as many a reader. Although
I never had the good fortune to meet that gentleman, yet we
corresponded very frequently for several years. Every letter
he wrote me I have carefully preserved ; he presented me with
a copy of his treatise, " Bees and Bee-keeping ;" consequently
the great apiarian " being dead yet speaketh." It would there-
fore be deeply interesting to the present writer as well as every
Biitish bee-keeper could your correspondent fix the date of hia
visit to Mount Radlord, so as to place on record the time our
respected chief changed his opinion as to his much-prized
Italians. If early, as the price of the stock would indicate, then
I think it can be easily shown he very materially changed hia
view as to the value of the yellow-jacket. Our respected father,
like all of us who sit at the feet of that good dame Experience,
never adopted " fixity " aa a part of his creed.

As mentioned above, it ia at all times most interesting to the
beekeeper the many odd crannies our little favourites take up
their quarters in, not so much so, I daresay, from choice as
necessity, when overlooked at swarming time by careless owners.
In Bible lands " honey from the rock" is the rule, we have the
" bee tree " of America, and the still commoner roof colonies
of our own country. The first stock tho writer could claim aa
hia very own he found well combed, quite open, on the under
side of a branch of an Ash tree, and the clergyman's lady re-
ferred to in remarks on "Crude Honey" only experience as a
bee-mistress was with a stock she discovered ensconced in a
high wooden-covered pump well placed in a retired corner of
her manse garden.— A Eenfkewshire Bee-keepeb.

[We can only spare space for facta and fair arguments. — Eds.j

HIVES.

It is astonishing how much is expected of our little friend
the busy bee. The people who begin bee-keeping and throw it
np in disgust after a year or two's experience are very many,
for the simple reason that they thick it only necessary to obtain
the bees and honey, and increase must of necessity follow with-
out any further trouble. This idea is not confined to the un-
educated. Many instances have come to my knowledge where
ladies and gentlemen of position, who have in the first instance
spared no expense in hives and bees, have yet failed to see the
necessity of a little after-attention ; indeed, ofttimes they have
been too timid to touch the bees or remove the crownboard of
the hive. With such people frame hives, sectional supers, and
extractors are quite thrown away, and straw skeps are the only
hives they are equal to manage.

Then, again, many persona who are successful enough to derive
a moderate profit from their bees are discontented because they
cannot obtain supers approaching the size and quality exhibited
at our shows, forgetting that these are generally very exceptional
reaultp, seldom obtained without the expenditure of great care
and skilful management. A man may keep bees for years,
manage them well, aud yet net obtain a super of SO Ibg. or
100 lbs., or such a harvest from one hive as recorded by "A Een-
FREwsniRE Bee-keepeb." It is true I could name perhaps half
a dozen gentlemen who are almost sure to come to the front
with prize supers. This may partly be ascribed to locality and
skill. Huge supers I have long ago discovered and pronounced
a mistake. It is true, if perfectly full and all the dangers cf
transit to the show are safely passed, a prize may be won, but
the winning super is unsaleable. No private person wants to

206

jouuNAL OP HORriouLTORB A^D cjrriaa Gi.soE^^a8.

[ Marcii 15, 1977.

buy 100 Iba. of honeycomb, and no dealer cares to " oat and
come ag»io" at such an endless mes^y job. The smaller the
super the more easy is it to sell, hence the great value of sectional
supers which I hope and believe will soon comj into general
U3e. E ich section should not cost more than '2d. if bouglit, and
need not coat Id. if home-made. At these prices tbe super can
be given or sold with the honey, as is a tin canister with
many of our grocary stores. The prices I have named are not
imaginary, for sectional supars as good as can be desired are
actually made and sold by one of our best hive makers at
25. 6d. the set of sixteen. Clean delicate honeycomb in the
houses of the wealthy ia appreciatad as a breikfast luxury,
and one of these little supers can be consumed while fresh,
whereas a very large one becames nauseating by its repeatad
appearance.

I am glad to see our old contributor, "A Renfrewshire
Bee KEEPER," once more to the front as a frequent correspon-
dent of the Journal, and greatly admire his gallant advocacy
of hi3 favourite system, the Stcwarton. I cordially agree
with him that the test, ekep versus frame, was fairly conducted,
and as fairly won by the frame ; but I cannot help thinking
that had our friend bestowed equal care and skill on a Wood-
bury hive the result would have been a little different; I
mean the result was arrived at uot by any particular charm
of the Stewarton system, but by the greater facilities afforded
by a frame hive with means of expansion against a closed straw
skep.

I have not entered into the renewed " battle of the hives," as
I think enough has been said. The only two charges that have
been retiined against frame hives are— first the expense, and
secondly the damp internally. The latter is remedied by
proper ventilation ; the former does not exist. It is true that
in frame hives there is more scope to spend money. Oae man
will not object to pay guineas, while another will look twice
before he parts with his shillings, and the latter man with good
management will obt»iu a hive for his smaller coin capable of
affording the bees equal facilities for the storage of their harvest
as the most expensive. In like manner busy brains have in-
vented scores of appliances more or less handy to the bee-
master ; but very few of these are necessaries— merely luxuries,
such as we can either make or do without. A handy man who
can use a hammer, plane, and saw miy make a serviceable two-
storey hive with legsaadrojf for5s. or Gs.; less than half this if
he has the wood. I have several hives in use, the resnlt of
a mornin.'^'a work and the materials C'f an old wine case. Doubt-
lass a carpenter would laugh at my work, but the bees don't. I
know from the many letters I receive that there is many a
working man would like to start a frame hive if he knew how
or had the means; to such let the above be encouragement.
— John Hunter.

The unusual warmth on the 10th of February tempted me for
the first time since October to overhaul one of my Stewarton
hives. The family consists of two lota of black bees, which were
driven out of straw skeps last autumn ami were subsequently
flupplied with an imported Italian queen. I found the interior
of the hive in excellent condition, free from the slightest trace
of damp, and tbe queen apparently in good laying order. The
three central combs contained a considerable quantity of sealed
and unsealed brood, and recently hatched bees were running
over the combs, clearly proving that breeding had been going
on in January.

In reply to some observations by Mr. Pettigrow upon the sub-
ject of ventilation I may remark that I have found the quilt,
when properly used, a perfect remedy against internal moisture,
and, after employing wooden and straw frame hives for many
years side by side, have not found the latter possess any advan-
tage over the former on the score of dryness.

To prepare my Stewavtous for their winter campaign I remove
all the slkl?s, and insert the little plugs or stops between the
ends of the bars. A piece of Brussels carpet cat to fit the top of
the hive is then carefully drawn over the bars and secured in
its position by a few small tacks. No hammer is requisite, as
the tacks are easily pressed down into the soft wood with the
handle of a turnacrew or any piece of hard wood with very little
disturbance to the bees. Two or three pieces of old carpet or
flannel are then laid over the hive, largo enough to overlap
3 or 4 inches on either side and tuck down between the hive
and its exterior cover. My hives arc all in the open garden,
each upon a sepirate stand, protected from tho weather by a
loose outer cover with a sloping roof. As the roof is loose with
plenty of space between it and the top of the hive, and aa there
ia an inferval of an inch on all sides between the cover and the
hive, psrfect extarnal ventilation is secured, and any vapjur
arising from the interior is at once carried off into the open air
without condensation ; in fact the interior of the hive ia well
aired and kept dry by the bees. In proof of this the iron tacks
(not tinned) which have secured the pieces of carpet over my
hives since October are still perfectly clean and free from rust.
— J. E. Briscoe, Albrig'iton, Wo!verIia»i2)ton.

OUB LETTER BOX.

T/Kes).— Tliey are over-fed.

L the bri

There is a

Chickens Stai
pressure of blijod

Feeding Fowls (E. C. N.). — The groUQd food ia more noarishiog than
whole coru. If yoa wdut a proof of it you will tiud that while a bird fed on
ground food will put ou lat daily, one led on whole corn will alter very little
in condition. The support you .speak of is not required durin;- the night.
The bird is entirely at rest, and there is no demand either on its stronsith or
diKestive powers. It there were we should think we were enabling the bird
to meet it more effectually by giving ground than by giving whole c >rn. We
do not like your feeding, and fancy you will have fowls dying of fat. All the
sub-ititute3 for natural feeding are mistakes, and most of them lay the
foundation of disease. We keep thousands and hive done so for years, and
aftttr trying all description of food are so satisfied that we have chosen the
right and proper method, that if anyone would give ua any other food we
would not a;cept it. Barleymeal or (.'round oats morning and evening, com
at mid-day, or any other food, such as kitchen scraps, whole maize or barley.
We have always found groand maize was unpalatable to fowls, but when they
took to it they put on fa'. vei*y quickly and to an injurious extent. Ground
buckwheat is also very fa'tening and unlit f jr feeding. Wneat fl air is also a
bad thing. Tour birds are laying very wall. You will probably have plenty
of broody hens before long. We advise you strongly to alter your dietary
for our plain living. Do uot overfeed; you will save in every way by being
moderate Half the fowls are spoiled by overfeeding, and nothing tends
more that way than to give a fixed qaiutity of food. Feed them aa long as
they will run after it and no longer.

Book on Bees (W<-oj<%Ic).— Wo do not think you will find a book better
suited for your purp jse thai our " Bea-keeping for the Many," which yen can
procure from this office for 5(f. by po^t. Perhaps "Profitable Bee-keeping"
would meet your wishes, by the Rev. P. V. M. Filleul, price Gd., which you can
procure of any bookseller. It is published by the Society for Promoting
Christian Knowledge. Feed no ff. Lat the sun shine on the hives now, but
not *

I

Bees Dead in the Comd (W. I'., JTh lea ^^t).— No iaespeneaced parson
could Bee the deid bees in the celh aa yours are without fearing that tbej
would vitiate the cambs aad be hurtful for a fresh swarm introdnced to them.
Oq the conliQeg of starvation baes naturally give the last sip of honey to
their queen, and then bury themselve:^ deeply in the empty cells of their
comb^. In this way they await and mee'-. a painful death. If the hive has
bsen kept dry eince the death of the bess they will b3 easily removei by a
fre^h swarm and ca^t out of the hive, or you may remove the greater part of
them by a knitting needle. If the combs are otherwiaa clean and good yoa
have Dothiog to fear.

MGrEOUOLOaiCAL OBSERVATIONS.

Gauden Sqoare, Londos.

LU. SPSJ'i)' N.; L>ug.0'8'0" W.; Altitude. lUfeet.

DiTE.

9i.M.

In the Day.

i?.«

Hy^rome.

g.a

lo- .

Radiation

.|

March,

»?

\IU

perature.

Temperature.

ts

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

iex.

Max.

Mm.
deg.

sun.

grass,
deg.

deg.

IB.

37 1

347

89. 0

42.6

29.915

36 1

32.5

N.

39.)

412

32.8

810

29 8

—

S0.128

34.7

82 6

N.

S8.0

42.0

31.2

67.2

—

80 1 8

31.1)

32.0

S.

.37.8

88.2

B2.5

67.1

31.7

—

30,216

33.9

30.4

S.

! 35.0

38.8

25 0

4)4

S9.7

S.W.

36 4

48.0

80.7

—

Tn. 13

29.783

45 8
87.8

417
34 8

N.W.

1 83.6
1 37.1

517
43.1

S9.9
32,1

70 6

36.3
29.1

0.025

Means.

29.93)

71.9

0.063

REMARKS.
7th.— Snow and rain in earlv momirjg, pono by 9 a.m.; snow and bright
sunshine at 10.30, snowing heavily in tho afternoon, and with high
wind at night.
8th.— Very fine bit cold; frequent snow showers during the day, bright
sunshine often following them ; the flakes ware very large and nume-
rous, but it melted almost as soon as it fell.
9th.— Rather floor day, but very cold all day.

10th.— Dull aud cold, bit quite fair and a*, times bright, but very cold.
11th.— Fair all day, but rather dull and very cold.
13th.— Damp miruiag; a fair but not bright day ; mucli warmer, especially

towards night.
18th.— Fine morning, but soon becoming dull, and then showery.

Sharp fros^. ou llth and 12th, rendering the mean temperature rather
lower than that of the previous weak. Each of the last four weeks has been
colder than its predecessor. — G. J. Symons.

OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 14.
A FEW good samples of Strawberries have reached us, but trade being quiet
thoy are not realising as much as they have done,
appearances a good many may bo sboi^tly t

coming short e

i sieve 8 6 to 7

dozen 0 0 0

Butnuts bushel 0 0 0

(lof^sftberrieg quatl 0

Grapes, hothouse. . . . lb. 6

Lemons V 100 6

Melons each 0

nd according to preeent
Good late Grapes m»

nakiog'good' prices. Trade still quiet.

FRUIT.

6. d. B. d.

Nectarines dozen 0 OtoO I

Oranges «H0) 8 0 18 •

Peaches dozen 0 0 0 0

Pears, kitchen.,., dozen 0 0 0 0

dessert dozen 3 0 13 0

PineApples lb. 16 4 0

Pluras iseive 0 0 0 0

Qoincea bushel 0 0 0 0

Raspberries lb. 0 0 0 0

atrawborriea oz 16 2 0

Walnut3 bushel 5 0 8 0

ditto ^ 101 19 2 0

Marei 23, 1377. ]

JOOKNAL OP HORTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

207

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day i Day

ot ■ o(

Month Week.

MABCH 22—28, 1877.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun Son
Eises. Sets.

Moon
Rines.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Sun.

Day
of
Year.

22 Th Eoyal Sooioty at 8.S0 p.m.
as F Qaeokett (Miorosoopioall Clnbat 8 P.M.
34 S 1 Royal Botaoic Society at 3.45 PH.
as Son : Palm SusDiy.

26 M Eoyal Geographical Society at 8 30 p.m.

27 To ' Boj al Medical and Chirargical Society at 8.30 p.m.
38 W

Day.

50.1
60.6
48.6
50.9
61.5
53.7
63.0

.Night.
842
83.0
31.7
32.5
32.2
34.2
31.2

Mean.
43.3
41.7
40.1
41.7
11.9
48 9
18.6

h. m.

6 0
6 67
6 53
6 53
6 60
6 48
6 16

h. m.
6 11
6 16
6 18
6 19
6 21
6 28
6 21

b. m.
9 11

10 26

11 63
la24
2 65
1 21
6 61

h. m.
2 80

5 21
1 3
1 29

4 19

6 1

5 17

Days.

T>

8

9
10
11
12

6' 66'
6 88
0 20
B 1
5 43
3 21
5 6

81
82
83
81
85
86
87

From observations taien near London daring forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 61.2' ; and its night temperature
S8.3'.

PRUNING AND TRAINING PLUM TREES.

iKh?\^^'OUR au.ssver to a con-espondent concerning
*>t a Plum tree reminds me that we do not
often see tliis fruit well managed on walls
where there is anything like system iu
training ; but, on the other hand, where a
.' tree is allowed to grow in a half-wild state
^ by a cottage we may see fruit of medium
quality produced year after year in abun-
dance. Why is this '? and is there no way
•^ of producing fruit except by following the

cottagers' system ?

The cottage undoubtedly has some natural advantages ;
its walls are warmer. A wall of any building, even if
unheated, must always be warmer in winter and spring
than a single garden wall, from the fact of its having a
body of comparatively dry air behind it. The cottage in
addition often has a projecting roof, and this, especially
if thatched, is almost a perfect protector. Then, again,
bullfinches do not trouble cottage walls seriously, because
the buds would not be left undisturbed for any length of
time ; while here and in many other places they often
take every unprotected fruit bud. This is part of the
reason why the half-wild tree against a cottage wall
produces the most abundant crops ; but the other and
most important part is that the mode of bearing of the
Plum is not sufficiently taken into account when pruning
and training are being performed, it being in this respect
altogether different from the Peach or Cherry, both of which
can be kept in perfect order without allowing the growth
to project any further from the wall than the fruit does.
But if you would have Plums in abundance you must
have spurs on the trees to bear them. True, you may
have a few fruits on the best-matured parts of the one-
year-old wood, though not often what could be called a
crop ; but well-grown and matured one-year-old wood, if
nailed-in to the wall and treated liberally, will seldom
fail to produce abundance of fruit spurs for the following
season. Spurs will of course increase iu length every
season ; for to keep them fruitful they must generally be
pruned to a wood bud, and they become offensive to the
eye of the " neat " gardener, who unmercifully slashes
them off without making any provision for a succession.
He then wonders why his trees do not bear, and finally
blames soil, situation, or anything except himself.

Now, most employers like neatness, but all like fruit,
and the taste for the former carried to the extreme will
often cause the latter to be a blank. Fortunately there
is a happy medium which will please Loth the eye and
the palate. Spurs and branches whicli have become
unsightly may always with perfect impunity be cut off
in August or September when there arc other branches
and spurs to replace them, so long as too much is not
done in one season ; the wounds will tlien heal before
the tree ceases growth — an all-important point in fruit-
tree culture when severe amputations have to be made.

But to begin with young trees as received fi'om the
unrsei-y. Whatever question there may be about train-
No. 834.-VOI.. XXXII., New Semes.

ing other kinds of trees there is none, in my mind, about
the Plum, no other mode will bear comparison with fan
training. Trees as received from the nursery have from
six to twelve shoots, which should be trained in equal
numbers and at corresponding angles to form main
branches on each side of the tree. This is the general
practice, and it is a good one ; but another general prac-
tice is to shorten these shoots back pretty hard, and this
is not so good. If the points are soft and sappy they
should be cut back to the ripe wood, and then the whole
of them regulated as to length, leaving when possible
the lowest branches the longest, as they have a disad-
vantage when competing with others more or less verti-
cally disposed.

A little disbudding will be necessary the first season or
two. Growths will be produced on the sidu next the
wall, which should always be carefully picked off, as well
as others which are inconveniently placed ; but an endea-
vour should be made to keep the wood covered fairly
with foliage, and to attain this end growths may be often
pinched back and kept as spurs when there is no room.
to treat them otherwise. Young growths must be laid-in
every season, and some of the weakest and worst of the
older shoots cut out as soon as the wall becomes fairly
covered, when spurs and fruit buds wil5 follow as a matter
of course.

Our trees after they are pruned in autumn receive a
dressing of limewash, with which is mixed a good quan-
tity of soot while it is being slaked. Bullfinches do not
mind the lime alone when they are used to it; but they
are not partial to soot. — William Taylor.

SEDUM SPEOTABILE.

Now that hardy border flowers are receiving more
attention than formerly, I am glad to find the above
valuable plant is not overlooked. Mr. Record could not
have directed attention to a plant more worthy of increase
and cultivation, nor have detailed his mode of culture at
a more seasonable time. I am not aware that any better
mode of propagation can be advanced than that described
by Mr. Record on page 198; therefore in these supple-
mentary notes I will confine my remarks to the after-
cultivation of the plant, and its adaptability to yaiioas
modes of decoration.

If a Chrysanthemum is planted in a border and left
undisturbed year after year it will naturally produce a
multiplicity of growths and pi'oportionally small flowers ;
whereas if the growths are thinned the flowers are fewer
and finer ; and better still, if the more robust shoots are
struck and grown throughout the season in rich soil mag-
nificent exhibition blooms are the result. In that case
the power of good cultivation is forcibly exemplified ; but
equally striking — even more so — is the improvement
resulting from intelligent and generous cultivation when
applied to this Sedum. Plants wliich are established in
borders are now pushing a largo number of succulei.t
pale gi'een shoots : these if suffered to remain will pro-
duce puny heads of flowers of 1 to 2 inches in diameter;

No. 1496.— Vol. LVII., Old SiBIBS.

208

JOURMIL OP HOBTICTJLTDRK AND COTTAGK GARDENER.

[ March 22, 1877.

if the shoots are thinned and manure ia applied to the plants
the flower heads will increase to 4 or 6 inches in diameter ;
bat if the stoutest of the shoots are strnok and the plants are
grown thinly in rich soil, heads of flowers are produced not
less than a foot to 18 iachea across. It is when thus grown
that the plants are so attractive.

They are effective as bedding plants for massing; as border
plants for associating in mixture with other flowers ; as shrub-
bery plants for planting in lines and spaces at the front of
evergreens ; and as pot plants for vases, balconies, terraces,
and even conservatory decoration.

As bedding plants I hava never seen them grown so 'ijell or
produce such an impoeing effect as in the ducal garden of
Drumlanrig. In that grand garden where all flowers are grown
by a master in the art of cultivation none are grown finer than
this Sedum, and no beds command more attention than those
oooupied wholly with this fine old hardy herbaceous plant. The
surfaces of large beds as 1 have seen them were as level as the
smoothest lawn — a sea of rosy pink without a ripp'e. Anyone
may have beds similarly fine by adopting the same mode of
caltare — namely, young plants thinly planted and strongly
grown in rich soil. Sach plants are also valuable for mixed
beds, borders, or shrubberies, and transplant freely at almost
any time during the growing season — even " on a pinch" when
the flowers are expanding.

At another place in the north — Archerfield— plants are
grown in great excellence in pots for placing on balconies and
other exposed positions. Plants in 8 and 10-inch pots with as
many heads of rosy flowers are well worth the trouble of pro-
ducing, and will resist the effects of sun, rain, or wind better
than most plants. When thus grown the shoota require to be
thinned-out, and the soil strong and rich, manure water being
applied freely, the pots being plunged in an open place after
the manner of growing Chrysanthemums. The Sedums re-
quire staking, so as to afford room for the expansion of the
heads and to p -event them being broken by their weight
during boisterous weather. Smaller plants in 5-inoh pots are
useful for plunging in vases and for furnishing ornamental
groups in corridors or other draughty positions ; also for
window-sills and similar exposed places— in fact, as Mr. Record
remarked, these plants " can hardly be put out of place."

By potting a few plants early and growing them under glass
they flower several weeks earlier than their natural season,
which is August, September, and October. They are valuable
conservatory plants at any season when well grown. Being
suooulent in their nataro copious supplies of water are neces-
sary to bring them to perfection.

S. spectabile variegatum is one of the most charming hardy
" foliage " plants we possess, and it ia worthy of a place in all
gardens and greenhouses. It is constant in its variegation,
«nd always attracts when seen in good condition.

S. spectabile purpureum has darker flowers than the species
fPabaria syu. spectabile) and flowers somewhat later, and is
a plant worth cultivating; and S. atro-purpureum is distinct,
also attractive, by its very dark foliage and fine corymbs of
purplish flowers ; this and the variegated typs grown together
afford a fine contrast. As generally seen these Sedums are
half-starved : cultivite them and they will amply reward by
their massive heads of chastely-tinted flowers — striking with-
out being gaudy, massive without being coarse. —.T. S. P ,
North Britain.

last week in August or first week in September. Peas inNovem-
ber, the end of February, and at intervals during the next
four months; French Beans, which may be sown in the open
ground during April, May, June, July, and August, and under
glass the remainder of the year. It is chiefly amongst Greens
and salads that the easiest successions are to be found. Cab-
bage must be sown the first week in August, early in March,
and in April and May; Cauliflower must be sown at the end of
August, early in February, and at monthly interv.ils until July ;
Broccoli, which supplies the connecting all-the-year-round
link with Cauliflower, must be sown during March, April, and
May; Brussels Sprouts and Savoys may be sown at the same
time ; Parsley in March and Jane ; Turnips from March until
the end of July, when the winter crop is sown ; Asparagus,
Bhubarb, and Seakale in March ; Celery in heat in March, and
again in April ; Cos Lettuce should be sown for summer use
in March, April, May, June, and July ; and the Cabbage sorts
in August and September for winter and spring use; Endive
from April to August. Radishes may be sown once amonth
all throughout the year, but in the winter time they must
have the protection of a frame. The same remarks apply to
Mustard and Cress. The quantity of every vegetable sown
must be regulated by the demand, but whether that be large
or small a sowing of everything in its season shonld be made
every twelve or fifteen days. — A Kitchen Gakdenek.

A SDCCESSION OP VEGETABLES.

Great attention is often paid to keeping up a long suoceFsion
of Grapes, Peaches, and other fruits under glass, and it ia
considered to be a matter of no ordinary importance to have
Grapes "all the year round;" but I consider it is quite as
creditable to have a good supply of vegetables of different sorts
all the year round. This does not always have the attention
it deserves, and even in large gardens there is often a glut of
vegetables at one time and a scarcity at another. This is the
result, to a great extent, of making too large a sowing and
planting of a crop at one time. I have been rather fortunate
in securing a lengthy succession of vegetables, which I attribute
to attention in sowing the seed, and also m Eolecling sorts
for succession.

No better time than the present could be chosen to begin
arranging for a succession of vegetables all the year round.
Beetroot, Parsnips, C.irrots, S'llsafy, Scorzonera, and Leeks
need only be sown once, and these crops cannot be sown too
Boon now. Onions may be sown now, and again during the

FUCHSIA CULTURE.

Few plants can equal Fuchsias for profusion of bloom when
well grown, and few plants are easier to cultivate; still one
often meets with plants falling somewhat short of that grace-
fulness of habit and abundance of bloom which ought to
characterise a well-grown specimen. Fuchsias, like Radishes,
are the better for being grown quickly, and without any extra-
ordinary effort plants 3 feet high and as many through can be
grown in one season.

Cuttings procured now, if short and strong, will soon strike
iu a close genial heat. The young growths should be taken off
from 1 to 2 inches long and inserted in pots in which a large
proportion of silver sand has been incorporated with the soil.
These if placed in a propagating case or warm frame (such aa
a Cucumber bed at work) will root very readily, and in about
a fortnight they may be potted-off into CO's, returning them to
the frame again for a time, when they will soon require a
second shift. This being done and the plants growing well it
is time to consider about the training, some sorts forming an
agreeable pyramidal shape without much stopping, while othera
are stronger growers and require stopping frequently to bring
them into the desired shape. A pyramidal shape supported
with one stout stick iu the centre has the most natural ap-
pearance, though I have seen and grown them in a bush-like
form ; but bushes lack the gracefulness of perfectly symmetrical
pyramids, the blooms hanging down over the pots so as to
almost cover them.

At their second shift the plants will require to have short
stakes placed to support and train the leader to, and should
side shoots not form freely the leader should be stopped when-
ever 8 or 10 inches of growth are made ; this gives strength
to the side shoots and lays a good foundation for the plant.
Repot whenever the roots have reached the sides of the pots,
being very particular that they never become pot-bound, which
is sure to throw them into bloom (of cour.ie if bloom is required
in a small state it is not necessary to repot as advised).
Attention must at all times through the growing period be
paid to shading, watering, and keeping up a moist temperature
of 50' to 0')', which suits them admirably, and iu which they
mnke most rapid growth. They will require syringing at least
twice aday, and the floors and stages must be frequently
damped if the weather is at all hot. I often, when they are
growing well and have made plenty of roots, water them over-
head with a coarse-rosed wateroan — a drenching which they
seem to delight in.

The soil that suits them best is equal parts of good fibry
loam and leaf soil or old hotbed manure (in which a great pro-
portion of leaves has been used in the making), and a plentiful
sprinkling of coarse silver sand, the whole well mixed together ;
plenty of drainage must be provided, and a layer of moss over
the crocks will prevent the drainage from becoming choked.
Liquid manure is beneficial when the i^lants are growing freely;
it should be given two or three times a- week provided it is not
very strong; weak and often is the safest plan. With this
treatment Fuchsias will be found to do well and make hand-

March 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

209

some plants for the oonaervatory, ia which strnctnre, if kept
tolerably well shaded during bright sunshine, they will last in
bloom until very late in the autumn.

When flowering is almost pa3t water should be partially
withheld and the wood be well ripeued, and be allowed a period
of rest in some place where frost is excluded. While at rest
the plants should be pruned hard back, and about January be
introduced into a tempsrature of about 50'. As soon as the
bads have grown nearly an inch shake all the soil from the
roots, and place them in smaller- sized and clean or new pots.
If it is convenient the pots can be plunged in a very mild hot-
bed, which assists them to root quicker and break earlier and
stronger, and, if wanted for exhibition, stopping and training
as advised must ba attended to. Some of the early whites,
saoh as Rose of Cistile and Arabella, can be stopped as late
as eight weeks before the show, but some of the doubles will
require ten and twelve weeks, and the final potting should not
be made closer than three months to the show. Should some
of the plants as they become old not break well from the
bottom cut them down, they will then with very little attention
make useful bushes for conservatory decoration. I also train
Bome plants as standards, which form associates well with other
plants employed in grouping and massing. — J. W. Moorman.

WBOUQHT-IRON STANDARDS FOR WIRE
FENCING.

We have detailed on page IGO our
high opinion of this kind of fencing.
Messrs. Barnard, Bishop, & Barnards
have sent ns the accompanying wood-
cut of their anchor-footed fencing,
and state that the same heights may
be pierced for any number of wires
without extra charge.

-n

CARBOLIC ACID FOR SEEDS.
It answers admirably for both
Wheat and Peas ; but the mice or
rooks will work the insides out of
Broad Beans. A table-spoonful will
drees a quart of Peas; sprinkle the
dressing over them, after putting the
Peas in a flower pot or basin, and stir
with a label until all the Peas are
covered. Three pints will dress two
bushels of Wheat. It costs only
2*. 6d. per gallon. How it is mixed
I know not ; that I fancy will be a
trade secret. Full instructions for
dressing the seed are sent with the
liquid, " King's patent carbolic dress-
ing, prepared by Mr. Edmund King, Ashley, Cambridge."-
J. Douglas.

PROTECTING FRUIT-TREE BLOSSOMS.

■Nearly every year great damage is done to fruit trees by
the severe frosts of spring. Last year spring frosts were most
disastrous, and this year the blossoms are in a dangerous state.
Much may be done by protection for preserving the crops on
choice fruit trees on walls, and also pyramids ; but orchards
of course must take their chance.

I have noticed that destruction is frequently done during
two or three nights. For weeks when protection is not needed
it is afforded, and then when the " pinch comes " the covering
is not sufficient. I allude now to permanent coverings such
as nets, which occasionally first make the blossoms tender and
then do not save them. When slender nets are used which
exclude 4' or 5' of frost, there are almost certain to come
nights of, say, 10° to 12" of frost, and then additional pro-
tection is needed to save the crops.

My opinion about the protection of fruit trees is this — The
trees should not be covered at all unless absolutely needed,
and then the screens should be sufficiently stout to resist 10°
of frost. I have observed that the losses have been as great
with trees which have been what I call half-covered during all
weathers — mild as well as severe — as when other trees have
not been covered at all. I will go further and say that I have
known Apricot trees which have never been protected produce

better crops than others which have been screened with nets
for weeks. I have no doubt but that others have noticed the
same circumstance, for it is by no means uncommon.

Protection during mild weather renders the blossoms tender,
and then when a rather severe frost occurs they snocumb ;
while blossoms which have not been covered are more hardy
and better resist the effects of a " nipping night."

It is self-evident that when, as is the case in some gardens,
ample coverings are provided and they are judiciously used
the crops are rendered safe. I mean moveable coverings of
canvas or some other stout material. These are the best
coverings, and the trees are well worthy of them. They are
not, however, always provided, and the labour of pruning,
pinching, training, and syringing, as well as wall space and
root space, have been lost when frost has prevented the pro-
duction of the crops.

The garden that I " look after " is only small in comparison
with many others, yet it contains several wall trees and some
profitable pyramids. The blossoms of these, or most of them,
I have generally contrived to prpserve. I have a length of
herring net sufficient to cover the entire wall. That net I
might place over the trees early in March and there let it
remain, fondly hoping the blossoms would be safe; but kuow-
iug that such a net so used is only deceptive, I do not put it
up in that fashion.

The only permanent coverings, if I may call them so, are a
few bare poles. These are fixed during March, and remiin
until the end of May. Perhaps during that time the poles
and trees are covered on twelve nights, rarely more, but fre-
quently less, and during those nights they are covered well,
at least as well as my means will permit.

As to the coverings, in the first place I must say that I have
a conservatory to " look after." For this a eanvas blind is
provided for shading the flowers during the summer. This
blind just covers the "best Peach tree" in the spring, and has
always been effectual. The value of the fruit saved by this
covering has been more than would pay for the canvas five
times over ; but still my " governor " would not buy other
canvas for other trees.

After the conservatory blind comes the herring net ; single
it would cover the entire wall, but then it would not afford
sufficient protection, so it is folded into five or six thicknesses,
and covers a portion of the trees, and in that form it does its
work well.

After the net come the mats (I have only a few of these),
and after the mats the (and here is the advantage of being a
groom) harness screen, horse rugi, and other sundries. Out
they come if the night is sharp and the time critical. What
harm can a " night out " do such things as those ? None
whatever; it sweetens them and kills the moths, besides saving

1 the fruit. But these do not cover all the trees, and then
comes — straw ; not straw, however, as a real gardener would

I use it (and here comes the advantage again of being a groom),

I but straw as used by the sometimes despised, sometimes

I valued, " horsey " man.

i Have not gardeners often seen the neat fringes of straw
fabricated by grooms and spread along the fronts of the stalls
to make them look " trim " — a row of knots neatly made, and
then a fringe of straight close straws'? Well, these are first-
rate "protectors." When made of "selected straws" each
fringe will cover a surface of wall or tree of more than 3 feet
depth. They are light, take up little room when folded, and
with care they last three or four years. Three poles fixed
round a pyramid Pear tree and covered with the straw fringe
render the blossom of that tree safe, and the same on wall
trees. Do not despise a groom ; the gardener at the hall did
not when he asked me to teach his men to make protectors of
the same kind. The men — garden men — now make them on
wet days, and they are used during frosty nights, and much
fruit is saved that would be otherwise lost. If yon print this
I will tell you next week how I make miniature frames for
raising flower seeds, &o., without infringing on anybody's
patent. Mr. McSandyson, the baronet's gardener, says it is a
capital idea, but not new. Old practices are sometimes as
useful as new notions. — Groom and Gakdeneb.

BEAUTY OF GLAZENWOOD ROSE.

Is consequence of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society having pronounend " Beauty of Glazsnwood "
to be identical with the old " Fortune's Yellow Rose," Mr.
Woodthorpe, the nurseryman at Glazenwood , writes as follows : —

210

JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTXJBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

[ March 22, 1877.

" I can only say I have bloomed the Rose most decidedly and
distinctly striped ; but I have not bloomed it so well on the
Manetti as on standard Briar. I will, if possible, send you
some blooms during the summer."

[We can only repeat that the ppecimens exhibited to the
Royal Horticultural Society's Floral Committee were not
striped, but plain coppery yellow, and not differing from
Fortune's. — Eds.]

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

March 21st.

Notwithstanding th^t the Botauic Society's Spring Show was
held om the same dny, there was an excellent Bhow in the con-
servatory at South K-iieiiiKtou. The exhibits were exceedingly
choice, and well maiufained the reputation of the different tirms
who kindly brought their collections. The principal exhibitors
were JTessrs. Veitcb & Sons of Chelsea, Mr. Wills of Onslow
Crescent, Messrs. Cutbnsh & Son cf Highgate, Mr. Charles
Turner of Slovigh, Mr. AMons, Gloucester Road ; Mr. Ollerhead,
gardener to Sir Henry Peek, Wimbledon; Mr. B. S. Williams,
Holloway ; Messre. Osborne & Sons of Fulham ; and Mr. Gilbert
of Burgbley.

Fruit Comshttee. — Henry Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair.
Mr. J. Maher, gardener to C. Allhansen, Eeq , Stoke Court,
Slough, sent fruit of Eclipee Cucumber, for which a letter of
thanks was awarded. Fruit of a Cucumber was received from
Hon. and Rev. J. T.Boscawen from plants which have beenraieed
from cuttings for many years past in consequence of the fruit
not producing seed. A letter of thanks was awarded. Mr. R.
Gilbert of Burghley Gardens, Stamford, exhibited a collection
of vegetables, consisting of very fine dishes of Seakale, Canadian
Wonder Kiduey Beans, Mushrooms, Hawke's Champagne Rhu-
barb, and Gilbert's Winter Cabbase. A cultural commendation
was awarded. The last-named vegetable will be a valuable addi-
tion to the kitchen garden. Mr. J. Batters, Chilworth Manor
Gardens, Romsey, sent a dish nf Extra Pearly Vermont or Early
Rose Potatoes, which were raised in 7!-inch pots on the back
shelf of a vinery and Fig house. The tubers were planted
January 1st. A cultural commendation was awarded.

Floral Committee. — W. B. Kellock, Esq., in the chair.
Messrs. Veitch sent a grand lot of Hjacinths, Tulips, pot Roses,
and Clematises. Among the former were some fine ppikes of
Baron Von Tuyll, General Havelock, Blondin, Cav.iignac, Von
Schiller, Prince Albert Victor, Gigantca, Grand Bine, Garrick,
King of the Blues, Lord Wellington, Masterpiece, Adelina Patti,
Fabiola, Ornement de la Nature, Prince of Orange, Princess
Louise, Lothair, and other double and single varieties. The
Tulips from the same firm were equally well grown, and in-
oladed most of the leading soita. The Roses, which were much
admired, included fine blocims of Princess Mary of Cambridge,
Marquise de Castellane, Centifolia rosea. Mademoiselle Marie
Baumann, John Stuart Mill, .John Hopper, Victor Verdier,
Marguerite de St. Amand, Madame Eugfuie Verdier, Beauty of
Waltham, Jules Margottin, Madame de St. Joseph, Baronne
de Rothschild, and Madame Lacharme. Among Clematises,
which are splendid decorative plants at this season of the
year, were Lady Caroline Neville, Albert Victor, Lord Londes-
borongh, Miss IBatemau, Lady Londesbc'rough, and other choice
kinds. The collection occupied much space, and produced a
oplendid effect. A silver-gilt medal was awarded to Messrs.
Veitch.

Mr. Aldous's collection consisted of a very choice lot of de-
corative plants, including Palms, Azaleas, Spirieas, Tulips, Lily
of the Valley, Cytisuses, Primulas, &c.; he likewise sent two
large bouquets cf choice flowers and one of Roses. A vote of
thanks was awarded.

Mr. Ollerhead's group was made up of Azaleas, Rhododen-
drons, Dielytras. and some choice Orchids — Phalfeuopses, Ly-
castes, Cattleyas, and Odontoglossums, including a very large
variety of Odontoglossum Roezlii alba var. Peekii; they were in
excellent condition and very effective.

Mr. Charles Turner's group contained excellent plants of
Camellias, Azaleas, Hyacinths, Spiraeas, and other plants, all of
which were in superior condition, and were much admired.

Mr. Williams sent a fine specimen of Imantophyllum minia-
tnm with nearly twenty large trusses of flowers. This plant
was placed at the entrance of the Show, and was particularly
effective. A cultural certificate ^^aa awarded.

Mr. Wills exhibited a group of thirty varieties of his new
hybrid Dracicnas. Particularly noticeable were Gladatonii,
'WillHii,Leopoldii,terminali8 alba, Elizabethn', Bauaeii, Victoria,
Volula, and Venusta. Mr. Wills also stagfd an elegaiit mixed
group in which that pretty harbinger of spring, Myosotis dissiti-
flcra, was tastefully arranged with Lily of the Valley, and inter-
mixed with Isolepis, small Perns, .ind Ficns repens. A silver
medal was awarded. Messrs. Cutbush & Son contributed a
group of Hyacinths and Epacriees, set-up in round bafkets of
about a dozen plants of each sort in each basket, and which had

a pleasing effect ; and Messrs. Osborn & Sons, Fulham, staged an
attrac'ive collection of Palms, Hyacinths, xc, and Messrs. F, and
A. Smith of Dulwich sent a stand of cut flowers of Cinerarias.

A botanical certificate was awarded to Sir George Mac^
leay, Bart., Bletchicgley, for a Tillandsia from Jamaica. Henry
Little, Esq., of Hillingdon Place, received a first-class certificate
for Cyclamen persicum Ruby — a decided improvement, and a
most conspicuous and ornameutal flower. FirRt-class certificates
were awarded to Messrs Veitch t'e Sons for Poinsattia pulcher-
rima plenissima, also for Croton McArthurii and C. Earl of Derby.
A first-class certificate was given to Mr; R. Gilbert, Burghley,
for Primubi Marchioness of Exeter, a fine double variety; and a
similar award was made to Mr. R. Deau for Primula purpurea^
also to Mr. H. Bennett for Rose Duchesse de Vallombrosa,

Mr. Bushell of Leighton Buzzard exhibited samples of differ-
ent sorts of sand for horticultural purposes. The £xhibitioi2'
was one of the most attractive and successful of the year.

I

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.

M.^HCH 21st.

Although the firtt "Park" exhibition was held on the first
day of spring the weather w.is most unspringlike, for snow fell
freely in the morning, and the north-east wind was unpropitiona
for plants and visitors alike. The date of the Show was in
another respect unfortunate, as clashing with the meeting of
the Royal Horticultural Society. Expressions of disappoint-
ment from exhioitors and others have not been few in conse-
quence of the two shows occurring on the same day, and we
know that both exhibitions have to some extent suffered, yet
the Royal Botanic Society's first show was both extensive and'
excellent. There was a falling-off in the stove and greenhouse
plants ; but the Hyacinths especially, and bulbous plants gene-
rally, afforded full compensation by their numbers and quality.
The Azaleas were also very good, and the exhibition in the mode
of its arrangement reflected credit on Mr. Coomber.

In the class for twelve stove and greenhouse plants (open) Mr.
Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. Goldsmid, Bart , St. John's Lodge,
Regent's Park, was the only exhibitor, staging two Imanto-
phyllums, two Eriostemons, a very good Tetralheca, Cypripe-
dium villoBum, Phalienopsis Schilleriana, Cochliostema Jaco-
bianum, &c., medium-sized plants in good condition, for which
the first prize was awarded. For six hardy shrubs in flower,
which was also an open class, only one collection was staged —
by Mr. Moorman, gardener to the Misses Christy. Coombe Bank,
Kingston-on-Thames. The plants comprised a large Ghent
Azalea aid a still larger Lilac, with medium-sized and well-
bloomed Rhododendrons, Prunus sinensis, and Andromeda flori-
bnnda, to which the Judges awarded a first prize.

In the amateurs' class for six greenhouse Azaleas Mr. Ratty,,
garrte'.ier to B. Thornton, Esq., The Hoo, Sydenham Hill, was
placed first for well-bloomed pyramids 4 to 6 feet high : the best
light variety was Madame Cannart d'Hamale, and the most
effective scarlet Magnum Bonum, Stella being also very good.
Mr. James, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., Redlees, was second
with medium-sized globular plants in admirable condition ; and
Mr. Wheeler third. In the corresponding class for nurserymen
Mr. 'Tutner, Slough, had the stage to himself. A fine plant oi
Belle Gantoise, rosy lilac, was very lovely; and Ferdinand
Kegeljan, Doc de Nassau, and Apollo, white with pink stripes,
were highly attractive.

For six Chinese Primulas Mr. James was awarded the first
prize for good plants of a fine strain, Mr. Wheeler being placed
second ; and for six hardy Primulas Mr. Dean, Ealing, was the
only exhibitor, and was awarded the first prize. P. purpurea
was extremely beautiful, as also was P. denticulata. The re-
mainder comprised P. altaica, P. vulgaris Rosy Morn, a double
white and a yellow duplex variety.

In the class for six forced Roses (nurserymen). Mr. Turner had
no competitors ; he staged admirable plants for the early season
of the year, foliage and blooms being alike good. Marquise de
Castellane was very fine— the globular. shaped plant being 4 feet
in diameter, and contained over fifty capital blooms. Paul
Verdier was also excellent. The remainder consisted of Alfred
Colomb, Celine Forestier, Le Mont Blanc, and Souvenir d'un
Ami. For six Deutzias (open), Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whit-
bourn, Esq , Loxfcrd Hall, exhibited his well-grown columnar-
shaped plants 4 feet high and IB inches in diameter; but the
whole if the flowers were scarcely expanded, consequently first
honours went to Mr. James, Redlees, for smaller plants in capital
condition both as regards flowers and foliage; Mr. DoogUa
being awaided the second prize.

In the open class for twelve Cyclamens Mr. James secured
first honours with splendidly-grown plants, each averaging
150 flowers, the foliage also being excellent. Mr. Edmunds,
Hayes Nursery, Middlesex, was second with a very good col-
lection ; and Mr. Smith, Ealing, third. In the amateurs' class
for six plants, H. Little, Esq., Hillingdon Place, Uxbridge, wsg
placed first for very large plants but with rather small flowers,
and Mr. James second with smaller plants but better flowers.

~ March 23, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE.

211

For six pots of "Lily of the Valley Mr. Donglas was fi"t with
capital pots, the flowera and foUage being alike good; and Mr.
Weir second, i

Hyacinths were nnmeroas and superior. In the open class for
twelve plants there were six competitors, Mr. Douglas proving
toe victor with reaUy gr^nd spikes. The varieties were-Beds:
Von Schiller, Varbaik, Koh-i-noor, and i abiola. Blues . King oJ
the Blues. Baron Van Tuyll, De CandoUe, and General Uavelook.
Whites: La Grandesse and Mont Blanc, with Grandeur a Mer-
veiUe. waxy white, and Ida, yellow. The second prize went to
Messrs. Barr A- Sngden for almost eanally fine spikes In this
«olleotion the best white was La Grandesse, the best red Vnr-
taak. and the best blue Czar Peter. Third honours went to
Messrs. Catbnsh <t Son, Highgate ; extra prizes beiug awarded
to Messrs. Osborn .t Sons, Folham, and Mr. Moormau gardener
to the Misaea Christy, the last being a very smart and excellent

^""l^^ihe amateur'a'lilaas for twelve plants Mr. Do°gl*?, wa«
again pre-eminent, yet only a few points a-head of Mr. Moor-
man, who had the second prize, both the collections being ad-
mirable ; the third prize going to Mr. Weir, gardener to Mrs.
Hodsson, The Elms, Ilampstead.

In the nurserymen's class for twelve plants Messrs. Barr and
Sugden were placed tirst for splendid spikes, Messrs Cutbush
»nd Sons second for spikes only a shade behind "«'^.. "•"'i
Messrs. Osborne & Sons third, also for an excelleut collection._

Tulips were excellently exhibited. Mr. Douglas was first m
the amateurs' cla=.s for twelve pots with the best blooms lu the
Show of Vander Neer, White Pottebakker, Vermilion Brilliant,
and Keysers Kroon. Mr. Moorman was, however, close to the
champion's heels with the same varieties, and had the second
prize" Mr. Weir being placed third, also with good blooms. In
the nurserymen's class for twelve pots Messrs. Barr & Sugden
wer^placed first for capital pots of Joost yan Voudel, C-'rise
Grisdeline, VermiUon Brilliant, and Proserpine. Messrs. Carter
and Co. were second with vigorous and sturdy plants of Rose
Luisante, Chrysolora, White Pottebakker, and Vermilion Bril-
liant ■ Messrs. Cntbnsh A- Sons having the third place. _

In the open class for twelve pots of Narcissuses in four kinds
Messrs. Barr & Sugden won with large potfuls (for the plants
had not been grown in the pots in which they were exhiluted) of
Newton, Gloriosa, Bazelman Major, and Grand PnmoM.
Douglas was second with the same varieties and Perle Blanoht.
This was the more creditable collection, inasmuch as the plants
were about as fine as the others and had not been made up,
but were grown in the pots as exhibited. , i„ . ,

A class (open) was provided also for twelve balbous plants in
six varieties, distinct from any of the foregomg Mr. Roberts,
gardener to W. J. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, Fulham
was the only exhibitor, and was awarded the first prize. The
Troup compJiaed MuscLri botryoides in four varieties, Lache-
naUftS. Scillas, and Amaryllises. .

In the miscellaneous classes some superior collections were
exhibited. Messrs. Veitch staged a hundred Hyacinths, remark-
able for the breadth and vigour of the spikes and the massiveness
of the bells. The finest white was probably La Grandesse, closely
loUowed, however, by Suowball, Mont Blanc, and L'lunocence.
Amongut the light blues Lord Derby, Princess Mary of Cam-
bridge. Czar Peter, and Blondin, were conspicuous; the finest
dark b ues being King of the Blues, Baron Von Tuyll, and Bleu
Admirable Amongst the nearly blacks Masterpiece was very
notSle by its depth of colour and fine bells ; General Have-
lock by its massive spikes; Prince -ilbert a so being superior.
The b^st reds were Garibaldi, Prince Albert Victor Pelissier,
and Etna, the last-named being remarkable for its broad seg-
ments^ 'Ihe best yellows were L'Or d'Australie, Obelisque
Sid Ida. Messrs. Veitch also exhibited a large collection of

"^ A'^c'oUection of IM Hyacinths from Messrs. Barr & Sugden
were staged in splendid condition, almost every spike being
nerfect The collection embraced all the best varieties m culti-
vation.' Messrs. James Carter & Go. also staged upwards of one
hundred plants, but some of the beUs were not fully expamUd
they were, however, very good, as were the Tuhps and Dielytras
staged by this firm. Messrs. Cutbush & Son also staged a
la^ge and good coUecUou ; ai.,i Mesers. O^iborn & Sons, Fuiham,
also contributed to the Show. ,, v, t

Messrs. Veitch farther staged Clematises and a small but
choice collection of ornamental-foliage plants, conspicuous
amongst which we noticed a new Croton— Earl of Derby. This
is decidedly the best of the trilobed section ; the stem, petioles,
and two-thirda of the leaves being oanaryyeUow, the remaining
portion bright green. It is very sinking. C. variabilis, O.
McArthuti, and C. nobilis were also exhibited; also new i'erns
and Carnations and Eurycles australasica.

Mr B. S. Williams exhibited a large and attractive group of
miscellaneous plaun, iucluding Palms, Dracronas Orchids,
Cyclamens, Yucca?, .vc, in capital condition, ihe Khopalas—
Ootcovadense and .lohngei-iu this group had a commanding
»ppe»t»noe. Mr. Turner, Slough, exhibited Carnation Kose

Perfection very fine, and cut blooms of superior quality of Gloire
de Lyon, Mazeppa, and Fairy Queen. Mr. Edmunds and Mr.
Smith staged large and good onllectioaa of Cyclamens, and
Messrs. Wm. Paul & Sous, Waltham Cross, several boxes of cut
blooms of Camellias in fifty varieties of the best sorts in cultiva-
tion. Conspicuous amongst them were the single varietiea
Corallina (velvety scarlet) and Elijgans, rose. This collection
was greatly admired. Single flowers of Cinerarias of good
quality came from Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Dalwich. Certiflcatea
were awarded to Mr. James, Redlees, Isleworth, for the follow-
ing Cinerarias:— Mrs. F. Watson, rosy crimson, white ring,
flower of great substance; Mary, rosy pink, perfect m form ;
Thos. Winter, violet purple, very massive; Thos. btent, rich
rosv maroon, very superior ; Purple Gam, purple, white rmg,
immense size; Jane, rosy lilac, large and fine; Mrs. Wmter,
velvety purple, extremely fine. These are without doubt the
finest Cinerarias which have ever been exhibited. Also to
Messrs. Veitch for the following new Hyacinths :— Queen ot
Lilacs, r;.sy lilac, very distinct and fine ; Marquis of Lome, a
bright lively blue, attractive; Reine de Naples, warm rosy
salmon, with broad segments ; Globosa, double white, gigantic
bells; and Orange Queen, reddish crimson. Alsofor new Ferns
— Adiantam romulum, somewhat resembling A. assimile, but
more elegant ; Nephrolepis Duffii, a very distinct dwarf species :
Alsophila pyrenaica, a handsome aud stately Tree Fern, and for
A phillipinense; alsofor Panax laciniatus, Eurycles australasica,
and Masdevallia chimera. To Mr. Turner for Carnation, Rose
PerfeoHon, and to Mr. B. S. Williams fur Denn8ta3atia davaJ-
lioides Youngii and Panax laciniitas. A similar award was made
to Messrs. Rollisson & Sons for Pultenssa rosea, a distinct species
with bright rosy flowers. It was found on the Grampian C lain
iu Victoria at an elevation of .5000 feet. It will prove a 'fa.laible
plant for the decoration of the greenhouse and for exhibition
purposes. Certificates were also awarded to Mr. C. EdmunOB,
Haves Nursery, Middlesex, for Cyclamens roseum superbum
and White Swan. These were extremely fine and merited Uie
distinction accorded to them.

NOTES A.ND GLEANINGS.

We are informed that the following gentlemen have con-
sented to act as local honorary secretaries of the National
Rose Society, and to promote its interests in their several
localities:— Canterbury: W. Mount, Esq. ; Bath: Il.B.Ofttor,
Esq.; Cheshire: J. Tinsly, Esq.; Bromsgrove: B. Cordell,
Esq.; Croydon: E. Mawley, E^q. ; Exeter: R. G. A. Baker,
Esq.- Hereford: the Rev. C. H. Balmer; Maidstone: Hubert
Bensted, Esq. ; Leek : W. Newall, Esq. ; Newark : the Rev.
Canon Hole; Reigate : the Rev, Alan Cheales; Windsor and
vicinity: G. Hawley,Esq.; Warminster; J. Hinton, Esq. ; and
Oxford : C. R. Ridley, Eeq.

Mr Baker, late gardener to Mr. Bassett, Sisters Hoaae,

Clapham Common, and member of the Floral Committee of
the Royal Horticultural Society, is well kaown as one of our
beat gardeners. Sinse his establishment iu his new charge as
gardener and bailiff to E. C. Baring, Eaq., Goombe Cottage,
Kingston-on-Thames, be has effected many improvements both
in the re-erection of glass structures and in the ornamentation
of the grounds. The plants and fruit houses in this garden aro
very numerous, but have been erected in the most strange
manner imaginable, house having been added to house at almost
all angles, and with all aspects except (strange to say), the
south. A something like systematic arrangement is now being
gradually adopted, and when an affluent gentleman of horticul-
tural tastes and a gardener of admitted ability co-operate, good
results are certain to follow. The houses aro bemg well stocked,
and plant culture, fruit growing, and vegetable forcing are in
fall operation. The details we cannot allude to now, but the
gardens at Goombe Cottage are worthy of a note for the good
order and condition of every department.

Vabiohs means are occasionally resorted to for pre-
venting injury to the roots of Cocdubehs and Melons by the
violent heating of the fermenting manure ; but the simplest
and best we have seen is the plan adopted by Mr. Denning in
Lord Londesboroughs garden at Norbiton The plants are
planted as usual on hillocks, but before placing the soil on
the manure a large flower pot-a 7, or S-inch pot-is laid on
its Bide and over this the cone ot soil is placed, leaving how-
ever the bottom of the pot exposed through one side of the
hillock, when, as may be readily understood aay excesB of
heat from the manure immediately under the roots of the
plant escapes through the aperture of the pot, and bumuig is
effectually prevented. As this is the period when Cucumbers
are being largely planted Mr. Denumg's safety-valve against
root-burning is well worthy of attention.

212

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( Marcli 22, 16iT.

A FLOBAii treat has lately beeu afforded by Messrs.

Veitch & Sons to the inhabitants residing in the neighbonr-
hood of the Coombe Wood Nursebies. It is there where the
renowned Hyacinths are grown preparatory to being exhibited,
and previona to the departure of the plants for Chelsea they
were open to inspection. We happened to see the plants when
they were being prepared for removal. Each spike was care-
fully supported with a stake of stout wire bent near the bottom
so that it could be inserted in the soil below the bulb. The
bells were carefully arranged, a few being removed where
too crowded, and the pots were placed in others an inch or
two larger and the surfaces neatly mossed. The improve-
ment resulting from the " dressing " as performed by Mr. Hill,
the skilful grower of the plants, was very decided. The quality
of the spikes has never been surpassed. Out of X200 plants
it would be difficult to find a dozen not suitable for exhibition.
The first plant in the house, Lord Derby, we measured and
found the spike to be nearly 14 inches in circnmference. We
will not now particularise the varieties, which are of the best.
The forced Roses and Clematises are also in admirable con-
dition. Indeed the nursery generally, which is highly pic-
turesque, is in a superior state throngbont.

We recently saw growing vigorously ia the soil of a

Geranium pot at Messrs. Eollisson's Nurseries the curious
parasitic plant Okobanche major. The two Asparagus-like
heads of the parasite were just expanding their flowers, and
the Geranium appeared to be in the best of health, notwith-
standing the supposed pernicious eSects of this parasite on
plants growing near it.

• — - Gabeya elliptica is generally considered of doubtful
hardiness, hence it is deemed desirable to afford it a warm
situation or a wall with a south aspect. We were pleased to
see two plants forming the background of a drinking fountain
in the village of Easington, in the North Riding of Yorkshire,
with very healthy deep green foliage, and bearing their graoe-
fal long pale green catkins profusely. The plants are about a
yard high, but their health and drooping catkins struck us as
noteworthy, and not less the peculiar fitness of the plants for
the position occupied, anything drooping associating well with
water, whilst the dark foliage stood out in bold relief to the
masonry. The plants have no shelter except a low Thorn or
Quick hedge to the north.

There is a very simple way of avoiding the disagree-
able smoke and qas which always pours into the room when a
fire is lit in a stove, heater, or fireplace on a damp day. Put
in the wood and coal as usual, but before lighting them ignite
a handful of paper or shavings placed on the tup of the coal.
This produces a current of hot air in the chimney, which draws
up the smoke and gas at once. Not one person out of fifty,
says the Scientific American, ever thinks of this easy expedient.

The correspondent at Alexandria of the Daily News

writes : You will be glad to receive an account of the remark-
able discovery of a new cotton plant, which, from all reason-
able appearances, is destined in a very lew years to jreate
quite a revolution in the cotton agriculture and business of
Egypt. Signer Giaoomo Russi, the Austrian consular agent
in the most important cotton district, has published an in-
teresting account of the discovery of the new plant. It was
discovered on the cultivated property of a Copt in the Menutia
district about two years ago. It was found among other cotton
plants, and at once attracted attention by its different appear-
ance and also by bearing more pods. Next year he ascertained
beyond all doubt that the produce was of a superior quality,
and that its cultivation in Egypt presented no difficulty. So
much interest was excited by the discovery that the small
quantity of seed that could be collected was sold at twelve
Egyptian sovereigns the ardeb — a high price when it is remem-
bered that the very best seed of other cotton never exceeds £1
per ardeb. Signor Ilusei mentions that by many people the
plant is supposed to be the growth of seed imported from the
Brazils, while others think it the result of a mere chance com-
bination of mixed seed. Signor Russi does not accept either
view, and proceeds to describe the plant as having a long stem
and being without branches, so that a good deal of space is
saved in cultivation, to the advantage of course of the cultivator.
The new plant bears on an average from forty-five to fifty pods,
whereas the usual cotton plant averages from twenty-five to
thirty-five.

Writinc. to us on favourite trees a correspondent

states the last house inhabited by John Milton was in Queen
Anne's Gate, Westminster, overlooking the Green Park. In

demolishing the house the stone tablet erected to his memory '
and affixed to the wall by Jeremy Bentham, who afterwards
occupied the next premises, has been carefully preserved. It
is about 2 feet square, and bears the following inscription: —
" Sacred to Milton, Prince of Poets." It is said that when-
Bentham took visitors to view the house he compelled them to-
kneel before the slab. The Mulberry tree planted by Milton,
which was bo severely scorched at the fire at Mr. Hankey's, is
fairly recovered, and that gentleman, who is carrying out the.
work of demolition and the erection of colossal mansions on
the sites, is extremely anxious as to its welfare. The Ash tree
in Beaconsfield churchyard, beneath which Edmund Waller
rests, is well preserved. Shakespeare's Mulberry tree and Rons-
seau's Walnut tree are all renowned.

Now that forced flowers play such an important part

in the decoration of conservatories during the spring months,
the value for that purpose of the Japanese Azaleas (A. moUis)
must not be overlooked. A. mollis was raised from seeds im-^
ported from Japan by C. Maximowicz. To the late Mr. Van-
Houtte must be ascribed the honour of distributing this tribe
of Azaleas in several fine varieties, and which are gradually
finding their way into many gardens. The flowers are mush
larger than those of the Ghent Azaleas, and are varied ki
colour, the plants producing dense masses of flower. A
few fine varieties which we have recently seen are Comte de
Gomer, rose, orange spots; C. Francois Lnppis, rose shaded
with magenta ; Comte de Quincey, yellow ; M. Charles Van.'
Wambeke, orange and rose ; Alphonse Lavallee, orange and
scarlet ; and Dr. Leon Vignes, white spotted with orange.
They are quite hardy.

Few flowers are more valued during the winter monthe.

than white Camellias, and one of the finest that has recently
come under our notice is La Vestale as exhibited at South
Kensington by Mr. Charles Turner. Although this was placed
in a stand with other white blooms its purity, smoothness, and
superior texture of petal were conspicuous and greatly admired.
If the plant is as free iu growth as the flower is good in quality
it must take a foremost place in choice collections of these-
winter flowers.

The total amount that has been contributed in re-
sponse to the appeal made by Mr. Luckhurst on behalf of the
widow and eight young children of the late T. C. Sage, who by
his sadden death were left totally unprovided for, is £32 14s. 6iJ>
This sum has been handed to Mrs. Sage, who is most grateful,
and earnestly desires to express her heartfelt thanks for the
kindness and sympathy shown to her in her great distress and
sorrow. Subscribers to the fund will be glad to learn that the
money has been applied to the opening of a small shop for the
sale of toys and fancy goods at 0, Crown Road, Fnlham, and
that, notwithstanding Mrs. Sage's delicate health, the venture-
is prosperous, and is likely to continue so.

A German journal recommends for the preservation of

CUT flowers almost indefinitely, either singly or in bouquetSj,
that they be dipped in a solution of pure albumen, and after
allowing them to become perfectly dry that the operation be
repeated several times, each time with fiesh albumen. The-
white of an egg is nearly pure albumen.

One of the most effectual of deciduous shrubs for forcing

for conservatory decoration is the Guelder Rose (Viburnnm
opulus). Messrs. Veitch force many plants of it, and they
are in great demand for decorative purposes. Plants in S-inoh
pots will produce heads 2 to 3 feet iu diameter, and these when
covered with twenty to thirty "snowballs" are extremely
effective. A shrub so easily cultivated and prepared for forcing
should be increased and grown in all gardens where spring
flowers are in request and means are provided for producing
them. They may be grown as standards of from 2 to 6 feet in
height, according to the purposes for which they are required,
and few plants will be more conspicuous at the period of their
flowering — February and March onwards.

• We have received a copy of the sixth edition of " Agkos-

TOiiBAPHiA," a treatise on cultivated Grasses revised for the Law-
son Seed and Nursery Company by Mr. David Syme. Mr. Syme
has done his work well, having given historical notes of the
Grasses, with the usee and adaptations of the most important
species, which are also represented by coloured figures. The
treatise is both useful and entertaining,

Although it has suited the purpose of some writers to

be facetious when referring to the CuLoiurio PoiATe Beetle,
regarding it almost as a myth and its transit across the

March 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

213

Atlantic an imposBibility, yet aoeording to the evidence of
the Earl of Carnarvon in the House of Lords the insect is
now established iu Europe, and orders in Council have been
issued preventing its transit from Germany to England. It
is calculated that iu the course of the summer the insect
brings forth three generations, and that a couple of Colorado
beetles will annually produce fourteen thousand insects. The
following is the history of the pest. It was first perceived in
America in 1S23 in the BocUy Mountains. As it did not find
Bufiicient food in the barren soil of those parts it emigrated to
more fertile laud, and finding the Potato to its taste fastened
upon it iu preference to all other food. Thus in a short time
all the Potato fields were devastated. In 1859 it caused im-
mense mischief in the territory of Nebraska ; in 1861 it over-
ran the State of Missouri and was observed in Iowa. In 1865
it entered Minnesota, and in the following year it crossed the
Mississippi Kiver and invaded the States of Wisconsin, Illinois,
and Kentucky. In 1870 it appeared in the States of Michigan
and Ohio ; the lake of the former proved no obstacle to its
advance. In 1871 it penetrated into Canada, Pennsylvania,
and New York. Lastly, in 1874 ships brought it over to Ger-
many in boxes containing Potatoes. The insect was concealed
in the earth that enveloped the tubers and in the dry leaves
in which they were packed.

We have received from Mr. Abbey some bunches of

Violets taken from plants which have been flowering in frames
since October. Though the plants have bloomed for nearly
six months the flowers now produced are very superior. Espe-
cially fine is the true Neapolitan, of which there are several
varieties, the one sent having been received from Florence.
It is the finest, sweetest, and most floriferous of all double
Violets. Victoria Eegina is the best of the singles excepting
Prince Consort, which is lighter — nearly blue^in colour. We
never saw finer Violets than these, nor cleaner and better
foliage.

The following are the "vivid imaginings'-' of an

American mind who has been haimted with the tkanks of the
Pansies. " There is something about Tansies charmingly com-
panionable, social, fairy-like. They look at you in a knowing
way, and nod their heads, and once in a while you will see
one hid away in the leaves, actually 'laughing in his sleeve;'
and if you look pretty sharp you will be very apt to detect
some impudent fellow ' making faces ' at you. We have ob-
served that they do this the more frequently and boldly just
about dusk."

"I HAVE lately," writes Mr. Darwin in "Nature,"

'■ received an interesting letter from Fritz Miiller in St. Ca-
therina, Brazil, on the subject of inoKoscoric seeds. He tells
me that in the highlands of the Uruguay he has succeeded in
discovering more than a dozen Grasses, as well as a species of
Gerankim, whose awns are capable of hygroscopic torsion.
The most curious among the specimens received are the seeds
belonging to the genus Aristida. In ona of these the awn is
longitudinally divided into three fine tails, 6 or 8 inches in
length, each of which twists on its own axis when the seed is
dried. These tails project in three directions, and more or
less at right angles to the axis of the seed, and Fritz Miiller
states that they serve to hold it in an upilght position with its
lower end resting on the ground. The seed is pointed and
barbed in the usual manner, and when it is made to rotate by
the twisting of the awns, it evidently forms a most effectual
boring instrument, for Fritz Miiller found many seeds which
had penetrated the hard soil in which the parent plant was
growing. In another species of Aristida, as the tails wind
together and form the strands, the seed is made to rotate and
thus bury itself in the ground."

HYACINTHS AFTER FLOWERING.
A suoKT time ago a suggestive letter on the importance of
preserving and maturing the foliage of Lilies of the Valley
appeared in the .Journal from the Hon. and Kev. .J. T. Bos-
oawen. The force of Mr. Boscawen's observations have no
doubt been appreciated by many readers, for, as was remarked
in connection with the letter, without good foliage there can
be no perfect flowers. If that observation applies, as it does
apply, to the one prime essential in the support and matura-
tion of the rhizomes and crowns of Lilies, it applies with at
least equal force to the sustenance and ripening of the bulbs of
Hyacinths. Without good foliage there cannot be good bulbs,
and without good bulbs there cannot be good flowers. That is

the logic of facts, and it is easy to be remembered by all who
have latterly been indulging in the pleasure of growing Hya-
cinths, and who desire to preserve the bulbs in as good a con-
dition as possible for producing flowers in future years.

Hyacinths are not annuals, to be flowered once and done
with ; they are perennials, and with ordinary care wiU yield
perennial beauty. It is not suggested that the spikes produced
by Hyacinths iu future years will equal in size and beauty
those which were produced during the first season's flowering
in England. The bulbs on arrival from Holland were at their
best — the zenith of their maturity ; but that is no reason that
they should be destroyed immediately afterwards, any more
than a fruit tree or a horse should be " put out of sight" by
violent means when the first signs of declining vigour have
become apparent. Rather should the waning resources — valu-
able even if declining — be aided, in order that a maximum of
value may be derived over as long a period of time as possible.

Than Hyacinths no flowers are more popular, none more
easily managed, none more extensively cultivate!. The num-
ber of purchasers of bulbs are increasing yearly, and would
increase still more could the bulbs be induced to produce
flowers year after year instead of making one "grand flash,"
like the finale of a pyrotechnic display, and then " done with."
Hyacinths are imported by millions ; but what becomes of
them? Why, they are killed. There is no reason that this
should be so, but every r3ason why they should be preserved.
Until the flowering period they are treated with solicitous care,
and air, light, and water are provided to render them as per-
fect as poesible ; but as soon as flowering is over the three
essentials are no longer regarded as important, yet they are as
important as ever in producing good foliage, which is the cer-
tain forerunner of good flowers during the following year.

As soon as the flowers of a Hyacinth have faded the spike
should be cut, or seeds will possibly form, which are more ex-
haustive than the flowers. The foliage should then be induced
to make vigorous and prolonged growth by the assistance of
good food — manure water, and under the influence of sun and
air. Early-flowering Hyacinths can only have their growth per-
fected by being kept in artificially heated houses ; but others
(and these are the great majority) which flower late — i.e., in
March and April, need nothing more than a cold frame, or
even the shelter of mats, to preserve the foliage from injury
after flowering has ceased. It should be remembered that the
foliage of Hyacinths which have been grown under glass is as
susceptible of injury by sudden exposure to the sun as by the
influence of a low temperature. There must be no flagging,
scorching, or discoloration that can be prevented by shade,
shelter, and attention. The plants should be gradually hard-
ened, and when green and healthy may be planted out closely
together in light soil. There they may remain until the foliage
decays, when the bulbs may be assorted and stored until Sep-
tember, when they may be potted or planted where they are
required to flower. Some of the bulbs, if the management has
been judicious, will produce very good spikes, while others
will not be worthy of being potted, but may be planted where
they can remain and increase. These preserved bulbs, which
are again potted, should only be regarded as supplementary to
the Dutch-grown bulbs which are potted singly for producing
stately spikes, the home-grown bulbs being potted three to five
iu each pot for producing masses of smaller spikes, which are
very beautiful, and are invaluable for yielding cut flowers and
conserving the principal spikes.

As an instance that the preservation of forced Hyacinth
bulbs does not miUtate against the purchase of uuperior Dutch-
grown produce I can adduce very good testimony. Some years
ago on taking charge of a garden the owner stated that he was
tired of buying Hyacinths, which he could only enjoy one
month, the bulbs being then " exhausted and wasted." I
bought a dozen myself, and so managed them that they nearly
all flowered well the second year. When my employer saw
this he was encouraged to purchase, and he now does not
hesitate to buy a hundred bulbs annually where he once
refused to buy a dozen. His garden is now, to use a common
phrase, " full of Hyacinths," which each year produce a
charming effect, and afford hundreds of spikes for cutting and
distributing amongst friends. This is simply the result of
preserving in the best manner possible the forced bulbs by
encouraging the growth of good foliage after flowering by the
assistance of generous treatment, light and air.

Hyacinths which have flowered in water should as soon as
possible be carefully placed in leaf soil or cocoa-nut fibre
refuse, and be kept moist so as to preserve the foliage as long

214

JODENAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE,

[ Hueh 22, 1877.

as possible. The bnlbs can afterwards be planted in light rich
soil, and in two years and onwards they will prodnce attractive
spikes. These bulbs are of little use for pottiug ; but Hyacinths
which have flowered late in pots are, if well and carefully
managed.very valuable in future years. — A Doctok's Gakdeneu.

FICUS PAECELLII.

Fbebh interest has been evinced in this beautiful variegated

stove plant since it has arrived at a fruiting state with some

cultivators, and from the fact that the fruits are attractive as

well as the foliage. To many the plant is well known, but.

remained there until the third week in October, when they
were removf J to a cold house. In the month of December
they began showing signs of growth, and they were shaken out
and repotted into pots from 7 to 'J inches in diameter, the
compost used consibting of two parts of loam and one of leaf
soil, with enough pounded charcoal and gaud to give porosity,
rubbing a liberal quantity of dried cow dung into the whole.
They were potted moderately firm. About the middle ot
January they were placed in a vinery having a night tempera-
ture of 50°, rising to 00° in the daytime with sun heat. As
soon as the pots were filled with roots they were supplied
about twice a- week with manure water in an almost clear state,

FiB. 29.— Fiona pabcellh.

judging from letters which we have received, there are others to
whom it is not familiar. Messrs. Veitoh & Sons have enabled
QB to publish a truthful representation of a leaf of the plant,
which is conspicuous from its distinct colours and their decided
contrast. The plant, we need only add, is of easy culture,
and is very useful for general decorative purposes.

SPIR^A JAPONICA CULTURE.

Theek is now flowering in the conservatory of C. Massey,
Esq., The Beeches, Newoastle-under-Lymo, some fine speci-
mens of the well-known Spirma (Iloteia) japonica, a plant
which deservedly holds a foremost place amongst our spring,
flowering plants, especially where there is any demand for cat
flowers. The plants alluded to are bearing from twenty to
twenty-five spikes of bloom on each, one in particular having
thirty, with its beautiful foliage measuring nearly 3 feet across.

Mr. S. Kirkham states the following as his mode of culture.
The plants were forced last year in 6- inch pots, and were after-
wards placed in their pot < outside under a fence having a
western aspect, and, being supplied with abundance of water,

made from the scrapings of the poultry yard, until the flowers
began expanding, when it was discontinued. The plants are
now in the conservatory, and are admired by all who see them.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE AND GARDENS.

This royal palace is delightfully situated on the north bank
of the river Thames, fourteen miles from Loudon. It is em-
bellished by nature as well as art, and is historically associated
with the lives of illustrious men. It was built by Cardinal Wol-
sey, who is said to have provided here two hundred and eighty
silk beds for strangers only, and richly stored it with gold and
silver plate. It caused so much envy that he gave it to King
Henry VIII., who in return allowed him to live in his palace
at Eichmond. This king greatly enlarged Hampton Court.
Queen Elizabeth adorned it with pictures and other orna-
ments, but King Charles I. is mentioned as having given hia
personal attention to the garden. The semicircular garden
spreading from the terrace of the east front was planned by him.
We are informed that Charles II. superintended the royal
garden if any alterations were going on, or he was fond of oat-

March 33, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HOBTICDLT0RE AND OOTTAQB QARDENEB.

•215

door exercise ; and it was here that he observed to some who
were reviling our climate and oxtoUing that of Italy, Spain,
and France, that he thonght that was the best climate where
we can be abroad in the air with pleasure the most days of the
year and the most hours of the day, and this ho thought could
be in England more than in any other country.

King William III. and Queen Mary made great improvements,
both in the palace and the grounds. The old apartments were
pulled down and rebuilt as they now appear. The private
garden on the sonth side of the palace was sunk 10 feet to open
a view from the apartments to the river. It was surrounded
with a tall hedge to shelter from the winds such exotic
plants as were moved hither from the conservatories. There
are two basons oonstantly supplied with water for the supply
of the plants in dry weather. The plants were seen from the
windows of the royal apartment^, and in this part of the
garden the Queen took grtat dtligljt, and was so fond of tender

exotic plants that she allowed a handsome salary to Dr. Plnke-
net for assisting to arrange and regulate her plants, also to
register all that were received. This pirt of the garden is taste-
fully laid out, and is the work of those two eminent gardeners,
London and Wise.

On the north side of the Palace is the wilderness garden.
In the olden times it was the custom for a portion of the
pleasure grounds to be in as natural a state as possible, making
a strong contrast with the exact symmetry which everywhere
prevailed. In the Dutch geometrical garden, where every tree
was planted with exactness, evergreens were indispensable.
The Box, Holly, and the Yew, with two or three others, made
up the furniture of the garden ; the scissors and the shears
were the principal garden tools ; clipping and pinching were
scrupulously carried out ; cones and pyramids, and forms of
beasts and birds, rude ccpiea of works of art were made, and
of these, topiary works as they weio called, the remains may

Fig 30.— Hampton couet pai.ace — sodth teerace walk

now be seen, but most of the trees have grown into their
natural shape.

Of this garden, which was considered one of the finest in
England, Horace Walpole recorded his great admiration ; those
fanciful figures appeared to him interesting and beautiful from
the variety of objects exhibited, and were pleasing to the eyes
of Addison and others. They admired the neatness and the
workmanship, and woald not have a single specimen destroyed.

The taste for natural scent./ has much improved of late
years, and the specimens of ancient gardening are now es-
teemed as remains of antiquity. The most distinguished are
those grand avenues of Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.
They are noble examples worthy to be imitated, for there is
something grand and venerable about long green avenues and
broad carriage drives. No trouble or expense has been spared
to adorn the garden with the choicest flowers, and for the
lovers of trees there is no place more interesting. Trees that
were beautiful two hundred years ago are picturesque now, and
BQoh trees are the most esteemed ornaments in our modem
pleasure grounds. There are some very venerable specimens.
The Limes have attained a large size, many of them being
12 feet in circumference and 100 ftet high. The Elms are cou-
Bpicaous for size and beauty, measuring 25 feet in girth. The
Oaks are gigantio in size, one measuring over 40 feet in girth
near the ground. It divides into three large limbs of nearly

equal size. The Horse Chestnut trees are favourites with the
Londoners, and their splendid foliage and fine spikes of flowers
entitle them to be considered one of our most ornamental trees,
and are a beautiful addition to the appearance of this place.
The artificial decorations, fountains, statues, and vases are in
harmony and pleasing contrast with the natural ornaments.

The gardens are well managed, and last year the flower
garden was admitted to be equal to those in the London parks.
The "great Vine" is increasingly popular. It is in what is
known as the " private garden," and it is annually visited by
thousands of sight-eeers, to whom the two to three thousand
bunches of Grapes are something to be wondered at, and,
perhaps, coveted during the sultry days of summer. — N. Colk.

JACOBEAN LILT.
Spreeelia (Amaiiyllis) formosissima was introduced as far
back as lt!58, and I believe was formerly more generally culti-
vated than it is now. Although treated as a stove and green-
houbc plant it is said to be perfectly hardy. I have not proved
this, but I believe my authority is reliable. The requirements
of the plants are few and simple. I will suppose the plants
are in bloom in April. The flower scape appears before the
leaves. As the leaves advance the plants should be attended
to with water. When the foliage taroa yellow water Bhoi;14

216

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

[ March 22, 1877.

be gradually withheld nntil the bulba are matured, when they
may then be etored away in some cool dry place. The secret
of succesa in flowering these Lilies is a long season of drought
or rest. They should be potted in well-drained pots in a com-
post of good sound loam, well-decomposed vegetable matter,
and coarse sand or charcoal duet. They are the better for
being potted some time before they are expected to start into
growth. When root-action has commenced they should be
supplied with water as they may require it ; and when fairly
growing, if they can be taken into a gentle heat, the scape will
soon appear. When in bloom their beauty will well repay
any amount of labour that may have been bestowed npon
them. Where there ia a stock of bulba, with careful observa-
tion and notes they may be had in bloom for a considerable
time. They are increased by offsets. I ahould be glad to
have further evidence respecting the hardiness of this old
favourite. — ScAPACEons.

it attacks. This, to my surprise, has been my experience of
it with the Kentish preserving Cherry, several trees having
suffered severely from ita ravagea. I may add that the soil in
which they are planted cannot be termed a bad one for the
Cherry, as the greater number of some thirty varieties are
in a flourishing and perfectly satisfactory condition, and the
wild Cherry attains to the size and bulk of a timber tree in
the adjoining woods. — Edwakd Luckhurst.

GUMMING AND CANKEB.
The cause of gumming, that is, the estravaaation of the
sap of certain fruit treea, has not, I think, been clearly traced
to its source in every instance. Heat is said to be one of the
principal causes of this evil, but what will the advocates of
Buch a theory think when I assert that cold appeara to me to
exercise an important influence for evil in this matter? In
making this statement I must own that I am not prepared to
say that gumming does not Bometimee arise from heat, but it
should not be forgott&n that in attributing it to heat we infer
that it proceeds from some internal disorders, some derange-
ment of the system — in point of fact, that the disease ia or-
ganic, and consequently incurable, as, indeed, the swollen
gouty appearance of the joints of some trees that are badly
affected might fairly induce us to suppose.

Goethe, in showing that all trees and plants consisted of two
parts only— leaf and stem, that the bark is simply an extension
of ft leaf, the roots and branches just so many prolongations
of the stem — did good service to science, and taught a lesson
of such importance that a clear comprehension of its full
significance ought to enable one to trace every disease, and
especially gamming, to ita source more readily and with far
greater certainty than could be done without such knowledge.
Regarded as a portion or rather extension of the leaf, the tex-
ture of the bark assumes a much greater degree of delicacy to
the mental vision, and these follow a consequent realisation of
the harm which may happen to it from rough treatment, or
even from undue exposure. Bruises and wounds from blows
with the trainer's hammer or mallet, from clumsily driven
nails, neglected fastenings of string, wire, and even of cloth
shreds, arc by far too common, and every one of them entails
a risk of gumming which in reality often follows. The ex-
posure to severe frost of the delicate cuticle of the unripened
growth of the Peach and Nectarine induces canker and pre-
mature decay. Thus, young trees of both species having
the protection of a wall sometimes present the anomalous
appearance of growth of extraordinary vigour blotched with
disease, as though the bark had been in contact with some
burning substance, destroying its tissues and causing the
wood to decay. Now these plague spots invariably make
their appearance upon the exposed side of the branches and
never upon the side touching the wall ; it is therefore self-
evident that the mischief proceeds from external causes and
not from any disorder of the system. Moreover, it ia reason-
able to suppose that the green crude bark of a gross unripe
shoot would be more susceptible of injury from frost than
that of wood which not being so rampant haa come to its full
maturity earlier in the season.

Certain sorts of Cherries are subject to attacks of gumming,
others to canker, and it is curious to observe how each form
of disease is developed in different sorts. In Empress Eugi'nie
gumming presents iteelf upon the close-pruned lateral growth,
the stem and main branches presenting the aspect of perfect
health in contrast to this. Early Purple Gean has swollen
gouty joints, the stem and branches sometimes absolutely
glistening with extravaaated aap. Thia was notably the case
in a dwarf-trained tree of this useful early variety which was
planted by mistake against a north wall, the gumming being
BO bad as to give a severe check to the growth and endanger
the life of the tieo. It was this particular example which con-
vinced me that gumming sometimes proceeds from the effects
of cold. The effect of canker is far more serious, sometimes
killing a tree outright, and always destroying the branch which

FLOWER GLASSES.

My remarks are chiefly confined to the queen of flowere —
the Rose, but I think they are equally applicable to most of
the flowers usually found at shows.

We know how important for the production of good blooms
is a good pure atmosphere together with good soil ; and yet at
shows in the amateurs' classes, those who live in the vicinity
of London and our other great towns have to compete with
others whose Roses grow in first-rate soil surrounded by fresh
country air. Now cannot we have a class or classes for exhi-
bitors who reside within five miles of the City ?

Then as to the number of bloome to be exhibited. It is but
seldom that we see a less number than twenty-four varieties,
and generally they are required to be in sets of three trusses
of each. For those who have plenty of room and other favour-
able circumstances this is very well ; but there are others who,
like myself, would wish to see their pets on the exhibition
table, but who could never hope to have seventy-two blooms in
perfect condition at one time. My own Rose garden conaiets
of a border about 80 feet long by 9 feet wide. Why cannot
we have a claaa of ten or twelve varieties of one or two blooms
each ? — A Would-ee Exhieitob.

i

PROTECTING PEAS WHEN SOWN.
Dir the seed into benzoline and sow at once. Nothing will
touch the Peas under ground or when above ground. I have
just sown some British Queen Peas soaked all night in a
solution of aloea. I do not believe mice will touch them.
Some were sown without dressing, and as soon as they ap-
peared were earthed-up like Potatoes. Last year thia suc-
ceeded.— W. F. Radclyffe.

WINTERING ALTERNANTHEBAS.

Since carpet bedding haa become the faahion in nearly all
gardens now, plants suitable for that purpose must be culti-
vated, and the Alternantheras are a claaa of planta that have
become very popular, and deservedly so, for their dwarf habit
and the beautiful shades of colour that can be produced with
them in carpet or tracery bedding render them at present indis-
pensable ; but the difficulty experienced with many is the keep-
ing of the plants in good condition through the winter, and
for the benefit of your readers who have asked for advice on
that point I shall relate my treatment.

Towards the end of July the plants will have made good
growth, which enables us to take cuttings. These are inserted
in G-inoh pots filled three parts with drainage, the remain-
ing part with a mixture of loam, leaf soil, and a sprinkling of
charcoal dust and sand. In this the cuttings are inserted
thickly, each pot holding from twenty to twenty-five cuttings ;
they are then placed in an old Melon er Cucumber bed, first
levelling the bed and covering the surface with some coal
ashes, on which the pots are placed and well watered. The
frames are then kept rather close and shaded during bright
days, and the cuttings sprinkled when the atmosphere of the
frame seems too dry, or the leaves show any signs of flagging.
With this treatment the cuttings soon form roots, and air Is
freely admitted on fine days. On the approach of cold nights
the plants are removed to the Pine stove, or any glass structure
where a heat of from GO' to 70° can be commanded. Here they
remain for the winter, receiving enough water to keep the soil
moist until February, when I have them taken out of the cut-
ting pots and planted about 2i inches apart in boxes. These
are then taken to the Cucumber pits, where the plants soon
become established. The moist heat of these structures auits
them admirably. They are afterwards placed in late vineries,
where they receive more air, and eventually are hardened off
in cold frames previous to planting out. With this treatment
I can guarantee ninety-nine cuttings (if not morel out of the
hundred. I find them do remarkably well in the boxes, and
, whcio large quantities are required they are much leas trouble

March 22, 1877. ]

JODRNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

217

than pots and take up less room. The varieties we grow here
are Altemantbera magnifioa, A. amabilis, A. paroDychioides,
A. latifolia, and A. amctna. The last-named I find requires a
Jittle special treatment. It is necessary to have good plants of
it to plant oat, also to plant them thickly, for when once the
plants assume their deep colour in the leaves the growth is
very slow; it is likewise best to have some store plants to place
in heat to propagate from. They will grow luxuriantly and
the leaves will be almost green, but I find the cuttings give
far more satisfaction from these than from the high-coloured
ontdoor plants.

All the Alternantheras are strictly speaking stove plants, and
the reason of the failures we often hear of in winter is through
the plants being eubjected to a temperature far too low. In a
temperature ranging from 60° to 70° they seem at home and
comfortable.— J. Andebson, Hill Grove.

BEES IN FBDIT CULTURE.

The last (third) report of the Vermont Board of Agricnltnre>
Manufactures, and Mining, contains a paper by James F-
Crane of Bridgeport, on the relation of bees to fruit culture >
in which the importance of the presence of bees as agents o^
fertilisation in the period of bloom is shown by numerous
examples. The first of these runs as follows : — " In 1774,
Count Anthony, in Bavaria, President of the Academy of
Science at Munich, proved by official family records that a
century earlier, when bees were kept by every tenant on the
estate, fruit was abundant, whereas then, when only seven
kept bees, and none of these kept more than three colonies,
fruit was scarcer than ever among his tenantry." The count's
conclusion as to cause may or may not have been right ; but
it raises the practical question whether there is not also a
relative decline in beekeeping in the United States as com-
pared with the great increase in fruitgrowing and attempts at
fruit-growing. There has been, we think, a marked decline in
the " setting " of fruit, which all have attributed to weakened
trees, cold rains, &c. ; but it is worth considering whether the
lack of the " little busy bee " is not also a cause of barrenness.

Our only way of ascertaining the relative progress of fruit
culture and bee culture is by reference to the census, and that
gives us the following figures : —

Val. Orchard 'Wax. Honey.

Products. IbB. IbB.

1840 .. 8126,766 .... 29,173

1860 .. 446.049

1880 .. 1,126,128 66,730 .... 1,846,803

1870 .. 8,671,789 .... 46,262 .... 1,547,178

This would indicate a much smaller increase of bees than of
fruit trees and Vines. In thirty years the value of orchard
fruit has increased thirtyfold, while the products of bees have
hardly doubled. Each bee may be said to have fifteen times
as many fruit blossoms to visit as the old-faehioned hummers
of 1840 ; and the fertilisation may be done with corresponding
imperfection, especially in a time of cold rains with little
sunshine.

Again, it is to be considered that cold winters destroy bees
as well as injure fruit trees, and that consequently, in the
years following a winter of intense cold, there are a lees num-
ber of bees to act as conveyers of pollen from flower to flower
as well as, it may be, a greater need of fertilisation in enfeebled
blossoms. — {Prairie Farmer.)

MYOSOTIS DISSITIFLORA.

Mccn praise has been justly bestowed on this very beautiful
spring fiower. A bed of it is indeed charming, and its utility
for indoor decoration is highly valued by all who have grown
it for this purpose. Your correspondent on page 34 has not
in the least exaggerated its merits ; but I now write to eay
that I have succeeded in raising from Myosotis dissitiflora a
seedling far exceeding its parent in beauty. The flowers are
larger, many of them being more than half an inch in diameter.
The segments are broader, giving the flowers a very compact and
rounded appearance, while the colour is quite equal to that of
its parent. I found my first plant last spring in a bed of
M. dissitiflora. I immediately raised the plant, and by the
month of October it had grown IJ foot across, having blossomed
and seeded freely. I have now some portions of the plant in
pots flowering freely in a cool orchard houte. The seedlings of
the above plant are also flowering, the flowers of these being
somewhat larger than those of the parent plant, which I
attiibate to the greater vigour of the seedlings. The planta

are grown in loam and leaf soil without any manure whatever.
I send herewith a specimen for your inspection. The original
plants of Myosotis dissitiflora from which the seed of this
variety was saved were grown in company with others of
M. grandiflora in the vicinity of an apiary. — W. Gkovbs,
Shortlands, Kent.

[The flowers are fully as large as represented by our corre-
spondent ; it is a promising variety of a popular fiower. — Eds-I

PEACH FORCING.— No. 8.

Thinning.— No other fruit exhibits in so marked a degree
the eflect of overcropping as does the Peach. With a redun-
dancy of blossom the setting of the fruit is much less certain
than with a fair number of bold healthy blossoms, or if many
blossoms set few swell larger than peas before dropping, er
they collapse when commencing stoning, and while, if too
many remain for ripening, the fruit is small, having little flesh,
not much juice, and next to no flavour.

The effect of overcropping is not, unfortunately, confined to
the present crop, but its direful influence is felt in the next
season's result. A tree carrying a heavy crop makes very little-
growth, and BO much of it is appropriated to the maintenance
of the present crop that the growths for affording the crop of
the succeeding year are ill-nourished, and the buds do not
attain fall development, consequently many of the blossoms
are small and imperfect, dropping without first casting the
petals, which is not the case with perfect flowers.

Judicious and early thinning can hardly be too strongly in-
sisted on. It is very pleasing to see a tree studded with young
swelling fruit, but it does not always occur to the observer that
if two fruits are left where only one ought to be is diminishing
the size and quality of the latter by half. Some have so great
a dread of the fruit being cast at stoning time that they leave
two fruits where they only intend to allow one to ripen, re-
sulting not unfrequently in both dropping, and just as fre-
quently in both remaining. The changes are not on that
account equal, for most fruits pass the stoning safely when the
crop is thin, therefore with a fair crop we may safely conclude
that we shall have no difiiculty in eiiecting their stoning, and
I should like to know if we allow but one fruit in place of two
to grow until stoning if that fruit will not be much larger at
stoning and have a better chance of being finer than had we
allowed two to remain ?

After the fruit is the size of horse beans thinning should
commence. The trees being furnished with shoots upon the
branches a foot apart we may safely reduce the number of fruits
to two on each branchlet, and even so early we must see to the
position of those retained with regard to their having room for
attaining their ripened proportions without coming into con-
tact with the trellis or branches adjoining, and if possible have
the fruit so disposed that it be equally exposed to light on all
sides. When the fruit is the size of a small walnut we may
take off the smallest, ill-shaped, and badly disposed of the two
fruits left upon each shoot for stoning and ripening. What if
a few are lost in stoning; those remaining will be all the finer,
and the certainty of future crops be better insured.

No Peach of the large kinds, as Noblesse, Grosse Mignoniie,
&a., ought to have less than 1 square foot of surface — that is,
1 square foot of supporting foliage. It is not always practi-
cable to have the fruit just where it is wanted ; it willsuflioe if
one fruit be taken for every foot of trellis occupied, and if more
fruit must be left upon a part of the tree to make up a defi-
ciency in another it is desirable to apportion the extra fruit to
a vigorous part of the tree ; or in case of there being much
fruit where the growths are weak, rather than weaken it still
more by allowing a superfluity to make up the deficiency of
other parts (and those frequently the strongest), thin the fruit
to a foot distance apart, and let the other parts take care of
themselves. The medium-sized Peaches may be left 0 inches
apart. Some may consider the distance too great; my ex-
perience points the contrary. If there be one thing more than
another to be guarded against in gardening it is that of too
great expectancy in the capability of trees for producing fruit.
Prodigious crops generally mean inferior quality.

Nectarines are small as compared with Peaches, and usually
set more freely, nor are they thinned to anything like the same
extent as Peaches. Such Nectarines as Albert Victor require
to be thinned the same distance as the large-sized Peaches, aneJ
such sorts as Elruge ought to have 1 square foot of surface ;
none, however small, should have less than 81 square inches
of supporting foliage surface, the hnit being 9 inches apart.

218

JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUhE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 22, 1877.

I would oantion any with very vigorous trees from thinkicg
that because the fohage is large twice as many fruit may be
left upon them as on those leas vigorous yet veil furnished.
Results do not justify such expectaucy. Vigorous trees are
frequently disappointing.

Tkaininu. — When the shoots are 3 to 6 inches in length
tying-in should commence, for if left until of greater length
they cannot be brought into proper form. Either the shoot
will snap off at its janction with its parent, or a very ungainly
bend be formed. This work of tying the shoots ought to be
done with care, leaving plenty of room for the swelling of the
shoot. Care should also be taken in not having the tie very
near the point of the shoot, or injury may result. All ties
should be loose, the trees being often gone over for the regula-
tion of the shoots. Nothing answers so well for tying either
main branches or ehoots as roffea or Chinese grass.

Some of the leaves will overhang the fruit, and where they
do the fruit will be very highly coloured on the sun or exposed
side, and very pale or not coloured at all beneath the leaves.
The leaves in this case must be placed gently clear of the fruit
when it takes the last swell after stoning, or even cutting away
the parts overhanging the fruit. It is of more importance
that the foliage have plenty of light and air than that the fruit
be fully exposed to the sun.

Makurino. — Top-dressings are of importance. Nothing
aoswere so well as fresh sheep droppings, giving the border
a covering half an inch thick when the fruit is not much larger
than a cob nut, or fresh cow dung answers nearly as well. It
is surprising what a potency these stimulants have in bringing
the roots to the surfaoe, and the leaves by their deeper green
soon show how they are being catered for. The effluvia given
off is not pleasant to red spider. If the appearance of the
manure is objected to it is easy to sprinkle it over with soil.
Guano spread on the soil, just enough to yellow the surface,
every time the harder is watered I have found nearly as good
as cow dung, &c. ; but after the stoning a mulch of some
iind is desirable, a covering 1 to 2 inches thick of short
manure being valuable. Wood ashes are also a good appli-
cation, but they are best applied at the dressing preparatory
to forcing. Soot may be mentioned as very nearly equal to
guano, and equally useful in the prevention of red spider.
The surface may be made black at each watering, and the soot
be washed in.

Diseases. — Gumming is the most prevalent and arises from
two causes — namely, too rich soil and damage to the branches
and shoots. The first promotes long sappy growths which
asnally succumb to gum. It may be subdued by restraining
the growth, which, however, is usually arrested as the border
becomes solidified. The gumming consequent of too close
tying suggests its own remedy, and bruising the shoots against
the wires is equally inexcusable : in fact, nothing short of mal-
treatment will cause the gumming of forced Peach trees.

Insects. — The moat insidious is the red spider (icarus tel-
larius). It is alleged that syringing prevents its attack. Ex-
perience tells nothing of the kind, for il we are very careful in
applying the water without much force the red-coated fellow
not only manages to maintain its footing but increases. The
syringing must be thorough— the water driven with such force
as to dislodge the enemy. It should, however, not be forgotten
that a tree not duly attended to with water and otherwise ill
fed at the roots is more liable to attacks of red spider than one
well nourished both at the roots and at top by atmospheric
moisture. When syringing cannot be done we must have re-
course to the sulphur remedy. Sulphur commences to vaporise
at a temperature of 105° to 170°. Upon an attack of red spider
the pipes should be heated to a temperature hotter than the
Jiaud can bear and kept hot for at least six hours, being coated
with sulphur brought to the consistency of thin paint, the
house being closed. Gum water, i ozs. of gum arabic to a
gallon of water, is best for mixing the sulphur. In the morn-
ing a thorough syringing may be given to the trees.

None of the insecticides are more fatal to red spider than
aoftsoap solutions, 2 ozs. to a gallon of water, it being applied
so as to thoroughly wet both the under as well as upper surface
of the leaves. It is not, however, desirable to apply it after
the fruit commences ripening.

Scale (Coccus testudo) is very troublesome and epreada
rapidly, but, due regard having been paid to winter dressing,
it does not make very great progress until the crop is ripe.
Sometimes, however, it must be proceeded againft. Six ounces
of soft soap and a wineglassful of spirits of turpentine, mixed
thoroughly, and added to three gallons of water at a tempera-

tare of 140°, applying with a syringe at a temperature of 120°,
is the best remedy. This must not be applied until the leaves
are fuU-sized and are firm in textare. Repeat if neoesBBry.

Aphis, especially A. persicaa, takes greedily to the young
wood, the flower, and tender leaves, and is as active in winter
and spring as during the summer growth of the trees. It
yields to fumigation with tobacco. To save fumigation the
parts infested may be dressed with tobacco water— an eSeotaal
remedy, and upon its first appearance is easily applied with a
brush ; whereas if left the aphis spreads rapidly and will con-
siderably disfigure the current growths, and is then not readily
destroyed. Winter dressing of the trees with sulphur, &(S., is
a good preventive of this pest.

TItrips are beet destroyed by fumigation, also the green
aphis, which is not infrequent in eool houses.

Blister does not prevail among forced Peach trees, but ia
common to trees against walls, being due to cold. Fungus is
a result, not the cause of blister.

Mildew I have only once noticed in a forced Peach house,
and that was upon the fruit of Early York. It enocnmbs to
dusting with flowers of sulphur. — G. Abbet.

DOUBLE PRIMULAS AT BURGHLEY.
Gladly do I bear testimony to the excellence of the Primulas
to which Mr. Gilbert alludes in page 189. They are indeed
very fine — infinitely superior to any others that I have seen.
A saucer full of blooms sent me by Mr. Gilbert is beside me
on my desk as I write. I literally feast my eyes upon them.
Ah ! why did he not send cuttings ? Tantalus ! Tantalus !
History repeats itself. Undoubtedly your longing for the
hanging fruit closely resembled mine for the absent cuttings.
A description of the blooms will best serve to explain why I
thus covet my neighbour's possessions. In colour they range
from a deep pink upwards to pure white, the gradations of
shades being developed in the moat charming manner, some
being quite suffused with pink, others bearing most delicate
tints and shades ol the same colour upon a white ground, and
others bearing innumerable spots and pencillings of pink. In
size and form they are equally remarkable, many of them
measnriug nearly 2 inches in diameter, and all are as double
as Diiaies, but from tlieir Urge size remind one more of a
double Petunia than a Daisy. The petals are of great sub-
stance, large, beautifully fringed, and disposed in pleasing but
by no means formal order, rising to a common centre, and
imparting a fall globular outline to the bloom. Who would
not hke to grow some ? and who ia there that does not sympa-
thise with me in my longing for cuttings ?— E. Ldckhubsi.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Having reason to know from conversation with numerous
amateurs and others that the lengthened correspondence which
has recently appeared in the newspapers has tended only still
further to mystify the public, and consequently to injure the
Society even more than was previously the case, I veuttire to
ask the favour of space in your paper that I may briefly draw
attention to the following facts, hoping thereby to remove the
doubts of many who will then be willing to come forward and
aid by their subscriptions a Society which has done in the
paat, and is still dijitKj, much valuable work.

1. The Society ia now financially in a better position than
it has been for several years past ; but its income is still most
inadequate, and with additional aid it would be better able to
carry on its experiments and maintain the cflioient working of
those Committees whoso labours have proved so beneficial to
the general public.

2. Besides other valuable work, competitive trials of great
scientific and practical value have for years been carried on,
and are etiU being continued at Chiswick with the most ex-
cellent results, whilst the reports in the horticultural papers
are a sufficient testimony to the thoroughly successful working
of the Scientific, Fruit, and Floral Committees connected with
the Society. The fortnightly flower shows are also a great
success even beyond the most sanguine expectations.

3. What is now required is to obtain an increase of Fellows
and members, and I think it cannot be too widely known that
those who wish to join the Society can do so on the following
terms: —

A. By payment of one guinea per annum, which payment
entitles the member to use the gardens at all times, including
all shows, fetes, oonservazioni, and promenades both at

March 22, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

■219

Chiswick and at Sonth Kensington, bat withont giving a vote
at the meetings of the Society.

E. By payment of two guineas a-year, which entitles the
Fellow to one yearly Iransfcrable ticket, admitting the bearer
every day, and to all shows, K-tes, conversazioni, and prome-
nades both at Cbiswiok and South Kensington, enabling him
also to visit the shows at an earlier honr than the general
pnblic; entitling also the bearer with two friends to visit the
gardens on all ordinary days, to receive forty orders giving
free admission to promenades on all days eicept show and
special days, and to have the right of voting at all meetings,
besides other minor privileges.

c. By payment of four gaineas a-year, which entitles the
Fellow to two yearly tickets, both of which arc tramferahlc,
and which give the bearers admission every day, and to all
shows, [ites, conversazioni, and promenades both at Chiswick
and South Kensington, to visit the shows at an earlier hour
than the general public, to receive forty orders giving free
admission to promenades and all days excepting show and
special day, the right of voting at all meetings, free admission
to the reading-room, besides many other minor privileges.

D. Boyta ride head gardeners on payment of 10s. dd. per
annum are admitted as members with the same privileges aa
those amateurs who pay one guinea per annum.

E. There is non- no entrance fee, and anyone subscribing
is in no way liable for any amount beyond the subscription for
the year.

I am surely not too sanguine in expressing the hope that
thronghout Great Britain where the love of flowers is so uni-
versal, there are many who will be willing to come forward,
and at so small a cost to themselves, to assist in supporting a
Society which has done so much good in the past, and which I
feel confident must with efficient aid have a very brilliant
future. I venture to appeal on its behalf for such support,
and shall gladly receive the names of any who aro willing to
become members, and I shall also be happy to obtain the neces-
sary signatures to the nomination papers, so as to save as
much trouble as possible as regards election, &i, — Harby J
Veitch, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, S.W.

NEW BOOK.
Cultivated Plants, their Propaya-t ion and Improvement. By

F. W. BUBBIDGE.

This is a trustworthy volume, for the author is a practical
as well as scientific cultivator of plants. The first sentence in
the preface is : —

"The late Dr. Lindley, when preparing the preface for his
father's ' Guide to the Orchard,' wrote the following : — ' There
are two great considerations to which it is above all things
necessary that the attention of the cultivator should be directed
— namely, amelioration and propagation ;' and with this object
in view the present haadbook has been prepared."

And the object has been well kept in view. Two brief extracts
will enable our readers to judge of the contents of the work : —

"The known cases where the immediate action of foreign
pollen on the fruit has been noted are so concisely given in
Professor Dyer's translation of Maximowicz's paper cited above,
that I gladly avail myself of the following quotation, which
summarises the whole matter — with references to the original
papers :—

" ' The few instances may be found collected in Gaertner or
Darwin. Thns Manx asserts that he observed different kinds
of fruit on the Pear tree, of which a number of blossoms had
been castrated, and, as he supposed, fertilised afterwards by
neighbouring trees.

" ' Pavis maintained that the frnit of Apples, Melons, and
Maize underwent alteration in form, colour, and special quali-
ties when they were planted near other kinds. Bradley even
says that he had seen an Apple which was sweet on one side
and sour on the other, and one half of which became soft when
boiled, while the other remained hard. But these are only
observations, and not experimental results. Wiegmann first
obtained the latter in Peas. Gaertner tested experimentally
man; of the Btitemeut^ which we have quoted, and made ex-
periments on other plants besides. He was only able, however,
to confirm Wiegmann's results to a certain extent. Ha is there-
fore disposed (and with much reason) to attribute the majority
of such cases to variation in the individual; he allows, how-
ever, as a rare exception, the possibility of change even in the
mother plant itself. Other observers (as, for example. Knight,
and recently even Nii^eli) deny even the possibiUty of such an
inflaence.

"'More recently Darwin has again quoted cases where, by
crossing yellow and dark Maize, cobs were produced which con-

tained both yellow and dark grains. Hildebrand confirms these
observations, and farther cites the instance of an Apple which
bore traces in its marking of the influence of another sort. But
whilst the question has been in these cases only a variation in
the colour, in the three which follow we find it affecting the
form. Hartsen has seen on Solanum edule [the weUknown
Egg plant) a fruit which in colour, size, and shape exactly
resembled a Tomato, and possessed only the greater dryness and
firmness of the flesh of the Egg fruit, besides the smooth border
of the seed, which in the Tomato is villous. Dr. Kanitz met
with a case of a hybrid fruit between Lycopersicum escalentum
and Capsicum aunnum. Fritz MiiUer fertilised Cattleya Leopold!
by Epidendrum cinnabarinum, and obtained seed^of the former
with the shape belonging to the latter. Meehan, lastly, observed
that the bough of a Pear tree, which bad always been altogether
unfruitful, projected into the boughs of a neighbouring Apple
tree. Fruits were produced which in skin, flesh, and other
respects were altogether Apples, and had only the seeds, oar-
pellary partitions, and stalk of the Pear.' "

NOTES ON VILLA, and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The present is a capital time for making new beds for Aspara-
gus, and the way to make them very much depends upon the
position and nature of the soil as well as the time the beds are
to remain, for, if the roots are to be taken-up in a few years for
forcing, less trouble in preparing the soil suffices than when
the beds are to remain till the plants are worn out. In conse-
quence of frosty nights it is not advisable to rake-down the old
beds too soon or too smoothly, but the surface may be loosened
with the hoe, and the dressing-down will afterwards be easier
done. The soil among growing crops should be loosened some-
what deeply, but not made very fine yet ; the slight frosts will
do the soil much good.

Take care that seedlings of Cauliflower, Lettuce, and Cabbage
sown in frames are pricked-ont in good time, as by leaving them
too long they become leggy and are seldom afterwards so robust
as if better treated. Carrots in frames ought to be thinned-out
and plenty of air given to keep them dwarf. Those which are ap-
pearing outdoors should be protected from frost, and quicklime
laid round the bed will keep slugs away, which might otherwise
eat-off hundreds iu a night. Lettaoea which have been stauding-
out under the shelter of walls all the winter should be encou-
raged to grow by stirring the soil amongst them, and if they are
too thick let some bo taken away and planted in rich soil.

Parsley is a necessary article in all gardens, and to have good
plants the seed should be sown early on a border ; and then, if a
piece of ground is prepared by deep digging and manuring, the
best and moat curled of the plants when large enough may be-
planted, and they get so well established during the autumn
that they stand the winter well with the aid of a little protec-
tion, such as a slight framework covered with mats on frosty
nights. Cauliflowers from hand-lights should be planted in
well-prepared ground, the plants being carefully lifted with a
trowel, with some earth attached to the roots. They should be
planted 2 feet apart.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Calceolarias which have been wintered in frames should be^
temporarily planted in some good soil, where they can be pro-
tected. The difficulty will soon be to find room for all the
flower-garden plants, and every available space will have to
be turned to good account. JIany plants may be propagated in
the spring, and the plants thus raised go on unchecked and
flower as well or better than the antiimn-struck plants. Old
plants of Alternantheras if placed in a Cacumber frame in
March soon begin growin^^', and as soon aa possible the cuttings
are taken off and inserted thickly in pots, and they strike-
readily in a well-heated frame. If another frame can be pre-
pared with a bod of leaves, and raised up to within a foot of the
glass, and having a few inches of good soil on the bed, the plants
pricked out in this and well attended to will grow in fine con-
dition for bedding-out in June. If no frame can be spared the
plants may be grown in boxes in a house, but are likely to b&
drawn up weakly. Cuttings may be taken from the old, also the
young plants, until sufficient plants are established.

Lawns should be cleaned, rolled, and then mown as close as
possible so as to cut off the old tough grass. The edges next the
walks must now be cut, and all beds and borders be made neat
and clean. Run the hoe among Bpriof,'-flowering plants, such as.
beds of hardy annuals. All hardy edging plants may be put out
where they are intended to remain, and all newly-planted
shrubs should be mulched, and protected by being staked.
— TnoM4S Record.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN. ^' ^■*'^'

For the last ten days we have had drying winds, and where

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE QAKUENBR.

[ March 22, 1877.

tbe ground has been forked over it is in excellent order for
sowing seeds, planting Potatoes, &c.

We have now sown the first CcIpti/ on a warm border. We
have sown at a mucli earlier date in former years, and have had
plants ready to prick out by this time ; but bo many " bolted "
that they had to be replaced with lotfr-aowu plants. The run-
ning of early Celery is owing in a great measure to our dry hot
soil, combined with a rather dry atmosphere, as in cooler dis-
tricts with a dilferent soil the bolting of early-sown plants does
not happen. To show the difference that soil and situation
makes in Celery culture, the following quotation from the
writings of the late Mr. R. Fish will be appropriate :— " We
generally sow Celery twice or thrice, but we confess we do this
more from custom than from any absolute necessity. The
general idea has been that small plants which are pricked-ofi
into a little heat in the middle of March are sure to throw-up
their iiower stalks in Jaly, August, and later, whilst plants from
seed subsequently sown and fit to be pricked-off in April and
May are comparatively safe from bolting. The result of our
experience and observation is, that plants properly looked after,
the roots kept from beieg dried-up, ito ,and which are pricked-oil
in March, are just as safe from bolting as those pricked-oii two
months later." The soil and climate at Puttridgebury must
have been quite different from ours at Loxford, as with all our
cai-e, if the plants are raised and pricked-off in frames, they are
almost sure to bolt.

We have planted-out a sufficient quantity of autumn-sown
Onions ; a,lthough a breadth of Onions is always sown in spring
the crop is uncertain on account of the attacks of the Onion
maggot, while the autumn-sown crop never fails from this
cause, or indeed any other. Carrots have been sown in soil
that has been trenched. On several occasions, though not
always, a healthy crop has been secured when the tcp spit has
been turned down to the depth of a foot. Water slightly diluted
with paraffin has been suggested as a remedy for the small
maggot that eats into the Carrot and destroys its tap root. We
shall give it a trial, as our Carrot crop often suffers, and some-
times entirely fails. See that all crops are put into the ground
while the weather is favourable.

Jerusalem Artichokes may be planted in a corner where they
will not overshadow other crops. They will thrive almost in
any position ; but good roots are only produced in rich soil, and
the plants should be 3 feet apart one way and 1 foot the other.
The soil should be deep.

If it is intended to plant Asparagus beds the ground should
be prepared by deep trenching, and plenty of good manure is
necessary. One year-old plants are the best, and by the time
they have grown an inch or so out of the ground the beds should
be in good condition to receive them. The best time to plant
them out is when they have commenced growing; but if the
plants have to be sent a distance this will not be possible, the
young growths being so easily snapped off.

On a dry sheltered border a sowing maybe made of Dwarf
Kidney Beans, even if there is no glass protection to place over
them the wire Pea protect.iri may be used, and some shading
thrown oyer will save the Beans from frost. Sowings of Let-
tuce, Radish, and other salading have been made, and before
this appears in print the Potatoes will be planted out for the
earliest crops. They will be carefully transferred from the
shallow boxes in which they were laid thickly a month ago. We
have not yet tried Penn's Early Market, but shall do so this
season ; it is said to be one of the very best early round garden
sorts.

VINEEIES.

The Vines in the earliest houses were started a week or two
sooner than usual, but they are not any earlier on that account.
It was seen that the Vines would not st»rt regularly when
pushed with too much heat, and we withheld it until the buds
were advanced a few inches. A good portion of the bunches are
thinned out, and the remainder will be finished in a week or ten
days. Black Hamburgh, Buckland Sweetwater, and other free-
setting sorts may be thinned nine or ten days after the first
fiowers open on the bunches. Muscats take longer, as they
generally do not set well, so it is better to wait until it can be
seen which berries are likely to swell freely before the remainder
are cut out.

Thinning Grapes is an operation that requires considerable
■care ; it ought not to be done in a hurried manner, nor when the
operator is in a state of perspiration. By a little management
it can be done early in the morning. In sunny weather the sun
has considerable effect on the glass, and the temperature may
rise 10' or 1.5° before 10 a.m. In such weather we never thin
after eight in the morning. Should the weather happen to be
cold with no sun the operation may be continued all day. The
berries that are to remain shoul(Ln<;ither be touched by the
hand nor the scissors, and no second thinning ought to be made.
The person that is to thin the Grapes should have some know-
ledge of the previous year's crop, as this is a guide as to the
number of berries that ought to remain. In a house even in the
saoie garden, the berries on one Vine of the same variety will

be as large again as they are on another. Some bunches are
more loosely formed than others, but the man of experience
speedily takes note of his bunch and acts accordingly.

We may expect keen cutting winds from the north-east for a
month or six weeks yet, and at such a time, when the skin of
the berries are most liable to injury, air must be applied with
very great caution. The ventilators ought to be so arranged
that the wind cannot blow directly on the berries.

CDCCMBERS AND MELONS.

Cucumbers in frames will now do tolerably well if the heat is
kept-up by linings, and if great care is taken to ventilate the
frames so that the plants are not exposed directly to cold winds.
The sun has a strong effect on the glass and soon increases the
temperature. Advantage should be taken of this to close the
lights early in the afteruoou, and to cover with mats at 6 p >r.,
using thorn double when there is any sign of frost. When the
roots have permeated the hills more good loam ought to be
added, but not a large quantity at one time, as this prevents
the heat rising. Our early plants in the houses where the night
temperature ranges from '&'}' to 70° make good progress. Alter
a dull period when the sun breaks through strongly the leaves
are apt to suffer, but with as much air admitted as possible, and
Bufiicient moisture in the atmosphere, no injury has been done
to the plants except the scorching of a stray leaf or two. We
do not like to shade them, as if we start with this it is not easy
to leave it off again. It is better not to shade either Cucumbers
or Melons. The last-named require very similar treatment to
that of Cucumbers, 65' at night rather than higher ; and if it is
not requisite to hurry the fruit in by a certain time we would
keep the house at 00° only, as a high night temperature is likely
to cause an inroad of red spider. Train the lateral growths
from a central leader in the Bame way as Vine shoots, and they
ought not to be too much crowded. Some varieties of Melons
form growths much more thickly than others, and require to be
treated accordingly.

PEAOH HOUSE.

If the fruit is set in the late house more atmospheric moisture
may be provided, but we do not like to have so much moisture
in these houses as in vineries. All that will be necessary as yet
is to syringe the trees in the morniog, and also at 3 p.m. if the
weather is fiue. In dull cold weather the borders and paths
only should be sprinkled. The night temperature need not be
higher than 55°, a high temperature may cause the fruit to drop
cff. Another fertile cause of this is the inside borders being too
dry. When the roots are out as well as inside there is not so
much danger from this cause. Oiir trees in pots are saturated
with water during the winter, and sometimes until the blossoms
are nearly open, and yet they pet well. We have not tried keep-
ing the roots dry, and would be afraid to do so.

GREENUOUSE AND e'ONSERVATORY.

We have been engaged amongst the Hyacinths preparing
them for exhibition, and also for making a better effect in the
show house. Hyacinths always require the spikes to be sup-
ported, and it ought to be done so that the supports are not
seen at all. The best support is a wire bent at the part that
enters the pot so as to avoid the bulb. Some growers force a
wire througli the bulb, but this practice is too barbarous, nor is
it necessary. The wire must be worked carefully in amongst the
bells without bruising them, and they must be carefully arranged
so as to form a symmetrical spike; when the bells are too
thickly placed, as they are sometimes, we thin them out with a
pair of Bharp-pointed scissors. When the plants are shaded
from the sun and kept cool the fiowers will last a full month
from the time they first open. For the decoration of the home
stage Tulips are very useful, their gorgeous appearance and the
rich variety of colour render them always attractive. A few
Polyanthus Narcissus also afford agreeable variety.

We keep a careful look-out for red spider and mildeWi and
have it destroyed on its first appearance. The spider insidiously
attacks Pimeleas, aud must be destroyed by laying the plants
on their sides and syringing them well. Chrysanthemums have
been potted out of their cutting pots, and the plants placed in a
house where they can be started into growth. In a week or two
they will be placed out of doors, and be protected from severe
frosts with mats or thick ehading material. — J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Henry W.alton, Edge Hill Nurseries, Brierfield, Burnley,
Lancashire. — General Plant Catalogue.

EUwauger& Barry, Mount Hope Nurseries, Rochester, N.Y.—
Descriptive Catalogue of Hoses.

R. Edwards & Sons, Moss Spring Nurseries, Nuthall, Notting-
ham.— Descriptive Catalogue of Dahlias.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*,* All correspondence should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to " The Pablisber." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnaon or Dr. Hogg often remain nnopened nnavoid-

March 22, 1877. J

journaij op horticulture and cottage gardener.

ably. We requeat that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mix up on the same^sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub-
jects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion
should be written on one aide of the paper only. We
cannot reply to questions through the post.

Petunias.— Iq the article on Petunias, page 17."*. the illuBtration of a
■doable- fringed variety repre gents the strain of Mr. Ernest Benary, Erfart,
Germany.

Tenant Leaving (Servant], — "We muat decline giving an opinion. The
moat straight for ward course wonld be to speak to yoor landlord and make
an equitable arrangement with him.

Neffiek du Japon (M. R. D.).— It is the MespUns japonica, or Japanese
Medlar.

Golden PniETHRusr for Carpet Beddino (A. P.).— The eeefls are
generally sown too early, and the plants are too large when planted in the
beds. Do not sow until the middle of April, and prick the seedlin-^s direct
from the pans into the bsds where they are required to remain. They should
be quite small, only jast large enough to be handled when placed in the beds
in May, pricking them only an inch apart. You can afterwards thin them
oat if required. The only means of keeping the plants dwarf is by sowing
late and planting the seedlings closely together when they are quite small.
If other and still dwarfer plants are associated with the Pyrethrum the
panels intended for the latter should be excavated an inch or two, and then
with a little pinching the Golden Feather will not " overtop "' the other plants.

Mealy Bug {T. S., ffnoici*).— Your plant is infested with Coccus adoni-
dum. Your remedy ia to dissolve -i ozs. of soft soap in a gallon of water, and
thoroughly wash every portion of yoor plant with a sp ingo, applying the
solution as hot as can be endured by the hand, then lay your plant on a mat
and syringe it violently with the same solution at a temperature of 120'^. It
ehonld afterwards he syringed twice daily with clear water to prevent the
pest again increasing on the plant. A moist atmosphere merely will not
prevent the increase of these insects, bat they cannot flourish under regular
drenchings from the syringe.

Apples {J. M.).—la your eitaation, Surrey, pl&nt—Applcif Dessert—
Joanneting, Devonshire Quarrenden, King of the Pippins, Kerry Pippin,
Gravens'.ein, Coi's Orange Pippin, Margil, Aromatic Russet, Cornish GiUi-
flower, Nonpareil, Court Panda Plat, and Sturmer Pippin. Kitchen— CatUsIb
Codlin, Stirling Ctistle, Nonesuch, Golden Noble, H tUandbary, Beauty of
Kent, Blenheim Pippin, Alfriston, Winter Greening and Norfolk Beefing.

Primula Flowers {J. R Cotton).— They are most peculiarly variegated,
but whether they are handsome when growing we cannot judge.

Heating by a Baker's Oven {C. F. B.).— Water will flow without
being at a boiling temperature. The oven on which you purpose placing the
boiler might not be heated when yoa most require heat.

Treatment of Amaryllis after Floweeisg (B. T'.). — To leave off
watering and to crowd the pots together into any out-of-the-way comer
immediately after the flowers fade, as is frequently done, is bad practice. It
should never be forgotten that a full and healthy de7elopment of the foliage
is of the utmost cooseqaence, for without it we shall look in vain for good
flowers, and no subsequent treatment will atouefor negligence or carelessness
in this respect. Continue therefore to afford the plants every advantage of
light, air, and water till the foliage has attained its full growth and shows
indications of decay, then gradually withhold water; aud when the foliage
by its yellow hue shows clearly that its tissues have quite done their work
then lay the pots on their sides if space is an object, and if repotting is
necessary let it be done just before the season for a new growth, using a rich
gritty loam.

Arbutcs Barren (Constance).— ThQ Arbutus is dicocious, the male aud
female flowers being produced on separate shrubs. Plant a male plant
among your shrubs. Any nurserymaa could supply yau with one.

Salt to Kill Moss [J. 3/.).— Rake the lawn, and sow over it common
salt, at the rate of twenty bushels per acre. Apply it uow. If your lawn is
on a heavy soil draining would permanently diminish the moss.

Wireworm iSigma).—Vfe know of no radical cure, except paring aud burn-
ing 6 inches of the entire surface soil.

Nitrate of Soda (Idem).— It is a good manure for Potatoes, 1 lb. per
eqoare rod, sown over the surface immediately after planting.

Cabbage Roots Knobbed I A. A.).— The grabs in the knobs are the off-
spring of a weevil. The only preventive is to dip the plants at planting time
into a creamy mixture of soot, aud to sow soot on the surface afterwards.

Bhttbarb not Growing [C. R). — We arc unable to account for the Rhu-
barb not growing; the kind may have been unsuitable for forcing. We have
had late kinds taken up early decay at the crown, and not unfrequently had the
crowns eaten out by mice. There ia nothing wrong in your treatment, but
it is not desirable to water until the leaves are appearing from the crown,
growth having taken place. Bottom heat is not necessary. All that is re-
quired is to place the roots in mois^ rich soil and maintain a temperature of
55" to GO^. The best kind for forcing is Johnstone's St. Martin's; Liuuffius
is also excellent.

Planting Seakale (IiUm). — Theside roots should not be removed but be
planted a foot apart in rich light soil in au open eituation, planting so that
the crowns are just covered with soil-

PauNiNG Statice (IiUm).—Yoii do not inform as of the species. Oat
away all the flower stems and such parts as present a straggling appearance.
Bepot in about three weeks, keeping rather dry and cool during that time,
removing any loose soil and reducing the ball a little, returning to the same
or a slightly increased size of pot, watering carefully. A compost of three
parts turfy loam, one part fibrous peat, half a part of leaf soil, aud half a part
in eqnal proportions of silver sand, pieces of charcoal, and old dry cow dung
well incorporated will grow Statices well. Good draiuage must be provided.
None of the .Statices require a hothouse, but those not hardy should be
grown in a greenhouse temperature.

Green Slime— "W.H. P." wishes to know how he can prevent a green
elimc forming and floating In bis water tanks.

Summer House (J.Rogers). — We cannot furnish designs. Ri c ant i's book,
"Sketches for Rustic Work," might help you. It is publiaheii by Mr. Car-
penter, Old Bond Street.

Peach, Melon, and Propagating House (G. C. H.). — Your lean-to
house ought at least to be 12 feet wide, which will allow 4 feet at the back
wall for a Peach border, 2 feet 6 inches for path, and 4 feet for a bed to bo sup-
plied with bottom heat from hot-water pipes. The front 2 feet for Melons
should admit of a depth of 18 inches for loam ; the 2 feet space between the
path and Melon bed will be further reduced 4i inches to allow of a low wall
one brick thick to support the bed ; this may be 30 inches or 3 feet above the
floor line to be used for a propagating bed ; this you can fill with tan, fer-
menting manure, or leaves.

Bryony Propagation (E. 0. 0.).— It is best propagated by sowing the
berries, which should be gathered in late summer or when they become qaite
red, keeping in sand over the winter, and sowing in March in light sandy soil
in the open ^'-ound, covering about half au inch deep. It may also be in-
creased by suckers, either with or without a portion of the fleshy roots. You
will be able to had the roots by tracing the bines iu the hedges where the
plants grow. It will not be long, however, before fre^h bines come up, aud
before the growth is far aivauced the plants should be removed.

Converting Greemhouse into a Vinery (C. C. .1/.).— It will be neces-
sary to remove the front pipes, bringing them 3 feet further into the interior
of the house. The pipe3 at the back are as good as they can be, unless you
wish to have somethiug growing against tho waU, in which case the i)ipe3
will need to be brought 2 feet from it. We should now divide the house into
two by a division iu the middle, at least arrange the pipes for it so that you
can heat one house or both, separately or together. In the early house we
should have Mill Hill Hamburgb, Foster's Seedling, Troveren Frontignan
(Muscat Troveren), and Trentham Black. In the second house Golden
Queen, Uadresfield Court, Muscat of Alesaudria, and Lady Downe's. You may
plant in the order named, commencing at one eni, and put in the division
afterwards. We should not have any Peaches in the house, the Vines would
soon shade them too much to be profitable. Our " Vine Manual " treats of
the preparation of the soil and cultivation. It maybe had from our office
for 2s. Ihi.

Name of Violet (8iibscrihcr).~~JadgiQg from the flowers alone (foliage
would have aided us in the more certain identification of the variety) wo
think it is the double red (reddish purple) variety of the Russian— viz., Viola
suavis rubra flore-plena, a very free-flowering kind, aud good for pot culture.
The flowers sent are very attractive.

Beet for Bedding Purposes (Beta), — The two small leaves sent were
much withered. The colour appears to be rich magenta with red veins ; but
matured plants are necessary to enable a correct judgment being formed on
the merits of the strain.

POULTEY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

WESTMINSTER AQUARIUM POULTRY SHOW.

The management of the WostminsterAqaarinm Poultry Show
has been rather sharply criticised. In justice to the executive
of that Show I send you my experience of their management.

I am one of those poultry fanciers whose homes are situated
" in remote and inaccessible country places." I was unable to
attend the Aquarium Show, unacquainted with any of its officials,
unrepresented by any person to guard my interests. On the
morning of Saturday, February 2ith (the Show had then been
closed only a few hours), one of two birds I had exhibited
arrived at Farnham station. On the same day I received a post
card stating that my other bird had been claimed. Within a
fortnight I received a cheque for tho amount due to me, enclosed
with a very ornamental highly commended card. I may mention
that my bird which was returned had improved in condition
during his absence. For the last eight or ten years I have been
an occasional exhibitor of poultry; during that time no com-
mittee, as far as my experience goes, has behaved in a more
businesslike and considerate manner to exhibitors than the
gentlemen who promoted and conducted the Aquarium Show.
I am sorry to hear that their venture was financially a failure.
Surely they have been hardly treated in receiving such severe
censure for backwardness in their arrangements on the opening
day of the Show, the delay having been caused by oircumstanoes
beyond their control. — H. Seymour Fbaseb.

WING DISEASE IN PIGEONS.
Are wing disease and goat forms of the same malady ? Is it
infectious ? My reason for thinking it must be is that until
December last I had not a single case, but since then it has been
going through two lofts, the conditions of which are totally
different, but where the occupants generally mingle during the
day. Thinking it might arise, as suggested in the books, from
striking the wings against some sharp corner I was careful to
remove all such; but the spread of the disease has not been
stopped, and I have now about a dozen birds affeotsd with one or
other of the forms of the disease. Till about a fortnight ago it
was confined to the wings, but now there are several birds lame;
and although there is no swelling I an only attribute it to the
same disease. Two of these oases I am treating with spirits of
turpentine. In the case of the wings, where there are swellinga
I treat with iodine, with which I have cured one ; where there
are no swellings I have used the cold-water tap, and in that way
I have also cured one case. Most of the birds attacked are hip;hly
bred Barbs, the last one which I found bad both in wing and leg

222

JOUBNAL OF HORIIOULTUBB AND OOTTAGB GARDENER.

t March 22, 1877.

this momiag being highly commanded at the late Lowestoft
Show ; but the mongrcle are not at all exempt from the disease.
So thoroughly disheartening is the present state of things that,
if I am only assured that the disease is not infections, I shall
Bell my stock not yet attacked. My birds have, as a rale, lull
liberty, and are remarkably healthy in all other respects. If
the disease is infectious, what means ought I to take to disinfect
the house ?— K. B. T.

["We never heard of so bad a case of wing disease as in your
loft. We have never thought it infectious. Perhaps as an old
ship sometimes becomes the cause of disease, so year lofc may
have become an infecting one. Of coarse you have been very
carefal as to the water and water vessels, food, &o. We oar-
selves have had fatal cases, and also the reverse. In the early
stage the leech seems a sensible application. Turpentine and
iodine we have again and again used ; but plucking the flight
feathers has answered best, but that has not always been suc-
cessful. As gout is believed to be a kindred complaint, turpen-
tine and iodine are often used. We fear that there is no certain
remedy, and you appear to have tried and succeeded, and failed
sometimes. The strongest point as tu tbe contagion theory is
that the mongrels have had the disease, as they are usually as
healthy as possible. Feeders usually are in glorious health.
We are not surprised that you are disheartened. If you sell let
the buyer know the circumstances, and then the responsibility is
removed from your shoulders. Oar own belief is that it cannot
be infectious, but arises from a common raase, whatever that
cause may be. It appears to us that, as showing increases and
birds are higher-bred, diseases of various kinds are on the in-
crease among Pigeons.— Eds.]

PIGEON LOBE.

_ I THINK something might be done to trace back the introduc-
tion of some of our varieties of Pigeons if elderly (no offence
intended) fanciers would exercise their memories on the subject,
for several new varieties, oven putting aside German Toys,
have been introduced in the memory of, say, the oldest Pigeon
fanciers. Thus new names arise in books. No writer before
Dixon, who wrote the " Dovecote " in 1851, had mentioned the
Archangel. Then the Magpie is a new Pigeon. Can any fancier
fix the date of that bird's introduction to the fancy ? At first
they were said to be Tumblers, but now they are certainly dove-
house not Tumbler shaped. African Owls, we know all about
their introduction, so also of Bussian Trumpeters ; but can any-
one tell me about White Pouters ? The older hooka are silent
as to them, mentioning only the Pied varieties. It may be
replied that they are also silent about Mealies and Chequers,
and they are very old colours. The latter were years ago fre-
quently bred from Blues, and though not allowed to live, yet
from many a Blue strain came the objectionable Chequer.
Mealies — that is, the Mealy proper, the barred, were bred as a
distinct race by many old fanciers who admired, and deservedly
so, their colour and the fine shape which so often went with the
colour, whereas Chequers were almost always dumpy and bad-
shaped. Had White Pouters existed I think they would have
been mentioned, because their appearance is so very attractive.
I saw the first pair in the year 1842. Can any fancier go further
back than that date ? I went on purpose to see them when a
Bchool-boy and an ardent fancier. They were tall and slender
and not large-cropped, in fact very much as so many are
now.

If we take the Pigeon books in course from Moore to Fulton,
we find each new one mentions fresh varieties of birds. The
" Treatise " some in addition to Moore, Girton still another or
two, and so on, showing ns that new "sports," to use a gardener's
phrase, now and then arose, or quite new sorts were imported
from other and distant countries.

In regard to the Pouter, Mr. Ure of Dundee, .i very accurate
and thoughtful fancier, remarks, " This bird, Moore says, was
originally bred by crossing the old or Dutch Cropper and Horse-
man together. He is no doubt a good authority, bat I must
confess I never could see how such a cross coald produce a bird
like the English Pouter. There does not appear to be a trace
of the Horseman left iu the modern bird, though there might
have been when Moore wrote his excellent work in 173.5. The
Horseman could not add to the length of limb or feather, and in
place of adding to the crop would teud to do away with it. The
same may be said of slenderness of girth round the shoulders ;
but it is possible he might assist iu the marking, as we fre-
quently read of Pied Horsemen." This last is a very 'ante
retnark, and I have no doubt of its correctness. In confirmation
of it my eye fell upon an oil painting at Hampton Court Palace
bearing the date 1700, of a Horseman, probably black, with a
correct half moon on his crop. Here would be one marking, and
a very important and characteristic one, of the Pied Pouter, as
we all know.

Thus we may by the aid of an old jjicture sometimes come
at a correct dea. I wou'd ask fanciers to keep their eyes open

when an old picture of poultry comes in their way. — Wiltshire
Bectob.

FAIRLAWN.

It was not a good time for a visit, for although the day was-
bright and mild as so many have been this winter, yet February
is not the month in which one would most willingly go on the
errand I had in view ; but having a few hours to spare, I was
sure the visit would not be a profitless one. Well, but what is
Fairlawn, and what did you go to see ? I am sure it will be
heard more of as years roll on, for Fairlawn is the new residence-
where Mr. Abbott has migrated to, where he is enabled to carry
on his scientific culture of bees in a manner and on a scale he
has never before attempted, where he will have his school oi
apiculture, and from whom many a lesson will be learned by all
who are interested in the " wee creatures " which for intelli-
gence have been of late cruelly maligned.

I had visited Mr. Abbot at HanweU and had learned much from
him there, and as he had removed to Southall and had spoken
favourably of the change, knowing him to be a man not inclined
to exaggerate, I was sure that I should find it as he had reported,
but I was not at all prepared to find so complete and excellent
a change. Fairlawn stands on a piece of land of about three
acres, and is situated within ten minutes' walk of the Southall
station of the Great Western line. The house is a handsome
commodious one, and opens-out into a garden well stocked with
fruit trees, beyond which is a good meadow with fields stretch-
ing far away, and giving a good hunting ground for the little
denizens of the garden. Round the garden were bee hives of all
kinds, but, of course, Mr. Abbott's own prize hive predominat-
ing. Many were in straw ekeps ready to be transferred when
the weather was favourable, and Ligurians and native bees and
cross-breeds were tenanting the homes, which will be a scene of
busy toil by-and-by. A cursory examination of the stocks-
showed that they were vigorous, but feeding had not com-
menced, Mr. Abbott being afraid that the great forwardness of
the season would be injurious to the bees if sharp frosts and
cutting winds succeeded when the hives were full of brood.
Passing from the garden I went to the worKshop, where carpen-
ters were busy, and frames, hives, and supers were being manu-
factured with great rapidity. The sectional supers are destined
to take a prominent place, and will prob.ibly after a time be
those only used, and these were being turned out with mar-
vellous rapidity, and so cheaply that they will come withiii
everybody's reach. The piecee which forms the sides of the
sections are cut so accurately that there is hardly a hair's breadth
difference in them, and then the dovetails are punched by a
machine so that these must be true, and the four sides can be
put together iu a minute. Mr. Abbott's own Alexandra super
is a very neat and excellent one, and prevents the likelihood of
the combs being made crooked. One advantage that these
sectional supers have is, that the comb is made in marketable
sizes, persons being likely to buy a super of 2 or 4 lbs. weight
who would hesitate about encumbering themselves with one oi
12 or 14 lbs., and the difiicalty of selling honey stands iu the
way of profitable bee-keeping. No one could doubt on seeing
the busy scene in the workshop that the wooden bar-frame
hives are the hives of the future, and when a very decent hive
suitable for all purposes of bee-keeping can be turned out for
3s. or 45., we may hope that the almost invincible prejudice in
favour of the old system may be overcome, and humane bee-
keeping take its place.

I hope to see Fairlawn at a more basy bee time, but having
seen it now, I thought it might interest lovers of bees to know
how favourably one of their teachers is now situated for carrying
out his pursuit. — D., Veal.

HIVES AND LIGUBIAN BEES,

It was my intention to say no more about hives till next
winter, but as one or two of your correspondents have asserted
that I have thoroughly changed my front and thrown overboard
all my teaching about large straw hives, I return rather reloo-
tantly to the subject.

It was stated that straw hives possessed every quality I desired,
and compassed all I wanted. Well, let that pass. " Renfbew-
siiiBE Bee-keeper" appears to be very anxious to convince
bee-keepers of the great superiority of the Stewarton hives over
other hives, and :iOO per cent, over straw hives. I shall be grati-
fied if he succeeds in proving his point in a satisfactory manner,
for no one will profit more than myself in having the best kind oi
hives. Our friend is right in sayiog that the test of superiority
should be on a common field. Nothing oan be more easy and
satisfactory than the placing of hives of various kinds iu one
garden or neighbourhood and managing them on the same
principle. I shall be happy to place three or five straw stocks
beside three or five of his Stewarton hives in any suitable place
and comply with all reasonable conditions. I believe he has
come to conclasions which are nusonud and misleading, and I

Maroh 22, 1877. ]

JOORNAti OF HOBTIOOLTORE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

223

siooerely hope that he will accept the challenge thu9 given aritl
have the matter fairly tested. If he is right, tue shortest way of
gainiD? his end and the approval of the apiarian world is by
estiblishiug his position by a trial like the one now suggested.

If onr friend succeeds in proving that the Stewarton hives are
even 10 or 20 percent, bettor than other hives I shall be the first
to regard him as a benefactor among practical apiarians. I will
this year put three or five swarms in as many straw hives,
and prepare thera to he pitted against three or five Stewarton
hives in any part of the country. If the " Renkrewsuire Bee-
keeper " will not accept the challenge, I hope some other bee-
keeper will do so. The (luestion is a very important one, and
the trial now suggested, if properly carried out, will, in my
opinion, do much to advance practical apiculture and end this
" battle of hives." If truth is what we are all seeking nothing
ca.n be lost in the trial ; indeed, nobody has anything to lose but
errors and mistakes, and the sooner we lose these the better.

The hives which will be prepared here for the trial will be
tenanted by common bees. The *' Renfrewshire Bee-keeper '*
says he has an ailditional advantage in possessing Italian bees.
I shall not object in any way to this advantage being on his
side. I have said I will comply with any reasonable conditions.

I would suggest that the hives be placed side by side in the be-
ginning of next year, and remain untouched by their owners till
the end of the season. On this condition wh.at should be done
at swarming time '? Let them alone : each side will share and
share alike the dangers of losing swarms. All I shall do to mine
will be done before they are placed iu their competing position.

I shall cut a wing off each of my iiueens. If the bees go as
swarms they will return ; and if the queens crawl back into
their hives very little loss will be sustained. If queens be lost
second swarms may be lost too. But tlie arrangement of supers
may possibly prevent swarming, and thus make the contast one
of strength. But anything and everything that will satisfy the
intelligent bee-keepers of this country iu such a contest will both
satisfy and gratify me.

I I shall also put swarms in three or five grocers' boxes, costing
Sd. each, with a view to pit them against the best and most
costly hives that can be produced. I much prefer straw hives
for convenience and ventilation to wooden hives of any kind,
but my object in proposing grocers' boxes is to let it be known
that plain cheap boxes are just as good for bees and honey-
gathering as costly and complicated hives.

The challenge is open for anybody to accept. If it be accepted
I shall make arrangements for its being fully carried into execu-
tion, even if I be carried from this scene of action before the
time comes. But someone may ask. Why not test the matter
this year ? and say. There is time enough yet to arrange it. I
hardly think there is time enonf»h to do it in a satisfactory way,
but if it can be done I shall be glad. In making arrangements
for a fair trial of strength it should be well understood whether
both parties will be permitted to come into the arena of contest
with hives in the best possible condition, or to have both sides
fairly balanced in strength at the commencement. I think that
each party should be permitted to appear on the scene of action
with hives in the best possible condition. — A. Pettigbew.

PROGRESS OF APIARIAN KNOWLEDGE.— No. 3.

H.ivixG gone throngh our experiences of recent date in regard
to the progress we have made in our knowledge of bees so far as
relates to the natural history of the insect, I come now to treat
of progress attained in the art of managing them with a view to
profit.

But first a few words must be said relative to a discovery
alleged to have been made in respect to honey. A very few
words will be snflioient, because, as is well known. I have taken
a prominent part already in the discussion of this question, and
have stated my entire incredolity with reference to it. The
theory, as stated, is in substance that bees do not gather honey
in the fields but a kind of crude syrup, more or less sweet it
may be, but chiefly remarkable for the flavour of the article, and
this is the principal thing which characterises it. It becomes
honey afterwards in the hive after the bees have reswallowed
and disgorged it twice. The richness of the honey — if.s saccha-
rine quality — is not acquired till it has been swallowed and dis-
gorged a second time. The stomach of the bee is, on this theory,
so marvellously adapted to the production of sugar (which as we
all know is the chief ingredient in honey), that quantities of it
are annually secreted there, multiirn in j'ar no, Tea,Ay to be de-
veloped so soon as the crude- syrup of the flowers has been
swallowed a second time. As no evidence has been forthcoming
of a nature to satisfy a scientific mind it may be dismissed into
the limbo of crude theories. Probably the remarks and evidence
to the contrary recently adduced by your correspondent, " A
BENFREwsniKE Bee KEEPER," will finally extinguish it.

Passing, then, to the subject of this paper, I must beg to differ
from Mr. Hunter's remark that the " science of bee-keepiag is
scarcely born." This remark is chiefly made in reference to the
species of bee which is established in this country. It may

possibly be that by judicious crossing with foreign blood, or by
the introduction of a new variety of bee, we may improve the
breed. The introduction of the Italian Alp bee has been tried
with success. It is found everywhere, having so multiplied and
crossed itself with the old English bee that it is doubtful if a
perfectly pure stock of the latter is now to be found in England.
But what preponderating benefit has accrued from this cross or
from the Italian breed in its pure state ? Years ago, when Mr.
Woodbary was most eager and enthusiastic on the subject of
this bee, and when I was bitten with bis enthusiasm and intro-
duced the Italians into my apiary, much as I liked them (as I
like them still) I could not perceiveany such material superiority
in the one sort over the other as to say positively that we had
gained a great advantage. Others say they have seen this great
advantage, and we are bound to give them credit in a matter
where actual experience is attainable and no mere theory is in
question.

But after all, given the best bee known, unless it be in its
nature and habits a totally di£Eerent honey-gatherer, it will fall
under the same laws as ourEuropean bees, nor will thescientifio
treatment of them be different in any essential particular to
that now in vogue. The same method of comb-building will ba
practised by the bee, the same sort of hives will be in vogue as
now, as in the case of the English, Italian, Cyprian, or Egyptian
bee. The latter was tried but lamentably failed owing to its
vicious nature and irascible temper ; and if we introduce a
stingless bee how will it maintain its ground or resist aggression
from our own bees with their sadly marauding propensities?
Such brutes as the Cattara bee are not likely to he more popular
than the Egyptian, which Mr. Woodbury was only too glad to
rid himself of after its onslaught on the passers-by at Mount
Radford, Exetsr. A mild-tempered bee, disinclined to sting
man, while ready to defend its stores at the point of its spear
against its own congeners, would be an acquisition indeed — an
insect capable of Sue die-tinctions, duly appreciative of the lords
of creation ; yet, I repeat, it would not alter our management of
the honey bee. I am one of thoee, therefore, who think that we
have made very great progress in this management, and that
our appliances in the way of hives, supers, use of artificial pollen,
methods of feeding, wintering, artificial swarming, &o., are infi-
nitely a-head of the knowledge and practice of our forefathers
in this respect, and may very well be called scientific.

To begin with the subject of hives. " Hives!" Tes, hives to
be sure ! in spite of the controversy on the subject which has
led to what is called " the battle of the hives." Mr. Pettigrew's
large well-made straw hives are greatly in advance of any such
hives that were ever in use in England. No man deserves greater
praise for the way in which he has led the crusade against the
miserable skeps that were in common — nay, universal use iu
this country fifty years ago. They have quadrupled the quantity
of honey that may be collected iu any locality where they are
adopted ; and not only the quantity, for it may be taken as an
axiom in bee keeping, that the more space there is for the ac-
cumulation of large stores of honey in any hive, the more virgin
comb of first rate quality will be harvested therein. Let us
give honour to whom honour is due. Mr. Pettigrew has proved
himself the cottager's friend iu this respect, as well as in all
the sound lessons in practical bee-keeping suitable for them,
which his long experience has enabled him to give with un-
doubted authority. I say, then, that Mr. Pettigrew's hives are
" Al," for cottagers and lor all persons who are content to obtain
plenty of honey. One only caution is necessary — no honey-
producing dislricts are exactly alike. Some are very rich, others
very poor. In the latter a smaller hive must be adopted, which
can be enlarged by judicious eking and snpering at those mora
favoured but rarely occurring seasons when (as last year in this
locality), a fair honey harvest may be iogathered; but in all
other places the larger straw hive will be found the most re-
munerative. It will be observed that I confine my recom-
mendation of these large straw hives to those only who want
honey and nothing more. After all, these I suppose are the
legion everywhere.

But there is a numerous class who like greater precision in
their management of bees. They wish to regulate the interior
arrangement of the hive, to have swarming under their control
in all its accidentals, to adapt the changing circumstances of
the hive to their wishes— e.;/., to distribute comb in proportion
to population, to feed easily and naturally with the least risk of
life, to ascertain at any given moment the condition of their
bees and to treat them accordingly ; to plunder the stores, it may
be, without breaking-np or weakening the stock. The man who
does all this I call a scientific bee-keeper, and I think that for
him the " science " of bee-keeping has of late years made very
great advances. How and to what extent I will endeavour to
show in another paper. — B. & W.

FORM OF HIVES.

TnouoH the shape and form of a hive may have very little to
do with the storage of honey, has it nothing to do with the pro-

JOUBNAL OF HOBTIOULTORE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

[ March 22, 1877.

dnotion and increase of the stock, by affording greater facilities
to the queen for the deposit of eggs 1 Will the same qneen and
the same Btock increase and multiply as greatly and as qaickly
in a hive of one kind and shape as in another ? Is a hive with
great width from front to back, like Mr. Abbott's prize frame
hive, better for breeding purposes than the Cheshire prize hive,
narrow from front to back, but wider from side to side, and thus
containing more frames ? Or, to take another shaped hive, the
Stewarton, which is very narrow when fitted with frames, but
of great height when made up of three boxes, each 7 inches
high. Which of these three shapes will produce the largest
stock of brood under exactly the same circumstances ? My own
impression is, that a hive with greater space from back to front
is most advant»geoua. This is Langstroth's view; and I am
inclined to think in the case of a hive eked to the height of the
Stewarton, that after the brood has been hatched out in the
uppermost box the workers would fill the old comb with honey
to the loss of breeding space, and also of the supers. I should
be glad to be enlightened on these points before constructing
my hives for the coming season; and I think it is a subject of
general interest. — 0. B.

CRUDE AND PERFECT HONEY.

The " Benfeewshibe Bke-keeper" is entirely wrong in
asserting that " workers never set eggs." They have been seen
removing eggs from one cell to another, and the thing is by
many intelligent and advanced apiarians considered an esta-
blished fact. I have seen evidence of this fact a thousand times,
and I am prepared to let visitors to my apiary in the summer
season have absolute ocular demonstration of the same. A
few more observations, or a litUe closer observation, will con-
vince our Eenfrewshire friend that he has yet something to
learn.

It is the last of my wishes to dwell on the question of crude
honey. What I have said aforetime ou it is in tlie opinion of the
" Renfrewshike Beekeepek " " the cradest of crude theories,
and will disappear like the baseless fabric of a vision." I have
no theories on this question, for I am as convinced that perfect
honey is made from crude honey by the bees as I am that was
is an excretion of bees. I am aa well acquainted with the dif-
ference between crude and perfect honey as I am with difference
between queens and drones, tor I have been seeing, handling,
and tasting both for more than fifty years. I have dissected hun-
dreds of bees with crude and perfect honey in them. What my
opponent calls " theory " I call knowledge, and what he calls
darkness I call light, and both the knowledge and light existed
before I was born. Many bee-keepers were then conversant
with the fact that the nectar of flowers is twice swallowed by
bees before it is made into honey proper. The American
apiarians are beginning to find this out, and I am pretty certain
that the intelligent bee-keepers of this country will not be long
behind them.

Some three years ago a bottle of honey was placed on the
tables of the Crystal Palace Bee Show, and beside it was placed
a paper with this heading — " Mr. Pettigrew's theory of evapo-
ration refuted." Though I had not any theory of evaporation, I
then publicly offered to go fifty miles from Manchester and out
both crude and perfect honey from a hive and hand them to
competent judges for examinution. I also offered .£'5 to the
prize fund of the Bee-keepors' Association if the gentleman who
refuted me or any other person would convert the crude into
perfect honey. " Eenfrewshibe Bee-keeper" asserts that
bees from the fields " carry the nectar of the flowers right up
without any intermediate resting place to the super or upper-
most portion of the combs, and hurry off for more till the
cell is filled." This is not correct, for bees in returning from
the fields first drop their pollen and honey iu the cells in the
centre of their hives, sometimes in queen cells, aud afterwards
convert it into honey, carry it aloft, aud there store-it up. —
A. Pettiobew.

Choice of Baiibit. — The females should be physically strong,
the body long and well developed, the hind legs large and well
apart, teats apparent, even when not pregnant, aud filled with
milk at the approach of birth. The doe should uot bo allowed
to breed at less than six months old, although they may engender
at five months ; but it is better, if yon wish to preserve a fine
race of Babbits, to wait until they are eight or nine months old
before you allow them to bear. If under six months they would
only produce weak and delicate young ones. Indeed Nature,
■with all her efforts, could not suflice for the development of the
mother and give the nutrition necessary for the young at an
earlier age.

ODR LETTER BOX.

DccKs' Eggs Unfebtile (.4. P.).— \'ou have been uosacceBaful two years.
As you have bred from the birds with aatiHfactory results before we should
be diBpoBe<2 to look to the management aud feeding for the cause of foilore.

Like most others you overfeed. Instead of the varied bill of fare give them
wholo oats twice per day, morning and ovening. Give them la a trough or
vessel with a sod of grass at the bottom placing the oats on it, and the whole
covered with water. Let them have some ground oats in water at midday ;
nothing else. Seeing that this is the third season of the drakes we think it
would be wise to change them, or at least one of them. In putting Duck's
eggs under hens you must recollect the Duck keeps them always wet morning
and evening, the hen does not ; they must therefore be wetted, or they will
not hatch. This omission would not, however, account for the state of the
eggs when broken ; that would point more to the necessity for a change of
drakes.

Hermit Fowl (IJtadfr).— We do not know the Hermit fowl, nor in our
half-century of experience did we ever hear of it. The new breeds are so
numerous we shall soon want a descriptive catalogue. An "all-year-round
layer " is as common as a never-sleeping servant. It is against nature for a
fowl to lay all the year round, and it is an impossibility. It does not follow
because fowls do not sit that they are always laying. Formerly the Pencilled
Hamburgh was the must popular and the best known of the uon-sittera, aud
wai called the *' everlasting layer." They were then, as they are now, great
egg- producers; but they had and have their time of moulting, when all their
powers go to the production of new feathers. The only novelty that can be
produced that will be of any real service will be a breed that will lay at all
ages from November till March. That will hardly be found.

SxRiw Hives (T. J. LcdcH).— Those dealers who advertise in our oolomus
could obtain for you any that you require.

«

METEOROLOOICAL OBSERVATIONS.

' Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51°S3'43' N.; Long.0°8'0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

.A.«.

IH THE DAT.

Sc-

Hygrome-

§■0 "3- .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

a

March.

ter.

ireoti
f Win

Soil a
Ifoo

perature,

Temporatnre.

«

In

On

Dry.

deg.

Wet.

dfg.

Max.

dog.

Min.

deg.

sun.

grass-
deg.

inches.

^J'A

In.

49.6

S.W.

415

55.6

45.4

13-7

41.2

N.W.

41.2

62 4

38.1

891

0.017

Fri. 16

42.6

39.8

W.

41.6

53.4

39.7

29 676

40.1

37.1

W.N.W

40.2

46.5

81.1

San. 18

29.659

41.8

88.8

N.W.

38.0

4J.2

SO 6

35 5

86.5

N.N.E.

39 0

46.G

28.2

—

Ta. 20

29.S71

36,7
4U~

34 2
89.0

N.N.E.

39.2
40.0

42.3
49.3

81.8
35.0

31.3

Means.

29.655

85.9

0.144

BEMIBES.

14th.— A very pleasant and at times a very bright day, and much warme r

than its predeceesor.
15tb.— Very fine all day, but much colder.
IGth.— Fine throughout, the sun at timea very bright.
17th. — Vory bright indeed at 9 a.m. ; rather cloudy by 11, and the afternoon

showery, with some enow.
18th.— Very bright all the forenoon; but slight enow shower about 2 p.m. ana

again at 4, and damp the rest of the day.
19th.— A bright pleasant day throughout, but much colder.
20th.— Fair but not bright in morning and forenoon; snow before 1 p.m., and

wet evening.
Rapid (all in temperature towards the end of the week.— Q. J. BYMONg.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 21.

A BETTER business has been doing, and prices have consequently improved,

more particularly with late Grapes, as good samples are now coming very

short. Strawberries are in good supply, and are quite equal to the demand.

Forced vegetables meet with a ready sale.

Apples i sieve 3 ■

Apricots dozen 0 >

Cbestnuts bushel 0

Currants 4 sieve 0

Black d do, 0

Figs dozen 0

Filberts lb. 0

Cobs lb. 1

Gooseberries quart 0

Grapes, hothouse.... lb. 10

Lemons ^ 100 6

Melons each 0

Artichokes dozen 0

Asparagus ^ 103 8

Beans, Kidney 1^103 1

Beet, Red. dozen 1

Broccoli bundle 0

Brussels Sprouts.. J sieve 8

Cabbage dozen 1

Carrots bunch 0

Cftpsicums \^ 10) 1

Cauliflower dozen 2

Celery bundle 1

Coleworts.. doz. bunches 2

Cucumbers each 0

Endive dozen 1

Fennel bunch 0

Garlic lb. 0

Herbs bunch 0

Hurseradish bundle 0

Lettuce dozen 1

Leeks bnnob 0

Peaobes dozen

Pears, kitchen.... dozen

dessert dozen

Pino Apples lb.

I Quinces bushel

Raspberries lb.

I Htrawberries oz

Walnuts bushel

ditto V 103 1

VEaETABLES.

Mushrooms pottle

Mustard & Cress punnet
Onions bushel

pickling quart

Parsley.... doz. bunches

Parsnips dozen

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

Kidney do.

New lb.

Radishes., doz. bunches

Rhubarb bundle

Salaaf y bundle

Scorzonera bundle

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spiuaoh bushel

Tomatoes (sieve

Turnips bunoh

Vegetable Marrows

llsroli 29, 1877. 1

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

225

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

1IA.BCH 29— APEIL 4, 1877.

Easter Sunday.
Easter Mondat. Bank Holiday.
Easter Tdesday.

Royal Horticnltiiral Society — Fruit and Floral Com-
[ mittce at 11 a.m.

Average

Temperature near

London.

6 26

6 28

6 29

6 31

6 33

6 34

Clock
before
Snn.

fc.

m.

Days.

6

3U

•

6

43

15

.1

.'iil

16

K

IK

17

B

4K

18

7

23

19

U

IS

20

From observatioDS taken near London daring forty-three yoarsfthe average day temperatore of the week is 65.P; and its night temperatore

NOTES ON APPLE CULTURE.

^^UESTIONS were propounded on page 129,
vol. xsx., by "Amateur Oechakdist " -wliicL
have not met with that response which the
subject deserves. I hoped that observant
fruit-growers would have come forward and
given the results of their culture of hardy
fl^r fruits in various parts of the country and in

^ -^ all classes of soils.

I have noticed iu the instructions given
by many who have written on the subject
that there has been too hard a line fixed. Some say,
Grow all your Apples on the Paratlise stock ; plant 6 feet
apart ; summer-prune, and then gather your crops. I
commenced according to instractions, purchasing the best
sorts at the large nurseries, and after some years of
experience I found that there were many parts of my
orchard in which matters were going wrong, though I had
abundant success with the greater number of my trees.
My want of success was partly due to having given the
same treatment to many of the varieties, regardless of their
requirements ; but there were other causes of non-success
which I propose to detail, so that others may be cautioned
by my experience, confining my remarks to Apples.

I may here state that I live in a southern county, and
that the soil of my garden is a deep sandy loam. Great
annoyance and vexation are often caused by nurserymen
sending out their trees not true to name. I have a large
proportion of my orchard occupied with sorts I do not
require, and never ordered. How this evil is to be avoided
by purchaeei's I do not know, as it is often years before
the mistake is discovered. I have twice tried to procure
Small's Admirable, and botli times have had sorts sent to
me which were not true to name. How does the error
creep in? 'Who is in fault ? In some cases I suspect that
the men trust to their knowledge of the appearance of
the trees and so dig them up without referring to the
labels. Perhaps an en-or once made in labelling may be
perpetuated by grafting from young trees without fruiting
the sort; bat from whatever cause this evil may arise it
is very important that nurserymen should direct their
attention to the subject. Perhaps I have been more
unfortunate than others, but as an instance I will mention
that in a collection of eighteen varieties purchased at a
large nursery five were sent to mc with names that did
not belong to them.

There is a habit which some nurserymen have that
I wish they would discontinue — namely, sending sorts
which they have a stock of should they happen to be out
of those ordered ; to say the least, this is assuming that
the customer looks more to filling-up his orchard plot
th.an an-anging his varieties according to his taste. It is
very disappointing when, for instance, the customer orders
a variety ho particularly wishes to try and another is
substituted by the nurseryman with the remark that it
is better than thut ordered and comes in at the same
season. This occurred to me a few years ago ; perhaps
the variety was " better," but I did not waut it.

No. 836.-VOL. XX.XU., New Series.

Apropos of this subject I recollect turning out some
plants of a certain sort of Eose from my borders because
I had too many of them, and, having made room for
others, I carefully selected from Mr. Hinton's valuable
list what I required. On the arrival of the hamper from
the nursery I was much disappointed to find the old dis-
carded Bose that I had sent to keep company with the
Cabbages included in the parcel, the grower having sent
me ihe number ordered, but very few of the sorts re-
quired. I am quite aware that buyers are wrong in
delaying their orders till it is diiflcult to obtain the trees
they want, but I do not see how the matter can be set
right bj' sending sorts which were not ordered.

I must protest against the manner in which pyramids
and bushes ai-e often tied up at some nurseries. As far
as my experience goes four out of five trees have arrived
with the chief lower branches or principal roots broken
by the tying material. I have tried to remedy this by
ordering only maiden trees, but broken bushes were some-
times sent instead.

In regard to the stocks for Apples my experience
justifies my saying that the Broad-leaved and Nonsuch
Paradise stocks are very valuable to amateur orchardists.
They give an abundance of surface roots, they are readily
root-pruned, and they cause the varieties grafted on
them to produce short and stout branches. They have
many other g<ft>d qualities, not the least of which is
that an orchard consisting of pyramids on these stocks
is more likely to give an even growth throughout than
one on stocks grown from seeds — the plan adopted by
some growers.

Part of my trees (pyramids and bushes) are on stocks
as last described. Some of the specimens do well enough
and root near the surface ; others arc small and weak, and
produce small fruit ; others, again, produce strong roots
which make rapid progress towards the centre of gravity,
and are very difficult to prune both in root and branch
so as to keep them on an average with the others ; in
fact among these I find so great a variety of growth that
they give a considerable amount of trouble.

This brings me to the subject of the Crab stock. Not-
withstanding that my trees are growing in good loam I
find it very advantageous not only to grow some varieties
on strong Crab stocks, but to abundantly manure the
ground and in every way encourage strong growth.
Some Hawthorndens on Crabs were for some years here
particularly liable to canker and to produce crops of
small spotted fruit, but by dint of abundant supplies of
manure, pruning away all weak growth, and thinning the
crops, I have succeeded in converting sickly bushes into
strong and handsome specimens capable of producing
heavy crops of very fine fruit, and the trees are now quite
free from canker and making good annual growth. 1
believe the roots are well down into the loam by this
time, and that the weak growth and canker were the
results of removals and root-pruning, and consequent loss
of vigour.

I have the French Codlin on the Crab stock; this I
manure abundantly, and the fruit grows two and three in

No. 1187.— Vol. LVII., Old Series.

JOURNAL OF HORTIGOLTCRB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 29, 1877.

a bunch on the long upright branches like ropes of Onions.
The tree forme a very beautiful dwarf upright bueh. Another
variety vrhich I think requires the Crab stock is the Baldwin.
Thia i3 a very heavy cropper. In 1875 I had six bushes six
years old from the graft which produced six bushels of fruit ;
they are planted among others at 6 feet apart each way. The
highest fruit gathered was 5 feet from the ground. Two of
the trees were very small. At this rate an acre would produce
1210 bushels— pretty fair for one year's crop. The fruit was
very large, one-third of the crop having been thinned away in
the summer.

I have not had much experience with Lord Suffield, but it
looks as though a strong Crab stock would suit it. I have six
pyramids of this variety on seedling Paradise stocks ; they pro-
duce abundant crops of very handsome fruit, but they seem to
want vigour. Much has been said in praise of Lord Suffield ;
it is a very fine variety and produces large crops, and is a sure
cropper at an early age, but I do not think that the flavour is
to be compared with many other Apples of the same season.

I do not consider it advisable to root-prune the Crab stock.
I have a long row of pyramids of Damelow's Seedling all on
Crab stocks. Some years ago I had them root-pruned to
check over-luxuriant growth ; in three or four seasons they
recovered from this treatment sufficiently to bear a crop of
fruit, but the next year they were as luxuriant as ever. They
are now about twelve years old, and are beginning to look like
giving small annual crop?. I suppose I must keep them sum-
mer-pruned and wait their time.

Gardeners very often depend upon the knife only in forming
their pyramids and bushes. 1 have formed some very good
pyramids by carefully tying-out the branches, arranging them
at regular distances from each other; thus utilieing many
crowded branches which I have often seen gardeners cut out.

Many varieties, such as Hawthornden, Lord Suffield, &c.,
produce fruit buds at the ends of almost every shoot. In
forming the tress it is necessary to cut-off these buds from
the leading shoots so as to insure regular growth.

In planting an orchard note should be taken of the great
difference that is found in the mode of growth among the
varieties of Apple trees. Although many are very suitable for
pyramids, others spread and droop remarkably; others, again,
are almost as upright as Poplars. The advantages of arranging
an orchard in accordance with the mode of growth will become
very evident after the trees have been grown a few years. In
planting a plot of ground as an orchard it is desirable that
trees of any peculiar mode of growth should be kept by them-
selves. The greater number of the varieti3s might be grown
as pyramids on the Nonsuch Paradise stocks C or 7 feet apart.
I find it inconvenient to grow bushes among pyramids. Some
varieties have a spreading habit, these are bettor kept in a
separate part of the orchard and planted somewhat wider apart
than the general run of bushes.

I find Northern Greening, if I have it true to name, a very
upright grower, and should be planted in a row by itself 4 or
5 feet apart if on the Nonsuch Paradise stock. Melon Apple
does not readily make fruiting wood, and should be very care-
fully Bummer-pruned to keep its strong arms within bounds ;
it has a very spreading habit. Hawthorndens should be on
strong Crab stocks in a row by themselves, say 8 feet apart,
and allowed to send out strong shoots and strong roots. Let
them be maiden trees when planted. Encourage vigorous
growth. Do not summer-prune, but tie-out the branches into
their proper places to let in sun and air ; prune when required
in the winter. They will give abundant crops at an early age ;
in fact one of the difficulties with this variety is the formation
of too many fruit buds before the grower has had an oppor-
tunity of forming a bueh to his taste. By growing the Ilaw-
thornden as above, and in a deep rich soil, the orchardist will
have his eyes gladdened and his palate gratified by an abundance
of large and beautiful fruit on trees free from canker. Should
the soil not be suitable do not waste time by planting it.

Hitherto I have only grown forty varieties of Apples, I am
therefore looking forward to the pleasure of perusing the
results of the forthcoming election. In the meantime I should
like to make a few remarks on some kinds that have given me
the greatest satisfaction.

In kitchen Apples French Codliu commences the season
here with its large crop of fruit of excellent flavour. Lord
Suffield makes a very fine pyramid ; it has handsome foliage
and abundance of fine fruit, and is very beautiful when in full
blossom.

Hawthornden should be grown by all who can manage it ;

the crop is abundant, the fruit large and of excellent flavour.
Children who know my garden always make their way direct
to the Hawthorndens when the fruit is lipe, and as long as
they are to be had will leave the other sorts.

Baldwin, with its large crop, I would not be without ; it has
an excellent flavour, especially when baked whole. Dume-
low's Seedling and Rymer I depend upon to supply the kitchen
during the winter months — in fact till the middle of April.
Both are excellent, giving abundant crops ; they should be
grown more largely than the other kitchen sorts.

Northern Greening I keep till spring, when it is an excellent
dessert Apple. My trees on the Nonsuch Paradise stocks bear
abundantly and regularly. I had a large crop of this last
season, and it is my chief dessert Apple during this scarcity of
other sorts.

Blenheim Pippin makes a satisfactory amount of growth ; but
I suppose he who plants this excellent variety grafted on a
free-growing Crab stock should have patience as regards fruit.
I have a bush as above which by some mistake was planted
among those on the dwarfing stocks. I had a large circle
cleared round it, and live in hope. I have also a standard of
this fourteen years old from which I have gathered a large
specimen ; I am thus encouraged. I have also some bushes
on the Nonsuch Paradise stock, but they are too young to
produce a crop yet.

Cox's Pomona I always save until it becomes a dessert
Apple, it is then delicious. I am now tasting a specimen ; it
is very tender, juicy, and refreshing. I strongly recommend
it. It is excellent as a culinary Appje in the autumn if it can
be spared for that purpose. It is an abundant cropper and
very handsome. I do not root-prune this, but manure the
surface of the ground over the roots.

Cox's Orange Pippin is the finest-flavoured Apple that I
have tasted, it makes a good pyramid and is a great bearer.

Reinette de Canada is one of the best of dessert Apples, very
delicious, and lasts till spring. My bushes of this variety bore
large crops last season notwithstanding the general scarcity.
It is one of the most useful dessert Apples we have.

Scarlet Nonpareil is a beautiful Apple for the dessert table,
medium-sized, and very rich in flavour. It is an abundant
bearer and a very satisfactory variety in all respects.

Winter Pearmain is a large, handsome, and fine-flavoured
dessert Apple; beyond this I am unable to testify as to its
merits, as my dozen trees on a variety of stocks do not afford
a sufficient supply to enable me to send any to the kitchen.
My trees bloom abundantly, but tho blossom in all eases seems
weak and does not set well ; moreover, the birds are too fond
of the fruit before it is ripe. Nearly all my crop of a dozen or
two is obtained from a strong-growing standard. What can
be the cause of my want of success as regards cropping this
variety ?

I have also an unnamed Apple coming-in about the middle
of July, very juicy and refreshing, the flavour excellent. In
some respects it rcEembles Margaret, but in colour and form it
differs widely from that variety.

I have already extended my notes far beyond my original
intentions, but I have yet another word to say. Could not
something be done to encourage planting fruit trees? I know
the Editors of our Journal are doing a great deal in this
respect, but when we find so much land lying almost waste,
and consider the great and increasing demand for fruit in this
country, and the profits that accrue from fruitgrowing, it is
enough to make one ask the question. What can be done ?
The root of the matter seems to be the fact that an immediate
profit cannot be made by planting.

Then in regard to the gardens attached to moderate-sized
houses, the excuse for not planting is generally, " I am only a
tenant for a short period, and I do not suppose I should ever
gather the fruit il I were to plant the trees." But surely thia
is a very selfish and short-sighted policy. A few Apple trees
cost but little, and it very often happens that the tenant slays
until ho regrets not having planted. Besides if all did a little,
small gardens would very soon be profitably stocked, and no
one could reasonably regret having planted, even if others
should gather the fruit. — W. G.

I

GLADIOLUS CULTURE.

I HAVE grown Gladioluses ever since I have heard the name,

and as the way that I treat them is so simple and safe to the

cultivator, I hope that it may encourage others to do the same.

I shall begin with the antamn when the bulbs are considered

Match 23, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTICDLT0BE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

to be ripe. I cut all the tops off above ground ; I have the
bnlbfl forked up daring a line day and left in the sun till
they are perfectly dry, when they are taken to the store for
the winter season. They are all placed singly on a layer of
sand on the floor where the other roots are kept, and by the
first week in April they are all well rooted iu the sand and
ready to be planted ont in the border or any other part of the
garden. I have examined the bnlbs every month in the year,
and I find that the Cilftdiohis vegetates the same as the other
bulbs, the Snowdrop, the Croons, the Hyacinth, and the Tulip
— if kept too long on a dry shelf they all moulder into dust,
but by proper treatment their offspring will live very long.—
WiLLUii Gain, Gardener, Lynewood, Hants.

RAISING CELERY PLANTS.

Some time ago Mr. Harding contributed useful notes on the
culture of this important vegetable, and stated that his best
ieads were those produced by plants which had been trans-
ferred direct from the seed bed to the trenches without the
intermediate transplanting that is generally recommended.
My experience is the same as that of your correspondent, but
my mode of raising the plants differs from his, and I think it
is better. I have raised Celery plants in various ways and at
different seasons, but the way that I have found the best is
also the simplest and the easiest. It is not all who can adopt
the same plan, but if those who are able to do so will try it I
am sanguine that they would continue the system in future
years.

About the first week in April the heating material (leaves
and manure) is ready for removal from the Seakale and Rhu-
barb. The manure is then " worn " and apparently exhausted,
yet when thrown into a heap and watered, if necessary, it gene-
rally recommences heating, and it is certain to do so if a few
barrowfuls of lawn mowings are mixed with it. Now it is a
pity that the heat in this manure heap should be wasted when
BO many plants of various kinds would benefit by it if per-
mitted to do BO. The heap is therefore levelled down and a
few inches of rich soil spread over it, supported by four
boards nailed together, the same as described by Mr. Luck-
hurst for raising Dahlias. The soil is well watered, and the
Celery sfed is sown thinly during the first week in April, and
is slightly covered with fine soil. Straw covers are then placed
over the bed, which prevent the surface from becoming dry,
water seldom being required until the plants appear. A very
small amount of seed is sufficient to sow a bed 6 feet long by
4 feet wide ; about the same quantity, in fact, as is usually
Bown in a seed pan 8 or 9 inches in diameter. When the seed-
lings appear I prefer them to be not nearer than a quarter of
an inch apart, and as soon as they are large enough to be
handled two-thirds of them are thinned out ; each plant re-
maining has then space for development. All the light and
air possible is admitted to the plants consistent with safety,
and water is supplied to them copiously.

In June the plants are large enough for transplanting, and
are then transferred to the trenches to perfect their growth.
They are not tall, wiry, and tender when removed, but are
dwarf and sturdy, so much so that one plant would weigh as
much as five of the same height which had been raised thickly
in pans under glass. The plants from the manure heap are
also, by the exposure to which they are subjected during
growth, far better able to resist the effects of bright sunshine
than are plants raised in a more tender manner. They are
also better than plants which have been twice transplanted,
for at every removal a check is necessarily received, and every
check is promotive of " bolting," which is occasionally so
ruinous to this crop. I have found no plan equal to the above
for raising Celery plants, and it is one that can be adopted in
all gardens where a few leaves, a little stable manure, and a
barrowful of lawn mowings are procurable. The compost comes
in afterwards for manurial purposes, the same as it would had
it not been utilised in the raising of Celery plants. In fact,
the manure is better rather than worse for the covering of soil
that has been afforded, and the frequent applications of water
which have been given.

Such a rough gentle " hotbed " with or without a covering
of glass is also very valuable for the raising of many plants for
the flower garden. By no other mode known to me can such
satisfactory plants of Stocks, Asters, Marigolds, Phlox Drnm-
mondii. Petunias, Helichrysums, Zinnias, Ac, be raised, and
as Mr. Luckhurst described on page 1^9, no plan can surpass
it for raising Dahlias. If the manure ia not likely to be

wanted during the summer ihe bed answers capitally for grow-
ing hardy ridge Cucumbers, stout plants of which should be
ready for "putting out" when the Celery or flowering plants
are removed to their permanent quarters. I commend this
simple mode of raising Celery plants, &e., to the notice of all
who are able to give it a trial. — A Nobthekn Gakdenee.

EXHIBITION PANSIES.— No. 4.

In growing Pansies for exhibition no great amount of scien-
tific knowledge is required, the treatment being of the simplest
kind ; still a few notes upon the subject may not unfitly bring
to an end my observations upon my favourite flower, and
may possibly be of slight service to some of your readers. It
must be remembered, however, that I speak purely from an
amateur's point of view, but at the same time from actual
experience.

Rich sandy turf and vei? old stable manure in the propor-
tion of two-thirds and one-third will serve admirably for
the constituents of the beds, and they should be thoroughly
incorporated and frequently turned over two or three weeks
before the work of planting is begun, in order that the soil
may be well sweetened. The plants should be put in deep, and
in the case of any which are weakly the addition of a little
silver sand is advisable as an incentive to speedy rooting.

Snails have now to be guarded against, and a pest they ara
indeed, showing as they do a very decided partiality for
Pansies. There are so many " certain cures " for snails that
to enumerate them would occupy largely your space, and in
the end only prove confusing. "Catch 'em and kill 'em" ia
the best advice, but how to do it is the question. Few ex-
pedients beat the cabbage-leaf trap, for with all their fondness
for Tansies they prefer Cabbage. Of course the setting and
subsequent examination of the traps entail much labour and
severe pains in the back, but the capture and destruction of
the "varmint" is ample reward. I have tried paraffin and
other so-called prophylactics with varying results ; but the
oil is certainly less a failure than many of the experiments
advised. A sprinkling ol Peruvian guano, too, is effectual but
dangerous, and its virtue almost disappears after a shower of
rain. That snails do not like it is clear from the fact that if
you put a pinch upon one death is certain. " The early bird
picks the worm," and it a successful raid is to be made upon
snails early rising is necessary, though late at night is also a
good time.

In dry weather the beds must be plentifully watered, though
a thorough soaking is desirable rather than constant sprinkling.
A top-dressing of cow dung will keep the plants comparatively
cool at the roots ; but where this would prove unsightly an
inch deep of cocoa-nut fibre refuse will answer almost as well.
Like the former, the latter when decomposed is an excellent
fertiliser; indeed, it is an invaluable article iu the garden.
This top-dressing will often prove beneficial when the blooms
come small, deformed, or rough, and on warm nights a satura-
tion of the walks about the beds will materially aid in produc-
ing good blooms, the humidity of the atmosphere being very
grateful after a day's hot sun. As in all other flowers some
varieties are bad growers ; but if any resolutely refuse to
advance the best plan is to transplant them. They may have
found something thpy do not like, and the remove may be all
they require. Once or twice during the season, according to
the progress they are making, very weak liquid manure should
be given, care being taken, of course, to keep it off the foliage,
and for this purpose cow dung is preferable, its action being
mild and cooling.

Opinions differ as to the advisability of disbudding when
blooms are not required ; but my own experience conclusively
proves that the practice is a right one. It certainly encourages
the growth of the plant and increases the size of subsequent
blooms. When the plants have fairly begun growing— when
shoots appear from the root— take the flowers away as soon as
convenient, for such a course will not only increase the slock,
but benefit the parent plant by causing it to produce better
flowers. Some, however, throw out many shoots from a single
stalk, and instead of taking them off as rootless cuttings I have
found soiling them up the best plan, for in a fortnight or three
weeks each of the stems will have made root, and are then easily
and safely removable.

With choice varieties constant propagation should bo pur-
sued, especially as Pansies are, like all else possessing life,
liable to disease. The type most to be feared is that which
attacks the root, causing the plant to become limp and weak,

228

JOUENAL OF HOBTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAKDEK£ii.

[ Marcli 19, 1877.

changing the verdant leaves to a sickly yellow, and eventually
kills it. Only one resoaroe is open, and it is a vigorous one.
Take np the plant as soon as it begins to lie down, cut limb
from limb, and plant as cuttings. Thus the variety may be
retained, though for the current year it may not bloom. Leggy
plants are beat increased by layering, and this should be done
deep enough to prevent the rain washing off the top soil.
Green twigs about 5 inches long twisted into the form of a
staple may be used to secure them, though I have found
galvanised wire very useful.

Regarding exhibiting my remarks must be brief. One of the
chief matters to be considered is shading the blooms, and in
this great care should be exercised. I endeavour as much as
possible to shade the bloom without shading the plant, and
for this purpose the smaller the shade the better, for while the
bloom is being preserved from the sun's hot rays the plant
should not be deprived of the light so necessary to its exist-
ence. I have found, too, that it is just as well to cut the
blooms overnight as to do so on the morning of the show.
Placed in water in a cool airy cellar they look as fresh and
beautiful as when on the plant, and the risk of heavy rain and
the slimy perambulations of the snail are avoided. Manipula-
tion of blooms is to be reprobated, and a keen judge will soon
discover which has been handled and which has not ; and
however much smoothness may be desired it should not be
gained by the means indicated. Too many selfs in a pan
should be avoided ; two in a twelve or four in a twenty-four
will be found to be ample, and above all let the names of the
blooms be given. The public who pay to see them have a
right to know their names, in order that they may take a list
of any they fancy without the trouble of asking the exhibitor
in whose particular pan the fancied flowers may be shown.

In concluding my remarks upon Pansies let me trust that
they may have awakened in a few at least an interest which
may blossom into a wider recognition of their merits, and cause
prizes to be offered in schedules which now know them not,
and if such is the result I shall be amply repaid for any trouble
I may have taken in calling your readers' attention to them.
To "A NoEiHERN Gakdener " my thanks are due for his
kindly remarks and friendly encouragement, and I hope his
suggestions of adventitious prizes being offered at special
shows will be adopted and spread to the great shows generally.
Who knows but we may not, like our friends " o'er the border,"
have some day a National Pansy Society ? Respecting " C. R.'s "
animadversions upon my Pansies and the Judges who awarded
them the prize at the Nottingham Show last year, I must, in
all humility, submit that the verdict of three disinterested
florists is preferable to the ijisc dixit of an anonymous corre-
spondent.— M. H. MiLLEB, Leek.

P.S. — In July I hope to send yon a few notes on the 1877
varieties which come under my ken. — M. H. M.

LARCH TEEES AND THEIR CULTIVATION.

The seeds of the Larch made use of in the plantations of
Scotland came from the Alps. The Russian variety appears
not to have hitherto succeeded, proving, perhaps, the inferior
quality of the seed imported from that country some forty
years ago, to the estate of the late P. Puaey, Esq. I was em-
ployed largely in planting Larch and other forest trees, but I
will confine myself to the Larch. There are two modes of
planting the Larch — in trenches and in cuts. In the first
method trenches proportioned to the height of the trees should
be dug in the autumn, and the soil exposed to the winter's
frost. In order to plant after the latter mode a rectangular
cut is made with two strokes of the spade; with the second cut
enough of the soil is raited to make room for the roots, which
when covered must be trodden down with the feet. This is an
economical mode of planting— prompt and effective. It is
usual to allow from one to two thousand trees per acre, but I
have found by experience that twelve or fourteen hundred are
sufficient. The Larch raising with its branches in the form
of a cone it is necessary during the first ten years of its growth
to allow ample space for the extension of its inferior branches,
which, in fact, should serve as a counterpoise to the summit,
and promote a regular etraightness of the trunk, which is a
most important quality in all timber of the Pine class ; in fact,
a crooked Pine is scarcely vendible, it will neither make planks,
beams, nor rafters. It is for such reasons that I recommend
the above mode of management for the Larch.

The plantations must be regularly thinned in order to aid
their proper and effectual growth. The thinnings during some

years may not return the expense of making them, but are
absolutely necessary to give room for the spread and more
rapid growth of the remaining trees. At the age of fifteen
years the convenient custom may be introduced of making use
of the Larches for the purpose of Hop poles ; at twenty-five
years the trunks may be converted into strong palisades and
rafters for the roofs of cottages ; and at the age of forty years
they become fit for boards, joists, and even for beams in the
construction of the largest edifices. Such is the growth of
this Vine in the climate of Scotland.

It has been remarked that the Larch planted on poor soils
improves them in a remarkable manner, and that lands which
had produced nothing but stunted Heath and rubbish in a few
years had changed their face and become covered with green
herbage, from the leaves of the Larch falling on the approach
of winter and enriching the soil. In mountainous districts the
shelter afforded by these plantations to the flocks and herds
there fed may become an object of the greatest importance.
In ornamental gardens of a certain extent few forest trees are
more beautiful than the Larch ; its long and pendant interior
branches extending over the green turf produce a most grace-
ful effect. — W. Giles.

BEAUTY OP GLAZENWOOD ROSE.

SoiiE mystery appears to be attached to this Rose that re-
quires clearing up. The decision of the Floral Committee of
the Royal Horticultural Society is very unwelcome to many
who have purchased the Rose on the faith of its being flaked
and striped " like a Tulip ;" and now the upshot is that the
colour is " plain coppery yellow " and identical with Fortune's
Rose. Mr. George Paul is such an experienced rosarian and
so careful in regard to names that he is very unlikely to have
made any mistake in exhibiting his plants.

Beauty of Glazenwood has, it appears, been largely sold,
seemingly in consequence of the glowing descriptions which
have been published and the " coloured illustrations " which
have been distributed. Coloured illustrations are useful aids
in conveying an idea of the appearance of a flower when the
figures are truthful ; but when over-coloured and unfaithful
to nature they become dangerous, and cause money to be
lost and tempers to be ruffled. I know of more than one case
where "coloured illustrations" have resulted in loss and dis-
appointment ; and have been informed (but I am reluctant to
believe in the truth of the assertion) that some of the coloured
plates of the day are paid for by the owners of the subjects.

It appears that the first coloured plate of Beauty of Glazen-
wood Rose was published in the " Floral Magazine," and was
afterwards reproduced in the "Flore des Strres." I have not
seen the plate in the English periodical, but I have in the
Belgian publication ; and it is significant that the then Editor,
the late accomplished Louis Van Houtte, was careful to place
the responsibility in regard to the illustration on the English
owners of the Rose and the paper in which it was first por-
traited.

The Rose as figured in the " Flore " is marvellously, almost
fabulously beautiful. The flower exceeds 4 Jinches in diameter,
the petals being shown of great substance and boldly reoturved,
the flower being also very full in the centre ; the colouring is
brilliant, the irregular flakes of vermilion on the orange ground
being firm and decided — in fact they are as distinct as the
flakes on a Carnation or a Tulip. The foliage is broad, robust,
very dark green, clearly veined and deeply serrated; conse-
quently it is not surprising that such a magnificent Rose should
have been largely bought and now offered in lists of " new
Roses."

Now Beauty of Glazenwood as figured has not the slightest
resemblance to Fortune's Rose. Fortune's Yellow is not orange
flaked with vermilion ; it does not produce flowers <t to 5 inches
in diameter with recurved petals ; it has not broad, dark green,
much-serrated foliage ; and yet the plant exhibited as the real
Beauty of Glazenwood is declared by the highest authority to
be identical with Fortune's Rose.

I will now turn to a description of Beauty of Glazenwood
which appears in vol. xxix., page 358, of the Journal of Horti-
culture. It is from the pen of Henry Curtis, Devon Nursery,
Torquay, and is as follows : —

''A few years ago we looked ugon the list of forthcoming
new Roses with much greater interest than at the present day,
for so many new varieties are annually poured into the market,
which prove mere costly rubbish, that we have had a cooling-
down. Had Mr. Smith's illustration o£ Beauty of Glazenwood,

Uanli 29, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL or HOBTIGDLTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

229

in the " Floral Magazine," appeared in those old times, it
woald have created a tremeudoua sensation, and, cantions as
we are grown, this real novelty cannot fail to awaken mnch
interest throoghont the Rose world. A Rose of golden-yellow,
striped and flaked with scarlet or vermilion, sonnds like a
dream or a fairy tale. It is, nevertheless, a reality, attested
by Mr. Smith's brilliant plate, in which Mr. Woodthorpe con-
siders full justice is not done to the richness of colouring of
the Rose itself.

" When I was in Essex, in July, I had the pleasure of seeing
fine healthy trees of this remarkable Rose, but I was a little
too late for the flowers. Some blooms had just been sent to
Mr. Smith for making his illustration, which may have been
seen already by some of your readers. I am glad to testify to
the very vigorous growth and hardy character of this Rose.
The heads of standards of it consist of long graceful shoots
from 4 to 6 feet in length, which were last winter perfectly
uninjured even to the tips, though quite unprotected.

" Beauty of Glazeuwood is a summer-blooming variety, and
win make a beautiful climber or an eijually fine standard,
flowering as it does from every eye on its long pendulous
shoots. Mr. Woodthorpe describes it as strikingly lovely in
the bud state. It is like Madame Falcot in its yellow ground,
while the vermilion flakes on the petals resemble ' the colour-
ation of a Tulip,' and it has also a delicate fragrance.

"It will certainly prove an important and charming addition
to our already rich array of Roses, and be most valuable in
hybridisation, on account of its peculiar colouring and dis-
tinctness."

I refrain from further comment, but ask all who are able
to do so to render such information as they may be able to
submit. The Rose must have been seen before it was figured.
I aek. By whom was it seen, and if other Roses equal to the
specimen have been since produced ? If the Rose was a mere
eport — a freak of nature — fickle, inconstant, and not repro-
ducible, the sooner the accident is known the better for all
concerned. Perplexity is now rife, and information is much
needed. — Eosabian.

RUST ON GRAPES.

YouB correspondent Mr. Dickson, who has gained for himself
enviable celebrity as a Grape-grower, has expounded a theory
about rust on Grapes which will clash with the teachings of
many of your correspondents. He says that he attributes it
to thripa, which commence at a very early stage of the growth
of the Grapes. Now anyone who has had experience of the
effects of thrips and rust will see at once that they are quite
different. What I understand by rust is a coating (a parasite)
partly or all over the berry. On the other hand Grapes which
have been attacked by thrips present a different appearance,
which is that of having been deprived of their bloom and
colour, and the skin assumes a whitish hue. The skin is also
very thin after being sucked by the thrips, which is not the
case with those berries affected with the rust parasite.

I agree with Jlr. Dickson where he says he does not believe
that rust is brought on by careless manipulation at thinning
time. Most of us have beard it exclaimed, "Don't let your
hairtouch the Grapes," and again, " Don' t handle the Grapes."
I will not offer advice, but merely state facts.

There is another thing I would mention which bears upon
this matter — that is, advice is frequently given to your readers
concerning keeping vineries free from superfluous moisture
and giving extra heat while the Grapes are in flower. I wit-
nessed an instance not long ago of this advice being ignored.
The Vines were kept back until they were in flower, and even
then were not forced. They had plenty of heat through the
day, but no artificial heat at night. The house was full of
bedding plants, which caused much water to be spilled about
the house. The result was as soon aa the ventilators were
closed in the evening the house filled with vapour, which was
towards morning condensed into water by the coldness of the
atmosphere, and the bunches of Grapes in flower were often
covered with minute particles of water. In course of time I
observed much rust and deformity amongst the berries, there-
fore I am thoroughly convinced that it was the damp which
caused it all. To prove this, take the case of hardy fruits.
Look at the effect hail and frost have upon Pears when in
flower in the fruit coming ill-shaptd and much rusted. Rasp-
berries and Strawberries will be seen often with about four or
five seeds on one side swelled while all the others are blasted,
yet on the same plant some superb fr.iit may bs found, accord-

ing as the blossoms and setting fruit have been sheltered from
the frost, Ao. I agree with Mr. Dickson that most deformities,
such as rust, &a., are contracted while the fruits are in the
embryo state. — B. G., Co.Doicn.

I AM glad that Mr. Dickson has opened up the subject of
rust on Grapes, but I must differ from him in attributing the
principal cause to the attacks of thrips. The injury to the
berry from that troublesome pest is very different in appear-
ance from the rust proper. In the former case the berries have
minute streaks of discoloration affecting their under sides,
also the interior of the bunch. Rust proper generally affects
the outer or upper surface of the berry, and has the appear-
ance of evenly-distributed russet brown.

I have no doubt but at times the fumes of sulphur act in-
juriously on the berry in its early stages of growth ; cold
draughts also are a source of rust ; but my experience tells me
that the most fertile cause of rust is rapid evaporation of
moisture from the surface of the berry.

Some years ago having a great press of work I omitted giving
air early one morning (I always anticipate that part of the busi-
ness), but instead of giving air by six o'clock, on the occasion
referred to it was neglected till eight ; the house was then full
of moisture which condensed on the berries. The top lights
were opened, and an abundance of air given, and the result was
at every opening the berries were much rusted, caused I have
no doubt by the rapid evaporation of the condensed moisture
killing the outer skin. I have occasionally seen similar results,
but not to such an extent. Cold draughts of air are more in-
jurious in my opinion to the foliage than to the berries, check-
ing the respiration of the plant and causing warty excrescences
on the under surface of the leaves.

I have purposely passed bunches through my hands to see if
that would rust them, but no other injury resulted than the
loss of bloom.

I would say to all whose Grapes are liable to ruat. Give air
early — in small quantities at first, gradually increasing it as
the temperature risea. In the event of neglecting to give air
early, and the berries are covered with condensed moisture,
give air very cautiously so as to prevent rapid evaporation. If
this practice is followed I am convinced we should hear and
see less of rusty Grapes, and much good will result in the well-
doing of the Vines. — J. Gaud, Thorndon Hall, Brenhvood.

HYACINTHS IN LONDON.

Owing to the few hours which elapse between the periodical
Wednesday exhibitions and our going to press a mere cursory
glance can only be given to the collections when they are then
submitted to the public ; yet the contributions of Hyacinths as
annually exhibited are so extensive and superior that a more
leisurely inspection of them becomes necessary in order that we
may enable those who cannot see the plants for themselves to
form a correct estimate of the best variutiea. With the object
of placing before our readers the most constant and meritorious
Hyacinths now in cultivation the collections of the chief exhi-
bitors have been visited, beginning with those of

MESSRS. \-EITCH & SONS.
These Hyacinths demand notice from their "all round " supe-
riority. As now arranged in the nursery at Chelsea their effect
is highly imposing. Messrs. Veitch during some former years
may have produced a few spikes more stately, but taking the
collection in its entirety we do not hesitate to say that for vigour
and quality a finer example of Hyacinth cultivation has never
been seen. The following varieties are pre-eminent. "Wliites —
It is not easy to determine which is the very best white Hya-
cinth, but probably the majority of visitors would awai-d the
palm to L» Grandesse; every spike of this is truly grand.
Snowball is pure and more massive than we have hitherto seen
it, but it does not produce a tall spike. Mont Blanc is spotless
and stately, and L'Innocence is as pure as its urime implies and
altogether good. The two older varieties. Alba Superbissima
and Baroness Van Tay II, are in excellent form. Madame Van der
Hoop and Lord Shaftesbury are noticeable from their enormous
bells, and La Tour d'Auvergne is still the best double variety, the
immense new variety, Globosa not being quite pure. Blues —
Amongst the dtrks, which are not numerous. King of the Blues
certainly heads the list. General Havelock is also excellent, and
the old Baron Van Tuyll sustains its reputation as being still one
of the best. Amongst varieties a few shades lighter Marquis of
Lome (new), a bright vivid blue, is a great acquisition. Marie
and Mimrod are also very good. Light blues are numerous and
superior. The finest spike of all is Princess Mary of Cambridge.
Lord Byron, Blondin, Czar Peter, and Grand Bleu are the best
in this section. L&rd BeacouffieM, Javenfler, is very delicate ;

230

JOURNAL OF HORTICOLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 29, 1877.

and another new variety, Tricolor, blue with dark veins and
shaded segments, is commandint; from the great size of the
bells. The best mauves are Sir Henry Havelock and Haydn ;
and the best blacks, JIasterpiece and Prince Albert. The most
noticeable of the reds and pinks are Orange Queen (new), a
decided improvement on Vurbaak ; Garibaldi, Pelissier, Prince
Albert Victor, always good ; Von Schiller, Prince of Orange,
Meteor (new), rich ; Etna, semi-double, fine ; Fabiola, Mac;ialay,
and Princess Clothilde. The finest yellows are L'Or d'Australie,
Obeliaque, and Ida. Associated with the Hyacinths are Tulips,
Clematises, &c. Many choice Orchids are now flowering, and
the " Easter show at Veitch's " is highly worthy of inspection.

MESSBS. CUTBUSH & SON, HIGHGATE.
Datch bulbs have long been a spi'cialite in this nursery, and
in few places have better Hyacinths, &c., been grown. The
show house at Highgate, to which visitors are invited, is now
exceedingly gay, and considerable taste has been exercised in
arranging the plants. The house is span-roofed, with a bed in
the centre and stages round the sides. The centre bed is
occupied with Tree Ferns and Palms, with a marginal line of
Hyacinths, two raised rows of Hyacinths being arranged on the
side stages, and fringed with small Heaths, Erica regerminans
being very effective ; Lilies, Cyclamens, Azalea amo^na, and
very small Camellias. The background of glass is covered with
baize, which shows the Hyacinths to great advantage. At one
end of the house are variegated Yuccas, and at the opposite end
a bank of Tulips. The Hyacinths this year have been grown
entirely by Mr. Cutbush, juu., the youthful partner of the firm,
who, for the first time, has "tried his hand " at their cultivation,
and with very creditable results. The same varieties are re-
presented as noted above, also capital spikes of the following: —
Van Hooboken, waxy white, fine spike and bells ; La Neige,
pure white, tall, fine; Dake of Wellington, double, pale rose,
excellent; City of London, creamy rose, double, towering spike,
massive bells; Lady Derby, white; Double Grand Vaiuqueur,
distinct and good; Pieneman, blue, fine bells; Leouidas, blue,
excellent; Mimosa, blue; Laurens Kostcr, double, blue; "Sir"
John Bright, bine, like Couronne de Celle; " The First," double
pink, fine bells; Lord Melville, dark blue, white eye, distinct;
Vou Schiller, red ; Josephine, bright crimson ; Florence Night-
ingale, pink, fine ; Koh-i-noor; Grandeur a Mervellle; Howard,
orange crimson, superior; Lord Palmerston, lavender; Grand
Lilas; Giganfea, pink; and, blackest of all, Blackbird. The
best of the Tulips are Vander Neer, Vermilion Brilliant,
Proserpine, White Pottebakker, Keyser's Kroon, Rose Louisante,
Wouverman, Queen of the Violets, Joost Van Vondel, and
Fabiola. Altogether the " Highgate show" is an attractive one,
and is affording pleasure to numerous visitors.

every one of them are included in the names above given,
and it is not necessary to repeat them. The Hyacinths
mentioned may be regarded as the best varieties extant, and
those requiring a selection have only to refer to the cata-
logues for such further information respecting them that may
be required.

In the cultivation of Hyacinths, the first essential for suc-
cess is sound, dense, well-matured bulbs— bulbs which have
not been cheaply grown and cannot be cheaply sold. Large
bulbs do not produce the finest spikes; Gigantea, for instance,
always producing a small bulb and large spike, and so with many
others. The mere size of the bulb is no criterion of the size of
the spike it will produce. Procure bulbs clean, symmetrical,
and heavy, and good cultivation will do the rest. For guidance
on culture Mr. Douglas will doubtlees contribute reliable notes
at a suitable time. He must be justly regarded as amongst the
most able growers of the day, for fine as are the collections
noticed he has staged still finer spikes, excepting those of Messrs.
Veitch, which were not entered for competition. The "shows "
now noticed will remain attractive for the next ten days or a
fortnight.

NOVELTIES IN THE KOYAL GAEDENS, KEW.

Enkyanthus japonicus, a comparatively new species, is form-
ing a very pretty shrub in the Temperate house. It is de-
ciduous, and the pure white globose flowers appear with the
earliest expansion of leaves, which in the autumn assume
various shades of yellow relieved with red. Though, perhaps,
quite hardy, it may be used with effect as a companion plant
for E. quinqnefloruB, one of the prettiest of our greenhonse
ehrnbs when well developed. It was first discovered some
years ago in the neighbourhood of Nagasaki, and was intro-
duced by Messrs. Standisb, who contributed a plant to Kew,
from which a figure was first published in 1870.

Calliandra hcematocephala though not new deserves notice
as a rare and beautiful shrub with slender and graceful
branches, now flowering in the Palm house. The flowers are
collected in clusters, and produce a mass of stamens of the
most brilliant scarlet changing to deep blood red. It is o{
easy culture and strikes freely from cuttings ; being of rather
lax habit it requires cutting-back to form a well-furnished
specimen.

A large number of Orchids are in bloom, and several are
represented by very fine varieties. The unusually fine form
of Dendrobinm crassiuode still coutiuufsin flower, though now
nearly over. A fine plant of D. Pierardii has several stems
well laden with bloom. It presents a peculiar though pleasing
combination of colour ; the stems are white, and the flowers
creamy white and parple. D. lituiflorum is rare and also
desirable. D. Devenianum is one of the most brilliant of all

MESSES. CillTEE & CO.

This firm has grown and exhibited bulbs largely, but their

colleolions at Regent's Park were a few days " behind time,"

and the spikes have considerably developed since they have

been placed in the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. They are

arranged on large tables surrounding the fountain at the east j now in flower, but will scarcely give way to D. Wardianum
end of the building, and are the promiuent fiature in the deco- [ and D. flmbriatum. D. Farmeri, D. densiflorum, and the va-

am an ex-
attleya Trianie is
One of these is

rations of the structure, and will be a source of great attraction to rieties of D. uobUe are also good. Of D. densifloru
visitors durmg the Easter holidays. It does not appear as if any | tremely fine plant will soon be in bloom. Cattleya ]

orT/«^i-nl H,'r.„,ii. T;,^- f •" I'^^'^T' "^l''^'".'"';- represented by at least six distinct forms

or ciressing, the collection being a fair example of Hyacinth - '^

production under ordinary treatment, and such that is usually

iven in the majority of gardens.

The following are the best
varieties in their respective colours : — Whites : — Alba Maxima,
Alba Superbissima, La Graudesse, L'Innocence, Madame Van
der Hoop, Miss Nightingale, and Snowball. Reds: — Garibalbi,
Linn;enB, Prince Albert Victor, Romeo, Victor Emmanuel,
Vurbaak, Koh-i-noor, and Von Schiller. Blues :— King of the
Blues, Marie, Blondin, Czar Peter, De Candolle, Garrick, Lord
Derby, and Van Speyk. Yellows :— Ida, Bird of Paradise, and
La Citroniere. Blackbird, new and intense f ilky black, and Star-
light, new, a splendid dark blue with light eye, are especially
noteworthy. The Tulips are— Joost Von Voiulel, Lac Van
Ehyn, Royal Standard, Vander Neer, Vermilion Brilliant, and
White Pottebakker. A very effective display.

UESSIiS. BAEK i SUGDEN.
This is the last, but by no means the least, collection to notice.
The plants are now arranged in the large windows of the
establishment of the firm at 12, King Street, Cuvent Garden,
and are at times a cause of " street obstruction," so great is the
crowd of sightseers. These Hyacinths by their " level excel-
lence " were a surprise to many visitors to the Regent's Park
Show, to which Mr. Barr's grower, with pardonable enthusiasm,
had taken them without the " master's orders." These are
truly London Hyacinths, having been grown in a small garden
at Bjw at the residence of Mr. Barr's skilful cultivator and
decorator, Mr. Hill, who has attended to them, as it were, during
his Epare hours night and morning, he being engaged during

nearly pure white and another rich purple with great breadth
of segment, between which the others are intermediate in
colour, and differing also in the relative size of the parts of
the flower and the undulation of the margins. C. Lindleyana
cannot be compared with these in point of beauty, it has the
appearance of having been pink but washed nearly white.

The Odontoglossums contribute a large share to the present
show of flowers. 0. Pescatorei and 0. luteo-purpurenm have
fine spikes. 0. pulchellum and the variety majus are famous
for their white blooms. In baskets are 0. Eossii and 0. Pha-
Ifenopsis. The other kinds are 0. odoratum, 0. carinifernm,
0. oristatum, and 0. cordatum. Of Lycaste Skinneri there is
a particularly fine dark variety. The Oucidiums are not now
numerous, but 0. oucnllatum var. grandiflorum is fine in colour
and form, if not one of the most showy. The orange Epi-
dendrum xanthiunm is almost the only Orchid now in flower
of that colour. The purple E. eveotum and the pink E. elon-
giitum are also good. Forced Orchids are scarcely thought of,
but the hardy North American species appear to stand the
treatment well, and are certainly worth having at any season,
particularly C. spectabile, which is now flowering. Angrie-
cum falcatum is very charming ; it thrives on a block, and the
pure white flowers are produced in a tuft of narrow curved
leaves. Kestrepia elegans is quite a gem in its way, it is
smaller than R. antennifera but more richly coloured. Stenor-

the d"ay in town. His labours have been most successful, for I rhyuchus epeciosus is a rare terrestrial Orchid, and is now in
they are such plants as anyone maybe proud of. In looking | flower in company with its variety niaculata. The Phalssnop-
over the list taken of the most effective varieties we find that I eids are P. amabilis, P. grandiflora, P. rosea, and P. SchU-

MaiCh 2U, 1877. I

JODBNAL OF HORTIGULTUBE AND COXTAtiE GAUiifiNEB.

231

leriaua. Other of the most ornamental Orchids are Vanda
Buavis, V. tricolor, Anguloa Clowesii, Cffilogyne flaccida, nnd
Ada aurantiaca. Nearly one hundred species and varieties
are in bloom.

Mnsa eangninea is flowering in the Victoria honse, and so
exhibiting its beantifiil scarlet bracts, which make it, as re-
gards colour, the finest of all. It has the advantage of being
extremely dwarf, attaining to no more than 3 or i feet. If
allowed, the suckers will nearly equal the main stem, but for
the sake of symmetry and a fine inflorescence it is best to
have them removed. Like all the other Musas it delights in
liberal treatment at the root with a warm moift atmosphere.
It was received from Upper Apsam, and was made known for
the first time in the " Botanical MnRa/Uuo " of 187-. Few
plants have been distributed, and it is still extremely rare.

In the Capo house are several plants ot intereet and beauty.
Moricandia souchifolia is a new and extremely pretty dwarf
Crucifer with violet flowers and pale foliage. Sown in autumn
in a cald frame it grows into neat specimens for spring decora-
tion. It recjuirc'S a loamy soil, and only one plant should be
grown in a pot. It is nearly, or perhaps quite hardy. Amphi-
come Emodi is an old plant of rare occurrence. It is of very
dwarf habit, and amidst a mass of Eurnet-like leaves appear
the large pink flowers, which much resemble a Bignonia.
Dietes Hnttoni is a new Irid with yellow Iris-like flowers ; it
grows about 8 feet high, and is quite distinct in its habit of
growth from other species.

Xanthorrhiea minor is mnch the most important ae abotanical
novelty that has appeared for some time. A flourishing speci-
men is grown in the Succulent house, and forms a tult of dark
green wiry leaves. It is acaulescent, and spreads below ground
much the same as a Grass. The flowers are white nnd star-like,
collected in denpe spikes on scapes a foot long. It is native of
New South Wales and Victoria, and sometimes take entire
possession of the ground. In some years it is very abundant
in flower, while only few spikes can be found in other seasons.
This species has not been flowered in the country before.
X. hastile flowered at Kew in 18.>!, and X. quadrangulata in
187-S. These and other species with tall trunks are called
Blackboy and Grass Gum Trees in the Australian colonies,
where they form a peculiar feature in the landsrape. The
lower leaves get burnt off by bush fires, and they have then
been mistaken for black men ; the tall flower-stems help the
deception by seeming as spears in their hands.

GLAZING "WITHOUT PUTTY.

I THANK Mr. Hardcastle for his useful communication on
page 196. I have seen many houses glazed without putty, and
with the squares butted together instead of overlapping, and
have been assured of the efliciency of the plan. I only
described, however, my actual practice of glazing without top
putty, and have found the plan perfectly satisfactory. Mr.
Hardcastle has found his mode of glazing equally efficient,
and were I erecting another house I should not hesitate to
adopt the plan he has so clearly described.

I think the cutting of the squares aslant is a good idea for
directing the water where it is required to be carried away. I
remember onco the same object was sought to be effected in a
range of large houses where I was then employed by cutting
the squares half-moon-ehaped — elliptical, for the purpose of
conducting the water down the centre of the glass so as to
avoid its saturating the putty, and as preventing the expense
of replacement. The object was certainly answered as to the
guidance of the water, for the whole of it drained down the
centre and the putty was consequently preserved ; but there
was no saving of expense, for owing to the water freezing just
in the centre ot the laps many of the large squares cracked
quite up their centres. I have been in the house during a
frosty night and observed them break one after the other in
rather rapid succession. The gla.ss used was too thin and
weak for that mode of cutting the squares, and my experience
tells me that if elliptical glazing is adopted strong glass must
bo used or breakages must be numerous. I mention this now
because my attention has been directed to a case where this
mode of glazing has been recommended, and there may be
others contemplating its adoption. It will save the putty, but
at the expense of the glass, unless the latter is very sound and
strong. My plan, however, is to save the putty by not using
it, and to trust to painting to protect the wood. If putty is
employed paint also must be need, and much oftener than
when putty is dispensed with.

Those who desire to erect houses as cheaply and efiiciently
aa possible will do well to give some attention to the mode
described by Mr. Hardcastle, for I believe his plan to be both
simple and good. — Steward and Gabdener.

PRinULA MARGIN ATA.

SILTOR-EDGED AHEICOLA.

This species differs from P. auricula in having narrow

leaves ; from V. glutinosa in the shortness oJ its involuorum ;

Fig. :;!.— Primula raargiiiata.

from r. villosa in having leaves much narrower, perfectly
free from hairs, and in. the colour of its blossoms, which
approach that of the Lilac, but more especially in its dis-
position to become mealy, particularly on the edges of its
leaves between the eerratures, where it is so strong as to make
the leaf appear with a white or silvery edge. As this character
is constant to it, and not to any other species of Primula that
we are acquainted with, we have given to it the name of mar-
ginata.

Mr. Lee received it from tlio Alps in the year 1781, and it
has continued in our gardens over since unaltered by culture.

It is a very delicate pretty plant, with a pleasing musky

iHii

JOUBNAL OP HdBTIOtJLTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK.

( JiMch 2'.i, 1877.

emell, and flowers in March and April. To succeed in its cnl-
tivatiou it should be placed in a pot of stifBsh loam, mixed
with one-third rotten leaves, bog-earth, or dung, and plunged
in a north border, taking care that it does not suffer for want
of water in dry seasons : thus treated, it increases by its roots
nearly as readily as the Auricula, and may be propagated by
parting its roots early in April or September. — {Botanical
Magazine.)

AURICULAS— THE WOOLLY APHIS.

Uefore entering on a subject very paiufnl and distressing
to au Auricula grower I should hke to say how thoroughly I
endorse what my friend Mr. Horner has said on the subject of
showing Auriculas with crutches. I have been brought up in
the " straightest sect" of the old school, and such an idea
would amongst them never have been for a moment enter-
tained. I was not at the committee meeting when it w..8 so
recommended, and Mr. Horner must not class me as amongst
the upholders of a practice I have invariably condemned.

I mentioned last week that I should overhaul my plants and
report on them. The first that I examined looked so exactly
as if the threads of a fungus had attacked the roots that I was
hopeful such might be the case, and sent them up to Mr.
W. G. Smith. His reply unfortunately was, "The Auricula
roots clearly have a sort of American blight or mealy aphis
upon them ; it is very curious under tho microscope, and might
possibly repay close examination. But I find there are only
twenty-four hours to the day." So the matter was settled.
Had it been fungus I might have hoped that there was some-
thing wrong in the soil and that a complete change might
have rid me of it, but against this pest there is apparently no
security. I suppose there are Apple trees in most gardens,
and if there are, the aphis may at any time descend into the
frames. I find that the first symptom of mischief is a sort of
brownish rusty colour on the back of the leaves and a disincli-
nation in the plant to open the heart. On examining I found
the roots more or less covered with the white woolly threads.
This white stuff becomes more full towards the middle of the
wig of roots, and then the tap root, or carrot, shows signs of
having been eaten and is decayed.

Mr. Horner says " Why those weeps?" I think if he saw
my collection now and had seen it last year he would hardly
refrain his lamentations. Inter alia, I had a dozen good plants
of George Lightbody, nine are irretrievably gone. I have lost
every plant of Maria, several of Smiling Beauty, ttc. May I ask
my fellow sufferers if they would kindly answer the following
ciuestions ;'

1, Are their experiences the same as mine as to tho course
of the pest '!

2, Have they seen the insect'.' I have as yet not been able
to detect it.

0. Have they any Apple trees near their frames ?

1, Have they repotted, alter washing, their plants, and do
tht-y find that they are clear of it ?

It is 60 serious a matter for Auricula growers that one would
like to elicit all the information possible. — D., Deal.

" D., Deal," asks if any of the readers of the Journal have
seen the woolly insects that attack the Auricula roots ; and I
should like to add another query — if it be truly an aphis, and
if any have seen it in a winged state. The notice of this
enemy by Mr. Horner in the " Florist and Pomologist " of
last October has been referred to, and 1 also see in a back
number of that periodical, page 13G, June, 1872, the following
remarks from the pen of an able cultivator — Mr. John Ball of
Slough : —

" Old rotten cow dung has generally been considered an ex-
cellent thing for Auriculas, but I have determined to abandon
tlie use of it in consequence of its sometimes containing a most
destructive small white grub, which secretes itself under the
soil, and unobserved will divest the plant of every root it has,
thus causing it to become sickly and to die away gradually. I
have sometimes found these grubs to be very numerous, and
was obliged on one occasion to shake out and repot every plant
in order to get free from this most troublesome pest." Per-
haps, if this meets his eye, Mr. Ball will correct me if I am
wrong in assuming this " small white grub " here referred to
to be identical with the enemy I now describe.

My experience is that it spreads iisolf numerously in colonies
along those parts of the roots where tho crocks form drainage,
or where a space between soil and pot allows room and air, and

in a few instances on the collar of the plant, where, though it
tucks itself as much as possible out of sight, it ought to be
seen at once.

The insects are very small and sluggish, though clearly dis-
cernible to the naked eye. The head is proportionally blunter
and broader, and has shorter antennic, and the legs are shorter
and stouter than in the green aphis. These legs and antennre
are blackish, but the abdomen is globular and of a dirty
yellowish white colour. From the upper posterior portion of
the abdomen grows a fluffy secretion in tufts of pure white
wool, something resembling in growth and position an ostrich's
tail. When touched these tufts are easily shed, and seem,
when worked round the Auricula roots, to form the white
blanket-like home in which the insect lives.

The proboscis or sucker is long and reflexed under the body
between the legs like that of the green aphis, and is not very
easy to distinguish even through the microscope, a large part
of its length being of the same nondescript colour as the body,
the point only being blackish ; but it is the formidable weapon
through which the young fresh juices of the root are sucked
up, and I need scarcely say that the infested roots soon lose
their vitality — dry up and die.

The minutia! of Nature are so beautiful and wonderful under
tho microscope that I propose to devote a couple of alpines
of small value for an experiment as food plants for this insect,
thoroughly to isolate them by a quarter of a mile's quarantine
from my collection, to watch them, and I hope by this to
learn something of the life history of this insect.— John
T. D. Llewelyn.

[Oblige us by reporting the result. — Eds.]

FLOWER-SHOW FIXTURES-A GRIEVANCE.

It is very strange and unfortunate that two Societies of
such distinction as the Koyid Horticultural and Eoyal Botanic,
whose objects are to foster and promote the science of horti-
culture, should fix their dates the same as was the case on
Wednesday in last week, and will be the case at every meeting of
the Eoyal Botanic throughout the present year. This clashing
cannot but be detrimental to both ISocieties. It is disliked by
exhibitors in general, for they are put to great inconvenience
thereby, and it prevents many from making that amount of
display which otherwise would be made were they not obliged
to divide their favours. When horticulturists in general show
such a disposition to exhibit it is greatly to be regretted that
their conveniences have not been more studied by fixing alter-
nate dates for the shows of the two Societies. In the present
unfortunate state of affairs they are simply hindering instead
of promoting horticulture.

It is true the Eoyal Horticultural Society does not at present
offer prizes for competition, it may therefore bo argued that
they have no regular exhibitions ; but their great sources of
benefit and attraction are their fixed fortnightly meetings,
where new, rare, and beautiful plants are exhibited and re-
warded accordingly. These meetings are of the greatest im-
portance, and I cannot help regretting the clashing of the
dates in question. I do not presume to suggest a remedy,
others more competent may do that ; but I should rejoice ex-
ceedingly it one or other of the Societies would exhibit their
magnanimity by changing some of their dates and prevent their
shows becoming comparative failures. — J. W. Moorman.

In the report of the last Eoyal Botanic Society's Show
of spring flowers you remark that exhibitors, visitors, and
others expressed their disappointment at the two Societies
meeting upon tbe same day ; and you were quite right in this.
You might have gone further and said that blame was at-
tributed first tu tho managers of one Society and then to those
who have charge of the arrangements of tho other, according
to tho feelings of those interested. For my own part I do not
fee how anyone was to blame, certainly not the Council of
the Eoyal Horticultural Society ; their dates of meeting have
usually been on the first and third Wednesday in each month,
but as it was well understood that they were only to be com-
mittee meetings no doubt the managers of the Eoyal Botanic
Society thought it would not matter if their shows were held
on the same dates. Had South Kensington first announced a
Hyacinth show the other Society would as usual have chosen
the following week ; but this is, as a rule, too late in tho year,
and the beauty of the flowers would have been past. Had
they selected the 11th it would have been better for all, and a

Maroli 29, 1877. ]

JODENAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

233

much better show would have been held at Kensington on the
following week.

One other remark I would Uke to make, and am sorry that
it ia in the way ot a complaint. In your reference to the ehow
of Polyanthufl-Nai-cisBus you mention the " made-up " pottuls
of plants shown by Messrs. Larr & Sugden, which they cer-
tainly were, and I consider that their grower was guilty of a
breach of honour ; for no one can believe that Mr. Barr would
be guilty of taking an undue advantage of an opportunity.
Still, a certain amount of blame rests with the Society for not
clearly defining what they mean by a pot of Tulips. Nursery-
men and gardeners know very well what it means at the
metropolitan shows. It has always been uuderstood and acted
upon as three bulbs potted and shown in the pots in which they
were grown. Competitors have hitherto acted on this principle
and exhibited on equal terms ; and it is taking a mean advantage
for a man to say, •• My opponents will show only three roots in
a pot, I will put six plants in a pot of the same size, and even
if my flowers are not quite so good as theirs perhaps my
quantity will overpower their quality." In Tulips Messrs.
Barr & Sugden showed twelve more roots in their collection
than either of their opponents, and the plants were hanging
their leaves before the show was over. Their Tulips were
made up the same as the Polyanthus-Narcissuses. Of the last
they exhibited seventy-two plants, while my collection con-
tained but forty. Now I hold a very decided opinion on this
innovation ; it ought to be stamped out at once. There will
always be those ready to take advantage of any flaw in a
schedule, and one line will sava endless bother to exhibitors.
It ought to stand thus :—" Hyacinths one bulb in a pot.
Talips and Polyanthus-Narcissus three bulbs." Unless this
clause ia put in the schedule one exhibitor may show three
next year and his opponent thirty. — J. Douglas.

Few complaints are perhaps advanced on which there is a
general concurrence of opinion, but a grievance which I think
ia quite beyond controversy is the one existing and now men-
tioned of the principal London flower shows being held on the
same days — I mean the exhibitions of the Eoyal Horticultural
and the Royal Botanic Societies.

In your reports of last Wedaesday'a meetings the circum-
stance was regretted that two shows, one in the north and the
other in the south of London, should be held simultaneously.
Nothing could be more inconvenient to exhibitors and visitors,
or more weakening to the shows, than that strange arrange-
ment. I am one of several who were desirous of exhibiting
at both places, but could only visit one; in fact, only the very
largest nurserymen are able to divide their resources and ex-
hibit creditably in two places at once, and even to them dupli-
cate showing is inconvenient.

The racing backwards and forwards of several visitors between
north and south on the Slat inst. was a source of much annoyance
to them. No good, however, can be done by dwelling on the
past and its unfortunate oversights. It is to the future to
which I would rather direct attention. Oa the 18th of April
there ia the same clashing of fixtures, and again on the Ifith of
May ; I believe also that a similar collision occurs on the day
of the National lioae Show in July. What a prospect for ex-
hibitors ! lint cannot the evil be averted'.' If it is an evil,
and few can dispute it, the more promptly the remedy is ap-
plied the better. Eat to whom are we to look for aid'.' Tbo
answer appears to me: Appeal to headquarters, and the acknow-
ledged head of horticulture is the Council of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society. But for what are we to appeal ;' simply a
change of days for tlieir meetings, and the matter would bo
settled.

The present Council have shown such a disposition to con-
sult the convenience of horticulturists, and thereby have se-
cured their sympathy and substantial co-operation, that it is
not conceivable that the Council would refuse to listen to any
representation having for its object the means of better sup-
porting the shows. From the fact that the Koyal Horticultural
Society have simply adhered to the regular dates they can the
better afford to accept the change, which could not in any
sense bo interpreted as admitting an error when no error had
been made by them.

What is there in a " Wednesday " that it should be regarded
as specially fitted for a floral festival ? In my opinion — an
opinion which is shared by otlur exhibitors— the Society that
first adopts the day preceding will possess an advantage in
more ways than one; that, however, is for others to judge.
The present position, or rather fatnre prospects, are extremely

unsatisfactory, and now that the matter ia broached it is hoped
that some of the leading patrons ot shows will bring their in-
fluence to bear in removing a roal grievance which acts dis-
advantageously for themselves and prejudicially to the societies,
which all are desirous of seeing prosperous. — An Exhibitor,

[Until recent times Tuesdays were the meeting days of the
Royal Horticultural Society. Some of us can still remember
the Regent Street Tuesdays, and for some years after the
Society seated itself at South Kensington this was the day of
meeting. We see no reason why the Society should not revert
to the old arrangement. By holding the meetings on Tuesday
exhibitors do not have their week so much broken into, and the
routine of their establiahmenta so much interfered with. — Ens ]

CULTURE OF THE HIPPEASTRUM.

The essential point in the cultivation of this genua (which
is very distinct from Amaryllis) lies in the comparatively new
method of ripening the bulbs gradually in the open air.

We will suppose a batch of plants in flower now and in auo-
cession for several weeks in their warm quarters in the stove.
After flowering let them remain a little shaded and removed
from that part of the house which they no longer ornament.
Keep them here till the leaves, or the greater part of them,
have become fully grown and firm. This period will come on
about the end of May and onwards for a week or two. Next,
remove them into the greenhouse for three weeks or a month,
where the leaves will become stiff, strong, and healthy. This
will bring us into July, when the plants must be removed into
the open air, preferably at the foot of a south wall, and watered
every day or two during hot weather.

If September brings hot weather leave them alone while it
lasts. It not, take them into the greenhouse for the winter at
once. The plan here described is not my own, though I have
long practised a hardening system of the kind. It was taken
from an article in one of Van Houtte's catalogues, and has
been now tested here for several years with the best results.
A horticultural friend in my neighbourhood sent me twelve of
these plants last spring to try the system upon. He had had
them ten years without flowering one. Six are now flowering
strongly, and the rest are in the highest of health.

I omit much detail, confining myself to essentials. Any
person conversant with gardening under glass will know what
to do as to general good treatment.

I should feel grateful to any friend who could send me
n. solandriflorum, regime, or equestre, true. — R. TaEVoa
CwEKE, ^I'l'lton Place, near Daventnj.

FORCED SALADING.

Thebe are many employers who require salads of different
kinds all the year round. For many gardeners this is not a
very easy task, especially for those who have not the glass
accommodation to grow what is required for their employers'
table during the winter months. A very simple plan where
glass Btructures were rather limited and salada were required
on most days all through the winter mouths was adopted iu a
garden in which I was formerly employed.

In the first place we made some small shelves and afllxed
them close under the glass about the middle of the houeea, iu
our vineries, itc. Here we had our small salading iu pots
(Is's and .'J'2'8), sueh as Australian Cress, Lamb's Lettuce,
Mustard and common Creea, Radishes, and Onions, making
sowings every week or fortnight, placing the pots in a vinery
or Peach house just started till the seed germinated, then re-
moving to cooler houses, and watering carefully. Watercress
not being procurable within two miles of the gardens, and
being often wanted, my superior, Mr. Batters, thought he would
try this also in pots, and met with great suocees. The pots
used were 'S2'e, tilled three parts with moderately rich soil ;
on this was placed some sharp Band or road washings. The
cuttings were inserted thinly iu the pots and placed on low
shelves in the early vinery and Poach house. In a few weeks
wo had plenty of clean and fresh Watercress without having
to walk two or three miles in search of some by the riverside.
Since the time we tried the experiment they have never been
without thia desirable Cress winter or summer. We made
freeh pots of cuttings every season from the old plants, and
when the young plants had made good growth the older were
thrown away. If kept well watered they will be found to grow
very fast, especially with the advantage of a warm house for
starting them, when they should be removed to cooler struo-

2U

JODKNAL OF HORTIODLTURE AND COTTAGE GABUENEB.

[ March 20, 1877.

tnrss to assume a good colour and flavour. Watercress thus
grown was preferred to riverside Cress. The varieties of salad
herbs — namely, Bnrnot, Chervil, Tarragon, Pnrslane, t%i3., we
also kept in pots during winter.

With some good Lettuce from the frames, blanched Batavian
and curled Endive, and a good Cucumber (of the latter I gave
some cultural remarks iu a former volume of 187-j, page 180),
we could at auy time make up a good salad for the table.
Before being sent into the house the salads were washed in
clean water and arranged in a round wicker basket and placed
in the fruit-room, where our employer generally inspected them
before they were sent to the kitchen. To Mr. Bittera, the able
gardener of Chilworth Manor, under whom I then served, I
am much indel>ted for my cultural knowledge of forced vege-
tables and salads. — F. H. Fboud, Gardener, Hawley Place,
Hartford,

[You could not have had a better teacher. — Eds.]

CLEMATIS JACKMANII.

I PRESUME there are very few places where there is a super-
abundance of this beautiful and effective climber, and it may
be useful to call attention at the present time to a sure and
ready means of increanng the stock of plants.

Anyone in possession of an old plant will find that by
taking the young fhoots about 4 or 5 inches long, breaking
them off with a heel, and inserting them in pots or pans, and
placing them in a close frame until they callus, they will after-
wards if placed in heat emit roots freely, when they must be
potted off, and when they are established in pots they may be
planted out, or if grown-on in pots they will make strong
plants for planting out tlie following spring. C. Flammula,
C. lanuginosa, and other varieties I have propagated in the
same manner. NnrEerymou generally graft them on strong-
growing varieties, such as Clematis montaua.

To grow the Clematis to perfection liberal treatment is
necessary, and plenty of manure must be added to the soil.
There is nothing more beautiful for covering walls, rockwork,
arches, or planted along with Ivy for covering walls, &c., than
Clematis Jackmanii, — J. Anderson, //i7/ Grove.

ALPINE AURICULAS.

All of us are indebted to the Rev. F. D. Horner for his
excellent article in last week's Journal, and for the kindly
spirit which it breathes. I desire to observe that I did not say
florists had no right to make distinctions; it would be utter
lolly to say so. Of course they must, and abide by the dis-
tinctions too ; and further, I believe that the rules laid down
by florists are in the main correct; but we must not strive
for one particular style of beauty at the expense of another.
This is what I object to in the self Alpine. If my premisses
are correct the exhibitors at the National Auricula Show
would not exhibit a self flower, uor would they try to improve
it. Now, many persons think that the sells are as boautifnl
in their way as the shaded flowers, and certainly they ought
to be grown and exhibited for the sake of variety. Mr. Horner
also would allow Alpines to have their trusses supported by
btiokfl. Well, some of them require sticks and some do not,
and if they can bo produced with a firm, elastic, self-support-
ing stem, why not work for this as well as for shaded edges ?

Then, as to the Polyanthus, I hope I am not misunderstood
with regard to that flower. I did not, nor could I say, that
flowers of the old florist type had been surpassed by any
modern introductions, nor do I prefer the modern varieties.
All that I claim is that they may be allowed to compete, and
let them be judged on their merits. Excluding them from o
show would be so much loss to floriculture, just as in the case
of self Alpines. The old florist Polyanthus is a singularly
beautiful flower, but it lacks variety. As Mr. Horner pnts it,
" it wants seeding up," and no one could do this better than
himself. It is worth a long journey to see the well-grown
plants of the sorts he has named iu the vicarage garden at
Kirkby Malzeard, — J. Douglas.

I HAVE been much pleased to read the discussion on these
flowers in the Journal, and would ask leave to contribute my
mite to it. Mr. Horner says in the "Florist," " If self Alpines
why not Alpine selfs'.'" Well, I have very great respect for
Mr. Horner, but it seems to me that in this matter his know-
ledge is fettered by his surroundings. If self Alpines are to be

tolerated Alpine selfs will naturally follow. Is not a greater
variety thereby gained? Assuming of course that the cardinal
points of the florist are maintained, is not the existence of
variety the strongest claim to our admiration ? I say it is, and
I am sorry to believe how few florists there are who under-
stand the philosophic ground on which the properties of flowers
are based, and how much they are tied and bound by practice
and prescription.

The term Alpine contains no meaning of itself, therefore it
is no special symbol to anyone unversed in the terminology of
the florist. No doubt a shaded edging is more to be regarded
than a self, because it contains more variety, just as a bizarre
Carnation is preferred to a flake, and a flake is placed before
a self.

Mr. Horner's reasoning iu the case of the Auricula seems to
cut at the root of variety, and by refusing to admit any but
established classes to be taking a course which would surely
result not in maintaining the philosophic properties of flowers,
but in cramping them, and justly exposing florists to the im-
putation of being crabbed, ignorant, and narrow-minded. —
Nemo.

POINSETTIA PULOHEBRIMA PLENISSIMA.

In a recent number of this Journal was published a short
article on Poinsettias, and therein it was stated that after a
little more experience I should give some account of the new
variety A. p. plenissima, of which I had plants late in the
season. They were small and not such as in the other variety
would be expected to give good heads. Further, they had
been grown up to the time I had them (which was about the
last week in June or first in July) iu a stove temperature, and
that treatment does not give the best results. I prefer grow-
ing them iu an airy greenhouse near the glass until the end
of May or early in June, when they should be turned out of
doors, but not to be exposed to cutting winds. Early iu Sep-
tember they must be removed indoors, but not into a high
temperature, until the colour shows on the floral bracts, when
the night temperature may range from o5° to (i^>°. As far as
I have bpeuablo to judge, the new variety requires rather mora
heat than the old sort when the bracts are in the course of
formatiou, but not at auy other time.

My O.VU opinion of it is that it will displace the old sort.
It is very much superior to it, not only in lasting qualities
but in the greater brilliancy of the floral bracts. The outer
bracts of the old sort have fallen six weeks ago, and more
recently the new plant has also lost the outer circle ; but the
supplementary tufts are now (March 21st) quite brilliant, and
form a compact head of lustrous beauty. I have sent a head
for your inspection, and when I say that it was cut from a
plant which was in a very weakly state in July last year, yon
will then be able to judge of its value. — J. Douglas.

[We judge favonrahly. Since a head so fine as the one
submitted to us has been produced by a weakly plant, what
may we not expect from a robust Epecimeu? This Poiusettia
being a new plant has been necessarily over-propagated, and
auother season is required to produce heads in their true
character. — Eds J

PLANTING GLADIOLUS BULLS.

There appears to exist some difference of opinion as to the
better mode of planting these bulbs — namely, whether they
should be entirely stripped or not of their outer covering. The
opinion of some of our leading growers would be instructive
to many of your readers. As a small grower of the choicest
varieties, my own plan is to plant about the first week in April
if the ground be fit, placing the bulbs about 1 inches deep,
having previously stripped them, and covering with silver sand
before filling in with soil. Can any growers of more experience
give better information? — Exhibitor.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY OP LONDON.
The Royal Botanic Society was founded in 1839 by a Royal
Charter granted by the Queen to the then Duke of Norfolk,
the Duke of Richmond, Earl of Albemarle, Col. Rushbrooke,
Philip Barnes, and James De Carle Sowerby (who were also
named the first Fellows of the Society) " for the promotioa of
botany in all its branches and its application to medicine, arts,
and manufactures, and also for the formation of botanical
and ornamental gardens withiu the immediate vicinity of the

March 29, 1877. ]

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE.

235

metropolia," the Dake of Biobmond being named in the
charter as the first President, followed in 1841 by the Duke of
Norfolk, in 185.5 by the Prince Consort, in 1862 bv the Earl
De-la-Warr, and in ISCil by the present President— U.S. H. the
Duke of Teck.

The garden, which comprises the whole of the inner circle of
tho Regent's Park, a little over 13 acres, is held on lease from
Her Majesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests, first
granted in 1810, and since renewed at an advanced rent.
Before the Society entered on the land it was in tho occupa-
tion of Mr. Jenkins as a general nnrsery, the Society paying
him a considerable sum for the stock, Ac. At that time (1810)
the garden was a fiat piece of ground with a gentle fall from
the centre to the sides, one gravel walk crossing from east to
west, a circular walk of about the semi-diameter of the outer
circle or fence, and two small lawns, a few large Elm trees,
Horse Chestnutg, Planes, Thorns, Birch, Weeping Ash, and

fruit trees ; the soil — a oold, stiff, yellow clay — had been only
partially cultivated. In that year (1810) Mr. Robert Marnock
(recommended to the Committee by the well-known and
respected J. C. London) was appointed to lay out the garden,
the first works being the digging of the lake and the general
alteration of the flat surface of the ground. In this Mr. Mar-
nock so admirably succeeded that most visitors to the gardens
look upon the undulations and curves rather as the work of
nature than of art.

The garden is ornamental and park-like in appearance. It
has been so judiciously planned and planted that it looks much
more extensive than it is, especially as it merges into the
surrounding scenery, the trees, shrubs, and lake in Regent's
Park appearing as if they wore part of the garden. Besides
the broad straight gravel walk leading from the principal
entrance to the conservatories there are winding paths leading
to shady groves and pleasant retreats. Thu garden is instrue-

I'ig. 32.— EOYAL I)

tive as well as being attractive, for the plants are arranged
according to tho natural system. There is also a flower garden
for the arrangement of colours, a geographical garden, an ex-
hibition ground, a winter garden or conservatory, houses for
tropical, subtropical, medical, economic, aquatic plants, &c.,
all well stocked with specimens.

The first portion of the conservatory was built in ISlC from
the joint design of Mr, Deciraus Burton (the Architect of the
Society) and Mr. Richard Turner, by whose firm at Dublin the
whole of the work was executed ; in 1871 the east wing and
oorridor were added, and in ImvC the west wing was completed,
both these additions being executed by Messrs. Turner. The
entire structure, with the exception of the corridor, is of glass
and iron, and measures 235 feet in length by 100 feet in
breadth.

The summer exhibitions of plants, flowers, and fruit com-
menced in 18i;i, and of spring flowers in 185'.J, have been con-
tinued to the present time. Exhibitions of Rhododendrons
planted in the ground were begun in 1819 and continued up
to 187-}, when special exhibitions of Clematises, Rises, &c., were
introduced.

Botanical lectures in the museum, commenced in 1853 by
the lamented Professors Edward Forbes and Arthur Ilenfrey,
are now continued by Professor Robert Bentley.

The gardens, owing to their near vicinity to the medical and

other schools of London, have for many years been of much
service in supplying illustrative specimens for the use of pro-
fessors, teachers, &a. Students of all kinds and artists duly
recommended are admitted freely to the gardens. Nearly five
hundred free orders were issued last year for terms of from
one to six months, and in 1875 nearly 33,000 cut specimens
were distributed to teachers and students.

The range of houses (l.'O feet) in the garden of medicinal
plants, built by the present Secretary in 1874, already con-
tains one of the best collections of economic plants.

Highly is the Society indebted to the zeal and abilities of
individuals whose names are familiar, especially to James de
Carle Sowerby the late Secretary, and William Sowerby his
son, the present Secretary. The excellent President, His
Serene Highness the Duke of Teck, has greatly contributed to
the welfare of the Society ; tho garden has also an able super-
intendent in Mr, W, Coomber, — N.iTH.iN Cole, Kensington.

EHODODENDEON NUTTALLI,
There is a healthy well-grown specimen of this shy-flowering
shrub now in full bloom in the conservatory attached to the
residence of tho Misses Cattley at Cleydene, near Edenbridge,
Kent. At the time of my visit there were four trusses, each
14 iachea in diameter, with fully expanded flowers and one or

230

JOUENAL OP HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ March 29, 1877.

two others advancing; the individual blossoms, of a rich creamy
white aud powerfully scented, measured 7 inches in diameter
and nearly as much in depth. I was told by Mr. T. Neil, the
civil and intelligent head gardener, that with one exception
he had succeeded in flowering this specimen every year since
it had been under his management. The plan he adopts is to
allow it to complete its growth in the conservatory. It is then
removed to a sheltered spot in the open air, and allowed a
moderate amount of water aud exposure to the sun. Before
the autumn rains set in it is placed in a cool vinery, where
it remains until the early spring. When the blossom buds
comraenco swelling it is removed to the conservatory, freely
supplied with water, and in a short time the scales are cast
off and the blossoms become fully expanded. The specimen
at Cleydene, which is over 7 feet in height, is grown in a
li-inch pot. — East Sussex.

THE BOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF

ANTWERP.

The 123th Exhibition has been recently held, and notwith-
standing the early period of the year the Show, by the diversity,
beauty, and abundance of the plants, was a groat success. The
splendid room of the Eoyal Society of Harmony, in which the
Show was held, presented a dazzling appearance, aud the cold
rigid weather out of doors made a singular contrast with this
attractive garden. A detiiiled account of the Exhibition is not
necessary for English readers, therefore only the more promi-
nent collections will be mentioned.

Let us speak firstly of the amateurs. Mr. Beaucorne of
Eename carried off the palm of the day. He staged remarkable
Orchids, magniticent Coniferie aud ornamental plants, with
Azaleas aud Camellias of uncommon excellence. The Ericas,
Epacrises, and New Holland plants of the Baron de Caters, the
honourable President of the Society, also Orchids, Palms, itc,
and especially the Orchids of Mdme. Le Grelle-Dhanis, obtained
general admiration. A brilliant collection of bybrid Amaryllises
raised by Mr. H. Vander Linden charmed all spectators. Abun-
dant foliage, glossy colours, flue forms, aud strong flower Btems
were combined in these handsome flowers. Mr. landen also
exhibited a seedling Crinum ttiat we esteem one of the fairest
of that kind. The excellent Azaleas and Cinerarias of Mr.
Flor. Pauwels wcro noticeable, and still more so bis splendid
group of hardy Ebododendrons. Amongst them Prince Camille
de Eohan displayed its enormous crown ornated with more than
four hundred fluwer trasses. The fine varieties of Coniferte,
Aucubas, Euonymuses, aud Pelargoniums of Mrs. Rigele, the
elegant collection of Count de Bergeyok's hardy plantsi, the
splendid Anthuriums and CycadiB of Mr. Vander Wouwer, the
striking standard Kosos of Mr. Van Bomberghen, the dis-
tinguished new Azaleas of Mr. De Graet of Ghent, with the
superb Cinerarias, Roses, and Cyclamens of Mr. Everaert's,
deserve all a most honourable mention.

The horticulturists, too, contributed very much to the beauty
of the exhibition. Mr. Do Beucker furnished very fine Phor-
miums, extremely varied Cactuses, aud a quite new Maranta
from Brazil. Mr. L. Berckelaers wen great success with his
Cyclamens and his large group of flowering plants ; ?ilr. H.
De Benhelaor also with his bouquets of natural flowers. Mr.
Vuylsteke at Loochristy, near Ghent, sent a most delightful
coUeclion of quite new Azalea iudica, with an exquisite group
of hardy Ebododendrons, truly magnificent plants, with large
trusses of bloom, ranging from the purest white to the brightest
re-l. The valuable collection of plants staged by Mr. Vander
Meersoh were highly attractive; and the variegated products
aud Conifera' of Mr. Nagels produced an excellent effect.

And last but not least, a great number of artists ornated the
room with their pictures. Amongst them Miss Anna Peters of
Stuttgart exhibited " Roses in Autumn," very charming, Mr.
Mattele of Ghent and Mr. De Naeyer of St. Josse-ten-Noode also
displayed their great talent.

Through this snccesbful Show Antwerp proves once more that
it has made, particularly this last year, rapid improvement in
horticnlture, and follows resolutely the bright way pointed out
by Ghent, the famous Belgian flower city.

[An esteemed cnrrcspondeut has favoured us with the above
report, which will bo perused with pleasure by many who are
interested in the progress of Belgian liorticultnre. — Ens.]

EXPERIMENTS IN VINE CULTURE.

A TAPER on the above subject has been read at the Darling-
ton Gardeners' Institute by Mr. Hunter, the well-known
Grape-grower of Lambton Castle. Attracted by the reputation
of Mr. Hunter, there was a very large attendance.

After a few preliminary obaervationa Mr. Hunter said : —
Some three or four years ago the influence of soil on Grape-

growing attracted a fair share of attention, and was criticised
freely in the horticultural papers by practical men. It occurred
to me that Grapes could be grown without soil, and I resolved
to give such a method a trial, and soon after an opportunity
was presented, and the experiment was made in a small house,
30 feet by 12. In the month of August, 1873, immediately
after gathering a crop of Black Hamburghs, the Vines, which
for several years had been severely forced, were taken out.
Immediately inside of the front wall I had the old soil removed
down to the drainage for a width of 1 feet ; this was refilled
with the freshest of last year's leaves and green cow manure
pressed as firmly together as possible. The Vines were then
planted, and a little soil was used to surround the balls; in
November I added to the border -1 feet outside and 4 feet in-
side, made as before, when I found the roots quite encouraging.
The material used was always in a green state, and this pro-
cess was continued until last year, when the border was finished.
I may add that top-dressing was oftener reijuired than with
beds made with soil, as the bed subsided more rapidly ; the
whole was covered with charcoal only for appearance, no soil
being used.

After years of experience under the tuition of men famous
in the Grape-growing world, I confess the compost described
appears to be a most unreasonable mixture in which to plant
young Vines. The first part of the border made has become a
light black soil without any adhesive texture, and is soft and
spongy when trod on. No doubt to some this experiment will
appear very startling, more especially to those who condemn
the practice of using manure in a raw state in the formation of
a Vine border. But we are told clear-sighted men of science
sometimes get into mental fogs and make comical displays. We
are also told that one fact is worth a thousand arguments. Now
the fact is, this border so prepared has produced fruit equal in
every respect to what the house before produced, and to what
houses of the same size are now producing where the borders
have been prepared in the old way. The varieties planted
were varied for experiment, and consisted of Dr. Hogg, Canon
Hall Muscat, Barbarossa, Poster's Seedling, Black Hamburgh,
Duke of Bnceleuch, Waltham Cross, and a seedling. There
was nothing in the Vines or fruit that would lead one to sup-
pose that they were growing in any other than the usually
prepared border. The Hamburghs were fine in colour and
flavour. Canon Hall set like Hamburghs, and Waltham Cross
had none of the small berries it often produces from imperfect
setting. This Grape was good, and well liked at the table in
Pebrnary at Lambton.

la the latter end of August, 1875,1 planted another house of
the same dimensions as the one already described, and with a
view of retaining the turf as long as possible in a fresh con-
dition it was not broken up, as is generally done when making
a Vine border, but put in the full size 12 inches by 9, com-
mencing at the bottom and working upwards, placing the
turves as a mason would bricks in building, and using cow
manure as mortar. To quote the words of Mr. Westoott of
Eaby, when looking over the gardens at Lambton, after my
explanation, ho said, " Well, yon have just gained a year on
my young Vines," when only the year before I had congratu-
lated him on their vigorous growth. I do not wish it to be
understood that I prefer manure to grow Vines, and consider
i it better than other mixtures, but believe it to be good along
with them, and that in my estimation no newly made border
is perfect without it.

In the many gardening periodicals now published we have
writers who may differ in their management of the Vine, but
whose articles are hailed with interest and read with pleasure
by those in pursuit of knowledge. If everyone was as fond of
writing on the Vine as I am of reading about it, we ehould
have a periodical devoted to the Vine alone. I read all the
conflicting evidence on its cultivation, and hope that we may
ultimately arrive at the perfection of Grape-growing.

Many ills are charged against an over-rich border, such as
mildew, gross growth, watery shoots, badly ripened wood, an
abnormal amount of pith, shanking, bad-coloured Grapes, and
so forth ; but when one ventures an experiment and finds it
puts all these aside, what then :' I cannot help thinking
there is much to be learned ; but when we are able to put our
hand with more certainty ou the causes which produce the ilia
the Vine is heir to, we shall become more able to remedy
them. I am prepared to say that the constitution of a Vine
depends more upon the internal atmosphere, the amount of
moisture it is charged with, and the light under which it is
grown, than upon the richness of the border; it eeema to me

March 29, 1877. )

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

337

one of those plants whicli cannot be grown too fast or too
strong. Some tell ns it is not from the etrongett wood we get
our finest fruit. Granted in some oases, there being so many
ways of growing and ripening the canes. While a, house
has every attention paid to it, properly drained, as a rule
looked through in the evening, and a temperature of 65', 70°,
or 73' rigidly adhered to, kept in a close-growing atmosphere,
and the Vines encouiaged to make their growth in darkness
instead of daylight, then come the watery shoots and an ab-
normal amount of pith. From such management the stamina
of the Vine is reduced until tendrils instead of bunches are the
reward. From the time the Vines commence growing a little
air should be considered of the greatest importance, and the
quantity should be increased as the foliage becomes stouter
and able to endure it. A given temperature sullioiently high
for the well-being of the Vine can easily be maintained with a
requisite quantity of air to prevent what we call watery shoots,
if encouraged and grown in sufficient light by day. I hope
some day to find glasses used as extensively to indicate the
strength of light as they now are to register so correctly the
temperature." — (Darlington and Stockton Times.)

MINIATURE FBAMBS FOE SOWING SEEDS.

AtcoBiiiNo to agreement I send yon an account of my mode
of raising seedlings, but I almost repent of having made that
rash promise towards the close of my last letter. My plan is so
common and so rude that I am half ashamed of writing about
it ; and I am only encouraged to do so by the system being
useful and within the means of the humblest of cultivators.

When reading "correct guides" for raising tender plants
from seed and cuttings^the " gentle hotbed " and mixture of
"loam, peat, and leaf soil" in proper proportions — I often
think the instructions cause much disappointment, especially
to those who most need assistance and who possess no hotbed
and dainty soils. Artificial heat both from coals and manure
is of great value in gardens, especially when rightly applied as
It is by good gardeners ; but such heat is often misapplied,
and indeed wasted, by using too much of it or using it too
Boon. I have seen and experienced the greatest injury from
attempts to raise plants early, only afterwards to be checked
and perhaps killed by the exposure to which they have been
subjected. I rejoice in a frame and hotbed, and try to turn them
to the best advantage ; but I do not waste the heat and make
tender plants more tender still by raising them in that frame,
when I can grow them much hardier and better by simpler
means.

My first hint on raising tender flowering plants of all kinds,
also some vegetables, such as Vegetable Mirrows, ridge Cucum-
ber, and Tomatoes, was afforded me by my stable boy. I
sowed such seeds as I required, and placed the pots in the
heated frame. The boy " for fun " sowed the residue in pots
three parts filled with soil and plunged the pots in the maunre
heap in the stable yard, placing a piece of glass over each pot.
My seeds in the heated frame germinated quickly, and the
plants grew rapidly and tenderly. The seeds in the manure
heap germinated more slowly, and the plants grew steadily but
were wonderfully robust — so much so that their seed leaves
were more than double the size of those raised in the heated
frame. " The boy beat the master hollow" was the general
verdict, and it was true. I have since adopted the boy's plan
for several years with the best results, sowing the seeds in
April ; but I now have square seed pans and boxes of various
sizes — wine boxes, cigar boxes, Ac, over which the squares of
glass fit more conveniently than over round pots.

AU, however, may not have a manure heap in which to
plunge the pots and boxes, neither is the manure necessary
for raising the majority of the plants which are required for
the flower and kitchen garden. If the glass-covered " mini-
atures " are plunged in the soil in a sheltered place, such as
at the foot of a south wall, and seeils of Htocka and Asters and
all plants of that nature, also of some perennials, such as Poly-
anthuses, Aubrietias, Delphiniums, Ac, as well as of such vege-
tables as Celery, Cauliflowers, Lettuce, -Ic, are sown towards
the end of April, plants will bo produced which cannot be sur-
passed by the aid of the most elaborate conveniences. The
great point to attend to is not to sow too early, but so arrange
that by the time the seedlings arc an inch or so high — touching
the glass — they can be exposed almost entirely to the then
warmer weather. By adopting that mode of raising seedlings,
and good subsequent cultivation, I have secured many prizps
at local Bhows. Others may do the same. They may plunge

their large flower pots, or such boxes as they can find or make,
and cover them with loose squares of glass, covering the glass
with boards or mats (boards are the best) during frosty nights,
and with good soil and good management they may raise
plants " fit for a prince." I mean amateurs and cottagers
may raise seedlings, or, in the summer, strike cuttings in this
way better than by any other means at their command.

I may say a word as to soil. Like many others I live near
a large town and cannot obtain " turfy loam, peat, Ac," but
I am thankful to say that I can manage without it, perhaps as
well as if I had it. In most gardens however small there is
generally a barrowful or two of rubbish to be disposed of.
This rubbish on a suitable day in the spring should be burnt
in an open place in the garden where the soil is good. It the
fire is of moderate size the ground beneath it for a depth of
■1 or 5 inches will be scorched. I do not pretend to know why
it is so, but the fact is sufTicient for me to know that scorched
soil is always fertile. Well dig-up the soil where the tire ha.s
been, mix it thoroughly with the ashes, and run the whole
through a sieve, and you havo a compost for raising seedlings
and for growing many plants that cannot be surpassed by any
elaborate mixture of popular ingredients. Burnt soil is always
free from worms and grubs.

As to sowing. First water the soil thoroughly with nearly
hot water, and in an hour after sow the seed thinly. Thickly
sowing small seeds cannot be too strongly denounced. Cover
the seed very slightly, just and scarcely placing it "out of
sight," and shade densely until germination takes place. The
pots or boxes — "miniature frames" — being plunged will
retain sufficient moisture without further applications of water
until the plants appear — an important point in raising all
seedlings, and especially those from small seeds.

Rude as this humble practice may be, I know it has proved
successful, and my experience may be useful to those who
covet a stock of healthy plants and who have not more regular
conveniences for raising them. — Ghoom and Gabdekeb.

THE OLD MARKET GARDENS and NURSERIES
OP LONDON.— No. 10.

In this series of papers it would be scarcely fitting to pass
by without mention the " Physic Garden " of Old Chelsea, for
though it stood upon a different footing from other establish-
ments which have been already considered, within its walls
was one of the earliest nurseries of importance in tho metro-
polis. Moreover, the Apothecaries' Garden did a good work
for the promotion of horticulture during the period it was at
its best estate, since others besides apothecaries and unfledged
medical men attended the demonstrations of plants given
through a long series of years, and there was also frequently
a distribution of exotics reared at Chelsea from seeds or
cuttings which have found their way to gardens and parks in
various counties of England. As yet the gardens are extant,
though bricks and mortar so closely environ them that we
cannot suppose they will long remain intact. By a negotiation
set a-going during 187-t it was all but settled that the Metro-
politan Board of Works should buy the land. Difficulties
arose, however, and the matter fell through. For the culture
of plants, evidently it is not worth while to keep the ground
as it is, and ultimately the site will be built upon, unless some
speculative person should see his way to the formation there
of an aquarium oi winter garden.

Before the Apothecaries' Company entered on the posses-
sion of the land which they have occupied for upwards of two
hundred years, there was a garden of some kind belonging
to them at Westminster. I'nder date of June 10th, 10,58,
Evelyn records a visit of his to the Medical Garden at West-
minster, "under Morgan, a skilful botanist." But for his
entry we should havo known nothing about it, and there has
been some debate as to whether this was simply an establish-
ment for tho cultivation of nativo medical plants required for
the laboratory, or whether exotics had already been introduced.
About this garden we read no more particulars ; it was very
likely situated on or near Millbank. The history of the
Chelsea garden we can carry back a little beyond the date
when the Company acquired it, for by an old map it may be
exactly identified with a piece of arable land which Sir
Arthur Gorges conveyed in the year 1C17 to one Edward
Cheyne. (This name seems to have been also written
" Cheyney ;" but it has nothing at all to do with ('helsea
china.) I dare eay Mr, Cheyne did not derive much profit from

238

JOURNAL OP HOBTldtiLTlJEB AND COtTAQE GARDENER.

[ iiatcii 29, 1877.

this land ; at least he thought himself well ofi when he let it
to the Apotheoariea' Company in 1G73 for the term of sixty-one
years at £5 pnr annum. Doubtless they did something for
the elevation of the land and its protection from the tides
which in the seventeenth century often flowed over the Chelsea
meadows; and the apothecaries also appear to have blocked-up
a road which once led down to the bank of the Thames.
However, the gardens speedily flourished, and the best use was
made of the small space, for the whole extent is but three
acres. The indefatigable Evelyn went to have a peep at the
new affair, and he states, August 7th, 1685, " I went to see
Mr. Watts, keeper of the Apothecaries' Garden of simples at
Chelsea, where there is a collection of innumerable rarities.
Besides many rare annuals, there was the tree bearing Jesuit's
Bark which had done such wonders in quartan agues. What
was very ingenious was the subterranean heat conveyed by a
stove under the conservatory all vaulted with bricks, eo as
he has the doors and windows open in the hardest frosts, ex-
cluding all the snow." Eather injudicioixs perhaps; and we
find in a later account that Mr. Watts was dismissed for
having neglected his duties. In 1G91 a visitor enlarges on
the beauty of the variegated hedges and the assortment of
plants displayed in the beds ; he was also particularly struck
with a bank having " shades of herbs in the Irish style."
What this style was it is hard to conjecture. To the care-
less Watts succeeded Mr. Doody, who was Curator until 1717,
when tho celebrated Petiver was appointed, a friend of the
great Hay and of Sir H. Sloane, who bought his natural
history collection. It was in 1711 that Sir Ilans, anxious to
promote the study of botany, made over tho gardens to the
apothecaries as their absolute property, on the easy condition
that they should deliver to the lloyal Society fifty plants of
their own rearing yearly until the number reached three
thousand. What could the Company do but erect to this
benefactor the statue which still graces the grounds, the work
of Kysbrach ? The inscription tells us it was raised by the
apothecaries " with grateful hearts and general consent " to
this worthy scientist and lord of Chelsea manor.

To persons passing Chelsea by water the gardens have been
for many years principally noticeable for the two conspicuous
Cedars of Lebanon, the survivors of four that were planted in
the reign of James II. Two died off between 17C0 and 1770 ; the
others grew and apparently reached their maximum size about
1830. One of these died some years ago, and the last I believe
is now dying or dead. No doubt the collection of hardy
exotic trees which began to be formed from the commence-
ment suffered a decline from the increase of the houses since
the reign of George III. Of trees in these gardens which
had a history there might be specified several, such as a
remarkably fine Oriental Plane, two Cork Oaks (Quercua
suber), a Celtis auatralis, perhaps of the same age as the one i
livelyn saw at Lee Court in 1683 just planted, a Paper Mul-
berry (Broussonetia papyrifera), a Pistachia Terebinthus, an
aged Pomegranate, and a large Magnolia grandiflora. These
were all extant when Faulkner visited the gardens while pre-
paring his account of Chelsea. The Magnolia, however, was
probably not acquired from abroad, but from the west of
England. The earliest MagnoUas were, it appears, reared at
Exeter from a tree which was rented year by year for the
purpose of layering, and the plants so raised were for a number
of years commonly sold at five guineas each. The able botanist
Philip Miller had charge of the gardens nearly fifty years, and
his publications show that his knowledge was both theoretical
and practical, though we are tempted to smile at the observa-
tion that he was with difficnlty converted to the Linnrcan
system by Sir W. Watson and Mr. Hudson, adhering a long
while to systems now quite antiquated. Possibly a less degree
of force would have led him to embrace the natural system
had that been promulgated during his career. Unfortunately,
towards the close of his long tenure of office a dispute with
reference to the gardens arose between Miller and the Com-
pany, and though the breach was bridged over and a retiring
allowance given him, he did not survive many months, dying
in 1771. Miller effected some improvements in the construc-
tion of the greenhouses; but though in communication with
botanists of other countries he certainly does not seem to have
done much towards the enriching of tho establishment with
new importations, but then he was possibly prevented from so
doiog by financial hindrances. Ills successor, Mr. Forsyth,
was fortunate enough to have a sum of money voted to him by
Parliament in 1787, in consideration of his " specific com-
pound," by which he professed to restore decayed or injured

trees. This article turned out to be worthless ; bnt the failure
did not materially damage Mr. Forsyth's repute during his
lifetime. In the stimulus given to horticulture by the long
peace which succeeded to the last French war the Chelsea
gardens did not much participate, and though they have been
the temporary abiding-place during the last fifty years of
several gardeners of repute, they may be supposed now to
have ceased to be of importance, especinlly as botany can be
learnt elsewhere more efficiently than under the best " de-
monstrators " the Company ever had.

The name of John Fraser, nurseryman and tourist of Sloane
Square, naturally associates itself with the " Chelsea Physio
Garden," for it was through his visits to that eatablishmeut
that he became inspired with a desire to advance horticulture
in England. Born in Scotland, like many other illustrious
gardeners, about the year 17.50, he came to London while a
young man to push his way in the great metropolis. At first
he followed the trade of a hosier, married, and settled down in
a small shop in Paradise Bow, Chelsea, but he soon began to
quit the counter as often as he could in order to watch the pro-
ceedings of the gardeners close by, and he became intimate
with Mr. Forsyth, who had then the charge of the Apothe-
caries' Garden. Being of an enterprising turn be resolved to
go abroad in search of new plants, leaving England in 1783,
and from South Carolina and other parts of the I'nited States
he sent home consignments of plants to Mr. Frank Thor'ourn
of Old Brompton. Returning in 1785 with the expectation of
getting some recompense for his labour and risk, he was told
to bis astonishment that all the valuable plants he had for-
warded were dead, and the survivors, which were common,
could not be disposed of. Mr. Fraser was so ill-advised as to
enter into an expensive lawsuit about the matter, bnt he started
again for South Carolina in the autumn, and on this visit made
the acquaintance of Walter the botanist, bringing back for him
his " Flora Carolina," published in 1788. In this journey he
obtained also various Pines, Oaks, Magnolias, Azaleas, and
Rhododendrons, for which he obtained good prices. Two sab-
sequent trips to America were made in 1700 and 1791, and
encouraged by the success of these he determined to have a
nursery of his own for the reception of the exotics he ob-
tained. Accordingly he took a plot of ground in proximity to
Sloane Square, which is now occupied by the Duke of York's
School, some time in 1705, and the next spring he went ofi
again to America. Before the end of the same year he heroic-
ally started off for St. Petersburg, and sold a choice collection
of plants to the Empress Catherine. A second visit to Russia
was accomplished in 1708, Mr. Fraser returning with the title
of Botanical Collector to the Emperor Paul.

In 1790 Mr. Fraser with his son John started once more
bound for America and the West Indies, but this trip was a
perilous one, since between Ilavanna and the United States
they were shipwrecked and escaped with difficulty. However,
their visit to Cuba brought them into communication with
MM. Humboldt and Bonpland, and in 1801 they were back in
England with >>, goodly collection of rarities. To his great
disappointment, on his visit to Russia next year Mr. Fraser
found that the new Emperor would have nothing to do with
him. Undaunted by the first negative, he actually repeated
the visit, going both to Moscow and St. Petersburg, but in
vain. Again he went to America in 1806 and 1809, and though
tolerably successful in his researches there, the nursery at
home fell into neglect through his absence, and owing to the
vexations he underwent, probably also from the exhaustion
consequent upon his frequent and fatiguing journeys, his life
was shortened. Though a tolerably robust man, he died in
April, 1811, at the age of sixty-one, leaving two sons. It
should be added that from Matanzas in Cuba he brought
home a Palm with silvered leaves (Corypha miraguana), and
a proposal was made to originate a new manufacture by the
hand- weaving of hats and bonnets from these leaves. Mrs. C.
Fraser, sister to the nurseryman, opened an establishment
under the 'v)ueen'a patronage, but the scheme failed, perhaps
through scarcity of material. — C.

We published a very full memoir of Mr. John Fraser in
Tlir CoUaiir Gardener, July, 1852.— Etis.j

I

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Tde following candidates were duly elected Fellows of the

EovAL HoKTiccLTUiuL SociETV ou Wednesday last — viz..G. F.

Barren, Col. Barron, Dr. Lionel Beale, Mrs. A. G. Dallas,

Warren de la Rue, F.E.S., Mis. de la Rue, Mrs. E, de la Ene,

March 29, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBB AND OOTXAQB GARDENER.

239

lire. Frederick Francis, Hon. Mrs. Murray Gladstone, James
Grieve, Lady Cornelia Guest, J. Clarke Hawkshaw, John H.
Ley, Mrs. Midlane, E. H. Pember, Q.C., James M. Polak,
John M. Polak, Mrs. A. G. Pollock, Henry Pott, Col. K. A.
Roberta, R.E., and Mrs. Woodbine. Also the following as
guinea members : — Eev. George Brewin, H. J. Buchan, Rev.
H. Cheales, Eev. N. W. Gibson, John F. Gabriel, Judah Nahon,
Miss A. L. Eobartson, Edgell Westmacott, E. Gilbert, W.
Holland, E. Stevenson, J. G. Kemp, Jas. Tweedie, and Mrs.
Nash. The Cirencester and Llanelly Societies were admitted
into union.

D., Zh'al," states, that if a " Would-be Exhibitob " will

send his address, a schedule of the National Rose Show shall
be forwarded to him, from which he will see that not only are
classes provided such as he wishes, for twelve and six Roses,
single trusses, but that there is a rule that no large exhibitor
shall show in the small classes, thereby giving the small
grower a fair chance of winning a prize.

We are informed by Mr. Charles Parker, the Hon.

Secretary, that owing to unforeseen circumstances and the
inadequate support accorded to the Wisbech Rose Show and
Horticultural Exhibition, the Show fixed for the 28th of June
will not be held.

The next exhibition of the National Acbicula Society

will be held in connection with the Botanical Society's Show
in the Town HaU, King Street, Manchester, on Friday, April
the 27th, 1877. Liberal prizes are offered for pans of six and
four dissimilar varieties. There are also numerous prizes for
green edges, grey edges, white edges, and sells ; also special
prizes for the best Lancashire Hero, the best green and the
best grey ; for Alpines with yellow centres, for Alpines with
white centres, and for Polyanthuses in pairs and single plants.
All plants in the pans to have not less than five expanded
pips, those in the classes not less than three; the trusses to be
shown free from all artificial packing and support. Intending
exhibitors are requested to apply to the Hon. Secretary, Eev.
F. D. Horner, Kirkby JIalzeard,Kipon, not later than April 2l8t
for exhibition labels, stating the probable number required.

The following were among the distinguished person-
ages who visited the Eoyal Hoeticl'ltdral Society's Show
on the 2l8tinst. — Marquis and Marchioness of Bowmont,Lord
and Lady Alfred Churchill and Miss Churchill, Ladies Blanche
and Constance Conyngham, Lady Chesterfield, Lady Dorothy
Nevill, Julia Countess of Jersey and Mr. Brandling, Marchioness
of Londonderry and Lady Edwardes, Sir Trevor Lawrence,
Bart., M. P., Col. Hon. Strange Jocelyn and Miss Jocelyn.

We have received from B. E. Cant of Colchester some

excellent specimens of the fruit of what is now known as the
D'Abcy Spice ArrLE, a variety which on account of its late-
keeping and delicious flavour ought to find a place in every
garden however small. It is also known by the names of Bad-
dow Pippin, Spring Eibston, and Essex Spice. The tree is a
good bearer, inasmuch as being late in blossoming it frequently
escapes the frosts of spring which aro often so disastrous to
many other varieties. The D'Arcy Spice Apple originated at
at Tolehunt Darcy, in Essex, and is gradually finding its way
into general cultivation.

The last meeting this season of the Wijiblbdon House

Gardenebs' SeciETY was held in the young men's rooms on
Monday night. These meetings are held at fortnightly intervals
during the winter months. They are supported wholly by
Sir Henry Peek, Bart., MP., who provides a substantial meal
on each meeting night for twenty-four gardeners of the dis-
trict. After the repast a paper is read, and discussion thereon
follows, and many useful hints are thus elicited, and good
gardening is directly encouraged. Sir Henry takes great
interest in the gatherings and the subjects which are discussed,
his object being the laudable one of enabling the gardeners of
the district to render themselves more proficient in their callin g,
and at the same time to afford them a means of joining to-
gether for wholesome relaxation. The paper read on Monday
night was an able essay on Vine culture and management by
Mr. OUerhead ; and the improved state of the Vines under his
charge is sullicient evidence of the soundness of the practice
that was embodied in his lecture. At the close of the meet-
ing an uuanimous vote of thanks to Sir Henry Peek for his
kindness was recorded on the minutes, and Mr. OUerhead was
similarly thanked for the satisfactory manner in which he had
carried out the wishes of his employer in rendering the gather-
ings successful. This private organisation is distinct from
the Village Gardeners' Improvement Society.

The Istebnational Potato Show will be held at the

Eoyal Aquarium, Westminster, on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of
October next, and not, as originally intended, at South Ken-
sington. The prizes offered amount to upwards of £100. The
Secretary is Mr. J. McKenzie, 1 and 2, Ch-eat Winchester Street
BuUdings, E.C.

One of the best modes of peotectino the blossoms of

PYRAMID Peah trees that has come under our notice is adopted
by Mr. OUerhead in the gardens at Wimbledon House. The
trees, handsome specimens 10 to 12 feet in height, are laden
with blossom, which appears to be efficiently sheltered from
frost. Between each tree a pole has been fixed in the ground
and made firm by braces of wire, after the manner of securing
telegraph poles ; and along the top of the poles a batten —
ridge piece — is nailed. Long lightly made garden mats are
then sewed together, forming a covering of any length desired
and 7 or 8 feet in depth. The top side of the covering ia
secured to the ridge piece ; the lower side, which is 3 or 4 feet
from the ground, having attached to it at suitable intervals
stout cords, which are drawn tight and secured to pegs which
are driven in the ground at some distance from the trees —
sufficient to prevent the covering touching the branches ; the
plan adopted being precisely that of fixing a lent or marquee.
The trees, in fact, are " in camp." During favourable weather
one side of the trees is exposed to the sun as required by
raising the covering. Each tree appears to be capable of bear-
ing a bushel of fruit, which Mr. OUerhead justly considers will
be of ten times the value of the mats, which will be serviceable
for three or four years. The work of covering is neatly done,
the trees being in long rows, and the tents have a somewhat
novel yet comfortable appearance.

Plants of a very chaste and valuable Orchid — Ak-

GR.ECOM ciibatu-m, aro now flowering in the collections of
Lord Londesborough and the Messrs. Veitch & Sons. The
plants are growing in baskets, each plant having two pendulous
flower stems containing two rows of small creamy pink glossy
flowers, somewhat after the form of the flowers of Lobelia
ramosa. For wreaths it is impossible to imagine anything
more charming than this lovely Orchid; the wreaths would,
however, be rather costly, the plants though small being worth
about forty guineas each.

Special methods of propagation for particular plants

are always of interest and often of practical value. It is well
known that cuttings from large plants of Jacaranda filici-
FOLLA will not strike, and as small plants run out of stock or
grow too large it frequently happens that others have to be
bought at a high figure. The method found to succeed at Kew
for propagation from large plants has not, so far as we are
aware, been hitherto tried elsewhere. It consists in cutting-
back the plant when too tall, and laying the old stems their
full length on a moist warm bed of cocoa-nut fibre. Here the
buds break and grow entirely from the strength in the old
wood, and when large enough may be taken off and struck in
tho usual way without difficulty. It must be observed that the
stems are laid down their full length, and not cut up as is usual
with Dracenas. We may mention as a recent observation
that the leaves of Aphelandra fascinator readily produce plants,
the buds growing from the base of the petiole. This plant, how-
ever, is easily struck from cuttings. It may not be known to
all cultivators that the leaves of Bertolonia Van Houttei will
produce plants just in the same way as a largefoliaged
Begonia. Nothing is more gorgeous in the way of leaf-colour-
ing than a pan of these Bertolonias in a healthy state of growth,
as they always may be when young without any difficulty.
While on the subject of leaf-propagation it may be well to
mention Drimiopsis Kirki, a new Liliaceous bulb. If a leaf
be broken off and thrown down it proceeds at once to form
few or sometimes many bnlblets on the broken edge. In-
stances of this are not common. Lachenalias are said to act
in a similar manner, but certainly not with the same freedom.

It may be encouraging to gardeners in comparatively

small places to know that Mr. Moorman, who exhibited so suc-
cessfully at Regent's Park last week, has not the charge of a
large garden and unlimited resources ; he simply makes the
best of a small place. The Misses Christy's residence at
Coombe Bank is pleasantly situated, and the two or three acres
of pleasure grounds have been tastefully laid out, principally
by the present gardener, and contain many handsome speci-
mens of Hollies and other shrubs. Tho soil is naturally a
poor gravel, yet cut Eoses have been successfully exhibited
from this garden, where a miniature rosery has been arranged.

240

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENKB.

[ March 29, 1877.

Boees are sIbo cultivated in pots in a manner which has not '
been surpassed by any amateur cultivator; the plants are
grown in brick pits — old Cucumber and Melon pits — and frames.
Until recently the garden contained only one house — a stove,
but a large span-roofed house 65 feet la length by 20 in width
has just been erected — a valuable addition. A case in this
house contains one of the finest specimens of the Killarney
Fern, Trichomanes radicans, which we have seen. The plant,
which is 4 to 5 feet in diameter, is growing healthily in a
shallow oak tub. It was brought from KiUamey in 1840 by a
member of the Christy family, and is deservedly valued. It
is pleasing to record that the able and intelligent gardener at
Coombe Bank has kind employers, whose interests he studies,
and enjoys in return a comfortable home. A gardener so
thoroughly earnest in his business as Mr. Moorman deserves
Buccess.

- The Albekt Memorial. — The plans prepared by Mr.
Wills of South Kensington, assisted by Mr. Alfred Bedborough,
architect, of Westminster, for covering the late Prince Consort's
national memorial in Kensington Gardens with glass, and for
forming in connection with it a series of gardens in which to
represent the vegetation of each quarter of the globe, have
been submitted to the Queen and to the Prince of Wales, who
signified his approval of the scheme, and expressed a wish that
the undertaking might be carried out. The proposed struc-
ture covering the memorial is designed for execution in iron,
copper, and glass. It is octagonal in shape, and 200 feet in
diameter, with projections on four alternate faces of the octa-
gon. The width of the central part supporting the dome is
130 feet, and the height from the ground to the springing of
the dome 145 feet. The extreme height from the ground to
the top of the figure surmounting the lantern on the dome is
340 feet. The principal entrance, which is 25 feet wide, is
from Kensington Gore. The gable is filled with elaborate
Gothic tracery, and other principal faces of the octagon are
similarly treated. East and west of the central structure, and
connected therewith by corridors, it is proposed to have the
gardens representing the vegetable kingdom of the four quarters
of the globe.

We have before directed attention to the remarkable

odour of BoBONiA jieqastigma. One plant will "scent" a
large house after the manner of wild Primroses. A few larger
plants will fill the air with fragrance even beyond the
house. Of this we had ample proof the other day in Lord
Londesborough's garden, where at some distance from the
house containing the plants their perfume was perceptible.
Sprays of this Boronia continue well in a cut state and retain
their fragrance ; a branchlet which was cut by us ten days ago
is still as fresh as ever. This plant is attractive and of easy
culture, and we are not surprised to hear that the demand for
it is very great at the nurseries.

The renowned collection of exhibition stove and grees-

already expressed their readiness to have a grand field-day at
South Kensington. This excellent idea is now being worked,
and if it is carried out in its integrity, and at a convenient
time for exhibitors and visitors, one of the most attractive and
instructive displays may be produced that has been placed
before the public. Than the growers of what is sold in Covent
Garden none have done more to promote horticulture in its
most useful aspects, and none are more worthy of encourage-
ment. An exhibition such as is now suggested cannot fail to
possess special features of attraction, and to be worthy of in-
spection by all who are identified with house, table, and con-
servatory decoration.

We have received from Mr. Lee of Clevedon blooms

and leaves of his new Violet, " Odoratissima." The flowers
are large and pleasing in colour — pale blue. The foliage is
distinct, being much rounded, leathery, and corrugated ; but
the principal charm of the Violet is its powerful perfume. It
ia rightly named, for it is certainly the " most sweet " of all
Violets which have come under our notice.

Camellias amd Violets. — We have received some very

superior Camellias grown out of doors, and Neapolitan Violets
from frames, sent by Mr. Froud, gardener at Hawley Place,
Dartford.

The New York Tribune publishes what a Crocus when

first opening might say : —

"It there ain't Snowdrop,
Seems to me
She'd better stay where
She ought to be.
" Wonder what brought her
Ont 80 soon,
S'poBe she thought 'twos
Afternoon.
" She'll get her nose nipped ;

Se:

i her right 1

Small children like her
Must keep out of Bight.
' Wind needn't blow so 1
Makes such a dis.
Good gracious 1 Ouess I'd
Better go in.
" Where's my blanket gone ?
Cold hurts so I
Poor little Crocus is
Freezin' up — oh I "

DIURNAL OPENING OF FLOWEES.

Me. Thomas Meehan, at a meeting of the Philadelphia
Academy of Sciences, referred to observations he had made this
season on the diurnal and nocturnal expansion of flowers, and
said that, contrary to the popular impression, it is not probable
that light or its absence alone determined the opening of the
blossoms. There were some plants, as, for instance, QLnother*
biennis, the Evening Primrose; Anagallis arvensis, the Pirn'
pernel, and others, which remained open or otherwise longer
HOUSE PLANTS of the late F. G. Wilkins, Esq., Leyton, were j when the weather was humid or cloudy, and were looked on in
Bold at Leyton on Thursday last by Mr. Stevens. The company ! consequence as kinds of floral barometers ; but from other facta
was tolerably numerous, but the bidding was not spirited, and 1 it was clear that it was not the weather merely, but some other
the total amount derived for the plants (I'l? lots) fell con- [ incident accompanying the weather that governed the case,
siderably short of £500. The only "long" prices secured | For instance, though CEnothera biennis and other CEnotheraS
were for two Anthuriums — A. Sehertzeriauum Wardii being pro- j opened at evening, and, if the atmosphere be moist, continue
bably the finest variety in existence^ For this medium-sized open the greater part of next day, many species opened only

plant the competition lay between Messrs. Shuttleworth, Pil-
grim, and Wheeler, the plant being knocked down to the last-
named bidder for Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Cbelsea, at
the price of eighty guineas. The other large Authurium, a
splendid plant in a 25-inch pot, was secured by Mr. Walker,
a Scotch gentleman, for twenty-one guineas ; this gentleman
also purchased nearly all the specimen Pelargoniums at prices
ranging from 10s. to £2 1.5s. The large plant of Erica Caven-
dishiana, 5 feet by 4 feet G inches, was sold for £G 10s. to Mr.
F. J. Williams, Leicestershire, who was the purchaser of many
other specimens. Messrs. B. S. WilUams, Turner, Jackson,
Shuttleworth, Pilgrim, Davis, Ward, and Donald were the
other principal purchasers, and secured in most instances
cheap bargains. The short time stipulated for removing the
plants — Friday at six o'clock, was a disadvantage to the vendor.
The exhibition vans (Mr. Ward's) were sold on the high road
immediately in the front of the residence for £81.

— — A MOVEMENT Ib projected to provide an exhibition at
South Kensington somewhat different in its character from the
ordinary shows — namely, an exhibition of Covent Garden
Market produce — flowers, fruit, and vegetables. The repre-
sentatives of commercial horticulture have many of them

in the daytime ; and this they did regularly, quite regardless
of meteorological conditions. 05. serrata of Colorado was one
of these. It was regular in opening about noon ; the blosBomS
were all closed long before sunset.

In other allied families we saw similar divergence. In the
Cactus family, Opuntia and Mammillaria opened only about
midday, while most of the Cereus opened at night. The night-
blooming Cactus was a familiar example. But the chief in-
terest was in the fact that many had their special hours ol
day or night for the expansion. The Portulacca oleraoeAi
common Parslane, opened about 8 a.m , and by nine had per-
formed all its functions ; while a closely allied plant, the Tali-
num teretifolium, from the serpentine rocks of Chester County,
opened at 1 p.m., and was closed by three. The conditions oX
the weather did not seem to influence them.

There was the same attention to daUy periods in the growth
of the parts of plants a? wf U as in the expansion of the petals.
In composite plants t! e floral growth was generally in the
morning, and was usuiiilr all over by 0 or 10 o'clock a.m. The
elongation and exp&i] ' ,u of the corolla was usually completed
in Ru hour after su jriee, but the stamens grew for an hoot
!ijo!v, and the pi;'.:l cor.;iuned for still another. There waa

March SO, 1S77. )

joosnal of hobxicultuke and cottagb gabdenkr.

241

little if any growth in the floral parts after nine o'clock in a
very large proportion of this order of plants.

In Grasses, Cyperaoeas, and some Rashes also, the floral
parts were very exact in their time of opening. In the Plantains
(Piantago) the pistils appeared a day or more in advance of
the stamens ; and these last appeared at about a regular time
la each day. In Luzula campestris, the Wood Bnsh, he bad
by a series of observations timed it exactly. Before nine the
anthers were perfect, bat by ten the pollen has been all com-
mitted to the wiuda, and only dried membranous matter re-
mained. So far as he coald ascertain, meteorological condi-
tions did not influence the time in the least in this case.

The popular impression of light and moisture as agents in
this behaviour bad seemed to receive a tacit scientific assent.
It was clear, he thought, there was a more powerful agency
underlying these ; and it was, perhaps, a gain to science to be
able to see this, though in so dim a light.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT GAEDEN.

All the operations in this department have been well brought
forward, and we have little else to do but wait anxiously until
the blossoms open, and to hope that they will escape the spring
frosts. At present fruit prospects do not look very promising.
On the morning of last Thursday Fahrenheit's thermometer
registered S'^ of frost, on the previous morning 6', and we are
generally warmer here than at many places in the neighbour-
hood of London.

We tried covering the pyramid trees with frigi domo when
tbey were much smaller than they are now by erecting a frame-
work over them, but it was not a successful experiment ; the
framework was so high that it required steps and two men to
remove the covciing — troublesome work, which occupied much
time. We tried leaving the covering on night and day in frosty
weather, but this was a failure ; and in all cases, either on walls
or on the open borders, if we could not remove the coverings
when they were not required as protectors from frost we would
not cover at all. ^Ul our trees on the open borders are left to
chance, but choice wall trees should certainly be protected,
which can be done easily and with but little expense. In
previous seasons we have fully detailed the way to do this — that
is, by fixing stout poles against the wall in a leaning position,
and nailing one side of the covering under the coping of the
wall and the other near the bottom of the poles. If the cover-
ing reaches within a foot or two of the ground it will be enough
to protect the open blossoms. As a general rule the proper time
to pat down the covering is a little before sunset, and between
nine and ten in the morning will usually be the best time to
roll it up. A man can go round a large extent of wall in a few
minutes by beginning at one end and rolling it up to the top of
the wall, where it ia fastened with a string at the top of each
pole ; of coarse, if cords and pulleys are fixed in position the
work can be done more readily, but it is not necessary to go
to this expense. We shall see that the Strawberry beds are per-
fectly free from weeds betare they make much growth, and all
other borders will be hoed very soon to check the growth of
we«d8.

PINE HOCSES,

Here nothing has bsen done except to see that the frniting
plants are in a suitable temperature — about 70°, or less by 5° if
the weather is cold ; but in britjht sunshine the temperature will
run up to 85' or 'JO' with advantage, and when the house is
closed in the afternoon about three o'clock the surface of the
bed, paths, and walls should be sprinkled with water; the
evaporating troughs should also be kept supplied with water.
Instructions as tD cultural treatment were given in a previous
number. Succession plants will now be making free growth,
and tbey ought not to be checked in their development. Any
check, such as want of water at the roots or not being potted
before the roots become matted to the sides of the pot, will often
cause the plants to throw up frait prematurely. If stove plants
have to be placed in the houses, as is too often the case, see that
no insect pests, such as white scale and mealy bug, are allowed
to remain on any plants, as they would very quickly spread from
the plants to the Pines, and would utterly ruin them. Just a
word on repotting. The best time to do this is when the beds
are renewed with fresh tan, when the increased heat in the bed
causes the promotion of fresh roots, whereas if the pots in
which the plants have become established are plunged in a new
bed the heat may cause them to become injured. The compost
ought not to bo very rich. Good turfy loam, with about ono-
sixth part of decayed stable manure and :i few crushed bones
added, ia aa good as anything in which to pot the plants.

PLANT STOVE ASD ORCHID HOUSES,

Cuttings of any soft wooded plants which were pat in early in
the year must be potted as they require it, and they are much

benefited by a little bottom heat, especially after being repotted.
It will be well to carefully watch the development of the leaves,
and destroy any bug or scale that may appear before tbey have
time to increase. To grow softwooded plants well they should
be placed in a suitable temperature near the glass and uot over-
shaded with plants of larger growth. This is a matter of some
importance in plant culture, and it must not be lost sight of.
It would be much better that they did not have any bottom heat
rather than that they should suffer for want cf light and air.

Many of our most showy stove plauts ought to be propagated
annually and the old plants he thrown away. One of these is
Torenia asiadca, a ScrophulariaceouB plant of trailing habit,
well adapted either for pot culture or for baskets. It will do in
loam, but the leaves are of a much darker green if the compost
is composed of peat and leaf soil. It flowers most profusely in
a young state. Pentas carnea and P. rosea are easily managed,
and soon grow into handsome plants which flower profusely all
through the winter months. Hoya bella is a lovely plant which
may be propagated now and grown-on into flowering plants by
the autumn. The flowers are borne at the axils of the leaves
in umbels of from six to twelve according to the strength of the
plants. It may also be grown into large-sized specimens, and
well repays all the care bestowed upon it. Euphorbia jac-
quiniffiflora ought always to be freely propagated for winter
flowering; its brilliant scarlet flowers are well adapted for
bouquets, and the supply may be kept up all through the winter
months. 'The plants thrive in sandy peat and tnrfy loam in
equal proportions. Centradeuia tloribunda is an old plant seldom
grown, but it is of the easiest culture, and is also to be recom-
mended for (he long period during which it continues in flower —
nearly all the winter and spring months. Cuttings strike very
freely and will produce attractive flowering specimens if grown-
on during the summer months.

Of Begonias many species and varieties are well adapted for
winter flowering. Some of the most showy are the Chelsea
hybrids; many of them continue in bloom all through the winter
months. B. Chelsoni is a most useful free-growing variety of
the B. Bolivieusis type. The old B. fachsioides should be
grown in quantity where profusion of bloom is required for
decorative purposes ; also B. uitida with white flowers, and
B. Pearcei which produces flowers of a bright yellow colour.
B. Veitchii and B. Weltoniensis are both distinct plants and
among the most charming of the species, and should not be
overlooked. All the above are decorative plants of a high order
and are easily cultivated. Where many flowers are required for
cutting or room decoration Begonias are well adapted for this
purpose.

Orchids require careful attention as they are now starting into
growth, and when the growth ia in course of formation any
check is very injurious. Water in the form of atmospheric
moisture and also applied to the roots must be steadily per-
severed in until the growth is complete. After that comes a
period of rest, when water must to a certain extent be withheld.
It is not possible to have a general potting time for Orchids, but
the best time seems to be when the new roots begin growing
from the base of the preceding growth. Many species succeed
oTjly on blocks, and these require water at least, every day in
fine weather, as nearly all their support ia derived either from
atmospheric moisture or from water applied to the roots, ana
daring hot weather this speedily evaporates.

FLOWEB GABDEN.

Bedding plants are now very much in the way, as all the
vineries are started and pits and other houses are not suflicient
to contain the plants. We have removed all the more hardy
into a turf pit and cover at night with frigi domo screens; these
have been suflioient to keep out 8' or 10° of frost. Zonal Pelar-
goniums, Ceutaureas, Lobelias, &c, have been placed in the
pit. Calceolarias do best when planted out in a bed dug out as
if to plant Celery. The plants are set out in fine soil, and a
coverino ia stretched over on the top of the ridges to protect
from frost. Cuttings of all plants inserted early in the season
are carefully managed. They are gradually removed from t.ie
honse where they were struck to one a httle cooler; after a
while they are potted oft or the plants are transferred to boxes,
and when well established Ihoy are placed either in a cold pit
or frames preparatory to being moved out of doors. Stuutea
plants never do well, and they will spoU the whole effect of the
flower garden.

TLOEIST FLOWERS.

Although TuUpa startied quickly into growth and made good
progress eariy in the year, they have lately had a rongh time of
it ; the leaves have been frozen when in a wet state again anO
again, and many of them show the effects of it. Those who
have canvas coverings to place over their plants can keep the
rain from the centres of them, and also ward off the ill eBects
of severe frost. See that the surface of the beds is stirred when
required and all weeds removed. , ., i, lu j»„»

Auriculas have not grown fast lately, and if the weather does
not change what wag once thought would be an exceptionally
early season for these flowers may yet be a ate one. We nave

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I March 29, 1877.

some trasses quite expanded, and when the flowers open so
early as this they last in beanty mnch longer than those which
open about the middle of April. Most of the plants are now
showing their trusses, and the young leaves in their variety and
newly-developed beauty are very interesting. The fancier is
now entering into his period of keenest enjoyment, and much
attention is necessary to preserve the plants from frost at night
and east winds by day. , , , . ,,

Carnations and Picotees recently potted are looking very well,
and require no attention except to water them when necessary.
The pots have been placed under glass to protect the plants
from celd rains and frosts ; the lights are removed on every
favourable opportunity. We fumigate to destroy green fly on
its first appearance. We ran the Dutch hoe through the beds
of Pinks and Pansies principally to dry the surface of the
ground. Cuttings from Dahlias which have been placed in heat
to start into growth will now strike readily in a little bottom
heat. — J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES KECEIVED.

Daniels Brothers, The Nurseries, Norwich.— iisi of New
Sosesfor 1877. .

A. Godefroy-Lebeuf, 26, Route de Sannois, Argenteuil (Seine
et Oiae), France.— Generai Catalogue of Asparagus, Straw-
berries, Vines, and Fruit Trees.

Rawlinga Brothers, Old-churoh, Eomfordj^Easex,- Dsscr//)-
iive Catalogue of Dahlias.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
",' All correspondence should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub-
jects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion
should be written on one side of the paper only. We
cannot reply to questions through the post.
C03I1IDNICATI0N3. — Many are delayed from publication by want of space.
Books (Comtant U.:n((cr).— Write to Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria and
Paradise Nurseries, HoUoway, London, N., who will give you the information
required.

Azaleas Unhealthy (P. fii/e).— You had better ropot the plants at once
isi the beat peat you can procure and a little decayed leaf soil and silver sand.
The shift should not be large, yet large enough for the potting to be efficiently
done. Drain the pots well and pot firmly, being especially careful that the
balls are in the right condition a§ to moisture— neither wet nor dry, at the
time of potting. After the plants are potted place them in brisk heat,
syringing them twice daily, and providing a moist atmosphere. Water them
carefully at the roots.

Tan as Manure (Herefordshire). — It would only be beneficial to Potatoes,
Can-ots, and Radishes on heavy soils.

Hdmea eleoass (J. H. P.).— The leaf enclosed indicates that the plant is

deficient in root-action. Probably it was pot-bound and then shifted into a

larger pot. Give free ventilation and keep the air cool and moderately moist.

Poltanthtses. — E. M. P. wishes to know where he can obtain Cheshire

Favourite, Lord Lincoln, Kinglisher, and George IV.

TaEE Carnations (O. Walsh).— loa can proooro them from any florist
who advertises in our columns.

Boles from the Cape (G. if.).— Cover the bulbs with soil for the present.
■We will give fuller information in a future number.

Pronino Eoses (B. -V. if.).— Eoses to bloom in August should not be
pruned until the second or third week in May, allowing the plants to push
shoots at the extremity of the last year's growth, and at the time named
catting back to the dormant eyes at the base of the shoots.

Roses and Onions (Af. Chaplin). — We never said they are of the same
order. If planted among Roses the Onion is said to intensify the odour of
the tlowers. The plan of the old garden is in No. 712.

Oeranidms Spotted (C. N., Bri^}).— The spot is in most instances the
result of a stagnaifl atmosphere and deficient root action, and the affected
plants frequently improve as the season advances. If they are much spotted
the best remedy is to cut them down now, severing the shoots beiow the
Msease hue, and when new growths have pushed half an inch in length shake
the plants out of the pots and repot in fresh sandy loam, and the after-
growth will be healthy.

Culture of Fuchsias, Geraniums, and Ferns (An Irish Subscriber).—
The Fuchsias and Geraniums having been cut down should, when they have
made shoots an inch long, be turned out of the pots and have all the old soil
removed, or so much of it as can be done without injury to the roots, return-
ing them to the same or slightly larger pots. They should after potting
be placed in a house with a temperature of from 55° by night, and 60*^ to 75'^
by day, with shade from sun until the potting is recovered from, the house
being kept rather close and moist. The plants should be carefully watered
until the roots are working freely in the fresh soil. Air to be admitted
moderately, and the plants sprinkled overhead morning and evening. WTien
the shoots have grown 3 inches long they may be stopped as required. After

warmer have increased ventilation, being well hardenod-off by the time of
exhibition. The Ferns ought to be rfpotted and grown-on in a moist atmo-
sphere, and may be given a slightly increased temperature to forward them,
but avoid drawing them up weakly. With a moist atmosphere and shade
from sun they will make good growth by the time you name.

EucHARis Culture (An Old Reader).— Vol the plants now and place in a
bottom heat of 75- to 85°, and a top heat of 60= to 65" at night, 70° to 75" by
day, rising to 85= or 90° with sun and air, maintaining a moist atmosphere
and watering copiously. They should have a position as near- the glass as
possible. A compost of turfy loam with a fourth of leaf soil or well-decayed
manure and a free admixture of sand is suitable, with good drainage- When
the plants have made good growth, say in July, keep them rather dry for a
month or six weeks, then when again watered they will throw for flower, and
alter that is past they may be rested a short time and started again. They
will flower without bottom heat, but do very mnch better with it.

Repotting Azaleas before Flowerino (Wim).— The plants you have
potted will not oast their buds, but will be longer in expanding than had
they not been potted, and will perhaps start into fresh growth before the
flowers appear. The plants ought not to have been potted until after flower-
ing. We should not pot the young plants until they have ceased flowering.

Mushrooms Failino (A Connlant Bfn.frr). — Having no scarcity of
"buttons" appearing, which come to nothing, we can only conclude that
they are destroyed by too heavy or too frequent waterings. Why nse hay or
straw for covering the beds ? There must be something radically wrong with
the house or place where they are grown for the Mushrooms to grow up with
" nothing but stems." We do not employ any covering for the beds, but
have shutters to the windows to exclude light, and we syringe the walls and
floors every morning. We look over the beds daily to see that they are uni-
formly moist, any dry places being sprinkled with water from a syringe; but
when the beds are not in close proximity to the heating apparatus water will
seldom be required beyond a slight sprinkling occasionally.

Marechal Niel Robe (J. W. B.).— The stalk is shanked, and that arises
from the sap not being sufficient in quantity to sustai
large quantity of R
water to the roots.

Quantity of Bones for Vine Border (TT. Hartl.i/).— For a border
80 feet bv 12 feet, and a yard deep, it would take 4 cwt. of crushed bones.
Charcoal' is not absolutely necessary, but about five bushels added to the
compost would be of some advantage.

Gum on Camellias (J. H.).— The moist gummy patches on the surfaces
of your Camellia leaves is extravasated sap. The exudation may arise from
two causes— plethora or excessive vigour ; or weakness and a morbid state of
the sap, resulting in what is erroneously known as " honeydew." Judgmg
fi-om the leaves sent, and from your letter, we are of opinion that the evil of
which you complain is due to the last-named cause. The remedy is, after
sponging the leaves, to apply water more copiously, and promote the fluidity
of the sap ; also to increase the vigour of your plants by giving clear weak
liquid manure occasionally— made from soot or cowdung, or the two com-
bined. The "mould " which forms on the leaves is a fungus, a result, not
the cause of the excretion. If the leaves sent are a fair sample of those on
the plants we are satisfied that the plants are insuflioiently supported, and
that that is the real cause of the exudation.

Aphis on Weepino Birch (.ff Constant BcniJcr).- Keep a good look-ont
for the aphis, which usually appears at the close of May or early June, and
syringe the tree with a solution of soft soap, 2 ozs. to every gallon of tobacco
juice diluted with six gallons of soft water, which will give you seven gallons,
requiring 14 ozs. of soft soap. Strain and apply with a garden engine or

^ ^ growth of the

Thin the flowers,' and apply weak tepid manure

syringe, forcing it against the under sides of the leaves, wetting every part of
the tree. It may be necessary to repeat the application, and in case of a baa
attack to add to every three gallons a wine-glassful of spirits of turpentine,
mixiug it thoroughly with the solution before application.

Destroyino Woodlice (C. ^. B.).— Toads are usefully employed in con-
venien'. places in the destruction of woodlice. If you have an aversion to
toads you can lay traps for the woodlice, such as sliced potatoes spread in a
secluded place, pouring boiling water on the congregated colonies, avoiding
scalding the roots of plants.

WIREW0S3I IN Vine Borders (J. H. C.).— .is you say they swarm under
the boards that lie on the borders, it will be a good plan to turn up the boards
occasionally and destroy all that can be seen. Rape-cake, Potatoes, and
Carrots attract them, and they can be destroyed when feeding. Have yoa
noticed that they have eaten the Vine roots ? because, although wkeworms
may sometimes attack the roots of Vines, they do not often do so. We saw
at ilr. Pearson's nursery at Chilwell, Nottingham, a pot Vine amongst many
others. It was one of the strongest and healthiest in the house, and yet
about half a hundred wirsworms were purposely put in the compost with the
Vine. In that case it could not be seen that the worms ate any of the roots.

Name of Tulip (.4. M.).— We think the early rose-and-white Tulip yon
describe is Cottage Maid.

Names of Plants (t. S. 3/.).— Adiantum lunnlatum. (Reader of the
Journal).— I, Blechnum occidentale ; 2, Adiantum tetraphyllum ; 8, A. tene-
rum ; 4, A. rethiopicum, or near it; 5, A. afline ; 6, Selaginella Martensii.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PiaEON OHRONIOLE.

TEIMMING.

"How about trimming iu our new club ?" " It hardly needs
to be commented on," we replied ; " of course the club will be
down upon every case that comes under its notice." " Then I
for one cannot join, much as I should like to be a member."
This comes from a Poland breeder of much fame— one who in
every affair of life makes integrity the first thought, one who
loves poultry from his heart as he does all Nature's objects, and
who finds more pleasure iu a hedgerow in June than fashion-
able London does in the Academy, parks, and Opera House all
put together. He is one of those fanciers who are always ready

the pots become filled with roots'- weak liquid ma£ure at evSry alternate to do a brother fancier some good turn, ^^''^}L'\^^^l,^JZ^^H
watering will be beneficial. The plants shonld as the weather becomes I OWn prospects at a show; ana he is one wnom ine ciuo womu

Mardi 29, 1877. ]

JOaaXAIi OF HORIICaLTORE AND COTTAGE GARD3NKS.

243

do well to keep in sight, and yet he will not join a club because
he knows that his peculiar fancy cannot and does not win prizes
without trimmiDg. White-crested Black Polands they are, and
certainly it does seem to us almost ama^tug that a judge should
give a prize to a bird of this breed which he knows must have
had manipulation in its crest, and utterly decline to look at a
plucked ISrahma or a scissored Hamburgh, We ask again, as
we have done very many times before, why should trimming be
allowed with the faces of Game and Spanish ? Why should the
removal of black feathers in a White-crested Poland's crest be
winked at, and a bird with plucked hocks or improved tail be
disqualified? Some may answer, "A Spanish hen is nothing
unless clean in her face." Perfectly right, but a Cochin with
hocks is one of the ugliest fowls we have, while one with soft
calling feathers round the joint makes one of the most beauti-
ful birds we have among our pets.

We believe it is now generally understood that a red feather
in the hackle of a White Cochin or a White Dorking, or a black
feather on the back of a Buff Cochin and such like, may be
abstracted without ever infringing on what is wrong or unlawful ;
but those who only trim in that mild way may as safely leave
the bird alone, for we do not believe any judge of experience
would pass over a bird perfect in all other points because he or
she had but one or two wrong feathers somewhere about their
body. In fact we used to continually see the White Cochins of
a noted breeder, who has now retired, winning over and over
again, which had an orange-coloured feather or two in the neck
and saddle hackles, and which the owner refused to remove.
When, however, it comes to pulling the flights of a Buff Cochin
cock, or of systematically p'ucking the crests of Black Polands,
the matter assumes quite a different a.spect.

We are glad to hear that the club is really in course of con-
Btruction, and that those on the preliminary committee are sound
fanciers ; and much as we long to see this club established, we
feel the various stac^es permissible in trimming and beautifying
certain breeds will be a difiioulty to members. They will have
to strike out some line and keep to it. It will have to be decided
how much or how little in the case of Spanish, Game, Polands,
&c., is allowable and what steps will be taken if these limits are
passed over, as until this is done many fanciers will, we are
sure, shrink from belonging. We strongly hope the present
jndgea will join this club, for they will be able to help in this
matter of trimming more than any others almost : still, if they
refuse to join the ranks, we hope the club will be so strong and
so large that it will, by embracing most committees and secret-
aries of shows, be able to appoint its own judges and ignore
those who set their backs up against the improvement in poultry
matters which so many are impatient for.

Judges have much power in their hands, and they should use
it to the best of their discretion ; and though there may not be
BO very many good all-round judges, still there are plenty of
gentlemen who could well undertake particular sections of exhi-
bitions ; and this is a system which we hope to see the club
bringing into existence, for then, by clearly defined rules and
limits, such members will have it in their own hands as to how
far they will countenance (rimming in its various branches.
We despair of it being done in any other way, but do believe
that if once the club can be mide strong enough by the number
of its members to say how much a judge shall be responsible for
to the club in the awards which he may make at exhibitions,
that then, and not till then, shall we find a genuine reform. We
cannot express ourselves too strongly on one point, and that is
that the success of the club will depend upon its strength. We
want all to join who are willing to abide by the defined rules,
for then only will the fancy be able to lay down its laws, its
opinions of right and wrong, audits ideas of the awards of par-
ticular judges. — W.

BENTLEY PIGEON SHOW.
The above Show was held in the large room, Cross Keys
Hotel, March 20th and 2l3t, 1877, and was a complete success.
The awards were as follows ; —

Barbs, Jacobins, Tdkbits, and Owlb. —Coc/e or Hcn.—\ and Extra 8, E. G.
Keay. 2, J. Chandler. ?., T. Chambers, vhc, C. Haworlh, J. Chandler (2).
Ant otiter VAmEXr.— Cocfc or Hen—1, E, G. Keay. 2 and 3, J. Chandler.
vhc, Corbett & Leeson. Selt.ino Class.— Prt'c*? not to exceed W$.—Cock or
Ben.—l, J. Chandler. 2, T. Chambers. 3, W. Noltaue (2). Price not to ex-
ceed lOs.—Cock or llcn.-l, E. G. Keay. 2, T. Wheeler. 8, J. Chandler, W.
Nottage. vhc, W. N'ottage.

Judge. — Mr. J. Baker, London.

HIVES.

I WOULD cheerfully have accepted Mr. Pettigrew's challenge
to pit the Stewarton hive and system against his largo straw
skepa for honey results, quantity as well as quality, were it not
that such test has been carefully carried out in my own apiary
long since with all sorts of straw hives, large as well as small,
dome, flat, and slope-topped, cemented, painted, itc, with so

much gain in favour of Stewartons as honey reaping machines
as to sink the straw skeps to their present subsidiary place as
mere domiciles for wintering bees to feed the Stewartons. Had
your correspondent had similar experience he would have been
more chary of his challenges. Further : Mr. Pettigrew when
he penned the sentence — " that the hives be placed side by side
in the beginning of next year and remain untouched by their
owners to the end of the season," ought to have known that
such a proposition entirely nullified what went before. In the
Stewarton, neither its dimensions nor contents being fixed,
must of necessity be frequently touched and handled. I do
trust the bee science of the age has not so retrograded as to
adopt the primeval letthem-alone or happy-go-lucky policy going
in for the one-chamber apartment of the big straw or old tea
chest.

As was to be expected, so throughly advanced an apiarian as
Mr. John Hunter gives in his adhesion to "mobilism" over
" fixism," and I quite agree with what he has so well said as to
the absurdity of monster supers. Large harvests of super comb
in small shallow sections, as with the Stewarton, should be
the aim of all bee-keepers : " The particular charm of the
Stewarton system " when tested against even the Woodbury,
with a gain in favour of the former, is due to the sectional
nature cf its breeding as well as supering space. Its smaller
shallower octagon " form " during the present bitter March
winds, for the better concentration of heat, gives it every day a
start over its presently larger competitors with fixed space.
This goes so far to answer " 0. B.'s " inquiry last week, who
must understand the Stewarton is but a small hive in spring,
advances in dimensions with the advancing months, and thus
meets the productiveueea of the most prolific queens and the
wants of every district and season, be they good or bad, which
to my view places it before all hives and systems of management
dependant on fixed space.

As to " battle of the hives," Mr. Lowe started with the pro-
position that "the best hive" was a nullity, that "hive had
little if any influence on honey results." I showed by competi-
tive straw and observatory a decided influence. His reply was
they wero not the " best kind of hives for storing honey."
Granted. Hive, then, has an influence — the whole contention.
—A EENFHEWSHraE Bee-keeper.

PROPOSED TRIAL OF HIVES AND BEES.

Surely Mr. Pettigrew cannot be serious when, in the trial
of hives he now proposes, he suggests " that the hives be placed
side by side and remain untouched by their owners until the
end of the season." The very essence of Stewarton or any other
frame-hive system of bee-keeping is that the hives should be
touched and the bees helped by their owners in every possible
legitimate way, for which Mr. Pettigrew's large straw hivea
afford no facilities, and for which alone the frame hives are
adapted. To fill up seven or eight Stewarton boxes in May and
so leave them, expecting the bee6 would render such a harvest
as the " Renfrewshire Bee-keeper's " noted one, would be
simply folly ; as well might the grocers' box of equal capacity
be used at once. Mo practical bee-keeper that I am aware of
champions wood against straw, but a hive that affords facilities
for " management " against one that in a great measure affords
none.

Taking the conditions as Mr. Pettigrew suggests I should
certainly expect victory would favour the straw skeps; the bees
in these would be much less likely to swarm, for they would
have a large roomy chamber to fill which would tax their utmost
energies, and until that happy consummation was arrived at they
would most probably rest contented. If they did swarm with a
three-winged queen the probability of her majesty returning
home would be very small ; the bees would, however, and agaiu
go to work without a queen.

The case of the Stewarton hive would be different. In the
first place the workers having separate compartments to fill
would not have the same reluctance to swarm, and if they did
issue forth with an unmaimed queen, and no one to return them,
the population would be so enfeebled that, for a time at least,
honey-gathering would stop. Of course I may be met by the
assumption that the queens in the Stewarton may also have
their wings amputated, but I am quite sure no intelligent frame-
hive user would risk the chance of his stocks being at any time
queenless when competing in a match of honey-gathering. It
is to my mind quite certain, other things being equal, that the
stock that swarmed would lose, and the Stewarton stocks would
for reasons given above be the most likely so to do. — J. Hunter,
Eaton Bise, Ealing.

DO BEES MAKE OR GATHER HONEY?

1 A paper reai before the Mif souri Valley Association,]
As I have been making researches and experimenting on this
subject I thought I would give you the result. In taking up the
subject. Do bees make or gather honey ? I will not try to prov

JOUKNAli OF HOKTIODLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ March 29, 1877.

that bees make honey, but that they gather a sweet matter —
nectar — from flowers, and that this matter is transformed into
honey; and my only aim in writing this will be to try to raise
an interest on this too much neglected question, which is of
great utility in apiculture and might have in practice very im-
portant consequences.

Some apiculturists and naturalists suppose that honey has the
same composition as the nectar of flowers, and in many European
bee-books it is stated that the bees merely gather the honey and
deposit it without alteration in the cells, where it loses water.
In the presence of the confusion and contradiction existing at
present on the matters gathered and produced by bees, it is
necessary, in order to arrive at a decision, to make a chemical
and physiological statement of the production and composition
of honey. In nearly all the flowers in which fecundation is
accompanied (accomplished), by the intervention of insects,
there are organs, named by botanists nectaries, secreting a sweet
matter generally known as nectar. From this nectar gathered
bees produce honey. Now we see that nectar and honey are
two distinct things and of a different composition, and that the
bees cause the nectar to undergo a chemical transformation to
convert it into honey.

Mr. Braconnot has chemically analysed the nectar of over
thirty species of plants of twenty-five different families, and
has found them to be about a constant composition. He says
that the nectar is always identical with itself. It is a colourless
and limpid liquid of a density little more than that of water. It
does not generally contain traces of acid, it is a neutral body,
and blue and red litmus paper is without action on it. He re-
presents the composition of nectar as follows: — Cane sugar (or
saccharose) 83, nncrystallisable sugar 10, water 77, total 100.
He found no trace of mannite nor glucose. Now ib will be seen
that honey contains an excess of glucose, some mannite, and
very little or no cane sugar. Lowitz was the first (in 1792) who
found out that the sweet crystallisable matter found in honey
was not cane sugar. Proust in analysing some candied honey
has shown the identity of this cryataUisable sugar with grapa
sugar, which he discovered in the fruit-glucose. Gailbert has
placed in evidence the presence of a large proportion of uncrys-
tallisable sugar, to which he gave the name of " sugar of honey."
Later Guibourt has found some mannite in honey. MM. Dn-
bruujant, Rogers, and Callonx have completed by their analysis
the preceding researches. Mr. Calloux gives the following as Means,
the composition of field honey : Glucose, 4.510; nncrystallisable
sugar ormellose,30 4; water, WS: mannite, 1'9; waxymatter,0 6;
nitrogenous and acid matters, 2 G: total, 100

We see by the analyses given above that honey is a mixture
in variable proportions of a certain number of definite organic
compounds. In its most complete state it contains glucose,
unoryetallisable sugar, mellose, some water, mannite, cane sugar,
an acid, a greasy colouring matter, and some nitrogenous matter
which comes from pollen. Mellose or uncrystallised sugar is a
liquid sugar which does not crystallise ; mannite is a body which
" ; naturally found in manna. As it has been ascertained that

economy.— Paul L. Viallon, Bayon, Ooula, La.-
Bee Journal.)

■{American

OUB LETTER BOX.

Baeleymeal for Fo^^tls [A. TF/itfi?t'r).— The meal and ground oata i-e-
qnire to be made into a crumbly paste with water.

Flagged Floor (C. S/iic/dl.— Cover it 3 inches deep with sand. Feed the
three weeks-old chickens with Indiau meal crumbly moisteaed with milk, and
egg boiled hard and chopped fine.

Stewabton and Carr Hives (St'(>/iid).— Each frame or bar, body as well
as supers, ot a well-made Stewartou has in ita centre a groove to receive a
narrow embossed was sfeeet, which keeps the combs perfectly straight. The
Carr hive is too cramped and small for practical bee-keeping. Your guide
comb throuKh inefficient attachment had given way when the swarm was in-
troduced, hence the cross- wrought combs. The desertion was probably due to
the demise of the queen without a successor to take her place. The combs
can yet be utilised with perfect success by inverting each bos after the sliiea
have been withdrawn and severing any attachment to the bos sides. The
outer square can then be removed, leaving the frames and combs in a piece.
Each comb can then be cut off close with a sharp knife and attached to bars
of frame with hot was, or be placed in the frames and kept in position with
two strips of thin bandbox on either side, tacked to the ends of the frame, till
the combs be fiiedby the bees, when they can be removed.— A Kenfrewshire

BEE-KEErER.

Stewaeton HrvES (C. JR. 5.).— Stewarton hives are made by Mr. James
Allan, Cabinet-maker, Stewarton, Ayrshire.

^1

METEOROLOGICAXi OBSERVATIONS.

Date.

9 A.3I.

Is IE

E DAT.

^^d

Hygrome-
ter.

■D'i

o

Shade Tem

Radiation

.9

i-9

perature.

Temperatare.

«

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

no

deg.

Max.

Miu.
des.

sun.

grass-
deg.

Inches.

deg.

In.

34,5

N.

38.6

S3.7

N.

88.0

43.0

27.5

ai 9

S.3.W.

i 37.8

47.0

27.4

«2.1

3S.7

W.N.W

, 38.8

42 9

S.

! 40.2

61.1

Vf.

1 42.0

49.2

S9 5

Ta. 27

29.286

44.3

43 2

s.w.

I 42.2

65.1

42.2

Means.

29.332

404

S8.S

' 89.7

1

49 S

34.6

85.0

85.3

0.91S

2l8t.-

EEMAEKS.
Snow lying on the walls and walis for a short time in the morning, but
soon melting; very fine afternoon, but very cold all day.
22ud.— Strong white frost ; very fine till noon, then doll and f
with very bright £
Ight.

.. J showers,

1 for a short time between them ; wet evening and

23rd —Foggy early, bat bright ot nine, with white frost, which contmned on

the walls till ten, then again foggy; fair ia afternoon, bnt not bnght.

2-lth.— Mnch warmer, very bright early, and a pleasant day j bnt rainy in the

evening and night.
2.">th. — Fine morning; cloudy afternoon and wet evening.
2lith.— Moderately fine morning, bnt showery afternoon,
mannite is a product of the viscous fermentation of complex ' 27th.— Very bright aboat noon, but soou clouding over, followed by ram,

Bacohariue mixtures, we see that it is not necessary the bees
have gathered the natural mannite, but that it might have
formed itself subsequently in honey. Mr. Zinuermann has ob-
tained mannite by combining hydrogen with glucose. I will
mention, nevertheless, that mannite is most generally met with
in mountain honey. The presence of a free acid has been found
in honey. It is by the influence of this acid, supposed to be
identical with the acid substance found in bees, that the trans-
formation of cane sugar, of nectar into mellose and glucose,
might have been caused.

It is an established tact that, if a diluted acid is made to act
upon cane sugar, grape sugar is formed. It is natural to suppose
that an analogous transformation under the influence of the acid
principle known to exist in bees has changed the cane sugar of
the nectar into nncrystallisable sugar. It is natural to come to
the conclusion that the bees gather the nectar from flowers, and
that this nectar in the bodies of bees, under the influence of
agents not well recognised, undergoes a change and comes out
in a state of honey. Glucose does not exist in nectar, but is
found in large proportion in honey. I have fed some bees with
a thin syrup made of twenty-five parts of crushed sugar and
seventy-five parts of water, and, after it was capped by the bees,
extracted it ; and though it was perfectly neutral when fed or
given, it had then a slight acid reaction, and contained a large
proportion of uncrystallised sugar but a small proportion of
crystallised cane sugar. I fed the bees also with a syrup made
of equal parts of sug.ir and water coloured with cochineal, and
after it was capped extracted, and it was very much lighter in
colour.

After the experiments and chemical analysis given above I
have no doubt that it will be easily seen that the bees effect a
real chemical change in producing honey from nectar. This
process is one which appertains to animal chemislry — is a species
of assimilation — an elaboration and excretion, of which we have
BO many instances in the cell functions of glands in the animal

which at times fell heavily. ..... a

Bain more or loss almost every day, generally m the latter part of tha day.
The second hall of the week warmer than the first, and the mean temperatare
of the whole week nearly the same as last week.— G. J. SvMONS.

COVENT SARDEN MARKET.— MiKCH 28.
Q0OTATIOS3 remain the same as last week.

Chestnuts bushel 0

Currants 1 sieve 0

Black i do. 0

Fins dozen 0

FUberts lb- 0

Cobs lb. 1

Gooseberries quart 0

Graoes, hothouse.... lb. 10

Lemons 1*100 6

Melons each 0

I Nectarines dozen 0 OtoO

Oranges %!■ 100 8 0 12

Peaches dozen 0 0 0

1 Pears, kitchen.... dozen 0 0 0

dessert dozen 3 0 12

PineApples lb. 16 4

I Plums i solve 0 0 0

Quinces bushel 0 0 0

Raspberries lb. 0 0 o

Strawberries oz. 16 2

Walnuts bushel 5 0 8

ditto ¥■ 100 1 9 a

VEaETABr.BS.

8. B.

• 109 8 0 10 0

Beans, Kidney fHOO

Beet, Red dozen

Broccoli bundle 0 9

Brussels Sprouts...! sieve 8 0

Cabbage dozen 1 0

Carrots banch 0 4

Capsicums IS^IO) 1 6

CauUflowel dozen 2 0

Celery bundle 1 6

Coleworts.. doz. bunches 2 G

Cucumbera each 0 9

Endive dozen 1 0

Fennel bunch 0 8

Garlic lb. 0 6

Herbs bunch 0 3

Horseradish bundle 0 0

Lettuce dozen 1 0

Leeks bunch 0 4

Mushrooms pottle

Mustard Si Cress punnet u a

Onions bushel 0 0

pickling quart 0 4

Parsley.... doz.bnnehee 3 0

Parsnips dozen 0 0

Peas quart S 0

Potatoes bushel 2 6

Kidney do. 8 0

New lb. 0 9

Radishes., doz. bunches 1 0

Rhubarb bundle 0 6

Salsafy bundle 0 9

Scorzonera bundle 1 0

Seakale basket 2 0

Shallots lb. 0 \

Spinach buBhel s o

Tomatoes 4 sieve 0 0

Turnips bunch 0 4

Vegetable Marrows 0 0

April 5, 1377. )

JOURNAL OF HOJJTICULIUaE AND GOITAGE (JAilUENEK.

.jHy

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day 1 Day

of of

Month Week.

APEIL 5-11, 1877.

Average

Xemperature near

London.

San
Bises.

Son
Sets.

Moon
RiBeB.

Moon

Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Snn.

Day
of
Year.

5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Th Linnean Society at 8 p.u.

S

Son Low Shndiy.

M

To Eoyal Medical and Chimrgical Society at 8.80 p.m.

W Society ol Arts at 8 P.a.

Day. Night.
66.6 86.B
57.0 36.8
67.3 36.8
66.2 S5.S

65.0 SS.6

66.1 38.5
56.1 35.6

Mean.
46.6
46.9
47.0
46.0
46.8
44.8
45.9

h. m.

5 25

6 23
B 21

5 19

6 17
6 14
6 12

h. m.

6 89
6 41
6 43
6 44
6 46
6 48
6 49

h. m.

2 86
8 8

3 83

3 89

4 2
4 14
4 24

b. m.
9 15

10 26

11 89
0a58

2 6

3 17
i SO

Days.
(

22
23
24
25
26
27

2 40
2 28
2 6
1 49
1 32
1 16
0 69

95
96
97
98
99
100
101

From observations taken near London dnring forty-three years, the aversge day temperature ol the week is 66.3° ; and its night temperatnre
S5.8'.

CUCUMBER CULTURE IN FRAMES AND
HOUSES.— No. 1.

HAT to grow, bow to grow, when to grow,
and where to grow, are questions which
cause indecision to many would-be growers
of Cucumbers at this season of the year.
A few hints, therefore, may prove accept-
able, and serve to assist by guiding to a
successful issue.

Cucumber culture is by no means difiB-
cnlt, yet there are nevertheless certain
details requh-ing special attention — failing
which a full measure of success cannot bo obtained. There
is no mystery here ; cause and effect can be readily traced,
and the skilled practitioner can tell at a glance what has
ruined Jones's crop or caused Brown's fruit to become
yellow-tipped and curled.

Taking first the process to be followed with an ordinary
garden frame upon a hotbed, we must not forget that the
hotbed will exercise an important influence upon the
plants, and whether that influence proves beneficial or
otherwise will depend in a great measure upon its con-
struction. The plan to which I give preference is to
throw fresh stable dung in a heap for a week, taking care
to make it thoroughly wet by pouring water from the
rose of a large waterpot upon each layer of the manure
as it is thrown together, which induces heat to generate
with great rapidity. By the end of the week it is in
readiness for the bed, which is made 2 feet longer and
wider than the box, and carried to the required height of
5 feet in front and a foot higher at the back by alternate
layers of dung and oak or beech leaves. A bed of dung
alone answers very well, but leaves should always be
■ased when they can be had, as the heat is then more
lasting. Whatever be the material used it is well trodden
as layer after layer is put on till the bed is finished. The
sides are well beaten with the back of a fork to make
them close and firm and so prevent the escape of heat;
the box with its glass lights is put on, and straw or Utter
of any kind piled upon the edge of the bed up to the top
of the box, which is thus made quite snug. The heat
soon rises in the box, and in a fortnight from the making
of the bed plants may be turned out of pots into little
hillocks of soil consisting of equal quantities of loam s^nd
leaf soil, or, better still, old and decayed dung, taking
care to have a layer of slates or tiles upon the surface of
the bed beneath the soil, so as to prevent hot vapour
scalding the roots. If the bed is made very early in the
year the heat will decline so much before the weather
becomes warm that it will be necessary to put linings of
hot dang around the bed some 3 feet in thickness and
continued from the bottom of the bed upwards to the
top of the box, care being taken to prevent the hot rank
vapour penetrating inside the frame, or the fohage will
probably suffer.

Turning now to the plants the question at once arises —
How shall we obtain them ? Answer : Do not have them
from a distance by rail ; do not send a man for miles

Ko, 836,— Vol, XXXn., New Sbbies.

across country with a box for them, but raise them your-
self by sowing seed in a pot and plunging it in soil in
the frame on the tenth day after the making of the bed,
laying a piece of glass over the soil in the pot to keep the
seed safe from the depredations of mice. The plants will
appear in a day or two, and they may either be potted
for a week or prioked-out upon the hillocks at once ; in
either case there will be very little loss of time, for the
plants will sustain no check and will overtake larger
plants which have been brought from a distance. Direct
growth must be stopped by pinching off the tip of the
shoot at the first rough leaf, which imparts a robust habit
to the plant and contributes very materially to its subse-
quent vigour.

The fruit of some prolific sorts appears upon the plants
while they are in a quite small state ; such pi-emature- fruit
ought immediately to be picked off in order that a few
strong shoots may be produced. When these show fruit
nip off the tips at the first joint beyond the fruit. Add
soil to the hillocks as the plants gain size till the entire
surface is covered. These successive soil-dressings should
consist of two parts turfy loam and one part of decayed
manure. Constant attention must be given to cutting-off
weakly shoots, pinching the tips of strong growths, thin-
ning the fruit, and the foliage too whenever it becomes
much crowded. Water must be given abundantly, in-
creasing the quantity in very bright weather, and taking
especial care to have it always of the same temperatnre
as that shown by the thermometer in the frame. This is
best done during the first stages of growth by putting
some bottles of water inside the frame and afterwards
by mixing hot and cold water.

We will suppose that the plants have spread over the
surface of the bed and to some extent over each other, that
all has gone well, and that some dozens of well-developed
fruit have been cut. All looks flourishing; the foliage
is large and green, fruit is still abundant and appears
likely to continue so from the numerous young shoots
springing forth on all sides, and yet there is danger lurk-
ing close at hand, for a critical period has arrived ; the
roots have spread in the soil and have absorbed most of
its nutriment, so that unless fresh measures are adopted
debility will follow, which is so often a puzzle to begin-
ners. They look at the large green foliage, the rampant
growth, and roots so abundant that the white tips are
peering out of the soil, and wonder how there can be any
debility. But what is the cause of this " peering out of
the roots?" Is it not because they aie in search of more
and bettor food ? Examine the fruit, and yon must
acknowledge that it is not quite so large and long as it
was, that much of it exhibits a tendency to curl and grow
small at the tip, and that the tips of some are turning
yellow — in a word, that traces of incipient exhaustion are
clearly perceptible. What is to be done ? Answer : Give
the entire surface a dressing 3 or 4 inches thick of cow
dung or any very old rich manure, peg-down a joint or
two of a few of the main branches into this, use liquid
manure intead of clear water, letting the condition of the
growth be your guide as to its quality and quantity, and
No. 14i!8.— Vol. LVII., Old Seeies

246

JOURNAL. OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Aiiil 5, 1S77.

with ordinary attention and care a supply of really ueefal
fruit may be maintained throughout the spring, summer, and
autumn.

In the early months of spring due attention must be given
to the indications of the thermometer, which should range
between 70' and 80°. Air should then be admitted with
caution, but a little is always highly beneficial to the plants
during sunny days, and later on in summer it may be given
with advantage night and day.

With regard to sorts my own favourite is Masters's Prolific,
yielding fruit by hundreds, but then none of it exceed a foot
in length, and very many are an inch or two shorter than that,
yet all are large enough for a good-sized dish when cut up, as
they invariably are before going to table. Cucumbers are here
grown to be eaten, and not for ornamental purposes. Long-
fruited sorts areonly " good for exhibition." — Edwd.Ldckhuest.

THE CULTURE OF CALANTHES.

[Read at the TVimbledon Gaideners' Improvement Society's Meeting.]
Amongst the many plants which commend themselves to
the gardener, few I think are more worthy of notice than these
terrestrial Orchids. Their variety of colour, intrinsic beauty,
and admirable decorative qualities render them very valuable
during the dull period of the year. They are by no means
difficult to cultivate, and will amply repay those who have the
means of growing them for any labour they may bestow upon
them. They are especially acceptable where table decorative
plants are required in the autumn and early winter months.
They throw up their spikes from 3 to 4 feet in height, and
with judicious arrangement — an intermixture of foliage plants
and Ferns — they take their stand amongst many of the hand-
somest of our Orchids.

The majority of these Calauthes have been imported from
different parts of India. Other hybrids we have, and one
especially worthy of comment is Calauthe Veitchii, raised by
Mr. Dominy, the result ot a eroas between Limatodes rosea
and Calanthe vestita, and it is proving itself to be one of the
foremost, if not the best, of the class to which it belongs.
Under good management the paeuJo-bulbs of this variety will
be from 12 to 15 inches in length, and the flower spikes from
3 to 4 feet or more in height, making it particularly useful for
many decorative purposes.

The Calanthes being deciduous require their proper season
of rest, which should extend from two and a half to three
months in a temperature not below 60°, care being taken not
to allow any moisture to fall upon them, but be kept perfectly
dry. As plants are ofttimes neglected while resting, great care
should be taken with them, and especially when their period
of rest is drawing to a close. In March many of the pseudo-
bulbs commence growing, and if not placed near the light they
will produce weak breaks, and consequently weak bulbs. Some
gardeners prefer knocking the plants out of their pots and
storing them on dry moss or sand ; but I think this to be un-
necessary, except in the case of those pseudo-bulbs which are
cut for propagation. This is done by severing them in halves
crossways. C. Veitchii may be cut into three or four parts,
according to the size of the " bulbs " and the number of joints
or rings. A little lime rubbed over the wounds prevents decay.
These cut portions should be placed in pans of sand and on a
shelf in a Melon house or Pine stove, where they will receive
plenty of light and sun, keeping them dry. This process
should be gone through in March, so that they will break and be
ready for potting in the early part of April with the other uncut
pseudo-bulbs, and receive the same treatment as them. They
should now be potted singly in GO-pots, securing good drainage,
in a compost of three parts of good fibrous loam and one of
leaf soil and silver sand, placing a small portion of sand at the
base of each bulb when potting them ; then place them on
a shelf in a fruiting Pine stove or near the glass in the East
Indian House or similar structure, where they will have plenty
of light, heat, and atmospheric moisture, using the water pot
with discretion, and by no means allowing water to fall on
the young growths, as they are very liable to decay at this
stage. But in cases where specimens are required, say four
or five bulbs in a pot, I do not advocate potting them in
fiO-pots, but pot them in their flowering pots at once, as there
is great danger of breaking the roots by removal, they being of
a fleshy nature and easily damaged. Three bulbs in a 24-pot
will make a very useful specimen for general purposes. As
soon as those in (JO's have moderately filled their pots with
loots they ehouid be shifted into their pots for blooming,

which are generally 48's and 32's, according to the strength
of the bulb. Efficient drainage is highly important, and
broken crocks must be used liberally, with a layer of moss or J,
rough peat over them, as these plants require a good supply of
water in their growing season, and the soil will become sodden
if proper care is not taken in this respect. The soil used at
the final potting should be a compost of three parts of fibrous
loam and one of dried deer or cow dung, rubbed through a
quarter-inch sieve. Pot the plants moderately firm, and not
too high, as is often the case, but about half an inch below
the rim of the pot, care being taken not to break the roots,
but ease them by removing a little soil, so as to give them
freedom to work into the new soil, shading moderately from
bright sunshine, or the young foliage is apt to become spotted,
which very much disfigures the plants.

As they advance in growth give them an occasional watering
of liquid manure, which will promote strength, without which
really good spikes cannot be secured. The manure water I
recommend is a mixture of guano and cow dung well diluted,
or with an occasional watering of soot water, the result of
which will soon be noticeable in the dark colour of the foliage.
They are very impatient of excessive moisture hanging about
their foliage, so that the syringe should be used very sparingly.

As soon as they have thrown up their flower spikes many of
their leaves will begin decaying. They should not be pulled
off until quite dead, or the pseudo-bulb will bleed, and thereby
weaken the flower spike. The roots also in a great measure
will cease action, so that water must now be given sparingly,
the spikes deriving their support from the bulb. As soon as
they commence expanding their flowers they should be removed
to the intermediate house, which will both prolong them in
flower and make them more hardy for other decorative pur-
poses. The flowers being of a light nature are very useful
for button-hole purposes, for which there is generally a good
demand at this season of the year.

Scale is very partial to Calanthes, and it must by no means
be allowed to flourish, or the plants will be greatly injured.
The insects should be promptly removed with a sponge and
a little softeoap water. The best varieties are C. vestita,
C. V. oculata, C. v. rubra, and C. Veitchii. — A. Smith, Foreman,
Wimbledon House.

PRUNING OR NON-PRUNING OF FRUIT TREES.

Mr. Taylor's article, page 207, on the pruning and manage-
ment of Plum trees, would seem to point to other fruit trees as
well, and to suggest the difficult question whether pruning at
all is a prudent operation, or whether it had better be left
alone. This very important problem has been long before the
horticultural world, and much has been said on both sides.
The advocates for non-pruning point exultingly to the good
crops often met with on standard trees where the knife and
saw are only used to restrain unsightly growths ; and certainly
when a tree is not benefited by the wall it is fastened to, the
more it is pruned the more the prospect of the crop is di-
minished, because the tree itself is reduced in size, and there-
fore cannot possibly produce so large a quantity as a tree of
double its size. Then, on the other hand, the advocates of
the pinchiug-in and close trimming of fruit trees point to those
splendid examples of fruit that now and then find their way
to horticultural exhibitions, and are said to be produced by
closely-pinched miniature trees. But as Mr. Taylor justly
observes, a medium course may be taken between the closely-
trimmed cordon and the stately standard, and there is no
doubt many good examples of this intermediate management
are to be met with.

Not long ago I incidentally heard an argument between a
gentleman extensively engaged in fruit-growing and his fruit-
tree manager. The gentleman had been to see an exhibition
of fruit at a horticultural show, and returned home full of the
idea that what was grown on cordons and similar contrivances
was of a superior kind to what his lofty trees produce, and
urging the views he had been listening to from the advocates
of that system to his man, asked his opinion on the matter.
The reply of the latter was very characteristic and to the point.
" It all depends, master, whether you want dozens of fruit or
bushels. If yon be fatisfied with as many fruit as trees, we can
go into the fashionable doll-house mode of growing them ; but
if quantity of fair good fruit be wanted, trees must be allowed
to a good size to produce them." And as the dialogue took
place in an orchard the man pointed to an Apple tree saying
" There is a Wellington Apple that last year produced twenty

April 6, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

247

bushels of good fruit, and in some seasons has nearly doubled
that. How many fancifully pruned trees would it take to pro-
duce twenty bushels, and how much ground would they
occupy compared to that one?"

Now, this is only a fair way of meeting such question?, and
doubtless there are many who would give the preference to the
artificially trimmed trees ; but ask the caterer for the market
and he will say, " Give me quantity and quality too;" and he
knows full well that if he wanted a few for some special pur-
pose his large trees would produce them as well as small trees
could do by the fruit being properly thinned. In places where
little or no pruning is done it is not because the banefits of
such are not understood, but because it is thought more profit-
able to omit pruning and pinching. Wall and espalier trees
are often left rough for the mere reason that their trimming
would both involve labour and reduce the quantity of fruit.

I win at some future time allude more particularly to Plum
trees, inviting at the same time any remarks that anyone can
make on the varieties that are moat extensively grown in those
districts famed for the growth of this fruit, together with the
character of the soil and other particulars. I believe a great
many Plums are grown in the valley of the Thames ; will some-
one give us a chapter on them and other particulars relating
thereto ? — J. Eoesok.

FLOKIST FLOWEES RAISED FROM SEED.

Petunias. — I bear testimony to the great value of the double
varieties from seed for greenhouse or conservatory decoration,
and the singles for bedding, producing, indeed, as stated by
"W. " (page 179), a "most striking effect, by planting large
masses of the margined and veined varieties in mixture."

Teeeena. — The popularity of the Verbena is waning more
and more during each year ; its place for massing is taken by
foliage plants of low growth — their colour is not so soon washed
out as that of flowers. Every fashion has its day : it will
turn from the stiff, formal, monotonous flatness of the style
fitly termed carpet bedding as did the formal gardens of past
times from the devices in Box with contrasting colouring
materials, and shrubs clipped into every conceivable shape
from apes to peacocks — into the more enjoyable mixed style in
which a diversity of objects were so blended as to produce an
agreeable effect. Year by year plants esteemed for the beauty
of their flowers are becoming less and less valued for massing.
Verbenas are nevertheless very beautiful in the mass and a
mixed bed anything but despicable, whilst for decorative pur-
poses and grown in pots or pans they are well deserving of
culture. Plants from seed, though improving, are very much
behind the named kinds ; yet I have had some from seed
obtained in the ordinary way which have given an average
number of fair flowers, and some really good.

The seed should be sown in March in pots or pans in light
rich soil and lightly covered, placing in a hotbed; one em-
ployed for raising half-hardy annuals will answer, or a Cucum-
ber frame, it being important that the plants so soon as they
appear be near the glass in order to be stocky, and the seed
should be sown thinly. Water must be given as required to
keep the soil moist, but avoid making it sodden. In the course
of a few days the seedlings will appear. When they can well
be handled pot them in small pots, or prick them 2 inches
apart in pans or boxes, returning to the hotbed, keeping moist
and shaded until established, then admit air and light freely.
Stop the plants at the second leaf, which will cause them to
branch freely. They must not be allowed to become drawn by
keeping too warm and close, but after they are well established
remove them to a cold frame, hardening off gradually, and in
ease of frost protecting with mats. They may be planted out
at the close of May or early in .June in light moderately rich
soil and an open situation, yet sheltered from winds. If the
plants are to form a mass the distance of planting should not
exceed 15 nor be less than 12 inches apart. All they require
is to be watered in dry weather and to have the shoots pegged
down, and stopped if required until July. They will flower
in late summer and continue until frost.

If required for pots the plants must never become potbound
before having their final shift. The shoots should be stopped
at every 3 inches of growth until July. They may be grown
in a cold frame, or after May they may have a position out-
doors on ashes, open but sheltered. Due regard being had to
stopping and regulating the shoots, compact plants may be
had without resorting to the orthodox wire trellis. The flower
toQBBes may be removed until within five or six weeks of when

required to bloom. Attention must be given to watering and
sprinkling overhead in the evening of bright days, and after
the pots fiU with roots weak liquid manure may be given at
every alternate watering. A compost of equal parts of fibrous
loam and leaf soil, with a third part in equal proportions of
old cow dung or hotbed manure, sandy peat, and silver sand
well incorporated will grow them well. Good drainage is
necessary. The plants will flower in late summer, and having
protection from heavy rains in a cold pit or house wiU con-
tinue in good condition for a long time. Verbenas are very
useful in late autumn as decorative plants or to cut from.
I'ependauce of course must be placed upon named kinds, yet
some prefer to grow plants from seed. The plants raised from
seed are more free in growth and not so liable to attacks of
aphis and thrips as are plants from cuttings. Insects may be
destroyed by fumigation or syringing with diluted tobacco
juice, one part of juice to six parts of water.

CycLAMEN PEEsicuM.^The varieties of this come quite true
from seed, and young plants so raised are very much superior
to old plants — in fact, the latter are disappointing, young
plants affording ampler foliage and finer flowers. Not a few
of the old large corms refuse to grow when required, whilst
others make a great effort in August at showing leaves and
losing every one during the autumn. All corms after the
second year are too large to be grown in a moderate-sized pot,
and so uncertain as not to be worth keeping; besides, we have
half a dozen varieties from a packet of seed, and the plants
are so easily grown, that the growing of old corms as large in
diameter as the pots is not worth the trouble. All plants, no
matter which, are much healthier from seed than from portions
of the parent: hence when continuance by seed can be pur-
sued with a certainty of character in the progeny equal to the
parent, the desirability of the practice becomes apparent.
From a carefully selected packet of seed we are almost certain
to have flowers not only good but also of a new shade of colour
or something diverse in the foliage. In this way has originated
our C. persicnm grandiflorum with its beautifully marked leaves
and its much larger and greatly improved flowers. We shall
soon have all the varieties with flowers similarly fine, and not
a few double — no improvement to the flower, but rather a
disadvantage.

The raising of Cyclamen persicum from seed has received
an impetus from the shortness of the time as compared with
former practice in which the plants can be had in flower. Early-
flowering plants are produced by growing them in heat up to
or within a short time of flowering. A temperature inter-
mediate between that of a greenhouse and a stove is suit-
able ; in fact, a stove temperature is not too warm for them
until advanced for flowering if plants are to be flowered the
same year as the seed is sown. There can be no doubt of the
best time for sowing the seed, when Nature dictates — namely,
BO soon as it is ripe. The old plants return to activity shortly
after the seed is cast — that is, if allowed to seed, and the seed
also coming into contact with a favourable medium for growth
starts simultaneously with the parent plants. August, there-
fore, is the best time to sow the seed, which should be done
in pans rather thinly, just covering it with fine soil, and placing
in a frame at a stove temperature, 05^ at night, 70 to 75' by
day, with a rise to 85° from sun heat, and when those con-
ditions cannot be secured by natural heat it must be secured
by artificial. It is essential that the plants after they appear
be placed near the glass and be kept moist, sprinkling them over-
head morning and evening, as the foliage does not appear to
suffer from damp when in a young state. Prick off the seed-
lings when showing the second leaf, or pot them off singly in
small pots and place on a shelf near the glass in an inter-
mediate house — a cool stove or warm greenhouse. If not
potted into small pots from the seed pans they must be trans-
ferred to 3-inch pots when the second leaf is developed and
others rising. Those in small pots must not be allowed to
become potbound, but be given a slight shift, not having them
in larger than l-inch pots during the winter or early spring for
economy of space; indeed, they will not require transferring
from the pans, or shifting from the small pots, until January or
February, and those will be sufficient to carry them up to May,
when they may be placed on ashes in a cold pit or frame, keep-
ing rather close, and protected at night with mats over the
lights. They should have 4inch pots in early June, and we
have only to ventilate moderately, to shade from brightness, to
duly supply with water, and to sprinkle overhead every evening
if the day has been bright, and to give a shift into C or 7-inch
pots dniing July, or if wanted in small pots this trouble may

JOUBNAL OF HOBTIOOLTOBG AND OOTTAQB GABDEKEG.

I AprU 5, 1877.

be spared and liqnid manure given instead at every alternate
watering. By Angnat the plants will have formed good corma
and have ample foliage. It is the time when no Btimuln3 to
growth is required ; it ia the natural period at which old plants
commence throwing out leaves and the flower buda appear.
Avoid, therefore, any incentive thereto, but keep the plants
moderately moiat at the roots, discontinue aprinkling over-
head, and admit air freely both day and night. In early Sep-
tember remove them to a light airy position in a house with
a temperature of 45° to 50° at night, and in October they will
flower, continuing for months, aa all the plants will not flower
together but come succeaaionally.

The above ia unqueationably the beat mode of growing Cycla-
men peraionm. It waa adopted in consequence of someone
differing with me in burying the corms, which waa considered
nnadvisable from the water being liable to settle in the crowns,
and when this is the case the leaves and flower stalks decay
when the corma are buried. I had hitherto grown them with
the corma buried, but the plants were raiaed high in the centre
of the pot, space being left for watering at the side. So long
aa the water waa given there it did not matter about the corms
being covered with soil, but when the water waa poured upon
the corm in the centre of the pot the leaves became less and
the flower buds dropped, the atema decaying at the aurfaoe of
the aoil. The force of our friend's remarks was seen and
acted on. The corm is not buried after the planta have formed
a few leaves, care being taken at the last potting to keep the
corms well up. Water poured into the centre of the plant is
certain to prove disastrous to the leaves and flowers.

Seed sown ea;rly in spring, or even now (early April), and
placed in a hotbed— as that of a Cucumber frame, and the
seedlings grown-on through the summer in a temperature of
65° night, 70° to 75° day, and up to 85° or 90° in bright weather,
keeping near the glass, and shaded from bright sun, moving to
a house in September with a temperature of 50° at night or by
artificial meana — will flower in winter and spring ; but aowing
in August is much preferable. It gives a little more trouble
and ocoupiea a little longer time ; but the increaaed size of
plants well repay for it, and when once it ia practised no one
will care to keep on growing corma from year to year.

A compoat of equal parts of fibrous loam, old cow dung or
leaf soil, and half a part of sandy peat with a free admixture
of sand and good drainage will grow them well. Some do not
use peat, but I have not good loam. I may be told Cyclamens
are not florists' flowers. I can only reply in the opening para-
graph of your excellent little manual on " Florists' Flowers "
— viz., " Florists' flowera are those flowers which by their
beauty, power of producing permanent varieties, readiness of
propagation, and easineas of cultivation are so largely in de-
mand as to be especially worthy of being grown by florists as
articles of commerce."— G. Abbey.

themselves and afford the greatest satisfaction to others, who
foster a love of gardening in its most beneficial aapecta, in-
crease the interest which is so desirable in gardening pursuits,
and advance the craft horticultural in the most practical
manner. Yet the lines on which " big shows " are fonnded
are frequently such as to place the great majority of cultivators
at a discount and give a premium to the few, who have had
their reward, it may be, fifty timea over.

When " big prizea " are offered a feeling is at once estab-
lished that "big plants" only can have any chance of secur-
ing them. Well, it is tolerably well known how many collec-
tions of " elephants " there are in the country, and estimates
are formed that it will " pay " to take them to a given distance ;
while those having smaller plants — it matters not how intrinsi-
cally excellent they may be, how satisfactory they are to their
owners, and how creditable to the growers — decide, and very
naturally, to " keep their plants at home," for the sufficient
reason that it ia " no use taking them for certain defeat."
Many admirable examples of cultivation are, I doubt not,
" kept at home " simply because of the impression produced
as the result of big prizes, that only "big plants" will have
" any chance " of sharing the honours, and the smaller, how-
ever well cultivated they are, will have to run the gauntlet of a
certain amount of public depreciation by their being " left out
in the cold." So deterrent are " big " money prizes that even
the possessors of " big " specimens seem half afraid of exhibit-
ing, for it is notorious that, as a rule, the larger the prizes the
smaller ia the competition. That, at any rate, has been bo in
the case of the metropolitan exhibitions when one followed on
the heels of another in tiringly rapid succeaaion. The compe-
tition for the " big prizes " waa simply reduced to a question
of " one, two, and three," and gave little tronble to the

EXHIBITING— LARGE versus SMALL PLANTS.

ToTJK laat issue of the Journal of Horticulture contains two
paragraphs which I and some friends who have read them, and
privately commented thereon, consider of some significance as
bearing directly on hortioulturalexhibitions— i.e., flower shows.
There can be no use in evading the fact, but, on the contrary,
every reason to recognise it, that flower shows have not always
done what they were intended to accomplish, namely, be auo-
cessful to their promoters financially and beneficial in other
respects by those who have aupported them. Beneficial they
may have been to the individual winners of £50 and £20 prizes,
but I much doubt if the satisfaction that has been enjoyed by
the few has not been unpleasantly counterbalanced by the dis-
appointment of the many.

Until the present year a conviction has been growing that
for an exhibition to be Buooessful it must be arranged on a
scale of magnitude eolipaing all which have gone before. The
prizea offered mnat be magnificently tempting, and the compe-
tition reanlting is expected to be correspondingly splendid in
its character and spirited in the race of competitors. But (a
very important "but" is this) it has been forgotten that the
principle of temptation is not a sound principle, and that
appeals to the mere cupidity of a man carry with them a
penalty, and work in a measure their own cure. It should be
remembered that if a aenaational prize has an alluring effect
on the one hand, it has a deterring tendency on the other.
Senaational prizes encourage professional exhibitors, who are
comparatively few, at the expense of the very far larger number
of amateur cultivators, who labour with the greatest credit to

The matter becomes different when isolated and apeoial
exhibitions are projected, which are (not merely in name)
national or international in their character. One or two
really great and grand exhibitions during the seaaon — one in
London and one in the provinces, under the auspices of the
Royal Horticultural Society — would be not only admiasiblo
but desirable, and owing to the large field, the special occur-
rence, and the national character of such shows they could not
fail to be well supported, and especially if the schedule was
not framed so as to " schedule out " the many exhibitors of, it
may be, comparatively small yet eminently useful produce, in
deference to the few who could " put in " a sensational
appearance. One large fruit show during the year ia also to
be commended, and ia certain of success; but three or four
" large attempts " during a limited time, and in a oironm-
Bcribed area, is a mere matter of " throat-cutting."

The " signs of the timea " denote that " big shows " and
" big plants " are losing their prestige, that quality has olaima
to public recognition as well as mere size. These signs are

j perceivable in the paragraphs I refer to as directing attention
to the sale of the plants of the late Mr. Wilkins, and the pro-

I posed Exhibition at South Kensington of Covent Garden
Market commodities. The large plants so skUfully grown by
Mr. Ward went, with a few exceptions, in common parlance,
for an " old song," It is suggestive that by the distribution
of these and other " big plants" at such moderate prices that
such giants are not now eo popular as they once were ; and
equally significant is it to find that small, even the smallest,
well-caltivated plants which are so valuable for many decora-
tive purposes, and which exhibit undoubted cultural skill, are
at last to have a measure of recognition accorded them. These
are indeed national plants, such that spread into almost every
home ; and it appears that as such the patronage of the Boyal
Horticultural Society may be appropriately extended to them
and their cultivators.

An exhibition such as the one projected cannot fail, as yon
say, to " be instructive," and such as will afford many a hint
to the numerous gardeners, and' employers of gardeners, who
will visit the Show by way of noting euch examples of cultiva-
tion that would be useful in the decoration of their several
homes and gardens.

That is what I call advancing useful horticulture — spreading
its benefits far and wide, "bringing it home" in the best
manner, and to the greatest number to which it is practically
applicable. More may be said on this subject — that is, on
■ exhibitions— large rcrsiis small plants," and I cannot but
think that any suggestions as to the best mode of widening the
influence of exhibitions and giving rewards to meritorious
cultivation, even if presented in a " small way," would be

April 5, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OP HORTICDLTOBE AND COTTAOB GABDENER.

generally acceptable and have a wholesome and beneficial
tendency.— F. R. H. S.

KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Apbil 4th.

Until the present occaBion the weather on the days of the
meetings— now grown into exhibitions— has been cold and unpro-
pitions ; bnt yesterday morning was genial and fine, a heavy
thunder shower, however, oooorring during the afternoon. The
Exhibition occupied the extreme length of the conservatory,
and in quality and variety the plants were fully equal to those
arranged at previous displays. No fruit was exhibited, and only
a few vegetables.

Fbuit Committee.— Henry Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair.
Mr. Bapley, gardener to Robert Hudson, Esq., Clapham Com-
mon, sent fruit of Osmaston Manor Cucumber, to which a cul-
tural commendation was awarded. Mr. J. Hudson, gardener to
H. J. Atkinson, Esq., Acton, sent three dishes of Mushrooms.
Mr. H. J. Jones, The Gardens, Bentley Priory, Stanmore, sent
dishes of the wliite and pink Seakale. The latter is a variety
which is of uniform yellow colour, and not tipped with purple
like the other. A first-class certificate was awarded to the
former, which was called LUy White.

Flobal Committee. — W. B. KeUock, Esq., in the chair. At
the extreme end of the building Messrs. Lane& Son, Berkhamp-
Btead, arranged twelve large and excellently bloomed Rhodo-
dendrons. Some of the shrubs had nearly a hundred trusses of
expanded flowers, and the effect produced by their varied colours
was very fine. The varieties were Ne Plus Ultra, Prince Camille
do Rohan, Queen of the West, Purity, Towardii, Auguste Van
Geert, Empress EugCnie, Hendersonii, Etendard de Flandre,
Limbatum, Nero, and Macnlata Grandiilora.

Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, staged an admirable group,
comprising Ferns, Crotons, Gloxinias, Orchids, &o. The most
commanding plant in this group was Anthurium Scherzerianum
Wardii. The principal spathes, although not fully expanded,
measure nearly 4 inches in breadth by 6 in length, and are bril-
liant in colour. A. Scherzerianum album was represented by a
spathe nearly 2 inches in diameter, the finest we have yet seen.
The Ferns demanding notice were the large and fine Alsophila
pycnocarpa and Dennstaedtia davalUoides Toungii, the elegant
Asplenium ferulaceum and Adiantum palmatum, also the dis-
tinct Nephrolepis Duilii. The most striking of the Crotons were
Earl of Derby, the finest of the trUobed section, and C. McAr-
thurii, remarkable from its twisted leaves and brilliant colours.
The Gloxinias— Excelsior, Mr. Gladstone, Etna, Madame Patti,
Drooping Purple Prince and Prince Arthur, were remarkably
alike by their rich colours and massive flowers and foliage.
The Orchids were very choice; amongst them were Oncidium
varicosum, very fine ; Epidendrum Wallisii, with rich orange
sepals and mottled labellum; Sarchochilus Fitzgeraldi, a
small Australian Orchid, distinct and attractive; some fine
varieties of Odontoglossnm Eoezlii and Lycaste Skinnerii, the
latter ranging from pure white to rosy crimson; Angrascum
sesquipedale, with three flowers ; Odontoglossums Cervantesii
maculatum, Andersonianum and triumphana, Oncidium Forbesii
and several Cypripediums.

Mr. Wills, Onslow Crescent, Kensington, arranged an exten-
sive and very attractive group, the groundwork being composed
of Myosotis dissitiflora and Isolepis gracilis, out of which sprung
as it were Orchids, Anthuriums, Spiraaas, and Callas, these again
having a canopy of Palms — a bold yet graceful arrangement,
which was much admired.

Messrs. Rollisson & Sons, Tooting, exhibited a coUeciion of
about fifty plants in capital condition. Cocos Weddelliana
was flowering, and contained also very fine fronds ; Geonoma
gracilis, Kentia Fosteriana, Hyophorbe Verschaffeltii, and
Diemonorops ornatua comprised the rest of the Palms. The
Orchids were Phalicuopsis amabilis, Cattleya citrina, and Den-
drobinms lituiflorum and aggregatum majus. Erica ovata in
this group was very attractive, and especially so the new Pulte-
niea rosea from Victoria. This is one of the most promising of
hardwoodftd greenhouse plants that has lately been exhibited.
Messrs. Rollisson also exhibited the double white Azalea imbri-
oata, Eoheveria Peacocki, and Lilies.

Messrs. John Standish & Co., Ascot, Berks, arranged a group
containing excellent half-standard Azaleas, admirably grown
plants of Adiantnm gracillimum, Tillandsia miniata splendens,
Paullinia thalictrifolia, large Palms, very good Cinerarias,
Buperior pots of Lily of the Valley, also a double Clematis
Aurora — an excellent gronp.

Mr. B. S. WilUams exhibited two very fine pyramid plants of
Azalea amceua, the plants being about 3 feet in diameter at the
base, and 1 to 5 feet high — very effective.

Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Park Road, Dulwich, exhibited a fine
variety of Imautophyllum miniatum named Dulwich Beauty,
having flowers double the size of those of the species ; Ficus'
elastica aurea narginata, the leaves being faintly blotched with
yellow; good single pips of Cinerarias; and a well-bloomed

plant of Dendrobium carniferum. Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, con-
tributed a varied collection of hardy Primulas, the most effective
being P. nivalis, pure white ; and P. purpurea, both excellent ;
also Anemone fulgens, very brilliant, and not less attractive
A. apennica.

J. G. Hepburn, Esq. (Mr. J. Loveland, gardener), Sidoup,
Kent, exhibited excellent Orchids. Especially fine was Tricho-
pilia suavis, a small plant having thirty blooms ; and Odonto-
glossnm Roezlii, a splendid plant and a superior variety ; Den-
drobium lituiflorum, D. infundibnlnm, very fine ; Galeandra
Devoniana, Arpophyllum giganteum, and Lycaste aurantiaoa
completed this good group. A group of Orchids was also staged
by Mr. Roberts, gardener to W. Terry, Esq., Peterborough
House, Fnlham, consisting of Brassavolas, Phalfenopses, Den-
drobiums, and Oncidiums, the plants being medium-sized but
well-bloomed.

Mr. H. Bennett, Stapleford, exhibited the fine new Rose
Duchess of Vallombrosa, the habit resembling that of Jules
Margottin, and colour and perfume those of La France — an ex-
cellent Rose. Mr. Bennett also exhibited fifty plants of a new
Rose — Mabel Morrison — a sport from Baronne de Rothschild,
with extremely vigorous foliage and almost pure white flowers.
This Rose will not be in commerce this year, and will probably
be exhibited in a natural unforced state. At present its blooms
are rather thin, yet highly attractive — a promising Rose, which
the Committee desired to see again.

First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. C. Noble, Sun-
ningdale. Ascot, for double Clematis Aurora, distinct from itfl
fine rosy pink colour— an acquisition ; to Sir Trevor Lawrence,
Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking, for Dendrobium sculptum,
white with a blotch of yellow on the lip ; to Mr. R. Clarke,
Twickenham, for Cyclamen persicum Brilliant, a rich glowing
crimson colour ; to Messrs. Veitch & Sons for Anthurium Scher-
zerianum Wardii and Nephrolepis Duflii ; to Messrs. Rollissons
for Pultenaia rosea ; and to Mr. Dean for hardy Primrose Bril-
liant, a flower of crimson maroon colour and very massive, the
finest of all the dark Primroses. A second-class certificate
was awarded to Sir T. Lawrence for Dendrobium barbatulam
grandiflorum.

A botanical commendation was awarded to Messrs. Veitch for
Panax laciniatus and Sarchochilus Fitzgeraldi. Cultural com-
mendations to Lady Dorothy Nevill, Dangstein, for Darlingtonia
californica in bloom ; to Mr. Loveland, gardener to J. Hepburn,
Esq., for Odontoglossnm Eoezlii and Dendrobium infundibulum;
and to B. W. Chaplin, Esq., Roundfield House, Broxbourne, for
a very large plant of Imantophyllum miniatum. Votes of thanks
were given to W. H. Michael, Esq., Cholmeley Park, Highgate,
for Odontoglossum Alexandra ; and to G. F. Wilson, Esq.,
Heatherbank, Weybridge, for Cucumis himalayensis, the plant
having a flower as large and as rich as an Allamanda; to J. H.
Elwes, Esq. (Mr. Hill, gardener), Colesborne Park, Cheltenham,
for cut specimens of Rhododendron Nuttallii, Dendrobium
Forbesii, and D. delphinensis. W. Groves, Esq., Shortlands,
Kent, exhibited an improved variety of Myosotis dissitiflora; the
flowers were very large and good in colour. It was recommended
that plants grown in the open air be brought before the Com-
mittee on a subsequent occasion.

Medals were recommended to be given to Messrs. Veitch,
Wills, and Lane for the excellence of their collections._

Twenty-eight new Fellows of the Society and eighty-five
guinea members were elected during the afternoon.

The following petition, signed by all the principal exhibitors, was
presented to the Council :— " To the Council of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society.- We, the undersigned exhibitors at the meetings
of the Royal Horticultural Society, respectfully call the attention
of the Council to the great inconvenience arising from the meet-
ings of the Society being held on the same day as those of the
Royal Botanic Society. This iuconvenienco has existed more or
less ever since the Council altered the meetiogs fromTuesdays to
Wednesdays ; but this year the recurrence of simultaneous meet-
ings and shows of the two Societies is so frequent that we sug-
gest to the Council whether it would not be better for the
interests of both the Societies and exhibitors if the Council of
the Royal Horticultural Society were to revert to the former
arrangements. So far as the exhibitors are concerned the
earlier day in the week would best suit them, as it would inter-
fere less with the ordinary routine of their establishments."
In accordance with the above requisition the Council have de-
cided to change the days of meeting from Wednesday to Tues-
day, on and after the 1st of May.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

On Easter Monday 4762 persons visited the gardens of the
BoTAL Hobticultcral Society at South Kensington. The
admission fee for the day was 2d.

We believe the exhibition of plants, flowees, bouquets,

fbuit, fobced vegetables, and salads, by the growers and
salesmen ot Covent Garden Market, which we alluded to last

250

JOUBNAL OF HORTIOULTDBE AND COTTAGE GABDENBR.

( April 5, 1877.

weet, will be held on Wednesday, April 18th, in the Gardens
of the Eoyal Horticnltnral Society at South Kensington. Gold,
silver, and bronze medals, with certificates o{ commendation,
wiU be awarded by the Society to the most meritorious collec-
tions. Most of the leading growers and salesmen have already
promised to exhibit, and a suocessful display is anticipated.

Vegetation in the Crystal Palace is now attractive in

its freshness, spring inside the building being necessarily in
advance of the season outside. Tree Ferns are never more
interesting than when unfolding large crowns of green fronds,
the trunks, as it were, shooting out their stores of hidden
beauty. The Ferns at the Palace are now in that state, and
since many of them have been repotted they have made highly
satisfactory progress. The groups of flowers in the central
transept and at the front of the orchestra are extremely good,
the plants being well grown and tastefully arranged. To gar-
deners and many others beside members of " the craft," one
of the most enjoyable " peeps" in the Palace is the fernery in
the Alhambra Court. It is appropriately placed, and affords
refreshing relief to the rich tracery of the court surrounding.
Spring bedding in the grounds (as must bo the case generally)
cannot equal that of last year. The continuous rains of
autumn prevented the beds being planted for some weeks after
the proper time, and then many of the plants " grew (not bean-
tifuUy) less ;" but the plants and trees inside the building
were never in better condition than they are now.

A NEW Horticultural Society has been suocessfnlly

launched, under distinguished patronage, in the North Biding
of Yorkshire for the encouragement of cottage gardening. It
is called " The Hornby and District Horticultural Society,"
and it has met with general support in the district.

A EosE Association has just been established at Hor-
sham. It is at present the only one in Sussex, and from the
very central and convenient situation of its locality it ought
to prosper. It has been decided to hold an annual exhibition,
the first of which will probably take place on Saturday the
HOth of June. The Hon. Secretary is Mr. W. H. Sadler, Park-
field, Horsham.

DcKiNG the reading of his paper at the last meeting of

the Wimbledon House Gardeners' Society Mr. OUerhead ad-
verted to what he termed express Grape-growing, and re-
ferred as a good example of it to a house of Grapes in Lord
Londesborough's garden at Norbiton. Towards the end of
May, 1876, the crop from this house was cut and the Vines
removed. Young Vines were at once planted, and the crop
from these will be ripe in May, or within twelve months from
the time the Vines were planted. We have seen this house of
Grapes and can testify to its excellence. The rods are about
20 feet in length, and are bearing excellent bunches from the
bottom to the top; in fact, a more satisfactory crop of early
Grapes cannot be desired than the one referred to. Mr. Denning
applies both more heat and more moisture in Vine-growing
than most cultivatori^. He does not hesitate to close the
vinery at a temperature of 120', having the border very moist
and the atmosphere almost saturated. Under this treatment
the Vines grow rapidly and healthily, and insects give no
trouble whatever. The same express mode of Grape-growing
(high temperatures and much moisture) Mr. OUerhead states is
adopted at Trentham and other places renowned for Grape
culture.

We have received from Mr. Jordan, gardener to J. Bow-
stead, Esq., Cannizero House, Wimbledon, a flowering truss
of Clerodendron splendens. The plant is growing in the
border of a stove, and produces large heads of crimson-scarlet
flowers from October until April. Mr. Jordan finds this old
Clerodendron of great value for winter decoration, and cer-
tainly few flowers could be more effective than the glowing
truss and glossy foliage submitted to us.

A " SoEUREAM Gardener" writes in high terms of

Polyanthus Narcissds " Her Majesty," which he obtained
from Messrs. Veitch, every bulb of which has produced trusses
containing from seventeen to twenty-one flowers. He asks if
these numbers of flowers on one stem are commonly found in
Narcissuses. "Her Majesty" is stated to be a very dwarf and
sturdy-growing variety, the flowers being creamy white with
yellow cups. Our correspondent recommends it as one of the
best for decorative purposes, and he thinks it is not sufficiently
known.

Mr. Aeeey thus describes Mr. Lee's new Violet

" Odoratisbiiia," which was alluded to last week : — The
flowers are pale blue, much paler than Prince Consort, but

resembling that variety in its roundish cordate leaves, Frinoe
Consort is the flnest of all single Violets, it being robust and
very floriferous. " Odoratissima " is more of the old type of
Violet, though a great advance upon the pointed-petaUed
Eussian and Czar. It is very pleasing in colour, has long
stalks, distinct leaves, and sweet (very sweet) flowers, which
will render it " a great favourite."

An extensive grower says that La Grosse Sucbee

Strawberry is superior to Black Prince and Keens' Seedling
for early forcing, setting its fruit in a higher temperature and
closer atmosphere than those varieties. From plants started
early in January he gathered fruit of La Grosse SuoriJe the
middle of March of good colour and handsome shape ; some
fruit weighing an ounce, and averaging sis to eight fruit per
plant. Keens' Seedling set very badly and swelled off still
worse, and was a week or ten days later in ripening. Black
Prince sets even more badly than Keens' Seedling in a high
temperature, the fruit also being small. La Grosse Sucrue
appears to possess a hardy constitution. It seldom fails to
throw up trusses of bloom when forced early when the first
crop is ripening, and thus produces fruit successionaUy on
the same plant.

A correspondent writing on the usefulness of Centro-

POGON LcoYANUs states that it not only flowers very freely
from the points of the shoots during early winter, but con-
tinues producing from the same branches shoots lower down,
bearing flowers of a highly ornamental description until May.
Plants in 4inch pots which had each a large head of bloom in
November and December have now four to six side shoots with
several flowers each. The first heads were cut, giving rise to
the side shoots now flowering. Cuttings proceeding from
the base of the plant strike readily in gentle moist beat in
April or May, blooming finely in 5 or G-inoh pots. It succeeds
admirably in a cool stove in a compost two parts turfy loam
and one part leaf soil. After flowering in spring the old
flowered shoots require to be out away to their base, from
which young shoots proceed, flowering in early winter.

Few hardy border flowers are more deserving of cul-
ture than Mule Pinks. The typical variety is supposed to bo
the result of a cross between the Carnation and Sweet William,
and it is about intermediate in appearance both in foliage
and flowers between Dianthus oaryophyllus and D. barbatus,
the flowers being double and a rich pink in colour. Healthy
plants continue producing flowers over a long period, and are
admired both by their colour and perfume. There is no better
way of raising plants than by striking cuttings in heat at
the present time. These, if judiciously treated, become fine
flowering plants during the current season, and if some are
grown in pots they will flower until Christmas in a green-
house. There are now several varieties of D. hybridus, a
white one — Marie Pare — being highly promising as a winter-
flowering plant. This variety planted in the open ground in
Messrs. EoUissou's nursery yielded flowers all through the
winter. The different varieties of Mule Pinks are well worthy
of being cultivated, especially where cut flowers are in great
demand. Cuttings also strike readily under a hand-hght
during the summer, and the plants thrive in ordinary garden
soil.

Some successful experiments in destroying (blowing.

up) THE ROOTS OF TREES WITH DYNAMITE have recently been
made on the Darlington Sewage Farm, where two hundred
trees had been felled, many of which were of great size, and
would under the ordinary methods of dealing with them — by
burying or removal — have proved very troublesome and ex-
pensive. Before firing the charges explanations were given of
the character of dynamite, and a cartridge was thrown down,
broken, and then burned, to show that it could be safely
handled unless exposed to a heat of 440% which it is im-
possible to obtain by ordinary means. The dynamite charge
was placed in bored holes, a specially prepared detonating
cartridge with a fuse attached was then inserted, and the hole
closed-up with earth. In about three minutes after hghting
the explosion took place, and the air was immediately filled
with pieces of wood of various sizes, which showed how effec-
tually the stump had been removed. Another experiment was
the blowing-up of a small Ash tree. Two charges were in-
serted under the roots and the tree rose in the air. The two
experiments clearly proved that dynamite is a very safe and
yet exceedingly powerful explosive.

We notice a very interesting communication on the

Flora of Turkestan, made by Prof. Begel, the director oi

April .3, 1877. I

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

•231

the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden, at the last meeting helJ
on January 20th, by the Russian Society of Gardening. The
special aim of the communication being to advocate the intro-
duction into European gardens of representatives of the flora
of Turkestan, Prof. Kegel described the numerous, original,
and most beimtiftil syjecips belonging to the Compositaj,
Caryophj-llee, Umbellifcra', Papilionaceae, Malvacca\ and Cam-
panulaoea), which grow in Turkestan, and which could rank
among the best ornaments of our gardens by their variety and
beautiful forms and colours. Most of these species are already
cultivated with complete success in the St. Peter.sburg Botani-
cal Garden, and they might be thus introduced in the gardens
of Russia and Western Europe. Conchiding his communica-
tion. Prof. Regel pointed out the remarkable circumstance that
in Turkestan, even in hilly tracts, the Ericaceto are totally
wanting, whilst they are so common in the highlands of the
Alps, of the Caucasus, and even of the Altai. — (Nature).

■ • In a lecture lately delivered by Mr. E. Warrington,

late assistant professor at the Royal Agricultural College.
Cirencester, on the management of light land, he directed
prominent attention to the loss of nitrates from uncropped
light (porous) soil by heavy rains. From experiments made
he found that 5 inches of rain falling with little intermission
on a saturated soil would suffice to wash all the nitrates out
of the first 9 inches. This would be less important if only the
nitrates applied to the land as manure were washed away ; but
" unfortunately all the forms of nitrogen occurring in soil or
nsed as manures were gradually oxydieed in the soil into
nitrates, and a porous uncropped soil loses by drainage much
of its accumulated store of nitrogen." It has been found b^
experiment at Eothamstead that about Hi inches of rain have
fallen since Michaelmas, and of this 12] inches have passed
through the soil into the drains, and this drain water contained
nitrates equal to 100 lbs. of nitrate of soda per acre. When
the land is cropped the loss of nitrates is arrested, and they
are converted into plant-tissue : and the practical conclusion
— and it is very important — is to apply such a potent and valu-
able fertiliser as nitrate of soda to the soil only when the crops
are able to make immediate use of it. Gardeners may well
make a note of this sound teaching.

NOTES FROM MY GABDEN IN 1876.— No. 4.

GLAJIIOLUS.

Although I had intended to have noticed other florists'
flowers before this in my brief notes, the fact that several short
papers have recently appeared in the Journal concerning it,
and the time for planting, to which some of these remarks
refer, being at hand, have induced me to give my experience
of it now, as it will enable me to refer to those papers and
supply answers where needed. I have for some few years past
adopted the plan of peeling off the skin before planting in
order to enable me to examine the condition of the bulbs, and
I would advise all growers to do the satue. The other day I
did so with two bulbs of .Jupiter I received direct from France.
They apparently were sound, but on taking off the outer skin
I found a decaying piece right in the centre of the bulb. As
the bulb had two eyes I divided it and then cut away all the
decayed parts, and have planted it. Experience tells me that
these will now start and grow. Had I planted without exami-
nation this decayed part would have spread and the bulb
would have perished. But all precautions seem powerless to
prevent the perishing of the bulbs from what I must call dis-
ease of a very virulent nature. I mentioned the year before
that my impression was that the cause of the greater virulence
of the disease with us as compared with the Continent might
be attributed to the greater moisture of our autumns, and that
if probably the beds were covered-in from the wet weather it
might be checked. Alas ! this did not answer, and I had quite
as violent an attack of it last autumn as ever I had, except in
one memorable year at Deal, when I lost nearly my entire
collection. Indeed they are very puzzling. We used to be
told (and Mons. Souchet was most particular in urging this)
that they should never be planted in the same piece of ground
until the third year, but the magnificent spikes exhibited by
Mr. GaDoway at the Crystal Palace were taken from bulbs that
had been grown on the same piece of ground for four years in
Buccession, and Mr. Galloway tells me that although he has
some diseased bulbs they are very few; while, despite the
assertion that to allow a bulb to bloom is to ensure its decay,
nothing could exceed the size and vigour of the bulbs which
he lifts from this piece of ground — an evidence, too, against

the theory that dry autumns have to do with freedom from
disease, as the rainfall at Helensburgh is very nearly double
of that in this locality. Unfortunately no show was held in
London last autumn except that at the Crystal Palace, which
was far into September when all our flowers were past, so that
I had no opportunity of testing the quality of my bloom as
compared with that of other growers, but I was enabled to
exhibit once at Dover. My spikes were many of them very
fine. I had the new varieties of Mons. Souchet, or rather his
successor, and think that the following will prove to be the
best of those sent out in the autumn of 1875 —

CiDiiillr. — Very large lilac flowers, darker in the centre, with
red splashes and large violet spots.

ClirisiopJh' Colomb. — Very fine flower, rosy carmine flamed
with red, and lilac spots.

Ilii-Ia. — Orange scarlet with white lines ; centre striped
carmine.

Lcandrc.—Yeiy large flowers, lilac slightly tinted with car-
mine ; large white spots.
Pliirnix. — Cherry rose, white centre and white lines.
Of the older varieties I flowered well Adolphe Brongniart,
Antigone, Ariadne, Beatrix, Delicatissima, De Mirbel, Eugone
Scribe, Genevra, Grand Lilas, Hercules, Horace Vernet, Jupiter,
Legouvu, Lo Phare, Le Vesuve, L'Unique Violet, Madame
Furtado, Marie Stuart, Meyerbeer, Michel Ange, Murillo,
Norma, Ondiue, Orpbi'e, Pactole, Primatrice, Princess Marie
de Cambridge, Psyche, Schiller, and Talisman ; and I am in-
clined to think amongst these will be found the beet of the
French varipties. I had also Lody Bridport and Pictum of
Mr. KelwajV, the former one of the best he has sent out.

I am this year about to adopt Mr. Galloway's advice and
plant deep — i.e., (i inches. Heretofore I have planted about
3 or 4 inches deep, hut he says he has found the advantage of
deep planting, and if it will in any way check the inroads of
the disease I shall be glad indeed. With regard to Mr. Kelway's
statement that there is no disease, and that the losses arise
from exhaustion of the bulbs by flowering and by bad manage-
ment, I would say that it seems to me as absurd to say the
first as it would be to go through the wards of a hospital and
say to the surgeons, " These people are not dying of disease,
it's only from the failure of strength and vitality ;" while to
say that they are no more snbjnct to a disease than the Hya-
cinth is equally fallacious. Hyacinths die, not because they have
a disease, but simply because people do not take sufficient care
of them. When that is done they will continue vigorous and
bloom well for years, but no care will enable you to count on
the Gladiolus. Does Mr. Kelway mean to say that his bulbs
which he sends out will resist (£ suppose I must not say dis-
ease) exhaustion better than the French varieties ? for if so I
have evidence to the contrary. A very distinguished amateur
in the north of England wrote to me that the per-centage of
loss in the bulbs he obtained from Langport was greater than
that in the French varieties ; and even with regard to so hardy
a variety as Lady Bridport I lost six out of twelve bulbs of it
last year, and in one or two instances they never bloomed at all.
I do not know what are the varieties your other correspondent
Mr. Gain (who places his bulbs on sand) grows. A great deal
depends on that. The less highly bred varieties are not so
liable to disease, but I cannot recommend in any case the
treatment he practises of placing them on sand and allowing
them to root there before planting ; nor can I understand Mr.
Gain's experience that if left too long on a dry shelf they
moulder into dust. I two years ago left by mistake a bulb of
Madame Furtado on a shelf ; to my surprise not only when I
went to the shelf in the autumn had it not mouldered away,
but it had actually formed a small bulb, and that bulb when
planted the following year grew and flowered. When they are
diseased they shrivel up and become as hard as a stone, but
I have never fotmd them go into powder.

If I still adhere to my view that the Gladiolus is subject to
disease it is from no desire to discountenance its cultivation,
but simply to express what I believe to be the fact ; and I can
endorse my friend Mr. Banks's statement, that " if anyone
wants to know what disappointment means let him grow the
Gladiolus." I shall this year try Mr. Galloway's plan, and
hope I may be able to speak favourably of results if spared
this time next year. — D., Deal.

ELECTION OF APPLES.
Like Oliver Twist I cry " More." I think the result will be
of interest to most of your readers, and therefore ask your sab-

252

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t April 5, 1877.

Bcribers not only to send lists themselves, but to ask their
friends also to forward them. Any notes also on the oanses of
oanktr io tbe different varieties will be acceptable. — Lewis
A. KiLLiCK, Mount Pleasant, Langleij, Maidsto>ic.

EARLY WRITEBS ON ENGLISH GARDENING.

No. sn.

HORACE WALPOLE.

Walpole was one of the most influential promoters of
landscape gardening, for he not only advocated in his publica-
tions, but illustrated it by the arrangement of his grounds at
Strawberry Hill.

He was the yonngost son of Sir Robert Walpole, Prime
Minister of George I. ; was bora in 1718. He was educated
at Eton and King's College, Cambridge. In 1738 he entered
upon public life as Inspector; General of Exports and Im-

oluding chapter of his " Anecdotes of Painting in England,"
which, though printed in 1771, did not appear to the public
until 1780.

In this essay, being determined to demonstrate that rural
gardening was the true and new taste, to establish the opinion
historians both sacred and profane which appeared to militate
against his doctrines are passed over with indifference and
contempt. To his sketch of the improvements introduced by
Bridgeman and Kent, and those garden artists their immediate
successors, we may afford the best praise. He appears to be
a faithful and is an eloquent annalist.

ME. LUCKHUEST'S OLD ROSE.
I \Yisn he had told us the colour. I think the Rose must be
one of those three — Pierre de St. Cyr, Triomphe de la Daohere
(introduced thirty-one years ago), or Janne Desprez — a Bour-

Fig. 33.— HOBAOE WALPOLE.

ports, which ofGoe he exchanged for Usher of the Exchequer.
He was also appointed Comptroller of the Pipe and Clerk of
the Extracts. In 1739 he travelled into France and Italy with
Mr. Gray the poet, who had been his fellow student at Eton,
but at Florence they quarrelled and parted ; they were, how-
ever, reconciled a fow years afterwards. In 1711 ho was the
representative in Parliament of Callington in Cornwall ; in
1747 he was elected for Castle Rising, and in the two succeed-
ing Parliaments for Lynn. In 17C8 he retired from public
business to his seat at Strawberry Hill, near Twickenham. In
17yi he became Earl of Orford on the death of his nephew,
but never appeared in his seat as a Peer of Parliament. He
died March the 2nd, 1797.

That the Earl of Orford was a man of taste and au encourager
of the men of genius of his age is the best light in which as
a public character we can look upon him. That he was gifted
with a strong genius, though often asserted, is very doubtful ;
that his researches were frequently superficial his writings
testify, and this is farther supported by the fact that he was
a sceptic. He very powerfully contributed to abolish the
mathematical style of gardening, being one of the most strenu-
ous advocates of landscape gardening, as is manifested in his
only literary production that we shall mention, being an essay
' On Modern Gardening," written in 1770, forming the con-

bon and two Noieettos. Sir Joseph Paxton answers mnoh to
the description. If it ia a Hybrid Perpetual it is either Anna
Alexieff or Madame Louise Carique. If it is a white Rose it is
La Biohe. I think it is either Pierre de St. Cyr (pale pink) or
Triomphe de la DuchOre (pale rose). — W. F. EADCwrFE.

CLIANTHUS DAMPIERI.

Now and then we see a plant of this, but rarely a well-grown
specimen. No finer subject (if indeed any can vie with it
among greenhouse plants) is found among the Leguminosffl.
Its (juaint flowers, 3 to 1 inches in length, are borne in clusters
tour to seven in number upon a rather stout erect stem ; they
depend gracefully, are of a fiery scarlet colour, with a glossy
deep bluish-black centre or boss, which [seen amid or above
the elegant light shining glauoous-green foliage have quite a
striking effect ; but what must be the effect of G. Dampieri
var. Deutsoh Flagge or German Flag — representative in the
colour of its flowers of those of the national flag of those
countries ? It is said to have been raised by L. Vieweg of
Weglebon, and " comes true from seed." My desire to behold
this, or, better, to possess a few seeds, is so(ardent that I hardly
care to describe it. It is alleged to be'black, white, and red.
" The upper part fiery soarlet, centre glossy bluish-black, keel

April 5, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND OOTTAGB GABDENEB.

253

pure white, with sharply-defined red margin on the lower
side. Separate flowers 31 inches and upwards long, borne in
clnsters of four to seven. Treated as an annual 200 to L'GO
flowers are produced on a plant in August." I mention the
German Flag variety in hope that it will soon be procurable
in Cferman seed — coUeotions similar to Asters, &c. Imagine a

taken aback at observing in the cultural directions, with which
seed citalogues are now so replete, the following piece of in-
formation appended to this plant:—" Sown in the open air in
May, it has thriven and bloomed exceedingly well without any
care. It must be sown in a dry, hot, sunny situation. It
should never be watered." This struck me as bearing out the
idea of growing the German Flag variety, "Treated as an
annual, 200 to 2rj0 flowers on a plant in August ;" the place
bemg Germany, not Britain. In its native habitat Clianthus
Dampieri has two temperatures — never less than 50' in the
cold season, and in summer CO' to G5' night, 70' to 75' day
up to S3' or 90', and higher; having a very open exposure, and
tho atmosphere dry, particularly after the plant attains to a
flowering state. Soil a rich vegetable oie— the d^b ris of vege-

Fig. 84.— ClianthuB Dampieri.

bed of the species and the German Flag variety intermixed, or
with the B[ eoies in the centre and a broad band of the variety
surronndirg it ! It would produce a sensation.

That it is practicable to grow Clianthus Dampieri as a bedder
in the southern half of England I have no doubt ; in fact the
Messrs.,Veitch, Chelsea, have, I understand, treated it in that
way very sucoessfuUy— indeed I saw at their establishment very
healthy admirably bloomed plants in June, ld74 ; but I was

tation overlying a oooi wet bottom. Everybody, of conrre,
linows that it is a native of Australia, and generally accepts it
with C. pnnicens as a climber. None of the plants I have
grown of C. Dampieri have any climbing tendency. The first
shoot, it is true, rises erect, but is not long ere it seeks a
dependent habit, and from the neck or collar of the plant
emanate shoots about the same time as the primary growths
begin to depend, and those have not an upward tendency.
This habit is so decided that I can imagine no finer subject
planted upon a knoll or raised bed with the shoots allowed to
ramble at their own " sweet will " in aU directions. The trusaea
of flowers will rise 4 to 0 inches clear of the foliage, appearing
as jewels of coral set in silver. Or, grown iu a large deep pot
raised so as to be level with the eye, the shoots depending all
around would be when in flower strikingly effective. Half a
dozen or more plants might be grown in a pot or placed in the
centre of a bed ; but not having put the idea into practice for
want of space in the one case and of unsuitableness of climate
in the other, I will proceed to describe the culture by which
plants were successfully flowered iu pots of moiTerate size for
greenhouse decoration.

The seed is sown early in June and placed in a hotbed,
covering the seed about a quarter of an inch deep, the com-
post consisting of tnrfy loam three parts, sandy peat one part,
leaf soil a part, half a part charcoal iu sizes from a pea to a
hazel nut, and half a part of silver sand, the loam and peat
broken up rather roughly, tbo whole well incorporated. No
difference is made in the compost afterwards, only old cow
dung supplants the leaf soil at all subsequent pottings, and
in case of the loam not being fibrous, equal parts of it and
peat are taken. The seeds are placed two in a 4-inch pot, or
several in a 0-incb, but the latter is not so good as the former,
as the plants have to be potted off, which checks them oon-
siderably. So soon as the seedlings appear they are raised ou
an inverted pot near to the glass, the object being to keep the
plants from drawing, especially the stem beneath the first
leaves. Water is given sparingly, and always just within the
rim of the pot, it being only given when the soil becomes dry.
The pots are afterwards placed upon slates, as when stood
upon soil the roots speedily find their way into it through the
drainage. One crock and a lump of charcoal are employed for
drainage. Shade is given the young plants after potting them,
but when established they are fully exposed to the sun. Only
one plant is grown in a pot, and with a genial atmosphere they
grow freely. In a cold, moist, stagnant atmosphere they will
not thrive, and drip upon their branches will destroy them.

When the roots show at the bottom of the pots shift into
7-inch, keeping well up in the centre and forming a dish all
around just within the rim, using charcoal as before for drain-
age. If moderately moiat when shifted, the soil employed
being also moist, do not water after potting but wait a while,
returning the plants to the frame. Never water until the soil

254

JOURNAL OF HORTlOULTUBE AI?1) COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 5, 1877.

be dry, and yet before tbe plants show distreee, for this plant
will not thrive in a parched soil. Ked spider will come in due
time, destroy it at the onset. Lay the plant on its side,
syriuge on the under side of the foliage forcibly, turning round
80 as to dislodge the enemy from every part. It must be done
without deluging the soil with water, making it a quagmire.
Repeat tbe syringing if necessary.

From 7-inch transfer to 11-inch pots, leaving space all
around juat within the rim (with the plant rather high in the
centre) for watering. The drainage should he thorough — a
fourth the depth of the pots. Pot moderately firm in compost
rough rather than fine. Place in a pit or house, light, mode-
rately airy, with plenty of room, having a temperature of
45° to 50' "at night, 55 to (>0' by day, or that of an intermediate
house, mine being Isept in a pit up to the end of September
and then transferred to a greenhouse with a temperature from
fire heat of 45 to 40' at night, 50' by day, but that temperature
is too low. Notwithstanding, blooming commences in April
and is continued until June. I have transferred plants from
4-inch to 9-inoh pots successfully, but those who can command
a poBition for planting out in a house with a winter temperature
of 50' would, I feel certain, be amply rewarded by increased
size of plant and bloom. I have sown in April and grown-on
in frames, but the plants being large in autumn did not winter
well, as flower trusses were shown in early winter, which in a
temperature of 45' to 40° at night and 50° by day did not
advance.

The plants are very impatient of a wet sodden soil, and
equally so of a cold damp atmosphere, but they flourish in a
brisk moist heat if ventilated freely and not shaded. Sown
the middle of August in a hotbed in 4-inch pots, removed to a
house with a temperature in winter of 45° to 50°, given 7-inch
pots the end of September, 0 or 11-inch in February, we have
plants that flower in June through the summer, which are the
class of plants to be advised for bedding, for unless the plants
are well forward by the early part of June there is little to
hope from plants planted out in the open ground in a majority
of available situations in Britain, to say nothirg of sowing in
a " dry, hot, sunny situation in May."

As to training, let its shoots come out naturally, for it is ill-
suited for twisting round stakes ; but if stakes must be used
employ as few as possible, not distorting by seeking to make
it climb, which is contrary to its nature. The annexed figure
of a spray of this plant will enable those who are not yet ac-
quainted with it to judge of its appearance. Although very
old the plant has not yet been seen by everyone. — G. Aebey.

■;Th)s plant was discovered as long ago as the year lOflO by
Capt. Dampier, the circumnavigaior. He found it growing in
the dry sandy soil of one of the islands called Dampier's Archi-
pelago on the coast of New Holland, and a small specimen of
that very plant is still preserved, without leaves, in the Sher-
ardian 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 Capt. P. P. Kiug,
E.N., in 1818, I have dedicated to that very celebrated navi-
gator, its discoverer. In May, 1818, it was found in flower,
and only with fruit in a very young state." — [Hort. Soc. Trans.
2nd Series, i. 523.)

Mr. Cunningham met with it afterwards in the western in-
terior of New South Wales on the eastern shore of Regent's
Lake on the river Lachlan, and by Mr. Eyre and Capt. Sturt
it was found on the Gowler Range and Barrier Range near the
Darling, about 500 feet above the river.

It has had many synonyms, as Clianthus Oxleyi, a mere va-
riety; Donia tpeciosa, and Kennedya speciosa. Mr. 'Woodward ,
in " Dampier's Voyage," called it Colutea Novae-HoUandiffi. i

DET.4ILS Debieable. — The following is from a well-known
cultivator : — " The communications of your correspondents
are supposed to be for the good of your readers. In many
cases one cannot avail oneself of the experience of the writers,
because they do not give precise information. One man writes
and strongly recommends a Rose, eay, but does not say what
soil it has been grown in, on what stock, or whether in
the south of England or tbe north of Scotland. Take the
article on Apple culture in your last paper. Where does
" W. G." live ? On what soil ? What is the use of being told
of his having a good middle-of- July Apple :' No one can get
it. It is just the Apple I want, but even if I could procure it
withotit knowing the soil and climate where it eucceeds, whut

use is it to me ? He speaks highly of the Baldwin Apple, and
what makes mo long for it is the statement that it has an
excellent flavour, especially when baked whole. Just what I
like — an Apple dumpling baked with a whole Apple."

SEED POTATOES.
PoTATO-rLANTiNG will now be the order of the day in every
garden. Selecting seed (I do not mean varieties) is a matter
of considerable importance. I find that some recommend
large tubers to be planted, others small sets; some whole,
others cut. I have grown some excellent crops of Potatoes
under very ordinary ciroumstauces, and I consider this not
altogether unaffected by the seed. In lifting Potatoes I make
three lots of them — first, all above the size of a hen's egg ;
second, all above the size of a pigeon's egg; third, all under
this size. The first are used in the kitchen, the second are
put carefully away for seed, and the small tubers are given
to the pigs. This middle size I always plant whole, and I
have seen no reason to alter this practice. Some people cut
large Potatoes down the centre or make them into two or three,
and take a small piece ol'f the end of each small one bufore
planting. Where sets are scarce large tubers nny be cut ; but
I have not seen nor can I imagine any advantage attending
cutting a piece from small tubers. — A Kitchen Gabdekeb.

PALMS.

At the fortnightly meeting of the Darlington Gardeners'
Institute the following was read by Mr. Lazenby of Woodside : —

In saying a few words upon Palms I will first mention the
well-known genus Areca, tbo popular species being A. sapida,
A. aurea, A. Verachaffeltii, and A. lutesoens. This genua pro-
duces the well-known betel nut, so famous for its narcotic
properties. The leaves are elegantly pinnate-plumed, and
gracefully pendant. They are all very suitable for house de-
coration in a small state, and when fully grown form a grand
feature in the large conservatories of most of our best garden
establishments, and are usually well appreciated by the judges
at horticultural shows. They are easily kept at a decorative size
for the dwelling house by using them in 6 or 8-inch pots, feed-
ing well during the growing season with soot water, and at all
times giving liberal supplies of clear water, the soot water com-
pensating for the loss of pot room. When grown in small pots
they form useful window plants, and can be used for the
dinner table ; in fact, they may be placed in any part of the
dwelling with good effect. The soil should consist of two parts
loam, one wood ashes, one peat, and one sand of a sharp
nature.

I will now direct attention to the Daamonorops. The whole
plant is of dark green, leaves pinnate, pendulous, pinnje long
and narrow, petioles sheathed in the base, armed with long
black spines. D. plumosus, D. palembanicus, and I), hystrix
are the kinds most cultivated. By growing them in a high
temperature yon can secure a grand plant of any of those
mentioned in from twelve to eighteen months ; at the same
time by keeping them in small pots and feeding with manure
water you can keep them in good health for two or three years,
in which state they are highly useful for table decoration. Soil
the same as for the last.

I will next mention the Geonomas, which are found growing
in Mexico at an elevation of 5000 feet above the sea. Three
beautiful Palms are G. Porteriana, G. Seemanii, and G. gracilis ;
the leaves of the two first are entire, plaited, deeply bifid at
the apex, the fronds in well-grown plants reaching 24 inches
in length. Cinches wide at the base.increaeing to 9 or 12 inches
at the apex, seen thus they are very striking. G. gracilis is
longer in the leaf and somewhat pendulous. At its first intro-
duction it was thought this Palm would take the first rank in
dwarf Palms ; this I think will not be the case. To those
who may wish to try their skill on (i. gracilis I would say,
Keep it from growing in the winter months, or you will most
surely lose its lower leaves from want of rest at that period.
Soil, two parts of peat, one of loam and wood ashes freely
mixed ; drain well, give moderate shifts and plenty of water
when growing freely, and shade well.

I will next mention the Chamcerops, all of which do well in
a greenhouse ; they play an important part in the sub-tropioal
gardening of the south of England ; they are found in North
America, North Africa, and South Europe; humilis being the
European species. They are of moderate growth, excelsa being
the largest, at times reaching a height of 8S feet. The leaves

April 5, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

255

are fan-shaped and drooping at the apex. They will bear a
large amount of hard treatment, and the plants are nseful for
any poBition.

I now come to that prince of Palms Cocoa Weddelliana.
This is no donbt the most elegant Palm in cultivation, the
stem being slender, clothed with a quantity of matted black
fibre, the leaves on a fairly grown plant being 2.\ to 3 feet long,
and in cases of good culture 4 feet long, beautifully arched,
long, narrow, and dark green on the upper side and glaucous
underneath. The plants must be sparingly watered, grown in
a stove temperature, and slightly shaded from bright sun or
they will lose colour. This Palm is greatly benefited by
assisting the opening pinna) to expand. In doing this use the
handle of a budding knife, place it in the open part at the base
of the pinniB, and draw it gently out to the tip ; by so doing
yon save the plants from breaking the ends of the pinnas.

I will lastly call attention to that beautiful Palm Verschaffeltii
eplendida. The stem is placed upon an inverted cone of ad-
ventitious roots, the petioles are sheathing at the base and
covered with spines, leaf entire, largely biped at the apex. I
have in my charge a young plant two years old, with leaves
2 feet long, 26 inches wide, a grand subject but very tender;
should never be in a temperature lower than 02°, or it soon
shows signs of distress. The soil used consists of peat and
loam with a good quantity of wood ashes. I use wood ashes
freely; I do so on account of their being to most plants a first-
class rooting medium, and keep the soil sweet in case of over-
watering. In mentioning those few Palms I wish to create a
more general use of them amongst amateurs, as I feel sure they
would find them vastly more useful than many short-lived
flowering plants. Combined with those they create a beautiful
effect, never failing to be admired by all who see them. — {Dar-
lington and Stockton Times.)

JOURNAL DES EOSES.

Chief Editor, M. Camillc Bernardin.

SoiiE obliging unknown friend has sent me the second
number of the above. It has a charming cover, " red as the
Eose," to which the bride is compared whose wedding break-
fast the ancient mariner delayed for such an unconscionable
time. It is a foreshadowing of the "Rose .Journal " on this
side the water, which I see the programme of the National
Eose Society promises.

The first article is on the Great Autumn Eose Show at
St. Germain-en-Laye. That was a Eose show indeed. Imagine,
those who can, six thousand " queens of flowers " shown by
five noted rosieristes ! M. Alexia Ponlain came first with
500 Eose du Eoi, 1-30 Jules Margottin, COO mixed kinds, and
230 of that " monstrueuEe Kose Paul Neyron." A medal was
given by the Minister of Agriculture (when shall we have
either the minister or the medal?), and the whole appears to
have been a great success in its way, though the Eoses men-
tioned are not, perhaps, very high-class ones. I pass over an
able article " on growing Roses in the open air," and another
charming account of a f>te of Roees at Grisy-Suisnes. This
latter ends with the remark that, "ou his return from the
crusades Thibault IV., Count of Champagne and Brie brought
back from Damascus the first Eoses which were cultivated in
Provence." "What would be the surprise of this Count of
Champagne and Brie if he could have assisted at the fair Eose
fete at (irisy-Snisnes ?" " On Choosing Roses " is the next
article. Among the Bourbons " Mistress Bosanquet " is com-
mended. We, I fear, are rather neglecting that lady now-a-
days. Also " EuviJrend Dombrain" is highly spoken of. No
one can speak too highly of that divine in the flesh, but as a
Eose I confess I think he may be equalled ; nor should I
venture to submit to him when acting as judge even the most
promising specimen of his namesake.

I will not go through the lists, but in general the Eoses
mentioned are quite as much what we should call garden Eoses
as exhibitioners. Page 8 speaks of a special exposition of
Eoses at Lyons in July last. Twenty seedling Eoses were sub-
mitted to the judges. " The sovereign judges entered the
palace of Flora at 10 a.m." It is not said when they came out,
but only four Eoses happily survived the ordeal. Madame
Welche, a Tea, called after the wife of the Prefect of the Rhone,
gained the first prize. Mr. Henry Bennett, rosii'riste, Anglais,
became her happy proprietor, I mean the Rose's. Lazarine
Poizeau, another Tea, came second; then an H.P., Gabriel
Fournier, and then another H.P. with a good plain English
name to her, " Emma Hall ;" hke La France, she could not

have chosen a better model. This article is signed by M. Jean
Sisley, Secretary to the Lyons Socicto des Eosiuristes. There
is an article on Mr. Laxton, a new red Rose, with a most
glowing portrait. An article ou the coming Paris Exhibition
in 1878. Another under the head of the New Roses of 1876-
1877. Some carefully guarded remarks on a very burning
question just at present. Speaking of a Eose, " which ought
to be a marvel indeed if all that is said of the goodness and
beauty of this new queen of flower born in England is true.
' The Floral Magazine ' proclaims the apparition of this Rose,
which ought to constitute an epoch in the world of rosarians
of all countries through its extraordinary not to say incredible
colouring. This new Eose carries the name of Glazenwood
Beauty, because she comes from Mr. Woodthorpe's Glazen-
wood Nurseries, near Witham and Braintree, on the Great
Eastern Railway. She appears to belong to the series of Roses
Capucines, and to be originally from Japan. Growth very
abundant, vigour that of a climbing Eose .... her colour
almost incredible, that we lean to the responsibility of the

artist who has so well drawn the picture We have seen

numbers of young plants of this new Rose in the nursery
grounds at Suisues, where they seem to please themselves to a
marvel, but we await the blooming before pronouncing on the
flower and its colouring." — A. C.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES.

I QUITE agree with " Wiltshire Eectok " in his remarks
at page 203 in your Journal as to the destruction of the
balance of power by the destruction of birds of prey ; and
much as I am annoyed by the depredations of blackbirds
and thrushes during the fruit season, and wish they were in
anyone's garden but my employer's, I know they do a positive
good during the other period of the year. I think all who
have a garden may have observed that during wet weather
that fruit is left untasted and uncared-for, but should a long
spell of hot dry weather ensue, good-bye to the fruits which
are not uetted-up.

Although the garden here is embosomed in trees and
swarming with blackbirds and thrushes, I have not killed one
of either, bat I do occasionally walk about with a gun when I
feel inclined. The bullfinch is my game during the winter
months, but strange to say this year they have hardly taken
a bud. I presume the cause is that there is a sufficiency o£
natural food for them without having recourse to the explora-
tion of the buds of fruit trees. I find the best way to secure
them is by a trap cage and a decoy bird hung in a quiet part
of the grounds, occasionally changing the position of the cage;
by this means I have sometimes succeeded in keeping them
pretty well down.

To return to blackbirds and thrushes. Who has not seen
the former scratching away in right good earnest the leaves in
a hedgerow in search of slugs, Ac, and the latter with a large
snail in its beak battering it against a stone to break the shell
so as to feast on the unctuous matter inside ? Both of these
birds do an infinite amount of good, and there ought to
be a close season for them as for some other of our feathered
friends. — J. Gadd.

ME. THOMAS DICKSON OF CHESTER.

Although the firm of which Mr. Dickson was a member
(Messrs. F. & A. Dickson & Sons) is well known throughout
the United Kingdom, we in these more southern parts have
known but little of the individual members who compose it,
and so with myself. Although a good many years ago I visited
the Upton Nurseries and recorded my visit in the Journal, it
was not until last year that I had the pleasure of making the
personal acquaintance of the two gentlemen who were until the
other day the heads of it, and it was with great regret that I re-
ceived an intimation that the younger of the two brothers, Mr.
Thomas Dickson, was no more. Daring my very pleasant visit
to the quaint old city I saw a good deal of him, and my inter-
course has left a very pleasing recollection. A genuine Christian
and a gentleman in its truest sense, one could not but ad-
mire the simplicity and gentleness of his character, and could
well believe he had thoroughly won the hearts of those who
were in the employment of the firm. Throughout his own
county and in the north of England and in Scotland he was
well known, and wherever known valued, not only for his
amiability of character but for his business habits. Among
my projects for this season I had looked hopefully to renewing

256

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ AprU 5, 18T7.

my intercourse with him, but this, alas ! is not to be. He
came south last autumn to try the efJect of a warmer climate,
but without avail, and he has died at the comparatively early
age of forty-two, leaving a devoted wife and three little ones
to mourn his loss ; indeed, one may say that wherever he was
known it will be felt that a blank has been made, and he
affords another example of a truism we are too apt to forget,
that a man may by a quiet and consistent life make a gap as
much felt as that occasioned by any of the more clamorous
claimants for the good will of their fellow men. — D., Deal.

PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS.

Bauhinia PETioLATA. JiTai. ord., LegumlnoBse. Lrmi., Deo-
andria Monogynia. Flowers white. — " B. petiolata was intro-
duced by Linden from New Grenada, and by him was sent to
Kew, where it flowered in October, 1862. I am indebted to
the excellent New Grenadau botanist M. Triana for identifying
it with the plant of Mutis."— (Hot. Mag., t. 6277.)

Oncididm cHKiROpnoRUM. Nat. ord., OrchidacesB. Linn.,
Gynandria Monandria. — " A charming very sweet-scented little
species alhed to the 0. straminenm (t. 6254), but a far more
elegant plant, with narrow leaves, an almost filiform scape,
and brighter-coloured sparkling yellow flowers. It was dis-
covered by Warscewioz on the volcano of Chiriqui, at an ele-
vation of 8000 feet, in New Grenada (near Panama), flowering
in December, with the thermometer some few degrees above
freezing point. It has been long cultivated on the Continent,
and first of all at Hamburgh, a town once so famous for the
Orchid collections of its high oflice-bearer, as of Senator Janisch
and Consul Schiller, and was soon thereafter introduced into
England. It was flowered at Kew in December, 1872, from plants
reared by Messrs. Veitch the previous year." — {Ihid. t. 6278.)

CoKDiA DECANDEA. Nat. ord., BoraginacesB. Linn., Deoan-
dria Monogynia. — " A beautiful shrub, native of Central and
Northern Chili, where it is well known for the excessive hard-
ness of its wood, which is much used for charcoal, whence the
local name of Carbon for the species is derived. The first
information we possess of it is from specimens gathered in
182.J by Macrae, a collector in the employ of the Boyal Horti-
cultural Gardens, who visited Chili on his way to the N.W. coast
of America, since which period it has been met with by many
botanists and voyagers. It is easy of cultivation, and well
worth a place in a warm greenhouse on account of the pure
white of the blossoms that are copiously produced in spring.
The following account of the wood is given in the Appendix to
Mrs. Graham's (afterwards Lady Calcott's) ' Chili ': — ' Carbon
grows in the districts of Guasoo, Coquimbo, and Gnzcuz only.
It is short and thick and used for small articles of turnery,
but it is incomparable for firewood. Two logs that might not
each be more than a yard long and one-third thick suffice to
keep a stew boiling night and day,be9ides other kettles, enough
for eight or ten people.' Mr. Cruckshanks, frcn whom there
are specimens in the Hookerian Herbarium, states that the
wood is extensively employed for fuel in smelting copper (as
the dead and w thered stems of the Cactus are for refining that
metal) in the mining districts of Coquimbo, bo that in many
places the district is almost cleared of these plants. Cordia
decandra was introduced by Messrs. Veitch, who sent the
specimen here figured in May, 1875." — {Ihid., t. 6279.)

TupiSTHA MACKOSTIOMA. Nat. Ord., Liliaceaa. Linn., Hex-
andria Monogynia. — " We have a considerable suite of speci-
mens in the Kew herbarium, gathered in the mountains of
Khasia at an elevation of between 2000 and 4000 feet by
Grifiith, and Hooker, and Thomson. There is a fine drawing
at Kew yet unpublished by Cathcart of the true T. equalida
from Sikkim. The drawing of T. macrostigma was made from
a plant which flowered in Kew Gardens in December, 1876,
which was sent to the collection by Dr. Eegel in 1872." — (Ibid.,
t. 6280.)

DRACocErHALUM srECiosuM. Nat. ord., Labiatte. Linn.,
Didynamia Gymnospermia. Flowers purple.—" Discovered
by Wallich's collectors in Nepal, and afterwards almost simul-
taneously found by Madden in Garwhal, by Strachey and
Winterbottom in Kumaon, and by myself in the Sikkim Hima-
laya, all at elevations ranging from 12,000 to 1.5,000 feet above
the sea, where it forms a robust handsome plant in grassy
places. The genus is a very considerable one, containing
many species well worth cultivation, especially on a rockwork.
It extends from Europe to the Altai and Himalaya, where
about thirty species are known. The specimen here figured
was received at Kew from the Eev. Mr. Harper Crewe, who

raised it from seeds sent from Sikkim by Mr. Elwes. It
flowered in June last." — {Ibid., t. 6281.)

Hypolttrdm latifoliuh. Nat. ord., Cyperacese. Linn.,
Triandria Monogynia. — " Now that elegance of form is begin-
ning to be appreciated in cultivation, both Graminese and
Cyperacea! will claim a consideration which has hitherto been
but grudgingly awarded to them. The plant here figured was
sent to Kew from Ceylon by Dr. Thwaites, an excellent judge
of what is horticulturally an acquisition, as a very ornamental
one, and well worthy of cultivation in a tropical house. And
this it has proved from its graceful bright green foliage, its
rich brown inflorescence, and its permanent freshness. The
genus Hypolytrum is a thoroughly tropical one, found in all
three continents, and the species have wide ranges ; the present
extends from Hindostan and Ceylon to China and the Fiji
Islands, and has been identified with an African species. It is
common in mountain woods of Ceylon and in the Malay Penin-
sula, but has not been found in northern India. It was raised
from seeds sent by Dr. Thwaites to Kew, and flowers at various
seasons." — {Ibid., t. 6282.)

Peach — Belle Imperiale. — " This is a late variety of Peach,
well deserving to be better known and more extensively culti-
vated. It ripens about the same time as the Late Admirable,
and is often highly coloured like the Bellegarde. The fruit is
large, somewhat ovate, being taller than broad and rather
smaller upwards, marked with a shallow suture, and having a
slight terminal depression. The skin is finely downy, of a
pale greenish yellow, more or less marbled with rosy crimson
on the sunny side. The flesh is pale greenish white, very
juicy and tender, deeply stained with red at the stone, from
which it freely parts ; it has a pleasant and refreshing flavour,
fully equal to that of the best late varieties in cultivation.
The leaves are orenate at the margins and furnished with
roundish reniform glands at their base. Mr. Scott, in the
' Orohardist,' describes it as of the first size and quality,
ripening in September, and he gives Admirable de Septembre
as a synonym. He further states it is 'a variety of the Peach
Bon Ouvrier, which it much resembles ; skin pale yellow, with
a bright purple flush on the sunny side ; flesh vinous, sugary,
rich, melting, and excellent. Introduced by me from Paris,
1867.' " — {Florist and Pomologist, 3 s., x., 25.)

SEEDS OLD AND NEW.
No doubt many of your readers, with myself, have been
struck with the apparent inconsistent teachings on the germi-
nation and results of seeds. We are often told to procure the
oldest seeds we can of Melons, Cucumbers, Celery, Ac. ; and if
we ask Why? the answer is, "They produce the best fruiting
plants; they grow less to wood and more to fruit." Well,
this is very good as regards Melons and Cucumbers ; but it is
not fruit we want from Celery — just the reverse; we want it
not to go to seed, but to strong healthy foliage. Now if old
seeds of Melons and Cucumbers produce fruit or seed sooner
than plants raised from new seed, why not argue by analogy
and say the same about Celery and such like ? The Turnip is
said to bulb better and is not so liable to run to seed when the
seed is two or three years old. The same is said about the
Beetroot and Mangold Wurtzel; if many bolt the explanation
is, "Oh! new seed did it." The Cabbage, too, is reported to
close more compactly and is less liable to go to seed if grown
from old seed. I might cite many more instances, but the
above will convey my meaning. I hope that this matter, which
is at present enveloped in mystery, will be elucidated in the
columns of the Journal. — B. G., Co. Boion.

NEW BOOK.

Album Denary. Parts 1 to 4. Ernst Senary, Erfurt, 1876.

This is a work of very great value that has been issued by
M. Ernst Benary, the celebrated seedsman of Erfurt in Ger-
many. It consists of beautiful coloured plates, in which it is in-
tended to illustrate the whole of the principal vegetables usually
grown in the kitchen garden. There are already four parts ol
the Album published. The first contains in its four large
quarto plates three of Cabbages and Kales, and the fourth is de-
voted to Carrots. Of the former eighteen varieties are figured,
and of the latter there are thirteen. No. 2 contains one plate
of Cabbage Lettuces, one of Cucumbers, one of Kidney Beans,
and one of Radishes. In No. 3 we have another plate devoted
to Cabbage Lettuces, one to Beets, one to Kidney Beans, and
the fourth to various kinds of culinary roots, such as Chicory,

April 5, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OP HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

257

Chervil, Parsnip, Salsafy, Parsley, Bampion, and Scorzonera.
In Part i we have a plate devoted to Mangold Wortzel and
Sugar Beets, another to Mangold Wurtzel only; one to orna-
mental Gourds, and one to Onions. The names are given
very ftUly in four languages — German, English, French, and
Bnssian. To all seedsmen and gardeners this will be a book
of great value, as the plates are so well drawn and so faithfully
coloured that no one who has any knowledge of the subject
can fail to recognise the different varieties ; and to those who
are only partially acquainted with the various sorts of vege-
tables it will be most instructive, as conveying the information
required in the most expressive and convincing form.

We highly commend this useful and beautiful book to all
who are interested in the snbjects of which it treats.

INSECTS AND AMMONIA.

" B. G., Co. Doiin," in referring to this subject on page 155,
states that I have distinctly affirmed that ammonia arising
from guano heated in a liquid state will destroy thrips and red
spider. Your correspondent further states that " thrips is less
hardy than red spider." My experience on the matter was
described as follows : — " Impregnating the air with ammonia
is, in my opinion, the most simple, safe, and effectual means
which can be employed for keeping the foliage of Vines free
from red spider. In damping and closing the vineries in the
afternoon I always use guano water. I employ no other pre-
ventives as sulphur, &c., good though they may be; and while
I never syringe the Vines, I feel quite certain that a red spider
has not ventured under the roof and lived for the past half
dozen years." I further stated that a " much stronger volume
of ammonia is necessary to kill mealy bug than is required for
red spider, and it must be stronger still to kill thrips." Those
statements I adhere to.

I am quite eatiafied of the benefit resulting to Vines when
stable manure and leaves are allowed to ferment in the house,
provided the material is in a sweet state when the foliage of
the Vines is expanding, otherwise the practice is dangerous.
But there are many vineries so arranged that fermenting
manure cannot be used, and it is then that guano becomes so
valuable as an insect-preventive, and as affording a safe and
wholesome stimulant to the Vines. At the time I penned the
observations alluded to I had special facilities for testing the
value of guano for producing an atmosphere which the Vines
rejoiced in, and which red spider detested. I had not the
slightest difiicnlty in keeping red spider at bay, but I could not
destroy thrips and mealy bug without using the guano at a
strength endangering the safety of the Vines and plants. Some
plants are more susceptible of injury by the fumes of ammonia
than are others, eepecially Ferns. Gesneraceous plants and
Spiraea (Hoteia) japonica are also easily damaged, as they are
also by the fumes of tobacco.

After the Grapes have been thinned and are approaching
the stoning period and onwards to ripening, I do not think
that guano can be sprinkled too freely when the vinery is
closed in the afternoon and every part is wet as it should be,
and the temperature from the sun is from 80° to 90°. That
moisture-laden, ammonia-impregnated tropical atmosphere is
in a high degree conducive to the health of the Vines, and
correspondingly promotive of disease in insects, especially red
spider. I have the beat reason for advocating the application
of guano water to the walls and floors of vineries at the time
of closing them after the Vines have fully expanded their
foliage, and until the Grapes commence colouring. If that
practice is adopted in conjunction with otherwise good manage-
ment, red spider will do little harm. In my ease — and I was
then practising in one of the driest locahties in Britain, where
the soil was light and Dwarf Kidney Beans on the border ad-
joining the vinery were devoured with red spider — the pest did
absolutely no injury in the vinery, although, as before stated,
the Vines were never syringed. For a period of ten years,
although red spider abounded during the heat of summer, ex-
hausting the kitchen-garden crops and defoliating fruit and
forest trees, I never saw one of these insects on the leaves of
the Vines, nor on any plants in the vinery, unless I introduced
them for purposes of experiment. Guano was the sole and
effectual antidote, and it is still need in the same vineries with
the same effect — healthy Vines and no red spider.

The period of the year has arrived when Vines are gene-
lally in active growth, and when red spider will soon increase
and multiply if it can find suitable quarters. It is a part of
the gardener's duties to render the conditions unsuitable for

the prosperity of the pest, and a safe, certain, and beneficial
means of doing so is to use guano freely. Water the floors
and walls with strong guano water, but not the hot-water
pipes, at any rate when they are really " hot," for that would
be abusing a system which is good in itself, cheap, easy of
application, and in no way unpleasant to the operator or others
visiting the vineries.

Guano is so useful in many ways in gardens that every gar-
dener should have it at his command ; and especially where
Vines are grown and fermenting manure cannot be placed in
the vineries, " genuine Peruvian " is of the greatest assistance
in promoting healthy foliage, and checking the increase of the
chief enemy of the Vine — red spider. Guano is also valuable
as a surface-dressing for plants and crops, for making quickly
liquid manure, and for destroying slugs, which it does more
effectually than lime, salt, or soot. — J. WEionT.

EIGHT TO REMOVE FEU IT TREES.

MAESH V. MAB8ACK.

This cause was tried in the Tonbridge Wells County Court
before J. J. Lonsdale, Esq., Judge. The plaintiff was a market
gardener, and for some years held land, and received notice
to quit last year, Mr. Marsack having taken the land and
agreed to take the trees and Strawberry plants. Marsh gave
particulars as to the interview between himself and defendant,
adding that a complete bargain was made for the trees and
plants, and also a heap of manure, the latter of which had
been paid for, and therefore there was an acceptance. Plaintiff
put the things there, and as a market gardener had a perfect
right to remove them.

He received the notice produced, requiring him to go out on
the 20tb September, the latter clause thereof adding that he
was to go out at such time as he entered on the tenancy.
Having taken the land in April he understood that he was not
to go out until March. On the 6th of October he went to the
land and found his look broken off the gate and another put
on. In consequence of what Mr. Marsack's man said to him
he wont and saw Mr. Marsack on the 9th of October, and he
then agreed to take the things, inquiring as to the names of
the trees and the varieties of the Strawberries. He agreed to
take the whole of them by valuation, and also ultimately took
the heap of manure. He told him that he did not think he
had to go out until March, and asked him for a little time to
have an auction sale to dispose of his things, and he allowed
him a month to do so. He got Mr. Charlton, nurseryman, to
make a valuation of the trees and plants in consequence of
Mr. Marsack's agreement to purchase. The amount of valua-
tion was the present claim, and that he sent in three or four
times but got no answer. Ultimately Mr. Marsack stated that
he had nothing to do with it.

Cross-examined. Had a public sale, and tried to sell all he
could. The ground was about 3J acres, with nearly half an
acre of garden. It was let to him on the usual agricultural
tenancy, with permission to break it up for a market garden.
Always paid the rent yearly at the audit from Michaelmas to
Michaelmas. Did not understand from that notice that he
had to go out at Michaelmas. Did not know it until he re-
ceived a letter from Mr. Delves after Michaelmas. His im-
pression was that he was to take a six-months notice to leave
at the time he took the land. Did advertise the sale of Straw-
berry plants on October 6th in consequence of having to leave
his farm. When he paid the first year's rent at Michaelmas
he was allowed £1 for not having had the land during the
winter months. Would not say positively that it was the 9th
when he saw Mr. Marsack. The object of his visit was partly
to obtain time, and Mr. Marsack suggested ten days from the
16th, and he fixed his sale for the 27th October. Mr. Marsack
said he would have nothing to do with the outhouses, but did
not say that he would take only one hundred each of the
varieties of Strawberry plants. He agreed to take them all.
The surplus plants only were inserted in the sale catalogue.
Mr. Marsack said nothing of the sort about removing the
trees if he (Marsh) had a right to do so. Told Mr. Marsack
he was goiug to have them valued, but mentioned no valuer
to him. Sent the biU in soon after telling him. Dated it the
29th September ; dated another bill the 27th October, as the
day on which it was valued.

By Mr. Burton. Put in the trees and Strawberry plants
himself. If Mr. Marsack had not taken them he would have
removed the trees and the plants also. Mr. Marsack would
not allow him to remove them afterwards.

258

JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( April 6, 1877.

Mr. John Charlton, nnrseryman, was called to prove his i
valuation. p, ■ i

Mr. Stone for the defence said they had paid Is. '^«- ""o
court for the five hundred Strawberry plants which Mr. Mar-
sack said he would have. The answer to the case was that
the land was taken by the defendant on the nsual agricultural
tenancy terminating at Michaelmas, but he now wanted to turn
himself into a market gardener, and thus impose upon the
Marquis of Abergavenny the duty, or obligation, of buying him
out. It was simply an after-thought on the part of plaintiH
coming upon Mr. Marsack, who could not be held in law as
liable to pay for those trees.

Mr. Marsack said he took the land in question from the .iJtn
of September. On the ICth of October Marsh visited him, and
asked if he would allow him some few days longer that he
might have a sale of poultry upon the ground. His reply was
that if he promised to conduct himself properly he might have
ten days— certainly not a month. Marsh asked him if he
would take the outhouses, and he replied No. He then asked
him if he would take the trees ; and witness replied that if he
had the right to remove them he would take them at a valua-
tion rather than have the ground cut up ; but he did not
believe he had the least right to remove them. He told Marsh
that at the time. After the sale he found the fence round the
garden pulled down, and on going to Mr. Delves and receiving
information from him he came to the conclusion that he had
nothing whatever to do with the plaintiff.

By Mr. Burton. Was quite certain that a month was not
given to plaintiff to have the sale. Gave him only ten days or
a fortnight. It was entirely false that he went into the par-
ticulars of the things. Told him distinctly that he believed
he had no right to remove those trees.

Walter Blackall Marsack said he was present at the inter-
view between the plaintiff and his father, and corroborated his
statement.

Mr. W. Delves, steward to the Marquis of Abergavenny,
said he had the arrangement of letting the land to Marsh, who
hired it from the Michaelmas previous to 1870. It was meadow
land, and he did not let it to him as a nursery. He asked
permission to break-up a little more— the previous tenant
having broken-up a little for a vegetable garden— as the ground
was suitable for Strawberries, and he did so. Would have for-
bidden him to go into the business of a nurseryman if Marsh
had put it to him.

Mr. Burton addressed his Honour mainly on the question of
plaintiff being a market gardener, submitting that he was such,
although he could not say that he was a nurseryman.

Mr. Stone remarked that nothing was said about market
gardeners ; the privilege of removal applied to seedsmen and
nursery gardeners — market gardeners were not mentioned.

His Honour said no doubt the general rule was that things
could not be removed except by nurserymen, and he said he
must give a verdict for defendant ; and if Mr. Burton found
out that the law was different from what he (his Honour)
believed it to be, he might move for a new trial.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WOKK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Rain has prevented ua from doing much work in this depart-
ment, and all crops make but little progress owing to the cold
■weather, although it has changed warmer for the last few days.
A week or two of fine drying weather would be a boon to those
who are behindhand with their work. We are making the
walks in good condition for the season. Some of them have
been regravelled, and others improved by merely turning the
surface gravel over with a fork ; but before doing this they
were cleared from weeds, moss, and dirt. Surfacing walks m
this way when gravel can be readily obtained costs but little,
and they require but little after-attention during the summer
months when other work is pressing. When walks are in such
a state as to be a mere seed bed for weeds they do not give any
satisfaction to the gardener or owner, and often cost more to
keep clean than they may be regravelled for at this season,
besides the satisfaction of knowing that the whole garden will
be vastly improved for one year at least.

It is sometimes necessary to relay the Box edgings before
doing the walks; indeed, whatever may be the character of the
edgings, if of stone or pottery, and they require cleaning, it
ought to be done before interfering with the walks. Box is
certainly the neatest edging for walks. It may be objected to
by some becaueo it harbours slugs, but this may with more
force be brought against any other edging except pottery or

stone. Box lasts a long time in good condition without relay-
ing ; still, to have the edgings neat and dwarf it is better to relay
at intervals of six years. The way this is done may be summed
up in a very few words. First lift the Box the whole length
of the border, then dig over the place where it is intended to
relay, working-in some fine rich soil. The ground must be
trodden quite firmly and made perfectly level. It is better to
spend an hour or two extra at this than to plant uneven work,
which would be an eyesore for years. The Box should be pnUed
to pieces, and if the previous edging was m good condition
1 yard of it will cover a space of nearly 3 yards. ^

We planted a piece of ground with about a dozen varieties ot
Potatoes, most of them being late sorts. One object of this
planting was to prove the new remedy for the disease, salus,
invented by Mr. W. G. Smith. He does not send it out to
destroy the disease after it has taken hold of the Potato, but
as a preventive. It has the advantage of being very easUy
applied, being in the form of a very fine powder. We rubbed
the Potatoes with it, and also sowed the powder m the dnUs as
guano is sown. i i _ „„„v.

In a season like this the advantage of glass protectors, such
as " ground vineries," is very apparent. Seeds sown under
them vegetate much more freely than those sown in the open
ground, and the plants grow rapidly even during cold wet
weather, when out-of-door crops are at a standstill.

VINEBIES.

We have continued thinning the Grapes as they became ready,
but allusion has been already made to the detaUs of this and
other work, such as stopping the laterals, i-c, as they require
it. We gave a good watering to the borders as soon asall tne
fruit was set. There are many who do not give their Vine
borders sufficient water. They water often enough, but will
perhaps Rive a border 30 feet by 12 feet a dozen potfnls. Such
a border if it is dry-and unless it is so it ought not to be waf ered
—ought to have at least three hundred gallons of water, inis
watering ought either to be of manure water, or what is prefer-
able, a sprinkling of guano, pigeons', or hens dung should be
made on the surface, and the water applied through a coarse
rose will wash the nutriment down to the roots. One more
good watering when the Grapes begin colouring will generally
be sufficient to finish off the crop. . .

Other work requiring to be done .it this time is marching.
This is much more satisfactory than grafting. It is more cer-
tain of success, and the union is usually more complete. Ibe
best connection is made when the work is done, about the time
the Grapes are ready to be thinned ; the shoots will be green,
but firm and woody. Anyone can perform the operation. With
a sharp knife cut a slice from what is intended to be the stock,
cutting quite to the centre; then cut a similar slice from the
shoot It is intended to inarch, and bind them together moderately
ti-'ht. In two weeks tho matting may be slackened a little, as
the shoots swell rapidly. The two shoots should be fastened
tocether above and below the union, and this will prevent them
from moving at any time when the matting is being loosened.

Vines in pots require a good supply of water if they are to
ripen their fruit next month, and the night temperature ought
not to fall below 05'. The water should be placed in pots over
the hot-water pipes before using it for the roots. It may be ot
the temperature of So' or DO'. Use it with an ounce of guano to
a gallon of water, or the water may be made suitable by soakmg
cow and stable manure in a tub of water, and using it mucli
diluted. The roots very speedily work up into a surface-ilressing
composed of equal parts of turfy loam and decayed manure; but
this dressing should be applied about the time of thinning the
Grapes. Only clear water should be used after the Grapes com-
mence colouring. . • •, j. _*
Fiqs and Oranges in Pots.— Figs require very simUar treat-
ment to Vines. When the roots are confined to a pot they
require rich soil, and will not grow too vigorous with it, whereas
if planted-out in such soil they would produce gross leaves and
shoots but no fruit. A Fig tree with its roots confined especi-
allv deU^hts in a similar surface-dressing to that recommended
for Vines. The roots will traverse it through and through, and
if a little pounded charcoal is added to it the green of the leaves
becomes intensified, a sure sign of renovated vigour. Red spider
attacks tho leaves, but this is very speedily destroyed by syrmg-
ing well with clear tepid water, twice a-day if necessary. It is
hopeless work attempting to grow either Fig or Orange trees
under the shade of Vines. In order to produce these fruits in
good condition they ought to be placed near the glass, and plenty
of light should be admitted to them, shading with canvas screens
being an evil if the trees are in good health. As the roots are to
be restricted to the pots they must have plenty of water.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

Forced flowers and plants which have done flowering are too
Often neglected at this season, very often for want of space in
which to house them, or it may bo time to look after them.
This holds good especially with Dutch bulbs, Spirfflas, Lily of
the Vallev &c Indeed, there are some who throw their plants
away rather than be at the trouble to look after them. G«r-

II

April 5, 1877. ]

JOaaXAL OP HOBTICOLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

deners have in this to act according to circumstances. Some
owners of gardens do not object to afford sufScient labour, but
are very chary of purchasing either bulbs or plants. In that
ease the gardener will do well to make the most of his stock.
Another place may be short of men to do the work, yet the
gentleman is willing to spend a sulBcient sum for bulbs and
spring flowers annually. The gardener would manage this place
difl'erently; he would not be able to pay that attention to the
plants that they requiro, and would find it answer to give them
to his poorer neighbours ; throwing them away would be wilful
waste. "A Doctor's Gakdeneb" has in a recent number of
this Journal so fully detailed the best way to manage with
Hyacinths after flowering, that any farther remarks from me
would be quite superfluous. Tulips require the same treatment
as Hyacinths. The Lily of the Valley is everywhere a favourite,
bat it is not generally known that they may be grown in the
same pots year after year. In one' instance they were grown in
8-inch pots without shifting for thirty years, and every year
they flowered well. We now generally purchase single crowns
at so much per hundred. They are potted, say eighteen
or more in au S-inch pot, and they flower well the first year,
but as soon as the flowers fade the jilants are not turned out
in the frosty air and left to chance. They are placed in cold
frames and supplied with water as it is required. In May the
plants aro turned cut of doors, and if well attended to with
water until the leaves fade we obtain a much better bloom the
second year than the first. Mr. Wier, who shows very good
plants of Lily of the Valley, has grown and exhibited the same
plants for ten years at least. Spirtea japouica does well with
the same treatment ; and the Deutzia gracilis, which I have
exhibited for several years in London, were raised from cuttings
about twelve years ago, and have been shifted-on until they are
now in 12-inch pots.

We are this week potting and training hardwooded plants ;
they are mostly small plants intended to be trained into speci-
mens. In order to accomplish this they must be attended to
with incessant care. Some species are very liable to be attacked
by red spider, others with mildew, and all of them may be
irretrievably ruined from becoming overdry at the roots.
Epacrises should be cut down closely as soon as they have ceased
flowering. They may be cut to within an inch or two of the
old wood — that is, if the plants are not intended to grow large.
If very large specimens are preferred the young wood may be
just cut back and the plant trained into shape. Camellias
start into growth immediately they have ceased flowering, and
should be placed in a close moist atmosphere, which will much
improve them by causing a more vigorous growth. Pelargo-
niums are also kept in an airy position near the glass, and are
{ally exposed to light. The growths are tied out as they advance
on large plants. — .J. Douglas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should be directed either to " The
Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjeota them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on tne same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub-
jecta, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion
should be written on one side of the paper only. We
cannot reply to questions through the post.

PASTrEE TrEF FOE VreE Boeder {J. M. K.).— It is all the better for the
purpose having been tnrDed over repeatedly doriDg three years, eepecially if
the soil is heavy and adhesive in its natnrc.

Geeenhodse foe Peofit (Live and Learn).— 'No one cotild advise jou
traetworthily without knowinK previoasly more than can be told by letter.
Yon must grow whatever is in demand near you, and as a guide to the
erection of the structure, buy our "Greenhouses (or the Many;" you can
have it free by post it you enclose seven postage stamps with your full
direction.

Glazing iviTnorT PrTii (J. P. of Vorl).— The illustration in our Journal
of March loth is intended to show how the glass is iixed ; it is not artistic,
bat intended as a guide easily to be understood by practical men.

Table Plants (L. H., Belfast).— Six plants snitaljle for table decoration
and exhibition during the lirst week in July, and which can be grown in a
frame or cool greenhouse, are Fuchsia Snnray (variegated foliage), Acacia
lophontha, Coleus Duchess of Edinburgh, Ph<tnix rcclinata (Palm), Lomaria
citiata (Fern), and Coprosma Eaueriana variegate.

Making an Aspaeaocs Bed l^i. H.).— Eschew the old laborious plan of
raised beds and sunken alleys and proceed as follows:— See that the land is
well drained, broken op to a depth of 18 inches, and thoroughly enriched by
having a large quantity of rich manure mixed with it. Select forthwith
strong plants having plenty of white healthy roots, planting them in this
prepared bed 2 feet apart, spreading the roots carefully outwards, covering
both them and the crowns with 6 inches of soil, and after the planting is
doae give the entire surface a liberal mulching of old manure. Iti the en-
suing season of growth carefully keep down weeds, pour liquid manure over
the entire bed as frequently as possible, cherish the growth with jealous care.

and nest year you may fairly expect a moderate supply of large succulent
shoots, and in the following year a full and most abundant one.

Nemonttllis oemikifloba. — "J. F." will be obliged for directions how
to cultivate this plant, and for information as to its native country.

EucHABis (G. H. v.). — It was not introduced until about thirty years after
London published his " Encyclopasdia."

Mr. Ward's Plants. — Mr. T. M. Shuttleworth asks us to state that he
only bought three Azaleas at the sale of Mr. Ward's plants.

Annuals for Bedding Purposes {J. S.). — Two of the best are Sapo-
naria caUbrica and Tagetes si^'nata pumila. Lobelias aro also treated as
annuals, but the seed should he sown in autumn. If you state the plants
you have, we will tell you how to arrange them in a ribbon border.

Cyclamens after Floweeino (Mem).— Place them in a cool greenhouse
and give sutticient water to prevent the soil becoming dusty dry. In May
the plants may be placed in a cold frame. When they start into growth in
the autumn let the plants be turned out of the pots and part of the soil be
removed, repotting again in the same sized pots, or if the plants are strong
the pots may be larger. The plants should be placed in a warm greenhonsa
in November.

Kbpoiting Camellias and Azaleas (T. Eeith).— The Camellias having
done flowering shift them into pots a size larger, being very careful not to
injure the roots, which are very tender, removing so much of the old soil as
can be done ^vith a pointed piece of wood from the parts of the ball not
occupied with roots, draining the pots well. If the pots admit of three-
quarters to an inch of fresh soil around the balls they are quite large enough.
When the Azaleas have bloomed shift them into larger pots, keep the neck or
collar of the plants rather high in the centre of the pots, water carefully until
the roots are working freely in the Iresh soil, and then more freely. The
plants should be kept rather close and moist until the potting is recovered
from, shading them from bright sun.

Verbena venosa (F. 7.).— Old plants are as good as young, and may be
transplanted now into bedding quarters, dividing them if large, and if divisions
can be had with roots, cutting away the old growths if not abready done.
The old plants should be out down before winter, and have a mulching of
some partially decayed leaves or manure placed over the roots.

Exhibiting Eoses (4 iroiiIii-'/s £j;hi6i'or).— I do not know where boxes,
lie, are to be had, but will make inquiries. Our schedule is arranged, so
that we cannot make any change, and I think Classes II and 12 would meet
such a case as you suggest. It might be worth whUe another year to moot
the question. — D., D::aL

Bedding Tulips (H. S. Jnmes).— We do not suppose that the Tulips would
sntler very much from being left in the ground, as they are all hardy varieties ;
but the plan is not a good one. Why not take them up and lay them m
thickly in some out-of-the-way spot in the kitchen garden '!

BoLBS FROM the Cape OF GooD HopE (G. M.).— Bruusvigia, Hseman-
thus, and Norine, with Amaryllis (probably A. Belladonna) agree m flower-
ing about September, the leaves commencing growing soon afterwards, and
continue growing through the winter, dying-o£i about May. In early June the
plants may be placed outdoors in a sunny situation upon ashes or other sur-
face impervious to worms, and exposed to the weather up to August or unt J
their buds push, when they should be moved to the greenhouse, in which they
-should have a light airy situation. After the leaves appear copious supplies
of water are required,' The plants should be «?°«°.™;J, ■". '^'fy^''"';'™^.
until the end of May or early June. The Bnmsvigia is the better in AMgaat
of a gentle bottom heat, the pots being plunged in a tomperature of about
75' to 8(F, removing to the greenhouse when 't^,^"?''/'"'"', .,^'^^}'"'5"
should be covered to the neck. The Nerine and BeUadonna Lfly may be
planted out 4 inches deep in well-drained soil m front of a south "all, but
they are much better with a handglass over them during the wmtei . Cyrtan-
thus should be potted the same as Brunsvigia (we like to b™ "-em up to
the neck), also Hn-manthus. The Cyrtanthus-heiug allied '» y»"°'»i ^'^
like it evergreen-requires to be kept moist. It also may be placed eataoMS
n Mtniner hoasin- in September. Some of the species of Cyrtanthus aro
deciduous.'and these do not need water when at rest. Uropetalon »?« Altaca
must have the bulbs covered and be kept in a light situation or planted ^t
in front of a south wall, protected with glass in winter; *»"^' l'''"«'i,^f
kept dry in winter, watering freely when growing. i°«>«"«""' O™"'?^^™'
and Drimia to have the bulbs covered about an inch deep if grown m pots
watered freely when growing, and kept dry after the 'f »™%'^^«- " P'^^
out in front ol a south waU cover them 4 inches f <>». »;°« l™'™'J,"°i
wet in winter as well as frost. Buphone should have t^° "«f "™ . °'
Brunsvigia. Ctirculigo cover with soil, just I'^'^-'e the apex "tej'. ™'^'»B
carefully until growth takes place, then freely. Lachenaha to have the btflbs
just covered, kept on shelves near the glass, and Browing in ^^'^J .^^^^P
moist until the leaves torn yeUow, then discontinue watering . Y„=:'r "'^V"
be Dotted an inch deep if grown in pots, or plant outdoors 3 inches deep,
treattos the same as Gladioli; or pot and keep in frames, removing to the
CTcSuse in Stay?or plant out from pots. Gethyllis may have the treat-
S of Ne'rtae "'irich^onema, Morea, 'liabiana, and Ixia po a-'-^^^a-p.
and do not water until growth commences, keeping near the glass, ceasing
™?erSig wheS the foliage dies down and dry when at rest Ferraria po^ an
Inch deep and plant out in May, or flower them in pots m » ','»" P°8>"°d '"
the greenhouse. Sparaxis and Oviedias pot an inch deep, and treat the same
as Mas. Tritonias to be potted an inch deep, the soil to be kept ™°'^'/, °"
the first and watered freely when the plants are growing. They do well m
a shel 'red sUuation outdoors, planted S inches deep. Pelarg»»»» '■>='
cover the tubers with soil, watering careftUIy until m free growth ; when at
rest keep dry, affording a light weU-ventUated position. .Some of the tuberous
Pelargoniums are very pretty.

NAiiES OF Plants (SM(;ir).-l,Berberi3Derwinii; 2, Euonymus radioana
variegatus ; 3, No spores on the frond ; 4, We think .Eschynanthus Lobhianua,
but cannot determine without flowers.

POULTET, BEE, AlTD PIGEON OHEONIOLE.
EGGS FOR SITTING,

Many beginners in the poultryifancy seem to think that eggs
intended lor sitting need a particular kind of treatment and
manipulation. While there is no doubt that careful handling

JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK.

[ Api-U 5, 1877.

and protection frequently greatly add to the suocessfal result,
still it by no means follows that eggs will not hatch if subjected
to rough treatment and exposure to cold.

So far as the latter is concerned, we would much rather our
egge be kept in a room where the temperature ranged from
freezing point to 40°, than in a place where the heat reached as
high a point as 80°. Of the two extremes we would also prefer
to trust our eggs to the lower: by that we mean that we are con-
vinced that any ordinary degree of cold — say 10^ below the
freezing point— dees not necessarily kill the vitality of the egg,
so long as the shell is not broken by the action of the frost; and,
on the contrary, the vitality of the ogg is greatly injured and
decreased by exposure to a temperature of 70° to 80° or there-
abouts, for any considerable time.

Begarding the careful handling of eggs, experiences differ.
There seems to be no doubt but sudden violent jarring will
sever the connecting ligaments in the interior of the egg, and
thus destroy its vitality; but eggs will stand the trembling
shaking motion of a waggon or car, and give the most satisfac-
tory results in hatching. We had a very satisfactory illustration
of this the past season. A friend requested us to bring him a
sitting of eggs. We wrapped each egg in paper, and putting
them in a small basket brought them to the city. The ride by
steam cars, of course, was not very severe on them, but the
forty-five-minutes ride on the horse cars was made very rough,
from the fact that, becoming very much interested in conversa-
tion, we placed the basket on the floor of the car between our
feet, forgetful of its contents and its position until nearly at the
end of the route. The result was — nine eggs of the thirteen
hatched out strong healthy chickens ; still we do not advise
eggs being thus treated to ensure their successful hatching.

The real care necessary is very little. Simply gather the eggs
daily, mark them plainly (variety and date), washing them if
much soiled, and lay them away in a cool room. If intended for
use within two or three days simply place them in a basket or
other receptacle ; if it is necessary to keep them longer it is best
to have flat boxes of about 3 or 4 inches in depth, in which place
an inch or two of bran or sawdust— we prefer bran ; place the
eggs in this large end down, as close as you can pack them.
Some persons insist that the small end down is proper and pre-
ferable. Our experience does not coincide with this method;
the why we will give in some subsequent issue.

Put away only average-sized, regular-shaped eggs. Un-
usually large and uneven-shaped ones are apt to be unfertile,
or to produce malformed or defective chickens. — {The Pet-stock
Bulletin.)

PIGEON HISTORY.

Eespeoting "Wiltshire Rectob's " queries as to the lost
tribes, I am quite at one with him. I have olten asked a very
similar question as regards several Pigeons named in " Moore,"
1735. But as regards the White Pouter I can corroborate Mr.
Ure's statement, and I believe further illuminate at least that
one dark page in the history of our beautiful pets ; but before I
lender my explanation, and with all due respect and veneration
to the devotees of that particular fancy, let me ask. Where did
the Scotch first get their Pouter ? Is its history so enshrouded
in mystery as to be even beyond conjecture ?

I was lirst " introduced " to society in a house in St. George's
Street, Great Yarmouth, in the year 1834, and I should say the
first live thing I ever had in my hand was a Pigeon. My greatest
delight were my father's Pigeons from my very earliest infancy,
and " Moore's " book with the pretty picture Pigeons in it. In
that book Moore speaks of the l?arisian Pouter. Who ever now
hears the term 1 He also speaks of the Dutch Cropper, also
of the Horseman, and those most in vogue in my young days
were large rakish birds, in colour neither white, blue, nor
grizzled, but a light slatish blue tick on a white ground, and the
tail more inclining to slate colour.

The Dutch Cropper was invariably white, a short, thick,
clumsy-looking bird with generally a bull eye, wide and crooked
upon the " legs," which were a bit feathered. Some of the
Tarmouth sailors were, and no doubt are now, fanciers, and they
trading between that town and Botterdam generally used to
bring the Dutch Cropper over, a distance between the two
shores of 120 miles. These birds paired with my above-described
Horseman, frequently produced all white offspring, or else with
a blue tail merely. Now, these birds were called Pouting Horse-
men— like the Horseman at Hampton Court, with a horseshoe
or crescent on its gullet. These birds were commonly longer
than their Dutch parent, very merry and rakish, and when
flying showed a bit of an obiong blow.

Norwich, celebrated for its silk, crape, velvet, itc, manufac-
tories, having Lyi ns and Paris operatives over originally to
work and instruct in the art, ".nd many of them being of the
"fancy," undoubtedly brought their pels with them. Tlis
much I know, that when it was thought desirable to improve
the strain of a Pouting Horseman, or the Dutch Cropper either,
my father and many others as well used to proceed to Nor-
wich to select a bird suitable to their fancy and purpose, and

this said " lady " or gentleman as the case might be, invariably
used to be the very paragon of what the Pouter proper now is.
Is it not probable that the Scotch Fancy is the e:Act parallel to
this ? and may we not have eclipsed the Parisian Pouter by our
own climatic and natural improvements ? And may not thia
have been the secret of the Parisian perfection and former
superiority, they being in the fancy before even Norwich, which
was a city before Yarmouth was thought of. As to colours,
Whites were never wanting even from my earliest recollection,
and that dates further back considerably than 1842. I trust I
have dug down deep enough for our worthy and very respected
correspondent, but I could widen my details. Who can tell me
where are Moore's Uplooper, his Finnikin, Capuchin, Narrow-
tailed Shaker, and Smiter ? — Pouting Hobseman.

THE POLISH RABBIT.

The term " Polish " has been applied by the English rustic to
a good number of varieties of Babbits, including the Siberian,
Angora, and the variety which has the best claim to the name,
and which is the subject of this paper. The Polish proper is a
pretty little animal that is easily described, although not always
very easy to distinguish. The breed is and has been scarce in
this country, and it is, in fact, apparently on the very verge of
extinction. It is true that Babbits somewhat resembling the
breed in characteristics and appearance occasionally make an
entry at our shows, but they generally lack the distinctive
features that are indicative of purity of blood. It is exceed-
ingly strange, but to any but a competent Babbit-fancier the
resemblance between the Polish and some of the common hutch
Babbits is so very close and confusing that one cannot be dis-
tinguished from the other. The variety is, however, a distinct
one, and any person who has taken much interest in Babbits
and Babbit-exhibiting will know that there is a " distinctien
with a difference," and hence worthy of notice. We bave not
much faith in the statements as to the localities from which
Babbits are extracted, but in this instance we believe that the
Babbit in question really comes from the country from which
it takes its name. From Poland it has migrated into the various
contiguous states, and is now to be found in many European
countries, especially Bussia and France; but, as already stated,
it has not ever been much patronised in this country, and is not
a very common pet in any part of the island.

The points are very simple and are very easily described,
nor are there any questions of detail with reference to them in
dispute as is the case with almost every variety of Babbit,
The Polish is a decidedly small variety, seldom exceeding 5 lbs.
in weight when full grown, and being frequently under that
weight, even when in good condition ; 3 or 4 lbs. may be named
as the average weight of the breed, so that we have an exceed-
ingly small variety — as small and even smaller than the diminu-
tive Dutch. The formation of the limbs is rather indicative of
delicacy, the joints not being overstrong nor the limbs particu-
larly prominent. The body is somewhat compact and stumpy ;
it is capable apparently of taking a considerable quantity of
flesh. The legs are decidedly delicate and short, the animal
standing very low, and being very often found in a reclining
position as though it were rather a labour for it to stand. We
have seen it stated that the PoUsh resembles in many respects
the Himalaya. The simile is hardly a happy one. It is true
that, deprive the Himalaya of its dark points, you will have an
animal resembling the Polish in colour ; but in other respects,
so far from there being resemblance, there is a great dissimilarity
in every point, the Himalaya being the very pattern and picture
of health and hardiness, while the Polish has in its every look
the appearance of weakness and need of protection. We have
said that, denude the Himalaya of its black extremities and yoa
have a Polish in colour, for the Polish is pure snow white from
head to foot without one particle of dark of any sort. AU
albinos are weak and delicate, and not unfrequently are they
puny as well. The white racehorse is never seen to the fore,
and the white cat is the most feeble and useless member of its
tribe. There is something in the general look of the Polish Bab-
bit that takes the fancy and excites sympathy from a spectator.
The eye is a very delicate pink. Bed eyes are generally said
to be the portion of white animals, but the real colour of the
Polish eye is a delicate pink. BeaUy the eye is quite colourless,
but the veins are so very delicate that the blood can be seen
coursing through them. The head is rather short and small
generally. The ears are upright, but not so strong or firm as
those of the Himalaya.

As already observed, pure white is the only admissible colour
of this breed, any other being a sure sign of impurity; a single
spot will go far to destroy its value. It will become apparent
before the young have obtained the age of many weeks whether
they will have a good coat; and the fur is really the only article
uf vaiiip, the breed being too small to assume any real value in
the food market. The fur is not generally so long as that of
the Lop or Silver-Grey, but rather resembles that of the Hima-
laya. It is very thick and fine, and of considerable valuo to farriers.

April 5, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

261

The Polish Rabbit is very prolific. Like its little conain the
Dntch, its fecundity is really astonishing ; the litters are fre-
quent, and from six to nine may be expected in each. The doe
makes her nest in the darkest and snuggest corner and watches
her young with anxious and jealous care. She decidedly objects
to any intrusion, being evidently more than usually suspicions.
The young will want every care and attention to be expended
on them, as they are by no means overstrong, but with care
they may mostly be reared. They should not remain with the
doe too long, or they will reduce the doe to a state of weakness
before many weeks have elapsed.

In disposition the Polish Rabbit may be said to be extremely
docile and quiet; in fact, it may sometimes give the appearance
of being perhaps a little too much so, as it (foes not possess the
bold front so much to be admired in the Rabbit of another
species, even though it be almost as diminutive as itself. It
may be fairly described as being the pet of the fancy, not be-
cause it is exactly unhealthy, but because it is generally feeble
and fragile.

The distinction and resemblance between this breed and the
common prick-eared white Rabbit may be tabulated for the use
of auy fancier anxious to purchase a specimen of the breed,
which, as I have already observed, are extremely rare. In the
first place the fur of the Siberian is the softer and shorter of
the two, and generally somewhat thicker. The eye, too, is
generally of a lighter shade. The head is generally a little
smaller, the ear not quite so muscularly strong, the body more
compact though generally well shaped, the legs shorter and
weaker, and the general appearance more pleasing and attrac-
tive.— Geta.

CANARY BREEDING.

After the great Show at the Crystal Palace, the next im-
portant move amongst Canary fanciers is the puUing-down of
breeding partitions, bringing into operation whitewash and
other brushes, cleaning-out old breeding-cages, which after
being renovated are replaced all spio and span, and the sundry
pairs of birds " put up " to breed. Then comes an anxious time
to fanciers, some of whom rejoice whilst others are not over-
sanguine with their four-months operations in bird-breeding,
which may be considered to terminate at about the close of
July. During that period there are many ups and downs — the
latter in most cases predominating. From various causes other-
wise than the fault of the parent birds, eggs become addled —
viz., from a continual prying curiosity, cold north-east winds
which Lave a very great effect upon the eggs, and also the hens
whilst sitting upon them, the slamming-to of doors, or the
mmbling of thunder, &o. With a view of giving a hint or so as
to the manner of procedure of our forefathers, we extract a
chapter from Mr. Hervieux's old bird work, referring more par-
ticiUarly to Canaries' eggs and how they may be known to be
good.

" It is to be observed that almost all hen Canary birds differ
from each other in laying. Some do not lay at all, and those are
called barren hens. Others are such ill-breedera that they lay
eggs but once or twice in a year ; besides, after they have laid
their first egg they often rest the next day, and do not lay the
nest egg till two or three days after. Others lay only three times,
and are regular in each time of laying, having three eggs at
every sitting without any day's intermission. There js a fourth
sort which may be called common, being very numerous ; they sit
four times and every time lay four or five eggp, but they are not
always regular in laying. There are still others that have more
eggs than all those I have mentioned ; they sit five times, and
would do it oftener if they were permitted. Every time they
lay six or seven eggs.' When this last sort of Canary birds feed
well they are excellent, too much cannot be made of them, they

are worth mere than six others of the common sort

I shall only take notice, that if you let them go on laying — that
is till the moulting time, they will in a year lay thirty-five eggs
at least.

" As for the knowing of the eggs it is easily learnt. Some say
they know whether an egg is good the very moment the hen
has laid it, before she has sat upon it, which is false. They
weigh it iu their hand and find it, as they say, somewhat heavier
than another egg they suppose to be addled, and upon this con-
ceit they decide on the goodness of the egg. If a man were to
lay a wager upon that trial only he would be as likely to lose as
to win, bf cause it is mere chance and not knowledge that deter-
mines. Yon may !<s well affirm that the eggs are good as soon
as they come from the hon without having been sat upon,

" When you have some pairs of Canary birds from which
you have found no addled eggs to come, and other pairs on the
contrary which have never produced any good eggs, you may

be almost sure to win any wager you lay upon them ; and
those who shall happen to lay wagers with such curious persons
will be fully persuaded that it is the weight they find in the
eggs which makes them distinguished between the good and the
bad, and yet you see they would be grossly mistaken. Do not,
therefore, depend upon that gross way, which may often occasion
you to throw away an egg you suppose to be addled, which
would have been good if sat upon. To avoid being deceived you
must follow the common rule, which is to look upon the eggs
when the hen has sat upon them six or seven days. Take the eggs
then from under the hen and view them against a candle or
the sun. If you perceive that those eggs are thick and grow
heavy, it is a sign that the little ones are forming in them and
that they are good ; if, on the contrary, you find they continue
as clear as they were the first day you gave them to the hen to
sit upon it is a certain sign that they are addled, and then,
especially if you examine them the seventh day after the hen has
sat on them, you may without any scruple throw them away,
for they wiU only serve to tire the hem to no purpose.

" If you have several pairs of Canary birds where the hens
have laid near about the same time you may take away the
addled eggs from every hen, and of three leave only two sitting,
giving five or six eggs to an able strong hen, because very often
some one of the little ones die in the shells and receives no
nourishment, and by that means you bring the third hen, the
eggs of which have been given to the other two, to fail to work
about making another nest." — Geo. J. Babnesbt.
(To bo continued.)

* In corroboration of what Mr. Hervieas states as to some hens lading so
many en^fi at one time, wo know of many instances of seven eggs being de-
(lOBited in a nest, and by a Belgian hen of all others; and in other cases we
have heard of eiLThte^'gahavinc: been laid. We conld give the name of a breeder
whose pair of Canaries reared seven fine healthy birds from one sitting.

PROGRESS OF APIARIAN KNOWLEDGE.— No. 4.

The disputes which have existed relative to hives have been
of long standing, and are probably interminable. Some prefer
hives of straw, others contend for the superiority of wood. Let
every apiarian please himself. It matters absolntoly nothing
whether the one material or the other is selected, provided the
hives are well made and well protected. I have used both, and
been as successful with the one as with the other so far as
relates to the production of honey and the well-being and corn-
fort of the bees. I confess that appearances are generally in
favour of straw hives. For snugness and picturesqueness they
are unrivalled ; at the same time wooden hives are equally
good for honey and will last a lifetime, which cannot be said of
straw hives. They have the advantage also of greater faciUty
of construction and nicety of adaptation to the innumerable
freaks of apiarian fancy. This being so, I have discarded straw
hives these many years from my ovm apiary.

The question of straw or wood has nothing to do with the
relative value of different methods of management. The most
advanced apiarian of the day can work his system, whether of
" fixism " or " mobilism," equally well with the one as with the
other. Given a perfectly constructed wooden hive, or a per-
fectly constructed straw hive, and he may adopt any size, shape,
fashion, system, or method of working, and the result will be
the same. I say therefore again, let every apiarian please him-
self. In saying this I apprehend no broken bones thus far, be
shillelaghs ever so plentiful in the "battle of the hives." But
when we go a step further and attempt to discuss improvements
in shape of hives, or as to whether " fixism " or " mobilism " is
the best principle of management, we get at once into the thick
of the melee. However, one must make the best of it, and not
shrink from the encounter. I have no hesitation in couching a
lance in favour of " mobilism," by which is meant the use oi
moveable bars or bar frames (whether in straw or wooden hives)
by which the combs may be lifted out and replaced at pleasure
without interfering with the active work of the hive or injur-
ing the combs of honey or brood in any way whatever.

If you consider that in the old-fashioned hive there is no poesx-
bility of knowing even what is going on, much less of rectifying
mischiefs that may be breeding in the interior of the stock with-
out breaking up the combs, that consequently all is darkness and
uncertainty, which was the state of things universally in Great
Britain till within a comparatively recent period, it will be seen
how great is the progress that has been made in this particular.

First of all bars were invented, regularly arranged in parallel
rows under a moveable top board. This was a great improve-
ment where guide combs were carefully aflixed to the bars ; for
in this case, in most instances by the help of a little patience
and ingenuity, every comb could be got at, examined, altered,
renewed, or replaced, as well as transferred from one hive to
another, and so generally speaking all the higher operations of
bee management fell under the power and manipulation of the
bee-master. Artificial swarming, by the help of such transposi-
tion of combs, became easy and simple, not to speak of the other
infinite and more or less delicate and interesting operations
common now in every scientifically managed apiary. This
moveable bar was in use fifty or sixty years ago, as may be seen
by reference to Dr. Sevan's book, but it did not become gene-
rally adopted for a quarter of a century later. It was soon
found, however, that the simple bar was not perfect. Ihere

262

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

were many practical difficulties to be overcome in tbe use of it,
constantly varying in every hive. The combs adhering to the
sides of the hive hatl to be cut away with much loss of honey
and brood, and in so doing great confcieion and interruption of
the labours of the bees was occasioned, together with tsmpta-
tiona to robbery by stranger bees, as the honey ran about with
its attractive scent borne on the breeze. This led our lamented
friend Mr. Woodbury to introduce the bar-framed hive which
goes by his name. The bar-frame itself, I presume, was the in-
vention of some foreign apiarian, whether German or American
I cannot recollect. By means of it every comb can be made to
fit exactly, or with sufficient nicety, a given space. Moreover,
the combs adhere to the sides of the frames instead of to the
walls of the hive, and can be drawn up and down without spill-
ing a single drop of honey or destroying the life of a single bee,
whether grub or full-grown insect. It will be at once apparent
what a power this simple invention puts into the hands of the
intelligent bee-keeper. ■ Every conceivable manipulation for the
succeseful management of bees is hereby rendered easy and
within reach of all. I cannot imagine how anybody who really
has taken the trouble to examine the new hives which are con-
structed on this principle, not to speak of any who have honestly
tried them, can be found to say a word for any other sort of
hive, except only in behalf of the stupid, indolent, or incapable
bee-keeper. I certainly endorse what your well-known corre-
spondent, "H., Deal," Bays on the subject in a recent number
of this Journal : — " No one can doubt that the wooden bar-frame
hives are the hives of the future. . . . and we may hope that
the almost invincible prejudice in favour of the old system may
be overcome."

It is not within my present plan to enter into the merits of
the various sorts of bar-framed hives which claim to be good,
better, or beat. I speak only of the principle, which I consider
to be a very decided gain on the system of our fathers and fore-
fathers. Generally speaking the simpler they are and the
closer they adhere to the parallelogram shape, whether sijuare or
oblong, the better. It is most desirable that every bar frame
used in an apiary should be of exactly the same length and
depth, so that it may be slipped in or out of any hive ; there-
fore I cannot believe that the hive of the future will be hexa-
gonal or octagonal, although, of course, no one will deny that
these hives, such as the bar-framed " Stewarton," are in shape
best fitted for the economy of heat. But this one advantage is
more than lost by the impossibility of making every bar fit every
part of every hive. The " Carr-Stewarton," of course, does not
suffer from this defect.

I have in my own apiary an almost perfect specimen of a bar-
frame hive. It is of the Woodbury pattern, with double walls,
reversible floor board, and top board in several pieces. It allows
of the quiet examination of any one part of the hive at a time
by a partial removal of the top board. The displacement and
disturbance occasioned in the working of it are at a minimum.
I bought it of Mr. Abbott of Fairlawn, who I believe has a
decided improvement upon it, already adopted in his hives for
use in the current year. — B. & W.

OUR LETTEE BOX.

Hen Sitting on Unfertile Eaos (ZDnoramiM).— The sitting of the hen
will be the same whether the eggs be good or bad. At Easter time, with
"holidays on the brain,'' we cannot help being cheerful. We gay with the
politicians of all ages, the men who are sever so virtuous as when they are
" out " —

"True as the dial to the sun.
Although it be not shone upon."
There is no death till there has been life. The egg produced by the ben
alone is a clear egg. It may be laid by a hen or pullet living on a desolate
island where a cock has never been. Such an egg may be aat upon for sis
months. It will remain clear to the end. There has been no life, and there
can be no death. Some of your eggs had lived and died, others had no life
in them. Can you wonder? It has been diftioult to live in the constant
downpour even for human beings, can you wonder if the eggs suffered ?

Obtaining Large Eggs (M. D.). — If yon were breeding for a fine shining
black yon would not choose a light and a dark pair, how then can you expect
a large egg from a cross between a Dorking ndCjohin? Both are good layers,
but they do not lay very large eggs. If we were breeding to ensure large eggs
we should try for them by crossing Crrve-Cceur and Spanish. Both are non-
sitters, and can therefore afford to lay larger eggs than others that have the
honours of maternity. We are not in the habit of measuring eggs, nor can
we form an opinion as to result from that process. We have known Spanish
eggs to weigh 4i ozs., and we have known an average of 4 ozs. Your question
will go far to resuscitate the old question — viz,. Should not eggs be sold
rather by weight than by number ?

Crossing Ehahma with Houdan {Cnmdtn Towii).—Yoxi start with a
mistaie in crossing a Brahma and a Iloudan ; you have a sitter and non-
sitter. The chickens will be good layers but doubtful sitters, and we believe
the produce will be more useful fowls and better layers if put to Brahmas
than they will be if put to Houdans.

Pigeons Diseased {E.B. T.).— The scorbutic eruption would probably be
cured by rubbing the place very gently with zinc ointment.

Pigeons Gardeners' Enemies (7j7ior(imiis).— However well fed they will
pick off the leaves, &c., of garden crops,

INSDRINO Glass (H. .1.).— Apply to the Eojal Farmers' Insurance Com-
pany, 3, Norfolk Street, Strand, London.

Dritino Bees [B. Q., Co. Down). — In driving bees it is necessary to blow
some smoke from cotton rags amongst them, then turn the hive on its crown
mouth up. Place an empty hive near the same size on and over it, and roll a
tablecloth round the junction of the hives to keep in tbe bees. 'Then drum
on the bottom hive for t*o or fifteen minutes with opgn hands. This drum-
ming confounds the baes and causes them to ruu up into the empty hive.
The thing is so simple that after you have done it once you will be able to
teach others how to do it.

Size of Boxes as HrvES (Lu^fial.— Bjses 14, 15, or 16 inches wide and
12 inches deep will answer well for bees. Whatever the shape of boxes may
be, the cubic space of each should range between 21)00 and 3000 inches. The
term " grocers' boxes " include more than tea chests. A crown hole in each
box about 3 inches wide should be cut out of the crown of each box for super-
ing before bees are put into it.

Probable PRODDCE(r. JfcrfccO.— Without seeing the hives it is impossible
to say what yon may expect from them this year. Give the bees a little warm
syrup three or four times a-week for a month. This will encouraga them to
breed, and if they become stronger or more lively by the end of four weeks
they will probably do well. The fact that you have seen soma young drones
thrown out of one of them is an unfavourable symptom. It is an iudicatioQ
that the queen has commenced laying drone eggs at an untimely season. The
hive should be examined to ascertain if the queen is laymg any but drone
eggs. If the brood is all drone brood the queen is worthless. Mr. Pettigrew
is increasing the number of his stooks this year, aad therefore has none at
present to sell.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 82' 40 ' N. ; Long. 0 ' 8' 0 ' W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 a.m.

I» t

SE DAI.

March

iS.a

Hygrome-

CO

•s^ .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

.9

ns°^

ter.

1^

BO'S
sen-

perature.

Temperature.

In On
snn. grass-

a

April.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

We. 28

29 712

s.w.

55.6

S9.6

0.24S

Th. 29

29.822

45.7

45.7

w.

4S.3

59.4

43.2

99.3

40.2

0.182

Fri. SO

SO.OOl

50.0

47.5

N.W.

43.6

E6.1

44.4

94.2

40 3

Sat. SI

S0,12S

44.1

4S.5

W.

43.9

51.7

88.4

97.9

S4.4

—

Sun. 1

80.025

47.S

46.9

N.W.

44.1

54.3

43.9

85 6

43.0

0.200

Mo. 2

29 975

4G.8

44.4

W.

44.7

67.4

41.4

87.8

385

—

Tu. S

29.468

49.2

43.4

E.

45.S

B8.4

45.2

83.6

42.3

0.030

Means.

29.875

47.3

45.9

43.9

56.6

42.3

9J.1

39.8

0.655

REMAKES.
28th.— Fine and bright all the foreaoon ; af teraoon dull with showers ; even*

log and night fine.
29th.— Showery till nearly noon, then bright for a short time ; showery after-
noon aud evening.
30th. — Fine morning, and very pleasant day throughout.
81st.— Very fioe early, but rather cloudy by 9 a.m. ; a pleasant day, but not as
much BO as the day before.
1st.— Fine early, but rain before i» a.m., and a showery day.
2nd.— Fair day, but looking very dull and rainlike at times.
3rd.— Fine early, getting cloudy soon after 10, but bright tor a short time in
the middle of the day ; then dull and rainy after 5 p.m. ; very much
warmer, especially towards the evening.
Not by any means a bright week, but notwithstanding the prevalence of
cloud the air has been much more springlike, and the temporatofe in nearly
all cases being 7° higher than last week. — G. J. Symons.

CO VENT GARDEN MARKET.— Aprii, 4.
As soon as the holidays are over we may expect to return to a mot
business, the sale of aU classes of goods being very nncertain; in
only article intiuired after are good Grapes, which are now almost
We have seen one sample of early Grapes from pots, t
sending to market while any good late ones are to be had.

FEDIT.

. 4 sieve 3 6to7 0 Nectarines dozen 0

- " - - Oranges %*■ lOU 8

Peaches dozen 0

Pears, kitchen..., dozen 0

dessert dozen S

PineApplea lb. 2

Pluoaa i seivo 0

Quinces bushel 0

0 0 Kaspberrifis lb. 0

e steady

fact, the

Huished.

worth

Apples..

Apricots dozen 0 0 0 0

Cnestnuts bushel 0 " " "

Currants

Black

Figs

Filberts

. t sieve 0 0
. j do. 0 0
. dozen 0 0

lb. 0 0

lb. 1 0

0 0

0 0

§g

1 6

Gooseberries...

.. quat; 0 0

0 0

Grapes, hothoaae.... lb. 15 0 25 0 I strawberries..

Lemons li*- 100 6 0 10 0 , Walnutj bushel 5 0 8 6

Melons each 0 0 0 Oi ditto V 100 19 2 0

Artichokes dozen 0 Oti

Asparagus F 103 8 0

Beuns. Kidney ¥^10i) 1 6

Beet, Red dozen 1 6

Broccoli bundle 0 9

Brussels Sprouts..! sieve 3 0

Cabbage dozen 1 0

Carrots bunch 0 4

Capdicuma v\i)i 1 6

CauUflowec dozen 2 0

Celery bundle 1 6

Coleworts.. doz. bunches 2 0

Cucumbers each 0 6

Endive dozen 1 0

Fennel bunch 0 3

Garlic lb. 0 6

Herbs bunch 0 8

Horseradish bundle 0 0

Lettuce dozen 1 0

Leeks bonch 0 i

Onions bushel

pickling quart

Parsley.... doz. bunches

Parsnips dozen

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

Kidney do.

net 0 2 4 0

Radishes., doz. bunches

Rbubarb bundle

Salsafy bundle

Scorzonera bundle

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spinach bushel

Tomatoes i sieve

Turnips banch

Vegetable Marrows

lb. 0 6 16

April 12, 1377. )

JOUKXiL 0? KOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

oF ' °oY 1 APEIL 13-18, 1877.

Average
Temperature near

Sun

Snn

Moon

Moon

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before

Day

Month Weet. !

London.

Snn.

Year.

1

Day. 1 Night.

Mean.

ta. m.

h. m.

h. m.

b. m.

m. s.

12 1 Th

Sale of Ferns and flne-foliaged plants at Stevens'

56.0

86.6

46 3

6 49

4 34

5 44

28

0 41

102

13 I F

Qaecket (Miorosoopioal) Clnb at 8 P.M. [Booms at 12.30.

o

0 28

103

14 ! s

Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 P.M.

67.2

1

0 18

104

15 ; SoH

68.1

47,9

6 54

5 16

9 45

2

after

106

16 : M

67.3

86.7

47.0

6 S

6 65

5 40

U 8

S

0 16

106

17 To

(Roval Hortionltural Society— Eihibition of Covent

68.0

35.9

46.9

6 1

6 57

6 16

morn.

4

0 31

107

18 W

Garden Comtnoditiea. Koyal Botanic Society —

66.6

85.B

46.1

6 69

7 7

5

0 44

108

Second Spring Show.

From observations taiea near London daring forty-three yeara
86.8.

the average day temperatnre

of the week is B6.9'j and its night temperature

VINE CULTUKE.

V^Sf^^NOWING tliat your space is valuable I do
M '!r>*y&^ liot propose writing a long history of where

the Vine comes from, under what conditions
™^^'' it thrives best naturally, how it has been

treated in this country in past ages, or the

f[^i^^^ position it is likely to occupy in time to
j^*' come ; but I particularly wish to give a few
practical suggestions on Vine-growing which
may be of service to those who are desh-ous
of secm'ing a good crop of Grapes. To make
what I have to say as easily understood as possible I will
aiTange my remarks under separate headings, beginning
with

Thinsixg the Shoots. — It is said that a prevailing
error amongst amateur gardeners is an aversion to pruning
trees and plants so closely as they should be pruned,
and if this be true in cutting-in the dormant wood it is
none the less so in thinning growing shoots. In pruning
Vines it is a common practice to leave two and sometimes
thi-ee eyes to each spur. Good Grape-gi-ower.s do this,
but they are very particular in removing all the buds
when they do start excepting one — the strongest and
most fruitfal. Many, however, allow every bitd to grow
into a shoot for the season, as may often be seen by two
or three shoots clustering together. I can attribute this
to nothing else but fear of doing harm by removing any
of them, whereas the greatest harm occurs in allowing
them to remain. It is a simple matter to prove this, and
I would advise those who think diiferently to try it. One
good shoot from each spur will produce more and better
fruit than three or four shoots from the same base. It
is well known that the greatest harm that can be done
to any fruit tree is crowding the wood, and it is quite
impossible to gi-ow three or four shoots from one Vine
bud without injuriously crowding them. Fine crops can
only be secured by thoroughly ripening the wood ; and
although Vine wood may become brown in colour it will
not ripen thoroughly under a mass of leaves. I have a
houseful of old Black Hamburghs which I intend to make
youthfully vigorous this season. They are showing from
two to sis bnds from each spur. As soon as I can see
which bud has the finest promise of a bunch all the others
will be removed, and if the single shoot does not become
very thick this year it vnW be sure to ripen well, and that
will be worth a great deal next season.

Stopping the Shoots. — -This is another matter which
should never be neglected. It is a bad plan even when
the shoots are well thinned to allow many of them to ran
many f.^et before they are stopped. This is just another
way of overcrowding ; but it is worse than that, because
the shoots must be stopped some time, and when yards in
length are removed from them at a time the consequence
in loss of sap is serious. My plan — and one I find
answers well — is to pinch every shoot two joints beyond
the bunch, and this is done as soon as the shoot is suflS-
ciently long to admit of doing this. The point thus early
taken away is no thicker than a small o in the Journal,

Ko. 837.— Vol. JLXXU., New Series.

and it is impossible for this to have any checking ten-
dency. Those shoots bearing no fruit are stopped three
or four joints from the main rod, and they are not allowed
to grow further than this the whole season, as it serves no
good purpose to let them do so.

Tying the Shoots. — I have seen many shoots not
tied until they were breaking their points against the
glass, and others again are in too great haste to train
them into their permanent places, and break them in
consequence. There is no difhculty in tying shoots which
grow in a right direction from the first, but those which
go the opposite way from the wires have to be carefully
dealt with, such shoots must be tied two or three times.
At the first tying only incHne them out of the direction
they are going, next time bring them half-way to the
wires, and finally at the third time fix them in the
position they are to occupy.

Thinning the Bunches. — All Vines in a healthy con-
dition always produce many more bunches than are suffi-
cient for a crop. Many shoots produce two bunches ; the
larger one is generally next the rod and the smaller one
nearer the point. This small one should always be
removed first, and this must be done all over the house,
and if there are still too many cut away the poorest of
those which remain. Vines of different strength will bear
different crops in weight, but in the generality of cases
it is safe to leave a bunch to every alternate shoot.
Amateurs, as a rule, err in allowing too many bunches
to remain on, and in nine cases out of ten this is the
sole cause of the Grapes failing to come to perfection.

Syringing. — This is an operation which most amateurs
like to try their hand at ; but squirting morning, noon,
and night keeps the leaves and surface of the border in
an overdamp state, and nothing will produce mUdew
quicker than this. Syringe thoroughly, and have done
with it for days or weeks together if no insects appear. _

Watering the Koots. — Without abundance of mois-
ture at the root no good will ever result from any amount
of attention to every other particular. Some recommend
about three waterings in the season where the border is
well drained, but this is not nearly suflioient. Once
a-fortnight is not too often to saturate the roots when
the Grapes are green, and watering should not be discon-
tiaued until the fruit is more than half ripe.— A Kitchen
Gardener.

FLOBIST FLOWERS RAISED FROM SEED.

Carn.\tion and Picotee. — These are among the sweetest
and most beautiful of flowers for cutting. Raised from
seed the plants are more robust in habit, and very much
more floriferous than from layers. In a good strain of seed
as many as 75 per cent, of the seedlings will afford double
flowers, many of them very novel and distinct in colour;
for though seed may be had in collections as self, flake,
bizarre, fancy with white ground, and the last three in
yellow gi-ound— viz., yellow flake, yellow bizan'e, yellow
fancy and self, yet it is not desirahle to rely upon the colours
specified being produced. Picotees in collections] have
white and yellow grounds both variously margined.ljWhere
No. 11S3.— Vol. LVU., Old Series.

261

JOURNAL OP HORTIOOLTORE AND OUTrAGE GARDENER.

[ April 12, 1877.

cut flowers are in demand a plot of ground devoted to Beedling
Carnations and Picotees will be found extremely useful in
July, August, and September until frost; for eeedliog plants
are not only floriferous but continuous-flowering.

Sow the seed in April, the earlier the better in cold districts,
and place the pots or pans in a cold frame, keeping close until
the seedlings appear, then admit air freely. The soil should
be moderately rich and light turfy loam. Sow thinly, and cover
the seed with fine soil about the eighth of an inch deep. Keep
moist, but avoid maldng the soil sodden. If very wet the
plants are liable to damp-off, or assume a stunted sickly
appearance. The seedlings can hardly have too much air, but
afford shelter from heavy rains and frost. A warm south
border answers nearly as well for sowing the seed, covering
lightly with fine soil, watering as required, and keeping a sharp
look-out for slugs, which are very partial to the tender grass of
Carnations.

Whether raised in frames or outdoors the seedlings should
be lifted carefully when they have a pair of leaves beside the
soed leaves, and be plauted-ont in l-feet beds in rows 0 inches
apart and 6 inches asunder, being careful not to bury the stem
deeper than up to the seed leaves, watering and shading from
bright sun for a few days until the plants are established.
Keep clear of weeds, and sprinkle soot about the plants, it
being not only a good manure but one of the best antidotes
to slugs and grubs. In winter a mulching of cocoa-nut refuse
or partially decayed leaves will do good, and protection in
severe weather by mats supported with hoops over the beds is
serviceable. The plants, however, are very hardy and will do
without protection. At the close of March or early in April
every other plant and row may be removed, which as the
plants are in 4-feet beds the two outside rows 6 inches from
the side of the alley, will laave four rows in a bed a foot apart,
and that distance I recommend the plants removed to be
planted. Attend duly with water if the weather be dry, and
keep clear of weeds as before.

The soil should be if possible a medium -textured loam,
manured and deeply dug in the autumn, the ground being as
well prepared as for vegetable crops. I mention this as beds
and borders for flowers rarely receive the attention in digging,
trenching, and manuring that is necessary. The flower borders
may have a little manure occasionally, or some rich compost
now and then, but it is the exception rather than the rule.
There is nothing sweetens land so much as forking it over
daring dry frosty mornings. There are few plants that do not
like lime, and Carnations are no exception ; indeed, the
Dianthus family generally prefer a calcareous soil. A dressing
of old mortar rubbish is good, but as this is not always pro-
curable, a dressing of quicklime early in March is beneficial ; a
peck per rod will answer for destroying slugs and worms, point-
ing it in with a fork, but if the ground has not recently been
limed double the quantity may be applied.

When the flower stems rise place stakes to them in good
time, securing the shoots to them loosely so as to keep them
erect, yet without being so tight as to cause them to "knee"
or bend, which will be very prolific of broken stems. Water
may be given in dry weather, and weak liquid manure, but un-
less the soil be poor and shallow the plants will grow vigorously
enough without it. The pods or flower buds of seedlings are
just as liable to burst on one side as those of named varieties.
This allows the petals to fall on the split side, not only causing
the flower to be one-sided, but to have a very loose ragged
appearance— very paltry indeed as compared with a flower of
the same kind secured against such a misfortune. Nothing
answers so well in preventing splitting as indiarubber bands,
which may be purchased at a cheap rate from most stationers.
They are expeditiously applied, and being elastic allow the
buds to swell — unlike mat or cotton ties, which are injurious.
In dry hot weather weak liquid manure may be given twice
a-week if necessary.

After flowering trim off the flower stems, stir the surface
around the plants, give a light mulch of moderately rich com-
post, sprinkle with soot, which will kill or drive away slugs, &o.,
and in the coming season you may calculate upon a great quan-
tity of bloom, after which clear away the plants, but any that
are superior may be continued by layers or pipings.

Pinks. — Flowering earlier than Carnations, the seed, if the
plants are to be flowered the second year, must be sown early
in March, but it may be sown in April. Treat in the same
way as Carnations either by sowing in frames or outdoors.
The seedlings appear more quickly if the seed pans are placed
in heat, but unless carefully watered and well ventilated damp-

ing-off is very usual. The plants are pricked out so soon as
they can well be handled, or in June, in rows 4J inches apart,
and the same between the plants, and in September every _gi
other row and plant are lifted and planted in 4-feet beds, five
rows in a bed, the rows and plants 9 inches apart. In other
respects they have the treatment of Carnations from seed.

Though I mention Pinks, the raising of them from seed is
not at all satisfactory, for there is such a great percentage of
singles. If there be any flower seed in which improvement is
needed it is in Pinks. Nevertheless it is very interesting rais-
ing Pinks even from seed ; by selecting the best flowers for
seeding it is wonderful what a great advance a few years'
careful selection of seed effects. — G. Abbey.

GUMMING OF FBUIT TREES.

I AM pleased to see that Mr. Luckhurst gives some attention
to the above subject, for it is one in which I am deeply inter-
ested, and it is not likely to be worn threadbare in our day.
I have before written a little on the topic and thought a
good deal, and Mr. Luckhurst will pardon me when I tell him
that the conclusions I have arrived at are not quite in har-
mony with his own. I am thoroughly convinced that gum-
ming does " proceed from some internal disorders, some de-
rangement of the system," but I do not admit that it is " con-
sequently incurable." I used to think, and probably may have
expressed as much in print, that it was caused by external
injuries, and of course I know that the sap does exude from
the injured parts, but I have come to the conclusion that we
must look deeper for the primary cause.

Gumming is simply a casting-off an excess of sap on the
part of a plant when its roots have been too greedy and have
supplied more than its leaves can elaborate. The exudation
is beneficial rather than injurious, and may even save the life
of a plant, but I do not advise its being brought about by
means of a hammer any more than a physician would recom-
mend a patient to be bled by a similar process. If a plant is
known to be in such a condition hat it would gum seriously
were its bark icjnred, it is undoubtedly a good plan to revert
to the old practice of making a slit up the bark with a sharp
knife ; the excessive sap will then be exuded and the wounds
will heal perfectly. A slit or two through and outside a bruised
part will also greatly relieve it.

As a rule trees do not gum seriously when grown indoors
and attended to by skilful hands'] either do they commence
to gum outdoors when they are in vigorous health and are pro-
vided with ample foliage. Even though they do get a touch
from a hammer the result is not serious under such conditions ;
but the slightest injury to the bark of an outdoor Peach tree
in February or March is almost certain to be followed by
gamming, and the more vigorous the stock the greater the
liability to suffer.

Shifting a Peach tree in autumn, if done carefully, tends to
prevent gumming; I also think that root-pruning will have the
same effect, but I am experimenting on this point. I have
asked before in your columns for information concerning the
liability to gum of Peaches on Peach roots ; I mean to ex-
amine the subject for myself, but this will take time. At
present I am of opinion that the gumming of Peach trees is
principally the effect of their being grown on roots which are
comparatively hardy, starting into growth early and vigorously,
and consequently providing a supply which, before the Peach
has any full-grown leaves, is beyond its capacity to elaborate.
Ungenial weather, too, preventing the development of healthy
foliage, and rich soil stimulating the already over-vigorous
roots, are generally connected.

I do not wait now for my trees to gum before applying a
remedy, but malie an incision during the month of March up
the stem of all young outdoor Peaches which have not been
shifted, and (must I own it ?) I have even been guilty more than
once of allowing just one or two suckers to grow up from the
roots till near midsummer. — W. Taylok.

AURICULAS— SELF ALPINES and ALPINE SELFS.
Mr. Horneb, whose words on tho Auricula are so genial and
so weighty, recently, in a discussion on the subject, said, " If
self Alpines, why not Alpine selfe?" and "Nemo," in yonr
issue of the 20th ult., page 234, says, "If self Alpines are to
be tolerated, Alpine selfs will naturally follow," and aslts, " la
not a greater variety gained thereby ?" There is, I think, a
little misapprehension here. The shaded colour which is re-

AprU 12, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

265

garded by florista as the especial obaraoteristio of the Alpine

is effective, as it contrasts with a golden ground, and its
effectiveness ia impaired as the ground pales successively to
lemon or creamy custard white. To a white ground a shaded
colour imparts poverty — a quite suificient reason why there
may be no Alpine selfs ; though, speaking from my remem-
brance of some five years since, I believe to those who will
tolerate Alpines at all (many Auricula growers refuse to do
this) a goodly number of self Alpines will be most acceptable.
Let ns leave this question to be determined by the events of
the 24th.— E. S. Dodwell.

EXHIBITING— LARGE versus SMALL PLANTS.

TocR correspondent " F. R. H. S." has on page 248 directed
attention to an important subject, and one not easy to discuss.
No doubt the " principle of temptation," as your correspondent
calls it, is an unsound principle; and "appeals to mere cu-
pidity" are not "morally educational" in their tendency;
yet, on the other hand, small prizes will never command sup-
port, except from those who in another manner can secure
Bome recompense for the expense incurred in bringing plants
to an exhibition. This nurserymen can do, and they are
justified in doing it ; but private gardeners cannot, for they
have no plants to sell, and have in most oases their owu
expenses and the travelling costs of their employers' plants to
pay to and from an exhibition, and substantial prizes there-
fore become necessary to induce, or, to use a more appropriate
term, to warrant exhibitors conveying their plants any con-
siderable distance ; but that is no sufficient reason that the
prizes be, as a leading exhibitor recently said, " wildly ex-
travagant."

As one who has had a fair share of exhibiting I am bound
to admit that " big " prizes are regarded favourably by many
exhibitors ; but there ia another matter of as great, if not
greater, moment to them, and that is the prompt payment of
prize money. I am quite convinced that if the prize money
was sent to the successful competitor immediately after the
exhibition, that that promptitude would compensate for larger
amounts long deferred. I mean that reasonable prizes promptly
paid would be more valued than extravagantly large honours
withheld for an extravagantly long time.

When the present directorate of the Royal Horticultural
Society decided to dispense the awards with promptitude they
at once secured the sympathy of exhibitors, and now the
Society has no difficulty in providing superior exhibitions
when previously they could scarcely provide exhibitions at all.
The Boyal Botanic Society might advantageously adopt a more
expeditious "settling" policy; for although the long-deferred
system of payment is tolerated, it is still not liked by some
who exhibit, and others there are who will not compete under
such a lethargic-payment policy.

Before condemning big plants and big prizes as such, we
must remember that it has been tbe large well- cultivated plants
which in years gone by have been staged at our great exhi-
bitions that aroused a spirit of emulation amongst cultivators,
and placed the practical horticulturists of Britain in the high
position that they are universally admitted to occupy. Keen
competition has been the great stimulator in plant-cultiva-
tion, and large plants have rendered our shows so eminently
Bnccessfnl. Still, large plants are not everything, and even
the hobbyhorse of exhibiting may be ridden too hard.

If tbe large specimens stimulate on the one hand they
sometimes deter on tbe other. Gentlemen are not numerona
who will purchase plants and be content to wait half a dozen
years before the plants are conaidered worthy of winning a
prize. Such patience on the part of ownera of gardens might
have been the case once, but it is not fashionable now to wait
long for results ; moreover, where there ia one gentleman
whose object is the growing of plants for public exhibition
there are ten who refuse to exhibit at all, but who will yet
patronise and support exhibitions on the supposition that they
give an impetus to superior cultivation and render gardeners
more proticient in their duties in producing superior examples
of culture for private decoration ; comparatively small and
well-cultivated plants are therefore more generally acceptable
than large specimens, yet the smaller plants, however skilfuUy
they may be grown, have little or no chance of recognition at
public exhibitions. In my opinion more discretion should be
left to the judges, who should have power to award prizes to
any number of plants, large or small, which are submitted to
them and which are worthy of recognition. There must be

probably the " sixes" and " twelves" as usual; but there are
more good plants in the country outside the pale of these
stipulated numbers — these packed groups — than in them ; yet
those plants are left at home because there is " no class" for
them, and of course no prize.

Means should be afforded for enabling flower-show judges to
reward merit regardless of the mere size of plants and arbi-
trary numbers. Prizes should also be provided more freely
for " arrangement for effect " — groups which would admit of
many more exhibitors competing and render the exhibitions
additionally attractive. Possibly the "new" show at South
Kensington next week will be suggestive, as no teaching is so
good as example, and I am confident that that show will prove
that comparatively small plants are yet meritorious. — Ex-

ESHIBITOB.

BEAUTY OP GLAZENWOOD ROSE.

As there has been some discussion in your columns as to
the identity of this Rose, perhaps a few lines from me may aid
in dispelling some of the perplexity now rife.

In the first place I enclose you my original painting from
the Rose. This you are at liberty to report upon in your
columns, or place before the next meeting of the Floral Com-
mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society, or do anything yon
Uke with. The drawing has been recently seen by Mr. George
Paul, who, the moment he saw it, pronounced it to be no other
than Fortune's Yellow.

The drawing represents the Eose exactly as I received it
from Mr. Woodthorpe, and no other drawing was made by me.
This drawing was sent to the publishers of the plates, and if
the plates were afterwards manipulated the alteration was no
work of mine. I know nothing about the plates.

I think yon will agree with me that my picture represents
a Rose with yellow petals inclined to buff, irregularly striped
with carmine in the bud state, and obscurely striped with
blush in the full-blown flower. As to " orange ground,"
" irregular flakes of vermilion," " golden ground," &o., these
terms are foreign to me. I know nothing about them. In
my original description I state the Rose (on Mr. Woodthorpe'a
authority) to be a Briar Rose with numerous thorns, and
believed to be a variety from Japan. As to the foliage — I say
" the foliage is not large."

In figuring new plants an artiat necessarily depends upon
the good faith of the raiser or introducer of the plant, and as
a rule I have seldom or never been led much astray, and I
have no reason to doubt Mr. Woodthorpe's good faith in this
matter.

The striping may possibly be accidental and not permanent,
and I specially said in my description that the blooms figured
were the first that had been produced. Eosarians will remem-
ber several striped Roses, as Triomphe d' Amiens and others ;
but I beUeve the striping is in no case permanent.

Yonr correspondent " Rosakun " says, p. 228, " I have
not seen the plate in the English periodical, but I have in the
Belgian publication (' Flore des Serres '), and it ie significant
that the then Editor, the late accomplished Louis Van Houtte,
was careful to place the responsibility in regard to the illus-
tration on the English owners of the Eose and the paper in
which it was first portraited." I can only say I wish my late
friend and correspondent Louis Van Houtte had always been
equally careful to acknowledge the sources from which he
derived his plates, for anyone who ia well acquainted with
English and foreign plates well knows that Van Houtte was in
the constant habit of reproducing any good plate iofac-simile
without any acknowledgment whatever. Although constantly
remonstrated with, both by letter and in print. Van Houtte
would seldom or never acknowledge his facsimile copies from
my work and that of Mr. Fitch in the "Botanical Magazine."
Glazenwood Beauty being a httle doubtful to Van Houtte he
made an exception to his rule for once, and acknowledged his
plate to be a copy. — W. G. Smith.

ROOTING PINE SUCKERS.
I nAVE often heard it said by Pine-growers that it is moat
difficult, if not impossible, to root Pine suckera later in autumn
than August or September. I have put in suckers in both of
these months and found them to do well ; but from circum-
atances over which I had no control I did not put a sucker in
last autumn until the first week in December. I took a large
batch of Queen and Black Jamaica suckers from the old plants,

266

JOURNAL OF HORTICULIUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

I April 12, 1877.

then potted them singly in C-inch pots, and plunged them in
leaves heated with pipes from underneath. A few days ago I
shifted the plants all into their fruiting-eized pots (10 and
12-inch pots). I have potted many young Pines, but I never
handled any better rooted — every ball being literally crammed
with white, strong, healthy yonug roots. The soil was mode-
rately moist when they were potted rootless, and not one of
them received a drop of water at the root all the time they
were in their sucker pots. When the suckers are potted early
and not shifted into their fruiting pots until now, the roots
are generally in a very tangled state, and they do not grow so
well as those which are not given time to become matted round
the pots. — Pkactiiioneb.

TRITELEIA UNIFLOKA.

To all lovers of spring flowers, or to those who have to pro-
vide a miscellaneous display of flowers for rooms or for a con-
servatory, this is a plant well worthy of extensive cultivation.
It is a hardy Liliaceous bulb, introduced from North America
in 1830. Its habit is dwarf. The flowers are white with a
tinge of pale blue, and are produced on stalks from C inches
to a foot in length.

If several bulbs are grown together in a pot a very desirable
efieot is produced. The only objection against the use of this
plant in rooms is that when the leaves are bruised they have
a faint smell of onions.

The cultivation is very simple. The three primary points
to be attended to are affording plenty of water to the plant
when growing, a thorough resting period, and abundance of
air. About the middle of August is the best time to pot the
bulbs, placing about twelve in a 5-inch pot, using a compost
of loam three parts, and leaf soil, with a little silver sand,
covering the bulbs with about an inch of soil. The drainage
must also be efficient. When potted place them on a bed of
ashes outdoors, keeping the soil moist till the plants make
their appearance, when they must be watered more liberally.
They need slight protection during the winter — about the same
as is usually afforded to Cauliflower plants in frames. A few
degrees of frost will do no harm, for I have often had the
Triteleia pots frozen hard for a week or more, which has not
affected the foliage or interfered with the flowering of the
plants ; keeping them close, or ueing fire heat, is not so good
for them as more hardy treatment.

About the middle of February they commence showing
flowers, which last well in a cool light greenhouse until April.
After their beauty is past the plants should be placed outdoors
in the sun and kept watered to perfect their growth ; and
when the foliage turns yellow the pots may be laid on their
Bides and kept dry till August, when they should be looked
over and some of the surface soil scraped off and about half an
inch of fresh compost put on as a top-dressing, and be treated the
same as above stated, with this exception, that they will require
a few doses of liquid manure. It may be asked, Why not
shake out and repot every year ? but after eight years' experi-
ence of the cultivation of this plant I have found that a larger
quantity of bloom can be had the second year after potting than
the first, and the quality as good; but if left in the pots till
the third year the bulbs will have increased so much and the
soil be BO exhausted that they will scarcely bloom at all. That
is the reason I find every alternate year the best for repotting,
selecting, of course, the best bulbs, and potting the smaller
bulbs by themselves if wanted.

As a proof of the utility of Triteleias for cutting to mix with
other flowers, I may state that each o-inch pot prcdnoed up-
wards of fifty blooms the second seafon after potting : the
grass-Uke foliage is also very graceful, hanging down and com-
pletely hiding the pot. For these reasons I recommend the
culture of this pretty and useful old plant to the readers of
this Journal. — A. Habdinq.

APPLE CULTURE.
I HAVE read " W. G.'s " interesting remarks on this subject.
I have no Apples on the Paradise stock, otherwise I should
have been pleased to communicate results, but there are a few
points on which I have something to say.
;; He writes : " I have a large portion of my orchard occupied
with sorts I do not require and never ordered. How this evil
is to be avoided by purchasers I do not know, as it is often
years before the mistake is discovered." I expect this will bo
fonud to be a general subject of complaint, and that few people

have planted Apples extensively without finding some wrongly
named, particularly when they come from two or three places.
I think it arises from the perishable nature of labels, and some-
times from the want of sufficient care on the grafter's part,
and a mistake once made is liable to be extended.

A nurseryman told me the other day that he ran short o£
one kind of Apple and sent to another nursery for it, and a
wrong kind was sent. He went on grafting and budding away
for two or three years and sending trees all over the country
before he found out the mistake. He is more careful now, and
BO he ought to be.

Perhaps a nurseryman ought not to graft from a tree until
he has fruited it. Purchasers would be able to avoid the evil
of getting wrong eorta to a great extent if they paid a visit to
the nursery in summer when the trees were growing. Some of
them would have fruit on and could be easily identified, ami
an experienced man would be able to identify others from the
leaves and mode of growth, and they might be marked at
once for removal in the following autumn.

I will pass on to the latter part of " W. G.'s " remarks : " Could
not something be done to encourage planting fruit trees ?" Yes,
a great deal may be done. The Editors are doing something
now by getting up an Apple election. I have sent a list and
am promised two others, one from the vale of Gloucester and
the other from Worcestershire, and I believe more are required
from other parts of the country. It is a great encouragement
to the fruit-grower when he plants sorts which thrive and do
well, and much disappointment has arisen at various times
from sorts being planted which are too delicate for the situ-
ation. Some kinds, like Lord Suffield, may soon be brought
into bearing, and pyramids or bushes of that sort ought to be
planted in every cottager's garden, but the uncertainty oJ
tenure is after all the great drawback to fruit cultivation in
this country. What is wanted is an alteration in the law. It
is not much encouragement to plant trees like Blenheim Orange
and wait several years, and then to leave the place and be
obliged to let the trees remain for other people to reap the
benefit. A short Act of Parliament ought to be introduced
for the purpose of promoting the growth of fruit trees, and
one of its provisions ought to be to the effect that " on or after
the Ist of January, 1878, any person or persons planting a
fruit tree in a garden rented by him of another shall, on the
expiration or other determination of such tenancy, be allowed
to remove the same. A second clause might be added to the
effect that the tenant should, with regard to trees nailed or
trained to any dwelling-house or walls, first of all offer them
to his landlord at a valuation to be made in the usual manner,
and in the event of the said landlord declining the offer then
the tenant should be allowed to remove them. I do not see
that an Act of this kind would be an injustice to anyone; it
would only apply to gardens, and they are, of course, intended
partly for the growth of fruit already.

Something of this kind will be sure to come into force at no
distant period, and I wUl suppose that it has been obtained
during the present sitting of Parliament, and that some well-
disposed person or persons have taken a leaf out of the plan
that is sometimes followed in France with regard to rural
affairs, and posted a few notices in the villages something like
the following ; — " Notice. — Whereas by an Act of Parliament
passed in the fortieth year of Her Majesty's reign, entituled
' An Act for the better encouragement of the Growth of Fruit
Trees,' every person who after this date plants a fruit tree in
his garden will be allowed to remove the same at the end of
his tenancy. We beg to call the attention of persons desirous
of planting fruit trees to this fact, and to say that the Apples
which thrive well and are most likely to succeed in your dis-
trict are Keswick Codlin, Hawthornden, Lord Suffield, Stirling
Castle, Rymer, i&c."

The effect of a notice like this would be astonishing ; there
would be such a demand for Apple trees that nurserymen
would hardly be able to keep up the supply, and there would
be an impetus given to fruit-growing that has not occurred
before in this generation. — Amateur, GircncestcT.

It is very singular that my experience is exactly the reverse
of " W. G.'s." Blenheim Pippin he has fourteen years old,
from which he has had one large specimen. I have had it as
a standard during eight years, and have had several fair crops.
As a pyramid I have had only a very few Apples on it. Of
Winter Pearmain, again, " W. G." obtains only a very few. I
have a standard eight years planted which bears capital crops.
He says Cox's Orange Pippin makes a good pyramid and is a

April 12, 1877. 1

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

267

great bearer, bnt with me, though a good pyramid, it is no
bearer in eight years. Scarlet Nonpareil, " W. tf." says, is an
abundant bearer, but with me dnring eight years it has pro-
duced not a dozen Apples, I think, but it is a capital tree.
With me the standards come into bearing quicker than the
pyramids; in fact, except some few sorts. Apples on the Para-
dise stock do not seem to fruit so well as I expected from state-
ments in the catalogues, but I find the Pears succeed very
much better. This year there is a most abundant promise
on almost every tree, and I have had some capital crops oil
before.

All my trees I have been speaking of have been planted
about the same time. Standard Apples planted three or four
years beat the pyramids for fruiting which have been planted
twice as long. — G. C.

[Our correspondent should have stated the nature of the
8oU of his garden.]

I oniTB agree with your correspondent who, on page 254,
complains of the want of precise information in many articles
written for the benefit of others. I have long noticed this
neglect, particularly among those who have written so much
for the pages of the Journal that we are supposed to know
where they write from. Bnt I was surprised when I read,
in reference to my article on Apple culture — " Where does
' W. G.' live ? On what soil ?" If your correspondent will
again turn to the article in question he will find it there stated
that I live in a southern county, and that the soil of my gar-
den is a deep sandy loam. To be more precise I will say that
my garden slopes to the east, that my crops are late, and that
I seldom ripen any Pears except the early sorts.

Tour correspondent also says, " What is the use of being
told of his having a good middle-of-July Apple ? No one can
gei it. It is just the Apple I want." I have no desire what-
ever to keep this variety to myself, and shall be happy to send
the writer some of the shoots in the budding season, so that
he may have an opportunity of trying the sort himself. I also
hope — frosts permitting — to be able to send in July a dish of
this variety to our pomological authorities.

When first planted my tree was very liable to canker, bnt
for the last four years it has been quite healthy. It is a very
heavy cropper, the fruit growing sometimes three and four in
a bunch. In 1874 I found it necessary to thin away two-thirds
of the crop. I do not know the origin of this variety, but
believe it came from Norfolk. — W. G.

[There are four varieties of dessert Apple that ripen in
July and early August — namely, Joanneting, Margaret, Early
Harvest, and Sack-and-Sugar. — Eds.;

AUKICULAS AND THE AMEBICAN BLIGHT.

There is evidently some mystery as to the new attack to
which the Auricula has been subjecttd, and its importance
may be a sufficient apology for my alluding to it again. I have
already mentioned that the first specimen I sent to Mr. W. G.
Smith he concluded to be the mycelium of some fungus, but
on my sending a larger piece of root he pronounced it to be
the American blight or some similar species. I then forwarded
another root to Mr. Andrew Murray, the Secretary of the
Saientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, and
his reply was, " The mycelium-looking substance is certainly
not the Apple blight. It is not it in structure, nor in mode of
growth, nor in locality, and no insect is visible. To me it
looks so fungoid that, notwithstanding the high authority of
Mr. Worthington Smith, I cannot help thinking some acci-
dental error has misled him. I have handed it to Mr. Cooke
to get his opinion." At tho menting of the Scientific Com-
mittee Mr. Cooke gave his opinion an follows — " The Auricula
left me for examination was, at the base of the leaves close to
the soil, surrounded by a snow-white flocculent matter which
bore some remote resemblance to the American blight. Neither
on the leaves nor on the root-fibrils C3uld I find the slightest
trace of any insect. The white flocculent substance contained
a few thin hyaline filaments which might belong to some
common Penicillium. The mass of substance was partly crys-
talline and partly amorphous. Being of opinion that the
greater portion of this substance was inorganic, I removed as
much as I could on the point of a knife and placed it in a clean
concave cell excavated in a slip of glass, and filled np the cell
with alcohol. At once the whole mass disappsared to the
naked eye, being dissolved in the spirit, and I covered with

thin glass, and in a few minutes examined with the microscope.
A very few grains of sand and two or three fragments of hya-
line tubes like those of Penicillium remained ; but as the spirit
evaporated stars of acicular crystals around the margin fol-
lowed its retreat to the centre, until the whole field was covered
with stellate crystals of great length and delicacy. I do not
presume to draw any conclusion from this, which is clearly a
chemical question. I found no insects and no parasitic fungua
except a characteristic Cladosporinm in olive patches on a
decaying leaf."

I afterwards sent to Mr. Murray sections of the stem of
another diseased plant which looked to me as if it had been
punctured by an insect, and he says, " They remind me very
much of what I have seen on a large scale in full-grown plant-
ations of Scotch Fir when the roots got into bad undrained
subsoil : first morbid growth of the roots, then rotting-ofi of
the fibrils, then discoloration of the wood in the trunk, some-
times excessive exudation of the sap, shortening of the leaves,
&o. You have the morbid growth of the roots, the rotting of
the fibrils, the degeneration of the tissues in the stem, the
exudation of primuline, and the feeble growth of the leaves.
What have you been doing to the roots ? would be my question."

Now, in reply to this, I have only to say that all my Auri-
culas were carefully potted and drained, as I have ever done
them ; I used the same soil I did last year when they were so
fine ; and that there is no lack of vigour in those plants which
have not been attacked. I feel therefore as much at sea as
ever. May I say again that the experience of your corre-
spondents would be very acceptable ? And I am sure if Mr.
Llewelyn would forward a specimen of his diseased plants to
Andrew Murray, Esq., 67, Bedford Gardens, London, W., he
would be greatly obliged. — D., Deal.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Wb are authorised to state that Her Majesty the Queen
will visit the Royal Horticultural Gardens at South Kensing-
ton on the 2nd of May, and that the flower show which is
announced for the 1st will be held on the 2nd. We have no
doubt that the exhibitors who usually show at the meetings
of the Society will on this occasion make it worthy of Her
Majesty's visit.

The change of the days of meeting of the Royal Hor-
ticultural Society from Wednesdays to Tuesdays cannot fail
be a great convenience to both exhibitors and visitors, and it
must also be of advantage to horticulture generally. The fix-
tures of the shows and meetings at South Kensington and
Regent's Park could only be regarded by the horticultural
public as suggestive of antagonistic rivalry between the two
Societies, and such a feeling ought not to be suspected even.
The aims of the two Societies are identical, and, instead of one
weakening the other, they should as far as possible support
each other in the promotion of horticulture. As was so weU
and fairly stated in our columns last week by Mr. Douglas, the
concurrent fixture was the result of accident in a great
measure, and blame of either Society is out of the question.
The remedy has not been more promptly applied by the Royal
Horticultural Society than the grievance demanded. The
change of days will commence on the 15th of May.

The usual monthly dinner of the Horticultural Club

took place on the 4th inst., and th^re was a good attendance.
Mr. Cant of Colchester sent some dishes for the dessert of the
Essex Spice Apple in capital order. It is a most delicious late
Apple and very free bearing. A vote of thanks was given to
Mr. Cant for his courtesy.

We learn that the large-flowered and fine Azalea Duke

OF Ediniiurgh raised by Mr. Parsons of Welwyn will be dis-
tributed by Mr. B. S. Williams. The flowers of this Azalea
are not more remarkable from their great size than from their
extremely stout texture, the petals being almost wax-like in
their consistency, and are smooth and well formed. The
colour appears to be rosy crimson, and when in a cut state, as
we saw the flowers, they almost resemble Dipladenias. Mr.
Williams now possesses the largest and smallest-flowered
Azaleas extant, the new varieties of A. amcona being largely
increased to meet the demand that is sure to be created for
them when their merits become fully known.

In addition to the gentlemen already named, the fol-
lowing have accepted the offica of local Hon. Secretaries of the

JOUBNAIi OF HOBTIODLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

I April 12, 1877.

National Kose Society :— Captain Carter, for Horsham and
West Sussex ; J. L. Curtis, Esq., Chatteris and neighbourhood ;
and — Cheales, Esq., for Tring and neighbourhood.

Mr. S. Kiekham, gardener at The Beeches, Newcastle,

Staffordshire, writes to us that — " To gardeners who have a
demand made upon them for cut floweks all the year round
a few varieties of Geraniums suitable for forcing are of great
value, as they supply colours not to be found in any other
class of plants. Before all others he thinks the palm ought to
be given to Lord Maoaulay, a variety with brilliant crimson
flowers and a good sturdy habit. Colonel HoldeD,E. J. Lowe,
Crimson King, and Amaranth are also excellent ; the last-
named is a beautiful pink shaded with purple."

Amongst the earliest and most attractive of deciduous

flowering shrubs are the Almonds or Peaches. The blossoms
are mostly of a delicate colour peculiar to themselvei. But a
very distinct Tariety is the crimson-floweeing Peach, which
Messrs. Veitoh have found very valuable for forcing for decora-
tive purposes. The blossoms of this variety are large, double,
and of a glowing crimson colour : well-blossomed trees large or
small cannot fail to produce a rich effect in both conservatories
and shrubberies during the spring months. It is a tree not
to be overlooked by those desiring to have the richest and.the
earliest of " spring blossoms."

A NOTEWOKTHY and very valuable consignment of Or-
chids has just been received by Mr. Bull in excellent oondi-
tion. The bulk of the importation consists of many thousands
of the usually costly and extremely beautiful Cymbidiam ebiir-
neum. This Orchid is considered by Mr. Denning to produce
the " most beautiful flowers in creation." Somo excellent
Orchids are now flowering with Mr. Bull, especially some fine
varieties of Lycaste Skinneri. A hundred plants of Odouto-
glosBum yexillarium are almost all showing spikes, and will
shortly be highly attractive.

A specimen of Jacaeanda mimosjefolia, or Rosewood

of Brazil, over 20 feet high, is the great attraction in its
flowering season in the Sydney Botanic Gardens. Its foliage,
of a Fern-like appearance, is exquisitely graceful, while in the
blooming season the flowers, of a delicate blue, are so abundant
as to completely cover the tree, making it from a distance
appear as a mass of caeruleau grandeur. This and Gupania
filicifolia are two of our most elegant table decorative plants.
We observed a large number of them the other day in a cool
stove in Mr. Williams's nursery at HoUoway, and were in-
formed that they were in great demand for decorative purposes.
Few plants have foliage more graceful and Fern-like than these.

The President of the Vine-growing Society of the Pyre-
nees Orientales has, says Nature, sent a document to Paris
Academy of Sciences, ailirming that " it is the American
plants which have brought the Phtlloxbea into France, and
that each plantation of them is the signal for a fresh invasion."
This statement directly controverts the theory which has been
more than once propounded, that American Vines are phyl-
loxera-proof. Perhaps our American friends will embrace the
opportunity of " commenting on " the bold assertion of the
Frenchman.

MiMULUs moschatus Hareisoni, a hybrid between the

large spotted Mimulus and the Giant Musk, is a noticeable
plant, and is likely to become popular. The flowers are as
large as the former, with the rich golden yellow colour and
delicate odour of the latter, exquisitely spotted on the lower
segments with rich brown. Its habit ii recumbent and neat,
blooming at every joint, thus producing an abundance of
flowers. A few plants will effectually brighten and scent a
conservatory or greenhouse. It will succeed in all situations
where it can be freely supplied with moisture, although a cool
shady place is the best. It is an excellent bedding plant, and
especially adapted for rockwork.

A BHOET time ago we directed attention to the great

strength of some squares of TonanBNiD glass which had been
submitted to us. The glass was about the thickness of ordi-
nary 16-oz. glass, and was only broken by submitting it to a
test more extreme than it would ever be likely to be subjected
to if affixed on the roof of a greenhouse. Considering, how-
ever, that further experiments were necessary for proving the
practically useful qualities of the glass we submitted a portion
to a glazier, requesting him to cut it with a diamond. We are
informed that " it is impossible to cut the glass after it is
toughened." It is right that this should be known, because
gpeoial care mnst necessarily be taken in having the sashes

made exactly of the size of the squares when the new glass is
proposed to be employed. In consequence of the injury re-
sulting from hailstorms last year "toughened glass" was re-
commended as a means of future security ; but from " infor-
mation we have received " we advise its use on a small scale at
the first, in order to test its durability under the heat of the
sun, and also whether the foliage of plants and Vines is as safe
from injury from scorching as is the case with ordinary glass.

We learn that there is every probability of the Ex-
hibition which is to be held at South Kensington on the
18th inst. being a great Buccess. Nearly every grower of plants
for Covent Garden, bouquetist, vendor of fruits and vegetables,
and commission agent, are preparing to contribute (some of
them largely) to the effectiveness of the display. The pro-
ducts will not only be of a superior kind, but such as are in
daily request in the homes of the affluent : hence gardeners
especially may well be encouraged to visit the Exhibition.
Those visiting London on this occasion may, if they are
desirous of doing so, inspect the Spring Show at Regent's
Park the same day by travelling on the Underground Railway
from South Kensington station to Portland Koad on the
Metropolitan Railway.

— — The annual report of the Director of the Melbourne
Botanic Garden, in referring to improvements in portions of
the grounds, says that several specimens of the gorgeous
scarlet-flowering Eccalyptcs nciroLiA are there planted, and
then adds: — "This magnificent plant, from Broken Inlet,
Western Australia, produces its flowers at a much earlier stage
of growth than any other species of the genus with which I am
acquainted. Its bloom resembles a ball of fire more than any-
thing else to which I could compare it. I have seen the Flame
Tree of Illawarra, and the brilliant scarlet masses of Erythrina
laurifolia on the banks of Bewa in Fiji, but neither surpasses
the effect produced by the floral display of this Eucalyptus."

A Berlin gardener claims that he effectually checked

the RAVAGES OF catebfillabs last year by the simple ex-
pedient of sifting ashes over his vegetables when they were
wet with dew. Perhaps he borrowed the plan from England,
for it is an old one, and is often adopted successfully in pre-
venting the Turnip beetle devouring the young crops of the
Brassica family when just appearing above ground.

A Califoenian claims to have succeeded in raising

Roses as black as ink. His plan was to engraft a slip of a
dark red Rose into an Oak tree, where it grew, flourished, and
blossomed, the dark sap of the Oak effectually colouring the
Rose black. This statement becomes less incredulous when
we remember budding a dark Rose — Standard of Marengo — on
a Black Currant which grew and bloomed freely, the flowers
being darker than before. A similar experiment is recorded
in the new French publication " Journal des Roses."

Since Potato shows have become popular, the new va-
rieties or American Potatoes possess interest to cultivators.
A correspondent in the New York "Rural" thus alludes to
some of them : — " Centennial was produced three years ago by
fertilising the blossoms of Brownell's Beauty with pollen from
the White Peaohblow. It is a smooth, round, deep red tuber
having few eyes, white flesh, and is very prolific. The growth
of this new variety indicates hardiness, and should it thrive as
well in all soils and climates as it did in mine, it will become a
standard variety. Brownell's Superior originated from the
Beauty and the Peachblow. It is one of the handsomest coloured
Potatoes now before the public. It is of very symmetrical elon-
gated shape, its outlines being similar to the Early Rose, but the
surface is much smoother, its colour is deeper, and the flesh is
much finer, drier, and more floury. I consider this variety
fully equal to Snowflake as a table Potato. A seedling called
' Seek no Further ' from the Eureka proved very prolific but
inclined to sport. Another seedling, 'Fortune,' was enormously
prolific with only one objection, and that as regards shape. The
Success is a white elongated seedling from Excelsior and Peach-
blow, is of good quality and very prolific. It will probably be
introduced another season."

It has been generally considered the " correct thing "

to trap as many moles as possible, but their destruction may
be carried too far if it be true that at " one of the most elegant
ch;Ueau3 in Belgium, surrounded by a park adorned by mag-
nificent lawns, men were employed to catch and kill the moles.
After a time they were killed off and disappeared entirely, in
consequence of which the grass of the lawns soon withered.
The cause of the mischief was a small white worm which had
been kept down by the moles. These little animals, though

April 12, IKV. 1

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTDBE AW. fiOTXJiQE, GABPBJS?lt.

269

troublesome at times, are, as the above iccident proved, very
nseful on an estate. The proprietor of the chiltean, aftpr ho
had made the discovery, was obliged to stock bis place with a
fresh supply of moles, after which the lawns tlonrished as
formerly."

A PLEASiXrt instance of the progress of hortionltnre at

the antipodes is afforded by the opening of a new palm hodse
in the Botanic Garden, Adelaide, South Australia. The opening
ceremony was performed by Lady Musgrave on .January 22nd
in the presence of the i'litf of the city. The building, the design
and materials for which Dr. Schombnrgk, the skilled director
of the Garden, obtained from Germany, is 102 feet in length —
including two half-octagons. So feet broad, Ifi feet 6 inches high
to the eaves, the centre dome being about 40 feet high. The
total cost being about £;U40. The arrangement of the house
consists of a large rotunda iu the centre nearly .50 feet in cir-
cumference at the base, and an avenue 6 or 7 feet wide from
one extremity of the house to the other, as well as from the
central rotunda to both entrances on either side. The avenue
is lined with Tree Ferns from Queensland, Africa, New Zea-
land, New Caledonia, and New South Wales, and amongst them
are represented Cyathea dealbata, C. Dregei, G. excelsa, and
C. medullaris, the central plant in the rotunda being a fine
epscimen of Latania borbonioa surrounded with ornamental-
foliaged plants and Ferns. Other fine specimens in the avenues
are — Cycas revoluta, Authurium coriaceum, Coeos Weddel-
liana, C. coronata, Martinezia erosa, Ebtis guineensis, Ceroxylou
niveum, Astrocaryum granatensis, Areca lutesoens, Sabal prin-
ceps, S. ccerulescens, Piitcbardia Martiana, P. macrocarpa,
P. pacifica, Latania anrea, Tritbtinax mauritiaeformie, Oreo-
doxa regia, Dremonorops tisfus, D. Lewsianns, D. palembani-
ons, Hyophorbe Verschaffeltii, Jubea speciosa, Livistona sub-
globoea, Kentia Forsteriana, K. Belmoriana, Ptychosperma
Alexandrfe, Thrinax elegans, and several Dickeonias and Also-
philas. There is also a grotto artistically formed and appro-
priately planted, also vases and statuary. — (S. A. Eegister.)

Many inquiries reach us relative to the value of spent

TAN AS MANURE. Prof. Storer states, in the last number of
" The Bulletin of the Biissey Institute," the results of analyses
made in his laboratory of three samples of this article. Ac-
cording to those results 1000 lbs. of the tan would contain less
than half a pound of phosphoric acid, somewhat less than a
pound of potash, and from 1 to 2 lbs. of nitrogen ; and since
the tan has been thoroughly exhausted with water so that its
soluble matters are mostly dissolved out, these substances
are all in the insoluble condition, and must therefore be taken
at their lowest values ; moreover, it is probable that the nitro-
gen would pass but slowly and incompletely into soluble and
assimilable forms in the soil.

It is well known that the earliest crops of Potatoes

nsually escape ihe disease, and according to the evidence of
Mr. Josiah Hoopes in the A'ihi York Tribune they similarly
escape the attacks of the Colorado beetle. With the object of
evading that destructive pest Mr. Hoopes has relied on the
early sorts for his main crop, and with excellent results.

• Two specimens of deciduous Magnolias, M. conepioua

and its variety M. Soulangeana, flowering in pots in Mr.
Williams's show house at Holloway, suggest how effective these
ehrnbs are for conservatory decoration. The large white
blossoms 3 or 4 inches across are conspicuous at any time, but
especially so when having a background of Palms and I'erus,
which " brings them out " to great advantage. The flowers
are much more pure also when expanded under glaes than in
the open air. Moderate-sized shrubs blossom very freely.

PRIMULA INTERMEDIA.

Tnis was discovered in Siberia by Gmelin, the Swedish
botanist, as long since as 1747, but has very undetervedly
been lost. It is a very pretty species with pink flowers, and is
thus described by Mr. Curtis in 1H09 : —

" It was raised by Mr. Loddiges from seeds sent from Si-
beria, and appears to be intermediate between Primula fari-
nosa and uivaha. The scape is longer than that of farinoaa,
and more slender than in either of the other allied species ;
the leaves are green on both sides without any mealiness,
and lie flatter on the ground than in the others; the calyx
is very nearly as long as the tube of the corolla, and its seg-
ments are more acute than in farinosa; the bracts composing
the involucre are shorter by halt than the pedicels, and are
incurved.

" Gmelin states that this sort is far more common in Si-
beria than the farinosa, of which however he considers it as a
variety ; but to us as well as to Mr. Loddiges, who was iu the
habit of cultivating all three, it appears to come aa near to

Fig. 85.— Piimnlii iul

nivalis. Perhaps all three may be considered as only varieties
of the same species, yet they seem to be permanent, and not at
all inclined to change from ono to another.

" It flowers in May. Propagated by seeds or parting its
roots, but is much more difficult to be preeerved than either

270

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

[ April 12, 1877.

of the other epeoies, being very impatient both of wet and

dronght

SEDUM SPEOTABILE AND SEDUM AZOEICUM
VARIEGATUM.

Mb. Recob& \iaB called attention to the merits of Sednm
bpeotabile toi the Tarioue pnrpoaee of bedding, Tase, and con-
servatory decoration ; and subsequently another contributor,
'' J. T. P>," pointed out the mode to grow it to perfection.
Valnablo as thelatter information undoubtedly is, your readers
will be pleased to learn that this Sedum is one of those con-
venient plants that can hardly be put in a wrong place, and,
jwithout unduly encroaching on the space required by its neigh-
Ijour, is capable of doing well without receiving any extra aesist-
auce when planted in a vase, and that vase occupying a position
where watering is inconvenient. I do not know of any plants
which succeed better without water than do the two above
named, while at the same time water does not injure them as
it often does many other succulent plants. Sedum spectabile
is one of those peculiarly convenient plants that it does very
well either with water occasionally like other plants, or can
endure a very long time without it, even in dry weather. This
qualification fits it especial'.y for occupying vases in exposed
positions, as it resists wind as well as sun ; and for all the
other purposes of bedding or occupying a place in the herba-
ceous border or elsewhere it is almost without a rival. The
wonder is how a plant pes sessing so many good qualities should
have remained so long nr.noticed.

It is a very old plant, but my acquaintance with it dates no
farther back than 1862., when I observed it, I think, in the
conservatory of the Kcyal Horticultural Society's garden at
Kensington. It was then, I believe, called by another name,
bnt its merits struck m e as being such as to qualify it for other
purposes. I therefore obtained a plant ; but I confess feeling
not a little mortified Tfhen, on pointing it out to an old cottager
at the time it flowered with me under glass, he asserted he had
the same plant in flcwer in his garden, and bad had it there
all his life, it being perfectly hardy. Furthermore, he asserted
his belief that it was a British plant and to ba met with in a
wild state in certain places. This latter assumption I think is
not the case, at least I have never heard of its being found in
a truly wild state. Although as the outcast of a garden it will
struggle on amongst other herbage, and the ease with which
roots are emitted from any part of its shoots would appear to
favour its propagation under many ordinary circumstances in
which it might be placed, yet I doubt much of its being truly
wild. There is another Sedum with a flower of a brownish
red colour which is sometimes met with in old gardens : this
I believe is wild on some favoured dry rocky situations in
Britain, but is not so pretty as S. spectabile.

The ease with which the latter is propagated is not the least
of its merits, for, as one of your correspondents remarks, the
young shoots that are furnished so numerously in spriug will
all grow into plants the same year if they are only inserted in
the soil. I have occasionally pulled off a quantity and merely
inserted them into the common soil, totally regardless of sun,
shade, or sand, and they have every one grown. About the
beginning or middle of March they are of a suitable size, and
the plant may be propagated to any extent without any of the
requirements so necessary for so many other plants. If they
only are placed on the ground the right end uppermost I think
they will all grow. Young plants produce the largest flowers ;
but I have never taken the trouble of thinning the shoots for
the purpose of obtaining extra-sized flowers, for the reason
that when grown in beds there is generally plenty of large as
well as small flowers, and I think that both are better than all
large, and in vases we cannot have too many flower heads ;
moreover, where a quantity of shoots are taken off for propa-
gating, those remaining most likely do become stronger. I
had a large oval bed in which the plants flowered for many
years, looking remarkably well. The ground was slightly raised
in the centre, and the flowers were in a perfect mass exactly
parallel to the surface of the bed, filling it completely; the
plants being the first season about a foot from each other, bnt
afterwards one-half of them were removed. An edging of another
plant surrounded the bed, which was often Iresine or some
other dark-leaved plant. This bed was as attractive ag any in
the garden, and required no attention whatever, only removing
the edging plants when no longer sightly and cutting down
the Sednm, which, however, was not done too early. As the
bed was at some distance from the ordinary observer the ap-

pearance when the autumn had destroyed its floral beauty was
not objected to, and the stems remaining sheltered the incipient
buds. I do not think, however, any ordinary treatment is at
all likely to kill this plant, as with the exception of such plants
as Horseradish and some of the coarser weeds I do not know
of anyone more tenacious of life or easier to grow.

Seiium azoricumvariegatiim.—A\though differing widely from
the last, this plant, too, is deserving of more extended culti-
vation than is usually accorded it. It is dwarf and prostrate
in growth, but it is well adapted for small vases, and being
perfectly hardy is suitable for such as occupy exposed situ-
ations. In a normal condition its foliage is of a glaucous hue,
bnt when each leaf is deeply tipped with a pretty creamy yellow
its appearance is very neat. It is seldom met with more than
4 or 5 inches high, very often not so much, but is well fitted
for occupying the edges of window boxes and such places where
a permanent plant is required. I think I have directed atten-
tion to this Sedum before, and only repeat it here where the
merits of the other one called for something being said in
favour of another member of the family. Of other dwarf
species someone else will possibly say something, as there aie
several that possess what I esteem one of the chief recom-
mendations aplant canhave — i.e., of being hardy. — J. Eobbon.

SCAELET BUN NEE.

This is a favourite and useful summer vegetable. In
England and Wales it is grown in nearly every cottage
garden, but in Scotland it is not so well known ; indeed, one
may see hundreds of cottage gardens there where this Bean
was never grown, and those who do grow it generally do so
for the beauty of the scarlet flowers and the value of the plant
as a climber ; but the pods are considered unfit for food. Such ,
however, is by no means the case, as few vegetables are more
wholesome or better-flavoured, and it has the advantage of
growing and fruiting in cold localities where the Dwarf Kidney
Bean does not succeed.

Some writers have the 'knack" of filling two or three
pages with instructions of how to grow some very small and
unimportant plant or crop ; but all that need be said about the
Scarlet Runner may be put in few words, because it is one of
the easiest of vegptables to cultivate, and it comes in long after
Peas and tender Dwarf Beans are past. In some large gardens
Scarlet Ennners are grown to come in wholly for late use, but in
small gardens they may be sown to come early and a long time
in succession.

In preparing the ground, the part on which the row will
grow must be dug or trenched about 18 inches deep, add-
ing at the same time plenty of strong manure. The roots
do not run far, consequently it makes little difference what
kind of soil it is a few feet from the row. When a piece of
ground is wholly devoted to them the rows must be 5 feet
apart. Seed may be sown about the last weik in April for the
first supply, and after this sowings may be made as required
until the first week in August. When the plants are about
4 inches high earth them up and put in the stakps. These
may be placed 3 inches apart, and tliey must be 5 feet high.
The Beans may grow taller, but it is the best plan to top them
when they attain this height. It is not often that any dis-
tinction is made in variety of Scarlet Eunners, but one named
Premier and Webb's Selected are two very superior varieties.
— A Kitchen Gaiidener.

P.S. — I see a list of vegetables given at page 201 for swampy
ground. Scarlet Runnera may with safety be added to those
named.

BEODI.EA CALIFOBNICA.

Ok the many strange and wonderful growths found in
California, the botanist finds few of a more peculiar habit,
and none that I know of deserves more attention than this
Brodiica. No other plant in the vegetable world acts as does
thia one.

Brodiasa californioa belongs to the natural order Liliaceic,
and is known among the mass of floral people as the Twining
Hyacinth, a name which it well deserves, as will be seen by
the deaoription given below. It has two near relations, both
natives of California, but of a different habit ; they are B. coc-
cinea, bearing crimson flowers ; and B. grandiflora, bearing
blue flowers,

13. californica starts growing early in the spring, it sends up
from two to four leaves, the latter very seldom; these are of

April 12, 1877 ]

JOUENAL OP HORTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

271

various shades of green, being very dark where exposed to the
sunlight, and light in the shade; they vary from one-half to
1 inch in diameter, and from 1 to 3 feet in length. I have
often gathered them of ovor a yard in length, but they were
always from plants in the shade ; they have a deep ohannel
running the entire length, and nearly always lie prostrate on
the ground.

The flower stem starts about the middle of May. As soon
BB it is 5 or G inohes long it commences twining itself over
any shrub or plant in its vicinity; whether 5 or 10 feet high,
it keeps on twining until it reaches the top of its support.

It takes from two to four weeks to reach the top of its
support, and all this time the flower bud remains dormant.
After reaching the greatest height it can, it stops to take a
rest for a week or two. Then occurs the most eiogular phe-
nomenon of all. Uhe stem breaks olf close to the ground,
and keeps no connection whatever with mother earth, which
until this time has given it nourishment ; now the flower bud
begins to expand and grows for about two weeks, when the
bud opens and exposes to view from six to sixty other flower
buds, which up to this time have been safely hidden from view.
In about a week, between the 1st and the middle of July,
the flowers open, and remain from two to six weeks, and this
without any connection with the earth whatever. Whether it
derives nourishment from the shrub supporting it, or the air,
I am not prepared to say.

The flowers are of various shades of pink and pinkish
purple ; as before stated they are borne in clusters of from
twelve to sixty ; they are from one-half to 1 inch in diamoter,
and the clusters from 1 to U inches in diameter.

Plant them about 4 inches deep, in rather good rich soil
near some bash or shrub, so as to afford some support. Cover
in a cold climate with suitable covering. Give no water except
what it receives naturally. — W, C. L. Dbew (in American
Gardencr'i Monthly).

^Brodiaja calitornica was brought from California to the
Koyal Horticultural Society's gardens by Mr, Hartweg in 1848,
and flowered during the following year. It is a pretty hardy
bulbous plant, requiring the same treatment as Scillas. — Eds,]

FAILURE OF EAELY-STARTED VINES.

TnEBE certainly are many complaints this year of Vines
which have been started early breaking very badly. Though I
have no wish to be boastful, yet I would like to say that the
early Vines under my charge have done well, and I may add
th»y were started at Christmas with a temperature of about
65° by day and about 50° by night. I like to sprinkle the rods
with a syringe morning and evening till the buds commence
swelling.

It wiil be in the recollection of all (gardeners at any rate I
do not think will forget) what a very dry summer wo had last
year, followed by a very wet and mild autumn, and Vine
borders which were neglected during the dry weather have
been those in which the Vines have suffered, simply because
they have not had the moisture and nourinhmeut at their
roots to enable them to perfect their buds for the following
year ; and it must be remembered the buds are forming and
swelling from the time the Vines start the previous year, and
any check they receive must be very prejudicial to their future
development.

Perhaps it is almost impossible to give Vines too much water,
where they have good drainage, by either natural or artificial
means. At any rate they should have a good watering once
a week during dry weather, especially where the Vines are
young and the roots have not roamed away outside the border.
Where manure cannot be obtained give the surface of the
border a dressing of guano or bone dust, and slightly fork it
in before watering. If the border can be mulched it will save
much watering; but where the borders are in the flower garden
mulching will look rather untidy.

The pruning of Vines has perhaps something to do with
their failure in breaking. I do not think it is well to prune
too close to the old rods, at any rate not the whole of the
shoots, but as near as possible. Prune every alternate shoot
back to the third eye, the other shoot to be pruned close to the old
wood. It will be found the bunches that are produced on the
shoots that have not been pruned close will lengthen-out more
freely and have much larger berries than those from spurs
pruned close. The following year the shoots that have been
pruned long should be cut close, and those that have been
pruned short should be out back to the second or third eye.

I will on a future occasion detail my experience about training
up young rods. — W. Etheeingto!I, Swanscombc Manor,

KEW GARDENS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

These are more than two hundred aoree in extent. The
surface is flat, but judicious planting, bold clumps of shrubs,
and easy winding walks, have added some of the best features.
The terrace, the long vista walks and avenues, the waterworks,
and architectural elevations are combined very satisfactorily,
and will be more effective as the growth of the planting wUl
mark the features more prominently. A progressive series
of improvements is annually taking place, rendering every
portion of the surface of the grounds interesting and useful.
Numerous species of hardy trees, shrubs, and flowers are ex.
hibited in various parts of the grounds. The extensive glass
structures are filled with the choicest productions of the vege-
table kingdom. One of the most prominent houses is the
great temperate house. It is a noble structure, covering about
one and two-thirds of an acre, and is 60 feet high. Three
miles and three quarters of hot-water piping are required to
keep the temperature about 40° in winter. The plants are
planted out in the borders.

The Palm house is another conspiouous object. It is a very
handsome building, 3G2 feet in length and 100 in width.
Bound the centre portion is a gallery, which is reached by
winding staircases, and from this gallery the plants can be
seen to the best advantage. The variety of forms is presented
in a pleasing manner, showing the outline of each individual
plant separately. There are the museums and herbariums
for dried specimens of plants, which afford also means of in-
struction and enjoyment available to all.

Kew Gardens may be regarded as the botanioal centre of the
world, and are valuable for the assistance furnished by them
to horticulture, botany, medicine, manufacturing art, and
design. To the horticultural pupil this garden will be found
an important field for the study and culture of plants, and
facilities are presented of an inviting description towards the
attainment of useful and practical information. The name,
order, economic use, and native country of each plant, and date
of its introduction is stated, and professional instruction is
imparted, for lectures are delivered in the gardens.

Kew Gardens were originally the grounds surrounding the
country house of Dr. Molyneux.a distinguished man of science
in the reign of George II. At his death the property passed
into the hands of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and eventually
to his widow, the Dowager Princess. In the reign of their
son, George III., numerous improvements were made. Two
conservatories were built, and the gardens received many
valuable acquisitions from the voyages and researches of
Capt. Cook, Sir Joseph Banks, Flinders, Masson, and others.
In 1789 a catalogue was published by Joseph Alton under
the title of " Hortus Kewensis," giving a description of 5000
species of plants, all of them exotic. The grounds remained
the property of the Sovereign until 1840, when they were
passed over to the department of the woods and forests on the
behalf of the nation. The sum devoted to the maintenance
and improvement of the establishment amounts to about
£20,000 per annum.

Kew Gardens present great advantages all the year round,
for here are gathered together plants from all corners of the
globe — every country has been ransacked (or these vegetable
treasures. la the 1 aim house is the Date Polm of Africa, the
plumed Cocoa-nut Palm of Ceylon, the Fan Palm (Latania
borbonioa), its broad leaves and noble nppeKrance giviDf; it a
distinct character. Next in point of interett iu the Sago I'ulm
(Sagus farinifera), remarkable for yielding the substance called
by that name. Another Palm of great beauly is the Cabbage
Tree of the West Indies (Areca oleracea) ; and Areea Catechu
is a Palm of the same genus, and produces the intoxicating
Betel Nut. There are also fine examples of the Wine Palm
(Caryota urene), Seafortbia elegans, and the Sugar Palm
(Arenga saccharifera). Palms are well represented at Kew ;
most of them are unique specimens.

In a walk through this house, beeiJea the interesting tribe of
plants I have alluded to, there are numerous other species.
Amongst them may be noticed the magnificent and gigantic
genus Musa or Plantain, the leaves 10 feet in length and '.i feet
in breadth. The stems of these majestic inhabitants of the jungle
we are informed afford the most delicious feast to the elephant
and the rhinoceros. Next in point of interest are the Cjcads,
which from their great external resemblance to Palms are apt

272

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 12, 1877.

to be oonfounded with them. The manner in which the leaves
are evolved is highly curious and extremely beautiful, similar
to that in which the fronda of the Fern tribe are developed, to
which they are also somewhat allied. The attractive leaves
of the Draoienaa and the ornameutal foliage of the Aralias are
scattered about in various parts, forming pleaeing features in
the scene, particularly the hybrid varieties lately introduced by
cultivators. Around the pillars and upon the rafters various
climbing plants are entwining. Of Ferns there is an immense
stock. The collection comprises every desirable kind from
all parts of the world. Several large houses are devoted to
their culture, and great attention is bestowed on them. Those
from the tropics are peculiarly grand and imposing. Several
of the speiies attain the size and appearance of some Palm
trees, with fronds most elegant. They are for the most part
easily cultivated. It is surprising that this extensive and
elegant class of plants should have been so long neglected,
for who can watch even our common British Ferns — those
humble denizens of the earth — bursting from the ground in
spring, without experiencing emotions of pleasure ?

The Succulent house is a capacious span-roofed building
200 feet in length by 30 feet in width. It contains a very fine
collection of plants, and it would be difficult to find anywhere
a house of plants more remarkable and grotesque. One of the
most curious plants in the house is the Old Man Caotns (Pilo-
cerus senilis). This odd plant is covered with long, whitish,
hair-liko appendages separating on the top like the oombed
locks of some veteran. Another object, very quaint-looking,
is the Opuutia vulgaris or Prickly Pear; its Fig-like fruit is
eatable. There are several varieties of this plant. Opuntia
cochinilifera, the plant on which that valuable insect prin-
cipally feeds upon, is represented. Another prominent object
is the Torch Thistle (Cereus Jamaoaru), native of Tropical
America. The Euphorbias are strange-looking plants ; they
are natives of Africa, India, and Tropical America principally,
but different members of the genus are found all over the
world, and are generally known by the name of " Deadly Milk
Plant." The Cactuses are also very numerous, some of them
of a gigantic size and fierce aspect. The exquisite beauty and
perfume of the flowers of very many of the species are also so
btriking that no collection can be considered complete without
them. Of the genus Aloe the collection contains many large
and striking plants ; some of the species are well known for
their medicinal qualities, such as the Aloe socotrina. The
Aloe barbadensis, A. vulgaris, A. epicata, and the Tree Aloo
(arborescens), are principally cultivated in the West Indian
islands for the purpose of producing the Aloes of commerce.

Before leaving this house I will remark, that besides the in-
teresting plants I have thus briefly alluded to there are
hundreds of others which strike the visitor's attention, such
as the noble Dasylirions, the Beaucarneas with their drooping
leaves from (J to 8 feet long, Crassulas, Cotyledons, Kleinias,
and Mesembryanthemuma.

The Orchid houses are of great extent. Several hundred
species of these plants are in successful cultivation. This
numerous tribe certainly surpasses any others with which we
are acquainted, whether their delicacy of tint, curious form, or
intricacy of structure is regarded. It is impossible to view a
collection of these plants when in flower without, astonishment
at the wonderful resemblance to some work either of animal
nature or of art, there being scarcely one of them that may not
be compared to some kind of insect ; for instance, Oncidium
papilio, the flower of which plant resembles a butterfly, and
produced on a thin gossamer-like stalk which waves about in
the air that one can hardly fancy it otherwise than a living
creature. Then there is the Pitcher-plant from New Holland
(Cephalotus follicularis), looking like some production of fanci-
ful art ; and there are other similar vegetable curiosities, some
flowers resembling the bee, the fly, the spider, and others are
ehaped like hoods, helmets, and slippers. Many of this highly
iuterpsting tribe of plants are here growing in almost every
possible situation — on blocks of wood, naked stones, on the
stems of a Tree Fern, and in other situations in which there is
little if any soil to support vegetable life. They seem to derive
their chief nourishment from the air. Happily, too, there is
not a mouth in the year that eome one or other is not in blossom,
though the spring sun induces the flowering in a very marked
degree.

The Exhibition house is another large building containing a
Boiecellaneous collection varying according to the season of
the year, plants being removed and replaced by others as the
flowering Boafon passes. In this house thero is a high order

of dotal beauty kept-up winter and summer. In the spring
bulbs take a prominent part, such as Hyacinths, Tulips, Nar-
cissuses, Cyclamens, and others. These are replaced by other
plants as the seaaon advances, and the house is thus rendered
attractive " all the year round." — N. Cole, Kensington.

FRANCISCEAS.
TnE genus Franoiscea comprises some of the freest early
spring flowering and most easily cultivated of evergreen stove
shrubs. Moderate in growth, and not requiring a very high
temperature, they are readily accommodated in a cool stove.
The best of the genus is F. calycina major, of sturdy compact
spreading growth, having large deep green shining leaves,
large flat flowers 3 to 4 inches or more in diameter, of a
deep purple colour, borne iu terminal heads, each productive
of a large number of flowers suoceseionally produced, the
flowering enduring about a month. It usually commeucea
flowering in March, and seldom fails to flower again in late
summer.

F. confertiflora (laurifolia) has very large terminal heads of
purple flowers, not so large individually as those of F. calycina
major, but more numerous, often twenty and more in a head,
the habit of the plant being more loose and freer, for whilst
the last-named will be a round-headed bush 2 feet high, F. oon-
fertifolia will be 3 to 4 feet in height. F. oonfertifolia varie-
gata, with its leaves very much variegated with creamy white,
though less pretentious than many stove variegated plants, is
very attractive, particularly when in flower. Both flower in
March or early April, and are very handsome.

F. acuminata flowers a little later ; F. eximia, a very good
kind, with F. Lindeniana, pale purple, of erect habit, and
having long linear leaves, usually flower in April and May ;
and F. uuillora, which may bo said to have no fixed time of
flowering, but grows, flowers, rests awhile, again growing and
flowering. There are also F. latifolia, F. macrantha, and the
allied Brunsfelsia grandiflora and B. nitida. All are from the
West Indies and Brazils.

Franoisceas produce their flowers upon the current year's
growth, and are terminal, appearing with and terminating the
young growth, therefore no stopping must be resorted to. If
due regard has been paid to pruning the young plants, so as to
have them well furnished to commence with, not much trim-
ming will be afterwards necessary. When the plants become
overgrown they may be out back early in February, keeping
rather dry until the plants break afresh, when more moisture
will bo needed ; and when the shoots are an inch long repot,
removing most of the old soil, keeping rather close, moist, and
shaded, and watering carefully until re-established. It is pre-
ferable to replace old worn specimens by young healthy plants
rather than to resuscitate the former.

Plants flower very freely in a young state, and keep on for
a number of years increasing iu size and floral beauty, re-
quiring only a light and airy situation iu tho stove, with a
moist atmosphere and free watering when growing, and after
the leaves become firm in texture watering only to keep the
foliage from becoming limp. A temperature of 50" to 55' is
quite safe to winter them iu from October to February, when,
as growth will be taking place, they may then bo repotted, re-
moving most of the old soil or what comes away freely, return-
ing to the same or a little larger pot, providing good drainage,
and employing a compost of three parts turfy loam, with a
part old cow dung or leaf soil, adding some rather small
pieces of charcoal, about a sixth, and a like proportion of sand.
Pot moderately firm, and water carefully, sprinkling overhead
twioe daily, and sprinkling the floors, &o., thrice a day.
When growing freely water copiously until the growth is ma-
tured, and then sparingly.

Instead of potting before flowering I prefer to top-dress the
plants, removing the surface soil down to the roots, replacing
it with some rich turfy loam and old cow dung in equal parts
supplementing with manure watering after the buds show.

Potting iu this case is deferred until the blooming is past

much the best time, only we have to shade for a time until
the potting is recovered from. The plants are kept syringed
twice daily through tho summer, and when iu flower syriuKing
does not injure the flowers, which is more than can be said of
many flowering plants. The temperature after February may
be 00° to 65" night until April, with 6° higher afterwards, and
the usual rise of 5' to 10" by day in dull weather, and 15°
to 20' or more with sun and air. Franoisceas may indeed be
grown well in an intermediate house. I know of no plants

April 12, 16.77. 1

JOOBNAL OP aORTIGOLTDRB AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

273

that are more easily cnltivated and better repay any extra
attention bsetowed on them.

Aphis attacks the young growths, and thrips the raature
ehoots, both yielding to famigation with tobaooo. Mealy bng
seems to delight in this class of plants, bat it does not make
maoh headway when the plants are duly syringed, and it may
be destroyed by softsoap solutions.

Propagation is eCteoted by cuttings of the yonng shoots when
rather tirm at the base, inserted in sandy soil in a brisk moist
heat and shaded from sun j also by seeds, which should be
sown as aoon as ripe.— G. Adbev.

LI3M0RE CASTLE,

SEAT OF THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE.
This is a residence truly of the "olden time," for it was
built by King John in the twelfth century on the ruins of
St. Carthagh Abbey. Many tales cluster round the locality,

mountains. The terrace is flanked at either end by old
towers, the scene of many a sharp conflict in days of yore.
There is a good range of glass in the kitchen garden, a large
vinery, etovehouse, pita, greenhouse, &!. ; but these have
lately been undergoing extensive repairs, and the Vine border
has also been renewed, and a division placed in the vinery.
The castle garden is celebrated for some very fine Camellias,
and the houses show a fine stock of healthy-growing plants
of every kind. The spring bedding is on a somewhat ex-
tensive scale, and the large beds— one of a serpentine design,
borrowed from an old Irish misgal— look extremely handsome
at present. The gardens are nnder the able management of
Mr. David Jack.

ASTERS.
It is well known that these are among the most favourite
flowers cultivated by amateurs for outdoor decoration in sum-
mer. Scmetimes they are planted in mixed borders, also in

Fig. 3G.— LiSlIOBE CASTLE,

but one fact is more worthy of remembrance than any of them.
Here was bora Kobert Boyle, one of the most learned of our
men of science, and one eo truly christian that it has been well
said he will always be deserving of the affection and admiration
of succeeding ages.

The castle is on the verge of a rocky hill on the bank of the
river Blackwater, near the town of Lismore in the county of
Waterford, Ireland. The flower garden, familiarly known as
the Lower Garden, is not of very large extent, but is singularly
varied and beautiful, full of pleasing shrubberies and flowered
slopes. It has been in its arrangement and design almost a
work of chance, having been added to from time to time. A
high road once traversed its centre, and the terrace — which is
one of its chief ornaments, with two grand flower beds of
beautiful design — resulted from alterations in the edifice of the
castle. The finest trees in the garden are a splendid Cedar of
Lebanon, a good Deodar, and a noble avenue of Yews— very
tall and large trees, though only about ICO years old. Sikkim
Ilhododendrons flourish well in this mild and nheltered situa-
tion, as do all shrabs ; but it is rather too shady for bedding
plants, which are apt to run to leaf.

The upper or kitchen garden hag a very fine terrace, com-
manding a beautiful view of Kaockmele, Down, and Comiagh

rows or in small beds, and in all these ways they are easily
grown and eft'ective.

A succession of Asters may be had by sowing the seed at
diSerent times. No time must now be lost in sowing the seed
to produce the earliest plants and flowers. Place a few rough
leaves at the bottom of a pan or small square box, and till up
the remainder with a mixture of loam, decayed leaves, and
sand ; press this down firmly, and then make small drills
about 'i inches apart and 1 inch deep with the linger ; sow the
seed thinly in these and then level the surface. If the soil is
damp do not give any water, but place the pan in a house or pit
with a heat of 50' or in a frame, and keep it close until the
young plants appear, after which give air on fine days. As
eoon as tho plants are large enough to handle prick them out
into a frame, under a hand-light, or into pans or boxes the
same as the seed was sown in. A little manure must be added
to the soil at this time; this treatment will be found to
furnish plants in excellent order for planting in their flowering
quarters by the middle of May.

The ground in which they are finally planted must be open
and rich, as it is an important matter to secure free growth at
first to ensure fine blooms. I have no doubt many will have
Boen the plants cease growing for a time after Laving been

JOURNAL OF HORTIODLTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDBNEE.

[ April la, 1877.

planted ont, and the leaves become curled as if attacked by green
tiy. This is the result of careless planting and poor soil ; and
although the plants may make a fresh start and then bloom,
the flowers are never so fine aa those on plants which were
never checked. The plants need not be more than 12 inches
apart. During dry hot weather they are greatly benefited by a
mulching over the roots of short dung, or grass from the lawn.

For late flowering the seed must be sown in May, and the
seed may either be sown broadcast or in rows like Cabbage or
Ouion seed. I always sow the seed so thin that the plants do
not r( quire to be thinned or transplanted from the seed bed
until they are planted where they are to bloom, and I think
they Biilf-r less in dry weather iu this way than when shifted
often. Watering has to be well attended to in the case of this
latter sowing. Some plants throw up a cluster of flowers, but
when the finest " show " blooms are wanted these must be
reduced to two or three on a plant. Those who have no
means of raising early plants need never fail in having plenty
of late Asters. In buying seed it is generally had in packets,
and these contain twelve sorts which when well selected in-
clude every known colour. Amongst those which I have grown
I have selected Betteridge's Globe (Juilled, Finest German
Quilled, Dwarf Bouquet, Dwarf Chrysanthamum-flowered and
New Victoria for the main display. The dwarf varieties are
most suitable for small beds. — Floeist.

COMPOSTS FOR POT PLANTS.

One of the most important matters connected with the cul-
tivation of exotic flowers and fruits — which have in this
country to be cultivated under glass, in pots or restricted
borders, and have, as a consequence, to be constantly supplied
with water by artificial means — must always be the constitu-
ents of the soil in which they are potted or planted. Although
certain plants appear to be not over-particular as to whether
they are potted or planted in loam or peat as a basis for a
compost, yet even such plants attain to different degrees of
health and vigour when the soil most suited to their nature
preponderates. Good culture in all other respects lessens the
evils arising from a misapplication of soils ; but when a plaut
finds its element in this respect, and is otherwise properly
cared for, its character is developed with more freshness and
vigour.

We believe it is correct to say that the chief features of the
horticulture of the present, aa compared to that of the past, ia,
that complicated mixtures of soils and manures are less used
and believed in as " the secret " of successful culture, and
that the tendency is still in the direction of simplicity in this
respect. Mixtures, when compounded from fancy and with
little knowledge of the elements of chemistry, may, or may
not, be compounds of evil. Alter many years of exteneive
practice, we are thoroughly convinced that the mixing of dif-
ferent sorts of soils and manures for potting plants in general,
is an evil to be avoided; and feel certain that a plan!, that
thrives in loam will thrive still better in it ultimately — make a
more healthy, iraitful, and older plant— if there are no animal
or organic manures mixed with the turfy loam. We, of course,
mean all organic manures of a rapidly changing character
which putrifies, even though in that process the substances
formed are highly important to plant life. All such, and
humus of every description, are best left out of the soil in
which all the slower and more hardwooded plants are potted,
if they are to be healthy, floriferous, and long-lived. By so
doing the soil runs far less risk of becoming what is well un-
derstood by the term soured, and, of course, unhealthy. It
may be asked, Are the excrements of animals and decaying
vegetation not beneficial to such plants? Uudoubtedly they
are, but not mixed iu with the soil in a narrow deep vessel
like a flower pot. Such highly stimulating, and more or less
fermenting, substances are best applied as a top-dressing when
the plants require it. The turfy loam generally used for pot-
ting furpo-ies, at first, much organic matter of a less rapidly
changiug (because to some extent dilTerently incorporated with
the toil), as well as of a more natural character; and, as a rule,
no other manure need be mixed with the ball of earth in the
pot, unless it be of a less rapidly changing character, such as
ground bones. Take, for instance, a Camellia and a Pine
Apple — plants of very diverse characters. They thrive splendidly
in light turfy loam, and require nothing else until their pots
get pretty well filled with roots. Then a top-dressing of rich
manure is of immense benefit to them, which, if mixed with
the soil at the time of potting, is not only not necessary bat

positively injurious. The roots which these two plants make
in the loam, pure and simple — with perhaps the addition of
some charcoal and bones — are far more numerous and of a
different character to those produced iu soil made rich and
soft with rapidly decaying manure, iu which the roots are long
and less twiggy, escaping more rapidly down among the drain-
age into simpler and sweeter fare.

As a rule we neglect far too much Nature's rule of potting
and nourishing her children. We put manure of a too gross
Nature into the soil ; Nature lays it on the surface. We keep
stones out of it far too much, as a rule ; Nature is prodigal in
her supply of stones. We give a narrow, deep body of soil,
with comparatively little surface exposed to the air, and that
little is far too often amass of gangrene or slime ; on the other
hand. Nature, as a rule, gives a shallow body of earth with a
great wealth of surface clothed with living verdure of some
sort. In all these respects we cannot in small glass houses
follow the lead of Nature in the culture of plants in pots, but
the further the departure from her ways the more likely we
are to be in error. We can, however, top-dress more and mix
less humus iu our composts. Who will say that flower pots
would not be better if made a little shallower and a little wider ?
With regard to the mixture of stones or charcoal, or clean
broken potsherd, this can be followed without any offence to
the eye or any extra space. This we have come to regard as a
cardinal point iu the pot-culture of nearly all plants that are
not of the grossest and most ephemeral kind. Who that has
had much to do with plant-growing and potting has not noticed
that a plant that has had clean crocks, or, best of all, charcoal
mixed to a liberal extent, with the soil in which it has been
potted, has always been iu a more satisfactory condition the
next time it required a shift, than when these substances find
no place iu the soil? Take an Azalea or a Camellia, and in
potting it fill one side of the pot with soil in which charcoal is
liberally mixed, and the other with soil devoid of that sub-
stance, and ia twelve months, when the plant needs another
shift, it will be found that there are double the number of
rootlets on the side of the charcoal to what there is on the
other. Wherever a lew pieces of broken pot or charcoal are
found in the ball of a plant, there the roots are found to muster
in greatest numbers and health.

The mixing of these substances in imitation of Nature's
prodigality of stones is not practised to the hundredth part in
plant eiilture that its good effects demand. Charcoal has a
wondrous charm for roots, and is of the very foremost im-
portance iu the soil of nearly all pot-grown plants. It has a
beneficial mechanical effect ; has a sweetening tendency ; is
highly useful, absorbing ammouia and other plant food from
air and water, and from all decaying substances in its vicinity ;
while its owu character ij most unchangeable. It prevents
stagnant water; and bf-iog such a storehouse, it is a safeguard
against extreme drouglit. Iu the case of nine plants ont of
every ten it would be well it charcoal formed a fifth part of
the whole compost iu which they are potted. — {Tlie Gardener.)

ASPECTS OF NATURE— MARCH.

With March our twelvemonths floral garland is complete.
With fickle April our aspects of the mouth began, and with the
first truly flowery time of the year we end our contemplation
of Nature in her uncultivated wilds.

This year spring has been unusually bountiful iu furnishing
us with blossoms and May flowers, which as a rule open only
to bid farewell to the boisterous mouth, and reserve their full
beauty for the genial sunshine, and showers of April have been
with us for weeks. The earlier days of March were beueUoial
in that they brought a change from the too great mildness of
temperature of January and February to a frost and cold wind,

"Which, like tlie tyrannous breatliing o( tl)6 north.
Checks all our buds from blowing."
A timely chock, which promised to rid us of a few March
flowers and render more umbrageous and blossomy our sum-
mer bowers.

Perhaps there is no month in the whole twelve which has
given rise to a greater number of proverbs than March. The
almost incalculable benefit of dry weather at this season being
embodied in such sayings as — "A dry cold March never begs
bread," " a wet March makes a sad autumn," "a bushel of
March dust is worth a king's ransom; " nor do the character-
istics of a blustering March appear to have suffered much
change, for the ancient Itomaus named the season after the
roughest and rudest of the famed Olympian gods.

April 12, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTURE AND COTTAGE QABDENER.

275

The Violet and Primrose are looked upon as essentially
March flowers, although they, particularly the former, often
appear in February and remain until

" The flowery Blay, who from her green lap throws
The yellow Cowslip and the pale Primrose."

Lesser lights of the floral world of wildlings there aro in
abundance. The Blind Nettles, both purple and white, are
covering every untrodden waste, but small and inconspicuous
in bloom they are overlooked, while the brilliant flowers of the
Coltsfoot in dry sterile spots and the etarlike blossoms of the
Lesser Celandine on most banks attract attention.

The Periwinkle now begins to show its deep blue flowers
along its trailing branch of bright glossy leaves. It grows in
almost every cottage garden, but the very finest blossoms may
be seen beneath the now-sprouting Hawthorn hedge, carpeting
the earth with rich green and throwing up dozens of azure
flowers. Even Chaucer sang the old old song of Violet and
Periwinkle in spring, for, describing his parterre, he says —

We may imagine the county of Warwick to have been fertile
in the production of Violets, for Shakespeare alludes to them
frequently, and compares a strain of sweet music to the de-
licious Bcent of this flower —

" oh I it came o'er my ear like the sweet south
That lueathes upon a bank of Violets,
Stealing and giving' odour.*'

With the coming of the March Violet, both blue and white,
we have also the advent of the I'affodil,

" Which comes before the swallow dareg,'and tatcs
The winds of March with beauty."
The wild Daffodil, like the elegant pendulous Fritillaria of the
meadows, appears to be capricious in its choice of a habitat —
unseen, undisooverable often for miles of rural lanes and fields,
it suddenly crops up in some particularly favoured spot, and
year after year makes the place unique in beauty. Such is the
case with a stretch of land at one side of Hazeley Heath in
Hampshire, where the Daffodils flourish to such an extent
that the village girls and boys resort to the neighbourhood and
gather immense bunches of these flowers during the season of
Easter. In like manner the Fritillaria affects certain meadows
by the side of the Kennet and Avon Canal, not far from Bead-
ing, growing in such profusion as to truly enamel the grass
with its graceful bella of chequered, or pale greenish white
flowers.

But it is not alone the lowly blossoms of wayside copse and
field that greet us in March, but on the breezy common and
exposed heath the golden Goree opens its honey-laden flowers,
inviting the visits of the bees on every sunny day. The deli-
cate sense of green which now pervades both tree and bush is
beautifully described by Bishop Mant —

" Currant and prickly Gooseberry,
Alnns the Hawthorn's level line,
On baph of fragrant Eglantine,
On Bramble, and pithy Llder pale,
On Larch and Woodbine's twittted trail.
And "Willow lithe, there's flush of greeu;
The forward Sycamore display
Their foliage, and the shining spray
Of Chestnut to the sun protrude
His lengthened and expanding bud.
Which once unwrapped, in vain would Art
Fold it asew."

The spring-like beauty of the groves and meadows and the
varied cbarma of Nature are at this time greatly enhanced by
the melodies of the wild songsters, which, perched on tree or
shrub, trill forth their contentment at the return of the genial
season. The skylark mounts high into the air with his
cheeriest and blithest carol ; the thrush and blackbird warble
their sweetest notes to cheer their feathered choice ; and the
robin, which has kept his cheerfulness through all the dis-
heartening surroundings of a wet dreary winter, now breathes
forth in the full melody of his summer Bong. — T. S. J.

BULLFINCHES, SQUIRRELS, AND HEDGEHOGS.

" Wii.TsiiiEE liECTOR" writes like many others, that he can-
not say anything in favour of the bullfinch, nor, I am sorry to
say, can I. Hereabouts this year thty have been very plentiful,
and some of the Gooseberry orchards are entirely denuded of
fruit buds, the bushes being quite bare ; so likewise are many
of my own, until in self-defence 1 have been obliged to order
the bullfinches to be destroyed as much as possible, for I can-
not find that they do any good.

I think there is more laid to the charge of the squirrels than
they deserve. With regard to their eating-out the Fir-tree
tops, many of the tops are blown off by high winds and also
broken off by birds perching on them ; still squirrels do eat
fruit. Two came to my Strawberry beds and carried off some
fruit, but a few white feathers on a string scared them away,
and I still had the pleasure of watching them at play in the
Oak trees.

As regards the hedgehog, I have had many opportunities of
observing him. Many and many an evening have I seen one,
sometimes two, about the hedgerows busily at work with their
noses poking about for worms, grubs, Ac'., and one peculiar
fact is they know no fear. You cannot frighten them by
noises or by your presence ; it is only by touching them you
can cause them to curl up. They seem to have no idea of
running, and rely for defence on their prickly skins. One of
the correspondents to the .Journal mentions that they climb;
this I have never known them to do, but as regards eggs on
the ground they are sad fellows. Only last year I had a hen
sitting near a wood, when I found the eggs began disappearing.
On examination of part of a shell left I distinctly saw the
marks of teeth that would be like those made by a hedgehog ;
a trap was set and a very large hedgehog wa^ caught. He
was taken some distance and turned loose in the wood, and no
more eggs were lost. For a walled-in garden I think this
animal is most useful. I have often kept them so and found
them become quite tame, coming regularly to the back door to
be fed. They are also useful when wild, as I before stated, as
they destroy a vast quantity of noxious insects, worms, grubs,
&e., and my belief is that they do much more good than harm ;
therefore I think they ought to be spared as much as possible
excepting in the poultry yard.— Harbison Weib, IVcirkigh,
Brenchlcy, Kent.

CHANGING SEED.

MiBAPFREHENSioN exists Upon the subject of changing seed,
with a view to increasing the yield, and preventing degenera-
tion from successive plantings or sowings on the same land.

It has come to be generally recognised that certain varieties
of grain and root crops, especially Potatoes, will do better in
one Boil, situation, or condition than another ; some varieties
will grow on wetter, or poorer, or colder, lighter or heavier
land than will other varieties of the same cereal or tuber. For
instance, the Peaohblow Potato requires more uniform condi-
tions of coolness and moisture than many other varieties.
This rule will apply measurably to all other crops. Hence,
from the failure to study the characteristics and peculiar re-
quirements of cultivated plants, the idea has become almost
universally prevalent that periodical and frequent changes of
seed is absolutely necessary ; and that the change should be
made from a soil, situation, and climate essentially different
from that upon which the crop is intended to be grown. The
real fact is, however, that in a change of seed more attention
should be paid to procuring varieties adapted to the soil and
climate where the variety is to be cultivated, than anything
else. Hence, if any given product is found under good culti-
vation constantly to deteriorate in a locality, it should be dis-
carded, and those varieties selected that are found to do well
upon a similar soil and situation.

The Early Rose Potato is another noteworthy example of a
variety that does well on a great range of soils, yet will be good,
indifferent, or bad in yield or quality according to the soil upon
which they are grown and the conditions under which they are
cultivated. Some plants will not grow at all except in par-
ticular soils and aspects. Hence in changing seed the grow^r
has not only to study the conditions necessary to the growth
of a given variety, but also their adaptation to his own soil.
In the selection of seeds, varieties adapted to a soil and climate
must be used, and the seed chould have been grown on a soil
calculated to produce the variety in its best state. When va-
rieties are obtained that under good cultivation hold their high
characters even measurably, retain them until by careful ex-
perimentation or certain information another is found which
will bo better.

Last season Potatoes, as a rule, were a failure. It will bo
well to procure new seed from those sources where the crop has
been raised in an entirely healthy state; thus again getting a
start with perfectly Bound .seed, containing all the elements of
nutrition for the future plant in the highest degree. The same
rule will apply to any other seed it may be necessary to buy.
The extra charge, if any, that this will entail, will be money

276

JodeNal of hortiodlture and cottage qabdbnee.

[ April 12, 187?.

well invested. If, however, your own seed be eatisfactory, do
not change from any inoorreot idea that plants as a matter of
course run out from having been raised on the same land for
a number of years.

Indiflerent cultivation causes deterioration of products to a
greater d( sree than all other causes combined. If nnsnited to
the soil pliiuta will deteriorate, and new seed should be obtained
from localities where the oharaoterietica are retained. If you
have these already secured hold fast to them in preference to
liskitig seed from some other place. Experiment with all and
every variety you please. This ia one ttst of the intelliKent
and successful farmer; but do not throw away that which ia
good until you get something better. — {Prairie Farmer.)

CHAPTERS ON INSECTS FOB GAKDENEBS.

No. 17.

The idea must sometimes have occurred to the reflective
gardener that the largest insects are not always the most
troublesome, that, indeed, if we were to make a statement on
the subject it would rather take the opposite form, since many
of our prolific and pertinacious foes are dimiuntive, though
often very agile. To some who are ignorant of natural history
tho first remark on their beinp shown either a moth or a
caterpillar belonging to the Hawk Moth division, that we have
next to consider, is one implying the estimate they form of the
destructive powers of such creatures. Looking at the insects
individually (at least in the larva state) such observers may
often be right, but considered collectively these insects rarely
appear in gardens in sufficient numbers to cause damage. Mr.
Wood certainly does seem to think the " Eyed " and " Poplar "
Hawks (Smerinthua Ocellatus and Populi) may be destructive
in gatdens — I suppose he means by their feeding on fruit
trees, which is, however, an infrequent circumstance, though
I once saw the larvie of S. Populi in sufficient force to spoil
the appearance of a row of Poplar saplings. The pacific cha-
racter of the huge and formidable-looking larva; of this family
is in marked contrast with the irritable displays we notice in
various species of the smaller Lepidoptera.

Some of the older naturalists spoke of these Hawk Moths as
distingnifihed from thi^ir brethren in this order by their time
of flight, and so they called them the " Twilight Flyera ;" but
really, although certain species have a taste for the " witching
hour of eve " when they hover around our flower beds like
diminutive ghosts, their eyes twinkling with a light that is
perhaps of a phosphorescent nature, there are also speciea
which prefer to fly in the clear sunshine, and others that are
so sluggish in habit that alter being about for a short period
during the day, twilight finds them with a propensity to slum-
ber. Curious, again, was tho fancy of the Swedish naturalist
LinnfEus, who saw in the attitude of tho larvfe of some speciea
a resemblance to the Egyptian Spbynx, and hence applied a
name to them which is still used in its Latin form ; alao h";
regarded them as intermediate between the butterflies and
moths. The phrase "Hawk Moth" happily expresses the
Bwooping flight ao notable in some species, yet others there
are which glide along in quite an unhawk-like fashion. At
the top of our list in size comes the species which may well be
termed the monarch of British motha, and which rejoices in
the solemn name of Aoherontia Atropos. No one who has
once seen a Death's-head Moth could fail to recognise it
thereafter; but it seems scarcely credible in this age of pro-
gress that such an insect should be viewed with apprehen-
sion even by a rustic; yet the fact is well authentionted, and
it is doubtless partly due to the marks that are exhibited on
the thorax and partly to the peculiar squeak the moth can
make when annoyed or alarmed. In some districts the cater-
pillar is called a "lokue," a mianomer rather ludicrous when
its habits are considered as well as ita form ; for though at
the time it is near maturity one of these can " put away" a
good many leaves, yet in Potato fields the insects are never
abundant enough to do damage. If feeding on the Privet or
the .Jasmine, as it occasionally will, the caterpillar leaves more
signs of its presence, though like its relative next to be referred
to, it is in the habit of concealing itself during the day.

The Convolvulus Hawk Moth (Sphynx Convolvuli), not quite
60 large as the preceding, is still scarcer in most years, though
now and then there is a season when specimens occur all over
these islands, even in the vicinity of London. The moth
seeks the attractions ofiered by the exotics in our gardens,
having a remarkably long proboscis, therein differing from
A, AtropoB, which, having a short thick trunk, is driven to the

expedient of robbing bees, and (perhaps) sipping the juice e{
over-ripe fruit. As the caterpillar of S. Convolvuli is invariably
found on the wild species of Convolvnlua it is no enemy to
horticulture, but ever esteemed a prize by the entomologist
who may pounce upon it. No better illustration of the Hawk
Moth family can be given than that furnished by the hand-
aome moth and caterpillar of the species receiving its name
from the Privet, S. Liguatri. The body of the moth, with ita
pinl£ and black bands, is bulky, but the powerful grey-brown
fore wings, steadied by the lighter-coloured hind wings, can
carry the insect with rapidity through the air. Seldom is the
young caterpillar observed, owing to ita keeping low down
amongst the twigs ; gaining couraga aa it increases in size it
suns itself full in view, the purple and white stripes being
most recognisable at that stage on the pale green ground colour.
These oblique stripes, seven in number, are a fiugular cha-
racteristic of the large Hawk Moth caterpillars; sometimes
they are only faintly defined, the darkest being generally the
stripe that extends along the anal horn, which is another
adornment peculiar to the family, and which has, so far as I
can see, no purpose, offeniive, defensive, or nutritive. The
three Smerinthi have strong resemblances to each other, but
the Eyed Hawk (S. Ocellatus) has eye-like markings on the
lower wings, thus occupying a position unique amongst British
motha. In the caterpillar state, however, it is so similar to
that of S. Populi that they may be mistaken for each other,
though S. Populi is more yellow in hue, while S. Ocellatus
exhibits a horn that is of a bluish tint. Both feed on Poplar,
Willow, and now and then on the Apple or Pear ; it has been
asserted that the caterpillar of S. Populi has been observed
eating the uninviting leaves of the Laurel and Laurustinua.
The third speciea, S. Tiliic, frequentathe Lime sometimes, but
more commonly it occurs upon the Elm, and this, in the
caterpillar state, is quite distinguished by a curious plate (or,
as it has been called, an " escutcheon ") which it bears on the
back, besides the anal horn. This is the least abundant of the
three Smerinthi ; and as the female moths of all deposit a
goodly number of eggs, their stationary condition may be
attributed to tho dying-off of many young caterpillars and the
destruction committed amongst them by birds.

Passing by a few species of some local rarity we proceed to
notice the Elephant Hawk Moth (Chterocampa Elpenor), a
species in which we have a caterpillar with eyelike spots and
a body tapering like an elephant's trunk; hence the Eoglish
name that has been conferred upon it. Occasionally it is
green, but more generally olive-brown. In taste it is rather
eccentric, for it feeds on plants aa dissimilar as the Willow
Herbs, the Bedstraws, in gardens occasionally on the Vine (as
reared by myself), also, it ia said, on the Fachsia ; but it is
not found to be productive of any serious injury, and the
beautiful moth may be esteemed as not much less charming
than some of the flowers about which it hovers, the olive-green
of the wings and body being relieved by pink, brown, and black
markiugs. Next of kin to the Elephant ia the small Elephant
(C. Porcellus), this pig-headed (:') species being more uncommon
in most English counties, its habits leading it to prefer open
places, as on chalk downs, rather than the vicinity of gardens.
The Bedstraws afford food to the caterpillar, which is brown
or green, black-spotted, and of all the Hawk Moth tribe the
sole speciea without the anal horn.

Newspaper paragraphists have reason to view with thank-
fulness the Humming Bird Hawk Moth, for it has supplied
various journals with the startling heading of " A Humming
Bird in England I" The mistake on the part of some observers
is exouaablfi when we are told that those who have seen true
humming birds have stated that, had they not been assured
to the contrary, they could have supposed this moth as seen
by them on the wing was the admired and lively creature
which has enraptured poets and artista. Our moth, however,
resembles the duller-coloured humming birds, for such there
are besides those gorgeously plumed; and although, much
in the manner of the bird, the moth flies during the daytime,
during the evening it hums above the flower beds, having ap-
parently a fancy for flying into rooms through open windows,
after it has sipped the honey from the flowers against the walls.
Is it possible that the humming sound this moth makes deters
birds from seizing it ? One peculiarity of the Humming Bird
Hawk Moth is its capriciousness as to the times when it will
exhibit itself on the wing, though its aeason of emergence from
the pupa condition is in the autumn. Individuals have been
seen in almost every month of the year, implying that some
hybernate in average years. But the caterpillar is only to be

April 13, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDRE AND OOXTAQB GARDENER,

277

detected daring a short period in the summer, jast when
Galium moUe (one of the Bedetraws) is in its best condition,
and before it dies down under the sultry heat or dry weather.
In colour this caterpillar is variable ; the horn is sharp and up-
right, while the sides, instead of stripes, have one straight
white line. Formerly I have taken the species where I suspect
it will never be found again — on marshy banks close to Kew.
Near the same spot it is a tradition with London entomologists
that " Elephant Hawks " used to be captured, settling on the
flowers of the Ragged Robin. — J. R. S. C.

NEW BOOK.

Economic Entomology ; Aptera. By Andeew Mdrray, F.L.S.
London : Chapman it Hall. 1877.

The collection at the Bethnal Green branch of the South
Kensington Museum, which is intended to illustrate in a visible
tangible way what is known as economic entomology is, to
borrow a phrase from the late Edward Newman, " stretohing-
out its fair proportions," and as it is to be accompanied by a
series of handbooks, these in their amplitude must in some
measure correspond with the objects they are to serve to in-
dicate. If, as has been stated, economic entomology should
include all the insects that are either useful, harmful, or in
some way or other interesting to mankind, it is rather a diffi-
cult matter to fix our boundaries, and a host of insects might
put in their claims to be represented (were they so inclined
and capable), which have not yet been granted a place in the
widest collection of this kind. It ia possible that within the
collection above referred to many insects have been allowed
to take rank, the economic importance of which is question-
able, however curious or even valuable they may be in the
estimation of naturalists. For good reason, doubtless, the
author of this portly volume in treating of the subject entered
upon (for it would appear from the title page that he takes
the whole series in hand of which this forms a part), has chosen
to work upwards and not downwards. That is to say, instead
of beginning with the beetles, which are deemed to exhibit
insect life in its highest organism, he commences with the
wingless forms classed under the head of Aptera. We venture
to predict that as he proceeds he will find it necessary to con-
dense somewhat, and that his plan of treatment, admirable and
almost exhaustive as it is, will hardly be able to be carried
out throughout the volumes without unduly augmenting their
size and number. Hence Mr. Murray begins with discussing
myriapods, spiders, mites, and kindred species that in the
estimation of many persons are not insects at all, but either
to be located separately or set down as a group of the Crus-
taceans. Not so many years ago an editor of a journal in reply-
ing to a correspondent, could say that there was only one leading
entomologist who considered spiders and mites were insects.
We believe now that more entomologists have given their ad-
hesion to this opinion, bat most of the advocates of this classi-
fication are to bo found amongst those who may claim to be
good naturalists, yet who have not paid special attention to
the habits and transformations of insects. To us the line of
separation between most of the creatures included in Mr.
Murray's book and the true insects appears well marked, even
if structure alone were to be taken as the test. By the way,
those lively insects, Seas, so near akin to the lice, that close
this volume on Aptera, are not touched upon ; possibly the
author is one of those who regard them as degraded flies.

Of the work in general it is only just to speak in terms of
praise, and the numerous accompanying figures have been
well selected and produced with correctness. The letterpress,
while it is fully up to the level of modern science, does not
aasnmo an air of abstruseness, though here and there a word
is ased which seems to call for an explanation in a foot-note,
tmless one more simple could have been substituted. Some
will, it may be, object to the intermingling of British and
exotic species, but this could not well be avoided. Looking
at the book from the gardener's point of view, we perceive that
it informs him that the number of his foes in this division is
more numerous than he would have supposed, though the
injuries done by spiders, mites, and their allies, especially in
frames and hothouses, have long been known or suspected.
Fortunately, to a great extent, the ravages of some of these
pests are frequently checked, either by the attacks of their
peculiar enemies or from causes not so easily ascertained.
Others, again, attack, and if they do not kill they serve to
weaken, insects which are exceedingly troublesome in the
garden or the hoaae ; thus Scirus Insectorum is a six-footed

mite that exists by sucking the vital fluids of the larvae of the
Wireworms (Elaters), and also of several of the Tipulas or
Craneflies. The minute scarlet-jacketed Trombidium para-
siticum clings closely to the wings of the house fly, deriving
nutriment from the veins. More useful still is such a species
as T. aurantiacum, if it be true as is thought, that its especial
food ia the black aphis. In various species it is difficult to
determine from their cautions habits whether the insects are
friendly or hostile to the pursuits of horticulture. Thus the
hard-shelled Beetle Mite (so-called from that integument),
DamiEUS jeniculatus, was formerly noticed by Curtis as oc-
cnning in clustering masses on fruit trees near the base of
the twigs, and he not unnaturally assumed that by sucking
the sap they weakened in the spring those trees which are
affected by them. The closer researches of Boisduval led him
to conclude that the mites iu question actually prey upon the
eggs and larva3 of thripa and of a leaser mite, and doubtless
they themselves furnish food to other creatures in turn. Many
of the mites are evidently quahfied to feed both upon animal
and vegetable substances : to decide, therefore, which is their
primary or legitimate food is a matter of some nicety. The
observation made by Murray at page 170, when referring to
the history of the common bird tick (Dermanyssus avium),
that there are well authenticated cases of these pests migrat-
ing from birds to those who come in contact with them, should
lead those who keep poultry and cage birds to be more vigilant
with regard to the extirpation of such parasites in so far aa
they can be dealt with by various applications, and, above all,
by rigid cleanliness. Nor is it agreeable to be told that _ at
least a case or two is on record where dysentery has been, with
show of probability, ascribed to the breeding of cheese mites
in the human stomach. It would be a capital thing if a lotion
of infusion of tobacao, mentioned by Mr. Murray as highly
efficacious in one instance of a skin affection caused by mites,
were found available in other instances where the present
modes of cure chiefly by the means of sulphur applications are
tedious and even painful.

One of the best chapters in the book is that elucidating the
history of the Gall-mites (Phytoptidre), from which we take a
specimen paragraph. Our author is describing the manner in
which they exhibit themselves on plants. He says : — " They
attack plants iu two different ways, one through the bud, the
other through the leaves. Of the two, the former seems the most
injurious. In spring the buds attacked are seen to languish
and decay, or to assume a rounded swollen form without push-
ing out. On tearing a bud open hundreds of minute semi-
transparent moving things may, by the help of a lens, be seen
between the leaflets ; these are the Phytopti, but it takes a
good glass to see them at all. When it is the leaves that are
attacked, the excrescences or galls of various kinds of which
we have spoken are formed upon them. Sometimes the Phy-
topti are to be found in great numbers inside, and in that
case the inner surface is free from hairs, unless, perhaps, a few
stumps, and looks raw like a galled wound, like the surface
of the leaflets in the bud, but more frequently no Phytopti
are found in the galls."

PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS.

SoLANUu ACANTHODEB. Nat. ord., SolanaceaB. Linn., Pent-
andria Monogynia. Flowers pale blue-purple. — " This fine
Solanum was for some years an ornament of the Palm-stove
at Kew, but I am not certain of its origin ; it bore the name
of S. acanthooalyx, Klotzsch ; and aa that author was keeper
ol the Eoyal Herbarium of Berhn at the time, it is probable
that the plant was derived from the Berlin garden. It is not,
however, the true S. acanthooalyx, which is a Mozanabique
plant, described as having two-flowered peduncles which are
densely aculeate. Its nearest ally is undoubtedly the S. ma-
cranthum, Dunal (DC. Prod. vol. xiii. pars 2, p. 315), a native
of the Amazons, of which there are line specimens from Spruce
in the herbarium at Kew, which differ iu the broader, shorter,
more rounded sinuately-lobed leaves, in the much larger buds
and calyx, which and the pedicels are not at all or very rarely
aculeate, not densely shortly setoRC as in our plants. The
S. maorantbum of this work again (t. 41:18), and of the ' Revue
Horticole' (1807, p. 132), ia a very different plant, with the leaf-
blade decurreut on the petiole, and ia the S. marionense, Poit.
I find no apecies out of the many hundred in tho Kew herb-
arium, nor in the descriptions of Dunal, at all agreeing in this,
of which I am obliged reluctantly to make a new species. The
figure was made in August, 1803."— (Cot. Mag., t. 0283.)

278

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ April 13, 1 877.

GoNooEA roETENTOsA. Nat. ord., OrchidaoeiB. Linn., Gyn-
andria Monandria. Flowers pale flesh-coloured.- — " The genua
Gongora is rapidly being recruited with new species from
tropical America, and especially the Andes. Only two are
enumerated in Lindley's ' Genera and Species of Orchideje;'
upwards of fifteen species are now known, and we have draw-
ings of other nnfigured ones. The present one is a native of
Cnndinamaroa, in the province of Bogota, and was discovered
by Mr. Wallis in 1868. It has been widely distributed by
M. Linden, and the specimen here figured flowered with Mr.
Bull of Chelsea in AprU, 187i."— {Ibid., t. 6284 )

B9E0NIA ELATioR. — Nat. Ord., Eutaceffi. Linn., Octandria
Monogynia. — " Belonging to a small group of the extensive
genus with dimorphous anthers and enormously large stigmas,
which is confined to Western Australia. Though a very dis-
tinct species it is a variable one, especially in the amount of
pubescence, which is almost absent or bo copious that the
branches are almost hirsute with soft-spreading hairs. Its
neat habit and abundance of red-brown flowers, which in well-
grown species completely hide one side of the branch, render
it well worthy of cultivation, as, indeed, are almost all the
species of this genua. Nearly fifty species of Boronia are
Imown ; they inhabit heathy and rooky places in Australia, and
with the various Epaorideae and Tetrathecae, &a., form one of
the most beautiful features of the scenery. About fifteen
species have been raised and figured in England, but it would
be difficult to find half of them now, so entirely has the culti-
vation of Australian plants been superseded by easier-grown
softwooded things." — [Ibid., t. 6285.)

Pectis angustifolia. Nat. ord., Composite. — "A very pretty
annual, forming dense golden cushions in its native country,
from the excessively branched corymbose habit of the plants
which grow close together, and the abundance of flowering
heads that open at the same time. It was found by all the
early travellera in New Mexico, that Colorado district, &o., as
by James, Coulter, Gregg, as well as by the later travellers, as
Fremont, Wright, Fendler, &o. ; and it was introduced into
cultivation by Mr. Thompson of Ipswich in 1865, who sent
Bpecimens in that year to Kew." — [Ibid., t. 0280 )

Camassu esculenta rar. Leichtlinii. Nat. ortZ., LiliaoesB.
Linn., Hexandria Monogynia. — " It was discovered by Mr.
John Jeffrey in British Columbia in 1853. As a garden plant
my first knowledge of it was derived from our indefatigable
correspondent, Max Leichtlin, Esq. The present sketch was
taken from a plant which flowered on the rockery in Kew
Gardens in May, 1873. The ordinary colour of the flowers of
C. esculenta and of C. Fraseri, its representative in the Eastern
States, is blue, but in all the specimens which I have seen of
the present plant the flowers are white." — (Ibid., t. 6287.)

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GAKDENING. |

After the heavy rainfall of the past eight days all lawns, j
verges, and gravel walks should have a good rolling with a !
heavy roller. The ground being in such a moist condition this [
roiling will prove highly beneficial, and will consoliilate the I
walks, and improve the turf for the seaBon. All grass edges may
now be neatly trimmed, and with the milder weather the grass
will require mowing often. The pruning of Eoses should be
completed without further delay. Amateurs can do such work
more easily and expeditiously with a pair of secateurs than with
an ordinary pruning knife. Prune all Hybrid Perpetuals to two,
three, or four eyes, according to the habit of the variety. In
all cases cut the shoot back to a vigorous out-looking bud, care
being taken to leave an open and evenly balanced head. All
borders should be turned, and every part should have a fresh
and clean appearance ; in fact where operations are as forward
as they ought to be the garden will begin assuming a spring-like
appearance, for the deciduous trees are fast peeping into leaf,
and ere many days elapse residents in tho southern counties
may hope to hear the sweet notes of the nightingale.

Most amateurs and others with limited glass structures find
some difficulty in accommodating the many different plants re-
quired for summer display, and it is a good plan to turn the
more hardy, such as Geraniums, out of doors. Many kinds of
makeshifts are extemporised to protect them during the night,
for to-day may be moist and genial, to-morrow may be a cutting
odd east wind, or frost may come while we sleep. If the plants
are placed on ashes in beds 4 feet in width and a few stout
sticks are bent over them and covered nighf.ly with mats or
scrim canvas, such plants will be rendered safe, and additional
room will be afforded for more tender subjects requiring a
warmer structure. It is important now to ascertain whether
there are a sufficient number of plants provided for the purpose
required, for during this month a large quantity of Alternan-

theras, Petunias, Lobelias, Verbenas, Mesembryanthemums, &o.,
can be struck with the aid of the genial heat of a dung frame.
Such a frame we consider one of the most necessary appliances
to a villa garden, not only as a summer structure for growing
Cucumbers and the striking of cuttings, but for the raising of aU
tender seeds, such as Cockscombs, Balsams, Globe Amaranthus,
and similar plants, which will vegetate readily if attention is
given to applying fresh linings as the heat declines.

Chrysanthemums struck and potted-off will thrive excellently
if placed outdoors on beds of ashes and protected as described.
Ours have been out for nearly a fortnight, and the rains have
been beneficial to them. It is a good plan to support the stems
with small sticks ; we use the prunings of Apple and Pear trees
for this purpose. Lachenalias are useful plants at this season
of the year, and are not so much grown as they deserve to be.
A shelf in the oool house and plenty of water is all they now
require. The many species and varieties of hardy Primulas are
very attractive, and it is a good time to become acquainted
with them while they are to be found in bloom, more especially
P. denticulata, P. farinosa, and the varieties of P. cortusoides.
We saw a charming and lovely little species with white flowers
at the last meeting at South Kensington named P. nivalis, quite
an amateurs' plant. .-Vsters, Stocks, Larkspurs, &c., may now be
sown on a warm border or in frames, covering the seeds lightly.

Kitchen-garden work will be delayed for a time owing to the
heavy rains, especially where the laud is tenacious or heavy;
but as soon as possible successions of Peas and Beans must be
sown, also Radishes and salads of all kinds. The French Break-
fast Eadish is a favourite with us ; it turns in quickly, is very
small, and is much appreciated at table. Early Paris White
Cabbage Lettuce turns in quickly if the seed is sown and the
plants are grown on a warm border ; but for a summer Lettuce
Paris White Cos is our favourite. The ground will require
stirring amongst Lettuces that have stood the winter, and if
some are wanted early tie them together to blanch. All plant-
ing of Potatoes must be proceeded with as quickly as possible,
and a small sowing of Turnips made. White Dutch and Eed
and White Stone are good sorts for early produce. The main
crops of Carrots and Beet must now be sown. An useful early
sort of Beet is the Egyptian Turnip-rooted. It must not be
depended on for the main crop, but where salads are required
this Beet is valuable. Dell's Crimson and Pine Apple Short-top
are useful sorts for winter supply. Savoys, Kale, and Broccoli
should be sown at once for a main crop ; in fact, no time must
be lost in the kitchen garden, for any chances thrown away in
this department will not be regained throughout the season.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

BABCY FKUIT G-IKDEN.

Mant specimens of Pear and Plum trees are now in full
blossom, and so far the weather has been such that it will set
well if frost does not occur again, but our climate is so uncertain
that no one can count upon a crop until the fruit is well set ;
indeed, oven after this the young fruit may be blackened with
frost, but on walls this will be avoided by letting down the pro-
tectors. Canvas screens may be used injudiciously to protect
the blossoms; they will, if kept too close, especially on Apricot
walls, cause the fruit to drop instead of setting, but of this there
is not so much danger when the fruit is really formed. One evil
to be feared, though, and that not a light one, is that the closer
warmer atmosphere causes green fly to increase more rapidly
than it would on an open wall.

We have grafted some Apples. One tree of considerable size
had been cut down before the sap began moving ; a large num-
ber of grafts were put on to it, and in the course of a few years
it will again be a full-sized tree in full bearing.

Caterpillars and all sorts of insect pests are now on the move,
and steps should be taken to destroy them before they do much
damage. The most destructive caterpillars are those of the
Bombyx neustria or Lackey Moth. They are easily destroyed,
as they cluster together when they first emerge from the eggs.
When in a more advanced stage they disperse over the trees,
and it is then difficult to destroy them. Au old writer says that
the best way to keep tliiis caterpillar from orchards is to " plant,
according to the size of the orchard, from one to fonr trees oi
the Bird Cherry (Cerasus padus). All tho moths in the neigh-
bourhood will resort to those trees. The appearance of the Bird
Cherry trees will be hideous, but the Apple trees will be safe."
Our plan is hand-picking as soon as the caterpillars are hatched.

The Apple maggot is very destructive, and has sometimes
destroyed half our crop of Apples. We have fancied that by
dusting the trees before the blossoms open with dry lime some
good results have followed. The most effectual remedy is to
destroy the fruit that has been attacked, and thus prevent the
increase of the pest.

Aphis in dry seasons does much damage to Plum trees. It
can only be destroyed by attacking it in the early stages of its
development, and the best way is to syringe the trees with

April 12, 1S77. 1

JOURNAL OF HOSXICOLTUJiE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

279

snapy water, to which has been added a little tobacco liqaor.
When thla pest attacks wall trees it may be destroyed in the
Bsme way; bnt we have also seen it effectually disposed of by
nailing some stout canvas to the top of the wall and allowing it
to hang down to the ground, famigatiug the trees underneath
this boreea the same as has- been recommended for trees in
honses.

It is not too late in the season to plant out Strawberry plants
if runners can be had. When we obtain any weakly runners of
new sorts in the winter they are always potted singly in small
pots and planted out on well-prepared ground about this time
or later, according to the state of the weather.

CUCUMBEBS AND MELONS.

Cucumbers in the house are now bearing very freely. The
plants were raised from seeds sown about new year's day.
The true stock of Tender and True came first into bearing, and
the fruit, though large, is very freely produced. As a rule large
Cucumbers are not so freely produced, nor do they come in so
quickly as the smiiUer-fruited varieties. There is now plenty
of variety in the Cucumber family. The object of the raiser
of new varieties ought not to ba the production of mere size,
but varieties with solid flesh and without any neck; the fruit
should be of one thickness throughout. Our young plants have
ft teudency to produce too much leaf, and both the leaves and
young growths require to be well thinned out. It is of great
advantage to the plants when the soil has been thoroughly per-
meated with the roots to add some rich dressing to the surface,
and as this becomes filled with roots to continue adding to it.
Cucumbers in frames require very similar treatment to those
trained to trellises in the houses — thinuing-out the growths and
training those that remain regularly over the surface of the bed,
and keeping them iu their places with stout pegs. Keen winds
from the north and east find their way in at the open venti-
lators, and check the growth of the plants if the winds are not
stopped in their progress by some gauze or hexagon netting hung
over the apertures. The frames do not require much air at
this early season, but when the sun shines at intervals during a
oloudy day directly on the plants the temperature leaps up with
a bound, and might injure the plants if there were not sufficient
air on.

Melons require much the same treatment at this season, ex-
cept that in the houses artificially heated the temperature may
be lower, and less atmospheric moisture is requisite. A high
temperature and much moisture in the atmosphere may predis-
pose the plants to disease. There are new varieties of Melons
annually introduced to the public through onr enterprising seed
firms, no doubt with the impression that they are improvements
on old sorts, and some of them occasionally produce good fruit
for a few seasons, but none of them are so generally grown in
the scarlet flesh section as Scarlet Gem (Turner). We have also
found Gilbert's Victory of Bath in the green flesh section to be
a standard variety.

OKCHABD HOUSE.

We have not applied any artificial heat to the house this
season. The frost has not been severe enough to do any harm
since the trees came into flower, and the weather has not been
unfavourable to the free setting of the fruit. Pears and Plums
are later to flower, but most of them have the blossoms fully
expanded, and it will be necessary to keep the atmosphere of
the house as dry as possible, and admit as much air by day as-
the weather will permit, throwing the doors open also during
fine days, and if the ihermometer is not likely to fall below 35' a
chink of air may be left on all uigbt. Much care is necessary to
see that the trees in pots do net suffer by want of water at the
roots. We destroy brown scale by hand-washing with a sponge
and soapy water, and if there are only a few aphides they may
be removed in the same way, but it will be necessary to fumi-
gate with tobacco when the fruit is set.

PLANT STOVE AND OliCHID HODBES.

We continue potting any plants that require it, warming the
potting material by placing it in the house near the hot-water
pipes for a day or so. We do not pot large flowering plants at
this season, but those intended to be grown into specimens are
now potted with advantage. Many stove plants flower freely
when of a small size, and even if they are intended for speci-
mens they may be allowed to flower, unless the object in view
is to grow the plants into a large size as quickly as possible, in
which case the flower buds ought to be picked off. When the
houses are small it is a mistake to grow large specimens, as
they do not have such a good effect as those of a smaller size.
Plants cannot be well grown when the house is full of overgrown

The plants ought not to be allowed to become pot-bound, as
they do not flower so freely, nor are the flowers of such large
size from stunted plants. Amaryllises iu variety are now very
showy, but the treatment they require is the reverse of that
accorded to Encharis. The bulbs ought to be potted in small
pots, good turty loam with a little decayed stable maunre
answers admirably for them.

We have repotted Palms large and small. Palms do not suc-
ceed so well iu large pots as they do in those that appear small
for the size of the plants, and when the pots are well filled with
roots the plants may be placed iu larger pots. We had some
plants the roots of which were so thoroughly compacted together
that we could not disentangle them without injuring the plants j
they were therefore merely left as they were, and the fresh loam
was forced firmly round the ball, and no doubt the roots will
soon ramble into it.

Ventilation and shading require considerable attention. At-
mospheric moisture is kept up by evaporation from the hot-water
pipes and also from the damping of the walls and paths.

Orchids.— Many species are now either in flower or throwing
up their flower spikes. The climate in the cool house is such
that anyone can visit the plant? without feeling any inconve-
nience from a high moist atmosphere. Those obtained from the
mountainous districts of New Grenada and the Andes of Peru
luxuriate in a temperature of .Wi at night at this season, and
the Odontogloesums and Masdevallias grow more freely in pots
wbea the sphagnum is in vigorous health on the surface. It is
difficult to name any season as the best for potting. We gene-
rally shift into larger pots when the plants start into growth,
and that ia usually when the flowers decay. The pots are filled
half full of clean potsherds, and over them some clean fresh
sphagnum is placed, filling up with sphagnum and fibrous peat
in equal proportions. A few bits of charcoal and potsherds
added are of much benefit to the plants.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Bedding plants are being inured to the open air as much as
possible by pulling off the lights and coverings whenever the
weather is suitable. Recently struck cuttings of Verbenas and
other free-growing plants, if they are not likely to be large
enough, can be grown-on for a week or ten days longer in heat.

Auriculas will soon be in full beauty ; the trusses are rapidly
rising to bloom, and many are in flower. To preserve the bloom
for as long a period as possible the plants are placed in a frame
in a shady place, the back of the frame being turned to the
south.

Carnations and Piootees in pots are still sheltered with glass
lights from too much cold rain. If all the plants are not potted
they ought to be without delay. — J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough.— GeraeraJ Spring
Catalogue.

William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts.- Spring Cata-
logue of New Bases, Phloxes, Geraniums, dc.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*,* All correspondence should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to "The Pablisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions
relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee sub-
jects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion
should be written on one side of the paper only. We
cannot reply to questions through the post.
Books (C. Wi>;!«en).— We know o( no larger-typed work. There is a maob
larger Tolume, Lludley's " Theory aad Practice ol Horticulture." (J. AndeT-
son).—" The British Ferus," price 3s. G<i., and Henf rey's " Introduction to
Botany."

Vine Leaves (J. Q. S.).— We do not detect any disease. The leaves are
healthy, the drops are only moisture transpired, and what you coll " web " is
the natural down on the under surfaoe.

Dendrobium cariniferum.— The specimen exhibited at the Royal Horti-
cnltural Society on the ith innt. was exhibited by Mr. J. Ohurchlield, gar-
dener to 11. Littleton, Esq., at Westwood House, West Hill, Sydenham.

Insect in Hotbed (J. H.l.— 1( you send us specimens in a smill box by
post we will endeavour to identify tho insect.

Garden Enoine {BrooI:Md).—U was the invention of a clergyman near
Bristol. We cannot say where it can be purchased.

Tkees Sold not Trce to Name (Tr<-nt Tree-planting).— Yoa will do a
service to the public by suoing the vendor in the County Court.

Adeicolas if. E. O.).—" Florists' Flowers," published at our office. You
can have it free by post if you enclose six postage stamps.

STRiwuEBRY (Market Gardener).— There are too many varieties lor ns to
be able to name yours from tho flowers only. Scud ripe fruit.

Plants Injosed Dohinq Conveyance (O. C. E.).— Your remedy is against
the carrier, unless you can show the plants were inaafflcieutly packed.

MiNCEE FOR Potatoes (A New Sui)»cri/if r).— As you canBOt obtain stable
manure, and as we neither know your soil nor locality, wo cannot advise yoo.
Decayed leaves or other vegetable rubbish, such as the bottom of a wood
stack, are suitable for any soil.

JODRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ April 13, 1877.

Beactt of GLiZENWooD RosE. — We have received from Mr. JohuFerme
Haddington, a flower of this Rose. Its petals are yellow at the hase, with
rose-coloured edge and veins. The colours are not quite as bright as those
in the published portraits, and the flower is much smaller.

Pit in Front op Greenhouse iKittie).—'The pit would be very useful
for wintering bedding plants, but the lights should not be above, upon, or
level with the gutter of the greenhouse, but beneath it, which will form a
capping for the lights. This will, of course, give you less depth in the pit at
the back. The front wall need not be higher than a foot, and the wall plate
upon it will raise it 2 or S inches. The height or depth of the pit at the back
need not be more than 2| feet. Two openiuga, one at each end of the front
wall of the greenhouse, '.i feet square will not be suflacient to warm the atmo-
sphere of the pit 80 as to exclude frost ; the openings should be at least four,
and even then you will need to cover the pit with mats in severe weather.
We have a eimiiar pit, and in severe weather double matting is Deoeasary
over the hghts. It will depend enturely upon the number and size of the
openiug.s with the temperature of the house as to whether you will he able
to exclude frost from the pit, but we think you will not be able to do so
with two openings, and the temperature of the greenhouse an ordinary one
— viz., 45' to 40' from fire heat.

Plants for Window Box (Mem).— As the aspect is north plant the sides
with Sempervivums tectorum and californioom, the centre with Winter
Heaths, Thujas, and Retinosporas kept dwarf.

Begonias iEaU Surrey). — We cannot name "plaats from loaves !only, nor
florists' flowers at all, they are legion.

Brown Scale on Ferns (C. Codings).— Ferns are very susceptible of
injury from an insecticide powerful enough to destroy the scale. The safest
remedy is to syringe them with water at a temperattu-e of 140", but the fronds
must be fully developed, any young tender growths being unable to endure
the water at so high a temperature. The plants should be laid on their
Bides, and turned over so as to reach all the insects with the hot water, being
careful to keep it from the roots. A tedious but a safe mode of riddance is
to remove the scale with the point of a knife, crushing it between the finger
and thumb. The brown powder beneath the skiuj corresponds to insects, as
numerous as its grains appear to be. The plants should be gone over fre-
quently, and the scale removed before it becomes brown and hard.

Feather Grass Sowing (T. Gardner).— It is perfectly hardy, and does not
require to be raised in heat, though gentle heat brings the plants up quickly.
Prepare a bed or piece of ground in an open situation by digging, and making
very fine, especially the surface. If poor add some leaf soil ; if heavy, sand.
The stu-face being fine, water gently. Scatter the seed evenly and rather
thinly, and cover it very lightly with fine soil. All that is needed is to main-
tain the seed in position. If the weather be showery no water need be given,
but if dry shade from sun and sprinkle with water every morning, applying
it through a tine rose. -Ifter the blades appear all that is necessary is
occasional watering in dry weather. Grasses often fail from seed being
buried too deeply and not keeping moist, so as to ensure speedy germination.

Flv in ViNEEr (Ja.,Iii»61in).— Theflyisoneof the sev-iral hundred species
of Anthomyia, to which also belongs some of our common house fly. They
will do no injury to your Vines, and will in all probability not propagate in
the spent seaweed laid over your Vine border. — I. O. W.

Peach Tkee not Settiso its Fruit (G. C.).— Is the tree well exposed
to hght and air ? if so there is no reason why the fruit should not set as well
as that on pot trees. Rivera's Early York usually sets well. Try artificial
setting with pollen from another tree next year. It is easily done with a
oamel-hair brush.

Peach and Nectarine Blossom not Setting (S. E. C.).— It is ex-
tremely difficult to account for the two Peach and one Nectarine trees not
Betting, whilst another tree in the same house has "set beautifully." The
cause is probably duo to an imperfect development of the buds in embryo
during the previous year's growth, and may have resulted from overcrowd-
ing of the foliage. As your trees have blossomed well we think the non-
setting is a consequence of imperfectly-formed buds. Perhaps the tree
suffered from overcropping last year. Again, when trees suffer for want of
water during the summer the buds are not well formed, usually giving flowers
devoid of ovaries, though the flowers have large petals, vigorous stamens
with anthers laden with pollen, but the pistil is weak, its stigma never
viscous, and if the calyx be opened the ovary will be found wanting. Never
before have we noticed so many barren flowers on Peach and Nectarine trees,
especially iu late houses, as this season. Some kinds of Peach and Nectarine
trees are much more subject to the defect in setting than others. The most
certain setting of Peaches is Royal George, and the best setting Nectarine is
Elruge — the finest of all Peaches and Nectarines respectively for forcing.
Grosse Mignonne, one of the finest of Peaches for any purpose, and Noblesse
are good setting sorts, but they cannot endure dryness at the roots, attacks
of red spider, or overcropping without giving way to barrenness for a time
in order to resuscitate their wasted energies. We had this year the finest
blossom conceivable upon a Nectarine tree, many ilowers having the stamens
transformed into petals, very beautiful, but not a flower has set— they had
no ovaries, The small-flowered kinds are usually the best setters.

Names of Plants (C. F. T.).— The Azalea is a form with variegated
leaves of Madame Miellez, but we could not be quite sure of it, as there are
80 many varieties. t,A. Campbell). — The Rhododendron sent is aseedUng form
of R. Dalhousianum. We could not judge of Us value from a smglo branch
with a couple of flowers. (C. Sei/moiir).— Triteleia uuiflora.

POULTRY, BEE, AKD PIGEON OHEOITIOLE.

THE DANGEBS OF BIRDS.

OcK atteation has been called to the columnB of a contem-
porary, where we read that among all the mauy perils to which
our wild birds are subject, the network of telegraph wires,
which are everywhere to be found, beiir an important part.
While we most assuredly lament tj find that many beautiful
Bpecies are rapidly becoming scarce, and that the dangers to
which our feathered tribes are subject are very considerable,

still we have good reasons for knowing that the telegraph wires
do not do now one-tenth of the damage that they did twenty
years ago. In those times the wires were comparatively few,
and only one or two were seen along the sides of the railway ;
but to-day there are in most places very many more, and along
most lines we see a very large number. The birds are able to
see these, while they did not notice a single wire or even two
wires, and so they are more able now to avoid flying against
them. We have made inquiries, and are well able to sub-
stantiate what we say.

Of all birds we find that Partridges were most frequf nlly the
victims, and we will mention one or two cases which we know
to be true of this bird alone. On the L. and S. W. B. on eight
and a half miles of line within one season three of the Company's
servants picked up 361 Partridges. It hardly seems credible,
but it is a fact, and they were picked up in the following
numbers. We will call the three men A, B, C, and of them A
picked up 77, B 84, C 200. In one morning alone A picked np
15 Partridges and 32 Larks on half a mile only of road. This
was in the first year in which the wires were put up, and
there were then only two of them. We have only spoken of
Partridges. Other birds in nearly the same proportion fell
victims. Larks especially; Owls, too, and Hawks, and many
other rare birds. We can fall well imagine the slaughter when
there were but one or two wires on the great and longest lines,
when we consider that within eight and a half miles 3G1 Part-
ridges alone fell victims in one season ; but now since the wires
have been so extensively increased in numbers the average
number picked up in a season is five or ten along the same
quantity of road. Among the many means, then, which there
are of lessening our feathered friends, we can hardly say that
the telegraph wires are an increasing danger. Among the
many birds which have met their death by these means we
can find no recorded instance of a Rook or a Crow having been
picked up.

We hear, too, at Berlin a wholesale destraetion has been
going on, by all birds which passed within a certain distance of
the engines connected with the pneumatic post being sucked in
and vanishing from sight, appearing again no more. We under-
stand that the Society for the Protection of Birds in Germany
have addressed a memorial to the postmaster to have this
matter inquired into. Disastrous as this must have been, and
we suppose still is, yet we feel that the extinction and destruc-
tion of so many of our species of fe.athered friends is not doe to
these means. We can look nearer home, and without difficulty
trace the chief mischief. Bird-catchers sally forth from London
and other large towns with nets and appliances, and catch in
wholesale numbers anything they can. Many of their captives
die at once, others pine away in their own or in the cages
of foolish purchasers who buy them, supposing they have been
accustomed to cage life. It is grievous to go into some places
and find bird life so scarce. We have such a place in our mind
now, where Blackbirds are few and Thrushes too, and as for
Goldfinches and Bullfinches, they are almost unknown. About
four miles off is a large town, and a regular gang make a
living by taking young Blackbirds and Thrushes from their
nests, and catching anything they can to sell for cages and
aviaries. It is the great number that die before they are tamed
which makes this system so obnoxious, for if all the bird-i which
are caught only lived to go into aviaries we should imagine that
an aviary was as necessary an appendage to every establishment
as is a front door. And then the rarer birds ! If one appears in
a neighbourhood, some idiot (for they can be called nothing
better) immediately writes to the county papers in this way ; —
" It may interest your readers to hear that a Golden Oriole (or
a Bustard, or whatever it may be) was seen yesterday in the
Dashborough Woods. From its movements I should think there
were a pair, and that they probably are nesting." Out rash
the interested readers with pistols and guns, and cease not till
another Golden Oriole or rare bird is numbered with the past,
and one more specimen of a rare breed in England is sent to a
bad bird-stuffer to be set up as a trophy of prowess. How much
better would it be if the fact was merely mentioned to one or
two reliable persons, who might be able to substantiate the case
in after days, and then when the breeding season was over allow
the " interested readers " to hear how some rare specimen of
our wonderful feathered creation had been bold enough to
give its species one more chance of establishing itself in ooi
British Isles ?

In back numbers of this Journal we find recorded instances of
the Bustard being seen in Wiltshire ; but the dwellers on Salis-
bury Plain, what did they do? Theyheardof thebird, andas if it
had been a lion seeking to devastate their homes, they went out
to murder this magnificent creature, and then sent the corpse
to adorn some local museum. The Northamptonshire people
are wiser surely than those of Wilts, for when a male Bustard
was found in their locality, instead of setting forth to slay it
they let it be, and the head of a noble family famed for his love
for and collection of the fe.ithered race procured a hen bird and
let it loose in the marshes to try and acclimatise the breed.

AprU 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

281

Let ns from him learn the lesson, and seek one anil all rather
to domesticata by kindliness those birds which appear to be
scarce, bo as to allow all men to see the rarer birds in their
leathers alive rather than for a privileged few to enjoy looking
at the specimen stufied and set np in a private collection. — W.

NATIONAL POULTRY AND PIGEON CLUB.

According to promise I now send you the Hat of names se-
lected to form the preliminary Committee for a National Poultry
and Pigeon Club, and I hope in the course of a few months we
shall be prepared to offer to every breeder and exhibitor some-
thing of real benefit, whereby we may all have some definite
appeal in case of need. As at present no line is decided upon,
it would be of real help if one and aU interested in poultry and
Pigeons would kindly send me word what amount of subscrip-
tion they think would be best, as it ia for the benefit of all we
act. — Horace Lingwood, Greeting, Needham Market, Suffolk.

Proposed Committee: The Hou. and Rev. F. Button, 0. E.
Cresswell, Esq., Samuel Matthew, Esi-, A. BaiUie Hamilton,
Esq., Joseph Hinton, Esq., Col. F. C. Hassard, C.B., T. C.
Burnell, Esq., E. E. Horsfall, Esq., Rev. Hans F. Hamilton,
Alfred Darby, Esq., F. E. Manby, Esq., Rev. W. Serjeantson,
Dr. Snell, E. A. Boissier, Esq., Charles Sidgwick, Esq., Edwin
Pritchard, Esq., Horace Lingwood.

GEESE AND THEIR MANAGEMENT.

Among a majority of our fanciers the care and management
of Geese is an unknown art. It is thought to be a very trouble-
some and expensive business, with no corresponding return for
the outlay. Numerous inquiries have led us to present the sub-
ject to onr readers.

It is a prevailing opinion that the droppings of Geese poison
and kill the grass; and a very erroneous one it is, as a little
observation will prove. The village green — the pasture ground
of numerous flocks of Geese year after year — when has it, in the
memory of our oldest readers, been ploughed up and re-seeded ?
And still every spring the grass comes up fresh and thick, and
after every rain it will freshen up, when, over the fence, some
farmer's field of timothy will appear all withered from the
drought ; while the latter probably does not carry one-quarter
the stock that is yearly pastured on the commons.

Geese are close feeders and bite the grass off short to the
ground, which gives the pasturage a dead appearance ; but re-
move the Geese, and the grass immediately starts up fine and
thick, and a most beautifol lawn-like sward is soon apparent.
It will not, however, do to let them run upon grain fields. The
close cropping will soon destroy the life of the plants.

In keeping Geese do not allow more than four or five Geese to
one gander. A house or pen in the poultry hoxise or some out-
building for this number should be about 8 or 10 feet square.
Nests should be provided not less than 2 feet square, and an
abundance of straw in them. Old barrels laid on the side and
blocked to prevent rolling answer a very good purpose, but do
not look as well as a good box prepared specially for them.
There should be a box provided for every Goose, for they rarely
share each other's nest. The eggs should be gathered daily and
kept in a moderately warm room, set on end either in bran or
sawdust. It used to be customary among the farmers' wives to
put the eggs carefully away packed in cotton batting until
wanted for sitting.

The eggs should be set in March, or early in April ; the earlier
the better. The young should be well along by the time hot
weather commences, as they do not thrive it hatched late in the
season.

The time of incubation is from thirty to thirty-five days. The
eggs usually do best if set under the Goose, although many
breeders have very good success with hens. Focd and water
must be kept within reach of the Goose, else she will eat her
eggs. Do not disturb her while batching, but leave the goslings
in the nest until twenty-four hours old.

Keep the young out of the water until fully a month old ; and
during this time feed on small grains or cracked corn. Many
breeders feed scalded oatmeal, or Indian meal, the first three or
four days, but it dees not seem to be essential. They must have
a good glass plat or meadow for a run, for the greater part of
their food is of grass and vegetable growth. Keep them out of
severe rains until they are fledged, and do not allow them to
swim until two weeks old ; but keep plenty of fresh water (rain
or pond water is best) by them to drink. It is best to feed
morning and night ; many do not feed them at all during the
grass season, but if heavy weight and good size are wanted they
most have grain every day.

It is not necessary to keep the gander away from the sitting
Geese. He frequently will endeavour to share their labours,
and when the young are hatched he proves a most vigilant pro-
tector and defender of them against all invaders.

As to varieties, we have a good number to choose from. The
Embden or Bremen, the Toulouse, the White and Grey China,

and the Wild or Canadian Goose, being the best and most popular
kinds. The Bremen Goose is pure white throughout, with yellow
legs and bill, and of very large size ; its feathers are consequently
of greater value than other varieties. The Toulouse is grey, and
rivals the Embdeu in size. At the English poultry exhibitions
the former have been shown weighing SSlbs. 4oz8. per pair,
while the Embdon exceeded this, weighing 59 lbs. 2 ozs. These
are probably the heaviest weights on record. The China Goose, ■
both grey aud white, are reputed better layers than either of
the preceding varieties, but do not attain much over half the
weight.

Ttie wild Goose is a poor layer, and seems to be more profit-
able when crosEcd with some other variety. For table qualities
the latter is said by connoisseurs to be unsurpassed ; but their
poor laying qualities and small size render them far less profit-
able than other kinds.

The Embdeu — which derived their name from the first pair
having been procured from the city of that name — were first
introduced into the United States about 1820 by Col. Samuel
Jacques of Boston, Mass. They are as hardy and as easily
reared as the other varieties, while their great size and beautiful
Swan-like appearance make them a very favourite variety. —
(American Pet-Stock Bulletin.)

QUERIES FOR APIARIANS. •

Do bees sleep ? If they do, how or in what position ? When ?
Is it by night or by day ? Or do some sleep at night and some
during the day ? Where or in what part of their habitations ?
How long do they generally sleep at a time ? Do bees sleep or
rest in winter ? If they do sleep in winter part of their tiuae,
when and how long? Is the dormant or quiet state of bees in
winter normal or abnormal 1 Is it beneficial or otherwise ? Is
the dormancy or rest of winter a necessity of nature, or is it
caused by the coldness of the atmosphere 1 Do bees rest or
work at night ? Do they make honey as well as wax from the
sweet juice found in the nectary of flowers ?

This little cluster of questions is here presented to your
readers with the hope that some of the most able of them will
let us know what they ken about bees sleeping, &c. Though
the questions are of little importance to practical apiarians, they
may interest those who study the habits of bees. Perhaps no
other question in the natural history of bees has received less
attention than that of sleep, aud perhaps no other question in
their history is more diflicult to answer. Two years ago an
English baronet and M.P. read an interesting lecture to a philo-
sophical institution on the habits of bees and insects. In this
lecture he said that he had failed to discover any evidence that
bees possessed the sense of hearing. He could not make them
pay any attention to the sound of a fiddle aud other instruments.
He thought they were dead to sound. Probably he has now
found that their sense of hearing is very acute and usefal, and
it is BO most certainly. I should be pleased if Sir John Lubbock
would turn his attention to the question of sleep, aud let the
world know the conclusion he may arrive at, for I have no settled
opinion on it, and therefore dare not make any positive assertion
one way or the other.

Analogical reason would lead us to believe (hat bees sleep.
Birds aud other insects (for instance, the house fly) go to roost
and sleep. In my researches for sleeping bees I have been very
unsuccessful. Every effort made in summer and winter — by
night and by day — has failed to find bees asleep. I have had
unicomb or leaf hives with glass sides, in which every bee could
be seen, and which afforded facilities for witnessing the internal
operations of the bees. At night I have taken the shutters
down and examined the bees by candlelight, but never found
a bee napping. Perhaps they are light sleepers and easily
disturbed.

Many things have to be remembered in considering this
question of sleep. I will suggest a few of them.

1. That, so far as light goes, it is always darkness and night
in a bee hive ; aU the internal operations of bees are performed
in the dark.

2. That the queen of the hive in the busy season— say for four
or five months— lays about or above two thousand eggs every
twenty-four hours. This is exhausting work. If hard work calls
for rest the queen (of all in the hive) has the first and greatest
claim to it. When does she sleep 1 Does she cease droppiug eggs
at any period during the twenty-four hours ? On the supposition
that she does not rest she lays at the rate of more than HO eggs
every hour, aud on the supposition that she rests eight hours
every day she lays at the rate of 125 eggs every hour. Has she
power to distribute and set unaided by working bees so many
eggs ? My opinion has been given on this point more than
once in these columns.

3. That young queens often continue piping for a week, night
and day. On reaching maturity, some before they are one day
old, and some before they are out of their cells, commence
piping, being bent on killing one another. This piping gene-
rally continues three days and nights, but when weather pre-

282

JODBNAL OP HORTICULTUaE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

1 Aprii 12, 1877.

venta swarming it may continae for bix or aeven days. The
question now comes up, If these infantile queeus can pipe for a
week without sleep, cannot more aged bees do their work too
for a week without sleep ? And if they can go one week can
they not go longer ?

4. That a very great amount of indoor work is performed
during the night by beea. Comb-building, brood-nursing, and
honey-storing, &c., go on at night as well as day. Though one
or two correspoudeuts at present disbelieve the fact (or state-
ment of fact) that bees reswallow honey and thus convert it
into honey proper, I am certain that they will yet alter their
opinion on this point. Every bee-keeper may easily aee the
crude honey as it is gathered from ilowers in the centre or brood
comba of their hives on turning them after a good day's work.
It literally glitters in them, and runs out of the cells on holding
the hives aslant. It is easily caught on sheets of paper on the
evenings of honey days. In uuicomb hives the honey may be
seen in the centre and bottom part of their combs every evening.
I have seen this crude honey in cells half formed on the points
of combs a thousand times. It is generally all removed daring
the night, and the centre comba are found dry in the mornings
after. The cargo is cast on deck during the day, .and while we
are sleeping in our cabins the best of it is removed and stowed
elsewhere. Sometimes the cargo is so great that those on night
shift tail to remove it all. What toil and industry is manifested !
Is it sleepless ?

In closing this letter I will repeat one of the queations in the
cluster — viz.. Is the dormant or quiet state of bees in winter
normal or abnormal, beneficial or otherwise ? la it a neoeasity,
or caused by climate ? What happens in warm countries ? Are
bees torpid during any season ? — A. Pettigbew.

HIVES AND LIGURIAN BEES.

I BID not again intend troubling you on this matter, but
"Renfrewshire Bee-keeper," after disposing of my chimney
flues, cottage roof, &o., in a manner peculiar to himself, asks
for the date of my visit to Mr. Woodbury, which I would give
readily could I fix it exactly (I think it was in 18GG or 18C7);
fltill I fear it may only produce a fruitless discussion. I hope,
however, that some good may come out of thia " battle of hives,"
and that all common-sense bee-keepers will know the value of
each and every hive, whatever be hia object, and content him-
self with the bee capable of doing all he requires until it is
proved beyond doubt that a better can be had.

It is cheering to see your able correspondent " B. &• W." apeak
out plainly in favour of large straw skepa as the moat suitable
for cottagers. This gentleman writes, "I say, then, that Mr.
Pettigrew's hives are Al for cottagers and for all persons who
are content to obtain plenty of honey." I wish these words
could be made to aouud in the ear of every poor bee-keeper.
What more can anyone want ? for you can have auper honey or
the pureat run honey in abundance if it is to be had at all.

Mr. J. Hunter saya in your issue March 1.5th, speaking of
timid people, " Straw skeps are the only hives they are equal to
manage." I do not think a timid man would look well turning
up an 18 or 20-inch straw hive weighing 80 or 90 lbs. which had
just been deprived of a large super, wishing to drive the whole
black living mass into an empty hive, and then perhaps to
knock them into another full of comb, to place on the lloorboard,
and then turn the whole up into its place. I think the man who
can do that cleverly and steadily will not lack nerve for any
Other operation connected with bee management. — W. J. C.

been taken for honey, and pieces of the bottoms have rotted
away with damp, but the brood nest has never been renewed. —
Geobqe Campbell, TillinamoU, New Fitsligo (in Banffshire
Journal).

OUR LETTER BOX.

Feather-katino Fowls (H. H.). — Parge them well with castor oil, »
tablo-Bpoontul at a time ; ^'ive them lettuce to eat ; feed sparingly, and let the
food ha ground oats. Let them have duat in their house, and rub the spots
bare of feathers with compound sulphur ointment. They should have no
food by thera at any time, and be sparingly served at each meal. They do
not eat each other or their feathers because they are hungry, but beoaoBO
they are suffering from a vitiated appetite.

CRFVE-CiEaa Fowls. — " T. N." asks where in the neighboaxhood of
Croydon Creve-CLeor fowls can be obtained.

Bees on Cress (E. S.}.— The bees working on a bos of cress are carrying
in water for their brood. Though water abounds all arouad they prefer to
gather it from certain places and plants. Our own bees have found it lately
on a moss or dwarf saxifrage which edi^es one of our garden walks. Being
close, nut unlike cress thickly sown, it retains water for a considerable time.

Stewarton Hives (J. H. Eldridge). — The outside measure, end length
of frames, is ISJ inches, boxes H inches in width inside, couseqaently leaving
a quarter of an inch apace for passage of bees round on either side. I intoni
to describe shortly some of the principles on which these hives are managed.

— A KEKFREWSHiRfi BEE-K£EPEB.

WINTERING OF BEES.

" Ha VINO examined and cleaned the floorboards of my hives, as
well as some of those of my neighbours and acquaintances, I
will tell how they have withstood the past extremely wet and
severe autumn and winter. First come nine in straw skepa well
thatched with straw. These are all in fine condition, perfectly
dry, and not very much lighter than they were in October,
although many of them have seven leaves of comb well covered
with hees. Other two wooden frame hives have not resisted
the damp so well, although quilted, both being very wet on the
floorboard, and up the sides to within an inch or two of the quilt ;
and a considerable number of the bees are dead among the mouldy
portions of the comb. Other two wooden hives belonged to a
friend, one being quilted, the other not. The quilted hive was
in the same state aa my own, very wet in bottom and sides ; and
the unquilted hive was wet at top and bottom, the bees being all
dead and encased in a shroud of white mould.

I have come to the conclusion that our northern climate is too
humid for wintering bees in wooden hives. I have, however,
brought these same hives through aeven winters, and they have
never been nearly ao bad with damp in any of the previoas six
years. One of the hives has in it, still useful, the brood comba
that were built in July, 1809. The bees have done well all the
time, and I do not intend removing them till I see how long
bees can breed in the same comb. Sometimes an end comb has

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Sqoabe, London.

Lat. Bl» 32- 40" N. ; Long. 0° S' 0" W. ; Altitade, 111 feet.

Date.

Is TI

IE DAT.

a

iS.«

Hygrome-

§■6

o*. .

Shade Tem.

Radiation

Temperature.

a

sS-oS

1^

m

On

In

Dry.

Wet.

deg.

Max.

deg.

Mm.
deg.

sun.

grass,
deg.

In.

Inches.

deg.

We. 4

.'•,37

51. «

S.E.

47.0

61.0

60.6

o.4ra

Th. 6

45.5

S.

46.6

64 4

41.4

907

87.2

0.08S

Fri. 6

29.440

50.1

46.8

S.W.

46.0

55.6

41.8

99 6

876

0.0&)

Sat, 7

29.661

48 5

46 8

s.

45.3

66.3

88.2

97.8

84 0

—

296S4

50.2

48 7

s.

44.3

65.0

42.2

76.0

88 8

0.487

Mo. 9

29.527

48.6

4a.5

S.W.

46.0

66.7

4i.2

71.8

45.1

0.660

Tu. 10

29.507

50.2

49.4

N.W.

47.5

59.6

47.6

87.7

—

Means.

29.476

49.9

48.2

46.1 1 57.4

44.0

89.5

41.0

i.e»a

REMARKS.
4th.— Very fine early, rather less bright at 9 A-m., but fair till noon* then

cloady and a severe thuaderstorm from 3 to 4 p.m., lightniug Tezy

vivid ; fair but windy after.
5th.— Fine early, but soon becoming showery, and so oontinning all day, with

Rleams between.
6th.— Rain early, but fine at 9 ; slight shower about H a.m. and again a

4 P.M., but pleasant and fine between; another Bhower abont 6, bu

fine night.
7th.— A regular April day of sunshine and showers, and very pleaeita

between.
8th.— Fair but not bright till 1 p.m., then slight showers ; very heavy rain f

9 P.M.

9th.— Intensely dark {though not very thick) for a short time at 8.30, oleM

off by 9 ; fair but dall after ; rain from 9 p.m. nearly all night.
10th.— Rain in early morning, but fair before 9 a.m., and followed by a TOI
pleasant day and starlit nisht.
Mean temperature ri.sing slightly except in the sun max., which is slightly
lower than last week from the great preyalence of cloud.— G, J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 11.

Black.,

Figs dozen 0

Fiiberta Jb. 0

Grapes, hothouse.... lb. 15 0

Lemons ¥*■ 100 6 0

Melons each 0 0

Nectarines dozen

Oranges ^ lOU

Peaches dozen

Pears , kitchen.. . , dozen

dessert dozen

Pine Apples lb.

Plums j seive

Quinces bushel

Raspberries lb.

Strawberries oz-

Walnuts bushel

ditto V 100

TBOETABLES.

B. d.

Artichokes dozen 0 Ot(

Asparagus ^ lOB 8 0

Beans, Kidney ^100 1 6

Beet, Red dozen 1 6

Broccoli bundle O 9

Brussels Sprouts..! sieve 8 0

Cabba«e.. dozen 1 0

Carrots bunch 0 4

Capsicums ^10) 1 6

Cauliaowel d^zen 2 0

Celery bundle 1 6

Coleworts.. doz. bunches S 0

Cucumbers eaoh 0 6

Endive dozen 1 0

Fennel bunch 0 3

Garlic lb. 0 6

Herbs bunch 0 3

Horseradish bu»dle 0 0

Lettuce riozen 1 0

Leeks bunch 0 i

Uuio

pickling quart

Parsley.... doz. bunches

Parsnips dozen

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

Kidney do.

New lb.

Radishes., doz. bunches

Rhubarb bundle

Salsafy bundle

sbol 0 0 0 0

Scor;

Ue 10 0 0

Soakale basket

Shallots lb. « B u o

Spmach bushel 2 6 4 0

Tomatoes j sieve 0 0 0 0

bunch 0 4 0 6

Vegetiible* Marrows 0 0 0

AprU 19, 1S77. )

JOUEXAL OP HOKXICULTUBE AND COTTAGK GAKDKNEJR.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

ot

Month

Day

of

Week.

APKIL 19—25, 1877.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

Sun

Seta.

Moon
Rises.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Sun.

Day
of
Year.

Day.

Night.

Mean.

b. m.

h. m.

b. m.

b. m.

m s

19

Bojal Society at S 30 p.m.

589

35.0

46 9

4 67

7 1

8 16

1 21

6

0 58

109

20

i'

Boyal InBtitation at 8 p.m.

60.S

S4.B

47.6

4 56

7 3

9 39

3 4

])

1 11

110

21

a

59.6

37.0

48.3

4 63

7 4

11 7

2 84

8

1 23

111

22

3 Sunday afteb Eastse.

59.6

87.0 48.0

4 61

7 6

0a36

2 54

9

1 36

112

23

M

Rojnl Hortioultaral Society, 3.30 p.m.

59.0

86.4 47.7

4 49

7 8

2 2

3 10

10

1 47

lis

21

Ta

Crystal Palace Auricula Show.

58.7

85.6 47.1

4 47

7 9

3 28

3 24

11

1 68

114

25

W

59.9 36.9 1 48.4

4 45

7 11

4 52

S 86

12

2 9

lis

From obsorrations taien near London daring (orty-threa years,

the average day temperature

ol the week is 59.3' ; and its night temperature

planting-out.

PLA.NTING-OUT CAMELLIAS.

BELIEVE there are many more Camellias
gi'own in pots than planted-out in beds ;
but tbey can be cultivated to much greater
perfection in the latter than the former.
There are many people who grow Camellias
that have no meaus of planting them out,
and it is the last thing I would ask them
to do to give up Camellia-growing for that
reason, but there are many who possess and
do not avail themselves of the means of
Where many Camellias are grown it is not
advisable to plant them all out, as some are often wanted
in pots for a variety of decorations in different parts ; but
where it is desired to have large healthy plants to supply
almost an unlimited quantity of cut flowers over a long
period there is nothing will secure this to such an extent
as planting-out.

Many Camellias are planted- out in the conservatory
here. They have bloomed exceedingly well this winter ;
veiy few buds have dropped, and the flowers have been
massive. At certain seasons there is much church de-
coration required. We cut blooms for this purpose from
two plants — a red variety, and the old Double White
(Alba plena), at Christmas, and have cut many ever since,
the same plants furnishing abundance of blooms for the
church again at Easter. Plants in pots would not have
supplied dowers half that time.

No better time than the present could be chosen for
planting-out Camellias. In most cases the plants have
nearly done blooming, and the buds are just bursting into
leaf. Planting is best done when growth is slightly be-
gun, but at the same time to avoid a check growth must
not be advanced too far — not more, in fact, than just the
young leaves appearing. The first thing to be considered
in planting is to secure sufficient room for the roots. In
many greenhouses and conservatories there are centre
beds or borders along the back of the house ; these are
generally from 1 to 3 feet in depth and much more in
width, and no better place need be desired in which to
plant them than such as this. Our border is little more
than :i feet wide and about the same in depth, and some
of the plants in it are 10 feet high and proportionately
bushy. From this it may be inferred that good plants
may be grown with ordinary root accommodation. If
the border is naturally porous at the bottom, nothing need
be done in the way of adding drainage ; but otherwise
3 inches of broken bricks must be placed at the bottom
before putting in any soil. The kind of soil in which to
grow Camellias is considered to be of great importance
by some. My own opinion is, that it matters little what
kind of soil they are grown in when once the roots get
hold of it. Some of ours are growing luxuriantly in soil
which resembles that in the kitchen-garden quarters — a
great deal more than the continually recommended loam,
peat, and sand. Plants in an unhealthy condition will
recover quicker in a compost of this kind, but strong
healthy plants will grow in any kind of soil. About

No. K8.— Vol. XXXII., New Seeies.

three-quarters loam and one-quarter peat makes a good
mixture for them.

In all cases the soil should be made firm before digging-
out the holes for the reception of the plants. In turning
the plants out of the pots remove all the old drainage,
and if the ball is matted with roots these must be cSa-

] entangled as much as possible without breaking them.

j The roots must not be deeply buried in the soil, the top
of the ball should not be more than 2 inches below the
surface when the whole has been completed. Press the
soil very firmly about the roots, and do not give any

I water for a fortnight or three weeks after planting. I
find many plants including Camelhas start into growth

I at the root much quicker in soil moderately dry than ex-
cessively wet; but although water is not given at the

I roots for some time after planting, it must be daily ap-
plied to the foliage through the sjringe. This assists
greatly in softening the buds, especially when they are a
little shy in starting freely.

As to temperature and other matters relating to the at-
mosphere, the plants will succeed very well under the con-
ditions of any ordinary greenhouse. A close warm atmo-
sphere is sometimes advised to assist them into growth,
and this will start them quickly, but I do not think there is
much advantage in it, as a hardy shoot 2 inches long made
in a cool place is worth more than one six times that length
which has been drawn-out in a close warm atmosphere.
When once Camellias are planted-out and established,
further than giving water at the root, they may be grown
in first-rate order with very little attention. — J. M.

CHANGING SEED— CUTTING POTATOES.

" M1S.4.PPREHENSION exists on the changing of seed," is
the opening remark of the article which you have pub-
lished on page 275, and I think the remark is true. I
write now in reference to Potatoes, and as many more acres
remain to be planted with this esculent than are already
planted, the subject may be opportunely alluded to.

As remarked by the American writer, some varieties of
Potatoes seem to thrive especially well in some particular
soil and locality. When such is the case tbere cannot be
any advantage in changing the seed, provided the crops
are each year well cultivated, and the seed tubers have
been well selected, preserved, and prepared. In such a
case, and under such conditions, a variety does not de-
generate— " wear out." It is new, and fresh, and vigorous
every year, and will remain so during the life of the cul-
tivator. That is rather a bold statement, but I have
evidence of its truth.

For more than twenty years an early variety of Potato
has been grown in a garden with which I am intimately
acquainted. The seed has never been changed, and the
crops are annually as fine as can be desired. Perhaps
they were better last year than during any previous year,
owing, it may have been, to some incidence of the season.
But on several occasions seed of the same variety has
been purchased from various sources, the tubers having ar-
rived in excellent condition and were subjected to precisely
No. 1130.— Vol. LVU., Old Series.

284

JOURNAIi OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE QARDENSa.

[ April 19, 1377.

the same treament as the " old stock ;" but not in one instance
has the change of seed proved advantageouE — on the contrary,
the "old eort" is still the best. The additional seed has
been obtained sometimes for the purpose of supplementing the
home-raised tnbers, and also, if found desirable, for super-
seding them.

Now the variety that succeeds so well in this one particular
garden does not always preserve its good character in other
places. Where the soil is less suitable it appears to lose vigour
and fresh supplies of seed are sought for from the original
stock, which proves the truth of another remark in the article
alluded to, that " the seed should have been grown in a soil
calculated to produce the variety in its best state. That is an
important matter not sufficiently attended to in selecting "a
change of seed."

Another variety which is a favourite for the main crop, and
is largely grown on the same estate, will not, with the utmost
care in cultivation of the crop and preparation of the seed,
retain its good character for more than two years, and it has
been placed beyond controversy that it is advantageous to
purchase fresh seed of this variety every year. The supply
has not always been procured from the same locality ; a portion,
however, yearly came from the same grower (his surplus stock),
and it was found that this seed invariably produced much
better crops than did the seed tubers from other districts. So
decided was this improvement, that for some years past it has
been found profitable to secure the whole of the seed tubers
yearly from that district where the particular variety — Dunbar
Eegent — is grown in its best condition. I am satisfied that
that is the right principle to follow in the matter of " change
of seed."

It has not unfrequently been recommended that seed tubers
possess some special virtues when grown in sandy soil. That
has almost become a popular notion, but my experience war-
rants me in regarding it as a popular delusion. Potatoes
grown in sandy soil may be more free from disease than crops
from a rich alluvial loam ; but the producing power of the
tubers which have been grown in the loam is greater than that
of tubers grown in sand. Sets from a light sandy soil contain,
as a rule, more numerous and smaller eyes than sets grown in
loam, and the stronger the soil the fewer and stronger are the
eyes : hence the stronger is the haulm resulting and the better
is the crop. The soundness of that logic I have repeatedly
proved by special and careful experiments, and on it the
practice is founded which is adopted in a district where
thousands of tons of Potatoes are grown annually for the
London, Manchester, and Liverpool markets.

Another matter on which misapprehension exists is that
whole tubers are better than cut sets. I have frequently
planted medium-sized whole tubers, large whole tubers, and
cut tubers in alternate rows, and I have never found the pro-
duce of the cut tubers inferior to the others, but often superior.
Whole tnbers frequently produce a multiplicity of growths,
which become overcrowded and weakly, eventually falling and
covering the ground, preventing the air circulating amongst
the stems. The character of the crop is reflected in the haulm
— when the stems of the plant are numerous and small so are
the tnbers. Good cut sets produce a few and strong growths,
so few and so strong that the air can circulate amongst the
stems, promoting their sturdiness, and they retain their
upright position much longer than the more weakly and
crowded growths, and the crop resulting is of greater value.
The tubers may be fewer in number but they are finer, and a
greater weight is " marketable."

It is to check a multiplicity of shoots that some cultivators
find it advantageous to slice off a cluster of eyes from whole
sets, a practice which your correspondent " A Kitchen Gar-
dener " cannot perceive possesses any merit ; but many with
whom Potatoes are the staple crop — their principal means of
livelihood — fancy there is " something in it," and I fancy so

too. — A NOKTHEKN GARDENER.

GUMMING OP FEUIT TREES.
I HAVE never seen any reason to doubt the dictum of the
late Mr. R. Thompson of Cbiswick, who states in hie " Gar-
dener's Assistant " that gumming is rarely injurious to the
Plum or the Cherry ; but that as regards the Peach it is the
disease "most to be dreaded, and is very difficult to cure;
indeed, if it pervades the tree to any considerable extent the
sooner the latter is dug-up and replaced by a healthy subject
the better." This view I share fully, speaking from my own

experience, but I am prepared to alter my opinion if Mr. W.
Taylor (page 264), can furnish one authenticated instance in
which gumming was beneficial rather than injurious to a
Peach tree, let the disease have been brought about as it
might. I have seen gumming under not a few different circum-
stances, but as far as one was able to judge, it could always be
assigned to ill-ripened wood, gross feeding, or external injury,
and the results were always disastrous. — J. Simpson, JTortletj.

FUCHSIAS FOR GARDEN DECORATION.

Brilliancy of colour is not so fashionable in flower gardens
as formerly, and elegance of form receives its well-deserved
share of attention. Few plants are more elegant than Fuchsias,
which are graceful alike by their habit of growth and charming
pendulous flowers. They moreover contain just sufficient of
colour to render them cheerful, some of them even showy, yet
they have not a semblance of gaudiness on account of their
ample foliage.

The small-flowered Fuchsias, such as gracilis and Riccar-
tonii, are hordy in sheltered districts — that is, their principal
stems and branches are not killed by the frost, the plants
■ — or trees — then flower early and are splendid objects for
walls and borders. Even in the coldest localities the roots
are not killed and the shoots push up freely at this period of
the year, and eventually flower profusely. These old Fuchsias
are seen to the best advantage when growing on elevated sites,
such as mounds in shrubberies, rockeries, and rooteries. For
villa gardens they are very appropriate, for they require little
or no care, and in almost any sort of soil and any position
in town or country they produce their charming flowers in
abundance. Such plants afford a valuable supply of flowering
sprays for indoor decoration, and for this purpose alone these
old favourites are worth growing in every garden where cut
flowers are in demand. But the best way of all is to grow the
plants as standards, the stems being 3 feet or more in height,
and heads about 2 feet in diameter. F. gracilis does not make
such a good standard as does Eiceartonii and globosa, both of
which are naturally pendulous in growth.

These standards are most easily formed. Plant out young
plants in good soil and train them to stakes until the desired
height is attained, then stop them and form the head. Take
them up and pot them each autumn, wintering them in any
light or dark place from which frost is excluded, and plant
them again in May. Prune them each year closely — more
closely then a standard Rose is usually pruned, and they will
grow and flower with the greatest freedom. I have had
standard Fuchsias in my charge for twenty years which are
planted in suitable places in the flower garden every summer,
and no plants in the garden give a better return for the trouble
bestowed on them.

I have also had for many years standard Fuchsias of another
species which is not often cultivated — namely, F. corymbiflora.
Small "trees" of this old Fuchsia when planted in partially
sheltered places where the wind does not shatter the ample
foliage or injure the conspicuous corymbs of brilliant flowers,
have a striking effect, the more so as the plants are dissimilar
from all surrounding objects ; and certainly no plants are
more easily cultivated. The standards of this species are,
however, only planted out every alternate year ; during other
years they are kept in pots and plunged as a check to luxuriant
growth.

Standard Fuchsias of the greenhouse varieties are also ad-
mirably suited for outdoor decoration. They thrive best in
rather moist and shaded places, where for healthy foliage and
abundance of flowers they rival, often surpass, others cultivated
in pots under glass. The best of all for outdoor decoration is,
I think. Rose of Castile. A supply of plants of this valuable
old variety should be provided in most gardens where appro-
priate places for planting and growing them can be found. A
group of plants of this Fuchsia afford a pleasing change from
the ordinary bedding plants, and yield almost unlimited quan-
tities of flowering sprays for cutting for the furnishing of vases,
ttc, these sprays being always appreciated. Another excellent
variety for garden cultivation is Venus Victrix. The glossy
foliage, white tube, aud purple corolla render this variety
highly attractive, and it generally flourishes much better when
planted- out than when grown in pots. As a white-sepalled
variety for outdoor decoration Conspicua is excellent, as also
is the dwarfer variety — Bland's Floribunda. A new variety,
E recta Von Novelty, is sure to be a good bedding variety, it
being a free grower and bloomer, and showing the flowers well

ApiU 19, 1S77. ]

JODBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB.

285

amongst and above the foliage. Of the dark Faohsias for
growing ontdoora I have found Souvenir de Chiawiok, Try-
me-Oh, Roderick Dha, and Noblesse amongst the best; but
almost all the varieties do well in suitable situations.

Fuchsias for planting-out must not be started early in the
spring. The breaking of the buds should be retarded as much
as possible, so that they make nearly the whole of the growth
in the open air. They not only then grow and flower the
more freely, but much less attention and glass accommodation
is required for preparing the plants. — J. S. P.

though the former plan is said to be the better one. I have
just tried this manure with a patch of Fortyfold Potatoes, and
shall be glad to report the result in the autumn. I have also
planted some Snowflakes in spent hops nnder a south wall,
and the plants are now coming up very thickly, and look most
strong and healthy. I should add that I live on a high hill in
a most exposed situation where the soil is light and sandy. I
fancy the kiln dust would be still more valuable on a damp
clay soil.— E. E., Wilts.

VINE MANAGEMENT— RED SPIDEE—
SHANKING.

The following letter has been sent to me by my successor,
who now has charge of the Hon. Mr. Melville's vineries, and.,
its publication may be of service to some readers of the
Journal : —

" The early Vines are again carrying an excellent crop. I
think they are better than ever, and the late Vines are break-
ing much stronger than usual. In reference to your remarks
on guano and red spicier in the .Journal of April 5th (page 257),
my experience fully confirms all that ia there stated. So
effectual is guano in repelling red spider that I should not fear
taking into the vinery a plant well infested with spider, for I
am positive that the insect could not live in the house. I
never syringe the Vines, but have always on favourable oc-
casions the atmosphere well charged with the etHuvia of guano
or farmyard liquid manure, and I am certain that the use of
these liquids both inside and outside — that is, manuring the
border and the atmosphere, has improved and is improving
the old Vines very satisfactorily.

" Some of the Grapes shanked last year, but the quantity was
trifling, and would not be worth mentioning but for the fact
that of the Vine that is planted close to the soft-water cistern
not a berry shanked, and the cistern and spout ran over almost
continually during the wet weather and saturated that part
of the border. So much for too much water being the cause
of shanking. My opinion is, that Vines generally suffer much
more from want of water than from having too much. The

Vines in the fine house built by Mr. in another part of

the village, and which you managed and left in such splendid
condition are, although only seven years old, practically ruined ;
the crop this year is worthless, and I have not a doubt that
the cause is overcropping, coupled with insufficient supplies of
water to the border and atmosphere of the house. Had he
gone on in the old way by supporting his Vines with liquid
manure, and using guano to make the red spider sick, guarding
also against overcropping, he would now have half a ton of
Grapes in the house, whereas he has only a few which are
saleable."

The above letter has reference to Vines which for upwards
of thirty years have produced heavy crops of Grapes, and it is
noteworthy that the "old Vines" are still "improving;" it
also has reference to a vinery where the Grapes three years
ago were wonderfully fine — the admiration of the neighbour-
hood, but the Vines have now " gone wrong." The letter ia
thus instructive in recording success and registering a failure,
stating the main contributary causes in both instances. I
have never known Vmea which have been harder worked with-
out overcropping them than the improving old Vines alluded
to, the special object having been the producing of the greatest
possible number of bunches ranging from 1 to 2 lbs. each for
everyday dessert purposes rather than a smaller number of
larger bunches for exhibition. As there are many others who
have the same object in Grape-growiog — -that ia, securing
nsefal table Grapea — the grsatest possible qnantity over a long
period of years — I may perhaps usefully describe the system
of management that has been adoptei with the Vines in ques-
tion, embodying such remarks on Vine culture generally as the
subject suggests. This, however, must be deferred to a future
issue of the Journal. — J. Wriqht.

MANURE FOR POTATOES.
In answer to " A New Coeresposde^jt," the refuse from a
malt kiln is said to be one of the best manures for Potatoes.
It is called kQn dust, and ia not expensive. It should be
spread over the ground before the Potatoes are planted and
then dog in with the earth, or it may be thrown over the land
as a top-dressing soon after the seed Potatoes are put in,

SPRING FLOWERS IN HYDE PARK.

That spring flowers merit attention will readily be admitted ;
their varied colours and early beauty always meet with admir-
ation. Spring flowers are also so easy of culture that it may
be safely asserted there is no garden in the three kingdoms
where they may not be grown successfully. In many gardens
flowers in spring are just as necessary as a display in summer,
and gradually the system of early decoration is extending
both in public and private gardens. It is worthy of notice,
too, that spring gardening is carried out as successfully in
town and suburban gardens in and around London as it is in
the rural districts. Such flowers as the Crocus, the Snowdrop,
the Primrose, the Violet, the Anemone, and the Wallflower
are general favourites; and there are many others Equally
beautiful that play a prominent part in the spring garden,
such as the Forget-me-not, Pansy, Scilla, Arabia, Silene pen-
dula, Alyssum, Aubrietia, Iberia sempervirens. Phlox frondosa.
Polyanthus, Vinca major or Periwinkle — the common ornament
of the cottager's garden. All these are valuable at this season
of the year ; all are hardy and of easy cultivation.

In Hyde Park bulbous-rooted flowers play the most promi-
nent part. Early Hyacinths are the chief ornaments juat now,
their beauty, fragrance, and variety combining to render them
specially attractive. The collection includes the most useful
kinds tor the purpose of outdoor bedding. They are planted
in oblong beds, one variety in a bed, the entire length of Park
Lane, and the effect produced is charming, almost every hue
from the most vivid down to the most soft and delicate in tints
of colour being represented. The most effective beds are those
of Amy, bright rich red ; Robert Steiger, like the former, but
deeper in colour ; Sultan's Favourite, blush white, striped with
carmine; Sir Edwin Landaeer, dark glossy puce; Grandeur a
Merveille, blush pink; Norma, delicate pink; Voltaire, blush
white, wax-like; Grand Vaiuqueur and La Candour, two of the
purest and best whites; Regulus, porcelain blue, shaded white,
excellent; Charles Dickens, pale shaded blue; William I.,
violet-black. Those are twelve of the best Hyacinths for bed-
ding; they all flower at the same period, and they are of the
same height, thus ensuring uniform and equal effect. A few
beds planted with three colours are very pleasing.

Tulips are also extensively grown in this Park, the collection
comprising the best sorts in cultivation, and perhaps no other
plants either of early or late-blooming character produce such
a glowing combination of colour with the same neat and
diminutive style of growth. A- few of the most distinct and
useful of the single sorts are:— Alida Maria, white tipped and
flaked with cerise; Angelina, red and yellow; Artist, crimson;
Canary, yellow; Cottage Maid, white and rose; Due Van Thol,
cinnabar red, with orange border; Eleonore, violet purple;
Golden Prince, good form and sweet-scented ; La Cour de
Brabant, yellow, with bronze red bara; Purple Crown, rich
crimson ; Thomas Moore, orange buff ; Vermilion BriUiant,
bright scarlet. The best doubles are Agnes, bright scarlet ;
Dae Van Thol, red, with pale yellow margin ; Etoile Cramoisie,
violet crimson ; Gloria Soils, rich bronze crimson; La Candeur,
clear white; Murillo, blush rose; ReginaRubrorum, crimson ;
Rex Kubrorum, scarlet; Titian, bronze red, with pale yellow
margin ; Tournesol, scarlet and yellow ; Yellow Tournesol,
buff yellow, flushed with pale red ; and Velvet Gem, crimson,
small yellow marginal lines.

Many beds are planted with old bulbs which have done duty
before, and no doubt will be seen again. Let no one be satis-
fied with one or two years' bloom, but try and see how far
care and culture will assist in preserving the bulbs for future
use again and again. Great iLJuiy is done to all sorts of bulbs
by the inconsiderate and unskilful practice of cutting, maiming,
or tying the leaves; they should be suffered to decay gradually,
for the health, strength, and size of the bulb for the succeeding
year depends upon its storing up a proper supply of sap, which
is in a great degree prevented by cutting off the leaves when
in a greeu state. When the beds are wanted take up the bulbs

286

JOURNAL OF HORTICOLTUSE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 19, 1877.

and lay them in on a dry warm border, and let them remain
till the foliage becomes dry and decayed, then oat it off to
within an inch of the bulbs, but touch not the root fibres.
Now cover the bulbs over about an inch deep with sand; this
prevents them from drying too quickly and ehrivelling. After
they have remained in the sand three or four weeks rub off
the fibres and store the bulbs away until the planting season
comes round once more. — N. Cole.

KOTAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

April 18th.

liiMEDLiTELY the idea was suggested that the growers and
salesmen of plants, flowers, bouquets, fruits, vegetables, and
salads should unite in providing an exhibition of their wares,
an unanimous response of approval resulted ; and it was no
sooner suggested that the proposed Exhibition should be held
under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society, than the
Council of the Society not only acquiesced, but promptly de-
termined to give the utmost encouragement to the project.

It may not be scientific horticulture which the Society has been
thus ready to patronise ; but it was none the less ueefnl, sensible,
practical work that was exemplified in the Exhibition of yester-
day. The display both by its extent and excellence was worthy
of the efforts of those who provided it, and of the patronage of
the numerous visitors. It was not novelty merely, but sterling
culture, that was the characteristic of the Exhibition — culture
devoted to a definite object, and for the most practical of all
purposes — namely, the " bringing home " as it were of horti-
culture to the greatest number who can participate in its
benefits. To Mr. Howard, a successful cultivator, the credit is
due of having first suggested the practicability of holding this
great commercial display, which all connected with have aided
so willingly and well to bring to a successful issue.

It was not a show for which special preparations had been
made, but was a fair example of produce such as is in a regular
way provided for the daily demands of the metropolis, and the
more credit on that account is due to the several producers and
exhibitors. That it was superior produce none can dispute, and
that high culture was shown in the various exhibits is also be-
yond question. Both in the ornamental and useful departments
admirable examples of what are in daily demand in the homes of
the affluent were forthcoming — examples which are not always
and at all times equalled in a private way, neither, let us add in
justice to many cultivators, ought always to be expected.

It were impossible — and the fact may well be remembered —
for any one of the exhibitors of yesterday to have excelled in
aU that was exhibited, since each only submitted his speciality;
butgardeners, as a rule, have no specialities, but must distribute
their skill and divide — it may be dilute — their resources accord-
ing to peculiar demands, the exigencies of circumstances, and
the dictates of conveniences. It is only fair to mention this —
not as affording an excuse for inferior cultivation, but as record-
ing a fact which cannot be gainsaid by competent men.

Let us now glance at the Exhibition — its aspect, arrangement,
and collections. The general effect was, of course, less imposing
than that produced by a great display of large specimen plants,
yet it was extremely telling from the distinct masses of decided
colours which the salesmen are so well able to dispose effectively.
The feathery masses of Spira-as (Hoteias) contrasted with the
rich blue Cinerarias ; the massive Hydrangeas were not more
conspicuous than the golden feathery globe-shaped Cytisuses ;
scarlet Geraniums imparted brilliancy, toned by the softer
shades of other varieties; Azaleas and early Pelargoniums,
some rich, some sober, were rendered the more striking by the
association of densely bloomed, healthy, and elegant Fuchsias ;
Bichardias contributed their distinct white spathes; and Ferns
and Lycopods cheerful refreshing masses of green. Perfume
was redolent from the numerous and good examples of Musk
and Mignonette, Heliotropes and Roses adding also their odour
and their beauty; and all these plants were represented in
excellent condition, and were remarkable alike for cleanliness,
vigour of foliage, profusion of bloom, sturdiness of habit, and the
Bmallness of their pots ; they were, in fact, patterns of good culti-
vation, and exactly suitable for the decorative purposes for which
they had been grown. Variety was further imparted by the
examples of fruits, vegetables, salads, and bouquets, most of
of which were good, and none unworthy of the building in which
they were displayed.

The Exhibition was held in the arcades east and west of the
conservatory, the latter structure being occupied with nursery-
men's collections. As affording an idea of the extent of the Ex-
hibition we may state that the corridors are nearly 800 feet in
length, and they were quite filled with market produce arranged
on staging about 6 feet wide along one side, the remaining space
being left for promenade, except where occupied with fruit and
yegetables. How many thousands of plants were exhibited it is
impossible to conjecture, but many of the collections contained
some hundreds, and in one or two instances there could be Uttle

short of a thousand, Mr. Hayes of Edmonton staging, in fact,
upwards of sixteen hundred.

The first collection in the eastern corridor was from Mr.
Herbst, New Nursery, Richmond. In the centre of this group
was a square bed of Lily of the Valley in boxes, surrounded with a
fringe of Primula amcBna, and near each eod of the collection
were squares of pink Azaleas surrounded with Hoteias. Between
these primary beds were small Palms, the entire collection
being backed with Palms and fringed with Ferns. The whole
of the plants were in admirable condition.

The next collection was Mr. Hayes's great contribntion above
mentioned. The plants occupied about 150 feet in length oS
staging, and caused expressions of surprise that all of them had
been produced by one cultivator. They were arranged on tho
mixed system, and consisted of all kinds of hard and softwooded
plants in season — Cytisuses, Erica ventricosa, and scarlet Gera-
niums preponderating. The collection also contained many
China Roses and Cinerarias, and a few Ferns. It was both an
extensive and beautiful display, and only wanted a background
of Palms and a fringe of Ferns to have rendered it perfect.

We next came to a group of ornamental-foliaged plants from
Mr. H. B. Smith, Ealing Dean Nursery, Ealing. This was a
capital contribution, the plants being remarkably healthy and
clean. They comprised Palms, Dracisnas, Phormiums, Pan-
danuses, Begoniis, and Ferns. In the centre was a plant of
Latania borbonica, some of the fronds being distinctly varie-

j gated, rendering it additionally ornamental.

Messrs. W. & A. Brown, Hendon, staged the next collection,
which consisted of Pelargoniums, very healthy plants of Poly-
sticbnm aculeatum, and bright close masses of Silene pendula

[ compacta, China Roses, and Forget-me-nets.

I Adjoining this was a good and bright group of considerable

I extent from Mr. J. Puttick, Park Road, Acton, comprising double
and single Geraniums, early-flowering Pelargoninms, very good
pots of Mignonette and Intermediate Stocks; a few " Oak-

[ leaved" scented Geraniums were also interspersed amongst the
flowering plants.
The next was a "self" collection and a good one — namely,

I a hundred plants of Hoteia japonica from Mr. G. Potilton,

: Fountain Nursery, Angel Road. Edmonton. The plants, which
were in small 48-8ized pots, were about 2 feet in diameter and

' nearly the same in height, and had about a dozen good spikes of

I flowers on each — just in perfection.

The end group in this corridnr was furnished by Messrs. H. R.
and G. Wright, Turner Road, Lee, and consisted of large Palms,
at the front of which were grouped a few good Orchids, well-

j coloured Crotons and Dracasnas, with Ferns — a tolerably ex-

j tensive and very exc'llent collection.

] In the eastern arcades Mr. Reeve, The Nurseries, Acton, con-
tributed a very fine bank, 50 feet in length, arranged principally
in squares, each containing from two to four dozen plants of
Mignonette, very fine ; double Primulas, good ; Coleuses, white
and scarlet Tulips, greenhouse Pt-largoniums, Hydrangeas, He-
liotropes, Fuchsias, Gardenias, and Roses. At the back were
Palms, Richardias, Arum album maculatum, and Hoteias, and at
the front Ferns, small Euouymuse8,and Anthericum variegatum
— an admirable collection.

Messrs. Hawkins it Bennett, Lily Gardens, Twickenham, came
next with a group about -10 feet long, composed of small admir-
ably bloomed plants of perhaps still the best decorative Gera-
niums in their respective colours — namely, Vesuvius, Madame
Vaucher, and Christine. The centre of this lively group was
composed of small Ferns and Lycopods, and cut trusses of
Geraniums.

The next group, over 60 feet long, was from Mr. Thomas Paget,
Clapham. In this bank Cytisus racemosns preponderated, and
dotted amongst tbem were Dracainas, Paudanuses, Palms, and
Hoteias, the whole being fringed with small Ferns — Adiantum
cuneatum and Pteris serrulata.

We next arrived at a very extensive and striking collection of
early-flowerinp Pelargoniums exhibited by Messrs. Beokwith
and Son, The Nurseries, Tottenham. There were nine rows of
plants, each row being 60 feet in length. The plants were ex-
tremely sturdy in habit, good in foliage, and profusely furnished
with bloom. These varieties, which chiefly belong to the French
section, are highly useful decorative plants. Amongst the most
striking we noted Duchess of Bedford, new white, fine. This,
with Digby Grand, Kingston Beauty, and Mrs. Bradshaw are
the best of the lights. Amongst darks were Lizzie Holland,
Rob R' y. Whetstone Hero, and 'Triomphe de St. Mande. Fanoiesl
Fanny Gair only. Mr. Beckwith also exhibited some attractive
plants of a dark Heliotrope — a seedUug from Florence Night-
ingale, and one of the best varieties we have seen. Its name
is Lizzie Holland, and it is good in colour, truss, and habit.

Messrs. Hooper ct Co. contributed an effective display of table
and general decorative plants in various sizes — from Palma
6 feet in height to Lycopods only a few inches high. Caladium
argyrites in this group was very effective, and especially so was
Arundo donax versicolor. Ficus Parcellii, Crotons, Marantas,
Dracfenae, Dieffenbachias, and Ferns completed the collection.

April W, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

287

Messrs. Hooper also contributed an extensive display of bouqasts
and wreaths in Grasses, Everlastings, &c.

Mr. Barr exhibited a splendid collection of Narcissuses in
sixty specits and varieties, all of which were beautiful and
many demanding much more than a mere passing note of ap-
preciation. The brightness of the flowers was relieved by an
intermixttire of Ferns and curious succulent plants. Mr. Barr
also exhibited some admirably-filled Fern cases, window boxes,
and vases, for which he was awarded a first prize. Mr. James
Eromwich, 2.5, Buckiugham Palace Road, also exhibited Fern
cases, &c., tastefully filled with healthy plants, and received
the second prize in this section.

BoDQUETs AND Table Decohatioss. — Bouquets were not nu-
merous, but some of them were artistically made, erring, per-
haps, if they erred at all, in being fully too large. The best ball
bouquet was composed of a central white Camellia surrounded
with La France Roses, these being again surrounded with white
Azaleas and double Primulas ; rising above these, what may be
termed base or body flowers, were Moss Rose buds and sprays
of Bouvardias, SpirKae, and single pipa of white Hyacinths,
the green being composed of Adiantum cuneatum. The best
bridal bouquet had also a white Camellia in the centre sur-
rounded with white Rose buds. Gardenias, double Primulas, and
white Hyacinths, reUeved with Lilies, Spiraaa, and Bouvardias.
In some bouquets moths had been introduced — no improvement.
Ic is noticeable that the most attractive bouquets were composed
of inexpensive flowers, few or no Orchids being employed in
their arrangement. The exhibitors were ilessra. Wood, Parm-
leyiS: Co., 19, Park Gate, Kensington; Mr. J. Bromwich, 25,
Euokingham Palace Road ; Mr. Stone, Central Avenue, Covent
Garden ; Mr. Aldous, Gloucester Road, Kensington ; and Messrs.
F. & A. Dickson, Covent Garden. A very rich bouquet provided
by Mr. Wills for H.R.H. the Duchess of Teck was much ad-
mired. It was composed of Stephanotis, Roses, and Odonto-
glossums Alexandras and Roezlii.

Messrs. Wood, Parmley & Co. exhibited table decorations, the
glasses being elegantly filled with Ferns, and brightened with
such fljwers as Rhodanthes, Chrysanthemum carinatum, Poet'a
Narcissus, and Dielytras ; with sprays of Panicum variegatum,
Cissus discolor, and Lycopodiums as twiners.

Fbhit. — The collection to which the gold medal was awarded
was contributed by Messrs. Webber & Co., and included two
splendid Smooth Cayenne Pines (English), four smaller fruits
of the same Pine from the Azores, very fine Strawberries re-
sembling Duo de Malakoff, good Lady Downe's Grapes and new
Black Hamburghs, Brown Turkey Figs, Peaches, Shaddocks,
Leon le Clerc de Lival Pears (English) and Easter Beurre
from California, Apples, Oranges, Bananas from Madeira, and
Kentish Nuts — a very fine display. The silver medal went to
Messrs. J. W. Draper * Son. Easter Beurre Pears and Winter
Calville Apples from France were very flue in this collection,
and Tomatoes also from Fraiice were excellent ; Granges were
also well represented. This is perhaps the worst of all periods
of the year for fruit, late fruit beiug about over, while new fruit
is not yet in season.

Vegetables. — The gold medal was awarded to a very exten-
sive and superior collection exhibited by Messrs. Draper, and in
which everything exhibited was in first-rate condition. Aspa-
ragus English and foreign. Cauliflowers, Carrots and Turnips
from France, Artichokes, Cardoons, French Beans, Green Peas
from Mentone, Cos and Cabbage Lettuce and Endive, were well
represented in this capital display.

The silver medal was awarded to Mr. Poupart, who exhibited
Tery fine Seakale, Cabbages, Beet, Radishes, Lettnceg, &c.
Messrs. Beer & Sams exhibited a box of Telegraph Cucumbers;
Mr. Price, Cookham, Strawberries ; and Mr. Domaille, Guernsey,
very fine Ashleaf Potatoes. Exhibitors of vegetables and salads
were not so numerous as might have been expected.

Mr. McLaren exhibited his new saddle boiler, and Messrs.
Waite, Burnell, Huggins, A: Co. excelsior mowing machines.

Gold medals were awarded to the following " Covent Garden "
exhibitors: — Messrs. Herbst, Richmond; Hayes, Edmonton;
Wright, Lee ; Reeves, Acton ; and Hawkins & Bennett, Twick-
enham. Silver medals to Messrs. Smith, Ealing; Brown, Hen-
flon; Puttick, Acton ; Poulton, Edmonton ; Hooper & Co. ; Barr
and Sugden, and Bromwich ; and bronze medals to Messrs. Wood
and Parmley, Dickson, and Aldoms — the four last-named for
bouquets and cut flowers.

The nurserymen also again sent admirable contributions to
the Show, and aided in rendering it successful. We cannot do
more than record the fact that Mr. B. S. Williams staged orna-
mental-foliaged plants and Orchids; Mr Wills, Palms, Azaleas,
*c., fringed with Isolepis ; Messrs. Osborn & Sons, Fulham,
Palms and Ferns ; Messrs. Lane & Son, Berkhamstead, Roses,
Azaleas, and Rhododendrons; Mr. Aldous, general decorative
plants; Messrs. RoUisson & Sons, standard Azaleas; Mr. Dean,
Primulas, Auriculas, Wallflowers, &c. ; Mr. Turner, Slough,, a
goidly number of Alpine Auriculas ; and last — and many of the
plants also the least — Messrs. Croucher & Better a cellectiou
of curious Succalents. Silver medals were awarded to Messrs.

Williams, Wills, Lane, Rollisson, and Osborn & Sons ; bronze
medals, to Messrs. Dean, and Croucher & Better; and a vote of
thanks to Mr. Aldous.

Such was the Show, the first of its kind that has been held in
the Society's gardens — a Show which was both attractive and
instructive. One such exhibition in each year would afford a re-
freshing change from the higher type of exhibitions, and would
enable the good and useful work of many able cultivators and
decorators to be appreciated and in a measure rewarded. For
these and other reasons — not the least being the opportunity
afforded for horticulturists of all grades uniting under pleasant
auspices and for a common object — we trust that the firot dis-
play of Covent Garden wares will not by any means be the last.

The Duke and Duchess Teck, the Duke and Duchess of Bed-
ford, and other distinguished exhibitors visited the Exhibition
during the day. The Duke of Bedford also presided last evening
at a dinner at the Criterion, which was attended by the exhi-
bitors and others who were identified with the Show.

Fbdit Committee. — H. Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair. We
can only say that a cultural commendation was awarded to Mr.
Rapley, gardener to R. Hudson, Esq., Clapham Common, for a
good brace of Telegraph Cucumbers ; and that thanks were voted
to Mr. Tillery, Welbeck, for some examples of late Grapes, and
to Mr. Froud, gardener to J. Bulgey, Esq., Hanley Place, Dart-
ford, for a dish of Early Rose Potatoes.

Floral Committee. — W. B. Kellock, Esq., in the chair. First-
class certificates wore awarded to H. J. Elwes, Esq., for Tulipa
Greigi — a fine scarlet species from Central Asia; to Mr. G. Smith
for Polyanthus Duke of Welluigtou, rich gold and maroon, the
lacing being clearly defined; to Messrs. G. Beckwith & Son for
early Pelargonium Duchess of Edinburgh, white with rosy lilac
blotch on the upper petals. It is a very free-flowering variety,
and valuable for forcing. And to Mr. R. Dean for three varieties
of Primula cortusoides named Coerulea alba, Lilaciua, and
Maxima, all of them being very fine.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S SECOND SPEING
SHOW.

April 18tu.

Notwithstanding an exhibition of a novel character occurring
at South Kensington, the bleak and winterly weather of the
past few days, and only a spring Show, there was a very highly
attractive display. The lovely banks of Roses and Azaleas
staged by the various competitors riveted the attention of every
visitor. Roses are always appreciated, and find more admirers
than almost any other flower, more especially when the Roses
are not attainable out of doors ; they possess a warmness, a
beautj-, a charm of their own. 'The splendid collection set up
by Messrs. Veitch & Sons of Chelsea, to which an extra prize
was awarded, deserves more than a passing word of praise — the
plants were admirable examples of culture, and consisted of
well-known sorts suitable for pot culture and forcing. Con-
spicuous amongst them were Madame de St. Joseph, Madame
Villermoz, Paul Verdier, Duke of Edinburgh, Marquise de
Castellane, and Madame Clemence Joigueaux.

In the class for nine Roses in pots (nurserymen) the compe-
tition lay between Messrs. Paul & Sou of Cheshunt and Mr.
Charles Turner of Slough, and the prizes were awarded in the
order named ; Messrs. Paul & Son's being a very even and ad-
mirably finished collection consisting of La France, Dupuy
Jamin, Madame Victor Verdier, Madame Lacharme, Marquise
de Castellano, Madame There'SJ Levet, Beauty of Waltham, aiid
Cheshunt Hybrid. Mr. Turner was a very close second with
plants somewhat larger, including good examples of Souvenir
d'un Ami and Celine Forestier.

In the class for six new Roses (nurserymen) sent out in 1875
and 187(j Mr. Turner was the only exhibitor, and staged MarCchal
Robert (Tea), Duohesse de Vallombrosa, Rev. J. B. Camm,
Royal Standard, Oxonian, and John S. Mill : they showed great
promise, and were deservedly awarded a first prize.

The competition in the class for twelve stove and greenhouse
plants was very meagre, Mr. Wheeler being the only exhibitor,
to whom the Judges awarded a first prize. Mr. Wheeler had
the first prize also for six Heaths ; and a second was awarded to
the same exhibitor for six early-flowering stove plants, which
call for no particular comment.

For six greenhouse Azaleas (nurserymen) Mr. Turner was
deservedly awarded first honours for splendidly bloomed plants
of Apollo, Due de Nassau, Rui Leop 'Id, Reine dea Pays Bas,
Ferdinand Kegeljan, and Chelsoni. Messrs. Ivery & Sons, The
Nurseries, Dorking, were second. In the corresponding class for
amateurs Mr. Ratty, gardener to R. Thornton, Esq., The Hoo,
Sydenham Hill, was placed first; Mr. James, gardener to W. F.
Watson, Esq., Redlees, Isleworth, second; and Mr. Wheeler
third. The competition in six Amaryllises lay between Mr. W.
Kuowles, gardener to H. Little, Esq., Hillingdon Place, Ux-
bridge, and Mr. Roberts, gard'-uer to W. Terry, Esq., Peter-
borough House, Fulham. The prizes were awarded in the

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ AprU 19, 1877.

order named. A first prize waa awarded to Mr. Tarner for
twelve Anrieulas, he being the only competitor; still the collec-
tion was highly superior.

For twelve hardy herbaceous plants Mr. Roberts exhibited
Iberia semper virens, Primula cortUBOides, Trillium grandiflornm,
Doronicum austriacum, a Scilla, Arabia, Triteleia, Solomon's
Seal, and a Lily of the Valley, to which the Judges awarded a
first prize. To the same exhibitor was also placed a first for
six old-fashioned plants, which contained the same sorts with
the exception of Saxifraga crassifolia. A second prize was also
awarded to Mr. Roberts for twelve bulbous plants, in which
collection there was a curious Hcemanthus named Terryi, to
which a botanical certificate was awarded.

In the class for nine Cinerarias (open) Mr. James was first,
showing in his well-known style; and Mr. Ford, gardener to
J. G. Megaw, Esq., second with very fair examples.

Extra prizes were awarded to Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria
Nurseries, Holloway, for a miscellaneous coUectiou of plants';
to Mr. John Walker, Thame, for cut blooms of Roses in very
good condition; to Mr. Q. Wheeler for a miscellaneous collec-
tion of plants ; to Mr. Ford for two large plants of Cleroden-
drou Balfourii ; and to Mr. H. Heims, gardener to F. A. Phil-
brick, Esq., for a grand collection of Orchids, among which were
good examples cf Lycaste Skinneri, Cattleya Skinneri, Dendro-
bium densiflornm albo-sanguineum, and OdoutoglosBuma cir-
rhosum, Pescatorei, and Alexandra?.

Certificates of merit were awarded to Mesars. James Veitch
and Sons for Croton McArthuri and Acalypha musaica; to
Messrs. G. Paul & Son for a new Hybrid Perpetual Rose, Mar-
garet Brassac, a splendid large and perfect flower somewhat in
the way of Madame Victor Verdier and Charles Lefebvre; and
to Mr. James for Cinerariaa Lord George Hamilton and Sarah
Winter. Botanical certificates were awarded to Mr. Williams
for Adiantum neo-guinieneis, and to Mesars. Veitoh & Sons for
Coleas mnlticolor.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.
The National Auricula Show which is to be held at
the Crystal Palace on the 21th inst. is expected to be well
suppoited by all the leading growers of this beautiful alpine
flower. The southern exhibitors who are announced to con-
tribute are Messrs. Turner, Douglas, James, Dean, and Jones ;
and from the north Messrs. Horner, Cooper, Gorton, Wool-
head, Wilson, Booth, Barlow, Simonite, Harrison, Royd,
Handle, and others are expected. It is anticipated that a
thousand specimens will be staged ; also Polyanthuses, Prim-
roses, Roses, and Azaleas, so that the Exhibition may be
regarded as worthy of extensive patronage.

Some of the most striking beds of spring flowers in Mr-

Barr's gardens at Tooting are those planted with Triteleia
UNiFLORA. This bulbous plant is perfectly hardy, and for
several weeks during the spring produces a mass of flowers
which cannot fail being admired. Where the bulbs are planted
closely together after the manner of Crocuses a perfectly level
and dense mass of flowers is produced, which resists the tllects
of inclement weather. When thus grown, and when the beds
are seen from a distance, their appearance is white — almost
like a covering of snow. A distinct variety of this plant is
T. uniflora lilaciua, which is highly attractive when cultivated
in pots.

At the last meeting of the Royal Botanic Society

Professor Bentley called the attention of the Fellows of the
Society to a plant of Eucalyptus globulus, now in flower iu
the gardens for the first time, and Haid that the value of this
tree from a sanitary point of view was daily becoming more
known and appreciated.

"A Lady Gardener" writes — " May I recommend the

common pink Lychnis (L. Viscaria) that grows by the road-
side as a very effective spring bedder ? I brought in a number
of small roots last spring, which are now bushy plants, and
bid fair to make a brilliant dinplay. I have only once seen a
bed of these— at Clifton Hall, Notts."

We have received from Mr. Beanlah, a successful

amateur orohardist, some specimens of Hambledon Deux Ans
Apple in excellent condition — firm, well-ooloured, and full-
flavoured. Mr. Bi/aulah finds this to be one of the most valu-
able of late Apples, and very profitable as an orchard standard.
It is the favourite Apple at the present time with the Sheffield
fruiterers, who purchase it readily at 5s. per H lbs. It is an
excellent cooking Apple, and is quite admissible ou the dessert
table, its distinct flavour being agreeable to many palates.
The fruit is above medium size, and the tree is a good bearer.

Although this variety originated in Hampshire it is very hardy
and flourishes well in more northerly districts. The speci-
mens submitted to us were grown iu Lincolnshire in shallow
medium loam with a substratum of limestone.

The American Cultivator alluding to the traffic in

Ferns states " the cultivation and sale of creeping Perns is
among the new industries of New England. This business ori-
ginated about four years ago at Greenfield, and is now carried
on there extensively. The sales were limited at first, but as
the demand steadily increased the woods east and south-east
of Springfield, iu Longmeadow, Wilbraham, and adjoining
towns, have been added to the scene of operations. The season
for gathering Ferns extends from the middle of August till the
season of early frost ; at first only fresh Ferns were sold for use
in decoration and for supplying ferneries and Wardian cases,
but now the trade iu dried and pressed Ferns forms the larger
part of the business, and gives employment to many hands.
This is a branch of employment for women that might have an
extensive following, since the supply of raw material in New
England is sufficient to supply the world's demand for Ferns."
American dried Ferns have been occasionally exhibited at South
Kensington, and have been much and deservedly admired by
visitors.

TuLipA Greigii is now flowering at Glasnevin, and is

thus described in the Irish Farmers' Gazette: — " The plant is
growing in a very small pot, yet the flower when expanded
under sunshine measured nearly 0 inches in diameter. This
broad floral goblet, for such is its shape, is of glowing orange
red, somewhat of the colour of Papaver orientale, but yellow
at the base, and this yellow portion blotched on the interior
surface of each division of the perianth with very large and
very striking oblong dark spots, which add much to the effect.
A singular and noteworthy feature is a curious little horn-like
process which proceeds from and terminates each division of
the perianth ; and being different in colour is the more re-
markable. The leaves are broad, and similar in shape and
appearance to those of the ordinary show or bedding Tulips.
It is very effective as a pot plant, and one can easily imagine,
when more plentiful, what the effect of a bed of it will be, with
its broad fiery cups expanding under the influence of, and
drinking deep draughts of sunshine. This very remarkable
Tulip comes to us from Turkistan in Central Asia, where it
was first met with by Russian collectors. The specific name
has been given it in honour of General Greig, President of the
Russian Imperial Horticultural Society." This brilliant Tulip
is also flowering in Mr. Barr's collection at Tooting.

Dr. J. 0. Brown, who held among other appointments

the Professorship of Botany in the College at Gape Town, has
published a pamphlet on '• The Schools of Forestry in
Europe," urging the desirability of a similar school being
connected with the Edinburgh Arboretum. Such schools
ought to be in this country ; for, as Dr. Brown quotes from a
speech of Sir Robert Christison, "The science of forestry is
not taught in this country, and the consequence is that many
young gentlemen have to proceed to the Continent in order to
acquire that branch of education." "In Spain, in Italy, iu
Austria, in Poland, in Russia, iu Finland, in Sweden, in France,
and in every kingdom and principality in Germany, there have
been establiehed by government schools of forest science, or
classes in connection with existing universities or polytechnic
institutions, iu which instruction is given in that science ; but
nowhere in Britain, iu the United States of America, or in any
of the British colonies, so far as is known to me, are similar
facilities afforded for the study of this."

Tss American Cultivator in referring to Cypress trees

states that the oldest tree on record is the Cypress of Somna
iu Lombardy, figured by Loudon in his "Arboretum." An
ancient chronicle at Milan proves it was a tree iu Julius
CiBsar'a time, b.c. 42. It is 121 feet high, and 23 feet in cir-
cumference at 1 foot from the ground. Napoleon when laying
down the plan for his great road over the Simplon diverged
from a straight line to avoid injuring this tree. The American
Cypress of the Southern States grows naturally in low ground,
and frequently attains a height of from 100 to 120 feet, with a
circumference at the base of from 25 to 40 feet. These trees,
with their pendant streamers of long moss floating on the
wind, are a peculiar feature iu Southern scenery. They seem
especially appropriate for cemeteries, and their use for that
purpose in some of the oiti(.<s of the Southern States — Charles-
town, Savannah, and others — is well known. The Cypress

April 10, 1877. I

JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTDRE AND OOTDAGIl GARDEI^EB.

289

attains its amplest development in Mexico. Tlio Cypress of
Monteznma in the garden of Chepultepeo was a famoas tree
four hnndred years ago, and is 45 feet in circamferenoe. Hum-
boldt describes a tree in the village of Atlisoo that was 7G feet
in girth ; also one still more gigantic in the churchyard of
Santa Maria del Tule, 118 feet in circumference. Recent
travellers speak of other trees near the ruins of Palanqne equal
in size to the latter giant. The estimated age of those trees is
from four thousand to five thousand years.

MINIATURE ROSE GARDEN

AT COOMBE BANK, THE RESIDENCE OF THE MISSES CHKISTY.
Tnis garden, which was formed and planted by Mr. Moor-
man, is 11 feel in diameter; the middle, or No. 1, round bed

being filled with Countess of Oxford and No. 4 with Victor
Verdier, No. 5 with La France, and No. 6 with Mdlle. Eugenie
Verdier. These beds are 5 feet in diameter, and the gravel
paths around them are 3 feet wide, each bed being formed
with Box for an edging.

The outside ring or border is 6 feet wide, and planted with
Roses of all shades and colours, care being taken to plant
those sorts that are prized most for the quality of the blooms.
The outer ring is planted round with Yews, which form a close
compact dwarf hedge and enclose the garden, the only en-
trance being under an archway ; so that from the lawn the
rosery can be scarcely seen until entering it — a "pleasant
surprise."

The soil was originally a poor gravel, which was carted away
and replaced by some more fertile. The ground rather rises

Fig. 37.— Rose gabden at coombe bank.

is 10 feet in diameter, and is planted with standards of rich-
coloured Uybrid Perpetual reds, such as Duke of Edinburgh,
Louis Van lloutte, Camillo Bernardiu, Alfred Colomb, Charles
Lefebvre, Dr. Andry, Due de Rohan, Xavier Olibo, Ac. The
four (No. 2) bods are each planted with four plants of Gloire
de Dijon worked on the dwarf llriar stock, and are kept trained
into cones or pyramids ; by this mode of training pruning is
almost dispensed with, and the twisting around of the gross
shoots made each season causes them to break well back, and
both in the early season and during the autumn are loaded
with hundreds of good blooms.

All the other plants in the rosery are dwarfs on the Manetti.
Nos. 3 and 4 beds are planted to correspond in colour, No. 3

at the back, so that the large circle forms a bank all round
and the small beds are in a pan below. — W.

iVVe can testify that this is a pretty rosery, easily formed,
and well adapted for small gardens. The surrounding border
is a raised bank, and the boundary hedge, being Yew, affords
shelter from winds. — Eds.]

SQUIRRELS, HEDGEHOGS, AND BULLFINCHES.

" Wiltshire Rector " affirms that squirrels live on Beech
mast ; quite true, still the squirrel will seek a change of diet
even though millions of Beech nuts are at his command. I
have seen this and know it to be true. For instance, on a

m

JotJRSAii OF EOrtTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( April 10, 187?.

nobleman's estate in Hampshire noted for its Beech trees
squirrels abound, and I have seen them come and run along
the top of the garden wall, go down the fruit trees and make
sad havoc among the fruit. It is only by the unremitting
vigilance of the gardener with his gun that any fruit can be
kept for use in the house. The hedgehog doubtless is of
service in the garden, for the experience of most gardeners
has given a verdict in its favour. The question is. Are hedge-
hogs entirely harmless ? I assert. No. They will suck the
cow, and spoil her too. This is a fact indisputable. I have
Bought and gained information from farmers of long standing.
I notice next the Bullfinch. It seems to have got into the
Rector's bad books altogether, for he has scarcely a good word
for it. I find upon the best of authority the bullfinch rarely
frequents the garden, and then only when there is great
scarcity of food outside the garden. We have three other
birds which are far greater enemies in the garden. They are
the sparrow, the tomtit, and the greenfinch. It is these birds
which destroy the buds of the Gooseberry, the Red Currant,
and the Plum. — A Master Gakdeneh.

AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

APRIL 13th to may 2nd.

With the spread of commerce and the increase of wealth
there has been fostered improved tastes ; hence the luxuries of
life have been proportionately indulged-in in all countries. Some
of these luxuries may be local, amounting only to fashions;
others are beyond fashion and above mere custom, and have
become eBtablished as an integral part of the social economy.
Such is horticulture. From a luxury it has expanded to a
necessity. The wholesomeuess of the pleasures resulting from
horticultural pursuits, the enjoyable fruits which follow, and
the substantial advautagea which are the natural outcome of
the allied industries have rendered it incumbent on those
countries which have participated in the benefits to make
special efforts leading to farther advancement, to stimulate to
renewed vigour, to encourage national euterprise, to acknowledge
skill and reward merit, wherever they can be found and in what-
ever manner exemplifierl. For the bringing together — the cen-
tralising, as it were — of that skill, merit, and enterprise so emi-
nently identified with hortieultaral pursuits public exhibitions
have heoome a necesBity of the times. From local they became
general, from general national, and from national international.

For such an exhibition Holland must be acknowledged to be
peculiarly appropriate, for the weal of no nation is perhaps
more intimately connected with horticultural industry than
that which has Amsterdam for its capita). The position in
this respect which Holland enjoys is not due to the salubrity
of its air, the atttactiveuefs of its situation, or the extent and
beauty of its natural flora. It is not favoured with any of these
natural advantages, but it possesses, and has long possessed, a
race of sturdy sons proverbial for their industry, and by well-
directed skill they have won success so marked as to command
universal admiration. For what is Holland ? A nation thickly
populated, thnfty, even wealthy, so much so as to be envied by
the larger kingdoms of more favoured climes. Wliat was Hol-
land? Her very name tells us: it is literally "Hollow-land"
(from the German word Iiohe, low), laud much of which is below
the sea level ; ouce a swamp, but now fertile pastures and rich
arable land — land which in itself is the beat monument of the
nation's industry, for since the peace of LSI", the gain eaelj year
recovered from the sea has averaged 'iSiiO acres. Such labour
has been thus immortaUsed by Goldsmith —

" Methinlca ber patient ^0D8 before rue etflnd
■\Vlicre the proud ocean lenDB ncaiiist tlie lami,
Kpr, ads its long arms amidst llie wat'ry roar,
ScoopB out an empire and UBurpa tlio shore."

That is truly descriptive of Holland ; but what shall we say
of its metropolis Amsterdam ? It has been designated the
" city of piles " and the " floating city," with its " canal streets,"
of which Gay once wrote —

" 0 happy streets ! to rumbling wheels unknown,
Ko carts, no coaches, shal:e the tloating town."
But matter-of-fact events have travelled more swiftly than the
poet's imagination, for "rumbling wheels" there are now plenty,
yet the city remains one of caLuls, and it is now also — what
more immediiitely concerns us — emphatically a city of flowers.

" But is it not too early for flowers ?" does some one ask ? It
is not too early for those flowers which form the staple floral
commodity of the Low Countries— bulbs. Our Dutch friends
were not likely to fix the time for a great gathering of this
nature when their "own flowers" were sleeping. Neither is
the date too early for Camellias and Azaleas, although these are
neither so numerous nor so fine as wc have seen at previous Con-

tinental exhibitions. It is not too early for Palms, for they are
at all times beautiful objects. Ferns are similarly always ready,
and are always found in superior health and elegant stateliness
" over the water." Neither is it too early for many choice exotics
— ornameiital-foliaged and flowering plants — which we expected
to have seen exhibited in larger numbers by our Continental
friends, and who were quite overpowered by the splendid contri-
bution of our principal English representative — the redoubtable
B. S. Williams. Yet the season of the year is too early and the
period of the exhibition too long to encourage English exhibitors
generally from endangering their valuable new plants to a
lengthened sojourn from their congenial home. Other English
firms, therefore, who could have contributed so well at Amster-
dam have preferred reserving their plants for pending English
exhibitions. Yet if Mr. Williams is alone as it were at Am-
sterdam, his plants are sufficient both in numbers and for
quality to sustain the reputation of his country, and their owner
has the reward of his courage and enterprise in the honours
which his collections have commanded.

The Exhibition is held in the grounds adjoining the Palace
of Industry, an imposing structure erected for the first great
Exhibition of Industry which was held at Amsterdam, and in
which the great International Exhibition of Horticulture was
held in 1865. One would have thought that the success that
attended the arrangement and general eiJect of that exhibition
would have induced the promoters of the present one to have
held it here also ; but instead of this being the case everything
horticultural is Ecattered over the grounds outside in a number
of detached glass houses and sheds, while the great buildiug is
occupied with exhibitions of a very miscellaneous description.
Perhaps it is wrong to say that there is nothing horticultural
in the great building, for its area is divided into three cornpart-
ments, the centre one being a circle with a jet of water in the
middle, which rises about 25 feet, and in its fall makes a splash
over some artificial rockwork. Surrounding this jet are placed
Tree Ferns in tubs at a respectful diatauce from each other, and
between them some specimens of carpet bedding, composed of
succulents and other plants adapted fur that style of ornament-
ation. On either side of this circle is an oval filled with large
specimens of Ferns and Palms. The rest of the building is
taken up with stalls on which are exhibited for sale apparatus
of various kinds, such as syringes, pruning knives and secateurs,
lawn mowers, vegetable slicers, sausage machines, charcoal
filters, the ubiquitous " Crystal Palace " diamond cement, the
magic knife-sharpener. Majolica ware, and iu short that miscel-
laneous sort of commodities which one sees at the Crystal Palace
and in out-of-the-way corners of the Agricultural Hall at the
Christmas cattle show. Why this valuable space, so well
adapted for making a grand display and many fine effects,
should have been frittered away tor such a purpose as we have
indicated is beyond comprehension. It was not becairse there
was any lack of the material with which to make a fine show
that this could have been done, for distributed throughout the
grounds were some as fine specimens of horticultural produce
as could be seen anywhere. There is no scarcity of Tree Ferns,
Palms, Cordylines, and other house plants, and there are such
collections of hardy trees and shrubs as are rarely seen on such
occasions. Splendid green and variegated Hollies 12 and 14 feet
high, neatly trimmed and trained ; handsome standard Bay
Laurels and Lauruttinus, a profusion of large and well-grown
specimens in tubs of Conifers from the noted nurseries of Bos-
koop, with all of which the building could have been amply
furnished in every corner. And iIk ii there are exposed in open
sheds in the grounds such well-gruw n specimens of New Holland
Acacias, forced Khododendrons, standard Koses, Azaleas, and
miscellaneous greenhouse plants as would have added beauty of
colour and effect to the more sombre masses, but they were left
exposed to withering winds and sunshine, which in the first
days of the Exhibition were already producing a telling effect
upon them. Everything of interest from a horticultural point
of view, and which would have been useful in producing artistic
groups iu the largo building, is, as we have already said, dis-
persed in numerous glass houses of the ordinary description
and in open sheds throughout the grounds surrounding the
buildiug, and as a consequence there is no concentration of in-
terest in what might otherwise have been a very fine exhibition.
The effect produced by this kind of arrangement is suggestive
0} a large nursery establisbmeiat, and but for the large number
of people, the quantity of bunting decoration, and the general
gala accessories, there is nothing to distinguish the place from
such nurseries as those of M. Van Houtte at Ghent, Messrs.
Veitch & Sou of Chelsea, or Mr. B. S. Williams of Hollowsy,
and perhaps it is no compliment to these gentlemen to make the
comparison.

In cue of the houses we found Mr. B. S. Williams occupying
the most prominent position, having filled one loug table with
miscellaneous stove and greenhouse plants, and the half of
another with excellent specimens of Crotons and Pitcher-plants,
the whole number exhibited being about 35(J, iucluding a remark-
ably fine collection of Orchids, which were placed in a sortcf

April 19, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULT0BB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

291

annexe to the great building. An idea may be formed of the
magnitade and importance of the Holloway display when we
note the classes and their contents, for which gold medals were
awarded. The sis new plants not in commerce comprise Sarra-
oenia Williamsi, Panax laciniatus, Adiantum palmatum, Denn-
ttmdtia Youngi, Croton mutabilis, and C. Prince of Wales.
Twelve new plants introduced since 1876 consisted of Croton
Disraeli, Marauta Jfassaugeana, Cycas intermedia, Phegopteris
Dianip, Eranthemum Eldorado, Zamia craesifolia, Lomaria
gigantea, Croton Andreanum, Erahea iilamentoea, Cibotium ni-
greacens, Dieffenbachia marmorata, and Acalypha maorophylla.
One new plant in flower Mr. Williams exhihited — ^Paltencea
rosea, a hardwooded plant of great promise, whish has been pre-
viously described. In the class for twelve Orchids in flower we
noted Cypripedium villosum, C. niveum, Dendrobium nobile,
D. Warslianum, Cattleya citriua, Lycaste Skinneri, Odontoglos-
sum PeBcatorei, Oncidinm sarcodes, Masdevallia ignea, Vanda
snavis. V. insignis, PhaUnnopsia Schillf riana, and Odontoglos-
sum Roe,7lii ; the class for sis Orchids being represented by
Cypripedium villosum, Oncidinm Marahalli, Dendrobium no-
bile, Masdevallia Lindeni, Vanda tricolor, Odontogloasum Alex-
andrre, and O. triuinphans. The Orchids are in splendid con-
dition and include many examples of superior cultivation, and
we must in justice add a meed of praise to the skilful and suo-
ceesful way in which these fragile-flowering plants had been
packed.

The prize class for sis Nepenthes comprise N. Hookeri,
Rafflesiaua sanguiuea, intermedia, rubra, hybrida, and Sedenii
— medium-sized plants in admirable condition.

The twelve Crotons staged by Mr. Williama are C. Weia-
manni, pictnm, Youngi, Hookeri, majesticum, spirale, volu-
tum, longifolium, Veitchii, undulatum, Cooperi, and variega-
tum. These are half specimens in robust health, but the period
of the year is fully too early for showing them in their best
colour. Mr. Williams ia also successful in the class for fifty
Cyclamens.

The extent and quality of Mr. Williams's miscellaneous collec-
tion also merits notice. It contains the following plauts : —
Agave Taylori, Adiantum Farleyense, Authericuoi variega-
tnm, Authurium Scberzeriannm, Agnostus sinuata, Araucaria
Goldieana, Aralia Veitchii, A. elegantissima, Artocarpus Can-
noni, Asplenium formosum, Amaryllis Ackermaniii pulcherrima,
AniBCtochiluses petala, intermedia, and Dawsoui, Brahea fila-
mentosa, Begonia metallica, Bertolouia marmorata and B. Mi-
randi, Brainea insignia, Bromelia Biunottii, Cocoa Weddeliana,
Cordyline indivisa, Cupania filicifolia. Calamus Lewiaianus,
Curculieo recurvata striata, Cycaa intermedia and C. Norman-
byana, Cyathea Burkei, Dracasnaa Barroni, Imperator, Youngi,
ferrea grande, amahilis, Hibberdi, imperialis, Baptiatii, Realii,
excelsa, Hendersoni, and Nitschnerii, Dacrydium elegaua, Dief-
ffubachias imperialis and Bausei, Dicksonia Y'oungi, Denn-
stasdtia Y'oungi, Ficua Parcellii, Geonoma gracilis, Gleioheniaa
diacarpa and rupestris glaucescens, Ixora Prince of Orange,
Imantophyllum miniatum, Jacaranda mimossfolia, Hymeno-
phyllum demiaaum, Hypolepia Bergiana, Kiutiaa Mooreana, Foa-
teriana, and anatralia, Miranta Maseangeana, Marattia Cooperii,
Macrozamia corallipea, Niphobolus corymbifera, Oreopanax
dactylifera, Photinia aerrnlata variegata, Phormium atro-pur-
pareum, Pultena>a rosea, Panax excelsa, Paulinia thalictrifolia,
Prenanthes elegantissima, Pandanus Veitohi, Pteris Leyii, Plec-
tocomia asaamica, Rhopala Jonghi, Sarracenias purpurea, vario-
laris, flava maxima, flava piota, and Drummondii alba, Tillaudaia
argentea, Toxicophhui spectabile, Thrinax elegans and T. ar-
gentea, Theophraata imperialis, Trichomanes radicans and T.
humilis, Todeaa superba, Fraseri, and pellucida, Veitohia can-
terburyana. Woodwardia radicans criatata, I'ucca filamentosa
variegata, Zamia craaaifolia, Ada aurantiaca, Cattleyaa Loddigeai
and citrina, Cypripediuma Argua, barbatum, gigauteum, CroF-aii,
Dayannm, Harrisonianum, Hookerii, and biflorum ; Dendro-
biumaDevonianum, Wardiauum, crassinode Barberiannm, crye-
tallinnm, and chryaotoxum suaviasimum ; Lycaate Skiuueri ;
Oncidiuma phymatochilum, aureum, aud Cavendishi; OJonto-
gloaauma Pescatori, triumphana, and Cervantesii; Phalieuopsis
Roezlii album, Alexandne.lutec-purpurenm, and bystrix; Vanda
tricolor formoa-t and V. superba.

It is gratifying to na to be able to report for the credit of
British horticulture that Mr. Williams has gained the first prize
in every class in which he baa shown, all cf which are gold
raedala, and that he baa also secured the great gold medal
offered by the King to the '* foreign nurseryman who shall con-
tribute moat to the importance of the Exhibition." Both the
King, the Queen, and Prince Henry lingered long over Mr.
Williama's planta, and their Majesties showed by their remiika
and their appreciation cf this aection of the Exhibition their
knowledge of planta and how well they could eatimate a plant
when well grown. Her Mnje8ty was graciously pleased to accept
and t'il;e away in her ea>riige two planta of Cyclamens and
an Aralia, of which Mr. Williama had begged Her Majesty's
acceptance.

In the house containing Mr. WiUiama'a plants part of a table

is occupied with a miacellaueous ooUeotion of plants from
M. Linden of Ghent. M. Linden does not appear to have con-
tributed ao largely to this Exhibition as has been his wont ou
similar past occaaiona when there have been international
gatherings in other countries. There are no Orchids, for which
M. Linden ia ao famoua, and indeed his collection is more than
usually small. The moat noteworthy plants in this collection
are Tillandsia teaaellata from New Grenada, the leavea of which
are beautifully tessellated with white and green ; jVnthurium
crystallinum, Caraguta sp. nova, a Bromeliaceous plant with
leaves of a cream-coloured ground transversely marked with
lines of a chocolate colour ; a new Aralia from New Caledonia
with horizontal bipinnate leavea 15 to 18 inches long, the leavea
and branches covered with dark apots — a promising plant ; also
A. filicifolia, a now Anthurium Dechardi, Marrattia attenuata,
Kentias Lindeni and rupioola, the new Pandanus Pancherii from
Caledonia, and Philodendron gloriosum.

We shall not occupy space with noticing specially any of the
exhibits further than those that are of a more general interest,
and of wl-iich our readers will naturally expect some informa-
tion. It would be a mere waste of space to notice the collec-
tions of exhibitora whose names are totally unknown in this
country, and which are m themselves of the ordinary description
of things that are seen at all flower shows. We shall, however,
proceed to give a few remarks on the exhibition of bulbs, which,
being a national speciality, will no doubt be interesting.

Hyacinths one would expect to find not only numerous ia
quantity and variety, but also excellent iu quality in this the
Hyacinth-producing country; but there is nothing but disap-
pointment in the latter, the growth and bloom do not approach
those we see exhibited at our own shows in London by Meaara.
Cutbuah, Paul, Veitoh, and others. This possibly may be ao-
counted for by the fact that the best— that ia, those bulba which
are fully matured, are exported, and conaequently what are here
shown are the younger bulba ; but ou auch an important meeting
at this one would have imagined that most of tue best growers
would have secured such roots as would have produced the
many varieties in perfection which they have brought together.
New varieties are singularly deficient in quality aud quantity.
In the classes for new varieties not yet iu commerce we find
only three shown — Cherub, single, bright orange crimson,
similar but with much more colour than the well-known Sol-
faterre, bells good and segments rounded at the points ; the
spike is, however, not largo. Mcllahou, single, dark violet blue.
In some of the bolls there ia a white segment producing a
curioua effect on the spike, which although long ia not quite
broad enough to suit our exhibitors' tastes. Miss Braddon,
double, pure white, spike very thin, and bells not large. Of
course there are large numbers of sorts which run chiefly on
those known to most of our readers, and there are others that
seem hardly worth growing now there are such good varieties
as Grand Lilas, BaroK Vou Tuyll, and Charles Dickens amongst
blues ; Maoaulay, Solfaterre, and Von Schillerin reds; Queen of
the Netherlands, Mont Blanc, Alba Maxima, and Snowball in
pure whites ; Grandeur a Merveille, Gigantea, and La I'ran-
chiae in creamy whites, &c. We have, however, found the
following shown amongst new and good sorts : — Robert le Diable,
single, indigo blue, curiously ahaded reddiah plum ; Papageno,
aingle, mauve ahaded roae; Modele, deep purplish black, fine
bells ; Rake, aingle, quite black, diatinct for its colour, with
good bells; La Grandesse, pure white, doubtless the finest of
all the pure white Hyacinths. Josephine, deep crimson ; Gla-
diator, bright red ; Prince Albert Victor, deep red ; Romeo, fine
bright crimson ; Vuurbaak, fiery red, as its name implies; Gari-
baldi, Albert Victor, and Linnasus are also fine in deep reda;
and in pinks we find Koh-i-noor, semi-double ; Princess Clo-
thilde, Agnea, and Reine de Naples stand-out prominently.
In blues of various shades King of the Blues is very fine as a
dark blue ; Lord Derby, Czar Peter, and Lord Palmeraton are
particularly good in light bluea ; and Starlight, deep purpliah
violet with white eye ; Sir John Lawrence, deep blue with white
eye ; and General Havelnck as a deep purplish black stands out
as a grand Hyacinth. Wo may also add Marie, Baron Hum-
boldt, Mimosa, and Prince Albert as first-claaa sorts in the dark
blues. Pure white Hyacintha are well represented by Madame
Van der Hoop, (jueen of the Netherlanda, L'Inuoceuce, Mont
Blanc, Alba superbissima. La Neige, Snowball, Mina, and Paix
de I'Europe ; and in creamy whites, La Franchise, Grandeur
a Merveille, Anna Pawlowna, and Anna are splendid varietiea.
There are only a few yellow Hyacinths worth growing: the best
are Ida, Obeliaque, and Bird of Paradise; and Due de Malakoff,
orange with a stripe of oirmiue down eaoh segment of the belle,
is very conspicuous. In lilacs and violets wu find that Haydn
still holds its position, and amongst newer kinds ToUena and
Arnold Prinsen are very deairable.

Poaaibly the most attractive feature amongst the exhibits of
Hyacinth is the class for twelve pans of Hyacintha, ten bulbs iu
each of one sort, and it may well be imagined the effect of such
sorts as the following ;— Marie, blue ; King of Blues, Van Speyk,
double porcelain blue; I'ieueman, light blue; General Have-

292

JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

lock, dark purple ; Von Schiller, red ; Koh-i-Noor, double deep
pink; Noble par MuritC, double pale pink; Haydn, violet; Mont
Blanc, pure white ; Prince of Waterloo, double pure white ; and
Ida, yellow, done, as they were in thia instance, as well as they
could be ; in fact, they are the best of all the Hyacinths in the
Exhibition.

Near these are some Hyacinths grown in what is called here
" on double glasses " — that is, one bulb is planted in a glass
vessel containing' soil, another is placed at the base in the same
soil, but the singular part of it is the lower one is placed on
another glass vase which is filled with water, into which the
foliage and bloom gradually develope themselves; in fact, it is
one flower growing in the air, the other in water, but it certainly
does not seem a particularly comfortable mode of existence for
the one in the water.

Tulips are very numerous and fairly good ; still they lack that
neatness of arrangement which we are accustomed to see at
home. Our old favourites stood out very prominently, such as
Vermilion Brilliant and Pottebakker, both white and yellow ;
Keyzers-kroon, yellow and red ; Proserpine, rose ; Chrysolora,
yellow ; Belle Alliance, crimson ; Queen of Violets and Van der
Neer, deep purple. There are, however, very many varieties
new or little known to English cultivators, some partaking of
the points of excellence so much admired by florists in the late
Tulips. Notably amongst these is Maria de Medicis, fine creamy
white with brownish red ; Grand Due de Russia, purple and
white ; Roi Pepin, crimson and white ; Marquis de Wessenrode,
yellow and red ; Jagt van Rotterdam, fine purple and white ;
Spaendoneb, fine broad petals cream and brown; La Favourite,
yellow and brown ; Louis d'Or, red and yellow ; Due de Bran-
•;on, brown, red, and yellow; Comte de Vergennes, rose and
white, very pretty; Fabiola, fine purple and white; Epami-
nondas, crimson and white ; Rouge Louisante, rose ; Pierrot,
rose and white ; La Cirur de France, light brown and yellow ;
Globe de Rigaud, purple and white, fine shape; Rose Gris de
lin, rose edged cream, good. The above are all single. Many
double Tulips are also shown, but they are not up to our taste,
except a very few, such as Tournesol, Imperator, and Res Rubro-
rum. La Cnndeur and Blanche Hative, a good pure white ; La
Parfaite is also good, similar in every way to Keyzers-kroon in
form and colour.

We now come to Narcissus, but which are not very effective
exhibition plants, and there are only a few in advance of our
well-known sorts. Witte Parel is distinct pure white; Queen
Victoria, white, yellow cup ; Belle Princesse, yellow, orange
cup; Newton, yellow, orange cup; Muscat orientalis, white,
reddish orange cup, distinct ; and Lord Canning, yellow, orange
cup.

Dielytras are very good, and Lily of the Valley, although not
numerous, are capitally done. There is also a collection of late
or florists' Tulips, forced rather out of character, but still much
to be admired.

We have already said that the collections of ornamental trees
and shrubs are very good. Some of the Conifers came to the
front, and seemed to grow more freely and to be of better colour
than in England. This may be said especially of the variegated
kinds, such as Thuja Vervaneana, of which there are several
plants varying in height from (i to 14 feet ; Cupressus Lawsoniana
aureo-variegata, of which there are also a good many beautiful
examples splendidly coloured. The collections of Messrs. M.
Koster & Son and A. E. Barnaart & Co. contain plants of many
of our popular sorts from 12 to Ifi feet high. One exhibitor
(CorneliuK Ottolander) shows liS species and varieties, and
another (W. J. ottolauder) 001), some of the latter approaching
each other too closely to be worth preserving under different
names. G. J. Alberts also shows a large collection, in which
all the genera are well represented, although the specimens are
small. M. Van Hoff has among others fine examples cf Thuja
elegantissima and Cephalotaxus Fortunei. M. de Jager's most
interesting plants are Retinospora leptoclada and R. plumosa
aurea. In addition to the above-named plants the following
struck us as the best — Retinospora filifera, R. plumosa, R. ob-
tusa, R. obtnaa aurea, Abies Tsuga, A. pyramidalis, A. pendula,
Taxus canadensis aurea, T. baccata epacroidea, T. verticillata,
T. cuspidata, T. cuspidata brevifolia, T. erecta aureo-variegata,
T. elegantissima aureo-variegata, Juniperus drupacea, Cupressus
Lawsoniana aurea, C. L. Baueriana aurea, C. L. lutea, Pmus
Koraensis, Picea polita, and Thujopsis Standishii.

Hollies, both green and variegated, are nnmeroua and hand-
some; the principal exhibitors being J. W. Ottolander, C Otto-
lander, Kieaeen jr. & Son, W. C. Boer, C. H. Vulsteke, and
A. Koster. The nomenclature is bad, and the same kind ia often
found under two or three different names. Among the best are
I. pendnla aureo-maoulata, I. compaota aureo-marginata, I. lau-
rifolia aureo-maculata lucida, I. rubricaulis aureo-marginata,
I. undulata aureo-maculata, I. longifolia argenteo-maculata,
I. latifolia argenteo-marginata, I. rotundifolia, I. nobilis aurea,
I. nianifolia, I. camellia}folia, I. crenata rotundifolia aurea,
I. Donningtonienais aureo-maculata, I. Madame Prist, I. aureo-
margiuftta robusta, I. sorratifolium aureo-marginata, and I. myr-

tifolinm aurco-marginata. The commoner sorts of Hollies
abounded, some of them from 10 to 20 feet in height.

There is a neat collection cf Buxus and some good weeping
trees from C. Ottolander &: Son, but the sorts are all well known
in England, and Aucubas in berry are plentiful and good. Of
Magnolias there is one collection only, all of the early-flowering
deciduous kinds, but they are not yet in bloom. Rhododendrons
and Roses are not plentiful, but the varieties are good and well
flowered, the Rases being standards in pots. Fruit trees are
well represented by the following growers — Galesloot, Boer,
Gaucher, De Wilde, and others. There are standards, pyra-
mids, cordons, and almost every form of these, useful, orna-
mental, and fantastic. The latter word may also be applied to
sundry Box trees which had been clipped and tortured into the
form of armchairs, &c.

Another exhibition worthy of notice is the fine lot of well-
preserved Apples from Signer Francesco Cirio of Turin. These
are as fresh as when newly stored. They are kept in wheat
flour, but before being stored they are dipped in a solution, the
nature of which Signer Cirio does not divulge, for the purpose
of destroying all insect and fangoid life, and then dried. On
the eame table is a large collection of artificial fruit, remarkably
well modelled and coloured, the weight of each specimen being
the aame as that of the natural fruit. This was sent by Signsr
Gamier- Vallette of Turin. In a gallery of the large building
is a collection of works on floriculture, the dates commencing
early in the seventeenth century, and reaching down to the
present day. Some of them are copiously illustrated, and there
are volumes with coloured portraits of the Tulips which during
the mania iu Holland were the subjects of so much wild specu-
lation.

EARLY WRITERS ON ENGLISH GARDENING.

No. 80.
JOHN CLAUDIUS LOUDON.
Fifty years have passed since the writer of these notes re-
ceived an encouraging letter from Mr. Loudon, with a copy of
his " EnoyclopiBdia of Gardening" as a return for communi-
cations to the " Gardeners' Magazine." Not long after that
the writer met Mr. Loudon in society, and was deeply impressed
by the evidences in his looks and manner that he was breaking
down under an excess of mental work. That was no cause for
wonder, inasmuch as at that time he was editing two monthly
magazines, contributing to a weekly journal, and writing one
of his Enoyolopffidias. It is quite true that the volumes are
compilations, but the reading needed to find what was required
and the arrangement of the materials was brain-harassing, and
Mr. Loudon's correspondence with contributors was voluminous.
He felt that the work was mastering him ; and one of his utter-
ances was, " You write for amusement, I write to live."

He was born on the 8th of April, 1783, at Cambaslang in
Lanarkshire, the residence of his mother's only sister, herself
the mother of Dr. Claudius Buchanan (the author of a work
entitled "Christian Researches in Asia"), whose labours in
India in attempting to convert and instruct the Hindoos have
made his name celebrated. Mr. Loudon was the eldest of a
large family ; and his father, who was a farmer residing at
Kerse Hall, near Gogar, about five miles from Edinburgh, being
a man of enlightened mind and superior information, was very
anxious that he should have every possible advantage in bis
education. Strange to say, however, Mr. Loudon when a boy,
though fond of books, had an insuperable aversion from learn-
ing languages, and no persuasions could induce him to study
Latin and French. At this early period, however, a taste for
landscape gardening began to show itself, as his principal
pleasure was in making walks and beds in a little garden his
father had given him ; and so eager was he to obtain seeds to
sow in it, that when a jar of tamarinds arrived from an uncle
in the West Indies he gave the other children his share of the
fruit on condition of his having all the seeds. While yet quite
a child he was sent to live with an uncle in Edinburgh that he
might attend the classes at the public schools. Here he over-
came his dislike to Latin, and made extraordinary progress in
drawing and arithmetic. He also attended classes of botany
and chemistry, making copious notes, illustrated with very
clever pen-and-ink sketches. StUl he could not make up his
mind to learn French, till one day, when he was about fourteen,
his uncle, showing a fine French engraving to a friend, asked
his nephew to translate the title. This he could not do, and
the deep shame and mortification which he felt, and which he
never afterwards forgot, made him determine to acquire the
language. Pride, however, and a love of independence, which
was ever one of his strongest feelings, prevented him from
1 applying to hia father to defray the expense, and he actually

April 19, 1877. J

JOURNAL OP HORTICDLTUBE AND OOTTAGB GARDENER.

293

paid hie master himself by the sale of a translation which he
afterwards made for the editor of a periodical then publishing
in Edinburgh. He subsequently studied Italian and paid his
master in the same manner. He also kept a journal from the
time he was thirteen, and continued it for nearly thirty years,
writing it for many years in French in order to familiarise
himself with the language.

Drawing was hia favourite pursuit, and in this he made such
profioienoy, that when his father at last consented to his being
brought up as a landscape gardener he was competent to take
the situation of drauRhteman and assistant to Mr. John Mawer
at Easter Dairy near Edinburgh. Mr. Mawer was a nursery-
man aa well as a planner (as the Scotch call a landscape gar-
dener), and while with him Mr. Loudon learned much of gar- '

dening generally, particularly of the management of hothouses.
Unfortunately Mr. Mawer died before hia pupil was sixteen,
and for three or four years afterwards Mr. Loudon resided
with Mr. Dickson, a nurseryman and planner in Leith Walk,
where he acquired an excellent knowledge of plants. There
he boarded iu Mr. Dickson's house, and though remarkable
for the nicety of bis dress and the general refinement of hia
habits, his desire of improvement was so great that he regu-
larly sat up two nights in every week to study, drinking strong
green tea to keep himself awake, and this practice of sitting
up two nights in every week he continued for many years.
While at Mr. Dickson's he attended classes of botany, chemis-
try, and agriculture.
In 1803 he first arrived in London. The following day he

Fig. 8fi.— John claudids loddon.

called on Mr. Sowerby, Mead Place, Lambeth, who was the
first gentleman he visited in England, and he was exceedingly
delighted with the models and mineralogical specimens, which
were so admirably arranged aa to give him the greatest satis-
faction from his innate love of order, and he afterwards de-
vised a plan for his own books and papers, partly founded on
that of Mr. Sowerby, but much more complete.

Aa ho brought a great number of letters of recommendation
to different noblemen and gentlemen of landed property, many
of them being from Dr. Coventry, with whom he was a great
favourite, he waa soon extensively employed as a landscape
gardener, and his journal is filled with accounts of his tours
in various parts of England. There never lived a more liberal
and thoroughly public-spirited man than Mr. Loudon. He
had not a single particle of selfishness in his disposition, and
in all hia actions he never took the benefit they would produce
to himself into consideration. When writing a book his object
was to obtain the best possible information on the subject he
had in hand, and he was never deterred from seeking this by
any considerations of trouble or expense.

When Mr. Loudon first arrived in London he waa very much

atrnck with the gloomy appearance of the gardens in the centre
of the public squares, which were then planted almost entirely
with evergreens, particularly with Scotch Pines, Yews, and
Spruce Firs ; and before the close of the year 1803 he published
an article in a work called " The Literary Journal," which he
entitled " Obaervationa on Laying-out the Public Squares of
London." In this article he blamed freely the taste which
then prevailed, and suggested the great improvement that
would result from banishing the Yews and Firs (which always
looked gloomy from the effect of the smoke on their leaves)
and mingling deciduous trees with the other evergreens. He
particularly named the Oriental and Occidental Plane trees,
the Sycamore, and the Almond as ornamental trees that would
bear the smoke of the city, and it is curious to observe how
exactly his suggestions have been adopted, as these trees are
now to be found in almost every square in London.

In 1801, having been employed by the Earl of Mansfield to
make some plans for altering the Palace gardens at Scone in
Perthshire, he returned to Scotland and remained there several
months, laying out grounds for many noblemen and gentlemen.
While thus engaged, and while giving instructiona for planting

294

JOURNAL OP HOBTIOULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARUENEB.

[ April 19, 1877.

and managing woods, and on the best mode of draining and
otherwise improving estates, several ideas struck him, which
he afterwards embodied in a book published in Edinburgh by
Constable ifc Co., and by Longman, Hurst, Rees, & Orme in
London. This, then, was the first work of Mr. Loudon's pre-
.sented to the public through the Messrs. Longman, with whom
lie continued to transact business of the same nature for nearly
forty years. The book alluded to was entitled " Observations
on the Formation and Management of Useful and Ornamental
Plantations ; on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gar-
dening, and on Gaining and Embanking Land from Rivers or
the Sea."

Before Mr. Loudon left Edinburgh he published another
work, entitled " A Short Treatise on some Improvements
lately made in Hothouses." This was in 1805, and the same
year he returned to England. On this second voyage to Lon-
don he was compelled by stress of weather to land at Lowes-
toft, and he took such a disgust at the sea that he never after-
wards travelled by it if it was possible to go by land. He now
resumed his labours as a landscape gardener, and his journal
is filled with the observations he made and the ideas that
suggested themselves of improvements on all he saw. Among
other things ho made some remarks on the best mode of har-
monising colours in flower gardens, which accord in a very
striking manner with the principles afterwards laid down by
M. Chevreul in his celebrated work entitled " De la Loi du
Contraste simultane des Couleurs," published in Paris in 18.'i9.
Mr. Loudon states that he had observed that flower gardens
looked best when the flowers were so arranged as to have a
compound colour next the simple one, which was not contained
in it. Thus, as there are only three simple colours — blue, red,
and yellow— he advises that purple flowers, which are com-
posed of blue and red, should have yellow next them; that
orange flowers, which are composed of red and yellow, should
be contrasted with blue; and that green flowers, which are
composed of blue and yellow, should be relieved by red. He
accounts for this on the principle that three parts are required
to make a perfect whole, and he compares the union of
the three primitive colours formed in this manner with the
common chord in music, an idea which has since been worked
out by several able writers. He had also formed the plan of a
" Pictorial Dictionary," which was to embrace every kind of
subject and to be illustrated by finished woodcuts printed with
the type.

In 1806 Mr. Loudon published his " Treatise on Forming,
Improving, and Managing Country Residences, and on the
Choice of Situations appropriate to every Class of Purchasers.
With an Appendix containing an Inquiry into the Utility and
Merits of Mr. Eepton's Mode of Showing Effects by Slides and
Sketches, and Strictures on his Opinions and Practice in Land-
scape Gardening. Illustrated by Descriptions of Scenery and
Buildings, by References to Country Seats and Passages of
Country in most Parts of Great Britain, and by 32 Engravings."
This work was much more voluminous than any of the pre-
ceding ones, and it was ornamented by some elegant copper,
plate engravings of landscape scenery, drawn by himself, which
in 1807 were republished, with short descriptions, as a separate
work.

During the greater part of the year 180(j Mr. Loudon was
actively engaged in landscape gardening, and towards the close
of that year, when returning from Tre-Madoc in Carnarvon-
shire, the seat of W. A. Madocks, Esq., he caught a violent
cold by travelling on the outside of a coach all night in the
rain and negltcting to change his clothes when he reached the
end of his journey. The cold brought on a rheumatic fever,
which settled finally in his left knee, and from improper
medical treatment terminated in a stiff joint — -a circumstance
which was a source of great annoyance to him, not only at
the time when it occurred, but during the whole of the re-
mainder of his life. This will not appear surprising when it
is considered that he was at that period in the prime of his
days, and not only remarkably healthy and vigorous in con-
stitution, but equally active and independent in mind. While
suffering from the effects of the Odmplaint in his knee he took
lodgings at a farmhouse at Pinner near Harrow, and while
there the activity of his mind made him anxiously inquire into
the state of English farming. He also aumaed himself by
painting several landscapes (some of which were exhibited at
the Royal Academy) and by learning German, paying his ex-
penses— as he had done before when he learned French — by
selling for publication a pamphlet which ho had translated by
way of exercise, la this case, the translation being of a

popular work, it was sold to Mr. Cadell for £15. He also took
lessons in Greek and Hebrew. The following extract from his
journal in 1806 will give some idea of his feelings at this
period : — " Alas ! how have I neglected the important task of
improving myself! How much I have seen, what new ideas
have developed themselves, and what different views of life I
have acquired since I came to London three years ago ! I am
now twenty-three years of age, and perhaps one-third of my
life has passed away, and yet what have I done to benefit my
fellow men?"

Mr. LouJon, during the length of time he was compelled to
remain at Pinner, became so interested respecting English
farming, and so anxious that the faults he observed in it should
be corrected, that he wrote to his father stating the capabilities
of the soil and the imperfect state of the husbandry, and urg-
ing him to come to England. It happened that at this period
the farm called Wood Hall, where he had been staying so long,
was to be let, and Mr. Loudon, sen., in consequence of the
recommendation of his son, took it, and removed to it in 1807.
The following year Mr. Loudon, who was then residing with
his father at Wood Hall, wrote a pamphlet entitled " An Im-
mediate and Effectual Mode of raising the Rental of the Landed
Property of England, and rendering Great Britain independent
of other Nations for a Supply of Bread Corn. By a Scotch
Farmer, now farming in Middlesex." This pamphlet excited a
great daal of attention, and General Stratton — a gentleman
possessing a large landed estate called Tew Park in Oxford-
shire— having read it, was so much interested in the matter it
contained that he offered him a portion of his property at a
low rate, in order that he might undertake the management of
the rest, and thus introduce Scotch farming into Oxfordshire.

The farm which Mr. Loudon took from General Stratton,
and which was called Great Tew, was nearly eighteen miles
from the city of Oxford, and it contained upwards of 1500 acres.
" The surface," as he describes it, " was diversified by bold
undulations, hills, and steeps, and the soil contained consider-
able variety of loam, clay, and light earth on limestone and
red rook. It was, however, subdivided in a manner the most
unsuitable for arable husbandry, and totally destitute of car-
riage roads. In every other respect it was equally unfit for
northern agriculture, having very indifferent buildings, and
being greatly in want of draining and levelling." At thia
place he established a kind of agricultural college for the in-
struction of young men in rural pursuits ; some of these, being
the sons of landed proprietors, were under his own immediate
superintendence, and others, who were placed in a second class,
were instructed by his bailiff, and intended for land stewards
and farm bailiffs. A description of this college and of the im-
provements effected at Great Tew was given to the public in
180!) in a pamphlet entitled " The Utility of Agricultural
Knowledge to the Sons of the Landed Proprietors of England,
and to Young Men intended for Estate Agents ; illustrated by
what has taken place in Scotland. With an Account of an
Institution formed for Agricultural Pupils in Oxfordshire. By
a Scotch Farmer and Land Agent resident in that County."
In this pamphlet there is one passage showing how muoh
attached he was to landscape gardening — an attachment which
remained undiminished to his death, and how severely he felt
the misfortune of having his knee become anchylosed from
the effects of the rheumatic fever before alluded to. The
passage, which occurs in the introductory part of the work, is
as follows:— "A recent personal misfortune, by which the
author incurred deformity and lameness, has occasioned his
having recourse to farming as a permanent source of income,
lest by any future attack of disease he should be prevented
from the more active duties and extensive range of a beloved
profession on which he had formerly been chiefly dependent."

Notwithstanding the desponding feelings expressed in thia
paragraph, Mr. Loudon appears from his memorandum booka
to have been still extensively engaged in landscape gardening,
as there are memoranda of various places that he laid out in
England, Wales, and Ireland, till the close of 1812. Before
this period he had quitted Tew, and finding that he had
amassed upwards of £15,000 by his labours, he determined
to relax his exertions, and to gratify his ardent thirst for
knowledge by travelling abroad. Previously, however, to doing
this he published two work!<, one entitled " Hints on the For-
mation of Gardens and Pleasure Crrounds, with Designs in
various Styles of Rural Embellishments : comprising Plans for
laying-out Flower, Fruit, and Kitchen Gardens ; and the Con-
struction and Arrangement of Glass Houses, Hot Walla, and
Stoves ; with Directions for the Management of Plantations,

April 19, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

295

and a Priced Catalogue of Fruit and Forest Trees, Shrube, and
HerbaoeouB Plants ; tbe whole adapted to Villa Grounds from
One Perch to Que Hundred Acres in Extent ; " and the other,
" Observations on laying-ont Farms in the Scotch Stjle adapted
to Eugland."

Mr. Loudon entered on the farm at Great Tew at Michael-
mas, 1808, and left it in February, 1811, General Stratton pay-
ing him a considerable sum tor his lease, stock, and the im-
provements he bad effected.

The Continent, after having been long closed to English
visitors, was thrown open in 1813 by the general rising against
Napoleon Bonaparte, and it presented an ample field to an
inqniiing mind like that of Mr. London. Accordingly, after
having made the necessary preparations, he sailed from Har-
wich on the 16th of March. He first lauded at Gottenburg
and was deUghted with Sweden, its roads, its people, and its
systems of education, but he was too impatient to visit the
theatre of war to stay long in Sweden, and he proceeded by
way of Memel to Komgsberg, where he arrived on the 14th of
April. In this country he found everywhere traces of war :
skeletons of horses lay bleaching in the fields, the roads were
broken up, and the country houses in ruins. At Elbing he
fonnd the streets tilled with the goods and cattle of the country
people, who had poured into the town for protection from the
French army, which was then passing within two-miles of it,
and near Marienburg he passed through a bivouac of two
thousand Russian troops, who in their dress and general ap-
pearance looked more like convicts than soldiers. He now
passed through Swedish Pomerania, and on approaching Ber-
lin found the long avenues of trees leading to that city filled
with foot passengers, carriages full of ladies, and waggons full
of luggage alt proceeding there for protection, and forming a
very striking picture as be passed through them by moonlight.

He remained at Berlin from the 14th of May to the 1st of
June, and then proceeded to Frankfort on the Oder ; here, at
the tabic d'li'''tc, he dined with several Prussian officers, who,
supposing him to be a Frenchman, sat for some time in per-
fect silence; but on hearing him tpeak German one said to the
other " He must be English," and when he told them that
he came from London they all rose, one springing over tbe
table in his haste, and crowded round him, shaking hands,
kisfing him, and overwhelming him with compliments, as be
was the first Englishman tbey had ever seen. He then pro-
ceeded through Posen to Warsaw, where he arrived on the
6th of June.

Afterwards he travelled towards Russia, but was stopped at the
little town of Tykocyn, and detained there three months from
some informality in his passport. When this difficulty was
overcome he proceeded by Grodno to Wilna, through a country
covered with the remains of the French army — horses and
men lying dead by the roadside, and bands of wild-looking
Cossacks scouring the country.

Mr. London reached St. Petersburg on the 30th of October,
just before the breaking-up of the bridge, and he remained
there threeorfour months, after which he proceeded to Moscow,
where he arrived on the -ith of March, 1814, after having en-
countered various diflionlties on the road. Once, in particular,
the horses in his carriage being unable to drag it through a
snowdrift, the postilions very coolly unharnessed them and
trotted off, telling him that they would bring fresh horses in
the morning, and that he would be in no danger from the
wolves if he would keep the windows of his carriage close and
the leather curtains down.

When he reached Moscow he found the houses yet black
from the recent tiro, and the streets filled with the ruins of
churches and noble manaions. Soon after his arrival news
was received of the capture of Paris and the entrance of the
allied sovereigns into that city, but the Russians took this
intelligence so coolly that, though it reached Moscow on the
25th of April, the illuminations in honour of it did not take
place till the "■th of May. He left Moscow on the 2nd of June,
and reached Kiov on the l.ith; here he had an interview with
General Rapp, on account of some informality in his passport.
He then proceeded to ('raoow, and thence to Vienna, after
which he visited Prague, Dresden, and Leipsic, passing through
Magdeburgh to Hamburgh, where he embarked for England,
and reached Yarmouth on the 27th of September, 1814.

During this long and iuterestmg journey Mr. Loudon visited
and took views of nearly all tbe palaces and large rural resi-
dences in the countries through which he passed, and he
visited all the principal gardens, frequently going two or three
days' journey out of his route if ho heard of any garden that ho

thought worth seeing. He also visited most of the eminent
scientific men in the different cities he passed through, and
was elected a member of the Imperial Society of Moscow, the
Natural History Society at Berlin, the Royal Economical
Society at Potsdam, and many others. I have often wondered
that on his return home he did not publish hia travels, as the
Continent was then comparatively so little known that a narra-
tive of what he saw, illustrated by his sketchep, would have
been highly interesting. Business of a very unpleaeaut nature,
however, awaited him, and probably so completely occupied
his mind as to leave no room for anything else. As he knew
nothing of business of this nature it is not surprising that his
speculations turned out badly, and for more than twelve
months be was involved in pecuniary difficulties. I am unable
to give all the details of his suffering during this period, as it
was a subject he never spoke of, and the allusions to it in his
memorandum books are by no means explicit. It appears,
however, that after having made several fruitless journeys, in-
cluding one to Paris in 1815, in the hope of recovering some
part of the property, he was compelled to submit to the loss of
nearly the whole, and that his health was very seriously
injured by the anxieties he underwent.

About this time (ISIG) his mother and sisters left the
country, and he having determined that in future they should
reside with him, took a house at Bayswater called The Hermit-
age, which had a large garden annexed. His health was now
seriously impaired, but his mind always seemed to acquire
additional vigour from the feebleness of his body ; and as he
was unable to use so much exertion as he hud formerly done
in landscape gardening, he amused himself by trying experi-
ments relating to the construction Of hothouses, and by having
several of different kinds erected in his garden.

In August, 1815, a paper had been publiBhed in the " Trans-
actions of the Horticultural Society," by Sir George Mackenzie
of Coul, " on the form which the glass of a forcing house
ought to have in order to receive the greatest possible quantity
of rays from the sun." J'his form Sir (George conceived to be
that of a globe; but as it seemed impracticable to make a
hothouse globular, he proposed to make the roof the segment
of a circle. Mr. Loudon appears to have been very much
struck with this paper, but he saw faults in the plan which he
thought might be amended, and he tried bouses with curvi-
linear roofs of various kinds in order to ascertain which was
tbe best. lie also tried a house with what he called ridge-and-
furrow glaziug — a plan which has since been carried out on a
magnificent scale by Mr. Paxton in tbe Duke of Devonshire's
splendid conservatory at Chatsworth. While these houses
were in progress be wrote a work entitled " Remarks on tbe
Construction of Hothouses, Ac, " which was published in 1817.
Shortly afterwards he invented a new kind of sashbar, of
which he gave a description, together with sketches of the hot-
houses and details of their construction, in a quarto pamphlet
entitled " Sketches of Curvilinear Hothouses, Ac," which was
published in 1818. The profits of this bar he was to have
shared with the ironmonger by whom it was sold, but I believe
he never reaped any pecuniary advantage from it. He also
published in folio another work in the same year entitled " A
Comparative View of the Common and Curvilinear Modes of
Roofing Hothouses."

He now seems to have determined on devoting his time
principally to his pen, and he began to collect materials for
the well-known " Encyclopffidia of Crardening." It is probable
that the first idea of this work had occurred to him while he
was travelling from the great number of gardens he had seen
and the various modes of gardening that be had found prac-
tised in different countries. At any rate, he determined to
commence his work with a history of gardening and a descrip-
tion of tbe gardens of various countries, introducing illustra-
tive drawings engraved on wood and printed with the text, this
being, I believe, the first time any engravings, except mere
outlines, had been printed in that manner. It was necessary
in order to complete his plan that he should see the gardens
of France and Italy in the same manner as he had seen those
of the north of Europe, and for this purpose he determined to
set out on another tour, though his health was at that time so
very indifferent that one of his friends who saw him at Dover
told him he looked more fit to keep his bed than to set out on
a journey. Mr. Loudon, however, was not easily deterred from
anything that he had resolved upon, and he proceeded by way
of Calais and Abbeville to Paris, where he arrived on the 30lh
of May, 181!t. After seeing everything deserving of notice in
Paris, and becoming acquainted with many eminent men there

2'.iG

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 19, 1877.

from the letters of introduction given to him by hia kind friend
Sir Joseph Banks, he left on the 10th of June for Lyons, in
the Botanic Garden of which city he saw for the first time a
living plant of the Vallisneria, which had not then been intro-
duced into England, and which he had only seen in a dry state
in the Hortus Siccus of Sir Joseph Banks. From Lyons he
went to Avignon, and then he visited the celebrated fountain
of Taucluee. Afterwards he proceeded to Marseilles, and
thence to Nice, from which city he sailed in a felucca for Genoa.
Daring the whole of his tour through France he visited the
gardens everywhere, and made memoranda of everything that
he thought would be useful for his intended work. lie also
made sketches of all the principal places, as he had previously
done in the north of Europe.

Before leaving Genoa he procured a collection of Orange
trees, which he sent to England for his greenhouse at Bays-
water. He also saw for the first time slate boxes used for
Orange trees in the garden of Signore di Negre near Genoa.
In this city also he first mot with his friend Captain Mangles,
and joining him and Captain Irby they travelled together
along the shores of the Mediterranean, leaving Genoa on the
Gth of July in a felucca for Leghorn, where they arrived on
the 8th, and thence proceeded through Pisa to Florence.
During the whole of this tour Mr. Loudon's journal is entirely
filled with descriptions of the gardens he visited, observations
on the different modes of culture he saw practised, and various
remarks on the habits of plants. One of the latter, which
appears to me worth recording, is that he found Saxifraga
crassifolia killed by a very slight frost in Florence, though it
will bear a considerable degree of cold in more northern
climates. From Florence he went to Borne, and thence to
Naples, after which he visited Pompeii and Herculaneum, re-
turning through Rome to Florence on the 21st of August. In
these cities he visited all that is generally couaidered worth
seeing, and, of course, did not neglect his favourite gardens.

About this period he saw for the first time a specimen of
the trick often practised by the Italian gardeners, which is
called by the French Grcji'c des Climlatans. This consists in
taking the pith out of the trunk and branches of an Orange
tree, and dexterously introducing through these a Rose tree or
any other plant which ii is wished shall appear to have been
grafted on the Orange. Care is taken not to injure the roots
of either, and if put cautiously into the ground both will pro-
duce leaves and llowers.

The next place he visited was Bologna, near which he passed

At Brussels be found the botanic garden in those days
nothing, but he liked the park and the promenade on the ram-
parts, to which the botanic garden has since been removed.
At Ghent he was also much pleased with the botanic garden,
and with the generally luxuriant appearance of the plants in
the private gardens near the town. In Bruges and Ostend he
found little to see, and he returned to Bayswater on the 9th of
October.

As soon as he reached home he began the " Encyclopiedia
of Gardening," at which he worked with little intermission till
it was finisheii, though he was suffering severely at the time
from chronic rheumatism in his right arm, the pain from
which became at length so intolerable that in 1820 he was
compelled to call in medical aid, and being recommended to
try Mahomed's vapour baths, he went down to Brighton for
that purpose. Here, notwithstanding the extreme torture he
suffered from the shampooing and stretching, he submitted to
both with so much patience that they were continued by the
operators till they actually broke his right arm so dose to the
shoulder as to render it impossible to have it set in the usual
manner, and consequently it never united properly, though he
continued to use his hand to write with for several years.
(To be continned.)

BEAUTY OF GLAZENWOOD BOSE.

Other rosarians besides myself will feel obliged to Mr. W. G.
Smith for his letter on page 2G5. It proves that the true
name of this sensational Rose is "Fortune's Yellow," for it
appears to have been so pronounced by Mr. George Paul the
moment he saw Mr. Smith's original drawing. Not many
rosarians are " better up" in Roses than Mr. Paul ; and since
he exhibited the flowering plants at South Kensington which
were pronounced identical, and has also arrived at the same
conclusion by an inspection of the drawing, the question, to
my mind, is settled.

The flower from which the figure was taken it appears
must have been an accidental sport, with the striping, as Mr.
Smith suggests," not permanent." No doubt Mr. Woodthorpe
was convinced that his Rose was distinct, and its possible in-
constancy did not occur to him ; and no one's disappointment
can be greater than his, and especially if other sportive blooms
are not produced of the same character as the original.

The colours of the figure in the " Flore des Serres " must

be much exaggerated, for the bloom there represented does
a day or two with an Italian family who were enjoying the I not bear even the faintest resemblance to Fortune's Yellow ;
pleasures of the vintage. He then went through Ferrara to yet Mr. Woodthorpe, as reported by Mr. Curtis, stated the

Venice, the first part of the road to which was bordered by
hedges, in which were Vines laden with Grapes hanging from
tree to tree. At Deux Fonts he embarked in a boat, and
found the canal nearly all the way to Venice full ot beautiful
aquatic plants, among which was the Vallisneria. He was very
much struck with the imposing view that he first obtained of
Venice, including the grand square of St. Mark with its winged
lion on a granite column. He also remarked the freshness and
brilliancy of the paintings, and he noticed that the I'ost-ollice at
Venice was built upon immense piles of logwood. The whole of
the first night that he passed in Venice he was unable to sleep,
from the number of persons that were singing in parties in the
streets. Tlie following morning he hired a gondola and went
through the city, with which he was exceedingly delighted ;
for, as he says emphatically, " It is impossible to know what
Italian architecture and Italian paintings really are without
seeing those at Venice." Before leaving this splendid city he
procured a living plant of the Vallisneria, which he placed in a
little tin can containing water, and carried himself when he
was travelling lest any harm should happen to it.

The next place he visited was Padua, where he saw the
celebrated botanic garden. The road from this to Vicenza was
bordered with hedges of Hibiscus syriacus. He had now
entered upon the district where silk is chiefly produced, and
foimd on each side of the road vast plantations of White Mul-
berry trees. Thence he proceeded to Rlilau, after which ho
visited the splendid gardens of Monza, with which he was
most exceedingly delighted. He found here square pots uni-
versally used for the plants in the greenhouses in order to save
room, and the tubs of the Orange and Lemon trees sunk in
the ground to keep the plants moist. He found the Tuberoses
most luxuriant and scenting the air. The botanic garden at
Milan is small but well filled. On leaving Milan he visited the
Borromean Isles, but thought the beauty of Isola Bella some-
what exaggerated.

colours of the sport to be yellow flaked with vermiUon —
" the colouration of a Tulip," and that he did not think that
Mr. Smith's " brilliant plate had done justice to the richness
of colouring of the Rose itself."

The facts resulting appear to be these : The Rose was pre-
maturely judged, hastily sold, and much overcoloured. I shall
endure my disappointment, but shall endeavour to profit by
the mistake that has been made. I have bought many Roses
in my time in reliance on the descriptions of others, but I will
never again purchase a new Rose until it has been exhibited
before competent and disinterested judges. I should like to
thank Mr. Paul, Mr. Smith, and Messrs. Editors for their aid
in bringing the matter to a decision. — Rosabian.

OLD SEEDS AND NEW.

Mccu of the theory advanced by " B. G., Co. Down," is new
to me. I know there are those who prefer old seeds of Melons
and Cucumbers, but I was not aware that anyone preferred
old seed of the Brassica tribe or of Beetroot.

It may be set down as a general rule that new seed germi-
nates quicker and stronger than old seed does, and that plants
raised from new seed attain a larger size before they produce
fruit than those which are raised from older seed, hence the
priim'i facie good grounds for supposing that old seed of
Cucurbitacere is best ; but we find on close examination that
although plants raised from old seed fruit while they are of
comparative small size, yet owing to their want of robustness
it takes as long a period to grow them the size when they are
capable of perfecting fruit as it does to bring those raised from
new seed into a fruiting condition.

It is of no use for a plant to show fruit unless it has sufli-
cient vigour to bring it to perfection. Fruit of good quality
cannot be produced without abundance of healthy foliage.
New seed of Cucurbitaceic is generally acknowledged to pro-

April la, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEH.

297

dnoe the healthiest growth ; therefore, I Bay, Unless yon have
Bhy-frnitiDg varieties to deal with that new seed is as good as
old, and perhaps a little better.

Besides the age of the seed, much depends on the quantity
of seed a plant is allowed to bear, the season of its ripening,
the health of the parent plant, the keeping of the seed, its
treatment after sowing, Ac. All of these points, and perhaps
many more, are of greater consequence in the case of Cucur-
bitacese than whether the seed is six months old or six years.

The bolting of Celery, Beetroot, Turnips, Cabbages, &c., is
not a question of old and new seed. The principal cause,
supposing it is not the fault of the immediate grower, is the
manner in which the seed is produced. Take Turnips, for
instance, which are frequently grown for seed in the following
way : A lot of seed is sown thickly after some summer crop,
when it is too late for the plants to bulb, but siiflicieutly early
to produce seed in the following summer. This treatment,
if carried on for a few generations, would of course in time
produce plants which would refuse to bulb under any condi-
tions. Is it, then, a wonder that a few should turn out badly
even in the second or third generation ?

To keep a stock from degenerating it is absolutely necessary
to save seed only from prime roots. This costs money, and
hence if you would ha\e good Turnip seed you must pay a
good price for it, and it is advisable to have it from the seeds-
man whose name is attached to the particular variety, and
consequently has his reputation at stake on it. — Wm. Taylor.

PLANTING ORNAMENTAL GEODNDS.

The following is part of an address delivered by Mr. E. S.
Carman before the New Jersey Horticultural Society : —

Incomparably beautiful as are the scenes of Nature, they
cannot be copied because their majesty is the prime element
of that beauty ; the mountains cannot be copied — unless, in-
deed, molehills may be clothed with majesty. The river and
the lake require Nature's grand distances for their effect ; the
valley is pleasing but by contrast, and since we cannot have
the mountain we cannot have the valley. The sooner we
abandon the idea of copying Nature — that cannot in any two
places be found alike, or in any one place adapted to our
grounds — the sooner we may learn that Nature's lessons are
but our A E C's, which we ourselves must combine — by the love,
sympathy, power, and education of which we are possessed —
into original conceptions — original forms. Nature does but
give us the problem which we are to solve ; she merely gives
us the raw material out of which we are, so to speak, to manu-
facture our grounds, the same as she furnishes the raw material
out of which we are to manufacture our clothing. Let ua se-
lect Nature's choicest gems just as we would select the choicest
literature with which to store our minds, and, studying those
as best we may, unite them in original designs and in accord-
ance with the requirements, the characteristics, the expres-
sions of each iu the grounds of our homes.

While we cannot remove the "mouniain glens and shady
vales," or any of the objects that there together so awaken
our appreciation of the charms of Nature, we should never
lose sight of one principle that pervades her every aspect ; it
is variety, and this we may copy to our heart's content and
yet be guilty of no " servile imitation."

Our first motive in embelliehing our grounds is to render
them as attractive as possible, that they may become the
dearest spots on earth to us. Would that this simple doctrine
were indelibly stamped upon the memory of all ! T'o this end,
if we are to have but fifty trees and shrubs, let every one be
as different as possible. Let us have no pairs or triplets or
quadruplicates of anything — as if every tree needed a sentinel,
or as if it were afraid to stand alone, or as if two or more
individuals were needed for the completion of one another.
Here to the right we have a Maple, there to the left, situated
relatively to other objects precisely the same, another Maple —
each the ghost of the other. Both are thrifty, shapely, fine.
They are so nearly alike we can detect no difference. Nothing
is to be learnt, no impression formed, from looking upon both
that is not as well formed from looking upon one. Why, then,
have both ? Why not have in the place of one of them another
species or genus that creates a new impression and gives ad-
ditional food for pleasurable study ? And yet these monkey
grounds, as we may call them, are the rule whithersoever we
go. A mile or so from my own residence is a lawn planted
with Arbor VitjB (in rows aa we would plant an orchard), and
with little else but Arbor Vit.'e. They are perhaps lH feet in '

height, and all are of the same stiff, conical, monumental form.
I never pass this place without being reminded of a burial
ground with evergreen tombstones.

Everywhere we see the Weeping Willow. While in health,
vigour, and youth few trees are more engaging. But let us
picture a lawn upon which Weeping Willows are the only trees,
and our impulse would be to weep too. It ever a tree expressed
a sentiment the Weeping Willow expresses sorrow, and its
place, to exist in numbers, is in cemeteries where we could
fancy that it sheds tears over the graves. If ever a tree ex-
pressed those peculiarities which colloquially make up an "old
maid," it is the Lombardy or Fastigiate Poplar; fastidious
would, perhaps, have been a more expressive specific name.
A lawn planted with this tree alone, if it did not too much
excite our pity from the above association, would be quite
likely to excite our laughter. Thus it is while all trees are
more or less beautiful, while many by their foliage, spray,
habit, &o., convey an individuaUty that we connect with some
sentiment which adapts them to particular situations, yet the
pleasing effect of one tree of a species in our grounds is not
proportionately increased by many of the same kind. Variety
is the principle which, while it secures to each all the beauties
that belong to it, imparts to our grounds a diversity of form
and character only limited by their extent. Thus even in mid-
winter we find much to observe, much to interest ; while in
spring, summer, and autumn our leisure hours are too few for
the feast of delight and instruction to which we are ever
allured. All trees and shrubs have their peculiar character-
istics— their personalities; indeed, their manners. They are
creatures that — planted perhaps by our own hands, reared
under our own eyes — we learn so to love that we seek this one
or that one as our mood may prompt. We accord to them
sympathetic powers, and we fancy that they whisper sounds
tiiat our hearts frame into words, and it is by an easy stretch
of the imagination that we may learn to fraternise with them
as we do with friends, and to deeply deplore their loss.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WOBK FOE
THE PEESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GABDEN.

Although the ground was previously well saturated, we had
another heavy raiufall last week. On two nights over li inch of
rain fell, and uow the soil is in a worse state for kitchen-garden
work than it has been at any time this season. We can readily
gauge the saturation of the ground by the water in the stoke-
holes, which has risen quite 3 inches higher than it had pre-
viously been this year.

The early Peas, which have hitherto moved very slowly indeed,
have now assumed a very healthy appearance and are growing
freely. Early Potatoes are also pushing through the ground.
The earliest to appear was Fenn's Early Market. We have not
previously grown this sort, but many of the best growers recom-
mend it highly ; and as Mr. Fenn's aim has been to raise sorts
with short haulm, aud which are in other respects highly suit-
able for garden culture, we hope it will answer for our rich
garden ground. There are very few, if any, early kidneys supe-
rior or even equal to the old Ashleaved Kidney if it can be
obtaioed true; but we have generally some other sort sent under
this name of "improved " Ashleaves, which are generally more
prolific, producing much more haulm, and are a week or ten
days later. We shall, if weather permits, ruu the Dutah hoe
through the ground between the rows of both Peas and Potatoes.

The crop of early Eadishes has been cleared from the ground
vineries, which has allowed air and light to penetrate to the
Early Horn Carrots and Lettuce plauts. The thinnings from
the Lettuce have been planted-out on a piece of prepared ground.
We grow only the White Cos, as it is preferred to any other.
Such young plauts under glass protection are much assisted by
being watered with tepid water, and this should be applied
with a fine rose iu the forenoon.

We have sown a breadth of Seakale; this is done annually to
keep up a supply of plauts for forcing. Some of the best plants
are selected trom this sowing for forcing, and those of smaller
size are planted-out for the eneuing year. Wo have also made
a second sowing of Peas, including the early aud midseason
Marrows. The new variety Dr. McLean ought to be grown in
every garden, not only for its free-bearing habit but also for its
excellent quality.

We shall plant-out the spring-sown Cauliflowers, but would
rather wait until the ground is in better order for the plants.
We draw rather deep drills and plant in the bottom of them,
which to a large extent protects tho plauts from frost and cold
wind'. Those who require a constant supply of Spinach should
sow the seed between the rows of Peas at each sowing. Keep
up a constant supply of saLda. Mustard and Cress may now be

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ April 19, 1877.

sown out of doors, aud to insure sweet youcg Radishes seed
Bhonld be sown at tolerably close intervals.

VINEBIES.

As Vines are now so extensively cultivated by amateurs
and others who have not had much experience in gardening
matters, it is desirable that the details of this work should
be full. The Vines are now starting into growth, and the first
operation is to remove all growths that are not required, and
which only rob the permanent growths of their due share of
nourishment. The tendency of the young shoots is to grow
straight up to the glass, and if they are not carefully bent down
in their earliest stages the work cannot be satisfactorily done
afterwards. The growths must also be brought down very
gradually, and they should be trained as nearly as possible at
equal distances over the trelliswork, and not be crowded. The
rods should be at least 2 feet 6 inches apart, and the lateral
growths 18 inches from each other. It is well to stop the
growths as soon as two leaves can be seen beyond the bunch,
and the after-thinning of the laterals will depend upon whether
the leaves are crowded or otherwise. When the growth is
stopped the Vines make an effort at once to form frosh growths.
These should be stopped at one leaf, aud as a general rule all
after-growths ought to be pinched close back.

Those_ who were able to start their Vines in January will
now be in a position to thin the Grapes, and also to reduce tlae
number of bunches on the Vines. This last operation should
be performed before thinning has commenced. It is trying
work to the inexperienced to cut away what seems to be a fair
promise for a noble bunch of Grapes, but it is quite necessary,
as overcropping is the certain ruin of Vines if it is persisted in.
The berries ought also to be freely thinned, but this can only
be well learned from experience. At this time a moist atmo-
sphere is necessary in all houses, and a night temperature of 65°
should be maintained.

GEEENHOnSE AND CONSEBVATOBT.

Here the plants must be kept clean, and any appearance of
green fly should bring the fumigating apparatus into requisition.
Bed spider has appeared on some young Azalea and other plants
in a cool house. We take the plants down from the stage two
or three times a week, lay them on their sides, and then syringe
the leaves well underneath. It is on the under sides of the
leaves that the spider finds the most congenial food, aud the
syriiige does not reach the insect well when the plants stand
npright on the stages. Further, if the plants a,e syringed
freely as they are npright, too much water may find its way to
the roots and injure the plants. As they he on their sides
the water passes off without running into the soil. Any other
plants which are attacked with insect pests must be cleansed
from them without any delay, as all sorts of insects injurious
to plant life bieed with marvellous rapidity when the hot dry
weather sets in.

The Primula amosua and its varieties are very useful flower-
ing plants at this time of the year. They are very pretty, easily
grown, aud delicately scented. The plants must be shaded
from bright sunshine, and during the growing period they ought
to be freely ventilated and be placed close to the glass. When
the flowers open the stalks should be supported with neat sticks,
as the trusses are too heavy for the slender stems, which fall
about if they are not supported.

Trt:e or Perpctual-fluwering Carnations have been potted-off
from the cutting pots, aud a few more cuttings have been put in
for succession. The small side growths strike very freely in a
little bottom heat under glass lights. Some of the varieties are
of very slender growth, aud before the plant is 6 inches high the
stems fall over ; it is better to place a small stick to each of them
at once, and this will secure them from damage. The plants
are very liable to be attacked by aphis, but this can easily be
destroyed by fumigating with tobacco smoke or by dipping the
plants in a solution of tobacco water and soft soap. Those who
intend growing these useful winter-flowering plants will find
the present a good time to purchase plants, as small plants
bought-in now will make good flowering specimens for next
winter. Some of the best sorts are Guelder Rose, pure white;
Bose Perfection, very fine; Scarlet Defiance, a splendid free-
fl.}weriDg sort; Bride, pure white; Diana, rose; Empress of
Germany, large white rose flaked ; Gloire de Lyon, scarlet flake ;
Kiag of the Belgians, rose; Miss JoUifife, flesh colour; Prince of
Orange, yellow, edged crimson ; Proserpine, scarlet; Souvenir
de la Malmaison, white ; and Vulcan, red.

Stage Pelargoniums are now showing their flower trusses,
which are much strengthened if the plants receive occasional
waterings with weak manure water. To grow the plants well
they must also be placed very near the glass, to have abundance
of light and a free circulation of air, which does not mean that
the plants should stand in a keen cold east wind, but in calm
weather the ventilators may be open to their fullest extent. Not
a trace of green fly should be seen upon any of the plants at
this time ; they must be quite free from insect pests before the
fi 'wers open, as fumigating causes the petals to drop.

Wo have sown Cineraria seeds. This may be considered

early to sow them, and so it is if small plants only are wanted ;
but to obtain good specimens by the new year the seeds must be
sown at once in light soil composed of loam and leaf soil in equal
parts. To obtain good plants of Chinese Primula the seeds
should also be sown now in light sandy soil, aud they will vege-
tate more freely if the pots are placed in a frame where they can
obtain a little bottom heat. We are also busy amongst Chry-
santhemums, potting those plants that require repotting, and
tying out the growths of young plants intended for specimens.

Lapageria rosea and the more scarce variety alba are now
making plenty of young growths. The plants require liberal
supplies of water, and the leaves are freely syringed with rain
water once or twice a-day. When the plants start into growth
is an excellent time to repot any that require it. They succeed
best iu turfy fibrous peat, and ought to have a liberal shift.
Care should be taken not to injure the roots during the operation
of potting, the fresh compost should be pressed-in moderately
firmly.

FLOWEB GARDEN AND FLORIST FLOWERS.

Nearly all the bedding Pelargoniums have been moved into
positions where the plants can be freely exposed to the weather,
but where they can be protected from frost and superfluous
wet. The other bedding plants sufficiently hardy are also
moved out as we can find opportunity. The pits are now useful
for Strawberry plants, which will be removed from the orchard
house into them.

Auriculas require considerable attention. The largest pro-
portion of plants are in frames facing the south, but as soon as
the pips on any of the trusses open the plants must be removed
to frames facing the north. The expanded pips will not stand
the sun, nor will the plants themselves if the weather is hot;
the leaves hang down very much if shading is neglected. On
the first signs of distress in the plants a light tiffany shading
should be thrown over the glass.

Tulips are flowering strongly, but the beds should be pro-
tected from too much wet, especially if the weather should be
cold The shadings are also wanted if frosts occur at night. A
mulching of short manure prevents the soil from being splashed
on to the leaves by the rain, and also keeps the roots in an
equable temperature.

Pinks are spindling for bloom, and considering the trying
ordeal they have gone through this winter they look very
healthy. We keep the ground free from weeds, and stir the
surface occasionally with a small Dutch hoe.

Carnations and Picotees in pots are growing freely, but we do
not care to turn the plants out in the open ground as yet; we
may have snow and frost as we had last year about this time.
Wb hive very nearly finished planting out the Gladiolus ; the
bulbs have been planted rather more closely together than they
have usually been in former years. — J. Dougl.vs.

TRADE CATALOGUES KECEIVED.

William Potten, Sissinghurst, Kent.— Select List of Gera-
niums and other Bedding Plants.

Cbarles Van Geert, Rue de la Provence, Antwerp. — Catalogue
of Hardy Ornamental Trees and S/irubs.

. Louis de Smet, Ledeberglez-Gaud, Belgium. — Catalogue of
Novelties, and List of Agaves and other Succulent Plants.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
*,' All correspondence should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addresied to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjeots them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Books (C. B. P.).— "The Greeuhoaee Manual," published at oar office,
freo by post if twenty postage stami)^ are enclosed.

MAjDENuiiH Fern (Flora). — Tha probable oanse of the ends of the
fronds ahrivelliny is that the air in whioh the plant is grown is too dry.

Orange within an Obangg (.W. J. F. it. J.).— It is an oocnrrcnoe not
frequent, any more than it is for a small egg to be found inside a large cue.

Cinerarias (Jruptirrr). — They are inferior to many named varieties, and
are not equal to mauy usually grown from seed for greenhouao decoration.

Whitewash foe Greenhouse Roop (A Lady). — Conunon whitewash
applied inside the roof is best. Dahlia tubers can be started npon a dung
hotbed.

Cyences (Clericus), — The only instance that we know of grafts being ao
called is in Flavel's "Husbandry Spiritualised." It is there said, "These
tender cyences quickly take hold of the stock."

Plant: for an Amateur's Greenhouse (A Lady Qardemr). — We should
have half a dozen Camellias, an equal number of Azaleas, and a like number
of Epncrises, with at least one each of the following : — Acacia armata, A. Rico-
ana, Correa Brilliant, Cjtisus racemosus, Daphne indica alba, Hydrangea
hortensie, H. stellata flore-pleuo, Imantophyllum miniatum, Kalosanthes
coccineasnperba, Liboniafloribunda, Pimeleadecussata, PolygalaDalmaisiana,
Rhododendron jasminiflorum, Statice profusa, and Vallota purpurea, with
a few variegated plants, such as Yucca aloifolia variegata, Hydrangea ja-
ponica variegata, Bambusii Fortune! variegata, Lomatia elegautiasima, Ve

April 19, 1S77. ]

JOUKMitj OP aORTlCUtiTORB iND COTTAGE GiRDENER.

ronica Andersonii variegata, and Sedum Sieboldi variesatam. Yoa may have
of coarse Oleander, Orange, and Jlyrtle, which with " pot Roses, PelargoninmB,
HeliotropeB, Cinerarias, Primulas, and Fuchsias" would do well, also Chrys-
anthemums, all of which, except Facheias, would be outdoors in summer;
and you may also have Cyclamen persicum, Calceolarias, Spiraea japonic*,
Dentzia gracilis, Lily of the Valley, with bulbous plants suoh as Hyacintha,
Tulips, &o. Begonias are fine plants for greenhouse decoration in summer.
The temperature of a greenhouse in winter from fire heat ought to be 45° to 40^.
The Vinea will afford ample shade for the plants, planting the VineH 2 feet
from the ends, and one in the centre of the front. Foster's Seedling is a good
white Grape for a greenhouse, and the best black i3 Black Hamburgh, or if
you desire two kinds you may add Trentham Black.

TiLLANDSiA AEGENTEA {A. T.). — The plant showing for flower and not advan-
cing, we can only conclude that the tempeniture is too low or that the roots
are destroyed by overwatering. Afford a night temperature of 65^ to 60", and
70"= to 75° day, with a rise to 85^ or 90" from sun heat, keeping moderately
moist. If the soil be sodden or the roots decayed, repot, removing all the old
soU, draining well, and employing a compost of turfy loam and half a part of
sandy peat, with a fourth in equal proportions of pieces of charcoal and silver
sand. Sprinkle lightly overhead twice daily, encouraging growth by a brisk
moist heat, exposing the plant fully to the light.

AsTEBS Failing (Jjn/tr).— It is not too late to raise Asters. Seed sown
now in a cold frfime kept close until the seedlings appear, and then air
a'mitted frefly, will produce sturdy plants by the end of May or early Jane.
If they are then planted in good soil, and duly attended to with water, they
will flower finely in August onward. We do not know where you can procure
planta.

Azalea Growisg before Flowering (A Coru^tant Eeader).—li arises
from the imperfect ripening of the wood, the pliints being in the same con-
dition as an over-vigorous fruit tree, the flowers being caat. We know of no
remedy other than to restrict the roots more, potting firmly, employing
plenty of sand, and encouraging growth after flowering by a moist brisk heat,
shading from bright sun, and after the growth is complete admitting light
and au freely, keepini^ in a cool airy house after the buds are set. The growth
is too free — the wood not thoroughly ripened.

Ridge CucniiBERS Failing (W. E. C.).— The description you give coin-
cides with that of the disease which is so mysterious and fatal in its effects.
We should advise your employing good fresh loam in place of the vegetable
soil for covering the manure in the trenches, and changing the seed— that is,
do not employ seed saved from plants in your own ground. We have not
snfferad from the diseaBe. The only precautions taken against it are good
fresh soil and a change of seed annually.

LiLV OF THE Valley Culture {Qtorge Oray). — The ground should he
well dug and enriched with leaf soil or well-decayed manure, choosing an
open situation or one only partially shaded; avoid, however, a hot and dry
situation. Plant in clusters of half a dozen crowns, the crowns about an
inch apart, the clusters 9 inches apart every way, planting so that the crowns
are just covered with soU, and in planting press the soil gently around each
crown. If yon intend to take up the roots for flowering in pots, plant a
dozen crowns in a cluster an inch apart, allowing the clumps a foot distance
apart every way. Water freely in dry weather, keeping clear of weeds, and
mulch over the plants in autumn with short manure or leaf soil about an
inch deep. The foUowing autumn the clumps may be taken up, potted,
forced, or placed in a greenhouse for early flowering.

CcLTURE OF Mackaya BELLA (A. W. B.).—lt is a pretty shrub of slender
growth requiring an intermediate temperature ; though it will succeed in an
ordinary greenhouse, it does best in a cool stove. During growth it requires
to be abundantly supplied with water, not, however, making the soil sodden,
and maintaining a moist well-ventilated atmosphere, affording a light posi-
tion. A compost of turfy loam, leaf soil, and sandy peat in equal proportions,
with a sixth part of silver sand and good drainage, will grow it well. The
flowers are terminal, therefore the shoots must not be stopped, but cut-in
after flowering, repotting when young shoots are an inch long. It is rather
tall-growing, not flowering freely if dwarf. The soil requires to be kept
moist at all times.

Arbuttjs and Butchers' Broom.—" C. 3/." wishes to bo informed where
male planta of these can be obtained.

T. C. AXLEUTT, Esq., Lyddou Houee, Leeds, would he very much obliged
to any Vine-growers who would forward to him during the nest few weeks a
few perfect flowers from any shy-settiag Vine. Flowers of Canon Hall
Muscat and Trentham Black would be welcome. He would be glad also to
receive flowers from individual Vines which have proved very free setters.

Pruning Young Trained Fruit Trees (A Constant Header). — As a rule
they require to be cut-back to about two-thirds of their length, but if the
trees have been but recently planted they will not break so freely, and it may
be desirable to cat the young growths bick to half their length.

JcBXA SPECTABILIS OR CoQUiTO PALM {J. P.).— This is a very handsome
Palm, and will thrive in a greenhouse temperature. Sow the seeds in a com-
poat of two parts of loam, one part of peat, and a little silver aand to keep it
open; place a little moss over the surface of the soil, do not allow the soil to
become dry, and the pot ought to be placed in a temperature of 60" to 65^

Vine Shoots Curled (J. Mackenzie). — It is not easy to determine why a
few Vinea should be unBatisfactory when the remainder in the same house
are flourishing so well. There are indications that the wood of last year
WM not thoroughly matured, and we suspect that that is the source of the
evil of which you complain. The roots are also probably inactive, which may
arise from a too wet or too dry state of the border. Vines in inside borders
frequently suffer from not being sufficiently watered, and the growth becomes
curled and stunted. If the soil at all approaches dryness, especially at
Bome distance below 'he surface, apply tepid weak liquid manure copiously,
and preserve a genial atmosphere.

HosE-iN-HosE Polyanthus (Jnguircr).— The seed ought to be sown at
once or any time before the end of the month. If sown now the plants will
flower next spring.

Training Iw (11. B. fl".).— Ivy requires to be trained through the meshes
of galvanised iron net. It will not attach itself to wire as it will to paling
or a walL

Alpinb Plants [T. B ).— All the planta yon name may be included in a
collection of alpine and herbaceous plants; not knowing your object we can-
not add others. Salt spread over the surface of the ground at the rate of
twenty bushels per acre la beneficial to moat garden crops.

I^AKES or Plants {A. W. B.}.— We cannot name plants lunless we see

their flowera, nor Ferns that have no mores. (IT. TT.).— Very fine specimens
of Habrothamnus elegans. (T. K, £.).— 1, Justieia sp. ; 2, Apparently a va-
riegated Sedum refloxum, but the specimen is insufficient. yRvh.). — 1, Aga-
tbrea capensis; 2, Pyrethrum fruticosum or canariense. (S. G. 0.). — Iris
Xiphion. (TF. C.),— c, Berberis aristata; a, Euonymus japonicus variegatua.
(F. X).— Albium sp. (0, 0.).— 1, Asplenium bulbiferum ; 2, Selaginella sp.
(M. C.).— Soilla campanulata. (CotLs/ant JicadtT).— 7, Cytisufl candicana.
We cannot name the rest. \Ban Oitscr).— 1, Helleborus foetidus ; S, Prunua
virginiana (?). Other specimens quite insufficient. (N. F. H.). — Celsia
Arcturus. {H. S. K.).—l, An Epimedium ; 2, Pulmonaria augustifoUa. (P. P.).
— Specimen insufficient. Ton send only leaves. (Subscrifjer). ^Cynoglossum
omphalodes. (J\f. C.).— 3Tie Heath is a florist's variety, and we do not re-
cognise its leaf. [Young Ponica).—!, Sparmannia africaua; 8, Primula ver-
ticillata. (J. .l/arfc^oa;).— Ribes aureum. (B. G.).— Amelanchier Botryapium.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHEONIOLE.

THE CHICKENS.

It seems but yesterday that we were writing of the hopes
and fears for the great shows of the past season ; but bo quickly
does the time go on and the seasons succeed each other that we
find once more upon our table notes and letters from distant
poultry yards, and we read that the tidings are various and
■varied. We suppose that it will always be so, and that it will
never be our lot to chronicle a chicken geason either uniformly
fortunate or the reverse. We know that the general opinion is
that the times have been good this season, and doubtless iu
places this has been the case; but we have before us notes
telling of dire failures, and how those who in last season came
well out of the skirmish this time have been very unlucky.
It is almost impossible consequently to speak with accuracy,
yet letters are continually demanding that something must
be said.

Large yards as usual have many chickens. The hens to lay,
the hens to sit, the hens to nurse in such establishments are
numerous, and it is not surprising that those who breed on the
large scale which Mrs. Acton Tindal, Mr. Sidgwick, Mr. Ling-
wood, and others do, should have at all times a fair supply.
Others, however, who farm their poultry on a more limited
scale, who keep but one or two breeds, and are dependant upon
their own stock hens, or upon the kindness of neighbours' or
farmers' wives for their broody hens, with them often comes
the real pinch aud difficulty. There seems, too, to have been
no exception this year to the old trial, for hens to incubate have
been this season almost scarcer than ever, and eggs have been
kept stored up, till age made them useless, in the hope of a
broody hen turning up. Eggs have, however, been plentiful.
Two-year-old hens in many yards laid in December and January
with the freedom and regularity of pullets ; but many failed
in being fertile. We know of one breeder who has thrown away
114 out of lie Coloured Dorkings eggs for being germless. On
the other hand, in the very next pen, where there were some
Cochins, not one egg has failed to be fertile, such is the glorious
uncertainty of bretding. We can only once more repeat advice
so frequently given— that a two-yeir-old cock must never be
relied upon in the very early year. There are of course ex-
ceptions, but as a rule for January and February chickens
cockerels must be used. We have letters, unsolicited, before
us from Mr. T. C. Burnell and Mr. Darby endorsing thoroughly
this view. To return, however, to the most general impres-
sion, which we can cull from many letters, we find that there
are on the whole a fair propottion of chickens of most varieties,
and that so far there is no prospect of the dearth of early birds
such as WB found in the past two seasons.

Dorkings seem to be plentiful. Mr. Cresswell wrote to us
before leaving for Staley, saying his chickens were many and
fairly early. Mr. Burnell, too, we learn has had his usual luck
in breeding, and will, we dare venture to prophesy, meet his
annual rewards wherever he shows. We understand, too, that
Lady Gwydyr and Mrs. Acton Tindal have a good supply of
Cochin chickens ; and in Brahmas Mr. Horace Lingwood seems
to have found lime in the intervals of club correspondence to
get, as his custom is, some good broods together ; while in Light
Brahmas, as long ago as the Aquarium Show Mr. Breeze told
us that he had many chickens early hatched and doing well.
Game, French, and Hamburghs seem on the whole to have
hatched moderately well, the French being in many cases per-
haps the scarcest, several fanciers writing us word that the
broods have been very small. Spanish chickens we do not
think are plentiful, but we have had no especial news withm
the past month. Of Polands we gather from the accounts that
White-crested Blacks are the most numerous. Mr. Norwood
tells us he has over fifty chickens doing well ; while Mr. Darby
has hatched some good broods also. Lady Dartmouth we behove
has had very good all-round lack in her large establishment.
Of the Variety class breeds we have not heard much, Leghorns
being perhaps as plentiful as any of them, and Malays and
Silkies rather scarce.

We have heard, on the other hand, of dismal failures m many
yards, and those well established. A well- known Cochin ex-

300

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTORE AND COTTAGE GABDBNEB.

[ April 19, 1877.

hibitor, whose name we are not at liberty to publish, writes :
" I am quite tired of setting eggs, having had such terribly bad
luck with them this year." From another county a well-known
lady fancier writes : " I have had clear eggs, very many shell-
lesB eggs, chickens die in the shells, paucity of broody hens — in
fact, everything but chickens." While, to close the melancholy
part of our catalogue, we quote from a letter received this morn-
ing from a very well known breeder and exhibitor of nearly a
score ot years' duration : " I have never before had such bad
luck. I have nearly sixty hens put up for breeding, and I have
not a chicken for every hen. Nest after nest of clear eggs I
have had, and from runs where cockerels and two-year cocks are
with the hens I have to tell you of the same bad luck. White
Cochins have beeu the worst, if there has been one variety
worse than another; while in the face of all this at the farms
in the neighbourhood the hens have laid well and hatched well.
As I had eggs so early I had hoped to have been well to the
front this year, and am very vexed about the matter."

In conclusion we will mention two little matters which we
gather from our friends' correspondence about this year's hatch-
ings— nearly all seem to say that the chickens they have are
nnnsually strong and hearty. Personally, we have not had one
die or even ail, and this we hear has been almost generally the
case; and then we are also told that egg-purchasers have been
less complaining than usual. We nearly all know doubtless
how those who buy eggs expect often more than they get, but
we are told that many vendors have had satisfactory letters this
year in place of complaint, and one or two purchased sittings
which have come under our knowledge have been singularly
successful.

All we require now is pleasant and genial weather to make
the youngsters grow, for we know of many broods which require
Bome such start, and then we shall look forward to the chicken
shows with pleasant feelings of anticipation. — W.

THE LANGSHAN FOWL.

Their brilliant black plumage, the whiteness and delicacy of
their flesh, and the richness of their eggs .are worthy of high
commendation. After the Crystal Palace show it was suggested
that a club should be formed in order to keep the race pure and
make known its many excellent qualities. A meeting was ac-
cordingly convened at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, on
February 21bt, when the rules which appear iu your advertising
columns were drawn up and passed. In January of this year a
gentleman resident in Aberdeen, who is a great poultry farmer,
received an importation of Langshans from a friend temporarily
resident in China. He exhibited two pens of these birds at the
Koyal Northern Agricultural Show held there in February, and
they were not only acknowledged as a pure and distinct breed,
but were awarded the first and second prizes in the variety
class for pure-bred fowls.

The Acclimatisation Society does not exhibit birds at private
shows, but a paper published by the Society in February gives
an account of the poultry show held at the Palais de I'Industrie.
It contains some interesting remarks on the Langshan, some
specimens having been exhibited by MM. Pichol and Roger.
These birds they speak of as magnificent; and in treaticg of
the Langshan generally great stress is laid on the fineness of
the flesh, the lightness of the framework, and the richness of
the eggs.

A recent letter from China informs me that in the locality
whence the Langshan derives the name by which it is known to
Europeans it is held in great veneration as a joss or sacred bird,
as the Chineso offer of their best and most beautiful to their
gods, and have always been jealous of parting with them. It is
during moult th.at Europeans have the best chance, as they are
then considered unfit tor sacrifice. The writer adds, " Since
we have kept Langshans we have been spoilt for the birds pur-
chased in the markets. We do not now care to see what you
call a Cochin on the table. The flesh of the Langshan is supe-
rior, and so is also its egg in size and quality. As for the Black
Cochins you ask me about, there are no such birds in China.
The Chinese s:iy these birds are allied to the wild Turkey. I
do not vouch for the truth of this statement, but when denuded
of its feathers the Langshan has much the appearance of that
bird, and a well-fed Langshan is certainly equal to even the
most delicate Turkey put on table." — An Admlrek of the
TjJiNasHAN, Southampton.

WANSBECK POULTRY, &c., SHOW.

The annual Show was held at Morpeth, on the Terrace (in a
tent erected for the purpose), on the 14th inst., when the entries
were nearly a hundred in advance of those of last year. The
Show was very well attended, the place being crowded the
whole of the afternoon.

There were two champion pieces of plate, one of which was
won by Buff Cochins, the hen in which pen was a marvellous
bird; the other going to a grand pair of Dackwing Game.

Brahmas were a fair lot ; the first, an adult pair, were large and
true to marking, and the hen particularly good on fluff and
cushion. Dorkings, first a gi-and pair ; the second hen was the
best, bat cock in bad order. Of Sjjanish there were but two
pens, but these were very good. Samburghs were a capital
section and the entries large, the cocks iu the Silver-spangles
being particularly good in tail. There were several very good
pens of Gold-spangles, but the first were as near faultless as we
ever expect to find them. Silver-pencils were more regular in
quality than we generally find them, but the Golden were not
as good as we usually see northwards. Black Reds won in the
Red Game classes, a pair of young birds being first. The
cockerel a capital bird, but the pullet (though gamey and full of
style), rather ragged in feather. Beyond the cup Duckwings
there was nothing striking in the next two classes, but single
hens were a large and exceptionally good class. Game llnntams
were good in all the classes. The pair of Piles in the Variety
and the Pile in Single cocks were very grand in style and colour;
and in the next class Blacks were first and White-booted
secaud. Both pairs particularly good. Cochins won in both of
the Single-bird classes. In cocks a Spanish was second, and in
hens a Dorking obtained that position. Ducks were a mixed
lot. A grand pair of Aylesburys were first, Rouen second, and
Carolinas very highly commended.

Pigeons had a few classes, of which Pouters were first on the
list, the winners being a Blue hen in grand form, and second an
equally showy White. Carriers. — First a Dun cock good in eye
and beak wattle ; second a Black, a fine promising young bird.
Tarbits were a good class. First a very correct Yellow, and
second a Blue, good in head but a little foul on thigh. Antwerps.
— First a R-d Chequer, very good in head but failing somewhat
on the beak; second a Silver Dun. Nuns poor except the first
hen ; and Magpies a good class, though some showed too great a
familiarity with coal dust. In Dragoons first was a Yellow
cock grand in head and colour ; second a Blue, also good. The
Variety class was excellent. First and champion cup a perfect
little White Owl ; extra first an Almond cock, which, however,
showed the effects of the cold ; and second a capital Black Barb.

Of Cage Birds there was a capital collection, but the place was
too cold, and many fine specimens showed the effects thereof.
Norwich were very good; first a Mealy and second a Jonque,
but the first in best bloom. Marked Canaries were first a
Jonque and second Buff, both four-pointed birds. Mules were
a grand class, every one being noticed; first a four-pointed
Linnet, aud second an almost clear Jonque Goldfinch Mule.
The first-named was the best in the Show except that it looked
sSdly stained, otherwise nothing could have wrested the medal
from it. In common Canaries there were some neat slender
birds. The first and medal for best in the Show was awarded
to a Silver Lizard in the Variety class ; the second a very good
crested Jonque Norwich.

Fothergill's pens were used, and most was made of the room
at disposal; Messrs. Nichol and Arkle, the Secretaries, being
constantly in attendance.

POULTRY.— CocHiNS.-Cup and 1, G. H. Proctor. 2, T. Pye. Brahma
PooTKAS.— 1, J. Anderson. 2, Mia3 Coatea. vhc, J. Sorbie, R. Shield, R. Sewell.
DoRKiNOS.-I, W. Swan. 2. W. Morfltt. Spanish.— 1, R. Shield. 2, R Chari-
ton. Hamburohs —SHvcr-spangled.—\, G. Alderson. 2, J. Stnttard. vhc, G.
Walker, R. Blackburn. GoWen-sjxinglciJ.—l, J. Jackson. 2. J. Roberts, vhc,
R Keenleyside, P. D. Henderson. Silver-pencilled —1, D. Clow. 2, Rev. I. N.
Williams, ufcc, D. Clow, J. Stnddard GoMen-penciIfeli.-l, A. Stephenson. 2,
H Sanders, vhc, T. Dodds. Game.— Biock or Brown Redn.—l, J. Young. 2,
W. Johnson, iiftc, R. Niobol, W. Davison. Any other variety.— Cn]^ and 1, J.
Nel-on a. Wilson & Hetherington. Any variety —Cock.— \, Wilson and
Hetherington. 2, J. Nelson, vhc, 3. Pattiaon. Hen.—\, W. Yoanghusband.
2 T Hutcheson. vhc, W. Johnson. W. Faax. Game Bantams.— BiaCK or
Brou'iiReiis— 1. J. Ferry. 2. G.Downey, iilic, J. Nelson, H Sharp. Any other
variety.— \, Wilson & Hetherineton. 2 and vtic. T. Paisly. Any variety.—
Cock.-l, Birlev & Walker. 2, T DoweU. vhc. G. Dowie. Miss I. Seymour.
Hen.—l, G. Btll. 2, Mias Seymour. vlic.J. Nelsun, J. Allison, T. Young, A.
Todd. Any Vahiety EXCEPT Game Bantams.— I.J.Anderson. 2, S. Clapham.
vhc R. H. Ashton. Any Vakiety except Game -Coed —1, G. H Proctur. 2,
T. Newlands. vhc. R. Sewell, F. Young, G. Latlimer. Hen -1, G. H. Proctor.
2 P.Henderson. vhc.T. Newlands. T. Ni.ton. J. Rogers. Sellino Class —1,
R. Blackburn. 2, Purvis & tryer. Docks. -1, F. E. Gibson. 2, J. Nelson, vlie,

PIGEONS.— PODTERS. —Cocfc or Hen.—\ and vhc, Wilson & Orange. 2. A. P.
Bylord. CABEIERS.-Cocfc or Hen.—l, H. Yardley. 2 and vhc. WUson and
Orange. Fantails.— 1 and 2, W. J. Warhurst Turbits.— 1, N, Frazer. 2, G.
Alderson. ANXWEBPS.-Cock or Hen.— I and 2. H. Yardlev. NuNS.-Cocfc or
Hen—1, W. J. Warhurst. 2, R. S. Magee. MAOPiEa.— Cock or hen.—l anda,
Wilson i Orange, vhc, W. J. Warhurst. Wilson i Orange. Draooons.- 1, W.
W. Jacks. 2 and vhc, W. C. Moody. Any othfe Variety.— Cup, G. Alderson.
Extra 1 and 2, H. Yardley. Selling Class —Cocit or Hen.—l, N. Frazer. a,
Wilson & Orange, vhc, A. P. Bytord, J. Bell, jun , Wilson 4 Orange.

CAGE BIRDS.— Norwich —Yellow or Buff.— I. C. Nevin. 2. J. Robaon. vhe,
J. f^pence, Baxter & Hobleirk (2). CANARiES.-ilfor*«ii.— Cocft or Ben.— I, J.
Robaon. 2, Baxter & Hobleirk. vhe, C. Nevin. Common, Buff or Yellow.—
Cocfcor Hen- l.D.Lunman. 3. T. Marehall. u/ic. C. Novin, J Smith. Moles.
—Cock or Hen.—l, J. Spence. 2, J. Smith, vhc, Stevens & Tenniswood, Bax-
ter & Hobleirk. Any other Variety.- Cocfc or iJen.— Medal and 1, Stevens
and Tenniswood. 2, Baxter & Ho*>leirk. vhc, D. Lunman, J. Robaon, C.
Nevin Selling Class.- Cock or Hen.-l. J. Spencc. 2, J. Robaon.

CATS-ToMs.- Medal and 1. T Weigbtman. 2, W. G. Bolam. vhc, T.
MoUatt. Queens.- 1. Mias M. Nichol. 2, Miss Taylor. Any other Variety.
—1, G.Owen. 2, T. Weigbtman.

The Judge was Mr. E. Hatton, Pudsey.

Toads Eating Bees. — Apropos of the question (which has
been disputed) whether toads eat bees, M. Brunei states iu La

AprU 19, 1S77. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND 0OJ?TAGB GARDENER.

301

Nature that going oue day into his garden just before a storm
ho found the bees crowiliug into their hives. About tifty centi-
metres from the best hive there was a middle-sizetl toad, which
every now and again rose on his forelegs and made a dart with
surprising quickness towards blades of grass. He was found to
be devouring bees which rested on the grass-blades awaiting
their chance to enter the hive. M. Brnnet watched till twelve
victims had been devoured; he expected the toad's voracity
would soon be punist.ed with a sting, but in vain. Objecting to
further destruction he seized the toad by one of his legs and
carried him to a bed of cabbage thirty metres off, where he
might do real service among the caterpillars, &c. Three days
after this, on going out to the hives, he found the same toad
(which was easily distinguishable) at its old work. M. Brnnet
let him swallow only three or four bees, then carried him fifty
metres in another direction. Two days later the " wretch " was
again found at his pest greedily devouring.

OUB DUTY TO OUR FOUE-FOOTED AND
FEA.THEEED NEIGHBOURS.— No. 4.

PIGEONS.

I woSDEB much that there has ever been any cruelty shown to
Pigeons, for there has travelled over the world a sort of sacred
character attached to the bird — whether from Noah's Dove or
other even more holy associations, it is ditScult to determine;
but 80 it is, just as the egg-seeking schoolboy of England will
scarcely ever destroy the nest of the Eobin. rfo far, beyond the
British Isles, there is a special care and regard for the Pigeon.
The Russian will not kill a Pigeon ; Mahomedaus everywhere
would not on any account injure or kill the bird. The Venetians,
from a well-known historical reason, feed the Pigeors of that
city daily at a stated hour. And I have noticed much kicduesa
and tenderness among f^mers at a market shown to Pigeons.
I go in thought to a market place in the east of England, au
open uncovered square, where the truly burly East Anglian
farmers used to be seen by the dozen, sample bags in hand,
drawn from capacious pockets. Genuine farmers, dressed like
farmers (of course I am speaking of some years since), farmers
that might have stood many of them as types of John Bull for
the pencil of Mr. Teniell, had Punch existed then, which it or
he did not, and had Mr. "Teniell wanted a specially good cartoon.
East Anglia contains still the fairest of women in all England,
with soft cheeks, delicate features, and, above all, well grown;
and to match them fine, tall, rosy-cheeked, brown-bearded men.
So different both to the less well-grown and less good-looking
people of the west.

But I am wandering from the Pigeons and must hark back.
Market was opened about three o'clock, the second feeding time
of Pigeons in the day as all fanciers know. Not far from the
market-place lived a painter and glazier, whose son was a sort
of fancier in days when the Pigeon fancy, save in London, was
not very far advanced — when a Pouter was a Pouter, that was
all — when the object was to get specimens of as many varieties
as possible, but the specimens were not what would be now
judged very good. The young painter got all he could, and par-
ticularly liked diverse colonrs. His Pigeons had full liberty,
and loved to sweep along the open market-place, and perch in
the sun on the small central cross, and take from thence long
low flights to their master's home, and to their loft over the
shop dedicated to paint pots and putty. The dry gravel of the
sunny square formed a grand parade ground for the Pigeons —
such a place for cooing, strutting, bowing, crop-blowing, tail-
spreading, and a display of all the pretty ways of the pretty
birds. There, too, were given the sharp peckings of the cocks
driving their wives to nest, well knowing they ought to be at
home attending to their maternal duties, but who, like some
human wives I have noticed, prefer playing the part of young
ladies rather than that of mothers. Oh! shame to them. Eug-
land requires every wife and mother to do their duty, and, young
wives, you have played-out the young-lady part, so let it alone.
That's all over with you, leave that game for younger and maiden
players.

But I am again wandering and must go back to the Pigcnns.
There on the square, clean, clear, and empty, were in bright
days the pretty Pigeons. The big, quiet, long-bodied Runts —
called then and there Spanish Rants; then, too, tall Pouters,
the cocks so often following and flirting with littlo Tumbler
hens, just as I have seen tall. Pouter-blown, padded-breasted,
full privates of the Life Guards Blue walking with some tiny
nursemaid in the parks. Verily Pigeons and human beings
much resemble each other. Well, market day came, and didn't
the Pigeons know that day ! It was their feast day. From the
farmers' hands fell, rolling through their plump fingers, the
grains of sample ccrn ; and beneath, between, and on their feet
were the Pigeons picking up the wheat, or the barley, or the peas,
or the beans. The farmers looked for the birds, loved the birds,
" blessed the pretty creatures," told their children about them at
home. Just as the Square of St. Mark is famous for its Pigeons
BO this county-town market-place became famous for its Pigeons.

Were the farmers inclined to kick or trample on the birds ? Not
a bit of it. These were too fat and kindly. " Let me have men
about me that are fat; sleek-headed men, and such as sleep
o' nights," said Cfesar. Such are all, as a rule, kind not only to
men but to birds and animals ; they are not little lean wasps
and waspish-tempered. Give me fat coachmen, plump grooms,
comfortably-covered gardeners — anything but fat short-jacketed
boys ; they are detestable, and ought to be kept on half rations
until thinner. Fat and goodness go together in this world; and
the old painters always represent the angels as fat, so I suppose
they go together in the nest.

The Pigeons were great favourites with the farmers because
of their beauty and great tameness, and pairs were bought to
take home to cheer some sick child or grandchild at the farm in
the great black flat feus. Now all this was as it ought to be,
but it is not always so. Sometimes there is cruelty to the birds
without intention, as when the new comer's wing is tied, and
the bird put up with the rest in those very unsatisfactory lookers
nailed to the end of a building. The bird tries to fly down with
the rest, and breaks perhaps a leg or sadly bruises itself. Some-
times cruel boys tie crackers to the tails of Pigeons. Then
theru is the crowding cruelty of the dealers' cages, when a large
number are put into the cage in the window, and there is peck-
ing, and fighting, and crowding, and often starving and want of
water too. But go to Leadenhall Market, and there, if things
are as bad as they were sis or seven years ago, there is cruelty
enough in the crowding of poor birds of all descriptions ; where
you might, and I fear may, see fowls. Ducks, Geese, Pigeons,
literally jammed together in cages with no room for movement.
Ducks putting pitifully their long necks through the openings,
asking either to be taken back to the farmyards or to be merci-
fully killed. Anywhere, anywhere out of such a world.

Then, fanciers, I turn to you. What about the overshowing of
your birds? Fun for you, aye, and cups and prizes, but death
to the poor birds. If you enter them at far-distant shows go
with them or send some trusty person with them. The best
birds ever bred in Eeglsnd have been killed by overshowing.
This is too bad (bad in every way), for we can ill afford to lose
from the fancy splendid specimens. Then the fanciers of
homing birds are not guiltless. Forcing their birds to over-
long flights is surely very cruel. It is abusing a beautiful
instinct— the love of home and of young— all for money, and
often bets and gambling. Homing birds deserve better treat-
ment, for they may some time or other be useful to their country,
and, though not strictly fancy bird'), are deserving of as great
care as fancy birds. Think, then, of the cruelty of making these
good home-loving creatures fly even nine hundred miles, as in
the race from Rome to Belgium in 18G8. " Of the two hundred
liberated," says Mr. Tegetmeier, " not more than twenty ever
returned" What of the 180? Some perched lonely on the
Apennines, fome died on the Alps, some dropped in Swiss
hollows. Poor birds ! trying so bard to get home— trying so
hard to reach the little nest in their Belgian lofts. How they
tried and still persevered in spite of weakness and hxrnger, tiU
the fleet wing failed quite and they perished from man's cruelty.
Never more, I trust, will there be such over-long races. As
matters of business they would not be needed. The sore needs
of a besieged city would never require such long flights. " Use,
not abuse," must be your motto, homing fancier. Of the cruelty
of the Pigeon-shooting matches I will speak next time. —
Wiltshire Rector.

TIMELY PREPARATIONS.

Evert bee-keeper should prepare beforehand for coming
events. Though bees in this locality were late in commencing
breeding this year, and though the weather has been and is still
very unfavourable for bees, we are expecting things to take a
favourable turn for them. The fruit trees are well set with
flower buds, promising a great show of blossom. Flower huda
on sycamores are very abundant this year and swelling fast. The
white clover plant of the fields should be strong, as it was not
injured by frost last winter. If weather permit we shall have a
year of honey. Last year we had unfavourable weather until
the middle of June, afterwards a good yield of honey was ob-
tained.

Whatever mode of management be followed, it is wise to
make preparitions in time. Hives should he ready for swarma
and supers for stocks managed on the non-swarming system.
On the swarming principle we provide about one-fourth mora
empty hives than the number of our swarming stocks, say
twenty-five hives for every twenty stocks. The additional hivea
are used for second swarms and turnouts. In fine honey
seasons, when most of the stocks are heavy at swarming time
and have their honey taken from them three weeks after, we
use the hives a second time the same season byrepeopling them
with the turn-outs. Hives thus used and managed are filled
twice in a season. Two of the advantages of this system are-
first, an early harvest of flower honey; and secondly, the hives
are refilled with young aweet combs and virgin honey.

302

JOUKNAIi OF HOBTICDLTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

The Bame principle and management can be practised with
bar-frame hivea. AH the combs can be removed for honey three
weeks after Dwarming, and the empty bars returned to be re-
filled. In bar-frame hives — indeed, in straw and all kinds of
hives, the centre brood combs could be left for breeding pur-
poses and the outside combs removed for honey. Better stocks
and sweet young combs are obtained by the removal of the
centre as well as the outside combs. A few pounds of sugar
costing Is. or Is. tid. given to the bees will enable them to make
good the loss they sustain in the removal of the old brood
combs.

For non-Bwarmers provide plenty of supers to place on hives
before they are ready for swarming. Straw and wood supers
are more easily managed than glass supers, but glass looks better
than either wood or straw. A hint was lately given in this
Journal to prevent the loss of swarms while supers are being
filled. In all non-swarming hives we would have queens that
cannot fly. This can be done by cutting a wing off each. The
loss of wings will not cripple them in any way for indoor work.
If the bees of any of the hives attempt to swarm the queen
will go with them to the point of the flightboard and drop to
the ground. The swarm will go without her and return as soon
as it discovers its loss. The queen will probably crawl back
into the hive. We have known one do so five times. Facilities
to do so should be provided. A stone or piece of wood touching
the ground and flightboard is all that is required, provided the
hive is within a foot of the ground.

" But," someone may ask, " how is the queen to be caught ?"
If in a common hive the bees should be driven into an empty
hive, the queen seized between the finger and thumb and de-
prived of a wing; then cast all back into the hive. It is simply
the work of four or five minuter. In bar-frame hives she must
be found by the withdrawal of one bar of comb after another till
she is seen and winged. In both kiuda of hives the process is
simple and easy. In providing and prepari; g hives and supers
guidecombs should not be forgotten, for they are of oouBiderable
importance both to swarms and in supering for honeycomb.
— A. Pettigrew.

CRUDE AND PERFECT HONEY.
I CANNOT forbear to reply in a few words to a statement which
Mr. Pettigrew makes in the Journal for March 22nd. Here I
read, " Bees in returning from the fields first drop their pollen
and honey in the cells in the centre of their hives, afterwards
convert it into honey, carry it aloft, and there store it up." lu
answer to this I will only state that last summer, when the
supers were being filled by my bees belonging to the straw hive
which gave me 131^ lbs. of virgin comb, although some bees
may have first passed through the stock hive, I know that thou-
sands never entered it on their way to the supers. As I stated
in your pages last autumn, some supers were placed at the side
of the straw hive and some over it. All those bees which entered
the side supers alighted on the floorbo.ird, which was much
larger than the circumference of the stock hive, and passed into
these supers direct with their burdens of honey. The pile of
supers above rested on a Lee's squai'O super, the corners of which
projected over the top of the mother hive. This pile had been
placed on a square of thick cardboard. The bees, a few days
after the cardboard had been placed there, nibbled away one
projecting corner, and until all the supers were filled and sealed
a continuous stream of honey-bearers daily passed in at this
open corner and discharged their burdens at once into the grow-
ing cells of the supers. How Mr. Pettigrew can reconcile this
with his statement as quoted above I do not see. Certainly the
honey stored in my supers was far from being crude ; it was of
finest flavour and aroma.— P. H. P., Offlei/ Lodge, Hitchen.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Eggs D>rFEnTn:.B (lgnoramm).—'Danag the winter (December, January,
and first half of February) if it be wished the eggs should be fertile a oock
should have two, or at most three, hens with him, and even then all the eggs
will not be fertile. If a cock be put down among seven or eight pullets he will
probably make his selection and adhere to it. There is no mistake greater
than to suppose there is no like or dislike in the case. Not only is dislike
evinced by a cock, but it is perpevered in, and unless the victim is removed
she is always killed, if in conflnement, or pines away and hides herself if at
liberty. It is tor this reason that where a cook runs with eight hens in the
winter many of the eggs are clear— r^., they are not impregnated. The clear
unfertile eggs do not change uuder the hen. At the end of three weeki they
are as bright and apparently as fresh as the day they were laid. The egg
that has become rotten has had a germ of life developed; that has been
destroyed by cold or neglect, and decomposition follows. There are some
points that need clearing up. It is said that the presence of the cock is only
necessary for a few days, and all the eggs will be fertile. It is so with
Turkeys. Others say that when the cock is taken away the eggs soon become
unfertile. We have known a hen Turkey steal a nest, lay, and hatch every
egg iii_ confinement, and she had been in that confiuemeut a month before
she laid the first egg. On the other hand, we {for the experiment sake)
shifted a hen from one pen to another three times ; we put her on her eggs,
and the produce showed three distinct paternities.

Hen's Legs Powerless (J. B.\ — There is a pressure of blood upon the
brain. The fowls are too fat. Give lettuce leaves and no barley, bat a Uttla
barleymeal and bran mashed twice daily.

Dari (A Fancier). — It is a species of millet, native of India, and known to
botanists as Panicum miliaceum. It is nourishing, but not more likely to pro-
mote egg-laying than other grain.

Cdbe of Gapes ( W. E. C.).— We have learned to jest at gapes by making
free use of camphor. We give to a chicken in a very bad case a pill the size
of a small garden pea. As soon as we see symptoms of gapes we give the
birds wafer to drink which is strongly impregnated with camphor, thus giving
to the chickens that which was a favourite medicine with oar great grand-
mothers, "camphor julep." The treatment seems to explain itselX. Tho
gapes or "gaping" is caused by the presence of small red worms in the
windpipe. No medicine can reach them unless it does so by vapour. An
hour after the chicken has swallowed the pill it smells of camphor. Camphor
is a very strong vermifuge, and the worms die.

Shell-less Eogs (F. J.).— The hens are probably too fat. If so, feed on
less nourishing food and have a heap ol lime rubbish for them to scratehin.

Address.— Mr. Abbott, Fairlawn, Hanwell.

Bar-frame Hive ( H'. B. r.).— We cannot state any preference. We have
seen them all employed satisfactorily.

Straw Hives. — " I would remind your writere and readers that straw
hives require no ventilation in the winter, and also that they may be much
more easily and cheaply protected from rain, cold, or heat than wooden hives.
— E. H. E., West Norfolk:'

Stewarton and Carr Hives. — The correspondent "ScoTca" page 244,
possessed the octagon Stewarton as well as square hive designated the " Carr
Stewarton," and in reply to his queries, to prevent confusion, the terms
"Stewarton" and "Carr" were alone used. Mr. William Carr, Newton
Heath, Manchester, writes that his, presumably the original or " Carr " proper
hive, to which no allusion was intended, is not "too cramped and small for
practical bee-keeping," having a capacity of from 1822i to 3956 cubic inches
without supers. Tho name " Carr Stewarton " seems" unfortunate, leading
to the muddle that it is the " Carr " on one side and the " Stewarton" on tho
other, while it is really neither. — A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper.

Dogs and Cats iKittit). — The cost would bo according to the liberality ol
diet. No one could give a precise reply to your query.

Bats. — " J. P." asks to be informed of the best way of keeping bats oat oi
a church, and if they are to be killed how it is to be done.

METEOROLOGICAl OBSEBVAIIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51" 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0= 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 A.H.

In the Day.

ii,a

Hygrome-

g-a

■3- .

Shade Tem.

Radiation

.3

April.

ter.

.1^

ai^s

perature.

Temperature.

P3

In

On

bry.
deg.

Wet.

deg.

Max.
deg.

Min.

grass,
deg.

Inches.

deg.

In.

We. 11

29.631

4H7

48.0

N.

48.0

59.0

44.8

89.8

0.14S

Th. la

30.034

43.2

40.0

E.

46.S

50 3

36.1

82.6

—

Fri. 13

29 981

46.5

43.8

S.

45.0

55.2

38.2

73.6

35.1

0.040

Sat. 14

80.088

47.1

45.9

N.E.

45.9

64.9

43.9

76.0

89.8

Sun. 15

30.091

49.3

45.0

S.E.

44.4

5S.3

40.5

89.0

36.6

—

Mo. 16

29.724

44.7

39 2

S.E.

45.3

48.5

41.8

80.8

40.7

Tu. 17

129.619

43.7

39.0

N.E.

48.7

■49.0

36.8

98 0

so.a

0.089

Means.

29.882

46.2

43.0

45.5

62,9

40.1

86.3

36.4

0.210

REMAKES.
11th.— Slight fog and very dark for a short time about 8 A.M.; fair foreuoon,

bat a short and slight thunderstorm at 1 p.m., with heavy rain; fine

afterwards.
l'2th.— A very fine day and pleasant, though much colder.
13th.— Fair but dull day ; rain commenced a little before 5 p.m., and con-
tinuing during the evening.
14th. — Fair but dull all day, and chilly towards night.
15th. — Fine morning ; a fair but dull day ; wind rather high at night.
16th.— Dull morning and forenoon, the afternoon a trifle brighter; starlit

night but very cold, and wind high.
17th. — Fair and bright at 8 a.m., but only for a short time ; a solar halo at

0.30 P M.; dull, grey, cold, aud windy afternoon, evening, and night ;

a few drops of raio occasionally, but not a measurable quantity until

after midnight.
A dull cheerless week, especially the last two days. Temperature generally
about 4^ colder than last week.— G. J. SYaiONS.

COVENT GARDEN MAKKET.— a^pril 18.

A MORE lively trade doing, and prices have been well maintained. A few

good samples of new Grapes have arrived, as also Peaches and Figs, the last-

named from the Channel Islands. A slow trade for Cucambers at lower

rates.

FRtJlT.

R. A. s. d. I a. d. 8. d

dozen 0 OtoO 0

, V 100 8 0 12 0

I Peaches dozen IB 0 30 0

Pears, kitchen,... dozen 0 0 0 0

dessert dozen 8 0 12 0

PineApplea lb. 2 0 5 0

Plums i seive 0 0 0 0

Quinces bushel 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 I Raspberries lb. 0 0 0 0

~ — ' ' strawberries oz. 0 6 10

Walnuts bushel 6 0 8 0

ditto ^ 100 0 0 0 0

Chestnuts bushel 0

Currants i sieve 0

Black 1 do. 0

Figs dozen 12

Filberts lb. 0

Cobs lb. 1

(looseberriea quart 0

Grapes, hothouse.... lb. 15 0

Lemons ^100 6 "

Melons each 0

AprU 2C, 1877. )

JOUBXAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK.

303

WEEKLY CALENDAR

of "o7 APRIL 23-MAY 2, 1877.
Month Week.

ATerage

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

Sun
Sets.

Moon
Rises.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Sun.

Day
of
Year.

26 Ta Eoyal Society at S 30 P.M.

27 F Bojal Inatitation at 8 P.M.

28 8 Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 P.M.

29 Son , 4 Sunday after Easter.

30 M Zoological Society (Annivermry) at 1 P.M.

1 Tn ! Koyal Institution (Anniversary!, at 2 P.M.

2 W Koyal Horticultural Society— Exhibition anJ Fruit and

1 [ Floral Committees at 11 a.m.

Day.

60.5
69.2
60.8
60.4
61.0
6L2
62.5

Night.
36.1
86.0
35.7
37.3
39.0
39.5
39.2

Mean.
48.3
47.6
48.2
48,9
50.0
60.4
50.8

h. m.
4 43
4 41

4 39
4 87
4 85
4 33
4 81

h. m.

7 12
7 14
7 16
7 17
7 19
7 21
7 22

b. m.

6 16

7 42
9 6

10 25

11 34

0 28

h. m.

8 48
4 3
4 21

4 45

5 18

6 3

7 1

Days.
13

•
15
16
17
18
19

m. a.
2 20
2 29
2 89
2 47

2 56

3 3
8 11

116
117
118

119
120
121
122

From obserrations taken near London daring forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 60.8=; audits night temperature
37.6'.

KITCHEN APPLES SUITABLE FOK A COOL
CLIMATE.

^^£SjP HE interest of many of your coiTcspondents'
Tii'^IE^ articles on fi'uit-culture would be much en-
hanced if they would give the name of the
market town nearest to their place of abode.
That interesting article on Apple culture,
pubUshed in No. 835 of our Journal, loses
much of its value because the wiiter has not
given sufficiently precise information respect-
ing his whereabouts. "Hive," he says, "in
a sonthera county.'' Who can possibly guess
which of all the southern counties? "Soil deep sandy
loam." But what kind of subsoil ? — one provocative of
canker or one in which the roots would delight to strike
deep ?

Infoiination on several points is especially needed to
promote the more successful culture of the Apple — the
names of the Apples that succeed best in a given locahty,
whether adapted for cooking purposes or dessert ; the
kind of stock that seems to suits them ; the length of
time that intervenes between the year they are planted
and then- coming into bearing ; the method of training
most suitable to theu- style of growth ; the time of year
in which each variety becomes ready for use, and how
long it will remain sound in the fruit-room ; the names
also of those varieties of Apples that have been tried and
have failed to give satisfaction in that locality. We do not
wish to hear only of successfal culture ; failures convey
nseful warnings.

" W. G." seems to have been unusually unfortunate in
the persons he has dealt with. I have received a bundle
of fruit trees evei-y year for the last twenty-five years
from the Sawbridgeworth nurseries, and only rarely in-
deed have any mistakes been made.

Whenever garden space is at all limited I think it is not
desirable to plant many varieties of kitchen Apples. They
remain for so long a time sound in the fruit-room that
five or six kinds only are required to keep up a sufficient
supply from the end of August to the beginning of July.

We have been frequently recommended in the pages
of our Journal not to buy a large collection of different
varieties of Bosos — that duplicates of the best sorts would
give more satisfaction. This advice is more especially
true with regard to the purchase of Apples.

Skipton in West Yorkshire is my nearest post town.
Climate not adapted for the cultivation of Wheat. The
earliest Potatoes and Peas arc not ready for use until the
last week in June ; Strawberries ripe in the second week
in July. SoU, light black earth mingled with limestone
gravel, about 18 inches in depth ; subsoil, limestone gravel.
The roots of almost all fruit trees are disposed to canker
when they penetrate this subsoil.

Lord Suffield is the best early Apple. It is ready for
use about the end of August and remains sound about two
months. It entirely supersedes all the Codlins. Very
large handsome fruit, melting, juicy, with a most agree-
able flavour. The tree is hardy, and forms a most regular

Ko. 839.-VOL. XXXTT., NEVf Seeies.

pyi-amid on the Crab stock, on which it begins bearing
fruit in three or four years from the graft. It also forms
a regular-shaped healthy spreading bush on the Paradise
stock, on which it bears even more abundantly than on
the Crab and yields finer fruit.

This Apple is succeeded by Tower of Glammis. It is
ripe about the end of October, and will keep till the end
of January. Fruit large, juicy, with a perfumed flavour
closely resembling that of Lord Suffield. It grows freely
on the Paradise and forms a somewhat awkward-looking
but prohfic bush, which will begin to bear fruit the second
year after it is planted.

Dumelow's Seedling is ready for use in January, and
will remain sound and perfectly good and juicy till July.
A few years ago the editor of the " Florist and Pomo-
logist " held an election of different kinds of fi'uits. This
Apple was placed first on the poll of kitchen Apples, so
it is the premier baking Apple of England. It grows
freely on the Paradise, and forms a beautiful, regular,
prolific pyramid, which usually begins bearing fruit the
second year after it is received from the nursery. I have
thirteen trees of this variety; and it would have been
greatly to the advantage of my fruit- room if I had planted
more trees of Dumelow's Seedling instead of indulging
my curiosity in the purchase of untried sorts. I am
unable to state how far it succeeds on the Crab stock,
as I am perfectly satisfied with its performance on the
Paradise. It will, however, give finer fruit if it be trained
upright against an east or west wall.

Although these three kinds will do all that can be
required of Apples throughout the entire season, stUI
there are three other sorts of such high excellence that
they should not be omitted. Cox's Pomona on the Para-
dise forms a beautiful, healthy, compact Imsh which never
fails to bear year by year. It is one of the best and most
proHfio of Apples. Ready in October, but does not re-
main sound veiy long.

Winter Hawthornden is naturally of so dwarf a growth
that it requh-es all the vigour the Crab stock can give it.
Here it grows nest to Cos's Pomona, and forms a round
compact bush about the same size as its neighbour. It
comes into bearing when four or five years old from the
gi-aft, and if not overcropped will give some very fine
large fruit. Here it has reached 17 ozs. I first saw this
Apple growing in a garden near Eipon when every fruit
seemed to be about that size. It bears freely, and is in use
from November to the end of December. On the Para-
disc stock this Apple and Warner's King and Stirling
Castle succeed well as two-branched lateral cordons trained
along a wire about a foot from the surface as an edging
to the border of a kitchen garden.

Cellini on the Paradise is the most beautiful-looking
Apple, and the most abundant bearer of all that I have
mentioned. Here it is trained upright against a wall,
and in the autumn its red-streaked fruit are very orna-
mental. Its upright style of growth is better adapted
for the pyramid shape than that of the bush. It will
begin bearing as soon as it has grown a scrap of wood
to bear from, and is in use until Christmas.

No. liai.— Vol. LVII., Old Sebieb.

301

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

( April 26, 18W.

It is not pleasant to confess failures, and that is the reason,
I suppose, why we hear so little about them. It is some
consolation, however, to know that those who will take the
trouble to read them may escape some disappointment. Small's
Admirable as a bush has only yielded one fruit for the last ten
years. It is of the Stirling Castle race, but by no means so
good.

Ringer, bush, is a hardy, free-bearing, good Apple, like Lord
SulUeld, bat not equal to it in size or flavour.

Rymer, very slow in coming into bearing, not prolific, and
fruit small. Climate too cold for it.

Gravenstein declined to fruit. Requires a wall, I fancy.

Bedfordshire Foundling grows freely on the Paradise. It
has, however, taken some years to consider whether it will
bear fruit here or not. The same may be said of Blenheim
Pippin. Nelson's Codlin is not equal to Lord SufHeld. Jolly
Beggar and Gloria Mundi are still thinking whether the climate
will suit them. These are all on the Paradise stock. Betty
Geeson being a dwarf grower was purchased on the Crab.
Daring the ten years it has been in my garden it has grown
into a compact bush, but it has not produced a single fruit.

Keswick Codlin I have regrafted to some extent with Lord
Suffield, Stirling Castle, and Galloway Pippin. This last-
mentioned variety was sent out four or five years ago by
Messrs. Backhouse, from whom I received a pyramid on the
Paradise stock which has made healthy growth, and the tree
is now well furnished with fruit spurs, so I hope this kind will
prove to be a success.

My gardener was delighted to read the aoconnt your Lincoln-
shire correspondent gave of an Apple styled Greasy Coat.
He recognised it at once from the very accurate description
given of it. A tree of that variety grew for many years against
the west wall in the rectory garden. East Marton, until that
garden was broken up. He says it was the most abundant
bearer he ever saw, and well deserves to be again introduced
into this neighbourhood.

Mr. Robson rejoices in his orchard and trees that yield
Apples by the bushel ; but what are all those to do who are
not so fortunate as to possess an orchard ? Plant one, and
wait in all patience for an Apple pie for fifteen or twenty years ?
These days are far too hurried aud fussy for such a long
drawn-out process. I say, then, plant bushes and pyramids
on the Paradise, and these dwarf trees for the first eighteen
years will yield a larger number of Apples than the same kinds
would produce if grafted on the Crab. Few people would care
to provide for a supply of Apples in their garden for a longer
period. It is surprising how soon these dwarf trees begin
bearing, and what a quantity of first-rate fruit they will give.
In 1873 I had 19 feet of unoccupied wall, so I planted there
seven Apple trees on the Paradise — two of Dnmelow's Seedling,
Cox's Pomona, and Tower of Glammis, and one CeUini. All
these came from the nursery, trained upright, each having
five cordons. From these I gathered in 187 4 twenty-six fine
Apples, in 1875 seventy-seven Apples, in 1876 sixty-six fruit,
and judging from the amount of flower they are now showing
there will be quite as good a crop this year. This free bearing
of fruit did not prevent them from making year by year a free
healthy growth of wood.

It is, however, notorious that Apples on this dwarf stock do
not always grow as they are wished, but remain puny and
stunted. To a certain extent this fault may be accounted for
in this way — there are Paradise stocks and Paradise stocks.
Mr. Rivers in that most useful book of his, " The Miniature
Fruit Garden," which has now reached the eighteenth edition,
says, "There are fourteen kinds of Paradise stocks; five of
these are remarkable for giving very dwarf trees, all the others
giving dwarf healthy trees." So wherever Apple trees on any
of these five very dwarf stocks are planted it is not to be
wondered at that they should make but little progress year by
year. To avoid such a disappointment as this the nurseryman
should be informed for what purpose dwarf Apple trees are
required, and doubtless he will send the most suitable trees, at
any rate it is very much to his own advantage to do so. — C. M.

EBICA MEDITEERANEA.
Tnis giant Heath is now in full bloom, and is worthy of a
special note for two or three reasons, not the least important
of which is its large size, for it attains to the proportions of a
good-sized shrub, and forms a striking and important feature
in a shrubbery, especially when planted in large clumps. It
grows 80 fast, too, that young plants such as one usually ob-

tains from a nurseryman will in four years be as many feet in
height; and when, as now, they are laden with large dense
clusters of blossom they are very ornamental.

I have known persons to express a feeling of dielike to this
Heath on the score of the colour of its flowers — a pale lilac,
which is certainly somewhat tame when contrasted with the
gay pink bells of E. carnea ; but it should never be forgotten
that we have ample compensation for this dullness of the
flowers in their delicious perfume, which E. mediterranea
possesses in a higher degree than any other Heath with which
I am acquainted. Its various qualities combine to render it
one of our prime favourites, worthy to rank high among spring-
flowering shrubs. — Edwabd Luckhubst.

EFFECTIVE AREANGEMENT OF SPRING
FLOWERS.

The Crocus. — A great variety of colours are found in this
charming family — yellow, purple, white, blue, lilac, and other
shades, either plain or with blotches and stripes. They produce
an excellent effect either when planted separate or blended
together. I once saw a mixed bed of Crocuses thinly planted
and growing through a carpet of the green Spergula pilifera,
which set off the flowers to the best advantage, and this bed
had a different effect every day, for one day yellow would pre-
dominate, another day blue, and another day white, &e. The
principal value of this bulb, however, consists in its suitability
for planting near the margin or edge of flower beds so as not
to require removing.

The Narcissus family is numerous, and how charming is the
gay Daffodil, the sweet single kinds — the white, red, pheasant-
eyed Narcissus, and many others which merit a place in every
garden. A bed of Narcissus with a band or ring of an early
scarlet Tulip is very pleasing both near and at a distance.

The Saxifrages are a most desirable class of plants, which
combine easy culture and profuseness of blossom. They make
cheerful beds by themselves, for there are various shades of
colour. I once saw a bed of Saxifraga crassifolia, reddish pink,
and the yellow Primrose blooming together, and it was a
pleasing combination. Double Primroses make a beautiful
bed, for we have yellow, white, lilac, and crimson. A bed of
Alyssum saxatile, yellow, edged with Gentiana acaulis, rich
blue, has a fine effect. Beds of white Alyssum edged with
pale blue Pansies are good. Pansies in mixture with an edging
of Aubrietia purpurea are also attractive.

The Hepatica is in its glory in April. The effect produced
with the red, white, and blue is quite delightful. I am sur-
prised they are so rarely to be met with.

The SciLLAS. — These lovely dwarf flowers are especially
pretty. Their star-like forms with golden anthers have a good
effect, and the white variety of the same habit looks well in
rows, patches, or in small beds. A bed of white Saxifraga
granulata associated with a pink-coloured Squill is distinct
and pretty. Forget-me-not, an edging of Golden Feather, and
mixed Polyanthus with an edging of double white and red
Daisies, are also effective.

Crown Imperials are a noble tribe of plants, consisting of
single and double kinds. The colours are red, orange, and
yellow, also striped. The surface of the bed containing them
should be covered with the Dog's-tooth Violet, both foliage
and flowers of which are distinct and pretty.

Anemones. — Those are highly ornamental, and are admir-
ably adapted for producing a display during the early spring.
The single-flowered varieties are crimson, scarlet, white, blue,
purple, rose, blush, and are also variously striped. The foliage
is elegantly divided. They yield a long continuation of bloom,
and when grown in masses nothing can be prettier. They are
easily cultivated and cheap.

A bed of mixed alpine Phloxes with an edging of Nemophila
insignis makes an elegant picture. This class of Phlox is
dwarf, neat, and uniform in habit, with pleasing shades of
colour. An effective bed may be made by planting Dielytra
spectabilis and Saponaria calabrica together, with an edging of
Golden Thyme. Another and equally effective bed is com-
posed of scarlet and white Intermediate Stocks, with a band
of yellow Violas. A bed of purple Silene pendula edged with
Iberis (Candytuft) is always admired. A bed of Wallflowers
is worthy of a place in every garden, for this is a sweet old
flower, and there are now some distinct colours both doable,
semi-double, and single. Seeds of Wallflowers should be sown
in April; Stocks, Alyssums, and Forget-me-nots in July; and
Saponaria, Silene, and Nemophila in September.

April 26, 1877.

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

303

When sowing it ia a good plan, 'if only a email number
of plants are required, to sow in boxes and protect in a cold
frame during the winter. The plants may be lifted with a
trowel with the rough soil adhering to the roots, and they
will scarcely snfYer from the removal when transferred to
beds or borders in the spring. Primroses, Polyanthnses, and
Pansies may be raised by sowing seed in May ; prick out the
plants when large enough to handle, and they make strong
plants, and most of them show their colours by the autumn.

This list might be extended, but I have only mentioned
those plants that I know will flourish in and near large towns.
With spring flowers, which can be provided with little trouble
and expense, there need be no bare beds.— N. Cole.

KITCHEN GARDEN NOTES.

Thick versus thin Sowing. — No greater waste in the kitchen
garden is known to me than sowing good seed thickly. This
does not apply to one kind of small seed more than another ;
and the waste is not only in sowing more seed than is neces-
sary, but young plants which come up in a thick mass are
always very much inferior to those which have sufficient space
to fully develope themselves from the first. Sometimes the
seed is suspected to be bad and is sown thickly so as to insure
a crop, but this is a poor apology, because seed of so queetiou-
able a nature sbonld never be depended on for a crop. When
the seed is sown thickly the plants rise in a mass, and when they
come to be thinned those left bend in the stem, fall down and
get blown about until they are next to useless. Good produce
need never be expected from young plants of this kind. Seeds
of such crops as Lettuce, Cabbage, Cauliflower, &a., the plants
of which are drawn and transplanted as soon as they can be
bandied, may be sown a little thicker than such as Carrots,
Turnips, and other crops which remain on the ground. Does
it not appear ridiculous to have two or three hundred plants
coming-up in a 3 or 4-feet run of a row when not more than
three or four plants will be ultimately required to form the
crop •?

RoCGH versus Fine Subfaces. — In sowing seeds the ground
is as a rule, raked as fine as it can be made over them, and in
m>aking or finishing-off such as Onion beds, the ground is not
only raked flne but the little rough pieces that escape are
beaten down with the back of a spade. Those who practise
this " neat finishing " should have been taught a lesson this
wet spring. The first heavy rain that falls on a fine surface of
soil causes it to cake over, and the wet after that runs off as
from a board ; and further, when the weather becomes dry
tliia caked surface is baked nearly as hard as a brick, and how
can seed be expected to grow, or plants develope properly in
stuff like this ? On the contrary, a moderately rough surface
allows the wet to pass through and the soil does not " bake,"
consequently the young plants thrive satisfactorily. Raked sur-
faces look neat, but I never make the surface of any soil finer
than it is made with the Dutch hoe.

Cutting Eaely Cabdaoes. — Some cut their early Cabbages at
the lowermost leaves. This ia not economical, because when
cut so low the stems seldom sprout much afterwards ; whereas,
when they are cut up as far as can be done without injnry to
the head, and as many of the leaves are left as possible, there
are soon many side beads emitted from the stem, and each of
these ultimately becomes as useful in the kitchen as the first
heads. Cabbages when properly attended yield gatherings
from May until November. — A Kitchen Gabdenee.

THE NARCISSUS AT TOOTING.
All admirers of the old and great genus of Narcissus
are indebted to Mr. Barr for cultivating, to Mr. Burbidge for
figuring, and to Mr. Baker for classifying and describing the
several species and varieties now in cultivation. Old — very
old — writers have also left us the records of their researches,
Lobel, Oerarde, Parkinson, Linuffius, Miller, Herbert, Haworth,
and others having devoted much attention to the Narcissus ;
and how many poets have sung of its praises it would not be
easy to determine, but some of them are mentioned in Mr.
Bnrbidge's beautiful and instructive volume, which is devoted
to a discussion of the history and cultivation of this hardy
brilliant garden flower.

Mr. Barr justly describes the Narcissus as being " amongst
the oldest and most beautiful of spring-flowering bulbous
plants. It has for centuries been one of the most highly | in possessing the odour of beeswax. Resembling the above

prized garden favourites, and has commanded in an unusual
degree the attention of the scientific botanist. During epochs
when artificial gardening has been in the ascendant. Narcissus,
like many other charming flowers, has had to yield to the in-
exorable goddess of fashion. At such times it has been saved
from extinction by the fostering care of our botanic gardens
and of those enthusiastic amateurs who love flowers not for
what they cost, but for their intrinsic beauty, and who, while
they do not ignore new introductions, discard not their old
friends unless the new is an improvement on the old. The
Narcissus, however, like many another neglected flower, is now
reasserting its position and claiming its proper place in the
general economy of border decoration and as a cut flower for
furnishing vases."

Surely no one can regret that these old flowers are re-assert-
ing their position ; in fact, it would seem impossible for any
to do so who had seen them defiant of " March frosts " and
" April showers," fresh, bright, and beautiful as they are now
in the quarters at Tooting. And as to their adaptability for
" furnishing vases," a bouquet now before me, culled almost
at random from the beds, affords sufficient evidence that no
other hardy garden flowers of the period combine such bold-
ness yet elegance of form, such purity yet brilliancy of colour-
ing, as do these. Coarse, perhaps, the common Daffodil may
be, but coarseness cannot be fitly applied to one other of the
forms of this extremely varied family.

The Narcissuses at Tooting are grown in long beds with sunken
paths between them after the manner of Asparagus beds. The
soil is a deep alluvial loam, low- lying, and moist. The different
species and varieties are grown in large masses, except, of
coarse, some which are yet scarce, and the effect produced is
extremely rich, the larger kinds being gorgeous when viewed
from a distance, and the smaller exquisitely chaste when closely
examined ; in fact, the diversity presented by the many repre-
sentatives of the genus is wonderful — dazzling without being
gaudy, pure and quiet without being tame.

As a rule the single are much more beautiful than the double
flowers. For instance, a bed of double Daffodils suggests no
idea of the richer, equally bold, yet elegant N. pseudo-Narcissus
var. (obvallaris) maximus grown in quantity. The perianth
segments of the flower are l^inch long and slightly waved, the
corona or cup being 2 inches deep, expanded at the mouth, and
crenulate, the colour an intense golden yellow. The plant is
vigorous and flowers freely. For grassy banks and knolls, large
irregular clumps of this fine single Daffodil would be extremely
effective, and would cheer and brighten many an otherwise
dark spot in the early days of spring. That is the richest of
all the Narcissuses now flowering in quantity at Tooting ; but
still larger and finer forms of it are found in Emperor, yellow ;
and Empress, white segments and yellow cup, real monarchs
of the family, and highly worthy of cultivation.

The last-named belongs to the N.bicolor section, a conspicu-
ous group, the flowers having white petals 1| inch long, and
pure pale yellow cups 1 J inch deep, expanded at the mouth and
faintly crenulated ; an extremely fine variety of this is N. Hors-
fieldii, a large, bold, beautiful flower, emphatically worthy of
extensive cultivation. Mr. Burbidge informs me that this was
raised from N. bicolor by a Lancashire weaver, and was sold
after his death as a dower for his widow. It is undoubtedly a
handsome flower, and is only surpassed in size by one other of
this race — the Empress above named.

I next take from my bouquet two or three forms of N. in-
oomparabilis. The single types of these are extremely chaste
yet sufficiently cheerful. The perianth segments of these are
large, flowing, and elegant, and the cups are small and more
or less lobed. The creamy white form is known as the " single
Phcenix." N. i. var. semipartita has sulphur petals and a
yellow cup ; and N. i. aurantiacus is deeper in all its parts ;
the flowers measure about 2h inches across. A seedling paper-
white variety is extremely chaste. The double examples of
N. incomparabilis are bold commanding flowers, but lack the
refinement of the single types. The variety in this section is
both extensive and varied, and the flowers, especially for
decoration in a cut state, are particularly appropriate. All the
forms are also suitable for garden and shrubbery decoration.

Another extremely beautiful flower, especially for vase orna-
mentation, is N. moschatus. The petals of this are creamy
white, IJ inch long, the cup being tube-shaped and nearly
2 inches deep, reflexed at the mouth and very shghtly serrated ;
its colour is pale primrose, shading to cream at the base. It
is a charming variety of the pseudo-Narcissus, and is singular

306

JOURNAL OF H3RTI0ULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENfifi.

t April 26, 1877.

and eqnftUybeantifn!, is another variety of the pseudo-Nar- I Special shows like the present one really promote horticul-
ana equBiiy uBauuiu., i= »"" „i,„,tar olon thn ntrianth Hpe- tnre in the most direct and practical manner. They take its
ciBSUB-cernnns, but the cnp is shorter, also he pf r anth eeg- "'« '^-J^^ j ■ detail, and perfect them the more quickly by a
ments, and the whole flower is more wax-like. The donb e ] ^„P^^j^j^.^tj„^ „, ^g^^l i^.ia^^t to their nature, and in the end
variety of this is highly distinct, and, unlike some of tne other ^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^_ ^j^^y ^^ ^^^^^ ^l^o jjj another manner-
doubles, has not the slightest approach to coarseneps Ihe , ^^^^.j [j^ppy meetings, where, as Mr. Horner once justly stated,
long tnbe-shaped cnp is perfectly smooth and slightly reflexed , much pleaenre is derived from the " simple Bource of ilowers,"
at the month, the tube being filled with petals which do not | where old acquaintances are renewed and new friends are made,,
protrude and give any appearance of raggedcees. When grow- ' and the object of all is strengthened. By the well-directed
ing it resembles a single flower, and its distinctness is not efforts of the promoters of this Show florists' flowers are for the

perceivable nntil closely examined or when placed in a vase
when it is certain to attract notice.
Amongst the large flowers two or three double varieties of

the time at a premium in the south, and Auriculas have not
" flickered feebly," but have shone brightly— the dawn, let u»
hope, of a longer and a better day for many highly beautiful but

thfZudoZcTsmXdurfrem^rto , ,, , , „^

the pseudo-r^arciBsns ^^'>J'^"""> " , , the ordinary I The Show was indeed a success, such a Show as has probably

wUd double Daffodil is smaller in all its parts than the ormnary ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^.^^^^ heartily, and

garden Daffodil, which is probably of Itahanor Spanish or gin ^^^^^^ sustained their fame and encouraged the executive

These are only suitable for planting ou grass and in woodland ^^ ^^^^ further and special efforts to popularise one of the most
walks. Haworth's double Daffodil— N. eystettensis- is, how- | charming of hardy flowers. The Exhibition was arranged on sis
ever, quite distinct and well worthy of cultivation in gardens, j ^^^^ tables in the transept near the theatre ; a better place in the
It is noteworthy that in this variety the crown segments are I palace could not have been found, nor a better mode of arrange-
totally absent, and the perianth segments which compose the i ment adopted. Every possible encouragement was given by the
flower are as Mr. Burbidge observes, " regularly superposed Committee to induce competition, for the prizes were declared
in six rows' like the flower of a Lady Hnme'e Blush Camellia." open to all, whether snbBcribers to the Society or ?«»- ff f^i°^««
tC nnlour is nale snlnhur vellow ' conditions which have been usually imposed were in this instance

Ihe colour is pale snlpnur yellow. -m-Her I to the utmost possible extent permisBive in their character ; in

Totally distinct from any of tl^^ jbove are the smaller I ^ ^^^ schedule and conditions were framed in a spirit of

brilliant yellow forms popularly known as Jonquils. One of m^g^^ij-j ^1^;^,,^ rendered them worthy of meeting with an
the most effective of these is N. odorns. The flowers are | „„animon8 response. The northerners exhibited splendidly,
2J inches in diameter, and are extremely bright : the flowers | j^^. Ho^gi. almost " sweeping the decks," and the cutler-
of the variety rugulosus are also large and intense in colour. ■■ florist Ben. Simonite brought flowers from the murky atmo-
These are the most effective of the section. Smaller are rugn- ! sphere of Sheflield which for purity and refinement were only

loBns minor and Jonquillus — the common sweet Jonquil, with
its smooth stalk and slender flowers. It is remarkable that this
alone of the numerous representatives of tho genus should be
BO powerfully perfumed. There is also a double form, but the
singles are the most effective both when grown in masses and
in a cut state, and all of them are worthy of cultivation.

A few others before me remain to be noticed — namely, the
Poet's NaroisBUB. These are the most chaste of all, and are
general favouriteB. No hardy cut flowers of the same season

a few points behind the Kirkby Malzeard plants. Of the
southerners Mr. Douglas was a worthy representative, and Mr.
Charles Turner also contributed greatly to the suoceBB of the

We will now give a narration of the prizes in the order of the
schedule. In Class A, twelve plants, dissimilar, the prizes were
,£4, £3, £2, and £1, for which five collections were staged. Rev.
F. D. Horner, Kirkby Malzeard, Eipon, had the post of honour
with a grand collection, comprising Traill's Anna, Traill's Prince
f Greens, Turner's Charles Perry, Lancashire's Lancashire

of the year are so valuable for general decorative purposes as ; Hero, Page's Champion, Smith's Ann Smith, Headley's George
these. They associate advantageously with almost any other : Lightbody, Booth's Freedom, John Simonite, ChM. C. Brown^
flowers and Ferns; and the commoner sorts are grown by the | Smiling Beauty, and Figaro Mr B. Simomte, Ko^g^^*"^'
acre for snpplving the London market. The most noticeable Sheffield, was second with John Simomte -Tahsman, Wilham
^fThe wSfatSooting are N recurvus, auriantius, tripo- | B-^^^'-/--^^;;^^^^^^^^^^^^

dalis, and stellaris, which are all of the same ivory-wh.te , g'f,^„!!."a7kdr^iS collection. Mr. Douglas, gardener to F.
colour with yellow cups margined with various shades ot rea, Y7hitburn, Esq., Loxford Hall, was placed third with Lanca-
but varying in the size and shape of the flowers and their ! ^^^^^ Hero, Smihug Beauty, Smith's Eliza, Robtrt Traill,
time of flowering. The double form of this is one of the l j^ij^ Waterston, Topsy, Admiral Napier, CharleB Perry, Col.
latest and finest of all, the flowers resembling Gardenias. Champneys, Pisarro, Lady Sale, and Alderman Wisbey ; and

Many other forms are also flowering, whDe some have faded,
and others remain to open. — Visitok.

NATION AT. AUKICULA SOCIETY'S SOUTHERN
SHOW.

Okystal Palace, April 21th.
Although critics have had their "fling" at special shows,
and have pronounced them as being " worthy of encouragement
and support " (when cousidered in connection with the Pelar-
gonium Society), and with the same breath have considered
them, when in connection with the National Eoee and Auricula
Societies, as having a tendency " to degrade horticulture, and
likely in the long run to do more harm than gocd," yet the first
southern show of the Auricula Society has put such critics " out
of court," and it is probable that the Rose Show will similarly
interfere with the correctness of the prophetic speculations
which have been indulged in. One might almost regard the
literature of special shows as being essentially singular, for
when we find one famous phrase ("florists' flowers are at a
discount in the Bouth ") bring down stern rt joinders, yet another
remark to the same purport from a still more celebrated grower
— namely, that "Auriculas appear to be northern lights that
flicker but feebly in the sunny south "-meets with silent accept-
ation. It is well that plain truths should be uttered, for, as
often happens, renewed efforts follow to disprove them iintil
they can no longer with justice be repeated. It is especially
pleasing when such is the result, and additionally so if it is
accompanied by an all-round shaking of hands and a general
acknowledgment that if everybody was wrong in one sense
they were right in another, and the desire of all is admitted to
be identical— namely, that the cultivation of florists' flowers
should receive an impetus, and their exhibition be a success.
That is, after all, what all true florists wish, and if one can do
more than another to accomplish that end none can bo other-
Wise than gratified that there is such an one in the ranks.

Mr. C. Turner, Slough, fourth with good examples of Peace-
maker, Lord Elgin, Squire Chilman, Pandora, Charles PerrJ^
Col. Champneys, Mrs. Sturrock, Crucifix, General Neill, ana
Robert Lightbody.

ClaBB B, six plants. lu this class Bix prizes were provided,
and there were five competitors. Rev. F. D. Horner being again
placed first with TraiU's Anna, George Lightbody, Pizarro,
Lancaehire Hero, Prince of Greens, and Smiling Beauty. Mr.
Douglas was second with Lancashire Hero, Col. Champneys,
Admiral Napier, Charles Perry, Col. Taylor, and Traill's Beauty.
Mr. Ben. Simonite was third with Lancashire Hero, Traill's
Beauty, Lovely Ann, Simonite's Fanny Crossland, Sims' Ehza
Simonite, and Campbell's Lord Palmerston ; Mr. Charles Turner
being fourth with George Lightbody, Highland Queen, Charles
Perry, Admiral Napier, Mrs. Sturrock, and Col. Champneys.

Class C, four plants and four compt titers, the Rev. F. D.
Horner was placed first with Heap's Smiling Beauty, Headly B
George Lightbody, Prince of Greens, ten fine pips ; and Figaro.
Second Mr. Turner with Admiral Wisbey with three grand
pips; Martin's Mrs. Sturrock, Turner's Col. Champneys, and
Charles Perry, splendid. Mr. Douglas, Loxford, was third with
Smiling Beauty, Smith's Eliza, Seedhng No. 34 (grey), a fine
flower but not flat ; and Col. Champneys. Fourth Mr. Jones,
Currow House Gardens, with Traill's General NeiU, large, but
a trifle coarse; Helen (grey), Mrs. Smith (self), and Miss
Willoughby. ^ .„_.,.,.

Class D., two plants, six competitors. Rev. F. D. Horner was
first again with George Lightbody, eight fine pips ; and Charles
Brown, nine pips. Second Mr. Douglas with Charles Perry
and Gain's Lady Richardson. Third Mr. Ben. Simomte with
Charles Brown and Simonite's Samuel Barlow. Fourth Mr.
Margetts, Lydington, Uppingham, with Traill's Napoleon and
Beauty, very large ; and fifth Mr. Turner with Charles Perry
and Col. Champneys. Four classes were arranged for single
specimens- namely, green-edged, grey-edged, white-edged, and
sells, and in each class eight prizes were provided.

In Class E, green-edged, the invincible Mr. Homer had the

April 26, 1877. 1

JOUBNAL OF HORTICUIiTUKE AND OOTTAGE GAKDENEB.

307

first four prizes with Page's Champion, Prince of Greens,
Col. Taylor, and Lancashire Hero respectively. Mr. Douglas
was fifth with Lord Palmerston, Mr. Horner sixth with George
Jeans, Mr. Douglas seventh with Lovely Ann, also eighth with
a seedling with violet body colour and good paste.

Class F, grey-edged. Fii-it Mr. Horner with Geo. Lightbody,
second Mr. Douglas with Robert Traill, third Mr. Horner with
Chas. Brown ; the remaining prizes — fourth Alma, fifth, sixth,
and seventh Lancashire Heros, and eighth Alexander Meiklejohn,
all going to the same great northern grower.

Class G, white-edged. Mr. Horner won the first four prizes
with Heap's Smiling Beauty, Summersoale's Catherina (two
prizes), and Taylor's Glory. Mr. Douglas was fifth with Ann
Smith, and Mr. Turner sixth with Arabella.

Class H, selfs. First Mr. Horner with Pizarro, splendid ; second
Mr. Douglas with Pohlman's Ellen Lancaster, fine; third Mr.
Homer with Duke of Argyll ; fourth Mr. Horner with Blue
Bell, highly effective ; fifth to the same exhibitor with Metro-
politan; sixth Mr. Siraonite for a rosy crimson seedling; seventh
Mr. Turner with Mrs. Sturrock, and eighth Mr. Horner with
Lord Lome.

We now come to the last and greatest class — namely. Class I,
fifty plants in not less than twenty varieties. Three prizes of
£5, £3, and M2 were provided, and the winners of them were
Mr. Turner, Slough ; Mr. Douglas, Loxford ; and S. Cooper,
Esq., The Hollies, Timperley, Cheshire, in the order named.
In this class Mr. Turner staged Confidence, Charles Perry,
Oolonel Champneys, Topsy, General Neill, Metropolitan, Mrs.
Carter, Sir R. Peel, Mrs. Llewellyn, Mrs. Purvis, Mrs. Thom-
son, Clipper, PrometheuB, Garnet, Percival, Sarah, Dake of
Cambridge, Mrs. Sturrock, James Douglas, a fine green-edged
flower; Lavinia, Ne Plus Ultra, Prince Alfred, Arabella, Mins-
trel, Apollo, Aldermau Wisbey, Mota, Wildfire, John Water-
Bton, Sensation, Calypso, Eclipse, Superb, Lady Eichardson,
and Dolly Varden. Mr. Douglas ran the first-prize collection
very close with Smiling Beauty, Beatrice, Master Hole, Bronze
Queen, Lord Palmerston, Marie, General Neill, Masterpiece,
Lord Lome, Mercury, Col. Champneys, True Briton, Meteor,
Miss Eeid, "ropsy, Mary Ann, Vulcan, Robert Traill, Formosa,
Elcho, Lady Sophia Dumaresque, Brilliant, Miss Arkley, Robt.
Traill, Charles J. Perry, Alma, Matquis of Lome, Unique, Elcho,
John Watereton, Perfection, Rev. George Jeans, Topsy, and
AnguBtine. In Mr. Cooper's collection the most noticeable were
Metropolitan, Pizarro, Lord Clyde, Gen. Neill, Traill's Anna,
Lord of Lome, Diadem, very fine flower (Alpine), Mrs. Smith,
Atlas, and Taylor's Glory.

In the above classes one truss only was permissible on each i
plant, but in the three Alpine classes following any number of
trasses were allowable, and the exhibitor had the option of j
staging shaded or unshaded flowers. \

Class K, twelve Alpines dissimilar. Only two collections were
ataged in this class, and they were nearly of equal excellence.
Mr. Turner was placed first with Thetis, Queen Victoria, Nat
Norman, John Ball, River, Mrs. DodweU, Dolly Varden, Selina,
Prima Donna, Queen Eleanor, Vesuvius, and Fascination, all
his own raising. Mr. Douglas was second with Spangle, Beatrice,
Masterpiece, Elcho, Miss Reid, Edgar, Bronze Queen, King of
Crimsons, Mercury, Brilliant, and a seedling — a splendid dark
maroon; this and Beatrice were the best of the varieties.

Class L, six Alpines ; three competitors. First Mr. Turner
with Topaz, Mrs. Llewellyn, Queen Victoria, Dolly Varden,
John Ball, and Bronze Queen. Second L. Cooper, Esq., with
Neatness, Ovid, Brilliant, Diadem, Beatrice, and Dazzle. Third
Mr. Douglas with some of the same varieties as exhibited in
the preceding class.

Class M, single specimen Alpines. First Mr. Douglas with a
splendid seedling, fine in size and form, and rich in colour
(afterwards named Silvia). Second Mr. Turuerwith King of the
Belgians. Mr. Turner had also the third, fourth, and fifth prizes
for Distinction, Bcsoy Ray, and Nat Norman; the sixth prize
going to S. Cooper, Esq , with Diadem.

The following new varieties were exhibited and certificated —
namely, a first-class certificate was awarded to Mr. Ben. Simonite
for Frank Simonite, white edge, a magnificent flower of fine
habit, leaves serrated, slightly mealed, truss supported on a
Btout elastic flower stalk, the eye rather pale, as it is in all plum
or violet ground flowers. The ground colour is deep violet,
paste dense, nearly circular, edge pure white. A similar award
waa bestowed on Talisman (Simonite), a beautiful green edge,
the green very ptire, body colour black and well defined, paste
dense, tube clear yellow, a very correct flower and quite dis-
tinct ; also for Fauny Croasland (Simonite), a very pretty pure
white edge, the pips quite flat, eye pale, violet ground colour,
foliage serrated and slightly mealed, evidently from the same
seed pod as Frank Simonite, though it is quite distinct from
that fine sort. Ellen Lancaster was also exhibited. It is a
splendid dark self, raised by Mr. Pohlman of HaUfax, and sent
oat last year. It has certainly the finest dark edge of any
Auricula, bat the paste is scarcely large enough. It is, never-
theless, taking aU points into consideration, the best in its

class. A first-class certificate was given to Mr. Horner for John
Simonite (Walker), considered by the exhibitor to be the best
in its class, aad as shown by him it is certainly not second to
Smiling Beauty or any other white. The tube is bright yellow,
paste danse and pure white, body colour black, aad edge a good
white, although one or two pips showed grey. A similar award
was made to Mr. Douglas for Silvia, grand Alpine, flowers large,
perfectly ciroular, maroon yellow centre, and neat truss ; plant
has a neat habitr — the beat Alpine in the exhibition ; also for
William Bradshaw (Simonite), a very good grey, quite distinct,
the paste dense, eye bright yellow, body colour deep maroon, but
scarcely broad enough, as shown edge between George Light-
body and Robert Traill.

The edged Auriculas shown by Mr. R. Dean of Ealing are
quite a new feature in the Auricula, and are very attractive.
'Three varieties received first-class certificates — viz.. Attraction,
dark purple, edge light purple, but in all these flowers the eye
and body colour is the same ; Charmer, maroon purple, pale
purple edge ; Captivation, quite a new shade in Auriculas, body
colour maroon edged with ochre yellow. Mr. Turner had
similar honours for the following Alpines : — John Ball, a first-
class dark self-edged sort; Mrs. Thomson, self-edged, very
circular; Distinction, a peculiar shaded edge; Peacemaker, a
good grey-edged flower; and Clipper, a good dark self, superior
to Smith's Mrs. Smith.

One more honour in Auriculas remains to be noticed — namely,
the premier Auricula in the Show. This exalted position waa
won by George Lightbody as exhibited by Mr. Homer. The
truss contained eight pips quite perfect, and the plant, as may
be expected, was quite a model — a plant which will haunt the
memory of many a fljrist and admirer.

Mr. Douglas staged an extra collection numbering one hundred
plants. Mr. Turner also staged numerous fine Alpines, twenty-
two plants of Col. Champneys and Yellow Prince, semi-double.
The Auriculas were staked in nearly all the classes, and stakes
1 were clearly necessary for the support of most of the trusses.
I The stakes were not, however, in all cases neatly affixed, nor
j was the wadding removed from some of the plants. It ia only
right to remark that Mr. Douglas's plants were staked the most
neatly of all and named the most legibly.

PoLTANTHDSES. — Three classes and twelve prizes were pro-
vided for these beautiful spring flowers, and the competitors
were not restricted to gold-laced varieties. As a rule these
were coarse, and there ia undoubtedly abundant room for im-
provement ; in fact, to speak the truth, many plants were quite
unworthy of being exhibited.

lu Class N (six plants, dissimilar) the first prize was awarded
to Mr. G. Smith, Now Villa, Edge Lane, Edmonton, for small
plants roughly staged of Lothair, Rupert, Retriever, Garland,
and Flora. The aecond prize waa awarded to Mr. R. Dean,
Ealing, for much superior plants of the following effective but
not laced varieties: — Mars, Sunrise, Harlequin, Purity, Mar-
ginata, and Viceroy. The third prize went to Mr. Gatley, Bath ;
and fourth to Mr. Hooper, Bath, for clumps potted from the
borders.

Class 0, two plants dissimilar, Mr. Smith was placed first with
Advancer and Emma; second Mr. Dean for TheBride and Prince
Charming ; third Mr. Gatley, and fourth Mr. Hooper for unnamed
fancy varieties.

Class P, single plants, Mr. Smith was placed first with Duke
of Wellington (new laced), and Mr. Dean second and third with
Buttercup, a vigorous-growing primrose-coloured variety, and
Avalanche (hose-in-hose), Mr. Catley being fourth with a creamy
white seedling. Mr. Dean also exhibited double Auriculas,
Primroses, and Daisies, some choice species of Frimulaa, and
Viola moutana.

Mr. Henry Hooper, Bath, exhibited thirty-six varieties of
fancy Pansies, the flowers being large but the colours not suffi-
ciently defined ; also show Pansies, excellent, and a few brilliant-
coloured self varieties. Messrs. Harrison & Son, Leicester, ex-
hibited Mimulus moschatuB Harrisonii, the nevr giant Musk,
very dietinct and fine.

Certificates were awarded to the following Polyanthuses— to
Mr. Smith forDukeof Wellington andtoMr.Dean for Avalanche,
a robust f ree-floweriag variety, likely to be useful, and for Parity,
white.

Two more miscellaneous collections remain to be noticed — a
fine bank of Roses in pots. Azaleas, i'o., from Mr. Turner,
Slouijh ; and an admirably arranged table of Succulents staged
by Mr. Thompson, the garden superintendent of the Crystal
Palace. Amongst the Koses Royal Standard, Miss Hassard,
Madame Ferdinand Jamin, Madame Lacharme, Rev. J. B. M.
Camm, John Stuart Mill, and Beauty of Waltham were in
superior condition, denoting that these varieties are admirable
for growing in pots and slightly forciug. Mr. Turner's plants
were much admired by the crowd of visitors, and well did they
deserve this approval. "The Succulent plants were appropriately
disposed on the central table of the series containing the
Auriculas, and relieved the almost overpowering beauty of the
brilliant Alpines. Down the centre of the Succulent table

308

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 26, 1877.

Aloes, &o., were dotted, the groundwork being composed of
Lycopods arranged so as to form a series of diamonds. In
these and the angles Pachyphytons ami other curious plants
were grouped, the entire table being edged with Sempervivum
tabnlajforme— a fine stock in which the parent plant of the
whole was prominently placed— a little stunted object about
2 inches in diameter and bent with age. Near it was a youthful
child quite 9 inches across.

Such was the Show— a Show to which visitors came, as Mr.
Douglas said, from the north and from the south, from Ireland
and from Wales. It was refreshing to observe the intensity of
the interest that was manifested in the Auriculas, not by florists
only, but by the general visitors, and we doubt not that many
a spark of love was lighted on behalf of these peerless town and
country flowers. It is almost certain that in time— it must
necessarily be a question of time — that new exhibitors will
arise, for it is not conceivable that an exhibition such as this
can pass away without attracting recruits to the ranks of the
little— too little — army of Auricula-growers.

The Luncheon. — This was partaken of, after the judging was
completed, by the executives of the Show, Judges, exhibitors,
and friends. In the absence of the President of this branch
of the National Auricula Society (Francis Whitburn, Esq.) the
chair was occupied by the Vice-President, Mr. Charles Turner ;
Vice-Chau-man, Mr. Moore. After the toaat of loyalty the Chair-
man proposed success to floriculture, and especially to the
Auricula Society. Mr. Horner responded. The northerners,
he remarked, like short sturdy Auriculas and short pithy
speeches ; that they in the north were anxious to unite with
growers in the south ; and that the secret of success in culti-
vating the Auricula might be expressed in two words— loving
care. *' The Judges " were responded to by the Rev. F.
Tymons. " The exhibitors," proposed by Mr. Llewellin, were
acknowledged by Mr. Ben. Simonite and Mr. Douglas, Loxford.
" The Press," proposed by Rev. F. Tymons, was replied to by Mr.
Shirley Hibberd in an excellent speech. The "Executive"
was proposed by Mr. Horner, and acknowledged by Mr. Dodwell,
who concluded by honouring Mr. Wilson and Mr. Thompson,
the Palace Managers of the Show, for their efficient services.
The whole of the speakers were much applauded, and a success-
ful Show was pleasantly terminated.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

We learn that the Exhibition which is to be held in the
Boyal Horticultural Society's Gardens at South Kensington
on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen's visit on May 2nd
ie expected to be one of unusual extent, variety, and excellence.
Not only are the principal nurserymen intending to exhibit in
their best manner, but several private collections will be
staged. Commercial horticulture is also to be represented, for
many of the growers of plants for Covent Garden Market, also
bouquetista and others, are intending to exhibit their pro-
ductions on the same liberal scale as at the last exhibition ; so
that altogether a right royal display is anticipated.

At a General Meeting of the Royal HoRTicuLTURiL

Society, held on the 18th inst., the following candidates were
duly elected Fellows of the Society :— Thos. Ainsworth, A. J.
Baker, Fredk. Bramwell, Edward Brooke, James Conper, E. W.
Cox, T. A. Dickson, Mrs. M. Goldingham, H. I. Hardy, John
Hayes, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Alfred Kirby, J. T. MeCallum,
C. McLean McHardy, Joseph Fyke, W. Richards, Talfourd
Salter, Q.C. ; Jas. Tinker, Philip Wright. A list of fifty-one
guinea members elected by the Council was also announced.
At the previous meeting, held on April 4th, twenty-five Fellows
and eighty-five guinea members were elected.

Mrs. Charles Woolloton, Elstree, Surrey, informs us

that her gardener, Mr. Edward Tidey, has succeeded in making
a valuable cross between Long Gun and Telegraph Cucum-
bers. The result is highly satisfactory. In a small house
about 12 feet square this Cucumber is growing. The first
Cucumber was cut the last week in March ; since then thirty
more have been cut, and there are forty-eight now hanging on
the vine nearly ready for cutting. Atone joint six Cucumbers
are hanging, and most of the joints have five. The fruit
averages from 18 to 20 inches in length, and is most delicious
in flavour. We think the same cross was effected by Mr. Booth
at Osmaston, from which resulted that fine Cucumber Oamaston
Manor.

Although in February accounts reached us from

various districts of the danger of fruit blossoms owing to their
then advanced state, yet the protracted period of cold weather
since then has so retarded them that they are later than usual
in expanding, and the fruit croi' of the year is hopeful.
Pears, Plums, and Cherries have never been more covered with
bloBSom than at the present time, and Apple trees generally

are showing snfiicient for full crops. Apricots and Peaches,
we hear, have not set well in many places owing to the cold
winds having prevented the blossoms from expanding so well
as was desirable.

■ Mr. Richard Maries, nurseryman, Lytham, has sent

us a photograph of a plant of Cyclamen persicum. The plant,
which is in a 7-inch pot, has more than a hundred flowers,
and is similar to the plants usually exhibited at the London
shows. The plant has never been allowed to become too dry
when at rest. Mr. Maries considers overdrying the cause of
much injury in Cyclamen culture. The variety submitted is
pure white, and evidently belongs to a good strain.

A valuable Pink for forcing is the white variety

Lady Blanche. We recently noticed some plants of this in
the greenhouse at Loxford Hall in admirable condition. The
plants were in 5-inch pots, each plant having more than a
dozen flowers as fine and as sturdy as if the plants had been
grown in the open air. The flowers are pure white, smooth
and perfect, and Mr. Douglas informs us that they never split.
This Pink is much prized at Loxford, and it is worthy of being
similarly grown in many more gardens than we now find it.

Writing to us on insects and ammonia, "B. G."

states that plants growing in an atmosphere impregnated
with ammonia will soon prove the eflieacy of its invigorating
influences, but he is of opinion that when Pines are free from
red spider the immunity arises from cleanliness in winter as
well as during summer, and a course of general good manage-
ment which prevents the insects being established. Our
correspondent doubts if ammonia will destroy red spider, and
he is certain that it will not kill mealy bug, for he dissolved
half a pound of guano in a quart of water, heated it, and then
held some mealy bugs over the steam until he was tired ; when
the liquid was a little cooled he threw the insects into it,
taking them out six hours afterwards, " when they seemed in
good health and walked away in search of green pastures."

Probably no plants are more attractive at this period

of the year than Tea-scented Roses. Amongst a large col-
lection now flowering in Mr. Merryweather's nurseries at South-
well the following varieties are particularly beautiful : — Aline
Sisley, Catherine Mermet, Climbing Devoniensis, Devoniensis,
Gloire de Dijon, La Boule d'Or, Madame Bravy, Madame
Willermoz, Letty Coles, Louise de Savoie, Marie Van Houtte
(very beautiful) , Marie GniUot, Niphetos, President, Souvenir
d'Elise, Souvenir d'un Ami, Souvenir de Paul Neron, and
Marechal Niel. The new Hybrid Perpetuals Comtesse de
Serenye and Duchess de Vallombrosa are proving valuable for
forcing.

We inadvertently omitted in our report of the Royal

Horticultural Society's Show last week that a gold medal was
awarded to Messrs. Beckwith & Son, The Nurseries, Tooting,
for their grand collection of early-flowering Pelargoniums.
The new variety which was submitted by Messrs. Beckwith to
the Floral Committee, who awarded it a first-class certificate,
was Duchess of Bedford, white with pink blotch and exceed-
ingly floriferons ; it is a great acquisition for decorative pur-
poses early in the season.

We quite agree with a correspondent who writes — " I

have an idea that there are numbers of valuable Apples whioli
remain hidden in their respective localities and are not known
to the general public — Greasy Coat, for instance, has only just
raised its head again. I write in the hope that others may be
persuaded to send lists of the most suitable kinds in their own
neighbourhood." We join in the hope.

The most favourite of flowers for button-holes are

Tea-scented Roses, and one of the best of them for this pur-
pose is Isabella Sprunt. We observed some charming buds of
this the other day in the gardens at Wimbledon House, and
we were informed by Mr. Ollerhead that it is regarded as the
best of all Roses for button-hole bouquets. The flowers are
small and perfectly formed, the colours merging from white
to creamy buff. As grown in pots at Wimbledon this Rose
blooms profusely. Another favourite variety in the Rose house
at Wimbledon is Madame Trifle. It is trained up one of the
rafters. It has the free-growing and flowering properties of
Gloire de Dijon, and is considered an improvement on that
good old Rose — no small recommendation.

A fine old trunk of Cycas revoluta in the stove of

S. Ralli, Esq., Cleveland HouEe, Clapham Park, is now throw-
ing a crown of fifty-eight new fronds. The plant has been in
a quiescent state for nearly two years, and was a comparatively

April 26, 1677. )

JOOBNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

tns'ghtly object amongst the other fine specimens Burronnd- i
ing it. Less patient gardeners than Mr. Legg would have |
removed this plant long since for the sake of the epace it \
occupied; but his " waiting policy " has proved sound, and I
one more good exhibition plant will shortly be added to Mr.
Kalli's valuable collection.

wheelbarrow. I have a man here who is slow in adopting
new contrivances, but he has appreciated this barrow from
the first. — Utilitas.

WHEELBAEEOW.

When I came here about twelve years ago there was a
Ekeletcn barrow and tub in use for carrying water about the
gardens, and another with a shallow box or tray about G inches
deep for carrying plants, etc. They were both useful, and had
been the means of saving much labour.

But very soon a modern iron waterbarrow was found to far
snrpa-s the former, but the latter was kept in nee during
several years for the boy to wheel the bedding plants to their
destination, and thus save the time of two men svith the hand-
barrow. But it was found impossible to keep small pots up-
right, owing to the jolting of the wheel. At length it occurred
to me to devise a plan by which the tray might be made to

CUCUMBEK CULTDEE IN FEAMES AND
HOUSES.— No. 2.

I AM especially desirous of calling attention to the summer
culture of Cucumbers in pots as a method which may be
practised with perfect sacofss by everyone who has a glass
hou.^e, however tmall may be its size or whatever may be its
form, a glazed paesnge or corridor answering perfectly well.
1 have now in view many of tho^e residences around and in
largo towns, where space is so important that the laudable
efforts to introduce a touch of nature are frequently confioed
to an enclosure of eome few square perches in area, or even
to that cleverly contrived little glazed adjanct known under
the title of " the Conservatory."

All things considered, the best time to commence Cucumber
culture in an unheated structure would be at any convenient
moment from the beginning of May till midsummer, taking

ride better on the frame of the waterbarrow, and the result
was a most useful barrow, very similar lo those used by the
costermongers in the streets of London.

It is very simple in its construction, and I have no doubt
that many who have a waterbarrow will be glad to find a
second use for the wheels. Mine was made as an experiment,
and having some split oak palings about .3 feet long I used
three on each side for springs, and they have answered my
purpose pretty well and have been in frequent use for five or
six years. Steel would of course bo better.

A round staff, about the size of a spade handle, is laid across
in the horns of the barrow, projecting over the wheals about
5 or I) inches, and fastened by screws at the middle, or nearly
60, of each spring. One end of each spring ie firmly fastened
to a stout cross piece under the front of the tray, and an oblong
hole or slot is then made in the other end of each spring, and
a small screw bolt put through it and driven into another
slot cross piece under the other end of the tray to bold the
spring in its place and yet allow it to work. The tray is held
down to the handles by an iron hook. It can be tipped out of
its place and the water-holder taken on iu less than a minute.
When placed against a wall it occupies very little space, and
is ready for use at any moment. The upper edge of a 0-inch
board is fixed round the lower edge of the tray, which hides
the spring and makes it look more agreeable to the eye.

It ia very useful for many purposes, and moves very light
and easy, and the broad shallow and level surface makes it
convenient for carrying plants, empty pots, and various thiugs,
and for these purposes it is far more handy than i<i a common

care to secure healthy plants with strong sturdy growth, tarn-
ing them out from the small pots in which they will most likely
be growing into the largest pots we can obtain, remembering
that the larger the pot the longer will the plant flourish therein
without extraneous assistance. Wo place four or five uneven
layers of broken tiles or flower pots into the bottom of each
large pot for drainage, and for soil take two parts of old leaf
soil or manure mixed with one part of turf broken in pieces
of about half the size of one's hand ; Jailing ths turf we would
employ some ordinary garden soil and mix a lot, say half a
gallon, of broken charcoal with it. With this, ample drainage,
and free open soil, we can venture to water freely, which is an
important point in the culture of Cusiinibors.

Having thu3 established our plants in their permanent
quarters, we have next to consider how to dispose of the gro\vth.
In a pit or regular Cucumber house there would be a wire
trellis, but in the solitary structure of the amateur, which I
am striving to keep ia view, such a trellis is either inadmis-
sible or is wisely devoted to ornamental climbing plants; and
in such a case it is better to resolve not to allow the Cucumber
growth to ramble unchecked, but to confine it within reason-
able limits, such as is afforded by a pillar supporting the roof,
or two or three wires fastened to the pot and strained upwards
for a couple of yards in any corner or side which can be spared
for the purpose ; then by nipping off the tip of the leading
shoot we can secure two or three lateral shoots, taking one up
each wire, nipping off their tip? when they show fruit, and so
on with other laterals till the tjp of the wire is reached, by
which time the soil in the pot will be crowded with roots, and

SlO

Journal of horticdltore and cottage gardener.

[ April 26, 1877.

we muBt come to a decision whether we shall soon diBCard our
plant or keep it on in full bearing for some time longer. In
the latter case new growth mnst be enconraged and a propor-
tionate provision of fresh soil be made for the roots by packing
the soil around the pot. I very much prefer doing this with
sods of turf broken into large pieces and heaped loosely
around and over the pot, putting a moderate quantity at first
and adding fresh layers as the roots become visible. It is an
interesting and instructive sight to watch the manner in which
the roots seize upon the sods, lacing them together till the
whole mass is permeated with roots — a solid mass, and yet
so open that no water can lodge in it. A healthy Cucumber
plant when in full vigour requires an abundant supply of food
in a liquid form, and if the soil is at all close or heavy in
texture, it is by the frequent waterings rendered so sodden and
sour as to destroy the roots, and so lead to partial if not total
failure. If water was given as to an ordinary pot plant this
would not happen, but when the Cucumber is in full bearing
there must be no stint. Three times a-day — morning, noon,
and night — is not too often in hot bright weather ; and for a
guide as to quantity, two gallons each time, or six gallons
a-day, will not be too much, sewage water or liquid manure
of any sort being then used instead of clean water. There are
80 many fertilising agents now sold in canisters, that dwellers
in a town have simply to procure a supply of some approved
sort, such as guano, which is sold in small canisters, and they
can mix it in the water, and so feed the plant without having
to endure those unpleasant odours which are unavoidable
when sewage water is used.

A mound of soil such as I advise to be made outside the
Cucumber pot is not a desirable sipht in a conservatory. Many
plans for its concealment will readily present themselves to the
mind, from a piece of zinc sheeting painted on the outside to
an enclosure of ornamental tiles. Whatever is used, be 3ure
and let it be large enough to admit of ample supplies of soil
being given to the roots, for liberal treatment is the alpha and
omega of Cucumber culture.— Edwaud Luckhdest.

NOTES FKOM MT GABDEN IN 1876.— No. 5.

AUKICULAS.

I FLATTER myself it argues something of an heroic temper to
sit in sight of a ruined collection of Auriculas and on the eve
of the great Auricula tournament, in which I am not to have
even one tilt, and write about what they were in the past year ;
but as I once heard a quick-witted friend say to a horsedealer
who was looking at a steed my friend was riding, and with the
knowing wick peculiar to his tribe, said, " That's one of the
has beens, sir." "Well," said my friend, " that's better than
one of the never waees." So say I. Although I cannot but
grieve over the terrible loss that I have experienced, it is a
melancholy satisfaction to me to thick thiit for the many years
I have grown Auriculas I never had so grand a bloom as in
187C. Ah! how many years 1 Well, upwards of forty years
ago I began to grow them, and from that time to this with but
a brief interruption I have continiied true to them.

I was brought up in the very strictest schnol of florists, for
I think at that time there were none eo particular and so
exigsant in their tastes as the Dublin florists. They had im-
bibed a great many of their views from the Lancashire growers,
but had somewhat modified them — in so far, for instance, in
the Auricula they did not exhibit trusses cut down to three
pips, nor did they carry their Auriculas to the exhibitions
wrapped in moss ; but they were exact as to the purity of edge,
repudiated all coarseness of texture and foliage, and never
exhibited their flowers staked. I have seen a good many col-
lections of Auriculas in my days, but I do not think that it is
the recollection of youthful days which makes me say that I
never saw such plants and blooms as those grown by Dr. Plant
at Monkstown. I have often alluded to them in various pub-
lications ; and although he and they are passed away, the
thought of the Glorjs, Freedoms, Colonels, &c., that 1 then
saw still cling to me. From all that I hear the valuable col-
lection of the Rev. F. D. Horner must bo the nearest approach
to it that we have. When in 1819 I came back to my native
country I found that a good deal of the enthusiasm I had often
witnessed about London for the flower had died away, and for
the past thirty years nearly it has by fitful starts alone been
brought before the public ; hut during that time a good many
very fine flowers had been added to the lists, principally through
the exertions of Mr. Headly of Cambridge and Mr. Lightbody
of Falkirk, while in the metropolitan district one or two re-

markable flowers had made their appearance. Chapman's
Maria is probably one of the most lovely flowers we have ; and
it was, led away by its charms, that I once proposed (although
I retreated from the position very quickly) that Auriculas
should be divided into the two classes of edged flowers and
selfs. This brought down on me the good-natured banter of
my friends Mr. Jeans and Mr. Bramhall ; and I am sure they
were right, although they so far conceded to my views that a
nondescript class was suggested.

The Lancashire growers are unquestionably right in laying so
much stress on the edge, but there are many flowers in which it
is almost impossible to say whether they should be classed as
greens or greys, while some white-edges have a decided tendency
to grey on the edge. These are very attractive, but they do
not show that purity of edge which they insist upon ; and it
is this that accounts for the fact that, notwithstanding the
rare beauty of Maria and Sophia and the sterling properties of
Col. Champneys, they do not find a place in one of the lists
sent in to the Rev. F. D. Horner in his election of Auriculas.
Amongst other flowers concerning which one's opinion has
altered is Litton's Imperator. Faulty it is no doubt in several
respects, but the pnnty of its green edge makes up for many
defects, and it was very noticeable in my blooming house last
season. There is another flower of Mr. Headly's very near
being a first-rate one. I received it as Headly's Green Edge.
It has a fine eye, in which many of the new sorts are defective,
and the edge is very pure; but I doubt if it will ever make a
good truss, although on the stage it shone out well owing to
the brightness of its green.

I have still seen nothing in grey edges to surpass George
Lightbody, for Alexander Meiklejohn, although a very fine
flower, wants, as I saw it, a little more decision in its grey
edge. My blooms of Richard Headly were remarkably fine,
although somewhat late. Another curious thing has occurred
with my Waterhouse's Conqueror of Europe. A large number
of them came with split and twisted flowers, and as I have
already noticed the same this year I must throw them away,
for this has been the third year that they have served me so,
and the flower still retains its hold on many growers, notwith-
standing the newer varieties that have threatened to put it on
one side.

Amongst white edges (a rare class) Taylor's CUory was re-
presented by one solitary plant, which of course this new pest
has attacked ; but Smiling Beauty wa? good, although in size,
and perhaps in whiteness of edge, inferior to True Briton,
which is very large, but does not often open quite flat. Robert
Burns was good ; and the flower about which I was puzzled,
and which I had received as Pott's Regulator, turned out to he
MacDonald's Incomparable, and is by no means to be despised
in a class like this, where good varieties are scarce. Smith's
Ne Plus Ultra was aleo very good.

Among selfs Campbell's Pizarro, Spalding's Metropolitan, and
Lightbody's Lord Clyde were very fine. I had also some good
blooms of Dickson's Apollo, a fine blue variety not often met
with now, although once very much grown about London.
Kay's Topsy I have not as yet had.

So good was my bloom that, not wishing to have all the
pleasure to myself, I invited throiigU the local newspaper any
of my neighbours to come and see them. A goodly number
availed themselves of the invitation, and to many (who only
knew the Auricula from the border flowers) it was a revelation,
the edges and mealy foliage being an especial puzzle to them ;
and now, alas ! were I to invite them it would only be to spy
out the poverty of the land. I have been worse off, once when
the old man I left in charge of my small frame kept it close so
that the flowers were scorched, and then told me that a
grub must have got at them ; but I was younger then, there
was no National Show, and my collection was small. I shall
not of course cave in, I have still some left; but the provoking
thing is, one cannot guard against this new pest, about whioh
I confess I am as yet altogether at sea. Perhaps after the
Show I may be more enlightened about it ; all I know now is
it has ruined me for this year. — D., Deal.

TOMTITS THE FRIENDS OF GARDENERS.

I HAVE just read a letter on page '290 in your Journal signed
" A Master GAnnENER," and must beg to dispute what he says
as regards the tomtit being a gardener's enemy. I have had
a pair of these birds for several years in a cage very tame, and
have tried them with small branches from the various fruit
trees in the garden. They at once searched them very keenly,

April 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

311

and devoured greedily any insect that might be upon them,
but never ate the green bud. It was amusing to see how
quickly they would clear a branch covered with green fly. A
large bluebottle fly was a great treat to them, and they are also
fond of wasps and beea. Though very fond of my bullfinch I
cannot give him such a good character. He devours every bud
he oan get and thinks them delicious. — JI. IIaiulton.

[The tomtit is a soft-billed bird. Only hard-billed birds
destroy buds. — Eds.]

CINERARIA CULTURE.

At the fortnightly meeting of the Darlington Gardeners' Insti-
tute held on April 12th, the following paper on the cultivation
of the Cineraria was read by Mr. Grindrod of Woodburn : —

Cinerarias are undoubtedly amongst the best pluuts we
possess for producing an attractive display during the late
winter and early spring months. That they are universal
favourites all will admit ; for while the beauty of their flowers
secures for them ready admittance to the home of the florist,
the simplicity of their culture, their usefulness as decorative
plants for the greenhouse or conservatory, and also for fur-
nishing a supply of cut flowers, for which their pleasing fra-
grance renders them especially adaptable, cause them to be
almost indispensable to amateurs and gardeners. The original
varieties of Cinerarias have been much improved by careful
cultivation and skilful hybridising, the result of which has
been better and more symmetrical flowers and a dwarfer habit
iu the plants; but the moat noticeable result has been the
production of double Cinerarias, which are now being dis-
tributed by a London firm, and only require to be known to
be appreciated. Both the single and double varieties are pro-
pagated from seeds and offsets, and as the treatment of both
varieties is almost the fame it will be sufficient for our present
purpose to consider them as identical.

To propagate from seed sow about the first or second week
in May in seed pans filled with a compost of equal parts loam
and leaf soil, with sufficient sand to render it porous. Scatter
the feed evenly over the suiface, and cover very lightly with
soil made fine by crushing with the hands. After sowing place
the pans in a shady position in an intermediate house and
water carefully, keeping the soil in a moist condition. Do not
Attempt to hasten germination by placing glass over the pans,
for although by so doing the seedlings may make their appear-
ance a few hours sooner, they will be weaker iu condition to a
corresponding extent. If from any cause you have reason to
fear that the soil will become too dry, a little sphagnum moss
placed on the surface will assist to keep it in the requisite
moist condition ; but only in the exceptional circumstance
above mentioned do I advise keeping the surface covered. As
soon as the plants have made their rough leaves prick them
off into pans or S-iach pots, using a light loam with plenty of
leaf toil. After prickicg-off return them to the intermediate
house, and give a good watering. Here they may stay until
they commence growing freely, wLeu they eliould be potted
into 3-inch pots and placed iu a cool frame. Use a light open
soil for potting, as before advised. Give a good watering after
they are potted, and keep shaded until they are established,
alter which they should have plenty of air and as much light
as they will bear without injury. Syringe lightly morning and
evening in fine neather, and keep them clean.

As the plants increase in size and till their pots with roots
give them another shift into 5-inch pots, using the soil a little
rougher, and if convenient adding a little decayed manure.
After potting, place them in a cool frame in a shaded position
on a bed of ashes, which, in addition to kteping worms out of
the pots, furnibhes a moist heaMiy bottom on which Cinerarias
delight to stand. Water thoroughly and keep shaded until
the roots begin to work freely in the new soil, when they may
have abundance of air, but shaded from direct sunshine.
Keep the foliage clean and free from insects by syringing
copiously in hot weather, and never allow them to become too
dry at the roots, or all the lower leaves will be lost and the
growth of the plants seriously checked. After the roots have
touched the tides of the pots occasional applications of manure
water will greatly strengthen and improve tho foliage, and
also encourage the growth. If properly attended to they will
now be growing very quickly, and will scon require moving
into larger pots, which must be done before the roots become
matted. Drain the pots carefully ; for although Cinerarias
require plenty of moisture during their growing season, they
cannot bear stagnant water at their roots. Iu potting, use a

mixture of two parts turfy loam broken in small pieces by the
hand, one part leaf soil, one part sand and manure. Pot
moderately firm and replace iu the frames, water thoroughly,
and keep close as before. Watering must now be carefully
attended to ; if they become too dry at the roots they will
very likely be spoiled as decorative plants. It the weather is
very hot during July and August the plants will be much
benefited by having the lights removed at night and allowing
them to have the night air and dew, of which they are very
fond. Continue to use the syringe freely every day, give
plenty of air, and you will have little trouble with green fly.
As the season advances and October draws near gradually
dispense with shading until the foliage becomes strong enough
to bear the direct rays of the sun without injury, which will be
in October.

As soon as there is any indication of frost remove the plants
to their winter quarters as near the glass as possible. If they
can be accommodated with a shelf in a greenhouse from which
the frost is excluded they will pass through the winter in good
condition. Give the largest plants another shift into O-inch
pots before they show their bloom. Pot iu a coarse mixture
of two parts good turfy loam, one part leaf soil, and one part
sand and manure ; pot moderately firm, and replace on the
shelf. Watering must now be carefully but regularly attended
to; do not allow them to get either too dry or too wet, but
keep the soil in a medium condition. As the pots fill with
roots give manure water occasionally, gradually increasing the
strength until they take it at every watering. If they can be
syringed overhead on fine mornings it will assist to keep the
foliage healthy and free from insects. After the blooms are
expanded they will keep in perfection longer if they are shaded
from the rays of the hot spring sun.

Propagation by offsets is generally done to preserve any
exceptionally good seedlings and also named varieties, and
especially the doubles. After the plants have flowered cut
them to within '2 inches from the suifaee of the soil, and place
in a close frame, when they will soon produce plenty of offsets,
which must be removed with a sharp knife ; pot them singly
into :i-inch pots, using light sandy soil, and place in a frame
where they can have the benefit of a little heat, and keep close
and shaded uuti! they are rooted, after which they are treated
as if from seed. Cinerarias are very liable to the attacks of
green fly, especially if grown in places where fire heat is used ;
keep a sharp look-out for it at all times, aud destroy as soon
as it makes its appearance by fumigating with tobacco paper.
A word iu closing as to watering, which must be done very
carefully during the winter months : Increase the quantity aa
the days lengthen, when, if all goes well, you will have an
abundance of what are always desired — namely, beautiful
spring flowers.

GUMMING OF FRUIT TREES.

Anvthino that Mr. J. Simpson of Wortley says is always
treated by me with respect, and I am flattered by having such
a well-known practical gardener as a critic; but I am afraid he
has invited me to do what is not very easy — viz., to " furnish
one authenticated instance in which gumming was beneficial
rather than injurious to the Peach tree." Mr. Simpson surely
would not make me say that a tree ivhich gums badly is
better than one which does not gum at all. My theory is, that
a tree which has more sap than its organs of circulation can
elaborate is benefited by being relieved of some of it, and this
much I have proved to my own satisfactioi:, but convincing
Mr. Simpson is another thing.

Mr. Smipeon quotes from Thompson's " Gardeners' Assist-
ant," a book I acknowledge to be the best standard woik on
practical gardening ever publiehed. Moreover, 1 had the in-
valuable privilege of working with its dear old author, and
accepted greedily every word he uttered in tuy hearing ; but
for all that I cannot say that he was alwajs right. And to
quote again part of Mr. Simpson's ijuotation, where Mr.
Thompson says, " If it [gumming] pervades a tree to any con-
siderable extent, the sooner the latter is dug up and replaced
by a healthy subject the better," I ask. What would Mr.
Thompson do were he in my position, when after following the
above advice more or less for eight consecutive seasons under
every possible variety of treatment, not with one or two new
trees each season, but probably an average of twenty, and
then bo obliged to confess, as I am, that ho never had a solitary
Peach tree three years in one place out of doors which did not
gum ? Would he dig them all up and give up Peach-growing

312

JOUENAL OF HOETIOULTURE AND OOTTAGR GABDENBB.

[ April 26, 1877.

altogether? Not likely. He wonid try again, and so did I;
and although I have not been able to prevent gnmming, I
have succeeded in checking the baneful eiifeots produced by its
bursting through the bark of ita own accord. By a timely
enrgieal operation I have cured many a wound, and for three
BuccesBive years have had fruit of the best quality by thousands.

The trees are not long-lived hero, and they probably never
will be, owing, I fear, to ciroumBtances over which I have no
control.

I have had considerable experience in the neighbouring
county to that in which Mr. Simpson resides, and found Peaoh-
growing there a much easier matter than it is here ; but let not
Mr. Simpson make me say that Yorkshire is a better cUmate
than Wiltshire. What I infer is, that some spots in the f onthern
counties are no better than a few favoured ones in the ncrlh
of England and some parts of Scotland. — William Taylok.

IN FLORA'S DOMAIN.
Who would not if it were possible dwell for ever in a region
so delightful, so full of beauty, so redolent of fragrance, an
Flora's domain ? — a kingdom where trouble seems never to
enter, where peace and tranquillity should have an endless
reign, where all the paths should be strewn with Roses, where
we find flowers for every season, for all times ; flowers greeting
with smiles the advent of spring ; flowers breathing out sweet
essences at the kiss of the summer sun ; flowers interwoven
in the golden garlands of autumn, and braving the witheriug
frowns of inclement winter. Every season, yea, every month,
we may visit Flora's domain and find some swret blossom to
interest, some opening bud to observe in its gradual unfolding.
" In the cottage of the rudest peasant,

In anctstral homes, Tvhose crumbling towers,
Speaking of the past unto the present.
Tell U8 of the ancient games of flowers.
" In all places, then, and in all seasons,
Flowers expand their lit^-ht and soul-like wings,
Teaohing us by most perfiuasive reasons
How akin Ihey aro to human things."
And the more we study them, the more we cherish them, the
more endeared do they bpoome to us. We regard their deve-
lopment with somewhat of the afftetion with which we watch
the growth of a child ; and as the love of a mother is often
greatest for the crippled or sickly offspring whose life is a per-
petual source of care and anxiety to her, so do we see the
enthusiastic horticulturist tend with the most unremitting
pains that plant which least repays his care.

In Flora's domain many of the sweetest blossoms are almost
of spontaneous growth. Once started into life they thrive and
bloom under the most adverse circumstances ; but where the
surroundings are propitious to their well-being they grow and
blossom and form a very bower of beauty, wherein we may
dwell and contemplate their charms — aye, and more than
their charms, for in language as true as it is beautiful has not
the poet told us how akin are flowers to " human things ?" —
" Brilliant hopes, all woven in gorgeous tisanes.
Flaunting gaily in the golden light ;
Large desires with most uncertain issues;
Tender wishes blossoming at night.
" These in flowers and men are more than seeming;
Workings aro they of the self-same powers
'Which the poet, in no idle dreaminij,
Secth in himseif and in the flowers."

But Flora's domain is not alone a paradise for dreams and
reveries. The Sybarite and the idler may enjoy its beauties ;
but it requires the industry of the worker and the experience
of practice to create a kingdom for the goddess in inauspicious
places. Flora's favourites will revel on the mountain side,
clothe the valley with loveliness, beautify unfrequented places,
" and waste their sweetness on the desert air ;" but they must
be wooed to the haunts of men, caressed into beauty, and
tended with love and care. It is only thus we can ensure their
life, and it should be our aim to surround our homes with as
many as possible of the captivating beauties, for their very
presence adds a charm to the most sumptuous apartment or
sheds a grace which half hides the nakedness of poverty-invaded
homes. Flora's domain is wide, and it will be my pleasure to
regard it from time to time as it lies before me in the outdoor
garden, the conservatory, the greenhouse, in the window, on
the balcony, where, even in the two latter limited areas. Flora
may be induced to smile in return for kindly attentions lovingly
bestowed. During weaiy winter weather, debarred in a great
measure from the open garden, wo must solace ourselves with
those of Flora's train which blossom under glass. Nor need

our list be very limited. Science and art have combined, and
while the sad-coloured winter sky of English towns hangs over
our heads, within our dwellings we may be enjoying the con-
templation of tropical magnificence, and inhaling perfumes
that waft our thoughts to the gorgeous ielands of southern
seas. Into this land of enchantment, whether it be in the
open ground in summer or beneath the shelter of a crystal
roof during winter, my aim will be to note all that is worthy
of remark in the glass palaces or extensive grounds of the
wealthy cultivator, in the modest garden plot or window
of the wayside cottage, or iu those thousands of suburban
homes where individual taste is so often expressed in floral
decorations. — T. S. J.

DODDINQTON HALL, NEAR LINCOLN.

DoDDiNOTON has a very remote history, but I shall confine
my remarks chiefly to the present Hall, the building of which
dates from the beginning of the sixteenth century. In 1600
the male line of the Burgh family became extinct by the death
of Eobert the last Lord Burgh, a child of six years, when the
property was dividi-d among his four sisters and co-heiresses.
At that time their Gainsborough mansion and estate was sold
to the Hickman family, the present representative of which is
Sir Hickman Bacon, Bart., of Thonock Hall. The property
at Doddington passed into the hands of Thomas Taylor ; at
all events he was its owner in March, 1004, when, as Thomas
T.iylor of Doddington, alias Doddington Pigott, he appears to
have been a citizen of Lincoln, where he, or perhaps his father
before him, who bore the same name, had made his fortune.
The date of his acquirement of the property, the early part of
the seventeenth csntury, fixes the date of the present Hall,
of which he was the builder. " Tommy Taylor," as he was
familiarly called, is the best remembered of any of the former
possessors of Doddington, and stories are still told of his eccen-
tricity and penuriousness. He is believed to have buried a
treasure somewhere about the place, and no great digging
works are carried on without many speculations as to the
chance of coming upon " Tommy Taylor's chest;" while his
oddity of dress is perpetuated in the local, or rather parochial
proverb, " Ono large and one small, like Tommy Taylor's
buttons." However, to use another local expression, " he must
have had all his buttons on," or he could not have planned
and built so fine a house, which has lasted in good preservation
for nearly three hundred years, and without doubt is one of
the oldest mansions in the county.

It may be that the treasure he is said to have buried at
Doddington is a popular reference to the money he spent in
the purchase of what must then have been a half-cultivated
and comparatively worthless property, left for his successors
to discover by the process of enclosing, plonghing-up, and
draining the waste land. The only coin we have heard of
that he may actually have dropped is a silver shilling of
Queen Elizabeth, which was picked up a few years ago.
Thomas Taylor was High Sherifi' of Lincolnshire in 1G20 and
died unmarried, leaving as his heir his niece Elizabeth,
daughter of his sister .Jane Taylor. She by her marriage
with Sir Edward Hussey, Bart, of Honington, brought Dod-
dington into possession of that family. Ou the death of
Mrs. Apreece, the heiress of the Hussey family, in 174',), the
Honington estate descended to her son Thomas Apreece, in
possession of whose descendants it continued until very late
years. By her will, however, she settled Doddington on her
daughter Ehoda Apreece, the wife of Francis Blake Deleval,
Ecq., and on their second and other sons in Buccossion. It
was thus that Doddington became the property of that great
northern family who derived their name and descent through
the Norman eettlement in Franoe from the petty kings of Dahl
in Norway. Lord Doleval had an only son who long pre-
deceased him, dying iu 177o. After his son's death he oat
down all the valuable trees at Doddington. At that time there
were fine Oaks all over the lordship. Old James Hall, who
died in 1S58, aged '.lo, rtoollected cutting down seven very
large Elms in front of the Hall ; they were beautiful trees, and
the wood quite sound and very red. In consequence of this
fflliug the only old trees about the place aro the three Spanish
Chtstnuts iu the orchard and the great Holly, the etem being
11 feet iu girth, which tree, tradition says, once saved a lady's
life, she having jumped into it from the roof of the Hall as
the only means of preserving her honour.

The late George KuoUis Jarvis succeeded to the Doddington
estates in 1851. He devoted himself to the diligent perform-

April 26, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTDRE AN!/ COTTAGE GARDENEB,

313

ance of bis duties a9 an active magistrate and resident county
gentleman and landlord. Mr. .Tarvis took great interest in
gardening, devoting mnoh time to the cultivation of the Rho-
dodendron. In a secluded spot in the plantations he would
amuse himself for hours together, his great hobby being raising
seedling Rhododendrons and attending to their wants. Mr.
.Tarvis died on the '2.5th of October, 187'i, and was encceeded
by his son George Eden Jarvis, late Captain in the eighteenth
Hnsears.

Doddington Hall is in a good state of preservation. The
entrance is enclosed by a substantial brick wall about S feet
high, which is at right angles with the mansion, and forms
a square as nearly as poEsible upwards of half an acre in
extent. In this enclosure are four large Cedars of Lebanon
with wide-spreading branches, and upwards of 70 feet high.
Noticeable in the front is a fine tree of Magnolia tripetala
upwards of 60 feet high, which would have been mi oh higher

but for the occasional pruning it has to nnclergo to keep it
from towering above the mansion. On the west side of the
mansion is the flower garden. Before the front is a slightly
raised terrace, and a broad walk leading down the centre and
a walk round the sides, leaving a border under the wall which
is planted with herbaceous plants. The upper part of the
flower garden is laid out in irregular-shaped beds with Box
edgings of considerable height, the lower part being laid out
on grass. No panel or carpet bedding is here attempted, but
the planting is in bold masses of rich scarlet Geraniums,
yellow palceolarias, and other good old-fashioned flowers in
keeping with the ancient style of the building.

Passing through a central gate we enter what is called the
orchard, which is a mixture of fruit trees and ornamental
trees and shrubs, such as Wellingtonia giganteas, about 30 feet
high, of symmetrical shape ; we noticed|also a specimen of Cryp-
tomeria japoniea about 30 feet high and 18 feet through. Notice-

able are some tino Appie trees of Northern Greening and Blen-
heim Orange, winch bear heavy crops of fine fruit. One hun-
dred pecks were gathpred from a tree of Northern Greening, and
sixty pecks from «. Blenheim Orange.

In our engraving may be seen the fine old Holly in thn
north-west angle of the mansion, and to the left the three old
Spanish Chestnuts (30 feet in girth of stem) previously men-
tioned. To the extreme left beyond the Chestnuts is a fine old
Holly hedge about 100 yards long, 12 fset high, and (J f?et
through. This is clipped annually, and is Bquare at the top.
This hedge is a great feature. It is the boundary of the
orchard and pleasure grounds, also masks the kitchen-garden
walls immediately behind it, and is of great service in shelter-
ing the kitchen garden from the north-westerly winds.

From this point we enter the kitchen garden, and at once
come to the glass structures. These are two lean-to vineries,
each 25 feet long by Hi feet wide, the Vines consisting of Black
Hamburgh, Barbnrossa, Muscat of Alexandria, and White
Nice. The Vines have been planted upwards of thirty years,
but are still in good bearing condition, and annually carry
good crops of well-finished fruit, the Black Hamburghs being
remarkably well coloured. Next in order is a span-roofed
forcing house, 23 feet long by 12 feet wide, with a path down
the centre. Here Caoumbers and Melons are grown. This
house is heated with 4-iach pipes, top and bottom beat. In

Melons Little Heath'is'.held in great esteem, and for Cucumbers
Telegraph is grown for late use. Next comes the greenhouse,
20 feet by Id, well stocked with a mixed collection of healthy-
looking plants, with the usual cold pits and frames. Last but
not least is the orchard house, which is (10 feet long by 20 feet
wide, and 12 feet high in the centre, with entrances at each
end. There is a central border (J feet wide, and side borders
3 feet C inches wide. The trees are grown in pots.

The centre of this house, and also the sides, are supported
by light iron columns. By the side columns are planted
Maicohal Niel Roses, which are trained horizontally on strong
iron rods near to the glass. These plants yield annually a
large supply of cut blooms during the spring months. To the
centre columns are trained Vines under the top or ridge of
the roof. The sorts grown are Black Hamburgh, Grizzly
Frontignan, and Sweetwater, and although no fire heat is
employed the Grapes ripen by the end of September ; and
what is worthy of remark is that the Grizzly Frontiguans are
always remarkably good, much better than are occasionally
met with in highly-heated structures. This house is built on
the Eiverstonian principle. The ventilation is at each end
over the doors, the front ventilators being opened by elides
which open and shut the entire length.

The best sorts of Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Plums, &c.,
are grown in No. 1 pots, the trees being C feet high and 6 feet

314

JOUBNAL OP HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ AiJi-il 20, 1877.

through. These pots are annually top-dressed with good
loam, well-decayed manure, and crushed bones, and are also
well fed with liquid manure in the growing season. There is
one great feature about this house — the trees have never been
known to fail in producing from thirty to forty dozens of fruit
annually. Noticeable in the same house are two plants of the
Portugal Quince in large pots C feet high, which have produced
fruit weighing more than 1 lb. each. These plants have a
very ornamental appearance, and would make fine objects for
standing on terraces iu the summer months.

This house is not only useful and profitable as a fruit house,
but every portion of soil in the borders under the trees is utilised
by planting early Potatoes in the spring, also Mustard and
Cress, Eadishes, Lettuces, &o., and in the autumn the house is
rendered gay with Chrysanthemums, which are struck in June
in outside borders, and afterwards planted in the borders
under the pot trees and pegged down, the large varieties being
used. These at Christmas are exceedingly pretty, and furnish
large supplies of cut blooms.

The kitchen garden is walled-in, is nearly two acres in ex-
tent, and is divided into quarters by fine espalier fruit trees,
which annually carry good crops of fruit. The walls are by
no means high, but the garden is well sheltered by outside
shrubberies. The south border is about 10 feet wide, where
early Peas, Potatoes, &c., are grown. About midway down this
border stands a fine Cedar of Lebanon of spreading habit,
which was thickly studded with cones. We were particularly
struck with the Box edgings in the kitchen garden, which are
a yard high and the same breadth through at the bottom.
These are dipped annually in the shape of an inverted A.

These gardens have for several years been under the super-
intendence of Mr. F. BarrowoUffe, the able head gardener. —
G. E. A.

PEAS IN A MILD WET WINTEB.

A DOLEFUL tale have I to tell about the autumn-sown Peas.
Sown on a favourable day in November they came up quickly,
green as an emerald and abounding in health and vigour.
The weather was extremely mild and wet, causing the Peas to
grow so fast that soil had to be drawn up to support them.
Well, the rain kept falling and the Peas kept growing, till at
length they became so long and tender as to be unable to with-
stand the effects of so much wet, and gradually succumbed to
it, the stems rotting just above the surface, and to the entire
crop was lost.

While this gradual decay of a crop, which could not be re-
placed, was going on I happened to read a note upon the
hardiness of that excellent early Pea William I., and I went to
have another look at my William I., but hardly a healthy plant
could I see ; they had perished and become victims to causes
entirely beyond control. It may be said that by hardiness a
certain power ol resisting or being unaffected by the effects
of severe cold was meant; but I hardly think it could have
been so, as the mild damp weather has been very general in
the southern counties of England, precisely the district to which
I understood the remark to apply.

Ringleader was sown iu quantity on the same day in No-
vember and under similar conditions to William I., and it is
worthy of note that the older variety withstood the eil'ects of
the damp long after King William succumbed; at length, bow-
ever, it also decayed. Such a thing has never happened to
me before, and from what I have seen in one or two other
gardens I very much fear many of my brethren are in a similar
predicament.

I am glad to add that the sowings made iu January and
onwards to the present time are in excellent condition, and
are growing so freely that a supply of green Peas will probably
be forthcoming very soon after the usual time, which here is
about the last week iu May.— Edward Luckiiobst.

EARLY AND LATE DISTRICTS.

Mr. Douglas has recently remarked — " Many specimens of
Pear and Plum trees are now in full blossom," and as this
indicates a somewhat earlier condition of blossoming than I
can speak of here, it has suggested to me that the question as
to what determines earliuess might be an interesting one ; to me
it would be so at any rate. I find on going up to London from
here (Ashford) that as one approaches the metropolis Pear
and Plum trees seem more forward ; but then one would
require to know the condition of the soil — for this must have

much to do with it— and the varieties in bloom, for these differ
as to their period of blooming. Let me, then, take a few of
those which I have as standard trees, and ask some of your
correspondents if they would kindly say in what condition
their bloom is in when they receive the Journal this week
(April atith) — Williams' Bon Chrt-tien, Beurrc de Capiaumont,
Bishop's Thumb, Doyenne du Comioe, Comte de Lamy, and
Marie Louise. My own garden lies well sheltered (not walled-
in) from the north and north-easterly winds. The soil is rich
and open, and in most parts of good depth, and yet I have
not (April 18th) one single expanded truss of bloom on any of
the trees, and I am therefore curious to know if there are any
other circumstances which determine this matter of earliness.
Would our worthy superintendent at Chiswick kindly take the
trouble of saying what is the condition of his trees of the sorts
already named? — D., Deal.

HEDGEHOGS AND BULLFINCHES.

I LITTLE thought that I should ever in these enlightened
educated days read in actual sober print, not put in as a joke
or as an old superstition, " that hedgehogs will suck the cow
and spoil her," and that " this fact is indisputable," but so
in last week's Journal it is written by " A Master Gakdeker."
We are told also that the writer " has sought and gained this
information from farmers of long standing." Very long stand-
ing indeed. I should fancy the farmers were upwards of a
hundred years old.

I take down from my bookshelves the first work that comes
on natural history. There I read, " Many absurd errors prevail
as to the habits of this animal [the hedgehog] . It is charged
with sucking the teats of cows by night, and wounding their
adders with its spines, thereby causing those ulcerations which
are sometimes observed. From this false accusation, however,
the smallness of its mouth is a sufficient exculpation." Further
I need not write. How strange that such nonsense should
still be believed in. Clever fellow was that cowman who in
very old days stole the milk and then blamed the hedgehog,
and how readily other thieves took up the tale.

I next in positive duty must add a word about what " A
Master G.\rdener" says about the bullfinch, which is equally
erroneous. He writes, " I find that on the best authority the
bullfinch rarely frequents the garden, and then only when there
is great scarcity of food outside the garden." Well, every year
in January and February I have seen them in gardens for the
last forty years, and this year I saw five on one Gooseberry
bush picking out the buds. So has my squire's gardener. So
have the farmers in their gardens. Wisely wrote J. Gadd,
" The bullfinch is my game during the winter months." Then
comes my fiiind Harrison Weir, who has not a word to say in
defence of the bullfinch, and with his keen appreciation of
bird-beauty. I open my " Journal of a Naturalist," second
only in value to White's " Selborne," and I read, " Tht> bull-
finch has no claims to our regard. As spring approaches it
will visit our gardens, an insidious plunderer. Its delight is
in the embryo blossoms, wrapped up at this season in the bud
of a tree, and it is very dainty and curious in its choice of this
food, seldom feeding upon two kinds at the same time. It
generally commences with the germs of our larger and most
early liooseberry, and the bright red breasts of four or five
cock birds quietly feeding on the leafless bush are a very pretty
sight, but the consequences are ruinous to the crop. When
the Cherry buds begin to come forward they quit the Goose-
berry and make tremendous havoc with these. I have an
early Cherry," says this writer, " that has been for years a
great favourite with the bullfinch family, and its celebrity
seems to be communicated to each successive generation. It
buds profusely, but is annually so stripped by these feathered
rogues that its kind might almost be doubled. The Orleans
and Green Gage Plums next form a treat, and draw their at-
tention from what remains of the Cherry.

" The idea that has been occasionally entertained, that this
bird selects only such buds as contain the embryo of an
insect, to feed on it and thus free us from a latent colony of
caterpillars, is certainly not correct. The mischief effected by
bullfinches is greater than commonly imagined, and the
ground beneath the bush or tree on which they have been
feeding is commonly strewed with the shattered buds, the re-
jectmeuts of their banquet, and we are thus deprived of a large
portion of our best fruits by this assiduous pillager — this
' pick-a-bud,' as the gardeners call it, without any redeeming
virtues to compensate our loss."

April 2U, 1877. J

JOUBNAl OB HOBTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

315

I hope after this quotation from bo aocnrate an observer we
shall have no one defending the bullfinch. Gardeners, imitate
Mr. Gadd ; make the bullfinch your game during winter. Chaf-
finches do little harm ; they draw-up our young Radishes as
soon a% they appear above the surface, but this done they
do no more mischief- Cover-up the beds and then enjoy the
Bong and beauty of the chaffinch. The tomtit should not be
destroyed ; it is an insectivorous bird. Sparrows, too, are
great consumers of insects, and by a wonderful arrangement
of Nature, during spring and early summer they live on insects,
and their constantly increasing families require an unceasing
supply of food, hence they do much good. The summer over,
they live on corn. In proper numbers sparrows are gardeners'
friends. — Wiltshiee Rectoe.

SuEELY "A Master Gakdener" is joking when he writes
as regards the hedgehog " that they suck cows, and further
that they spoil them as well." He also writes, " this fact is
indisputable." In the first place I deny it is a fact, and next
I dispute it. Did he or any of the farmers he mentions ever
see one so doing .' It is not a new statement, but one that has
never been proven, and although naturalists have made every
inquiry there never has yet been one person that has said he
had seen the animal in the act. If "A Mastek Gardener "
were to examine a hedgehog's month he would at once see how
utterly impossible it would be for the animal to suck a cow.
Let him look when a calf is sucking and see how much of the
teat it is obliged to get into its mouth to gain the milk, and
he will see the fallacy of his statement. The hedgehog could
not do it if he were willing. As regards, then, the habit of the
animal being such, it is neither a fact nor indisputable.

" A Master Gardener " says bullfinches never come into
gardens. Perhaps he can tell me how it happened that my
gardener has killed between thirty and forty in my own garden
this year. Before I had the bullfinches destroyed I did not
get a bushel of fruit from about fifty Plum trees, so numerous
were this variety of bud-eating bird. No doubt tho sparrows
and greenfinches do much harm, and yet my Gooseberry trees
are scarcely touched since I destroyed the bullfinches, though
I may state that there are hundreds of sparrows that come
every night to sleep among the evergreens in different parts
of the grounds. This year they and the greenfinches have
pecked the Primroses and Polyanthuses sadly, but on examin-
ing many of the flowers I found several which had been much
eaten by insects, therefore I have the idea that the birds were
after them. As regards the tomtits I never have any destroyed.
The buds they peck out mostly have insects in them, or eggs of
insects on them. If the crops of the tomtits are inspected
there will be no buds found in them, while I have found that
of the bullfinch full, and those mostly bloom buds. This latter
bird is the only one I wage war against ; all the others do more
good than harm. — Harbison Weir, iVeirlcigli,Brcnchlc>j, Kent.

CUCUMBERS FOB THE MILLION.

Knowing that Mr. Luckhnrst can grow Cucumbers by the
hundred, I have thought that he and others might be interested
in knowing that there is a man not far from here (Bramble-
tye) who, by putting theory into practice, can grow them by
the thousand. Some six months ago he became possessed of
some old greenhouse lights, and formed them into a lean-to
pit 60 feet by 8, with a back path and a flow-and-return hot-
water pipe ; half of this pit he used for propagating bedding
plants, the other half for growing Cucumbers for sale.

Having purchased a quantity of good stable manure he
placed it in this pit in the usual way ; in the next part was
growing his Cucumber plants, thus acting on Mr. Luckhurst's
advice — that growing them at home is preferable to fetching
them from a distance. I saw the plants soon after they had
been planted in their place in good turfy loam from an old
pasture, and so planted that the roots can run down to the
bottom of the pit for food as they require it, the varieties
being RoUisson's Telegraph, Masters' Prohfic, and Tender and
True, all trained on horizontal wires. I called to see them on
Saturday, April 11th, when to my astonishment, in the brief
space of three weeks since I last saw them, there were Cucum-
bers by the thousand. I counted in the space of 1 foot twenty-
one fruits from 12 to 6 inches long, a sight scarcely to be
credited. I shall be glad to accompany Mr. Luckhnrst to see
this wonderful crop.

The beat of the three varieties is RoUisson's Telegraph. I
counted from five to eight fruits on a joint, and dozens of

joints with that number. I grow Cox's Volunteer, and find
it very good for both summer and winter, but I must confess
my faith gave way in presence of such a sight as the one
referred to. Masters' Prolific is " nowhere," and Tender and
True, except for the length and beauty of fruit, cannot be com-
pared with Telegraph. Bear in mind I am not condemning
these varieties generally, but only describing them as they
appear in this house. Mr. Wallis, the grower, is a market
gardener and florist at East Grinstead, and would be pleased
to show anyone his Cucumbers " for the million." — Samuel
Jenks, Bramhleti/e.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS— FUMEWORTS.

We have not a more graceful race of hardy herbaceous plants
for border decoration than the Fumeworts. They are beautiful
in every sense — in foliage, flowers, and habit. It was predicted
long ago that Dielytra spectabilis, like the China Rose, would
find its way into every cottage garden ; it has found its way
into many, but it will be a long time at the present rate of in-
crease before it finds its way into all. A plant possessed of
such intrinsic merit, and with such pleasing properties to re-
commend it, ought not only to be in every cottage garden but
in every cottage window and greenhouse. I can imagine what
a thrill of delight would run through the mind of the celebrated
Fortune when he first gazed on this charming plant in John
Chinaman's garden. When first introduced it was the admir-
ation of all, and was eagerly sought after, but in many places
it has had to give way to others ; yet it retains all its useful
properties for both in and out-door purposes, and for cut flowers,
where such are in demand, it is invaluable.

Dielytra spectabilis delights in a rich, hght, well-drained
soil, and a sheltered sunny situation, and when established the
plants take care of themselves ; but the young growths require
protection from late spring frosts. It is a free-growiug plant
and bears cutting well, yielding a succession of flowers for a
long season. It may be readily increased by cuttings during
summer, also by division of the roots. We have a white
variety of the above ; at the best it is but a delicate plant, yet
when well grown it proves very desirable for indoor work.

We have some other kinds of Dielytras which do us good ser-
vice in the spring and early summer. From North America
we have D. speciosa, a showy plant but seldom seen ; D. exiraia
is an interesting and graceful plant, having naked stalks and
drooping racemes of pinkish-coloured flowers ; D. formosa used
to be much more frequently met with than at the present. As
spring garden decorative plants they all require the same treat-
ment, and, common as they may be said to be, they are still
useful for in or out-door decoration. — Veritas.

NEW BOOK.

Tlic New Practical Wiinlotc Gardener. Bij J. E. Mollison.

Groombridge & Son.

A iBETTY little volume, giving correct information, but

not " new."

THE OLD MARKET GARDENS and NURSERIES
OF LONDON.— No. IG.

Through the greater part of last century the name of
Chelsea called up to the London citizen recollections of a very
pleasant semi-rural locality. Hither would hie, on a chance or
stated holiday, folks of all ages from noisy London or busy
Westminster, and they would not forget in thei.- way along to
take a bun at the noted Chelsea establishment, or as thoy came
nearer the famed Chelsea meads they might refresh themselves
with custards. There were the attractions of the College and
its old pensioners, the glimpses to be had of the pleasant gar-
dens attached to the numerous villa residences, and there was
the Common with its sand hills affording fun to the youngsters ;
while some visitors would be»r back to their dingy city homes
choice plants from Chelsea nurseries, long to be cherished if
the smoke did not extinguish their lives. I could fancy the
King's Eoad as it was when the nurseries of Chelsea were at
their best had somewhat of the aspect of that part of the
Edgware Eoad that runs through Maida Vale and Kilbnrn,
though this now-a-days is fast undergoing an alteration which
is making it appear more town-like.

It would seem, however, that it was not until the reign of
George III. was far advanced that the nurseries of Davey and
Colvill became famous, for although Chelsea had many gar-

316

JOURNAL OP HORU'ICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK.

[ April 26, 1677.

doners at an earlier period, they devoted tbeir attention to the
useful rather than to the ornamental. ColviU's nureery the
visitor to Chelsea first saw, the ground of that extending Bome
distance northward towards the Blacklands estate, but not
joining ; the open ground once occupied as a market garden
by the family of the Catleugba, and on which now stands
St. Mary's convent and schools, Cadogau Terrace, approaching
what was called the " Pavilion," and which has recently been
demolished to form a new line of road. Colvill's ground hud
a rather irregular shape, but that it did cover a largish space
would appear from the description of its various buildings.
An old plan of Middlesex of the date of 1745 shows a lane
turning out of the King's Eoad opposite the Military Asylum
(now Blacklands Terrace), which probably bounded the London
eide of Colvill's nursery ; and on the weet the boundary can
be exactly fixed, for it was in the line of a street now named
" Keppel," and not so many years ngo " Butterfly Alley," once
a walk with neat hedges on each side. No doubt it really had
once its butterflies, attracted to the tpot by the flowers in the
gardens and greenhouses of Colvill and Davey, for this lane
separated their grounds. Mr. Pratt, an occasional visitant to
Chelsea and a poet, whose "delightful" and "exquisite"
verses had a small circle of admirers, commemorated these in
a poem, from which we may extract a few lines : —
" Wheic smiliDg Chelsea spreads the cultured lands

Sacred to Flora a pavilion sland" ;

And yet a second temple neiRbbnuring near,

Norses the fragrance of the various year.

Of Davey this, of Colvill that, the care.

While both the favour of the godde=i8 share ;

But not for her — the Deity of flowers —

Alone the Inceosc breathes— still higher powers;

Fair Venus marks each temple for her own.

And Fashion sits upon a blossomed throne."
Tho imagery savours of the ludicrous, but we let that pass
88 we turn to the prosaic account of the nursery belonging to
Colvill, which we find in the pages of the usually veracious
Faulkner. The principal conservatory lay a little back from
the King's Road, and, says this author, "it was scientifically
divided into two compartments, the largest part occupied by
what are generally termed greenhouse plants, which are planted
out in a bed of earth, and grow as luxuriantly as if they were
in the soil and under the clime of their respective countries.
The other part consists of tropical plants, and requires to be
kept up to a tropical heat throughout the year." Then, with
a frontage to the King's Road, another handsome conservatory
was almost exclusively occupied by Geraniums, and here were
reared many of the specimens described and figured in Mr.
Sweet's work on the Geraniaceie. There were also smaller
houses for exotics, heated both in winter and in summer; in
one of these a display was made of the genus Amaryllis. The
Bight of three hundred plants blooming at once seems to have
rather astonished the Chelsea historian. In another house of
some altitude was placed the trunk of a large Elm, to which
were nailed in various positions shells of cocoa-nuts ; and para-
sitical plants, many of them Orchidaceous, were inserted in
these, Colvill's establishment was closed about forty years
ago, making way for a row of shops which until recently re-
tained the name of the former resident.

About Mr. Thomas Davey'a nursery there is not much on
record, but it probably was at first a nursery and market gar-
den combined, for early in this century he disposed of a part
of his ground to the Messrs. Downing, who removed their
floor-cloth establishment to the north side of the road from
its position nearly opposite, and Davey continued cultivating
the remainder of tho ground until his death in April, 1833, at
the good age of seventy-seven, after which the land was soon
let on building leases. An old resident in Chelsea, the late
Samuel Shepherd, F.S. A., wrote some memorial lines on Davey,
representing his flowers as mourning his decease, and con-
cluding with this stanza : —

" Though sun and showeiti each following year
Shall with ni w life your bloBsomB rear,
No more on earth will he appear—

From life he's fled ;
But in the dark and dreary tomb
No more his pleasing toil resume,
'U'hile you each year shall bud and bloom
Though Davey's dead."

This gardener furnished one of the many examples adducible
that the horticultural business is very favourable to longevity,
though it may develope in some men rheumatic affections, often
painful yet not materially abridging life. A shop just beyond
the premises formerly occupied by the Messrs. Downing is said
to stand where the entrance to Davey's nursery was ; also it

is said that both were much " patronised by the nobility."
Flanking Chelsea Common, which was situate between the
King's Road and Erompton or Little Chelsea, there were at one
time orchards of some extent belonging to the market gardeners,
and I am afraid some of those who were predecessors to Col-
vill and Davey in the King's Road were not overscrnpulouB
about appropriating some part of the common land for their
use and benefit by insidiously shifting the boundaries of the
ground they had in cultivation. The parish books, moreover,
show one instance at least where the Chelsea gardeners got
into trouble because they took the liberty of digging pits on the
common for the purpose of fermenting their manure in the
manner then much in vogue. The ponds here were doubtless
made free use of by the gardeners. It should be remembered
that in Pond Place, in the Fulham Road edge of the common,
once lived William Curtis, whose " Botanical Magazine,"
started in 1787, attained a sale which was remarkable ninety
years since, and who was one of the earliest who advocated the
formation of natural history societies, which should be at once
scientific and friendly in their tone. Curtis made an attempt at
a botanic garden in that unpromising locality Lambeth Marsh,
and after eighteen years' occupancy he removed his plants in
17^0 to a nursery at (^lueen's Elm, Erompton, concerning
which more hereafter.

Returning to the King's Road we next observe that the land
on which the Royal Military Asylum was built at the com-
mencement of this century was part of the glebe of Chelsea ,
and doubtless cultivated by market gardeners at an earlier
time, though nothing particular survives relative to its history.
A little farther on was a nursery garden nearly opposite to
Colvill's and Davey's establishments, occupying, I suspect, the
open space leading down to the principal entrance of the Chel-
sea Hospital, now " Royal Avenue," and probably joining the
old house called " Whitelands," and an old resident tells mo
it was known as " Whiteland's Nursery." This went the
way of many other London nurseries — disappearing, and leav-
ing no trace ; as did also another once belonging to a Mr.
Moore, which was a short distance beyond Davey's nursery,
on the north side of the Kitjg's Pioad. 01 all the nurseries
dotted along the part of the King's Eoad that associated with
the name of Little alone remains, and still does some amount
of business, having been honoured for years past with occa-
sional royal patronage. I am unable to carry its history
farther back than to the time when it was owned by the grand-
father of the present proprietor; it was then more extensive,
having undergone curtailment during this century. There were
once suflicient fruit trees at the rear to afford temptation to
the Chelsea boys, for a resident remembers that when he was a
youngster about thirty years ago he was at this nursery on an
evening visit, and on a sudden alarm being given that there
were depredators amongst the fruit he and others rushed out
— half in jest, half in earnest — to scare them off, armed with
pokers, sticks, and whatever missiles were easily attainable.
The ground, now much enclosed by houses and overshadowed
by a factory, is below tho level of the adjacent land, insuffi-
ciently drained ; but Mr. Little does not cultivate much save
under the protection of glass, and the generation will soon rise
up when one might seek in vain for traces of this nursery.
Probably it only awaits the expiration of a lease to vanish, as
did the establishment of Mr. Rolls, formerly near Chelsea
Vestry Hall, not many steps beyond Little's Nursery, and re-
ported to have fronted the road where Argyll House now
stands. This was but a small establishment in proximity to
it, and on the opposite or north side of the road was the more
extensive property for many years in the possession of the
Hutchins family.

The history of the Hntchins goes back a long way in tho
eighteenth century. There were market gardeners of this name
in the Five Fields, and also at Kensington ; at the latter place
there was ground belonging to a Mr. Hutchins subseciuent to the
occupancy of the Chelsea land by houses and other buildings.
At one period this property was called " Chelsea Farm," hut it
must be distinguished from another Chelsea farm farther west,
and close to the river. The market gardens belonging to Mr.
Hutchins seem to have occupied that block in the King's Road
which lies between Robert and Church Streets; just by the
latter, where the market garden ended, the road narrowed
considerably, and a bar was fixed across, there being a path
for foot passengers only upon one side. Oakley (now Carlyle)
Square, probably Chelsea Workhouse, and two or three lines of
streets cross the former site of these market gardens, a small
strip of which— situate between Robert and Arthur Streets, and

April 26, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDRK AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

317

attached to a private residence belonging to Mr. AdatOB — pro-
dnced vegetables, fruit, and flowers until five years ago, when
that also was built upon. The majority of the houses sprung
up between 1820 and 1830, but one angle formed by the old
burying ground was taken off the garden laud by Sir Hans
Sloane at an earlier date, perhaps about 1740. — C.

Peat for Ferns. — Notwithstanding many examples proving
the contrary, peat is considered by many growers to be indis-
pensable. Good peat will grow Ferns admirably, but bad peat
is not nearly so good for them as loam and old leaf soil. Ferns
in nature are far more frequently found growing in loam than
in peat, and some of the finest under artificial cultivation have
a great proportion of loam in their compost. The excellent
examples of Adiantum gracUlimum recently exhibited at South
Kensington by Messrs. Staudish appeared to be growing in
almost all loam, and there was evidence that copious supplies
of manure water had been given to them. We shall be glad
to have the experience of others on the question of giving
liquid manure to Ferns, as many growers consider it to be fatal
to those plants — a few ruling to the contrary. It is almost
certain that the splendid plants of the Gauze Fern referred to
had been supported with liquid manure.

NOTES ON VILLA, and SUBUBBAN GARDENING.

" Ble that loves a garden loves a greenhouse too." Those are
the words of the poet Cowper, and apply as forcibly at the

S resent time as they did a century ago. Horticultural science
oes not retrograde, but love for the garden and greenhouse is
the means of bringing enjoyment as well as health to many.
Almost every villa possesses a greenhouse of some kind, and in
this house a variety of plants are expected to grow. There are,
as a rule, no specialities here. It may coutain a few Geraniums,
a few Ferns, or a few of something else. Just a Uttle of every-
thing is cherished with tender care ; something that will bring
gayness and enjoyment all the year round. Just now extra at-
tention is needed in the greenhouse as well as in all other de-
partments of gardening. A good and varied selection of plants
was given last week in answer to a correspondent ("A Lady
Gardener "), and if this selection is cultivated with anything
like success there will always be something in bloom as the
proper time comes round for the different kinds of plants.

The principal matters at the present leading to success are
watering and shading, and it the greenhouse is not covered with
Vines sufliciently to break the rays of the fierce midday sun
some kind of shading must be provided— a blind erected so that
it can be palled up and let down as required is the best ; but
a cheap kind of shading is made by covering the glass with a
mixture of skim milk and whiting, applying it with a common
paint brush.

It is not an easy matter to mention all the little requirements
necessary to the well-being of plants, or to lay down any hard-
and-fast rule for watering them ; but watering repeated too
often when the plants are in a young state or in cold qaarters
is very injurious, for it sours the soil, and constant driblets is
the worst kind of watering of all. Moisture through the whole
ball of soil is of the utmost importance, and in watering you
must be guided partly by the state of the outside atmosphere
(for some days are more drying than others), the growths of the
plant, and the quantity of roots to receive the moisture. At
this season much encouragement may be given to the gi'owth
of plants by watering and damping the stages and paths and
closing the house early in the afternoon. The temperature may
appear high at the time, but it will fall rapidly as the sun goes
down, and the extra heat husbanded is highly beneficial to
most plants, and, with the moisture, is preventive of some kinds
of insects. If Vinos are in the same house they will dehght in
BUch treatment.

Any cnttiogs of Fuchsias inserted last month may now be
potted singly; they will soon grow and make healthy Uttle
blooming plants. Repot any plants that are potbound, and if
the ball is very dry give it a good soaking in a pail of water,
giving the soil time to drain before potting. Use plenty of
drainage, and press the soil well down around the ball.

Hyacinths and Tulips which have done blooming should not
be tamed out to "rough it," sometimes being saturated and at
other times parched, but they should be planted-out in any
spare piece of ground where they will take care of tiiemselves,
and bo of some service in the borders in future years. A lady
of our acquaintance always served her Hyacinths, itc, in that
way after they had flowered in pots and glasaes, and her beds
were very gay every spring with Hyacinths, Tulips, Anemones,
and Turban Uanunculuses. As soon as these wont out of
bloom they were taken up and laid in a border to rijien ; during
the summer they were cleaned and stored away in paper bags
for the following autumn, when they were planted again and

bloomed in the spring with the same results as before. It will
only be right to say the soil was light, sandy, and fertile, and
the place in the south-west of England.

Lily of the Valley, Deutzias, and Spirreas which have ceased
blooming should be turned out of their pots and planted-out.
They will take care of themselves unless the summer is very
dry, when they will need watering, and they can be lifted and
potted again in the autumn.

Gladiolus should be planted at once in ground that has been
previously dug and manured, or in borders, as the case may be,
planting the bulbs about 4 inches deep and from 9 inches to a
foot apart. There are many varieties of G. Gandavensis which
may be purchased very cheaply, and the whole of them are very
effective when in bloom in the autumn. We plant many bulbs
of Brenchleyensis amongst Rhododendrons, where they do well,
throwing up their fine scarlet spikes amongst the deep green
foliage of the Rhododendrons, producing a very pleasing effect.

Hardy ferneries are welcome additions to every villa residence
and many an out-of-the-way corner, but for the rockery and its
occupants would be very gloomy and unsightly. Rockwork can
be constructed of almost any material — rough blocks of stone,
bricks run together in burning at the kUn, or ordinary bricks
put together in irregular masses with Portland cement. Rock-
work should be built in the most natural manner possible, but
of course must suit the requirements of the place. Plenty of
room must be left for soil to grow the Ferns, and it is very im-
portant in planting the fernery to arrange the evergreen and
deciduous kinds so that in winter, when the deciduous kinds
have lost their fronds, the evergreen Ferns will give a cheerful
appearance to the rockery. The present is a good time for
planting, and the following are good usefiil British and hardy
kinds — Scolopendrium vulgare, S. v. crispum, S. v. cristatum,
S. V. marginatum, S. v. ramosum; Polypodium Phegopteris,
P. Dryopteris, P. vulgare, and P. v. cambricum ; Blechnum
Spicant; Osmunda regalis, 0. r. cristata; Allosorus crispus;
Lastreas Filix-mas, L. F.-m. crispa, L. F.-m. cristata, L. F.-m.
polydactyla, L. F.-m. pumila. Lastreas dilatata, spinulosa,
montana, and Thelypteris are all distinct and good. All the
Lady Ferns are very distinct and beautiful, and comprise a
large section. Athvrium Filix-fremina, A. F.-f.Fieldiffl, A. F.-f.
Frizellifo, A. F.-f. Vernonim, and A. F.-f. Victoriie are elegant.
There are numerous other varieties belonging to the original
species, but the above are attractive, and can be purchased very
reasonably and be grown with little oars and attention.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT "WEEK.
Last week we were writing of more rainfall and bemoaning
the saturation of the ground, but before the words appeared in
print the wind changed to east by north, and in leas than
twenty-four hours clouds of dust were drifting about with the
violence of the gale, and many plants were wrenched off at the
surface of the ground, while some Chrysanthemums that it was
necessary to place out of doors had their leaves greatly injured.

HARDY FRUIT G-tRDEN.

The surface of the ground was caked by the rains, and an
opportunity was offered to run the Dutch hoe through between
the rows of Strawberries. We never dig amongst the young
plants that are intended to bear fruit this season, consequently
the grouud only an inch or two below the surface is thoroughly
permeated with roots, and to drive the hoe deeply into the
ground would cut them to a considerable extent. The surface la
therefore merely stirred, and when the plants have made some
growth so that the flower-trusses can be seen, the ground be-
tween the plants will be mulched with manure. This may not
be done so early if the weather is dull and wet, as the object of
mulching is to prevent evaporation from the grouud in hot dry
weather, and especially if it has been necessary to water the
plants. Many persons plant-out those plants which have been
forced early, so as to secure a crop of fruit in the autumn. The
best varieties for this purpose are Black Prince and Keeus
Seedling. ., i ,

No plants should be saved for planting except those tbat nave
borne fruit. Some plants come barren and should be destroyed,
as they are not likely to bear fruit either in pots or planted-out.
Our first lot of Strawberry plants brought-in from a large
nursery were a source of considerable annoyance in this respect :
more than half of the plants of some sorts bore abundant healthy
leaves, but the time for fruit never came. We did not save
runners from these barren plants, but only from the strong,
healthy, and free-bearing plants, and the result of this care in
selection is that we could now show several hundred plants and
not one that is not showing flowers amongst them.

If the plants have been carefully hardened- off by first being
placed in a cooler house or cold frames before placing them out
of doors, they may be planted in prepared ground at once.
ICach plant should be in a shallow depression, and the soil
should be placed very firmly round it. If the weather is dry

318

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ April 26, 18T7.

the plants must be watered, as the roots are formed into a com-
pact mass so that water cannot penetrate into it rapidly enough
to sustain the plant. Before planting them out it is well to see
that the leaves are free from red spider. This pest is very
troublesome and does much damage in little time. "We dip the
plants in a pail of water to which 3 ozs. of soft soap and half a
pint of tobacco liquor has been added, laying them on their
Bides afterwards so that the solution may drain off without
running into the roots.

Most of the Pear, Plum, and Cherry trees are m blossom, and
aome of them have even passed the blossoming period. We
have done no work amongst them except to put on a few grafts.
This work should be finished at once, and if necessary the hoe
may be run through the ground under the trees.

PINE HOUSES.

Owing to the greatly increased light and higher temperature
•out of doors the night temperature where fruitis swelling should
now be 70'— that is, if it is desirable to have the fruit ripe as
quickly as possible. If it is not necessary to do this G5' is just
as healthy a medium for the plants. Many cultivators recom-
mend syringing the plants when the house is closed in the
afternoon ; but this is really not necesEary, and water applied
in this way is nearly all conveyed down the leaves^ to the base
of the stem, where the soil becomes sodden and in the worst
possible condition to supply the plants with the nourishment
they require. It is a good plan to syringe underneath the plants
■during hot drying days, and to water the surface of the beds as
well as the walls and paths of the house. Fruiting Pines are
not benefited by much moisture in the atmosphere ; in fact a
■close moist atmosphere causes an overgrowth in the crowns,
which takes away the sap that ought to be appropriated by the
fruit. Succession plants should be grown-on in a very similar
temperature to that of the fruiters. The plants ought now to
be potted into their fruiting pots without any delay. Hot^ water
pipes fixed in a chamber underneath the bed is much the best
method in which to apply bottom heat. The heat in the tan
bed will then last at least six months, and if the old tan is then
just turned over and mixed with some fresh the heat will be
maintained for some months longer.

CnCUMKER AND MELON HOUSES.

Cuoumber plants require looking over at least once in ten
days to thin out all old wood and to replace it with the young
bearing shoots. It is difficult to keep the plants quite free from
insect pests, which attack the leaves when the warm weather
Bets in. Red spider may be kept down by syringing, but thrips
will not yield to clear rain water, and any solution that will
iiU the insect is injurious to the leaves. We generally destroy
it by fumigating the house with tobacco smoke, but this may be
too strong for the leaves, and it is better to fumigate two or
three times than to run any risk from an overdose.

Melons that are at that stage when the fruit sets require daily
attention, and it is as well to manage it so that a sufficient
number of female blossoms are in flower at one time, as if one
or two are set two or throe days only before the others, they
will advance at such a rapid rate that the others suffer. The
fruit sets best in a moderately dry atmosphere. The lateral
growths of Melon plants require very similar management to
that of Vines as to stopping and training, and the growths ought
not to be crowded too closely together, else the fruit is not likely
to be of good quality. Many persons shade their Melon houses ;
but if it is necessary to do this it is a sign that the plants are
not in good condition, probably owing to their being grown in
a hot moist atmosphere and air not having been freely admitted
to them when practicable. The house should not exceed G5° at
night, and if the temperature falls to C0° no harm will accrue
to the plants.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.

Shading is one of the most important it;ms of the details of
the culture of stove plants. It may be underdone, but it is
more frequently overdone. In duU cloudy weather shading is
positively injurious to plants underneath it, especially Orchids
and some flowering plants. The blinds ought to be fixed so that
they may be easily let down or rolled up.

We have a number of plants of Dipladenia Brearleyana, sorue
of them trained to the ruof, and others to circular trellises in
pots. The flowers are of the most handsome description, and
are well adapted for decorative purposes in the drawing or dining
room. itr. Baiues, who grew Dipladenias better than any other
cultivator, says that the plants require very little water at the
roots, and our own experience agrees with this ; they also luxu-
riate in a high moist temperature when growing.

We have cut down a number of plants of Poinsettia pulcher-
rima, and also the new variety plenissima. Those who have
not yet added this new sort to their collections ought certainly
to do so, as it is destined to supersede the old variety not only
for its greater brilliancy but also for its more lasting character.
The plants ought not to be placed in a high temperature— 55? is
suitable; and they ought to be placed near the glass and be
freely exposed to the suu.

Many species of foliage plants are liable to be attacked by red

spider ; and as the value of these plants consists in the leaves
being kept healthy the pest must be promptly sponged off, and
the leaves be kept free from its presence by frequent and regular
syringings.

One of the most showy plants we have at this season is Antiiu-
rium Scherzerianum. Its brilliant-coloured spathes are very
striking ; and one great advantage the plant has over many others
is that the spathes not only last a long time in beauty, but they
are not easily injured by syringing or any other cause. Keep
the leaves of a healthy deep green colour and free from scale.
The plant as to treatment requires the temperature of a Cattleya
house, and the plants ought to be potted in the same way, and
similar material ought to be used- viz., the pots to be half filled
with dean potsherds ; and the compost turfy peat, sphagnum
moss, and a few potsherds and bits of charcoal mixed with it.

Many species of Orchids are now throwing up flower spikes,
and they require frequent watching with a good lamp at night
to destroy slugs and snails, which not only eat the flowering
growths just as thev are starting, but also the fresh young root-
lets which arc just forming. Those Orchids that are in flower
ought to be preserved as long as possible. To do them justice
they ought to be placed in a house a little cooler than that
wherein the plants were growing, and the atmosphere should be
kept drier : a very moist atmosphere causes the flowers to be
disfigured with small damp spots. At this season there are
many species that require repotting, and it ought to be done
without any delay. In former papers full instructions have
been given as to the potting and basketing of Orchids. It la
important to pot them at the right time— that is, just when they
start into growth. If Orchids are shifted at a time when they
are not about to make young roots they seldom do well. Many
species of Dendrobium are subject to the attacks of red spider.
A good plan is to syringe the leaves well in the early part of the
day with water that has been standing close to the hot-water
pipes. D. Devonianum suffers much from the attacks of this
pest. — J. Douglas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
• * All correspondence should be directed either to " The
Editors," or to "The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so anbjeota them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Ponltry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.
Books (C. P.).— The " Cottage Gardener's Dictionary " contains all that
yon name.

WnD Flowers (C. Bim^dok).— We cannot state tlie nnmber. All
natives will be published that produce flowers, but not the Orjptogaml.

Ammonia (G. M.).— There is not any ammonia in saparphosphate ot lime.
Cannot you obtain ammoniacal liquor from gasworks ?

MiEfxHSL NlEL Decaying (T. Rose).— The stock cannot supply sufficient
Bap for such luxuriant growth. You do not state what stock it is upon.

PoLVANTHusEs.— Mr. Caudwell, florist, ;Wantage, has sent us speoimen
flowers ; they are very varied in colour and good pips.

QoiNCE Trees IMrs. Hend<-rsoii).— They are very hardy and require much
moisture. They usually succeed best when growing by the side of a stream
or pond, and as standards.

Mildew on Strawberries (J. B.).— The fruit sent is small and Ul-shaped,
but only contains slight evidence of mildew, and there is no mildew on the
leaves. There is no remedy for the unsatisfactory condition of the fruit in
its presout advanced state. The most certain way of preventing a similar
occurrence is to obtain runners from a fresh stock of young healthy plants.
In your case we think this change is very desirable.

Gravel ( W. B. T.).— One ton of gravel will cover about 36 square yards of
walk an inch thick.

Leaves Infested with Black Fongfs {M. A. C.). — The leaves havs
their upper surface coated with a black fungus, but there were no traces ol
insects upon them. Probably the points of the shoots are or have been
infected with aphis, which would succumb to fnmigalion with tobacco or
syringing with tobacco water, one part ol tobacco juice diluted with six parts
of rain water. The fungus may be washed ofl «nth a sponge, employing tepia
water holding in solution 2 ozs. of soft soap to a gallon.

Centadeeas from Seed {Idem).— Sow at once in a pot or pan wdl
drained, filling to withm half an inch of the rim with a compost of two parts
loam and one part leaf soU, with about a sixth of sand, the whole wall mixed
and nasRcd through a half-inch sieve. Make the surface smooth, and scatter
the seeds evenly and thinly, covering them about a cjuarter of an mob deep
with fine soil, place in a hotbed, and keep moist, but avoid making the BoU
sodden. When the plants appear keep them near the glass and moderately
ventilated, potting them off singly into small pots when they show the
second loaves, returning to the hotbed, keeping rather close, and 9li«d«a <"«»
bright sun untU established. When growing remove them to a cold Irame,
admitting air freely, hardening weU off before plauting out. The plants wiu
hardly be laige enough (or planting out by the beginning of June. The seoa
for that purpose should have been sown early in March.

AprU 26, 1877 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Plants for Hanging Baskets (May). —We presume frost is excluded
from your cool greenhonse. Sasifraga Fortonei fol. var., S. sarmentosa,
Tradescantia zebriua, Lithospermum prostratum. Mesembry anthem ums
davellatum, repens, and candens, Cereas flagelliformis, C. splendens, Antir-
rhionm prootimbens, AJyesum variegatum, and Ivy-leaved Geraniums are
suitable.

White CAiTELLiA for Back of Vinery (Idem). — Alba plena, thougU
old, iR one of the best; Mathotiana alba is very good, as also is Flmbriata,
which ha^? the margin of the petals beautifolly fringed. Any of the three
would suit. Plant ihem out, which ia preferable to growing them in pots,
keeping well supplied with water, and trained to a trellis.

Moss IN Seed Pan {Idem}.— Do not attempt to remove the moss from
the psn containing Begonia seed, bat continue the pan in gentle heat, keep-
ing moist. It is not unlikely that the seed will yet vegetate, if it baa not
already done so.

Pruning Outdoor Vines (Tyro'). — The Vines ought to have been pruned
gome time ago, but we should yet do so, cutting back the growths of last year
to within two eyes of their base, and the extension of the canes or rods to
about Bis eyes. If the Vines have been neglected we should thin-out the
rods, and lay-in fresh canes at about IS inches distance apart, and rub out
the eyes as they break where they are closer together than 18 inches, depress-
ing the canes eo as to induce their breaking well at the base, and after they
have broken and are about an iach long secure the shoots to the wall.

Wintering Carnations (Idem). — Ours have wintered well in the open
ground, the soil being light and well drained, but they have been much
preyed upon by slugs. We should pot the plants ia September as you pro-
pose, and place them in a cold frame on ashes in a sheltered situation, ad-
mitting air freely during mild weather, the object being to keep them cool and
dry : and at the same time afford them protection in severe weather by placing
mats over the lights. Very little water will be required during the winter.
Harden well off, and plant out from the pots about the middle of April. They
will flower finely during the summer.

Pit for Cucumbers (Amateur). — The idea we presume is to grow Cu-
onmberi in summer only, having a pit for hot dung to give the plants a start,
planting not being done until March or April. It wiU suffice in that case
if the front wall be 3 feet high, 2 feet within and 1 foot above ground, the
back wall being 2 feet higher or 5 feet, and upon these will be the wall plates.
The pit should face tho south, and be in a sheltered position, but not shaded
by trees or other objects.

Plants foe a Shaded Border (Idem). — The border will he most suit-
able for Fern?, but we have had the following plants do fairly in such a
position: — Lily of the Valley, Ajuga orientalia, Anemone apennina, Arabia
albida, Aubrietia deltoidea, Hemerocallis lutea, Meconopsis cambrica. Mirau-
Ina cupreus, Myosotis dissitiflora, double varieties of Primrose, TroUius
europ.qeue, Vinca major, V. minor, and Violets in varietv. The wall may be
clothed with Ivy, Jasroinum nudiflorum, and Virginian Creeper.

Tbeathent of Orchids f^l/ P, D.).— All the Orchids you name will suc-
Med in a cool stove — that is about 55*^ at night. The plant has been eaten by
some insect. Take a lantern and search for it at night.

Peach Tree on Shadv Side of House (J. IF.). — If a Barriugton
Peach will not succeed owing to too much shade, a Fig tree would not givo
satisfaction. Try au Early York Peach tree ; it is a freer setter, and ripens
much easier and earlier than Barrington. The best Rose for your purpose is
H.P. Duke of Edinburgh.

Propagating Carnations and Cloves (A. H.). — Cloves and many
varieties of Carnations are not easily propagated from cuttings, but some
sorts are, and the small side growths of them strike well in a little bottom
heat ; but after all the best way is to layer them in August, you are then sure
of good strong flowering plants for next year.

_AiE Roots from Vines (Jf. C). — This is a very common occurrence
with early forced Vines, and it is owing to deficient root action combined
with a moist atmosphere. You may either leave them on or cut them off
as you please. We have tried both ways, and have not seen the Vines suffer
in the least.

Treatmbnt of Vines (J. B.). — As the young Vines had only started
about 8 inches, it would not have checked the growth to have shaken the soil
from the roots ; but it would have been better still to have shaken them out
as eoon as they started, and laid the roots out in shallow boxes made roughly,
and at the time o( planting the boxes might have been dropped into the place
where tho Vines were to be planted, pulling the boxes to pieces without dis-
turbing the roots. As you say the old ball of roots is " quite solid " and few
roots started from it, we do not think the Vines will do well until these halls
are broken up. It was a mistake not to have done this in the first instance.

Reinette Grise Apple (A. K. B.) —Avery fine dessert Apple of first-rate
qnality. Our '* Garden Manual" will suit you. Free by post for twenty
postage stamps.

Pansies peosi Seed (Tyro).— Mr. Mcintosh gives the following excellent
directions : — " The beginning of May, August, and September are the best
seasons for sowing tho seed saved the preceding autumn, spriug, and summer.
All seed procured afttr the middle of September should be kept till the May
following. Sow in pans in a compost passed through a half-inch nieve. Sow
thinly and place the seed pans in a gentle heat. When the seedlings appear
grtat care must be taken in watering, as the young plants are apt to damp off
close by tho surface. Abundance of air is necessary, and the operation of
priokiog off into nurtc-ry bedu should be attended to as soon as the plants
are fit to handle. A partially shaded border is the best place for them, and
U covered for ten days after removal with a glass frame so much sooner will
they become eatablished."

Vine Leaves Scorched (J. M.). — Your letter does not afford sufficient
data to enable us to trace the cause of the scorching of one Vine, the remain-
iog Vines being in good condition. The leaves Fcut are flimsy, and suggest
that the Vine is not adcjuately supported. We think if you were to care-
fully remove the surface soil and replace it with a mixture of rather strong
loam and bones, and give rather more water, the effect would he beneficial.

Pelargonium Seedling (W. Q. Sutton).— The colour Is rich, but the
petals had ail falles. The Cinerarias are of average merit.

Insects in Vinerv (J. St. Johns).— The pretty green lly yon have sent as
infesting yonr vinery is a species of Sargus (Chrysomyia), the Iar\ffi of which
are dirty lootleee maggots found in the earth, which feed on decaying vege-

ta ble matters. The flies are in no way injiuioua to the Vines, which mast
have suffered from some other cause. — I. O. W.

Names of Plants (S. M. 17.1.— Erica mediterrauea. (H. J. i?.).— Berberia
Darwiaii. {A Constant Header).— Vfe cannot name from leaves only.

POULTET, BEE, AM) PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

POULTRY AND BIRD NEWS.

We ara sorry to auaonnce the death of another loyal ponltry
fancier — Mrs. Julia Wylde of Uckfield has passed away from
us. She was, perhaps, not generally known as a Cochin braeder,
but visitors at the southern shows will have often noticed her
White Cochins at the difierent exhibitions. She was a thorough
fancier, and knew well the points of a Cochiu-China fowl, and
will be much missed by a large circle of friends.

We have to-day received the schedule of a small ponltry show
to be held on August 8th at Malton (Yorkshire). We notice
that in this apparently local schedule there is a class for Silkies.
We ara glad to see it, and to find the culture of this useful
breed is gaining ground, as hitherto we believe the classes for
the variety have been confined alone to the large exhibitions.

It will be, perhaps, remembered that after the Crystal Palace
Show in November last a gentleman claimed £50 for his Houdau
cock, as the bird had been entered at this price, but sold for
30s. by the Committee. The reason of this, however, they
alleged was because they had been advised by letter to reduce
the price from £50 to 30s. The sender of this missive has not
come to light, and the owner of the bird summoned the Com-
mittee. They, however, paid £6 into Cuurt, and this was ao-
ceptad. It is surely a great lesson to all committees to be very
careful how they accept the reduction of the price of a pen of
birdj by writing or telegram, as it would be the means of un-
principled people obtaining valuable specimens at a low price.
In this case the Hoadan was unnoticed, and therefore it makes
the transaction the more mystifying.

Mr. Rule of Harrogate, Torks, the other evening at a meeting
of Pigeon fanciers at Evans's Hotel, Covent Garden, explained
a new method which he has lately invented for marking young
Pigeons. He proposes to place round the leg of the bird an
indiarubber ring, which is to have a metal wire in the middle
of it to prevent its being cut through or removed to another
bird. This ring is to be closed by nippers, which will be able
to impress on the band a date and a mark of a private nature
where the two ends join. Mr. Rule then proposes to license
this invention to societies and fanciers. We should imagine
that the system will be of much value if the stamp or impression
made by the nippers is unable to be copied and used by un-
principled people. Several influential fanciers were present at
the meeting and discussed the matter.

The entries for the Tavistock Show close on Saturday next,
those for the centennial meeting at Bath on May 2nd, and for
Banbury on May 5th. The latter show is still to be held, we
understand, though the Oxfordshire Agricultural Society have
postponed their meeting until September in consequence of tho
outbreak of the cattle plague. We hope all will patronise Mr.
Herrieff's endeavour to make his show a good one.

The entries for the Bath and West of England Show are th&
largest that the Society has ever had.

We have long wished that the Royal Agricultural Society
embraced poultry and Pigeons in their meetings. They are to
hold their annual show this year at Liverpool, and as this is a
neighbourhood where many good fanciers reside we should lik&
to see them take the matter up and see what they can do. — W.

A PERSISTENT SITTER.

I HAVE a common hen under which I placed a batch of eggs
on January 22Qd ; these were duly hatched on February l'2th.
The brood was carefully reared for six weeks, and on the 26th of
March the hen laid her first egg again. Since that day until
Saturday last (lith of April) she has laid seventeen fine eggs,
and to-day is now on her second batch of eggs, which she will
steadily sit over. Not one of my Brahma hens has been broody
as yet, although some have laid since December. — E. D.

[The Editors know of more than one hen that will sit at any
time that they are placed on eggs in a nest.]

CocK-DuBDiNO. — The Sittiagbourno Justices sitting in petty
sessions had again before them, April 18th, the case of " Murphy
V. Manning and another," which had been remitted to them from
the Divisional Court of Appeal of the High Court of Justice, in
order th.it they might reverse their decision given in January,
1870. Originally the defendants, John Manning, farrier, and
Charles Sayers, publican, were summoned by an inspector of
the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the
former for cruelly ill-treating, abasing, and torturing three cocks

320

JODENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ April 23, 1877.

by cutting or " dnbbing " their combs, and the latter for causing
them to be so treated. It was represented to the magistrates
that the combs of the birds were cut for the purpose of their
being exhibited, and the magistrates dismissed the summons on
the ground that the offences charged were not of the class of
offences contemplated by the statute. Being asked, the magis-
trates stated a case for the superior Court. The case came on
for hearing a few weeks since, Mr. Waddy, M.P., arguing for the
appellants, and Mr. Biron for the respondent. The Court pro-
nounced an opinion that the decision of the magistrates was
wrong, and ordered the case to be remitted to them to reverse it.
The magistrates now imposed the nominal penalty of Is. and costs.

GBEAT HAKWOOD POULTRY SHOW.

The annual Show was held at Great Harwood on Thursday
last in the open field, when fortunately (though very threatening
in the early part of the day) the weather was enjoyable, and
the birds suffered nothing from exposure. The entries in all
were about 350.

Game headed the list, Brown Reds winning all the prizes,
there being nothing at all striking in addition except a Black
Bed hen in pen 238 (Johnson). All the Hamburghs were very
good, and Black Hamburghs won in the Variety class. Cochins
a good class, but the Buffs had to succumb to the Partridge,
which were most correct and well shown. Dorkings and Sjmniah
few in number, but the first in Spanish were a grand pair.
Brahmas a rather irregular lot. The hens in many pens were
very good but badly mated. The first cock was a grand one, but
the hen a little too red ; the second hen best, but the cock lost
to a great extent. Game Bantam cocks were— first a Pile and
second Red, both good, but the rest poor ; and iu Bantams of any
variety first were a smart pair of Piles, and second Blacks.
Geese, Ducks, and Turkei/s were well represented, but unfortu-
nately a capital Turkey hen and a Goose belonging to Mr. Stott
of Preston were found dead on their arrival at the Show.

In Pigeons the competition was very keen in almost every
class. Pouters were— first a grand Blue cock ; the second a
Blue, very good, was in excellent order, but evidently young;
very highly commended a Blue hen. Carriers had two classes.
In cocks first was a Black with capital beak and eye in fine
bloom, second a Dun not in the best order and losing in eye
wattle, in which he is quite deficient. Hens, first a grand Duu ;
second, also a Dun, has seen its best. In Tumblers the winners
were Almonds and very good. Barbs about the best class in
the Show, and after the winners had been selected the rest were
almost equal ; first a Black and second a Bed cock. English
Owls were not a good class, although the winners were grand
Blues. Dragoons were divided into Blue and Silver and Any
other colour. In the first Blues won, although there were two
very good Silvers with brown bars, and several very good birds
h.ad pearly eyes. Any other colour Dragoon were— first a Blue
Chequer and second a Yellow, sever;il grand birds and previous
winners being very loose in fyather, no doubt from the strain
put upon them in the breeding loft. Antwerps a good class, the
winners Red Chequers, and very highly commended a very
Short-headed Dun. Jacobins were good, except that some
were too large, but the first was excessively small ; both winners
Bed. Turbits were good ; both winners were spike-headed and
very perfect in gullet and mane — in fact, as regards head pro-
perties about perfect. First a Red hen and second a Silver cock.
A capital shell-crowned Blue was very highly commended. Fan-
tails were but moderate, and Trumpeters poor, while the Variety
class was a good one, and an extra prize was given.

Bahbitsb&i only two classes, but there were some good speci-
mens. Lops, first a Blue-and-white doe, young, but very fine in
quality, 2'2 by U; second a Black-and-white doe, not so soft in
ear, but very handsome, 21 .i by 4} ; and third a Fawn doe, 21 by
ik. In the Variety class first was a Silver-Grey, even and
sharply silvered ; second a Silver Fawn Dutch, quite correctly
marked; and third a capital Himalayan, an extra third going to
an Angora in good order, long in wool, but a little too coarse.

POULTRY.— GiME.-Coct.— I and 2, C. W. Brierley. Pair.—l and 2, C. W.
Bcierley. vlic, W. Jobnaon. Hk^BVROBS.—Oolden-penciiled.—l and 2, G. & J.
Duckworth. Silver-pencilled.— \ and 2, J. Stuttard. vhc, Rev. J. N. Williams.
Oolden-spangled.—l and vhc, G. & J. Duckworth. 2, J. Jackson. Silver-spangled.
—1, J. Fielding. 2, J. Studdard. Cochins.— 1 and 2, T. Aspden. vkc, A. Bamtord.
DoBKlNOs.— 1. J. Walker. 2, J. Stott. Spanish.- BJack.— 1, J. Powell. 2. H.
Wilkinson. Brahmas. -1, C. Holt. 2, H. Oatlow. nftc, J. Walker, T. Aspden.
Any otheb Variety.-I. W. Wilson. 2, R. Riley, vkc, S. H. Stott. Game
Bantams.— Cocfc.—l, Bellingham & Gill. 2, F. Holt. Bantams.- 1, Bellingham
and Gill. 2. R. H. Ashton. Geese.- 1 and 2. J. Walker, vhc, J. Houlkor.
lyuCK9.—Aitlesbury.—\ and 2, J. Walker, vhc, C. Holt. Rouen.— I and 2, J.
Walker. Any other variety.— 1 and 2, J. Walker, vhc, J. Booth. Tdhkevs.-

1. J. Walker. 2, J. Houlker. Selling Class.- 1, J. Powell. 2, Smalley and
B.imes.

PIGEONS.— PoDTERS.—l. J. Booth. 2 and vhc, J. Kendall. Carriers.-
Cocfc.— 1, J. Kendall. 2. .1. Walker, vhc, H. Yardlcy, J. Kendall. Hfll.— 1 and

2. J. Kendall, rlii:. H. Yardley. Tomblers.-i and 2, H. Yardley. Barbs.-I,
H. Yardley. 2. J. Walker, vhc, H. Yardley. S. Fletcher. Owi.a.-EngUsh.—l
and vhc, W. J. Lucas. 2, T. Charnley. Dragoons.- Blue or 8ilver—l, H.
Yardley. 2. S. & R. Ormerod. vhc, H. Yardley, J. Booth, C. WaddinRton, J.
Kendall. Any otlter colour.— l, C. Waddington. 2. W. W. Jacks, vhc, H.
Yardley, C. WaddinRton, J. Kendall, J. Stanley, 0. A. J. H. Pearson. Ant-
WEEPS.- 1, J. Stanley. 3, H. Yardley. vhc, H. Yardley, T. Barker. Jacobins.
—1, W. Harrison. 2, W. Dugdale. vhc, 3. Fletcher. Thebits.- 1, T. S.

— 1, J. Butler-Bowdon. 2. H. Yardley. Magpies.— 1 and 2, J. Butler-Bowdon.
vhc, 3. Butler-Bowdon, T. Waterworth. Likeliest Bird foe Flying Pur-
poses.—1, J. B. Haydock. 2, R. B. & D. Mead, vhc, J. Barlow, J. Neild,
Smalley & Barnes. 'Any other Variety. PoDtebs Excepted.— 1 and 8, J.
Kendall. 2, S. Dyson, vhc, H. Yardley, S. Dyson, J. Kendall (2). Seluso
Class.-I. J. Kendall, vilc, 1. S. Stephenson, C. Waddington.

RABBITS.-Lop.EARED.-land2.T.& E.J. Fell. S. W. T. MiUet. vhc.VT.C.
Yorke. T. & E. J. FeU. Any other variety.— l,i, iais, T.&'E. 3. Tell. Sana
vJtc, H. Wood.

The Judge was Mr. E. Button, Pndsey.

EGGS OF DUCKS AND HENS.
An experiment was lately made in France for the purpose of
finding the relative value, of hens and Ducks as egg-producers.
Three of each sort were selected for testing the result by obser-
vation as to their relative fertility. Between the 1st of January
and the end of August the three hens laid 2.57, and the Ducks
402 eggs. Moreover, in the autumn months of the previous
year the Ducks had yielded 21.5 eggs, while the hens had com-
pletely ceased laying. Altogether, therefore, the Ducks had
produced 617 eggs within the twelve months, as against 257 ob-
tained from the hens. The birds of each class selected for the
experiment were of the same age, and, as far as could be judged,
of the same relative size and strength. Of course a more ex-
tended series of trials must be undertaken before any definite
opinion can be given on the relative merits of Duck versus hen
in the matter of egg-laying. But there are eggs and eggs, and it
remains to consider their comparative value as food, as produced
by hens or Ducks respectively. This was undertaken by a French
chemist, M. Commail, who gave the results of his analyses of
both varieties. A hen's egg weighing 60.4 grammes (equal to
15.433 grains avoirdupois) was found to consist of 7 2 grammes of
shell and membrane, and 52.2 grammes or 88.07 per cent, of
contents, while a Duck's egg weighing 50 8 grammes showed 7.7
grammes of shell and membrane, and 52.1 grammes or 87.12 per
cent, of contents. One hundred parts of the contents of a hen's
egg contained 26.01 dry matter, 1.03 ash, and 11.27 fat, while the
proportions of the same substances in a Duck's egg were found
to be 28 32, 1.16, and 15.49 respectively. It follows, therefore,
that Ducks are not only the more prolific layers, but their eggs
are also richer in fat to no inconsiderable extent. — [Pet Stock
Bulletin.)

THE SIBEEIAN KABBIT.

In recent papers on Rabbits we have often had to express un-
certainty as to the exact locality from which each is extracted.
In some cases we have endeavoured to show that the names by
which the different varieties go are fair criterions by which we
may judge of the home in which they first came into existence,
while in others we have expressed our opinion that the name
given was decidedly inappropriate and deceptive. To these
must be added the name by which the animal we now purpose
describing is more generally known. An old and very favourite
name at the time of the late war was Abyssinian, while a more
orthodox appellation was Egyptian. These two facts would lead
us to imagine that the north-east corner of Africa is the part
that can boast of being the home of this handsome animal.
That it comes from Siberia — a land of cold, snow, and ice — a few
years' experience in Rabbit-keeping would soon show to be in-
correct. The fact is, that there is very much doubt whether or
not this breed is a distinct one, or whether it has been brought
into existence by means of a cross, judicious or otherwise, be-
tween the Himalayan and Angora, the points of both of which it
more or less takes after ; however this may be, it is certain that
the breed has been in existence quite long enough to warrant its
being called a distinct one. If a manufactured breed — if the ex-
pression is allowable— it is easy to understand that its homo-
geneity must and will always remain a matter of doubt. The
variety is very popular among the French peasants, and has
made very fair headway in this country.

The body of the Siberian is fairly long and well proportioned,
the limbs not being overlarge or strong ; the ears are short and
upright ; the eye pink, like that of the Angora, Himalayan, or
Polish ; the general appearance and shape is decidedly pretty.
The Siberian is covered on the body with long silky fur. This
fur is delicate to the touch, and should be of a woolly and silky
nature, or it is not as good as it ought to be. The head is well
shaped, the forehead being generally a trifie prominent. The
wool on the head is hardly so delicate as on the body ; between
the ears and eyes it is perhaps a trifle longer, but below the eyes
it is certainly shorter than the general length, which should not
be less than four times the length of the fur of a Lop, and some
of the grand show specimens— notably Mr. Swetman's champion
— have it considerably longer even than this. It cannot possibly
be too long— the longer the better ; and the finer and more deli-
cate it is to the sight and the touch so much more is the value
enhanced. Under the body the fur will not be so long as on the
upper portions ; it will, however, be found to be, if anything, a
trifle softer and thinner.

AprU 26, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

321

So far in onr description it will be noticed that we have not
shown much dissemblaDce to the Angora or resemblance to the
Himalayan ; that, however, is to come. We have described the
Angora body as nearly as possible, and we may state en 2^assa>it
that the main difference between the two breeds that can be
seen is that the Siberian is a trifle the stonter and heavier,
and the Angora's wool the longer and finer of the two. "We
now come to the resemblance to the Himalayan. All who have
bred Himalayans know, and know to their cost sometimes, that
there are certain points which it is essential should be uni-
formly dark. Just so is it with the Siberian. At the lower
extremities of the ears, the upper extremity of the nose and
tail, and of the feet the long wool suddenly ceases, and in place
of it we see a very short black or brown fur ; this is exceedingly
short, and lies very close to the skin. These points that I have
mentioned — viz., nose, ears, feet, and tail should be as dark as
possible. Occasionally a specimen is met with, with these ex-
tremities jet black and of a shiny hue; this, however, far from
being the rule, is certainly the exception. A dark brown colour
ia by no means bad, but sometimes, and " sometimes " in this
case means often, the colour is very light brown; and some-
times, and *' sometimes " hardly means seldom now, it is a grey.
Especially is this the case with the feet. The head markings
generally present a pretty fair shade, and the tail is seldom
looked at; the feet, however, give sad trouble, and the schemes,
plans, and dodges that are resorted to with a view of making
these points dark are innumerable. We may devote a chapter
to the various contrivances in vogue for the purpose of accom-
plishing the desired object, but they are far too numerous and
lengthy to be given here. The two colours should form as
straight and regular a boundary as possible, and the effect of
the long white for drooping over the short and dark is very
handsome. lu fine, then, the Siberian, whether it be an ortho-
dox breed or the result of a cross, presents in its appearance the
points of two breeds, both of which are well known and valu-
able. The dark points of the Himalayan must be allied to the
long wool of the Angora to make the Siberian what it should
be. Any who may like to try the experiment may do so by
pairing the different varieties ; as may be expected, the product
will not be so fine in the wool as the Angora, nor so dark in the
points as the Himalayan. By careful breeding, however, and per-
severance some very good specimens may ultimately be obtained
by the cross, not, however, until the second or third generation.

The Siberian Rabbit is fairly prolific. The litters will be
about the average, and the number produced quite sufiicient to
satisfy reasonable expectation. The doe is very solicitous about
the warmth of her offspring, and will make her neat unusually
thick, both of hay and wool. In order to facilitate her in the
former a good supply of dry hay should be given, and in order
to prevent her destroying her appearance she should not be
allowed to breed too often. If she has more than four or five
litters in the course of the year her beautiful pink breast will be
often seen nearly bare.

In disposition the Siberian is very similar to the Angora,
although somewhat stronger and more determined. It, how-
ever, is certainly much quieter .and meeker than the hardy
Himalayan. Generally quiet, tame, docile, and attached to
their keepers is the description they fairly merit.

As an article of commerce the Siberian is not perhaps so
valuable as many other varieties. The Angora, for instance, is
chiefly valuable for its fur and the Himalayan for its skin, that
of the former being clipped and that of the latter being used
after death. The result of the cross is not to improve it for
either purpose, as it is seldom that the fur is so delicate or fine
as in the pure breed ; still the breed is very handsome, and the
far frequently valuable. — Geta.

FEEDING BEES.

Let me remind young apiarians that feeding stocks is an im-
portant consideration at this time of the year. Bees are now
breeding fast, and brood requires much nourishment. Combs
filled with brood are heavy ; the creation of brood in hives during
unfavourable weather speedily exhausts their stores, and when
these are nearly exhausted in such weather the bees decline to
set eggs and their combs become empty of brood. Many hives
come thus to a state of bankruptcy and remain enfeebled for
months. Feeding in time or when necessary i^revents this
and keeps hives in a healthy prosperous condition. Bees should
never feel the touch of hunger, or be tempted to starve and
destroy their young.

When breeding commences in spring bees are on the move
and require more food than they do during the quiet of winter.
A little artificial feeding in spring — even when hives have stores
enough — has a healthful stimulating iufluence on bees. The
weather in this neighbourhood has been uufavourable for out-
door work nntil the present time ; and during the last fortnight
wo have been giving our hives a very littlr' augar-and-water to
stimulate breeding. Though the bees are not at starvation point
in any of the hives, this artificial stimulus is doing them much

good and exciting in hives the hum of prosperity. The expense
is but a trifle, and will be returned tenfold when fine weather
comes by the increased vigour of the bees.

The mode of giving food to hives in spring is of little import-
ance; every bee-keeper has ways and instruments of his own.
One feeds at the top of his hives, another at the bottom; one
uses the bottle, another uses the trough. Some hives are made
for top-feeding, and some for bottom. We feed with tin troughs
from below, and, like other people who consider their mode the
best, we consider ours the perfection of simplicity and handiness.

By gentle spring feeding is meant the supply of the daily food
of bees : none to be stored away for future use. In autumn it
is well to feed bees rapidly and aid them to store away enoagh
for winter use ; but in spring it is desirable to let the bees store
nothing up but pure honey. All artificial feeding should end as
soon as bees find food enoagh in flowers. — A. Pettigrew.

DO BEES MAKE OR GATHER HONEY?

The paper on this subject read before the Missouri Vale
Association, which was reproduced in your Journal of March
'JOth, is very interesting, and deals with the question of honey,
what it is, and how it is made, in a very intelligible way, as
far as it goes. I say " as far as it goes," for it by no means ex-
hausts the subject or satisfies the mind of the scientific inquirer.

I have read the paper very carefully and attentively, and beg
to record here the result of my reflections on the facts and data
presented to us, presuming, of course, that the statements made
therein are facts of which there is no reason to doubt.

Now, first, let me observe it does not appear that the nectar
inspected and the honey operated on were " made " in the one
case and gathered in the other at the same time of the year;
nor that the nectar taken from the flowers was compared with
the honey found in the stomachs of bees caught while foraging
among the same flowers that were examined. This is obviously
a most important matter, for we all know how wide is the dif-
ference between honey stored in May and that (call it nectar or
honey), which is gathered in July. If the honey and nectar ex-
amined and subjected to analysis were not gathered at the same
time and from the same flowers nothing is proven in the matter.

Then, again, what does " field honey " mean ? This is a new
term which requires clear definition. It has no meaning for
me. Observe also the enormous proportion of water of which
the nectar is said to be composed — as much as 77 per cent.
Somehow this is got rid of, as the field honey analysed con-
tained only 8.0 per cent, of water. Doubtless it is evaporated
in the interior of the hive, and will go some way to explain the
difference between nectar (so called) and honey. But it by no
means explains all the difference, for the nectar of over thirty
species of plants of twenty-five different families, and which were
foun<l to be almost a constant composition, was very different
indeed from the field honey that was examined and analysed.

I will reproduce here the compirison as given at page 244 of
this volume of the Journal of Horttcntfure.

Nectar is composed of cane sugar (or saccharose) . , 33
„ „ aucrystallisabte sugar. . . . 10

„ „ water 77

Total .. .. 100

Field honey— glucose 45.10

„ oncrystallisable sugar (or mellose) 80.40

„ ■water . . 8.50

„ mannite 1.90

„ waxy matter 0.60

„ nitrogenous and acid matter . . 2.60

Total .. .. 100.00
There ia some error, however, in both those calculations, as
the sum total is not 100, but only .SO. 40 in the latter, where
there has to be accounted for as much as 13 CO. The total of
the former is 120 — that is to say, an excess of 20 per cent. How
is this to be explained ? Anyhow there is a very marked and
noteworthy difference between the nectar and the honey re-
spectively analysed. Assuming (although it is by no means
clear), that the nectar and the honey analysed were gathered
from the same flowers and at the same period of the year, how
is this difference to be accounted for? Mr. Paul L. Viallon,
who supplies the paper read before the Missouri Valley Associ-
ation, jumps at once to the following decision : — " It is natural
to come to the conclusion that bees gather the nectar from the
flowers, and that this nectar in the bodies of bees, under the in-
fluence of agents not well recognised, undergoes a change and
comes out in a state of honey." To this conclusion I very
strongly demur. No doubt Mr. Pettigrew is well pleased at this
quasi-corroboration, as far as it goes, of his pet theory about
honey, although, be it observed, there is nothing said here about
" the swallowing and reswallowing " process and its presumed
results ; but this will not satisfy the inquiries of any scientific
mind.

It may very possibly be that some chemical change takes
place in the body of the bee before the nectar gathered from

322

JOUKNAIi OF HOBTIOOLTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

£ AprU 26, 1877.

particular flowers becomes the honey of commerce. The high
temperature of the hive in the height of the season (and indeed
at all times), would naturally produce some change in the com-
position of the honey even before it left the honey-bag of the
insect if retained there for any time (which I much doubt),
although I am more disposed to believe that the change takes
place in the cell after deposition there, when it is certainly sub-
jected to a long duration of extreme heat.

But this after all will only account for a small part of the
great difference between the nectar and the honey analysed.
Where is the glacose found, which is about half the component
material of honey ? Where the mannite, &c. 1 Will it be pre-
tended that these are inherent in the stomach of the bee, or
secreted there by any mere subjection to hive-caloric or to any
other conceivable process of which a reasonable account can be
given ?

If we may assume that the flowers from which bees gather
the bulk of their food produce the nectar described and nothing
else, is it not more reasonable to suppose that they gather the
materials of which honey is composed partly from other sources,
a'!, for instance, from the leaves and stems of plants and trees
which they are known to frequent, and from what is called
honeydew in its various forms, or from some other sources
external to themselves which are at present unknown to us ? If
this be the case it will be seen that the nectar is only one of
the ingredients in the composition of honey collected abroad.

All these matters have to be carefully investigated before we
can form any definite conclusion as to the making of honey by
bees.— B. & W.

CRUDE AND PERFECT HONEY.

It has not been my intention or wish to return again to this
subject, but as your correspondent " P. H. P." of Hitchen has
stated some facts which he thinks cannot be reconciled with a
statement of mine which he has quoted, it may be well to notice
his remarks and observations. One of his hives last year
gathered a great deal of honey, which was stored in supers which
were placed on and beside his hive. The bees could enter the
supers without going through the hive. He says, "All the bees
which entered the side supers alighted on the floorboard, which
was larger than the circumference of the hive, and passed into
the supers direct with their bm'dens of honey." At an entrance
in a top super there was " a continuous stream of honey-
bearers daily passed in at this opea corner and discharged their
burdens at once. The honey was of the finest flavour and aroma."

I d) not for a moment question the truth of these statements,
but I ask, What do they prove ? Simply that bees will readily
work through doors in any part of their hives and carry honey
from flowers unto them by either front or back doors, either side
or top entrances. Bnt this, as it appears to me, does not touch
the question of crude and perfect honey. I have always advised
bee-keepers to have no outside doors in supers, and to prevent
bees from entering them but through the hives. This we do to
prevent bees from entering supers with dirty feet and pollen on
their legs, for we have never known a super of comb partially
filled by an outside door free from pollen. Were the supers of
" P. H. P." without pollen in their cells ? If they were without
it, what did the daily stream of bees passing into them do with
the pollen on their legs ? Where did they leave it ? This is
not a quibble, but an important question in the discussion.
Those who assert that bees carry honey direct from flowers to
the pure white virgin combs in supers appear to have an easy
way of jumping over difiiculties. Thousands of bees every
working day carry home both honey and pollen. In supers
properly managed and filled there is not a particle of pollen in
one of its cells, nor a bit of comb soiled with dirty feet. But
passing over the difiioulty (which our friends never seem to
notice) of finding a storehouse for pollen, together with the
time and toil of filling it, I repeat once more that crude honey
found in flowers and carried into hives or supers is re-swallowed
before it is finally stored away and locked up. Whether the crude
honey goes into nadirs or supers, by the front or side entrances,
it is afterwards converted by the bees into honey proper.

I trust our friends will excuse me if I ask them to read again
the lecture by an American apiarian on this subject which
lately appeared in the columns of this Journal. It is the most
elaborate and comprehensive lecture on this subject which I
have yet seen. But as the evidence of our own senses is the
most convincing of all, may I ask the readers of this Journal
to test tbe question at their own conveuience with their own
bees during the coming summer ? — A. Pettiobew.

OUR LETTER BOX.

JFoTVL's Intestine (H. G. M.).— It is very severely nlceratetl.

Death in One HrVE {Sigma, Herts).— yie eannot say with any degree of
certainty what caused the death of one of your stocks. Probably the qneen
of this hive died in the autarao, or whoa there were uo eggs in the hive;
the bees therefore could not rear a young one to take her place, or hatch
yoimg workers enough to survive the winter and early spring months. Those

which were bred in the summer of last year gradually died of old a^e, still the
population of the hive was reduced in nombers so much that the heat neces-
sary for bee life could not be kept up. The small clusters of bees you found
dead among the combs were chilled iuto a motionless state, and thus died.
Weak stocks in cold spring months often perish in this way. Aboat a month
aso we discovered that a strong hive in our own garden had lost its queen.
We at once united its bees to a weaker stock, and thus made it a strong one.

Bees in Super (Q.). — Your bees have moved up bodily into the super to
save the trouble of carrying down their stores, like sensible creatures. There
is but one queen and one family. Perhaps your best plan ia to let them be as
they are for the present. By-and-by, doubtless, as the population increases,
the queen will move down and resume possession of the hive below, after
which you can take away the super at your pleasure, allowing the bees to
fill it with honey after hatching out or otherwise as you prefer. We do
not think it a good plan to leave supers with honey on hives during the
winter.

SHrFTiNO Bees into L4koee Hives (H. E. B.).— It is best to wait till
the bees swann, and to put the swarms into the new hives with or without
bars. A very expert bee-master might perhaps successfully transfer the
whole of the comb.s from one hive to the other, but it is a delicate operation,
and would fail in the hands of a novice.

Preserving Mushrooms (£. C.).— Wipe them quite clean, take oat the
brown, pare off the akin of the large ones, lay them on paper, aul pat them
in a cool oven to dry. Keep them iu paper bags in a very dry place. Waen
wanted for use simmer them in gravy, and they will swell to nejrly their
former size; or you may simmer them in their own liqijr till it dries up in
them, shaking the pan ; then dry them on tin plates, with spice or not as
you think proper. Tie down with a bladder or keep them iu a dry place or
in paper. To preserve peas green you will find full directions in our No. 800

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 33' 40" N. ; Long. 0' 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Bate.

9 a.m.

In the Dav.

ssa .

OTJ

•g^

Radiation

.g

AprU.

ter.

£^

a?-

peratnre.

Temperature.

«

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

We. 18

2a.597

41,3

38 2

N.

4S.0

37.3

Th. 19

29 838

43.8

40.1

N.E.

42 8

64 0

88 8

99.8

Fri. 20

30.244

44.4

42.1

N.

440

57.6

33.4

93.8

0.155

Sat. 21

80.0)3

46.0

45.6

S.E.

45.6

60.1

43.9

54,4

0.110

53,5

49.5

S.W.

44.6

61.8

46.5

105,8

Mo. 23

47.8

43,7

N.W.

47.0

56.2

89 0

105.6

37,1

0.05O

Tn. 24

296(7

48.4

43.9

N.W.

45.6

69.0

SS.7

111.0

36 6

—

Meaqs

29.793

46,3

4S.8

44.6 j 54.7

3S.8

89.9

37.6

0.458

REMARKS.
18tli.— Fine morning; lair all day, but dull; warmer towards the evening,

when raiu fell.
19th.— Fine forenoon, very bright about 3 p.m. and all the afternoon, and a

moonlit night.
20th.— Very fine all day, but rather thick and dark for some time about 5 p.m. ;

lunar halo about 9.
2lst.— Rainy all the fore part of the day, the after part fair but dull, foggy

about 9.
22nd.— Fino early, but a shower at 10 a.m. ; thunder about 5 p.m., with shower

soon after, and heavy rain abgut 9 p.m.
23rd.— Much cloud all day, with frequent showers, which were at times heavy;

thunder heard at S.SOp.m.
24th.— Very fine forenoon ; very dark and a slight hailstorm jast before 6 p.m.
Temperature very nearly the same aa last week, and near the average for
the season.- 3. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— April 25.
Business still continues to improve, and though an increased supply of all
kinds of forced fruit has reached us, prices have in all cases been wall main-
tained, with the exception of Grapes, which, of course, will now rapidly iall
in value. The demand for forced vegetables is good, French Baans selling at
higher rates.

FEUIT.

s. d. 8. d.

Applea i sieve 3 6to7 0

Figs doz. 12 0 20 0

Filberta lb, 0 0 0 0

Cobs lb. 1 0 16

Grapes, hothouse lb 15 0 25 0

Lemona ^ lOO 6 0 10 0

, ^ICO 8 0 13 0

Artichokes dozen 0 Ot<

Asparagiia ^103 6 0

Beans, Kidney ^ lOO 2 0

Beet, Red dozen I 6

Broccoli bundle 0 9

Brussels Sprouts. .j sieve S 0

Cabbage dozen 1 0

Carrots bunch 0 4

New do. 1 6

Capsicums ^10) 1 6

Coleworta.. doz. bunches 2 0

Cucumbers each 0 6

Endive dozen 1 0

Fennel bunch 0 8

Garlic lb. 0 6

Herba bunch 0 8

Lcttace dozen 1 0

Leeks bunch 0 4

B. d. B. d.

Peaches doz. 15 OtoSO 0

Peara, kitchen doz. 0 0 0 0

dessert doz, 8 0 12 0

PineAppies lb. 2 0 5 0

Strawberries oz. 0 6 10

Walnuts bushel 5 0 8 6

ditto ^100 19 2 0

Mushrooms pottle 1 6 1

Mustard & Cress punnet 0 2

Onions busbel 0 0

pickling qu<irt 0 4

Parsley. . . . doz. bunches 2 0

Paranipa dozen 0 0

Peas quart 6 0

Potatoes bushel 3 6

Kidney do, S 0

New lb. 0 6

Radiahoa . . doz. bunches 1 0

Rhubarb bundle D 6

Salsafy buudlo 0 9

Scorzonera bundle 1 0

lb.

Turnips bunch

New do. i

Vegetable Marrows 0

May 3, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OP HORTIOOIiTDRB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day

oJ of

Month Week.

MAT 3-9, 1877.

Average

Temperatare near

London.

Snn
Rises.

Snn
Sets.

Moon Moon
Rises. 1 Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Son.

Day
of
Year.

3 > Th

4 F
6 ; S

6 Sds

7 M

8 To

9 W

Boyal Society at 8 30 P.M.
Boyal InstitatioQ at 8 p.u.

Rogation Sunday.

Victoria Inslitate at 8 P.M.

Royal Medisal and Chiroigioal Society at 8.30 P.M.

Sale ol Specimen Plants at Steyens's Rooms at 2.80.

Day.
61.7
62.2
626
62.0
59.6
61.7
62.1

Night.
39.9

8a4

88.9
88.6
89.3
89.4
39.7

Mean,
608
50.S
50.7
B0.3
49.5

eo.s

50.9

h. m.
4 80
4 28
4 26
4 34
4 22
4 21
4 19

h. m.

7 24
7 25
7 27
7 29
7 80
7 32
7 83

h. m h. m.
1 7 8 10

1 31 1 9 20

1 53 10 36

2 8 11 49
2 20 1 1 a 2
2 31 i 2 12
2 41 8 25

Days.
20

21

2^3
24
25
26

"■ 17
3 23
3 29
3 34
3 38
3 42
8 46

123
124
125
126
127
128
129

From obaerrations taien near Loadon daring fortj-threo years
39.1^

, the averaga day temperatnie oi the week is 80.3^ ; and its night temperatnto

FRUIT-TREE CULTURE. !

EXTENSION vEBScg EESTEICTION. [

^^^'DVOCATES of tlie extension system of frnit
trees — namely, trees allowed to assume their
natural habits, appear to ignore the fact that
the restrictive system, or trees conliued to a
given space by pruning and made to assume
various forms, is a necessity of culture rather j
than a matter of choice with a majority of
cultivators. What value is the extension :
system to the cultivator having only sufficient [
ground for a few ti'ees as bushes or pyramids ?
Everyone has not ground for an orchard in which trees
may be grown in their natural form, needing little care nor
attention, for all that is needed is to plant and wait, with j
a certainty that some time fruit in quantity far exceeding
that from restricted trees will ensue ; but what of the qua- !
lity ? None, I presume, having any idea of the quality of |
fruit will dispute the general injforiority of fruit produced ,
by trees in an orchard when compared with that borne by |
ti-eea in highly cultivated ground. The former is usually
restricted to the commoner kinds, which may answer
general market, and at most in private gardens, culinary j
purposes ; it is from the restricted trees that the finest i
produce is had, because the trees are in positions — cli-
matic and cultural — more favourable for the production
of superior fruit.

The orchard system if exclusively adopted would go
far to restrict variety and succession, and in a majority
of instances would impair the produce. Instance a Pear
or Plum tree against a wall of a cottage or farmhouse,
the owners of which have allowed the tree to go wild.
Such a tree it is true often produces large crops, but
it might as well, for any benefit derived from cultiva-
tion or warmth, be in the open as against the wall, and
if we take the trouble to examine we may find that the
kind is such as does well as a standard in an orchard.
Plainly such a tree did not require the shelter of the wall,
and it affords no evidence that extension is a necessity of
successful cultivation. Suppose the tree were a Pear,
say of Aston Town, Green Chisel, Heesel, Swan's Egg,
Jargonelle, or some other of the old popular kinds ; these
do well in orchards, and for such the warmth of the wall
is unnecessary, it being a well-known fact that undue
artificial warmth is productive of growth— sterihty rather
than fertility. But then, on the other hand, take Marie
Louise. Winter Nelis, or Bergamotte Eeperen allowed to
grow from a wall at will. Wliat kind of friiit will such
trees produce ? Not a whit better than that which trees
of the same kinds would produce as orchard trees, aud as
compared with trees restricted to the wall the fruit is not
worthy of mention only for its inferior quality and greater
quantity.

It is clear if a Pear or a Plum tree afford as fine (which
I have not seen) fruit when its branches are allowed to
grow nnpruned from a wall as when its growth is re-
stricted that the place it occupies is misappropriated, but
it proves nothing of the greater advantage of the exten-
No. 840.-VOL. XXXU., Kev Sebie;,

sion system over the restrictive. The object of growing
trees against walls is to secure fruit superior to what is
produced by trees Lu the open, or for the growth of such
kinds as do not succeed in the open ground. I have
seen in the open ground fruit of old hardy Pears fuUy
equal to any grown against a wall, but I have never yet
seen Marie Louise, Winter Nelis, Bergamotte Esperen,
and many more kinds of Pears so fine from unrestricted
orchard trees as from trees trained and cultivated against
a wall. Though Marie Louise bears well as a standard
or pyramid, aud when trained to a wood trellis one fruit
borne by a tree I have against a south wall is worth in
appearance — which goes a long way in fruit — in size and
quality half a dozen of the produce of the other trees,
Winter Nelis does not produce fruit at all as a standard
or pyramid, but does so finely upon a wall with an east
aspect. Bergamotte Esperen, one of the best late Pears,
gives fruit from a tree against a west wall twice the size
of fruit from pyramid trees. Out of fifty kinds of Pears
not a dozen could be mentioned affording fruit as fine
from standards as is borne by trees restricted to a wall.
Some trees, however, submit to restriction better than
others, of which may be mentioned Doyenne d'Ete, Jar-
gonelle, Beurre Giffard, Beurred'Amanlie, Wilhams's Bon
Chi-L'tien, White Doyenne, Flemish Beauty, Louise Bonne
of Jersey, Comte de Lamy, Seckle, Beurre Superfin,
General Todtleben, Gratioli of Jersey, Marie Louise,
Hacon's Incomparable, Thompson's, Beurre Diel, Passe
Colmar, Jules (Leon) d'Afroles (one of the most prohfic
November and December Pears), Knight's Monarch, Beurre
Bachelier, Glou Mor^eau, Beurre d'Aremberg, Josephine
de Malines, Winter Nelis, Zephiiiu Gregoire, Alexandre
Bivort, Dana's Hovey (small, but excellent), Bergamotte
Esperen, and Passe Crasanne. Many others are amen-
able to the restrictive system ; the only kinds demanding
extension are such which from their hardiness do not
require a wall. But what amateur, or many even who keep
gardeners, would care to allow space for a standard tree
giving its frnit in October when he can have half a dozen
trees in the same space which will afford him variety
and a succession of fruit from August to January ? Or
who would have one trained tree against a wall occupy-
ing as much space as is required by half a dozen covering
the same space in a sixth of the time? None, I think, if
they have tried the two systems. The advantage from
the first is all in favour of the restricted trees; they bear
throughout the whole of the space, and we obtain a result
in seven years from the six trees that is not shown by
the one tree in fourteen years. Big trees mean waste of
space, loss of time.

I have trees against walls, trees against trellises in the
open, pyramids, young and old standards. It is not un-
common in such cases to compare the young trees — their
bearing qualities— with the full-sized standards—a com-
parison indeed of a dwarf with a slant, of the child with
the man. Comparisons are considered odious. No doubt
they are when facts upioot prejudice. To arrive at facts
by fair experiment plant standard trees and at the same
time plant pyramids. Treat the standard as a standard,
No. H82.— Vol. LVII., OtD SzBiKs.

321

JOU>NMi OF FORTIOtLrDRE AND OOTTAGE GABDENEK.

[ May 3, 1877.

allow it full extension root and brancb, and treat the pyramid
as a pyramid — restrict it if need be root and branch. Com-
pare the performances of the two. In no other way can con-
vincing proof be had. Do not plant a pyramid of a kind that
requires a wall, and at the same time plant a standard of a
kind known to succeed as sucb, but choose identical kinds,
and we may safely await the issue. Onr forefathers appro-
priated wall space by planting of "riders" between the stations
of the permanent trees, and Mr. Elvers has shown how to
economise space in the open. I find that the trees I planted
seven years ago for covering space are not nearly so satisfactory
as the upright-trained trees planted between them and re-
stricted. Then I planted trees in an orchard 24 feet and
pyramids in the garden at C feet apart, and the produce of the
latter in any year after the second has equalled that of the
former — the one form of tree occupying 4 square yards and
the other 64.

These remarks apply only to Apples and Pears producing
their fruit upon spurs, very few forming fruit buds upon the
current year's growth. The extension system applied to Pears
and Apples on the bush or pyramid form is, as far as I have
noticed, marked by sterility. We know what form a tree
would grow into if left to its own way. No one accustomed
to shapely trees would tolerate such objects or the grower of
them, for the owners know a handsomely trained tree will pro-
duce as fine fruit as an ugly one. I admit pruning may be
carried to au extreme. No pruning will bring a very vigorous
tree into bearing except root-pruning, and if the latter be not
contemplated it is almost useless to plant fruit trees in highly
cultivated ground and restrict the growth by pruning. It is
all very well, as an excuse for negligent pruning, to point to
occasional prodigious crops as produced by the extension-neg-
lect-system, as compared with the restrictive-cultural-system.
If better crops and better fruits are had by allowing trees to
grow naturally, then we are wrong in our ideas of walla for
shelter and warmth , and our pyramids and espaliers are delusions.
Why not at once tell us these things are better understood by
the cottager who allows his tree to take to itself natural ways,
that trees require no praning beyond that of shears or a saw,
and no training beyond a holdfast now and then to maintain a
reclining branch from snapping ? That fruit trees against
the wall of a cottage or farmhouse are sometimes laden with
fruit when the trees in private gardens fail I admit, but that it
is due to the neglect of pruniog and training I deny. The
di£ferencB arises mainly from the comparatively poor soil in the
one case, as compared with that of the heavily-manured fruit
border in the other. The same remarks apply to orchard trees ;
they have a firm soil, its surface is not disturbed, and manure
is rarely applied. It is very different with trees upon the re-
strictive system. They are well manured, and if they do not
bear fruit they produce much wood, but when brought into a
bearing state by judicious lifting or root-pruning they are as
prolific of fruit for their size as the other, and the fruit of the
cultivated trees is mostly superior.

Training in the matter of Pears has much to do with the
fruitfulness of the trees. Because some observe that the ex-
tension parts of the tree are the more fruitful — the part near
the stem of the tree and for some distance along the main
branches being plentiful in wood but scant of crop — it is con-
cluded that extension is required. Horizontal training has
come much into vogue ; it is not of a kind calculated to an
equalisation of the sap, which traverses horizontal parts much
less freely than upright, and this accounts for horizontal-
trained trees being most fruitful near the extremity of the
branches, and put out so much wood near the stem and upper
parts of the trees. The tree wants to be up. In fan-training
there is not nearly so much wood produced near the stem, the
sap is more regularly diffused, and the vigour of the tree is
more equal. — G. Abbey.

CALANDEINIAS.
As low-growing, densely-flowering, riohly-oolonrcd plants for
sunny rockeries, few are more suitable than Calandrinias.
They are admirable also for window-box and vase decoration,
and are pretty when grown in pots for the front row in the
greenhouse. C. umbellata is, perhaps, the best of them, and
this when well grown and llowering under the tun's rays is
extremely rich. The flowers are crimson shot with purple,
and are so numerous as to quite cover the plant. The plants
thrive admirably when planted near the margin of a sunny
border, bat they do not usually stand the winter except when

partially sheltered and well drained. Plants are readily raised
from seed, and flower freely the first year. The seed should
be sown as soon as pofsible in the spring, raising the plants in
a heated frame. When large enough they may be pricked-off
three in a 60-sized pot, or five in a 48, and be grown near the
glass and gradually hardened-off. They will flower during the
summer. If the plants which are grown in pots are wintered
in a frame or cool greenhouse they will flower early and pro-
fusely during the following spring. That is perhaps the most
satisfactory way of growing them — keeping them in 48-pots
throughout the first summer and winter, then planting them
out if required. C. umbellata does not grow more than 0 inches
high, but G. discolor and C. grandiflora grow a foot in height.
The dwatfer species is the more attractive ; indeed it is one of
the best of low-growing plants for the purposes named. —
Amatedb, Matlock.

KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Mat 2nd.
SUMMER SHOW— VISIT OP THE QUEEN.

When it is considered with what readiness the various mem-
bers of the Royal Family extend their patronage to anything
which promotes the national weal — the alacrity with which they
countenance objects of benevolence ; the willingness they dis-
play iu fostering art in its various phases ; and even their dis-
position to recognise the national sports and pastimes — it is only
natural that the great industry of horticulture, combining as it
does art with utility, should have a share of that Royal patron-
age which is so stimulating in its effects and so powerful in its
bcEeficial influence.

Than horticulture no industry contributes more to the whole-
some pleasures of life, and none renders other substantial neces-
sities more enjoyable. Both in the mansions of the rich and
the homes of the poor horticnlture ministers by its supply, not
of vegetables aud fruit only, but also of flowers. The extent of
the great industry of ornamental plants was fittingly exemplified
on this auspicious occasion. Plants for the wealthy were staged
in magnificent prof asion by those whose reputation for horti-
cultural skill and enterprise have become proverbial, and plants
for the million were similarly represented by those connected
with the important branch of popular iloricultnre.

Since the great exhibition coimuemoralive of the appointment
of the present Council we have had many admirable displays to
notice at South Ivensiugtcn, but not one so extensive, so varied,
and so rich as the expression of loyalty of yesterday— loyalty to
horticulture, to the Koyal Horticultural Society, and to the
Queen.

For a length of time it appeared as if the sun of the Royal
Horticultural Society was declining, but latterly the prospect
has brightened, and week by week and month by month im-
provement has gone steadily on, support has been increasingly
given, confidence has been gradually restored. The policy
followed has not been a starthng policy but a safe one, and that
it has also been sound is sufiiciently attested by the results now
achieved. The prestige of the Society has been so far restored
as to merit the reward of a Royal visit, and the efforts of exhi-
bitors have been such as to render the display worthy of its
illustrious patrons. Let us regard the Exhibition in whatever
aspect we may — whether iu reference to the rarity and value
of the plants, their artistic grouping, their superiority of culture,
and their immense number — we must describe the Show as the
finest that has been seen iu London tor many years.

An idea of the magnitude of the display may be gathered frcm
the fact that the various groups occupied space and staging
averaging about Sfeet in width and fully half a mile in length;
and iu addition to the plants were fruit (of which the Grapes and
Pines were splendid), vegetables, bouquets, and table decorations.

The various collections were arranged in the corridors and
conservatory. The products of the Co vent Garden growers and
vendors, which were remarkable for high quality, occupied the
whole of the long eastern corridor, also part of the eastern wing
of the conservatory, which together are more than a thousand
feet in length ; the nurserymen's and amateurs' contributions
were displayed in the conservatory and western corridor, occupy-
ing about the same extent of space as the "market produce."
We will first describe the ooUectious last mentioned as having
contributed powertuUy, as our continental friends say, " to the
splendour of the Exhibition."

Abrival ok the Queen. — Her Majesty arrived at the Exhibi-
tion by the Queen's Gate entrance shortly before twelve o'clock.
The Royal party, which included Princess Beatrice, the DuchesB
of Edinburgh, the Duchess of Teck, &c., was conducted round
the E xhibition by the President, Lord Aberdare ; the Vice-Presi-
dents, Lord Alfred S. Churchill, Col. Trevor Clarke, and Mr.

Hay 3, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICaiiTUBE AND OOTTAQB GARDENER.

325

Henry Webb (the Treasurer) ; by Dr. Hogg, the Secretary ; and
the following members of the Council ; — Major Mason, Dr.
Denny, Messrs. F. Campion, Elwes, W. B. Kellock, and T. C.
•Clarke, and the principal displays were pointed out and explained
by Dr. Hooker of Kew. Her Majesty, aud indeed the whole of
the Royal visitors, examined carefully almost every collection,
expressing their admiration of the plants and fruit. Mr. Ford's
(Leonardslee) collection of fruit, ito., was particularly noticed, as
was also the excellent contribution of Messrs. Webber. The
beautiful collections of market plants had a largo share of Royal
appreciation, while the splendid contributious of the principal
nurserymen and amateurs were subjected to leisurt- ly and critical
inspection. Her Majesty was graciously pleased to accept a
rich bouquet presented by Mrs. Wills, and one similarly beauti-
ful was provided by Messrs. Veitch for the Princess Beatrice.
Bouquets were also presented to others of the Royal visitors by
Miss Smith of Kingsland Road. The Duchess of Edinburgh and
the Princess Beatrice also accepted Roses from the collection of
Mr. Walker, Thame, Oxon.

West Cobbidob.— Following the order of the Royal procession
— from the west to the east — we will note the collections in the
order of their arrangement.

Messrs. Carter & Co., seedsmen, &a., of High Holborn, sent a
group of foliage plants, principally exotics, comprising Oocos
Weddellianaand the very graccfol-leaved plant Casuarina suma-
trina. Other Palms, Pandanus, Phormiums, and DieSenbachias
helped to complete a very satisfactory and effective group.

Roses in pots, also out Roses, were sent from Messrs. Paul
and Son, " The Old Knrseries," Cheshnnt, Herts ; the flowers
were of remarkable quality. CamilleBernardin,EtienneLevet,
Alba Rosea, and Duke of Edinburgh were very striking; also
cut flowers of Mar(>chal Niel of the largest size.

Messrs. W. Cutbush A- Son sent the next group, which was
composed principally of Cape and New Holland plants. It was
tastefully arranged, and the effect of the flowers was toned down
by a few Palms judiciously disposed.

A group of Indian Azaleas from R. Thoralon, Esq. (A. Ratty,
gardener), The Hoo, Sydenham Hill, came next in order. There
were thirty-one plants, comprising Apollon, a fine white flower
flaked with red ; Roi des Blanches, white ; Bijou de Ledeburgh,
with rose-coloured flowers and variegated leaves ; Fascination,
rose flowers edged with white.

Messrs. Lane & S )n. Great Berkhampstead, Hert?, sent a col-
lection of hardy Rhododendrons beautifully flowered ; they
formed a noble and attractive group. Amongst the best may
be named Mrs. G. H. W. Heneage, deep rose ; Fastnosum, fl.-pl.,
double lilac ; Caractacus, deep rose ; Correggio, rose, prettily
spotted; Purity, creamy white; Lord John Russell, purple;
Tippoo Sahib, a very distinct dark flower; and Mrs. J. Clutton,
white tinged rose.

We next came to one of the finest groups of hardy flowering
and foliage plants that we have seen for many a day. It was from
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons of the Royal Exotic Nursery, King's
Road, Chelsea. The group was staged on the ground, and was
thus under the eye of the spectator. The background was com-
posed of the Japanese Acers now so much admired ; the beauti-
fully cut bronze and light green leaves had a charming effect.
The ends of the group were made np of the finest varieties of
Ghent Azaleas and the new Japanese varieties of Azalea mollis.
Towards the centre were some very fine Rhododendrons. We
noticed as the best Joseph Whitworth, very dark purple ;
Broughtoniannm, rose ; Lady Rolle, blush white, densely spotted ;
Ornatissimum, a distinct lilac flower, with a white centre;
Clarissa, very deUoate ; Ochroleucum ; The Queen, fine rosy
blush; Madame Wagner, very distinct, white with rose edge;
Michael Waterer, a very fine blood red ; Baron O.-jy, a very
distinct sort. The group was edged with a row of Spirsea
japonica.

Messrs. Oaborn & Sons, Fulham, sent some very fine Palms
and other foliage plants. The group was edged with Adiautum
farleyense and a few of the finer foliaged plants. There was
also a very fine plant of Imantophyllum miniatum superbum.

Mr. John Wills of Onslow Square sent a very well arranged
group of what may now be termed the Anerley Dracaenas.
Nearly all of them have been described in our columns, and
their fine health and splendid colour reflect great credit on Mr.
WUle's manager. The collection comprised over one hundred
plants.

Mr. W. Ball of King's Road, Chelsea, sent a group of Cycad-
aceoua plants, comprising some very noble specimens indeed of
BncephalartoB cycadajfolia, Cycas media, Dion cdule, Zamia
Roezlii, Catakidozamia Hillii, Zamia Lindenii, and Z. obliqua.
To the two last-named first-class certificates were voted.

Messrs. Crouoher & Boiler sent a group of Succulents, a
portion of them in small pots as they are sold in Covent Garden.
There were also many interesting species of Aloes, Echinopses,
MAmmillarias, Cereuses, Gasterias, &c.

CoNSEKV.iTORY. — This structure was attractive even apart from
the rich groups of plants exhibited, many fine specimens having
been brought trom Cbiswick, and the vases and baaketa bad

been redecorated for the occasion. Looking from the western
end, the right side of the avenue was occupied with a straight
stage from end to end on which the collections were artistically
arranged. On the left the exhibits were arranged in semi-
circular groups. In the centre of the building was a pyramid
of window boxes, exhibited by Mr. Maurice Young of Milford
Nursery, Godalming, showing examples of the new art of print-
ing on wood.

At the extreme end of the building Messrs. Charles Lee and
Son, Haminersmith, arranged a group of ornamental-folia ged
and flowering plants suitable for general decorative purposes.
They comprised Palms, Dracenas, Heaths, Boronias, Souerilas,
Crotona, Agaves, &c., all fresh, bright, and healthy. The first
collection on the principal stage was contributed by Mr. B. S.
Williams, HoUoway, and it is wonderful to see how his exhibit-
ing power is sustained. His group yesterday was an admirable
one, occupying 40 feet in length of staging. The back of the
collection was composed of Palms, Tree Ferns, and a fine
pyramid of Azalea aniceua. At the front of the tall plants were
a collection of Azalea mollis, a bright group of twenty Orchids;
also Amarjlises, Crotons, Anthuriums, Bertolonias, Maranta
Massangeana, iEchmaas, Sarracenias, and last but not least a
fine specimen of Gloneria jasminiflora. For affording pure
white trusses of flowers for bouquets we cannot imagine any
plant more suitable than this.

The next collection, arranged by Mr. Wills, occupied about
80 feet of staging. The centre of this fine display was a master-
piece of decorative art. It represented a terraced garden, but
had none of the usual conventional geometrical beds, 'the ground-
work was composed of Lyoopodium denticulatum, at the front of
which was a drooping fringe of Isolepis gracilis. In the centre
and leading to the bank of Lycopoda and Orchids was a mossy
path formed with Lycopodium apodum. On both sides of the
path were single plants of Cocos Weddelliana, at the bases of
which were groups of small Gloxinias; in the corners were
larger Palms fringed with Orchids, and dotted here and there
amongst the Lycopods were Mareohal Niel Rosea and Stephan-
otis. The "garden," which occupied about 100 square feet,
was flanked with healthy Pitcher-plants, and at the back were
displayed framed engravings of the immense glass structure
designed to cover the Albert Memorial ; aud behind the pictures
was a splendid Dicksonia. The side winga of this central group
were composed of a groundwork of Pelargoniums, Anthuriums,
Roses, &c., out of which sprung boldly large Palms, splendid
variegated Yuccas, and Dracrenas, the whole being fringed with
Isolepis gracilis. It was a remarkably fine collection, and sus-
tained the fame of the great floral decorator.

The next collection was from the renowned nurseries of the
Messrs. Veitch, who have never staged a more brilliant collection.
The plants were not large, but on that account the collection
was the more attractive, since greater scope for variety was
afforded ; every plant was in excellent condition, and the whole
arrangement displayed consummate taste. At the back were
large Vandas, Palms, and Crotons, and in the front the most
rare fine-foliaged plants in cultivation, interspersed with Orchids
and fringed with Gloxinias. In the centre of the group was the
magnificent Anthurium Scherzeriannm Wardii, and in front of
this again a flue pan of the charming Cypripedium niveum.
Amongst the more striking Orchids were Oncidiums fuscatum,
varicosum, papilio Kramerii, concolor, Croosus, Barcodes, and
Marshalli; Odontoglossuma Pescatorei purpuratum, very beaa-
tifnl ; luteo-purpurenm, citrosmum, Andersonianum, gloriosum,
and Roezlii. A charming Orchid of great value in this group
was Angraicum citratnm with two long pendulous spikes of
creamy Lobelia-like flowers. Masdevallias wore represented
by the curious M. chimera, M. Lindeni, and M. Veitchiana.
Cattleyas by Mendelli, intermedia, Skinneri, and others. There
were also many valuable Cypripediums and other Orchids.
Croton Morti, a brilliant and majestic kind, was in fine condi-
tion, and the distinct Earl of Derby was very conspicuous ;
C. Mooreanua, C. Macafojinua, and C. Veitchianus were also in
superior colour. Sarracenias flava, major, and S. Drummondii
attracted considerable attention, as also did the curious Ataccia
cristata, while the Gloxinias were of the first quality. The
collection also included Nepenthes hybrida maoulata, N. Sedeni,
N. Hookeriana, and N. intermedia. A magnificent collection.

In fine contrast to Messrs. Veitch'a plants were a collection
of Azaleas from Measra. RoUisson and Sons, Tooting. The
plants were standards on stems from 1 to 3 feet in height, the
heads being about the same in diameter. These plants were in
robust health and splendidly bloomed. Many of the varieties
were semi-double. The finest of the light (nearly white) varie-
ties was Marie Van Houtte, and Souvenir de I'Exposition was
clothed with splendid flowers. Amongst the single dark va-
rieties Eugi'-ne Mazel was excellent; and amongst the donbles
President Gtiellinck de Walle commanded attention ; Madame
Iris Lefebvre was very rich, and Vicomto de Toreville was also
noticeable. About fifty plants were staged, which produced a
very tine effect.

'The next collection was an admirable and extensive one trom

326

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE OABDENER.

( May 3, WiT

the nurseries of Mr. C. Turner, Slough. ConspiououB and beau-
tiful in this group were about two hundred Auriculas, both show
and Alpine varieties, which imparted a pleasing variety to the
Exhibition and found a, large share of admirers. At the back
of the Auriculas were Azaleas and Palms. Mr. Turner also
staged about fifty Boses grown in 7 and 8 iuch pota of the best
varieties, the plants being also in capital coLdition.

At the opposite (the north) side of the building, again com-
mencing at the west end, we found a group of new plants from
Mr. B. S. Williams. Amongst them we noticed Oroton Queen
Victoria in excellent colour, Panax lacinatus, Dieffenbaohia
marmorata, Araliafilicifolia, Acalypha musaica, a seedling Zygo-
petalum, &o.

The next semicircular group was staged by Messrs. Veitoh. In
the centre was the new plant (certificated) Antburium Brownii
— a majestic plant with glossy leaves on petioles 6 feet in length ;
also a basket of the new white Hydrangea Thomas Hogg; some
new Ferns, Dracaenas, and Gloxinias.

Passing by the plants submitted to the Floral Committee we
arrive at a rich collection of Orchids from J. G. Hepburn, Esq.,
Sidcup Place, Kent (Mr. Loveland, gardener). This gentleman
usually exhibits Orchids in capital condition ; on this occasion
they were perhaps finer than ever. There were nearly a hun-
dred plants, including the Odontoglossum referred to in another
page. Space precludes our enumerating all the plants, yet a fine
specimen of Cypripedium caudatum with twelve flowers must
be mentioned. Saccolabium guttatum, Pescatorea cerina, Cat-
tleya Mendelli, Trichopilia coccinea, Warsoewiczella discolor,
Odontoglossum vexillarium were also conspicuous in this excel-
lent collection.

The next collection, from Sir Trevor Laurence, Bart., Burford
Lodge, Eeigate (Mr. Spiers, grower), was a grand contribution
of Orchids. There were about twenty plants, and every one was
in splendid condition. Oncidium Rogersii had a fine spike of
fifty flowers; Dendrobinm barbatulum, Cypripedium caudatum
and C. niveum, Cattleya Skiuneri and C. labiata, Odontoglossum
triumphans, and Epidendrum bicornntum were prominent in
this group.

Yet another collection of Orchids was contributed by W. Terry,
Eeq. (gardener, Mr. Roberts), Peterborough House, Fulham.
The largest plant in this group was Oncidium altisBimnm ; and
Cattleya Mendelli was very fine. Sharing the same stage were
half a dozen plants, admirably grown and flowered, from W.
Perry, Esq. (Mr. J. W. Miles, gardener), Shirehampton, Bristol,
of Odontoglossum Phalsenopsis with more than a hundred flowers,
Deudrobium densiflorum, Cattleya Skinneri, Oncidium macran-
thum, Pha!a?uopBis Schilleriana, and Odontoglossum Pescatorei,

Messrs. W. & A. Brown, Hendon, exhibited in the conserva-
tory some new sorts of decorative Pelargoniums. Mr. Atkins,
gardener to Col. Lloyd Lindsay, Lockinge, Wantage, exhibited
a fine specimen of Clerodendron Balfourianum on a globe trellis
of i feet in diameter, and a good plant of Cocos Weddelliaua.

In the eastern wing of the conservatory we first noted some
Fern oases, &o., exhibited by Messrs. Dick Radclyffe & Co. and
Mr. James Bromwich. Next was a collection of plants staged
by Messrs. Standish & Co. of Ascot, which comprised good speci-
mens of Adiautum farleyense and A. gracillimum, well-bloomed
Azaleas and Cinerarias ; the whole collection backed with Adi-
autum gracillimum, which had a most charming effect. The
next group consisted of Silver Tricolor and Golden Variegated
Pelargoniums. Among the former were Italia XJuita, Miss
Turner, and Madame Patti ; in the Golden Tricolors were fine-
grown plants of Miss Turner and Countess Tyrconnei. This
collection made a very pretty change, and was exhibited by Mr.
Coppin, Croydon. Messrs. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, exhibited
a very large collection of miscellaneous plants. There was a
conspicuous plant of Pandanns Veitchii, Palms, Azaleas, Rhodo-
dendrons, Caladioms.Dracajnas, and Ferns, all in perfect health.
Next was a collection of eighteen well-grown Gloxinias with
well-coloured flowers, interspersed with Adiantum peruvianum
and the ooriGus Reidia glaucescens. These were sent by Mr.
Kingborn of Richmond. Mr. James, gardener to F. Watson,
Esq., Islewoith, sent a collection of Cyclamens, Cinerarias, and
Calceolarias in his usual excellent selection of quality. A
splendid group of Azaleas was sent by Messrs. F. & A. Smith of
Dalwich. A capital lot of Palms, Crotons, Ixoras, Ferns, Aralia
Veitchii, and several other plants came from Mr. John Ley,
Koyal Nursery, Croydon. Next came Mr. Miles' new Hybrid
Mignonette, remarkably large and very fragrant, exhibited by
Messrs. Brook & Gallop, Western Road Brighton. Following
these was a large collection of spring flowers from Mr. R. Dean ;
also a group of Polyanthuses, staged by Mr. Parr, gardener,
Harrow Weald Park.

Mr. J. Aldous, Gloucester Road, Kensington, staged a group
of Ferns, principally Pteris, in excellent health. These were
intermixed with Draciena Cooperii and others, and were very
pretty. Messrs. C. Lee & Son sent a group of their pretty decora-
tive plant Cornns mascula aureo-elegantissima. Messrs. Jack-
man & Son of Woking came out well with a lot of Clematises,
remarkable for theii fine large flowers. A splendid group of

foliaged plants and some grand Orchids were staged by Mr. £.
Ay ling, gardener to S. Cumings, Esq., Highgate, and com-
manded a large share of attention. Two boxes of fine Roses,
one of Marechal Niel and the other mixed kinds, were shown
by Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Oxon. Mr. W. Racey, gardener to
C. Mortimer, Esq., Wigmore Hill, Dorking, sent good Cine-
rarias, Ferns, and Dracienas. An excellent collection of hardy
plants was exhibited by W. Terry, Esq., Peterborough HouEe,
Fulham. A collection of seedling Polyanthuses in pots was
staged by Mr. Cardwell, Wallingford Street, Wantage. Messrs.
Barr & Sugden of King Street, Covent Garden, staged probably
the finest and largest collection of cut Narcissuses ever seen at
Kensington ; they were all named, and small plants of Pteris
longifolia mixed with them showed the flowers to great advan-
tage. They were deservedly admired. The same firm also ex-
hibited Fern cases, baskets, &c., all filled with plants.

East Coekidor. — The growers and salesmen of Oovent Garden
produce exhibited on this occasion again in large numbers, and
their respective collections taken as a whole were most excel-
lent. We will take them seriatim, commencing on the left-hand
side of the corridor with a very beautiful and artistically ar-
ranged group from Mr. Wright, Lee, Kent, consisting princi-
pally of Palms and Orchids, with a few Crotons and Dracaenas
interspersed, the whole edged with Lycopodium denticnlatum.
This was a very rich collection from the many well-grown
plants of Odontoglossum Alexandrse, Phalaenopsis, and Den-
drobiums.

A collection nearly 100 feet in length was exhibited by Mr.
T. C. Paget, Royal Nurseries, Clapham, S.W., containing up-
wards of six hundred plants, all well-grown examples, of Spiraea
(Hoteia) japonioa, Corypha australis ; Dracjenas rubra, congests,
gracilis, Guiifoylei, terminalis, stricta, and hybrida; Adiantums
cuneatum, gracillimum, and scutum; Pteris argyraea, serrulata
and serrulata cristata, &o.

A well-grown group of Pelargoniums was contributed by Mr.
G. Baird, Wiuchmore Hill, and consisted of Scarlet Gem and
other well-known sorts grown for market purposes, together
with about fifty plants of the Duchess of Edinburgh Pelar-
gonium, a very pleasing flower. These plants were in small
48-pots, dwarf, bushy, and compact, having from a dozen to
fifteen fine trusses on each.

Mr. H. B. Smith, Ealing Dean Nursery, Ealing, W., exhibited
a collection of Palms, Dracieuas, Crotons, Ficus elastica, edged
with small plants of Davallia Mooreana, Adiantums farleyense,
gracillimum, and others. This was a very bold and effective
group. As a continuation of Mr. Smith's group there were
well-grown market plants of Hoteia japonioa. Fuchsia Arabella,
admirably bloomed Tricolor and other variegated Geraniums,
arranged in masses of each kind.

Mr. Puttick, a well-known Covent Garden grower, exhibited
admirable examples of Hydrangeas, Mignonette, Stocks, Colenses,
Heliotropes, Richardias, and double and single Geraniums.

The collection of Messrs. J. & J. Hayes, florists, Edmonton,
consisted of Fuchsias, large-flowering Pelargoniums, Hydran-
geas, Azaleas, Ericas ventricosa and Cavendishii, scarlet Gera-
nium, Fairy Roses and Ferns, the whole artistically arranged in
panels. Mr. Hayes also contributed about a hundred plants of
Cinerarias, very compact in growth, distinct in colour, and ad-
mirably grown. The whole formed one of the largest collections
and was much admired.

Messrs. J. Pounce & Sons of Hendon, N.W., exhibited rustic
baskets, Wardian cases, aquariums, &c., also a grand oollectioit
tastefully arranged of useful furnishing plants ; conspicuous
among them were large-flowering and fancy Pelargoniums, also
three boxes of blooms of the above, representing three dozen
varieties.

The most extensive and effective collection of Pelargoniums
was contributed by Messrs. G. Beckwith & Sons, Tottenham.
This was indeed a grand lot, and could not have contained less
than seven hundred plants, principally grown in 48's, a dome of
flowers being formed in the centre with half-specimen plants
of their new decorative Pelargonium Duchess of Bedford, and
also the centre row of the collection consisted wholly of this
variety, of which quite one hundred plants were exhibited.

Messrs. Hawkins & Bennett, Lily Gardens, Twickenham, ex-
hibited about six hundred small plants, principally of Gera-
niums Madame Vaacher (white). Dr. Lindley and Vesuvius (red),
and Christine (pink). Thty were displayed in half-circles — an
effective mode of arrangement where there are only three colours.
A few Adiantums in the centre and Isolepis gracilis and Lyoo-
podiums faced the group, and its beauty was further enhanced
by about sixty bunches of cut blooms of the popular Gera-
niums named.

Messrs. Reeves, Acton, also contributed a fine bank, as well as
an excellent group, comprising tall Richardias, Palms, and
standard Guelder Roses for a background ; panels of Hydran-
geas, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Gardenias, Heliotropes, Lily of tho
Valley, &c., lines of Ferns, Selaginella Martensii, Spirsea, &o.
The same exhibitor set up one thousand pots of Reeves' Giant
Mignonette, a large and sweetly scented variety. Groups of

H»jr 3, 1877. ]

JOUBMAL OF HOBTICULTUBB ANP COTTAGE GAfiDENKB.

327

Pelargoniams, Cinerarias, Faohsias, doable Petunias, and Scarlet
Greranioms were contribated by Mr. J. Seabrook, Fouder's End,
Enfield.

A very pretty group wa» staged by Mr. James Sweet.Leighton,
in lines or belts, the back being formed with E rica persolnta
alba, followed with Pelargoniam Triomphe de St. Mande, Cy-
tisnses, a row of Erica colorans, and Pelargonium Bob Roj,
edged with a dwarf and compact Fuchsia. A first-class certifi-
cate was awarded to a fine raised bank of Empress of India
Pelargonium in this collection.

Messrs. Poulton, Fountain Nursery, Angel Road, Edmonton,
staged an admirable group of Spiraefts, interspersed with Petu-
nias, Tropffiolums, Roses, Geraniums, and Calceolarias.

Mr. Thomas Pestridge, Brentford, sent several boxes of Tri-
color and Bronze Geraniun^s in very small plants.

Mr. G. Sawyer, Edmonton, arranged a colleotioa in squares
of Oalceolarias, Deutzias, Lily of the Valley, Pelargoniums,
Fuchsias, and Spiraeas ; and in the collection staged by Mr. T.
Pearce there were grand plants of Erica ventricosa and other
well-flowered Heaths, Fuchsias, and dwarf Roses ; Mr. Ladds
of Bexley Heath contributing Geraniums of sorts and Spiraeas.

Table Decobations and Bouquets.— Of the bonqnets, Her
Majesty and the Princesses admired the eight bouquets exhibited
by Mr. W. J. Smith of the Floral Hall, Kmgsland; the Duchess
of Edinburgh and the Princess Beatrice were graciously pleased
to accept two of these. The bouquets were not as large as some,
and were much admired.

A basket of out flowers, two bouquets, and a cross composed
of white Gardenias, Azileas, Bouvardias, and Ferns, were con-
tributed by Messrs. Green & Co., Victoria Street, S W. The
bride's bouquet in this collection was very rich and light though
large. Messrs. Chas. Wood & Son also contributed bouquets,
wreaths, crosses, itc, the whole of them very fine.

Mr. J. Aldous, Gloucester Gate, South Kensington, sent a
drawing-room bouquet and bridal bouquet, which were very
much admired. Mr. C. W. Buck, Central Avenue, Covent Gar-
den, also contributed three elegant bonqnets ; and from Mr.
James Bromwich came bouquets, baskets of flowers, wreaths
for the hair, crosses, and button-hole bouquets. Messrs. Pounce
and Sons sent ballroom and wedding bouquets, bat somewhat
large ; and from Mr. A. Barnes also came two bouquets. Mr,
A. Mott, 15, St. Leonard's Place, sent two bouquets, one com-
posed principallj' of Boses, which were very pleasing at this
season of the year. Mr. G. Strudwick, 20, Bayswater Terrace,
sent three bouquets and a centre stand for the dinner-table, taste-
fully arranged. A wreath of Gardenias, Azaleas, Bouvardias,
Spiraeas, and Ferns, with a bridal and ball bouquet, came from
Mr. 3. Moyse, Belgravia; the bouquets were very choice, but
very heavy; and from Walter Wood, Parmley & Co., eame
bouquets, crosses, boutonnv:reSt ladies* dress flowers, and birth-
day gifts, the whole of them very iuterestiug and pretty, and
found numerous admirers. Thirty-seven bouquets were ex-
hibited.

The table decorations consisted of eight table?, arranged by
the following exhibitors: — Mr. S. Young, 36, Park Street,
Camden Town; Mr. A. Chancellor, The Retreat, Richmond;
Mr. C. Burley, The Kursery, Brentwood ; Mr. Hudson, gar-
dener to H. J. Atkinson, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton;
Messrs. Wood, Parmley & Co., 19, Park Street, Knightsbridge ;
Chas. Wood & Sons, 21, High Street, Manchester Square; and
Mr. Aldous, florist, Gloucester Road. Mr. Barley's and Mr. J.
Aldous's tables appeared to be especially admired by the visitors.
A very massive and richly furnished table with everything com-
plete was laid out by Messrs. Pounce & Sons, 153, Queen's Bead,
Bayswater, but it was very much overdone. Some very fine
Pansiea were exhibited by Mr. Hooper, Bath, and were much
admired.

Fbuit. — A fine collection was sent by Messrs. Webber & Sous
of Covent Garden, consisting of twenty-two splendid Pine Apples
from St. Michaels, three baskets of grand Euglish-grown Muscat
Grapes, Sir Charles Napier Strawberries, LCon Leolerc de Laval
Pears, English Apples and Filberts, also a fine basket of Marfiohal
Neil Rose.

A dozen capital Cucumbers were sent by Mr. C. Mott, Potters
Bar ; and from Guernsey Mr. J. Watson exhibited two bunches
each of Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes ; and
Mr. W. Earley sent a collection of Grapes and Apples, the Apples
very sound and firm for the season. Mr. Ford of Leonatdslee,
Horsham, put up a stand of MurCchal Neil Eose, also twenty
dishes of Apples remarkably well kept, also a collection of new
Potatoes and other vegetables.

Vegetables. — Vegetables were exhibited by Mr. W. Poupart,
Twickenham, as well as several boxes of cut flowers done up in
bonohes, as is customary when sending to Covent Garden. Mr.
Poupart of Mortlake also staged a fine collection of vegetables,
including excellent examples of Seakale and Asparagus.

From Mr. Walker, nurseryman, Thame, Oxford, came a box
of Mushrooms in clumps as growing; and from Mr. J. Smith,
Kingaland Road, came two excellent baskets, one of silad from
FiaDce the other the produce of Englanrl. From Mr. W.

Stephens, gardener to Sir John Brown, Endoliffe Hall, Sheffield,
came a very fine seedling Rhubarb of excellent colour all
through.

Gold medals were awarded as follows :— Two to Messrs.
Veitch & Sons, two t} Mr. J. Wills, and one eaoh tu Mr. B. S.
Williams, Mr. W. Bull, and Barr & Sugden. Silver-gilt medals
to Messrs. Chapman, Ley, 0. Turner, Osborne, Lane & Son,
Burley, Hayes, Webber, Reeves, and Bromwioh. Large silver
medals to Messrs. Cutbush, Paul Si Sons, Thornton (Ratty,
gardener), and Beckwith. Silver medals to Messrs. Ford,
Standish, Lee, Laiag, Barley, Pounce, Aldous; Wood, Parmley,
and Co. ; Wright, Fa«et, Smith, Hawkins, Reeves, Buck, Sea-
brook, and Sweet. Bronze medals to Messrs. Carter & Co.,
Dean, Terry (Roberts, gardener), Oumings (Ayling, gardener),
Hudson, Young, Puttiok, Baird, Pounce, Wood, Strudwick,
Stone, Faulton, Sawyer, Pearce, Ladds, Poupart, and Miles
(Perry, gardener). Cultural and other commendations were
awarded to several exhibitors, whom we are unable to enumerate.
Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford presented the medals which
were awarded at the last Show to the Covent Garden exhibitors.

Garden implements were exhibited by Messrs. Thomas Green
and Sons, 5i and 55, Blackfriars Road ; E. & E. Horley, Tod-
dington, Beds ; John Matthews, Weston-super-Mare ; Fletcher,
Lowndes, & Co, 13a, Great George Street, Westminster; Waite,
Barnell, Hoggins & Co., 228, Upper Thames Street, E.G. ; J. C.
Fox, South Kensington ; and Read & Co., 35, Regent Circas.

We have said that the Exhibition was the finest that has been
seen in London for many years ; but we may go farther and
say, that considering the nature of the collections — the number
of the plants and their quality, also that no prizes were offered
— the Exhibition was the most remarkable that has ever been
seen in England, and probably anywhere else. Thanks also to
its being held at a time when no other exhibition divided the
oSerings of the exhibitors and the patronage of the public, the
Show was not only complete, but vast crowds of visitors flowed
through the arcades throughout the day. We are justified,
therefore, in pronouncing the Show in every respect a splendid
success.

To Mr. Barron, the Superintendent of the Gardens, and his
assistants, and to Mr. Howard for his aid in organising the
market collections, a meed of praise is due for their services in
connection with the arrangements of the Exhibition.

Fruit Committee. — John Lee, Esq., in the chair. A basket
of Peas (McLean's Little Gem) was exhibited by Mr. Jas. Batters,
gardener to Mrs. Willis Fleming, Chilworth Manor, R jmsey,
Hampshire. They had been grown in pots placed on the shelves
of a cool house ; they were certainly very creditable examples,
Aid the Committee unanimously awarded a cultural commenda-
tion. Mr. W. Cox, The Gardens, Madresfleld Court, Great Mal-
vern, sent a dish of fine Citrons, to which a vote of thanks was
given. Mr. C. Haycock, gardener to C. Leigh, Esq , Barham
Court, Maidstone, sent some excellent Strawberries, Cherries,
and a brace of Cucumbers. A letter of thanks was to be sent to
the exhibitor. Mr. W. Hinds, gardener to Sir T. E. Moss, Bart.,
Otterspool, Liverpool, sent a dish of Strawberry Oscar, bright
in colour and of large size. A cultural commendation was
awarded. Mr. R. Price, Cookham, sent a dish of Sir Joseph
Paxton Strawberry, and was also awarded a cultural commenda-
tion. Mr. W. Wildamith, gardener to Viscount Eversley, Heck-
field Place, Winchfield, sent a very line dish of Auguste Nicaise
Strawberry of large size, and a similar award was made. Mr.
J. Hudson, gardener to H. J. Atkinson, Esq., Gunnersbury
Honse, Acton, also sent Strawberry President. A letter of
thanks was voted for them,

Mr. Ollerhead, gardener to Sir H. Peek, Bart., Wimbledon
House, sent a dish of Bananas (Musa Cavendishii). The speci-
mens were of large size and most excellent quality, and a cul-
tural commendation was unanimously awarded.

Mr. G. S. Miles, gardener to Lord Cariugton, sent three Ja-
maica Pine Apples and one Melon, to which a cultural com-
mendation was awarded.

Two heads of Variegated Broccoli were also sent by Mr. W.
Horley, Toddington, Beds. The variegated leaves were very
pretty.

A cultural commendation was also voted to Mr. P. Edwards,
gardener to Mrs. Tristram Footley, Liphook, Hants, for a very
good dish of Black Hamburgh Grapes.

Mr. W. Gardiner, The Gardens, Eatington Park, Stratford-on-
Avon, sent six dishes of Apples, to which a letter of thanks was
voted. A splendid branch of Cherries came from Mr. Stevens,
■Trentham Gardens.

Floral Committee.— W. B. Kellook, Esq., in the chair,
First-olass certificates were awarded to Messrs. Veitch & Sons
for Lomaria discolor bipinnatifida (distinct, with pleasing light
green fronds), Anthurium Brownii, and Coleus multicolor (with
deeply.cut foliage of the same colour as Verschaffeltii splendens) ;
to Mr. Wills for Dracseua Mrs. Bause ; Mr. Turner for Auricula
Sarah, dark self, plum colour tiuged with purple ; and for
Alpine Auricula John Ball, martoa and orange, very rich ; Mr.

328

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ Ma; 3, 18i7.

KeUock for Agave Bchidigera prlncepB, a striking plant; Mr.
Bull for Zamia Lindeni, also for Z. Boezlii and Z. obliqna; Mr.
Sweet, LeightoD, for Pelargonium Empress of India; Messrs.
Paul it Son, CheBhunt, for Rose Emily Laxton, vigorous plant,
fine flower with capped petals, colonr rosy Balmon ; to Mr.
B. S. Williams for Aralia filicifolia, highly distinct and elegant,
and Adiantnm Williamsii, a great acquisition in the way of
cnneatnm, but perfectly distinct ; to Mr. James, Redlees, for
Cineraria Mrs. Beck, massive flower, purplish maroon ; to Mr.
Douglas for Alpine Anrionlas Prince, also to Florence, a magni-
ficent flower, which will carry Mr. Douglas's name to posterity.
Mr. Moore, gardener to B. C. Pickersgill, Esq., BUndon Hall,
exhibited a remarkably fine specimen of Dendrobium densi-
fiorum with over twenty fine racemes of flowers, and was awarded
a cultural commendation. A fine plant of Cffilogyne cristata
was exhibited by Mr. Stevens, Trentham Gardens ; the plant
was i feet in diameter, and laden with flowers.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Since nnwarrantable insinuations, imputing duplicity to
the gentlemen who signed the memokial to the Council of
the Royal Horticultural Society for the alteration of the days
of meeting, have been published, we have thought it advisable
to make known the names of those memorialists, bo that the
public may judge for themselves whether they are capable of
doing that which has been ascribed to them. These gentlemen
are so well known for honourable and straightforward conduct
that we should have thought their names were sufficient to
protect them from such an imputation that they said one
thing and meant another. The following are the names
attached to the memorial in question : — Jas. Veitch & Sons,
Chelsea ; Jas. Douglas, Loxford Hall Gardens ; Maurice Young,
Milford ; Charles Noble, Bagshot ; Robert Parker, Tooting ;
James George, Putney Heath ; Geo. Thos. Miles, Wycombe
Abbey Gardens ; W. Wildsmith, Heckfield Gardens ; John
Standieh & Co., Ascot ; Henry Bennett, Stapleford ; John
Wills, Kensington ; Henry J. Wimsett, Chelsea; John Wood-
bridge, Syon House Gardens ; Jas. Catbush, Highgate ; Geo.
Sage, Ashridge Gardens ; H. Lane & Son, Great Berkhamp-
Btead; John Lee, Hammersmith; F. R. Kinghorn, Sheen
Nursery; J. James, Isleworth ; John Fraser, Lea Bridge. Mr.
Bull, who is only an occasional exhibitor, did not sign for
private reasons, but stated that he would not offer any oppo-
Bition to the change ; and Mr. B. S. Williams had not an
opportunity of signing, but afterwards expresBed in strong
terms his approval of the change and his disapproval of the
absurdity that has too long existed of the exhibitions of the
Royal Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies occurring on
the same days. The mere catching at accidental circumstances
by way of proving the judgment of the memorialists erroneous
is no answer to so powerful an argument as they urge, and
anonymous criticism of such a question merely indicates how
very feeble the opposition to it is.

We note from the schedule of the Crystal Palace Ex-
hibitions that third prizes are abolished, the effect of which
wiU in all probability be to reduce the number of exhibitors.
The first show (of plants and flowers), is to be held on May
12th. The principcil prizes offered are £15 and £10 for twelve
stove and greenhouse plants (nurserymen), and tho same
amounts for nine plants (amateurs). Frizes of £10 and £7
are also offered to nurserymen and amateurs for Orchids, and
£12 and £8 for nine greenhouse Azaleas (open). But the
greatest amounts of all are £20 and £15 for nine Roses in
pots (nurserymen). The Rose Show (one day only), is an-
nounced for June 23rd, when no third prizes are provided, but
the first and second prizes are liberal. In the classes for table
decorations third prizes are not withheld.

The Wimdledon and District Royal Horticdltubal

AND Cottage Garden Society have submitted their schedule
of prizes. The Show is to be held in the grounds of Mrs.
Evans, Park House, Wimbledon, on July 5th. Several special
prizes are offered, and the executive hope to be able to receive
support enabling them to provide for a group of open classes
by way of rendering the exhibition additionally attractive.
The Show last year was an excellent one, and the Society is
worthy of the support of the afllaent residents of the district.

At the National Auricula Show which was held at

Manchester on the 27th ult. the Rev. F. D. Horner secured
nearly all the first prizes; Mr. B. Simonite, Mr. Barlow, Mr.
Cooper, &e., were also suceessful exhibitors, Mr. Barlow being
awarded a silver medal for an extensive miscellaneous collec-

tion. At the exhibition of stove and greenhonee plants, whiob
was held at the same time, the gold medal was awarded to
Mr. Broome of Didsbury. First-class certificates were awarded
to Mr. Leech, Fallowfield, for Epidendrum Frederick William ;
to Col. Clay, Birkenhead, for a new Zygopetalon; to Mr.
Davis, Ormskirk, for a new hybrid Rhododendron ; and to
Mr. Harrison, Leicester, for Mimulus moschatns Harrisonii.
Several cultural certificates and commendations were also
awarded. The combined Exhibition was a successful one.

The first prize for the best nine Auriculas at the

spring Exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ire-
land was taken by the Rev. F. Tymons with splendid flowers
of Superb, Turner's 0. J. Perry, and Finlayson's Sir R. Peel ;
Mr. Leland coming next in merit with a first-rate collection.
In the class of six the last-named exhibitor took first place,
his lot comprising very fine flowers of Barker's Nonsuch and
Headly's Royal Purple; and in Mr. Tymons' lot, which was
next in merit. Metropolitan and Sir W. Peel were the most
noticeable flowers. The Exhibition is described by the Farmers'
Gazette as having been a very good one, and was visited by
the Lord Lieutenant and suite.

A " Suburban Gardener " writes to us as follows on

the late planting of Tulips ; — " Towards the close of January
I read in the Journal that Tulips then remaining in paper
bags, owing to the continuous rains of the autumn and winter
months, might yet be planted with a fair prospect of their
thriving. At that time a small portion of my bulbs had been
planted, the remainder being regarded as wasted, or, at least,
comparatively worthless. I, however, planted them according
to instructions (it was then early in February), covering them
only an inch deep with leaf soil. The present condition of
the beds now is, that those bulbs planted 4 inches deep in
November are flowering, but the plants are irregular, the foliage
ragged, and the flowers malformed ; while those planted in
February are level in growth, have ample and healthy foliage,
and fine flowers are expanding. They are a week later than the
autumn-planted bulbs, but in condition are very far snperioj
to them."

Many of the species of Primulas are extremely beauti-
ful during the spring months. One very distinct is P. ver-
ticillata. This species has very bright primrose- coloured
flowers produced in whorls, and the foliage and flower stems
are slightly mealy. Not the least advantage relative to this
Primula is its property of coming quite true from seed. This
Primula is of very easy culture, a frame free from frost cr a
greenhouse being only required to preserve the plants during
the winter. They flower profusely in tho early days of spring,
and produce a pleasing effect in various modes of grouping.

" A Kitchen Gardener " writes : " I quite agree with

all your correspondents who say the bullfinch is destructive
in the garden. I do not know of another bird, neither large
nor small, that will do so much mischief. They have put me
in a worse temper this spring than even the bad wet weather.
They not only eat the buds of every kind of fruit tree, but
when they can eat no more they continue picking them off
and letting them fall to the ground. I have seen a single bird
make the ground as green as the lawn underneath Plum trees
and Carrant bushes in less than an hour. If they are fright-
ened from one tree they only go to another. The only cure
for them is to kill old and young without mercy."

A well KNOWN and successful grower of Grapes informs

US that Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat flourishes much better on
the long-rod than the short-spur system of pruning. We have
frequently heard the same remark made by lesser oultivalora
who grew this Grape very well when the Vines were in a young
state ; but by yearly spurring the bunches became smaller and
the Grapes did not sustain their former excellence. As this ia
the period for training-in young rods the matter may be sea-
sonably alluded to. In the meantime further information on
the point would be acceptable to many readers.

"An Old Subscriber " writing to us on hedgehogs

AND tomtits, states : " The popular error there alluded to by
" A Master Gardener" respecting hedgehogs and cows, arises
mainly from the fact that in early morning and at dusk the
hedgehogs are often seen running round cows which are lying
down. I have seen them, but they were always engaged in
catching insects disturbed by the cow ; they might also be
attracted by her warmth. As regards tomtits, of which lovely
little birds I am a warm admirer, I regret to say that while
they eat insects they also eat Peas. About a dozen of these

I

M4y 8, 1877. ]

JODRNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB,

320

birds last autumn cleared every Pea out of the poda of a late
row. The mischief wae done before the Peas were ready to
gather, being only the size of smuU shot. The gardener
knowing my objection to having any birds shot, told me of
my favourites' misdeeds, and pave me ocular proof of the cor-
rectness of his statement. Ten tomtits were shot, and we
soon had plenty of Peas. They perforated the pods most
cleverly close along the top line. I much regret to record this
against them."

Mk. Charles Downing, the eminent American fruit-
grower, writes as follows on washing feuit teees : — " Why use
lime for the trucks and large branches of trees? It has an
unnatural and unsightly appearance, while soft soap leaves the
bark smooth and of a natural colour, and my experience is
that it is more effectual. Potash is equally good. Dissolve
each pound in a gallon and a half of water ; put it on with a
stiff brash, and when not in use the brush should be kept in
water. The person using it should be careful not to get the
potash on his hands and clothes. Soft soap should be put on
as thick as it can be used. Any rough bark should be scraped
off before washing the trees, and when washed annually no
rough bark and moss will appear."

EENOVATING MAEECHAL KIEL ROSE.

We received a letter last week describing an instance of a
favourite Marechal Xiel Rose cankering above the ground, and
this week we have received a specimen of the canker. This we
submitted to a practical gardener, who in reply has described
a case of canker which occurred with a Marechal Xiel Eose
belonging to C. E. Baring, Esq., at Coombe Cottage, Kingston-
on-Thames, and which the gardener, Mr. Baker, cured. As
the remedy applied by Mr. Baker was so simple and effectual,
it is worthy of record.

"Mr. Baring's Rose," writes our informant, "is growing
under glass, and is trained to the back wall of a lean-to house.
A little distance above ground the stem cankered extensively,
the foliage of the Rose lost its colour, and the plant appeared
to be in a dying state. Instead, however, of leaving it to its
fate Mr. Baker tried an experiment which has answered ad-
mirably. It was clear that the roots of the Rose were unable
to supply sap to the parts above the canker, and the idea
occurred to induce the emission of a new set of roots from and
above the cankered portions of the stem. To effect this some
stout boards were affixed on edge about a foot from the wall
and a foot or more high, forming a box or trough. This was
filled with rich soil — loam and cow dung, the compost being
packed closely round the cankered part. The soil was kept
moist, and new roots commenced forming at once, and in a
short time the trough was quite filled with them, and new
vigour was imparted to the Rose. The trough was then
lengthened and the soil below it was enriched ; into this narrow
bottomless box some of the shoots which were taken from the
wall were pegged ; these also emitted roots, and the growth of
the Rose has since been wonderful. New shoots as thick as a
walking-stick have been produced and have quite covered the
wall, and many dozens of grand blooms have this spring been
cut from the Rose which a year previously was thought to be
dying. It is now m ire vigorous than ever, and will no doubt
produce many harvests of golden flowers.

" This account may bo useful to ' T. Rose.' The example
he has sent does not appear to be canker as ordinarily under-
stood, but injury has been done by the stem having been
rubbed against a hard surface. Let him carry out the prac-
tice above described as near as he can. If the injured parts
are too high to be covered with soil, I advise an application of
rich soil and liquid manure to the roots, and not until this
has failed to improve the Rose would I dig it up. If, however,
it is beyond recovery I should replace it with a young plant
cleanly worked on a healthy Briar stock, the stem of the Briar
reaching to the glass, through which the branches can be
trained. The Briar stem should be protected with a hayband
or other covering during severe weather. — W."

LIQUID MANURE FOE FERNS.
As you solicit the experience of your readers on this subject
I venture to offer you mine. Some time ago I had charge of
a garden where there was small accommodation for the growth
of Ferns, the principal place at disposal for their culture being
a low shelf attached to the back wall of a Pino stove. This
eheU was probably some u feet from the glass and about a feet

below another shelf, which was used for forcing French Beans
and Strawberries. It was my practice to water the Beans and
Strawberries on the upper shelf every other day with strong
liquid manure made from guano, soot, and sheep or cow dung;
and what ran over or ran through the pots above descended
to the Ferns and kept them in a state of saturation, so mush
so that it was very seldom necessary to water them in the
regular way. Under this treatment they grew most luxu-
riantly, and threw up fronds of noble proportions and of excel-
lent colour.

These Ferns were grown without a particle of peat, the com-
post used consisting of about equal portions of moderate loam
and leaf soil, with a liberal admixture of silver sand and (what
I coneider a beneficial ingredient) decayed wood, commonly
known as touchwood, rubbed fine through a half-inch sieve.
The Ferns grown under these conditions were chiefly Adian-
tnm cuneatum, A. formosum, A. farleyense, Pteris serrulata,
P. cretica albo-lineata, and P. argyrjea.

These Ferns being in a Pine stove were subjected to a brisk
temperature, but I have found Ferns succeed equally well with
liquid manure in a low temperature. As an instance, I have
here at the back of a lean-to greenhouse a narrow border in
which Vines are planted, and to hide the uneighthness of the
soil Ferns are placed upon the border, and the pots are sur-
rounded with stones so as to form a miniature rockery. On
several occasions last season I gave this border soakings of
liquid manure, pouring it over the Ferns and soaking them
also ; and about a fortnight ago I repeated the application of
liquid manure just when the Ferns were throwing up numbers
of young fronds, without any detriment to them, but from
all appearance greatly to their advantage.— A. E,, Hcanton
Satclwille.

SHELVES FOR STRAWBERRY FORCING.

To lessen the labour of watering, and to save the roots of
the S.trawberries as much as possible from the scorching sun,
the ordinary shelves generally met with are not calculated to
give the most satisfactory results. We give mulching to the
plants which are to fruit in the open ground ; but in houses,
pots (which are a faint imitation of nature at best) are by some
placed high and dry, and very often the labour power employed
to meet their wants is very inadequate. Standing the plants
in their pots on turves is a good old plan, but when they have
to be moved to cooler and drier structures — a practice necessary
to secure flavour — it is not easy removing the turves intact
with the roots which may have come through the holes of the
pots. A layer of moss placed along the shelves answers well
when the pots are stood on it. The roots run freely into the
moss, and will lift the whole mass without any danger of
breaking the fibres. When the pots are placed into others a
size larger, with soil or moss packed round them, it answers
well as an aid to nutriment and for protection from the sun.

But it has been long a favourite system of mine to have
shelves with a board in front to shield the pots from the sun,
and made watertight so that the drip may not come down about
the person employed to water the plants ; and this also saves
the back wall from the wetting which it often receives at in-
opportune times. Plugs placed at the ends of the shelves to
be taken out at pleasure add to the convenience. I have
often used these angular shelves with success for French Bean
forcing in pots. When the position formerly was intensely
scorching, and a complete nursery for red spider, a quantity of
half-rotten leaf soil or moss placed under the pots, and occa-
sionally dusted lightly with soot or moistened with soot-water,
was generally found to be a specific against red spider. It is
seldom (except by market-growers) that separate pits or houses
are employed for forcing Strawberries, hence the difficulties
which arise from vermin and other impediments. How simple
a matter Strawberry forcing is where structures are employed
with numerous compartments, so that abundance of dry fresh
air can be given to those ripening, a closer and moister atmo-
sphere to the fruit swelling, and where those which are setting
can have proper treatment ! — M. T. (in Tlie Gardeiur).

ODONTOGLOSSUM EOEZLII.

Noi only are the Odontoglossums amongst the moat beauti-
ful of Orchids, but they are easy of culture, and produce their
striking flowers freely even when the plants are in a small
state. For the cultivation of this genus a specially constructed
and heated Orchid house is not by any means indispensable,

330

JOUBNAL OF HOBTIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ May 8, 1877.

but, on the contrary, an intermediate house during the winter
where a temperature of about 50° can be maintained, and a
vinery during the summer afforded (structurally) are all that is
really neoeeeary for these plants. After the rest in winter —
not drying-off — the plants will start freely in the regularly ad-
vancing heat suitable for Vines, and the shade of the foliage
of the Vines is suitable for the then growing Orchids. Orchids
generally thrive better in houses wholly devoted to them, be-
cause the plants then receive special attention ; but with or-
dinary care they flourish well, and none better than the Odon-
toglossums, in a well-managed vinery. It is probable that
many having glass structures deny themselves the pleasure of
cultivating Orchid?, fearing that the plants would not flourish
because they were not placed in an " Orchid house." But a
vinery becomes an Orchid house if filled with Orchids, and the

plants prosper as well as if the house were called by any other
name.

Very choice Orchids, however, such as the one figured, re-
quire and are worthy of particular care, and grow more freely
with a somewhat higher range of temperature than mentioned
above. Of great importance to these plants are pxire air, a
moist atmosphere, and a very open compost. The potting
material should be composed of sphagnum, rough fibrous peat,
lumps of charcoal, and crocks. The pots should be nearly
filled with croclss, and the plant should be potted well up above
the surface of the pot, the compost forming a mound which
should be covered with live sphagnum. This should be en-
couraged to grow freely, which is highly conducive to the
health of the Orchids.

Odontoglossum Eoezlii, which ia one of the most beautiful

Fig. 41.— ODOXTOGLOSSrM ROEZLn.

Orchids in cultivation, was discovered by Mr. Koezl in New
Grenada, and first flowered in England in 1873. Plants have
been frequently exhibited by Messrs. Veitch, Williams, and
Bull in several varieties, some being pure white and others
more or less deeply coloured with reddish purple at the base
of the petals, forming a fine contrast with the pearly white-
ness of the petals and lip. One of the finest of the coloured
varieties, also the fiuest plant that has been exhibited, is the
one now figured. It was staged at the Koyal Horticultural
Society's exhibition on April 4th by Mr. Loveland, gardener
to J. Hepburn, Esq., Sidcup Place, Kent, when a cultural com-
mendation was worthily awarded for the specimen. Mr.
Hepburn has favoured us with the following details of cul-
ture : — " The treatment of theOdontoglosanm Eoezlii has been
very simple. It was potted in fibrous peat and sphagnum
niixtd with small lumps of charcoal and crocks, the pot
three-parts filled with crocks for drainage, and the plant well
set up 2 or 3 inches above the brim. It has been grown in the
Cattltya house suspended about a foot from the glass, tem-
perature about 55'' at night in winter, never under 52°. In
wateiing the pot has always been dipped in tepid soft water

10' to 15" above the temperature of the house, taking especial
care that the bulbs were not wetted at the base. The leaves
have been often carefully sponged with tepid water. I find
that the same^treatment suits Odontoglossum vexUlarinm very
well."

The two Orchids named by Mr. Hepburn as flourishing under
the treatment he has described so clearly and concisely, are
recommended to all who possess the means of growing them,
as two of the most beautiful representatives of a beautiful
family of plants.

PRIMULA AMffiNA.
Amonust this charming family of spring-flowering plants
are many beautiful species and varieties which are not so
well known as they deserve to be. The species of which an
outline is given is one of them. It is the purple Caucasian
Primrose, and is highly attractive. The name of ama>na as
usually applied by modern growers is in connection with
Primula cortusoides amoina. which is extensively and deservedly
cultivated for greenhouse and conservatory decoration. The

JOUBNAIi OP HOBTIOULTOBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

purple Caucasian Primrose is, however, totally distinct from I Primnla amcona was introduced from the Cancaaus more
that plant, and if not less beautiful is much less common than half a century ago. It is quits hardy, grows freely, and
than it is. | flowers early, indeed earlier than most other species. Bat

Fig. 42.— PBIMrLA AMCENA,

although it is hardy and will thrive well in sheltered nooka in
chalky districts and on rookeries, it is seen to much better
advantage when cultivated in pots and is accorded the treat- j
ment usually given to P. cortueoides amix-ns, P. denticulata,
and a few others. The shelf of a light greenhouse or the pro-
tection of a cold frame answers admirably for this class of |

plants. The leaves of F. amccna are very like those of the
common Primrose, and the habit of the plant when flowering
is not unlike P, denticulata, while its flowers are much larger
than those of that species, and they are also richer in colour.
The plant was discovered by Bieberstein in the Caucasian
Alpp, and is one of the most beautiful of the genus to which

Journal of hortigcjlture and cottage gardener.

t May S, 1871

it belongs. It it increaecd by dhieion of the roots, and grows
freely in loamy soil.

THE NATIONAL AURICULA SOCIETIS
SOUTHERN SHOW.

This long-looked-for contest took place, as already stated in
the Jonrnal, on the •24th, and without doubt the Fates were
unpropitiouB. Seven exhibitors competed— five from the north
and two from the south ; the remarkably dieappointiDg weather
of the month of April preventing some others from entering
the lists. My own inability to exhibit was in some degree
attribntable to this, for although my earlier plants had fallen
a victim to disease, yet I had sufficient left to have enabled me
to have entered in some clasees had they not been so late.
And this was quite contrary to what had been anticipated.
In March the bloom promised to he an early one ; but although
the trusses got well up above the foliage and the buds increased
in size, there they remained — open they would not, and hence
eo many growers were unable to put in an appearance. Your
reporter's observations on the literature of florists' flowers are
quite just ; it depends very much on who makes the obeerva-
tions. My duty, however, at present must not be that of a
controversialist, but simply of a critic, first in a general way
and then in detail.

As to the arrangements of the Show nothing could have
been better, although the Crystal Palace is hardly the place to
show off so small a flower as the Auricula, it is too overwhelm-
ing in its size. And as some of our Manchester friends were there
they will, I hope, see that to use, as on this occasion, smaller
pots and to have them neatly filled-in with moss is better
than to have the plants wobbling about in large pots ; while
it is better to place the undecorated flowers in regular order
rather than to have them higgledy-piggledy about on the tables.
Then as to the general character of the exhibits, they bore in
many instances unmistakeable evidence of having been sub-
jected to a higher temperature than the Auricula likes ; and
there were many plants which, had they not had their crutches,
would have been gracefully nodding to the visitors, so drawn
were the stems. As good Ben. Simonite said, they had been
obliged to boil them down to get them in. These observations
apply to both north and south, some even of the champion
grower's plants bearing evidence of it. No Auricula grower
would, I believe, subject his plants to a higher temperature
than that of an ordinary matted frame if he could help it.
Then as to that mest vital point the judging. Nothing could
have been more conscientious and painstaking in the classes
of Auriculas. The Alpines, Polyanthus, etc., had little charm
for me, and so I did not examine them minutely ; and I am
sure all true lovers of the flower must be indebted to Messrs.
Tymons and Parsons for their able services. When, then, the
flowers of our friend Mr. Horner occupied bo prominent a
position as they did, it may be assuredly gathered that they
had attained a high state of excellence. It is all very well for
him to say, with that modesty which is ever a characteristic
of a true man, tbat he deserves no thanks, that the breezy
moorland near which he lives and the mountain loam which
he can procure for his plants are the causes of his euocees ;
but no one who has read anything he has written but must
see that they are the objects of most loving care and skilful
attention, and that while situation may have something to do
with it, that something would be of little avail were it not sup-
plemented by those qualities which he so eminently possesses.

And now with regard to individual flowers in the several
clasBes. In green edges I was agreeably disenchanted with
regard to one flower. Prince of Greens. Seeing it placed so
highly by such judges as Messrs. Horner and Simonite, aud
hearing that it was unattainable by ordinary mortals, it only
made one's mouth water to hear of it ; and although I was
somewhat doubtful of it last year at Manchester, I hardly
ventured to be heretic enough to go against such authorities
until I had seen more of it. Well, having now carefully ex-
amined, I honestly say I do not care about it. It has some
undeniably good points. The paste, edge, and colour are
excellent, but it has a wretched, watery, dead-looking tube
which takes all life out of the truss, and it has also very long
awkward footstalks, eo that the truss is very sprawling, the
pips being thrown about like a spider's legs. Traill's Anna,
on the other hand, I think quite deserves its position ; it is in
the style of Booth's Freedom and apparently a seedling from
it, with greater robustness of habit, and is a most useful exhi-
bition flower. Of the older kinds Page's Champion, Booth's

Freedom, and Col. Taylor held their own; while amongst
those not yet in commerce was Simonite's TalismaD, with a
good green edge, black body colour — perhaps a little too much
of it, and with a good yellow tube. Passing to the grey edges,
here again novelty has to some extent, I think, run away with
sober judgment. I do not at all deny the beauty of Alexander
Meiklejohn, but I doubted last year whether it would be a beat
on George Lightbody, an opinion also given by my friend Mr.
Tjmoue, and I saw no reason to alter my judgment this year.
It is a very good flower, but still the premier flower is the
older one, and as such it obtained the premier prize of the
Show. George Levick is also a very good flower, but having
George Lightbody I should be content to be without it. Lan-
cashire's Lancashire Hero was grand ; indeed it was almost a
question whether the bloom exhibited by Mr. Simonite was
not the premier plant : it was almost a tie between it and
George Lightbody. Charles E. Brown was also shown very
well, and being a " great doer" is doubtless agreat acquisition
as an exhibition flower; it sometimes, as is the cate with
other grey edges, comes quite a green edge. Of William Brad-
shaw more must be seen before one can pronounce an opinion
upon it, save that it is a promising flower.

White-edged flowers are a limited class, and some even of
the most cherished flowers will have a dash of grey. Rarely
is so pure a white-edge as Taylor's Glory to be met with ;
Smiling Beauty is good, but I think the edge of Smith's Ne
Plus Ultra is purer. There was a flower, however, exhibited
by Mr. Simonite which promises to be the best of its class,
Frank Simonite. " It ought," said the raiser, Ben. Simonite,
" not to be called after a boy, but he is a good little chap and
so he has a right to it. " Well said, daddy, and may the good
little chap be a comfort to you by-and-by. The flower is
grand, of fine habit, good stout stem, deep plum or violet body
colour, its one defect having too pale an eye, but though pale
it is not dead. The same raiser's Fanny Crossland is pretty,
and so is Walker's John Simonite, bright yellow tube — a grand
point, paste dense, body colour black, and edge pure white.

Amongst selfa. Lord Lome, Duke of Argyle, Campbell's
newer crimson self8,were good; hut notwithstanding the com-
mendation bestowed on Ellen Lancaster, I do not think it
equal as a dark self to Pizarro when the latter can be had
without the paste cracking. Charles Perry and Spalding's
Metropolitan run one another very closely, but I think my
preference is to the latter flower, it having more substance in
it. Mr. Simonite had a crimson seedling which promises well.
These bright flowers are very valuable on a stage, as lighting-
up the darker varieties. Mr. Douglas's new Alpine Silvia is
undoubtedly a flower of great promise.

In last week's Journal I said that perhaps after the Show I
should get a little enlightenment on the disease from which Mr.
Llewellyn and myself have suffered. I was glad to meet him,
and to find that he had been good enough to send some speci-
mens of the insect to Mr. Andrew Murray. I brought up one
of my plants which had been attacked to the Show, and Mr.
Llewellyn pronounced it to be identical with his; and as it is
not the Apple blight, but an allied species, one may hope not
to be inconvenienced by the marauder a second year ; at any
rate I shall be sharper on the look-out for him, and hope if he
does come to attack him in time. — D., Deal.

Yeaks and years ago — how many ? Well, I think more than
forty — I used to go far out of my way to look at the florist
flowers in the window of the shop in front of Groom's Nursery
in the Walworth Koad, and well did I feel myself repaid for the
extra walk when I had the dehght of gazing through the glass
at a few Auriculas. Later on I saw Mr. Crook's then well-
known collection, Mr. Chappel's, and some others. From then
till now I have not ceased to see those flowers in my mind's
eye. Years rolled on, flower shows came and went, but there
were scarcely any or no Auriculas ; and the longing was still
strong within me to see a show of Auriculas. The old, old
sorts— the green, the grey, and the white- edged^all full of
marvellous beauty, all full of interest to the naturalist, the
artist, aud the florist. To the first as proving what can be
done by selection, to the second as flowers of fine and har-
monious colour and of exquisite form, and to the third (the
true florist) a thing of beauty and a constant joy and delight.
And is not the true florist a combination of all three ? He is a
lover of Nature, an artist in his idea, and a florist because he
loves beauty of form and colour exemplified in certain plants.

The Auricula Show, hke many other flower shows, has come
aud gone, but nnhke them it has left its mark. It astonished

May S, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HOBTIGULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

333

the general habitue of the oidinary flower show, who goes
away often exolaiming, " 'Boat as nsnal, mostly alike," &a.
Seldom have I seen the public take saoh real interest in a
Soral show, and never have I known them come from so far.
Looking aroand I saw some friends from Wales. " Ah ! " said
I, " what brings you here ? " " The Auriculas, " said my friend ;
" we oame to London on purpose." These were not growers of
the plant, but lovers of it ; but now, having seen it in all its
glory, they will be the former hereafter. Friends from Ireland
and Scotland, and many of our northern counties, Kent, and
Sussex were there — all pleased, joyous, delighted. Surely on
the 24th the Auricula had its revenge over the bedding plants
for the neglect it has experienced for so many years. Grey-
headed men were saying, " What a treat ! it brings back old
days." " Yes," said another, " it makes one feel quite young
again." It's a good beginning, is it not ? By this I learned
that it was only London show No. 1. The next y^ar there
would be another, and so on and on. " Where is Mr. Turner ?"
said I. " Here," said a voice almost close to my elbow.
" Thanks. Now tell me, can you help me? I am a lover of
Auriculas ; now I must be a grower. Here is my list I want
to begin with." Mr. Turner looked grave for once in his life;
the sunny light left his face as he slowly said, 'Ton begin
well," &e. George Lightbody " not to be had." Here was a
damper. Others I longed for " not to be had." Still I shall
make a beginning. Mr. Turner will help, and one or two
other gentlemen ; so hurrah for next year, when I trust others
beside myself will have taken np " the fancy " in right good
earnest. The south of London in particular will again be
what it once was — the home of the high-bred Auricula.

The greatest difficulty appears at present, as far as I can see,
to obtain the plants to start with. One, of course, knows where
the beauties Bhown came from, but they are not in commerce.
As far as I can learn Mr. Turner is the only man to turn to,
but even he has not a "George Lightbody" to part with.
" He who waits wins " is an old proverb; so we southerners
must start with what we can get now, &nd trnst to time and
"a good look-out " for the rest. Yes, the National Auricula
Show at the Crystal Palace has come and gone — gone from
before our organs of vision to find a home in our memories ;
gone like a dream, yet leaving a waking reality. It was, and it
still is, in the minds of the lovers of the beautiful, for it lies
embalmed in that wonderful sense — memory. — Harbison Weir,
WeirUigh, Brenchley, Kent.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES.

"A Master Gardener" is, I think, in error when he classes
tomtits as gardeners' enemies. I regard them as friends, and
am able to adduce conclnsive evidence of their insect-devour-
ing propensity, while I have failed to see that they commit
any injury to plants or fruit trees by eating or destroying their
buds.

Two years ago I was surprised to find one of these little
birds in a plant house, apparently sporting amidst the foliage
and flowers of a large plant of Coronilla glauca. Every morning
during a week in February the bird was there when I entered
the house. The plant was in a corner, and was partly hidden
from view by other specimens, at least so much so as to pre-
vent me seeing what the bird saw — thousands of aphides
clustered around and amongst the flower trusses. Every one
of these insects, so far as I could see, the bird picked oS. and
devoured. I then brought into the house another infested
plant, which was similarly cleared of insects by my little
friend. The bird had found its way into the house through
a small hole in the glass, and flew in and out at will, and not
once during the spring had I occasion to fumigate, the tomtit
effectually keeping all the plants perfectly free from insects,
and it did not in any other way do the slightest injury.

In bearing this testimony to the undoubted usefulness of a
bird which "A Master Gardener" has certainly misjudged,
I regret that I have not a good word to say for the bullfinch,
for I have had the same unmistakeable evidence of his bud-
eating propensity as I had of the tomtit's insect-destroying
nature. I regard bullfinches as implacable enemies, tomtits
as real friends, and I act accordingly.— J. W. S.

I CANNOT forbear adding my testimony to that of your cor-
respondents " Wlltshike Rector" and Harrison Weib, in
reply to the very extraordinary statements of " A Master
Gardener" on page 290. Passing over the exploded nonsense
about hedgehogs sucking cows, I beg to say a word about

bullfinches and tomtits from my ovrn personal experience of
many years. We are told that " the bullfinch rarely frequents
the garden." I can only say that for the last twenty- five years
not one season has passed that my Gooseberries and Currants
have not been more or less, generally very seriously, injured
by the bullfinch. I am a great lover of birds, and would
rather bear all their mischief than be deprived of them, but
bullfinches we are obliged to wage war with, as the injury
done by them in the spring is far worse than that of any other
bird in the fruit season. A friend writes me word that this
spring some of his trees be believes are killed, so completely
have they been disbudded by these birds.

"The tomtit," says "A Master Gardener," " is a far greater
enemy in the garden than the bullfinch." My experience tells
a very different story. That pretty little bird is very greatly
maligned, simply, I believe, because people will not give them-
selves the trouble to find out the truth of what they write
about. I have most carefully watched the movements of the
tomtit, knowing that appearances were against him. I have
seen him diligently visiting every individual bud upon a
Currant tree, and on his leaving it I have gone and carefully
examined it, and never found a single bud broken off or lying
on the ground. The most cursory observer must see at once
that the beak of the tomtit is not formed for the destruction
of bads like that of the bullfinch, but is small, thin, and weak;
but it is well adapted for the use which no doubt he makes of
it — picking out insects and their eggs deposited in the inter-
stices of the clusters of fruit buds. He is a useful bird, and
ought to be protected. I never allow one to be destroyed. —
Sigma, Herts.

NEW BOOK.

Garden Receipts. Edited by C. W. QoiN. Maomillan & Co.

This is a very useful book for reference. The recipes in-
clude information relative to every garden operation. One
extract will be good evidence in its favour.

" Nalls. — When nails begin to rust it is almost impossible to
stop them from becoming eaten away in a very short time ; in
this case prevention is better than cure. Mix one pint of lin-
seed oil with 2 ozs. of black lead, stirring until the whole is
thoroughly incorporated; heat the nails red-hot and steep them
in the mixture. They should then be well drained and shaken-
up in an old nail-bag until dry. The linseed oil and black
lead cover them with a film of varnish which is impervious to
wet. The above proportions will serve for an almost indefinite
quantity."

EARLY WRITERS ON ENGLISH GARDENING.

No. 30.
JOHN CLAUDIDS LOVDO^.— Concluded.

In 1822 appeared the first edition of the " Encyclopffidia of
Gardening;" a most laborious work, remarkable both for the
immense mass of useful matter it contains, and for the then
unusual circumstance of a great number of finished wood en-
gravings being printed with the text instead of being in separate
pages. This book had an extraordinary sale, and fully esta-
blished the literary fame of its author.

In the early part of the year 1823 he wrote a work entitled
" The Different Modes of Cultivating the Pine Apple, from its
First Introduction to Europe to the Improvements of T. A,
Knight, Esq., in 1822."

About this time also a little work wa? published anonymously,
called " The Greenhouse Companion," which I believe was
written either entirely or in part by Mr. Loudon ; but it must
have been by a wonderful exertion if he did write it, as during
the whole of the year 1823 he suffered most excruciating pain,
not only from his right arm, the bone of which had never
properly united, and to retain which in its place he was com-
pelled to wear an iron case night and day, but from the rheu-
matism which had settled in his left hand, and which contracted
two of hie fingers and his thumb so as to render them useless.
It is, however, worthy of remark, and quite characteristic of
Mr. Loudon, that at the very time he was suffering such acute
bodily pain he formed the plan of his houses in Porchester
Terrace, Bayswater, and superintended the building of them
himself, rising at four o'clock every morning that he might be
on the spot when the workmen came to their work.

In 1821 a second edition was published of the " Encyclopadia
of Gardening," in which the work was nearly all rewritten and
very considerable additions were made to it. In the following
year, 182.5, the " Eneycloptcdia of Agriculture" was written

331

JOUBNAIi OF HOBTICUIiXDBB AND OOITAGB QABDENEB.

[ May 8, 1877.

and pnbUshed. These extensive aod laborioaa works following
closely npon eaoh other, in Mr. London's state of health, speak
strongly as to his unparalleled energy of mind. When, shortly
after, his right arm was broken a seoond time, and he was
obliged to submit to amputation, though he gave up landscape
gardening, it was only to devote himself more assiduously to
his pen. He was, however, now no longer able to write or
draw himself, and he was compelled to employ both an amanu-
ensis and a draughtsman. Still, though he had only the use
of the third and little finger of hia left hand, he would fre-
quently take a pen or a pencil and make sketches with aston-
ishing vigour, so as fully to explain to his draughtsman what
be wished to be done.

Daring the time that he was suffering bo severely from the
pain in his arm he found no ease but from taking laudanum,
and he became at last so habituated to the use of this noxious
potion that he took a wineglassfal every eight hours. After
the amputation of his arm, however, he wished to leave ofi
taking it, as he was aware of its injarions effects npon his
general health ; and he contrived to care himself by putting a
wineglassful of water into his quart bottle of laudanum every
time he took out a wineglassfal of the potion, so that the
mixture became gradually weaker every day, till at last it was
little more than water, and he foand he had cured himself of
this dangerous habit without experiencing any inconvenience.

In 1826 he established " The Gardener's Magazine," the
first periodical devoted exclusively to horticultural subjects.
This work was always Mr. Loudon's favourite, and the organ
through which he communicated his own thoughts and feelings
to the public. It was originally undertaken principally for
the benefit of gardeners in the country, in order to put them
" on a footing with those about the metropolis ;" but it soon
became the universal means of communication among gar-
deners, and was of incalculable benefit to them. It also became
a source of great pleasure to amateurs of gardening, and was
no doubt the means of inspiring a taste for the pursuit in many
who had before been indifferent to it. " In an art so univer-
sally practised as gardening, and one daily undergoing so much
improvement," Mr. London observes, " a great many occur-
rences must take place worthy of being recorded, not only for
the entertainment of gardening readers, but for the instruction
of practitioners in the art." — [Gard. Mag., vol. i., p. 1.) That
this work met the wants of a large class of readers is evident
from four thousand copies of the first namber having been sold
in a few days, and from the work having continued popular
for nineteen years, and in fact till its close at the death of its
conductor.

In the year 1828 " The Magazine of Natural History " was
begun, being the first work of its kind ; and this work, though
not quite so successful as " The Gardener's Magazine," was
very popular, and has bad numerous imitators. Towards the
close of this year Mr. Loudon paid another visit to the Con-
tinent to obtain information for a new edition of the " En-
cyclopKdia of Agriculture." After traversing France he pro-
ceeded through Straaburgh to Munich and Stuttgard ; he
afterwards visited Heidelberg and Carlsrhue, and returned by
Metz to Paris, and thence to England. In " The Gardener's
Magazine " for 1828 he began to give an account of this tour,
and he continued it through several of the succeeding volumes,
interspersing the descriptions of the various places he saw
with a mass of valuable reflections on various subjects, which
he conceived would be useful to gardeners.

In 1830 he married, and immediately after his marriage
began to rewrite the " Encyclopaedia of Gardening," which
was published in the course of the year 1831. On the 1st of
October, 1830, he published the first part of a work in atlas
folio, entitled " Illustrations of Landscape Gardening and
Garden Architecture ;" but, from the very expensive nature of
the work and the limited number of subscribers, he found it
necessary to discontinue it, and it did not proceed beyond the
third part, which appeared in 1833. In the beginning of the
year 1831 he had an application to lay out a botanic garden
at Birmingham, and he agreed to do it merely on the payment
of his expenses. Mr. Paxton's " Horticultural Begister " was
the first rival to " The Gardener's Magazine," which at the
time produced £750 a-year ; but which gradually decreased
from the appearance of " The Horticultural Register" till the
period of Mr. Loudon's death, immediately after which it was
given up.

In 1882 Mr. Loudon commenced his " Encyclopaedia of
Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture," which was the first
work he ever published on his own account ; and in which

says Mrs. Loudon, I was his sole amanuensis, though he had
several draughtsmen. The labour that attended this work
was immense, and for several months he and I used to sit up
the greater part of every night, never having more than four
hours' sleep, and drinking strong ooSee to keep ourselves
awake. The " First Additional Supplement " to the " Hortoa
Britannicus " was also prepared and published in 1832.

The great success of the " Cottage Architecture," which is
perhaps the best and most useful of all Mr. Loudon's works,
tempted him to publish the " Arboretum Britannicum " also
on his own account. He had long intended to write a work
on the hardy trees of Great Britain, but he did not con-
template the expenses which he should incur by so doing.
When, however, the " Arboretum " was once begun he found
it was impossible to compress it into the limits originally
intended, and in his determination to make the work as per-
fect as possible he involved himself in the difficulties which
hastened his death. Notwithstanding the immense labour
attending the " Arboretum," which was published in monthly
numbers, Mr. London, in March, 1834, began the " Archi-
tectural Magazine," the first periodical devoted exclusively to
architecture; though, like " The Magazine of Natural History "
and " The Gardener's Magazine," it only served as a pioneer
to clear the way for others, which afterwards followed in the
same course with much greater success.

From the year 1833 to midsummer 1838 Mr. Loudon under-
went the most extraordinary exertions both of mind and body.
Having resolved that all the drawings of trees for the " Arbo-
retum " should be made from nature he had seven artists con-
stantly employed, and he was frequently in the open air with
them from his breakfast at seven in the morning till he came
home to dinner at eight in the evening, having remained the
whole of that time without taking the slightest refreshment,
and generally without even sitting down. After dinner he
resumed the literary part of the work, and continued vniting,
with me as his amanuensis, till two or three o'clock in the
morning. Hia constitution was naturally very strong, but it
was impossible for any human powers to bear for any lengthened
period the fatigue he underwent. In 1836 he began " The
Suburban Gardener," which was also published in monthly
numbers, so that he had five monthly works going on at the
same time. He soon found, however, that three monthly
works besides the " Arboretum" were as much as his health
would permit him to undertake the management of, and he dis-
posed of " The Magazine of Natural History " to Mr. Charles-
worth. In 1838 he also gave up "The Architectural Maga-
zine," and at midsummer in that year he finished the " Ar-
boretum Britannicum." He was now in circumstances that
would have diaoonraged almost any person but himself. His
health was very seriously injured, partly by what was supposed
to be a liver complaint, and partly by an enormous swelling in
hia right knee, which some of the most eminent medical men
in London supposed to be produced by a disease in the bone.

In 1839 Mr. Loudou began to lay out the arboretum so
nobly presented by the late Joseph Strutt, Esq., to the town
of Derby. In the same year he published hia edition of
Bepton and his " Second Additional Supplement to the HortUB
Britannicus." In 1810 he accepted the editorship of " The
Gardener's Gazette," which, however, he only retained about
a year.

la December, 1811, appeared the first number of the "En-
cyclopffidia of Trees and Shrubs," the work consisting of ten
monthly numbers. The abridgement of the " Hortus LignosuB
Londinensia " was published immediately on the conclusion of
the " Encycloptedia of Trees and Shrubs," and in May, 1812,
appeared the " Firat Additional Supplement to the Encyclo-
paedia of Cottage Architecture."

In addition to the works which have been enumerated Mr.
London contributed to several others, such as the " Encyolo-
psedia of Domestic Economy " and " Brande's Dictionary of
Science, Literature, and Art." He also wrote the article Plant-
ing for the new edition of thb " Encyclopiedia Britannica."

Early in March, 1812, he had an attack of inflammation of
the lunge, and on his recovery we went down to Brighton for
some weeks. We-afterwards made a tonr through Somerset-
shire, Devonshire, and part of Cornwall ; and on our return
to Exeter Mr. Loudon went to Barnataple, in the neighbour-
hood of which he was about to lay out some grounds for Lord
Clinton. When he returned home I noticed that he had a
slight cough, but as it was trifling it did not make me uneasy,
particularly as hia spirits were good. He now finished Ma
" Sulurban Horticulturiat," which had been begun two yeara

May 3, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICDLT0KE AND COXTAQE QAaUBNER.

335

before, bnt had been stopped on accoaut of bis illness in
Scotland ; and this work was published by Mr. Smith of Fleet
Street, all his other works, from the appearanoe of the " En-
cyclopaedia of Gardening," having been published by Messrs.
Longman.

In 1843 his time was chiefly occupied by his work on Ceme-
teries, with which he took extraordinary pains, and which was
very expensive from the number of the engravings. In August
we were invited to Derby to pay another visit to Mr. Strutt,
but he was too ill to go, and the doctors pronounced his com-
plaint to be a second attack of inflammation of the lungs.

Previously to Mr. Loudon's illness I had agreed to write a
Uttle book on the Isle of Wight, and to visit it for this purpose.
When we reached the Isle of Wight I was struck with a degree
of listlessness and want of energy about him that I had never
seen before. He became rapidly worse while we were in the
island, and most eager to leave it. On our arrival at South-
ampton, where he was laying out a cemetery, he felt better,
and, taking a lodging there, he sent Agnes and myself back to
town. In a fortnight I went down to see him, and I shall
never forget the change I found in him. The first look told
me he was dying. His energy of mind had now returned.
He not only attended to the laying-ont of the cemetery at
Southampton, but during his stay in that town he corrected
the proofs of the second " Supplement to bis Encyolopffidia
of Agricalture," and then went alone to Bath, in spite of my
earnest entreaties to be permitted to accompany him. At
Bath he inspected the ground for another cemetery, and also
the grounds of a gentleman named Finder, though he was
obliged to be wheeled about in a Bath chair. He then went,
still alone, to Kiddington, the seat of Mortimer Eicardo, Esq.,
near Enstone, in Oxfordshire, where he was also obliged to be
wheeled round the gardens in a chair. When about to leave
Kiddington he appeared so ill that Mr. Kicardo oHered to send
a servant with him to town.

He returned to Bayswater on the 30th of September, 1843,
and at last consented to call in medical aid, though he was
by no means aware of his dangerous state. On the 2nd of
October I went with him to call on Mr. Lawrence, in whom
he had the greatest confidence, and that gentleman told him
without hesitation that hie disease was in his lungs. He
was evidently very much struck at this announcement, but
as he had the fullest reliance on Mr. Lawrence's judgment he
was instantly convinced that he was right, and I think from
that moment he had no hope of his ultimate recovery, though,
in compliance with the wishes of different friends, he after-
wards consulted several other eminent medical men, of whom
Dr. Chambers and Mr. Bichardson attended him to the last.

As soon as Mr. Loudon found that his disease was likely te
prove fatal he determined if possible to finish the works he
had in hand, and he laboured almost night and day to do so.
He first, with the assistance of hie draughtsman, finished a
plan for Baron Bothscbild ; then one for Mr. Bicardo, another
for Mr. Finder, and finally a plan for the cemetery at Bath.
He had also engaged to make eome additional alterations in
the grounds of Mr. Fuller at Streatham, and he went there on
the 11th of October, but he was unable to go into the garden ;
and this was the last time he ever attempted to visit any place
professionally. He continued, however, to walk in the open
air in his own garden, and in the grounds of Mr. Hopgood,
nurseryman at Craven Hill, for two or three days longer,
though his strength was fast decreasing ; and after the IGth
of October he did not leave the house, bnt confined himself to
his bedroom and a drawing-room on the same floor. About
the middle of November the medical men pronounced his
disease to have become chronic bronchitis, and this informa-
tion combined with a pressure of pecuniary difficulties had a
powerful effect upon him. He now made an effort that can
only be estimated by those who know the natural indepen-
dence of his mind and the pain it gave him to ask even a
trifling favour. He wrote a letter stating his situation, and
that the sale of 330 copies of the "Arboretum" would free
him from all his embarrassments. This letter he had litho-
graphed, and he sent copies of it to all the nobility who took
an interest in gardening. The result was most gratifying.
The letter was only dated the 1st of December, and be died on
the 14th of that month ; and yet in that short space of time
the noblemen be appealed to, with that kindness which always
distingnifhes the English aristocracy, purchased books to the
amount of £360.

It was on the anniversary of the death of Washington (the
14th of December, 1843) that Mr. Loudon died, and he was

buried on the 21st of December in the cemetery at Keasal
Green. When the coffin was lowered into the grave a stranger
stepped forward from the crowd and threw in a few sprays of
Ivy. This person was an artificial flower maker, who felt
grateful to Mr. London for having given him, though a stranger,
tickets for admission to the Horticultural Gardens, and who,
never having been able to thank Mr. London in person, took
this opportunity of paying a tribute to his memory.
The following is the inscription on his monument —

Sacred to the memory of

JOHN CLAUDIUS LOUDON,

Bom April 8th, 1783, at CambaBlaog, in Lanarkshire.

Died December 14th, 1843, at hie houee at Bayswater.

'* His works are his best monament."

— (Mrs, Loudon's Self -Instruction.)

CAMELLIAS FOE BACK WALLS OF VINEEIES:

All gardeners know how suitable are vineries lor Camellias
when the plants are making their growth in the spring. The
moisture of the house and the temperature necessary for the
Vines are exactly suited to the well-doing of Camellias, and
the shade from the roof afforded by the foliage of the Vines
prevents the sun scorching the tender foliage of the plants.
Remembering this, and having failed to clothe the back wall
of the vinery satisfactorily with various other plants, I some
years ago planted near it some Camellias. Their growth was
rather slow for a time, but it was sure, and now the wall is
covered in every part with the healthy foliage of Camellias
which annually produce hundreds of handsome flowers for
cutting. So numerous are these flowers and so fine, and so
valuable are they from Christmas onwards, that I believe if
the produce of the Camellias and that of the Vines were sold
in Covent Garden, that the flowers would realise as much as
the fruit, although the Vines yield satisfactory crops.

Were I planting a vinery for profit I should cover the back
wall with Camellias, but I should not plant them until the
roof was covered with foliage, and when the shade became too
dense for such crops as Cucumbers and Tomatoes. The most
valuable Camellias, because free growers and producing splen-
did pure white flowers, which I have found for the back wall of
a vinery, are the old Alba Plena and Mathotiana Alba. The
beet red in my small collection is Imbricata, and the best pink
Saocoi nova ; but the whites are the best. Can anyone re-
commend better plants for the back wall of a vinery than
Camellias ? Many walls are bare and unsightly, and the best
plants for covering them might with advantage be recorded in
the Journal. — J. Stevens.

HARDY EVERGREENS AND FLOWERING
TREES AND SHRUBS

WHICH FLOURISH IN THE LONDON PARKS AND GARDENS.

A WELL-PLANTED shrubbery — where judicious grouping has
been observed both as regards height, form, and colour of foliage
and blossoms — is always attractive ; bnt all kinds of trees and
shrubs do not thrive in a murky atmosphere, and it may be
inetrnctive to note such as give satisfaction in the parks and
gardens of Loudon. Although the collection is necsssarily
restricted, still the best is made of what will grow, no matter
to what genera they belong ; and those which flourish the best
in London will be the best for town gardens generally. In
town gardens especially it is true wisdom not to plant for the
sake of novelty, but rather to plant for effect those shrubs
which are eaey to obtain and which are good for the purpose
required. A fine specimen of an ordinary shrub is more ad-
mired than a shabby example of a rare shrnb, and a collection
of fine well-giown specimens is more satisfying than a col-
lection of novelties, however distant may be their native homes,
or however much money they may have cost. It is gratifying
to know that there are a goodly number of all kinds of orna-
mental trees and shrubs which will flourish in town and country
alike, and will suit the taste of most persons. To those who
have the means and the desire to make attractive shrubberies
the following evergreens will give satisfaction : —

Aucnba japonioa, with olive green and spotted leaves,
decked with a profusion of Cherry-hke berries, is a con-
spicuous object. It has a tender look, but is more hardy than
the common Laurel and stands smoke better.

Arbutus or Strawberry Tree. — Indigenous in Ireland, but
quite at home in London. The bark is red the flowers are
yellowish white and red, hanging like little wax bells ; the

336

JODBNAL OF HOBTICDLTUBE iNU COTTAGE QABDENER.

I May 3, 18T7.

fruit much resembles the Strawberry. This ehmb grows to
the height of 10 feet.

Buxns sempervirens (Tree Box). — This is an excellent and
most neefnl shrub, for it will flourieh under the shade and
drip of trees and shrubs of larger growth.

Cotoneasters. — The principal beauty of the trailing species
ooneists in their close growth and the numerous bright berries,
which continue all winter. These trailing evergreens are use-
ful for mounds, banks, rockeries, or low walls.

Daphne Lanreola (Wood Laurel) is an old but handsome
low-growing shrub with sweet-scented flowers. It will do well
planted in the shade of other trees in town or country gardens.

Enonymns japonicns is always beautiful. The variegated
kinds are lovely, superseding the Holly in the London gardens ;
but they are not so hardy as the green kind.

Ulex europsons flore-pleno (Double Furze) is worthy of a
place in every shrubbery, not only for its delicate green foliage,
but for its eweet-smelUng and abundant flowers. It almost
gives the appearance of a " bit of the country " brought to
town when planted in large masses.

The Holly. — Of all the shrubs for ornamenting the lawn or
affording shelter and retirement to the pleasure walk it has no
equal, and all kinds thrive to perfection in almost any situa-
tion. Both the green and variegated Hollies are quite at
home in sunshine and in shade, and form graceful ornaments.
They are lively in winter when covered with berries, and are
always highly appreciated at Christmas.

Mahonia japonica, M. aqnifolia, M. Bealii, and a few others
have magnificent foliage, and they are not surpassed by any
other hardy shrubs. They form dense bushes of lively green.
During early spring they are covered with bright flowers,
which are succeeded by bunches of Grape-like berries. They
will grow under trees, and for this purpose they are becoming
popular for game cover, and the more so as the berries are
food for pheasants. Mahonias thrive well in London gardens.

Ligustrums (Privet) are both useful and attractive when
they attain to a good size. Ligustrum luoidum, L. semper-
virens, and L. japonicum I can strongly recommend for town
squares and gardens.

Phillyreas. — These are hardy, bear smoke well, and grow in
poor soil as well as any shrub in a town garden. The best for
general purposes are P. anguetifolia and P. latifolia. The first-
named is most commonly met with. It forms dense masses of
rich dark green verdure all the year round.

Bhododendrons are the most shswy and beautiful of ever-
greens. They succeed well in the parks and gardens of Lon-
don, but require special treatment in order to have them in
perfection. They must be planted in peat, and when growing
in an open exposed situation it is requisite to water them fre-
quently, or their flower buds wither without expanding.

Viburnum Tinus (Laurnstinne).- — This shrub grows best in
an exposed situation, and will thrive in any loamy soil. It
frequently continues flowering all through the winter. It is
highly ornamental in shrubberies and on lawns, and if it
should be out down by severe frost it will shoot again from the
roots. It should never be allowed to grow too large, for young
plants flower much better and maintain a more compact and
healthy appearance than very large and old shrubs.

Taxus (Yews). — There are several distinct varieties of these,
and during all stages of growth they are acceptable ornaments.
The Irish Yew (Taxus hibernica) is always a striking object
in consequence of its upright habit, and can be introduced
with great effect in certain points— garden or pleasure-ground
plantations.

Cratffigus Pyraoantha (Evergreen Thorn). — Although this is
generally planted against a wall it will stand alone, and may
be grown as a bush, and will glow all winter with a profusion
of scarlet fruits.

The shrubs contained in this list will be suEBcient to make
the garden cheerful in winter, but it will always be found that
the best assortment of evergreens has a certain dullness
during the spring and early summer months unless relieved by
deciduous shrubs, which have livelier tints of green and bright
blossoms. The addition of these is a great advantage in
rendering the garden cheerful and gay at an appropriate
period. The first of deciduous shrubs that I will mention as
flourishing well in the London parks is the Mezereon ; it has
long adorned the shrubbery with its beauty. The Naked-
flowering Jasmine (J. nudiflorum) and Forsythiaviridissima —
produce bright garlands of yellow flowers freely. The Cydonia
japonica or the Japan Quince is a favourite, and is unrivalled
as a spring-flowering shrub when trained against a wall or as a

round bush, as it is grown in some of the parks. Where the
brilliant crimson flowers of the species and the white variety
(alba) are seen in proximity the effect is very pleasing. Eibes
— of which there are red, white, and yellow varieties — are in-
valuable for producing early flowers. One of the most effective
is B. sanguinenm, which is highly ornamental ; so is the yet
more delicate white-flowering Kibes niveum, the waxy bells of
which contrast with sober Laurels and the dark-leaved Holly.

Amongst more noble forms of vegetation that attract, one
of the most welcome is the Almond (Amygdalns communis)
and its varieties, with their delicate rose, white, and blush-
tinted flowers, all of them powerfuUy fragrant. The double-
flowering Peaches are amongst the early bloomers, and are
general favourites. Other flowering shrubs which are admired
in the parks are the beautiful double-flowering Plnms and
Cherries.

Magnolia conspicua, with flowers large and fragrant, succeeds
admirably. Cratfegns oxyacantha also succeeds well, but we
mnst wait till the middle of May before we see this genus in
perfection in company with the Laburnum with its yellow
blossoms hanging over Lilacs and Guelder Boses, which unite
in forming an attractive combination. About this time the
Deutzia scabra shows its pearly buds. Weigela rosea will
be covered with gay pink flowers, and the Mock Orange, the
Syringa, is very much esteemed on account of the fragrance
of its white flowers. The common yellow Broom everyone
knows, and the effect of it in a shrubbery need scarcely be
described ; there is a white sort remarkably handsome, which
blooms in the London parks all through the month of May.
Daring the summer the Bose Acacia (Bobinia hispida) produces
its rose-coloured pea-shaped flowers, and is highly esteemed
both in town or country.

Althaea Frutex is a beautiful shrub which thrives in London.
There are several varieties. The colours are red, white, purple,
some flowers being striped and blotched ; they are produced
on the young wood, and somewhat resemble a single Hollyhock.
Hypericum nepalense is the best of this fine group of yellow-
flowering shrubs ; it is popularly referred to by some of the
Londoners as the " Yellow Fuchsia." Spirfeasare useful for the
mixed shrubbery. There are several kinds, most of them of
an elegant habit. The flowers are much used for dinner-table
decoration, for which purpose they are very appropriate. —
N. Cole, Kensington.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

ApEn. has passed away, and the " merrie month of May " is
ushered in. Everyone, whether engaged in gardening pursuits
or not, hails the coming of April with anticipations .of pleasure
on account of the great benefit vegetation generally derives from
its flitting Bunshiue and qnickeniog showers. It came to us this
year in its usual form, and with it the opening buds responded
for a time to the returning warmth of the sun's influence. The
notes of the nightingale and cuckoo have also been heard, but
save and except these signs of spring we should have thought
we were passing through the trying, bleak, and thirsty east
vrinds of March.

So ungenial has been the greater part of April that vegetation
of all kinds, from the lofty Elm down to the small Cabbage seed
germinating in the ground, are very little forwarder than they
were three weeks since. The ground being sometimes so com-
pletely saturated with heavy thunderstorms, and then so rapidly
dried by the winds almost to baking, it has been a very trying
time for all kitchen-garden operations, and it is requisite that the
hoe be used freely amongst all growing crops, more especially
through such as Onions, Parsnips, Carrots, Cabbage, and Kale
of sorts. Parsley, &c., not only for the purpose of destroying
weeds, but for loosening the soil to admit the air and future
rains, which are so necessary to the well-being of all those
crops. Place sticks to Peas which are sufficiently forward, and
draw the earth on each side of advancing crops. Our first crop
of William I. and Dickson's First and Best are looking well,
but had it not been for giving them some protection during the
late bleak weather they would have been greatly injured. Sow
more Peas for succesBion, and if birds are at all troublesome
protect either with Pea-protectors or old fish nets. We could
not grow a Pea were wo not to protect from the sparrows. It is
not often that sparrows eat them after sticks are placed to the
rows. Veitch's Perfection, Champion of England, and Ne Plus
Ultra are good sorts for present sowing. The first does not re-
quire such long sticks as the latter two. The sorts named are
prolific and excellent in quality, and it is on this account we
recommend them. Seven feet should be allowed between the
rows of the tall growers ; a sowing of Spinach can be sown
between the rows, so that the space is not wasted. Make
another owing of Broad Beans needed also th« main sowing

Msy 3, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

337

r£ Dwatf KidEcy Beans. Xegro Long-podded is as good as any
for the first crop, followed by Canadian Wonder. These dwarf
Beans are very nseful and more appreciated by some persons
for table than" Scarlet Kanners ; bnt runners are very accom-
modating, and can be used for ornament as well as for use by
sowing them to form screens for biding any unsightly objects or
by the side of palings, providing supports by pieces of string, &o.
They may be sown at the present time.

Asparagus grows very slowly, but a day or two's warmth will
enable as to cut. We prifer cutting near the surface, the green
part being more tender and preferable to the white. By thus
allowing the heads to grow we prevent the tops of other heads
being severed, which is often the case if a knife is thrust down
deeply. Keep the beds free from weeds. If there is fear of any
seeds of important crops failing through adversity of weather or
other causes, replace them by sowing again immediately ; the
chances are they may, owing to the season, come right in the end.

Sow Tomatoes and Vegetable Marrows for planting-out at the
end of the month, but early Marrows are to be had by using a
slight hotbed and frame until the plants are established and
the weather warm enough for their welfare. Put two or three
seeds in the middle of each light, they will soon germinate. The
plants shoald be hardened-off by degrees, and they will soon
take care of themselves.

In the flower garden attention is required to keep all in good
order. The early-turned beds will require hoeing and cleaning,
the edges to be periodically trimmed with a pair of shears, and
mowing must be done frequently. It is a good time to draw
out all Plantains, Dandelions, Daisies, and other weeds from
lawns when the ground is moist and the roots can be easily
extracted with a weeding-hook. Much of the ultimate beauty
of pleastue grounds depends npou their condition early in the
season.

With a few days of warm sunshine Roses Vfhioh were pruned
early will be pushing their growths, and timely warning is
necessary against the worm in the bud. Judging from the extra
quantity of caterpillars we have had on our pot plants we antici-
pate the worms will be very plentiful, and vigilant search must
be made as soon as it is possible to discern them. Had we not
diligently searched day after day amongst our Rosea in pots
we should have lost more than half of the blooms. There is no
bett*r plan for eradicating the grubs than handpicking : a crush
between the finger and thumb soon settles them. Keep all
worked Roses free from suckers, and loosening the surface soil
with a hoe will be beneficial.

Where annuals are required they may yet be sown ; and where
Violets are prized— and who does not prize them ? — they may
be divided in as many portions as there are crowns, each crown
having a portion of roots, and planted a foot apart in beds. Well
water them until established, and shade if thought necessary.
Continue propagating all kinds of bedding plants used in carpet
bedding if required. There is time yet for cattinga of Coleasea
and such like to make good plants.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WOBK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The ground has lately been comparatively dry on the surface,
and an excellent opportunity was afforded for running the Dutch
or draw hoes through the soil amongst the rows of Potatoes and
Peas; indeed wherever crops were through the ground and the
surface was crasted with the rains we had the ground stirred.
It has not been good weather for planting, bnt we put out some
rows of spring-sown Cauliflowers 2 feet apart in ground that
had been deeply trenched and well manured last year.

Sticks have been placed to the early Peas. The growers tor
market about this part of Essex allow the haulm to trail upon
the ground, the quantity of sticks that they would require
could scarcely be supplied from any available source in the
district; but in gardens where space is limited and labour suili-
cient it would be utter waste not to place sticks to the rows of
Peas. The sticks should be placed sufficiently close together,
but they onght not to meet too closely at the top. A few sprays
cat from the tops should be placed amongst the taller sticks.
We place the sticks to the Peas as soon as they are too tall for
the pea-protectors. The sparrows do not seem to attack Peas
after the sticks are placed, although they generally do so if the
protectors are removed and uo sticks placed tu them. When
the earliest Peas show a tendency to run too much to haulm the
crop is not likely to be in early; bnt if the points of the leading
shoots are piuohed-out at the time the blossoms open this will
forward the crop considerably. It would be too much labour to
top the general crops, nor is it at all necensary, as the only
object in doing so is to obtain a dish or two a little earlier.

We generally fail with Cauliflowers during the summer
months; but had we deep clayey loam, with the convenience of
a suitable situation, we would keep up a supply from May until
the frosts cat them oS in November, to be succeeded by Broccoli,

which ought to be sown now on ground that is not too rich.
When the plants have made the first roagh leaf they may be
pricked-out in prepared soil, and when large enough they should
be planted, some behind a north wall and others in a position
where they are more freely exposed to the influence of the sun.
Cabbage aud Lettuce seeds have been sown to meet the demand
for such produce. Brussels Sprouts have also been sown. Wo
find that it is a good plan with this crop to draw shallow drills and
to sow the seeds on the ground where the plants are to be grown,
dropping a few seeds into the drills at intervals of 2 feet, and
when the plants are grown sufficiently they are thinned-out to
one at each place. If required the superfluous plants are put
out in another part of the ground at the same distance apart.
Salsafy, Scorzonera, and Chicory may now be sown in shallow
drills a foot or 15 inches apait. Weeds had grown up on the
Asparagus beds, and they were removed without injuring the
crowns coming through the ground. A dressing of salt ap-
plied at this season is a great preventive of weeds in Asparagus
beds.

VINERIES.

Vines in the late houses are making very rapid growth, and
require considerable attention as to tying-down aud stopping
the lateral growths. This is work that cannot be neglected,
and we find it necessary to look over the houses at least twice
a-week. It is far better to stop the growths as soon as they are
long enough than to allow them to run out and then cut away a
quantity of shoots and leaves. Recently instructions hive been
given how this work ought to be done, and this ia merely a
reminder urging the importance of not leaving for to-morrow
what onght to be done to-day.

Where heat has been used since February the thinning of the
fruit will now require to be seen to. This work is of great im-
portance and cannot be neglected with impunity. Black Ham-
burgh and all the free-setting varieties will be ready for thinning
in ten days after the first flowers on the bunches open. Shy-
setting varieties like Muscat of Alexandria are not ready quite
so soon. It is necessary sometimes to wait until it is seen
which berries will swell freely before the others, which are seen
to remain stationary, are removed.

The earliest Vines in pots will now have fruit nearly ready to
be cut ; if so, less moisture will be required in the atmosphere of
the house ; but until the fruit is quite ripe the plants must on no
account suffer from want of water at the roots. Many gardeners
as soon as they see the berries show colour have a notion that
the fruit will finiah-off better in a dry atmosphere, and they also
withhold water from the roots. It is a great mistake to do this,
as the Grapes will finish-off better if the Vines have a thorough
watering as soon as the berries commence colouring. At that
time the fruit swells at a rapid rate, and the watering aids this ;
whereas the want of water ia a check upon the fruit, with the
result that it will neither swell well, colour well, nor be of good
flavour. When the fruit is quite ripe much less water is re-
quired, but the Vines ought never to show signs of distress.

PEACH HODSE.

If the fruit has taken the second swelling a good supply of
water should be given to the borders, and the temperature may
be increased to G5^ at night, syringing the trees thoroughly with
tepid water twice daily until the fruit is within a few days of
being ripe ; but the atmosphere should still be moderately moist,
and more air should be admitted, a little to be left on all night.
Later houses will now require watchful care on the part of those
in charge. Tying and disbudding the shoots must be attended
to, avoiding, as has so often been urged, tying them in too close
to each other. Syringe freely where the fruit is just set in the
latest house, to clear off withered flowers and to wash off any
insects, which now increase rapidly. It will be necessary to
destroy thrips and aphis by fumigating. It is not desirable to
keep the houses too close and warm until after the stoning
period, as the fruit may drop off in a close muggy atmosphere.

GREENHOUSE AND C0N3ERVAT0HT.

At this season there are many fine species of what are usually
denominated Cape or New Holland plants in flower or promis-
ing to come into bloom in the course of the next month or two.
They are mostly making their growth, and those that were
shifted into larger pots recently will now have taken to the new
compost that was firmly pressed round the old ball. At all
seasons hardwooded greenhouse plants require much care in
watering, but extra attention mast be given to them when they
are making their growth. It is very annoying to see plants which
one has taken a pride in die off without any apparent cause, but
in very many instances the cause may be found in the fact that
at some time or other the plants had either suffered from too
much or too little water. The small capillary tubes that absorb
their sustenance from the soil have been killed (it matters not
how), and the plant dies of starvation. The best way to act, jf
this fact is known, is to place the plant in a close house and
shade from the sun for a few days until fresh rootlets are

Heaths of the Ventricosa section are exceedingly beautiful at
this season, especially Story's variety of Erica grandiflora, also

338

journaij of horticulture and cottage gabdenbr.

magnifies, rubra, and Bothwelliaua. E. obbata is a fine and dis-
tiDct Borfc, 80 also is E. CandoUeana; and of a different type but
equally desirable is E. Masaoni and the major variety of it.

Camellias have been removed from the greenhouse to a house
where they receive a good syringing twice daily and a close,
moist, and warm atmosphere. This is intended to mature the
wood early, eo as to obtain an early bloom. By placing the
plants in heat at different times last year we were able this
season to obtain blooms from about Christmas until now. At
present we have blooms of the double white and red varieties in
plenty. The plants will be repotted when the buds are set.
Much has been written about potting the Camellia in pure
turfy loam, but it answers better to add to it a good proportion
of turfy peat. The pots are well drained, and it is necessary
to be careful with the numerous white brittle young rootlets
which are always present in healthy plants. When in growth
Camellias require considerable supplies of water at the roots.

No greenhouse ought to be without forced Hoses at this season,
as it requires but Uttle heat to have them in bloom early in
May. A specimen of Mar^chal Niel planted out in a border of
good loam and trained to the back wall of the house or rafters
will produce quantities of its fine golden flowers. They are now
coming-in in a house where no artificial heat has been used this
winter. We find it necessary to re-arrange the plants on the
stages at least once every week.

FLOWES GABDEN.

Bedding plants which have been placed out of doors to " harden-
off " have had a rough time of it. This so-called hardening-off
of tender plants requires some care to see that the plants are
not permanently injured. We would like to protect most of the
plants with glass lights until the present time; but it is not
possible to do this, and the lights are only used for such plants
as will not do without them. The others are merely sheltered
in earth pits with mats or canvas covering. Coleus, Alternan-
thera, and Iresine Lindeni are still in a heated pit, and to keep
the plants in vigorous health it is necessary to heat the pipes
slightly even during warm nights. The lights are removed
from the pit during fine days. Asters, Stocks, French Marigolds,
and other plants of this character have been pricked out in boxes,
and they are also gradually inured to cold frames. Dahlias also
require similar treatment. Cuttings that have been recently
rooted should be potted-on if healthy vigorous plants are
expected.

The lawn and pleasure grounds ought not to be untidy at any
time ; but at present, when shrubs and trees are putting on their
new dress of leaf and flower, the lawn and walks ought to be
trim and neat. No withered leaves or Utter should be seen to
remind us of the wintry months from which we have barely
emerged.— J, Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, London.
— Illustrated Catalogue of New arid Bare Plants.

William Knight, Hailsham, Sussex. — Catalogue of Greenhouse
and Bedding Plants.

John Warner & Sons, The Crescent Foundry, Cripplegate,
London. — Catalogue of Garden Puinps, Engines, Syringes^ tCc.

J. Vander Swaelmen, The Lily Nursery, Geudbtugge, Ghent,
Belgium. — Special Catalogue of Lilies^ Bulbs, Azaleas^ Herb'
aceoiis Plants, cOc.

Meeeenger & Company, lionghhorQUgh.— Illustrated Cata-
logue of Horticultural Structures.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*^* All correspondence should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to ** The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
jastifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and thoee on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.
Clematis oirbhosa (AJpha'^.—lt is rightly deecribed in the work you
mention. It is a hardy evGrpreen climber, and was introdaced from Spain
ft8 long ago as 1596. A nurseryman could enpply it or obtain it for you.

Si'ARMANNiA AFRICANA (J. r.).~It IB a fine old greenhoape shrub seldom
Been ni.w-a-dayp. The flowers, which are white with yellow and red stamens,
are produced in April and May from the old well-ripened wood. The plant
is of rather tall growth, but may be cultivated in a pot, the main point being
to secure the well- ripening o( the wood by full exposure to light and air
after the growth is complete, with only sufficient watsr to maintain the
foliage fresh, cutting back rather closely to firm ripe wood before growth
takes place. Repot after floweriog or in June. Two parts fibrous loam and

one part sandy peat, with a free admixture of sand, will grow it well. A
greenhouse from!which frost is excluded is sultable.twith alight airy position.

Clematises for Flowering in July and Augcst [Derby). — We pre-
sume they are now under glass. They ought to be hardened oS. and placed
outdoors in an open sheltered situation, partly plunging the pots in ashes.
The bloom buds should be removed and tjrowth be encouraged by an increase
of pot-room, say to 12 inches, watering freely and sprinkling overhead, giving
weak liquid manure after the pots fill with roots. The shoots must be duly
regulated, and the next show for bloom must be closely observed. II likely
to be too early retard by placing under a north wall ; if not early enough,
forward by placing in a cool airy house.

Daphne indica Culture (2V. C.).— Repot the plant when It goes out of
bloom, or in May or early June, not giving a large shift, but keeping under
rather than overpotted, affording good drainage, and employing a compost of
f qual parts of sandy pea^ and fibrous loam, with a sixth part of silver sand.
Keep the plants rather shaded and sprinkled overhead twice daily, watering
carefully for a time nutil the roots are working freely in the fresh soil, then
more freely, avoidin*:; making the soil sodden by overwatering. A greenhouse
or a pit in summer is a suitable position, affording plenty of light and air
after the growth is complete.

Lily of the Valley and Spib.5:a japonica (/dew).— After hardening
the plants well off plant them out in the open ground in rich light soil with
the balls entire, watering copiously in dry weather. The Spirteaa ought to
be potted in autumn after the leaves periBh, when they will flower another
season, hut we are not so certain about your Lily of the Valley producing
flowering crowns during the same period. Much in that respect depends on
theia- condition now and the treatment they receive during the summer.

Pruning Princess Louise Victoria Rose (Idem).— Cat it back rather
closely and take one strong shoot up the pillar, and do not stop it, and the
following season depress tho shoot so as to induce the buds to push throughoat
its length, then tecnre it in the position required for flowering. Pruning
should be restricted to tho unripe point of the shoot, which should be out
away to firm wood.

Pruning Peach Trees (E. Gf, B(?'»unf//«ifft\— The shoots should always
be cut at a wood bud or where there are three bads, the centre one of which is
usually a wood bud. A mistake has been made in pruning your trees, or the
wood buds have been destroyed by insects. Sometimes a fruit will ripen
beyond the leaves, but we should remove the clusters you refer to, and
encourage the f^rowth of the shoot nearest the extremities of the branches.

Raising Larch from Sefd (G. S.).— The cones are generally dried on ft
hrated kiln, the heat in the kiln, however, at no time exceeding 105^ Fahr.
When the cones of the Scotch Pine have been thus dried the seeds fall out,
but the Larch cones require to be beaten or thrashed with a flail to obtaio
their seeds. They are sown in beds early in the spring, covering half an inch
deep with fine soil, and the seedlings are transplanted when one or two years
old, according to their size and their thickness in the seed beds.

Vallota purpurea (D. ilf.).— Continue your plants under glass for the
present, a light greenhous^e or frame b'^ing suitable. The cultivation of this
nseful plant will be more fully alluded to in a future number.

Point of Vine Phoot Injured (H. 31. K.). — From the specimen sent we
cannot account for it in auy way except that the frost at nights may have
caught it. The points will sometimes die off without any apparent cause,
and start again from the back buds.

Guano for Vine Border {C. Jackson). — The best way to use It ia to
scatter the guano on i he surface, about 7 lbs. on a border 25 feet by 17. Peru-
vian gnano is sold from tbo docks at the rate of ;£13 per tou. Crushed bones
ought to be obtained at .£10 per ton.

Pelaegonium Leaves Browned (,Y. Y. Z.).— The leaf presents every
appearance of being scorched by the sun's rays falling powerfully upon it
wlulst wet, though it may arise from too large an influx of cold air. Afford
air moderately, and with brighter weather the foliage will, no doubt, come
all right. The Fuchsia cuttiug haviut? lost its leives should be kept no more
than just moist at the roots, and the stem being alive it will no doubt put
out side shoots. Continue in the window aed wait the result.

Destroying Mildew and Red Spider ( R. M ). — Mildew is readily
det-troyed by dusting the affected part with flowers of sulphur, but this will
not kill red spider. On stove plants this pest may be kept down by syringing,
and on Vines In its early stages by painting the hot- water pipes with flowers
of sulphur mixed into a thin paste and applied with a brush. It will not
kill aphis as you have applied it, nor, we think, red spiier.

Nitrate of Soda foe Lawns (A Constant Hfn*^er1.— Nitrate of soda if
applied in sufficient quantity to destroy Daisies will at the same time kill the
grass. A Ught sprinkling, however, of 1 lb. to a rod (30^ square yards) ia a
good application for lawns — destroying worms and encouraging the growth of
the grasses.

Dhacena Leaves Decaying (An Old RtratU'r). — It arises from the plants
being too heavily syricged, the water dripping from or hanging on the points
of the leaves, and is most prevalent when the atmofiphere is cold and olose.

Guano Water for Damping (Itftm}.— For damping the floors, &c., of
vineries we use it at the rate of 1 lb. of gnano to twenty gallons of water (a
generally useful strength for the purpose), watering with it such plants as re-
quire aid from manure in a liquid state. At that strength it will not kill red
spider, much more thrips; but it is invigorating to vegetation, and renders
attacks of these pests less frequent if it does not prevent them altogether.
In case of an attack of red Bpider we prefer to spriokle guano over every
available surface at closing time, making the surface just yellow, afterwards
damping In the usual way. Some plants are iojured by the ammonia
evolved, notably Glrisinias, Achimenes, and others with very hairy leaves,
and the effluvia when very powerful injures the tender foliage of most plants.

AcARi ON Gooseberry Bushes (Mr. J. E. B.).— It is not the ordinary red
spider, hut a species of Acarua common to the Gooseberry and Ivy. It may
be removed by syringing forcibly with water from a garden engine, or the
bushes may be syringed with a solution of soft soap, 2 ozs. to a gallon ol
water.

Destroytno Docks on Lawns (OW Sn'i^cribcr).— Fill an old blaoking
bottle with oil of vitriol, and with the aid of a notched stick drop one drop
of the acid into the centre of each Dock. It will speedily horn-up the weeds,
but the operator mast be careful not to burn himself or his clothes with the
«' fiery liquid."

Destroying Daddy Lonolegs iTnquirer).— This, the " leather-jacket"
of gardeners, is the gmb of the Crane Fly iTipula oleraoea), the best remody

May 8, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

339

for which is to enooarage Btarlinga, whioh devour immense qaantities of the
grabs, feeding their young with them when the pests are moat active — in
April and May onwards. We have found nothing so effectual applied by
hand aa gas lime, spreading it very evenly over the sarfaoe at the rate of
twenty bushels per acre, but it has the defect of making the grass look brown
for a tlma. Ammoniacal liquor is good against the grub, a pint of the liquor
to three galloBS of water, watering the lawn therewith through a rose water-
ing-pot ; also nitrate of soda is good against it either in solutions of 1 lb. to
twelve gallons of water to 1 sqoaxe rod of ground, or 1 lb. of the nitrate
sprinkled evenly over a square rod of lawn during the early part of May.
All these remedioi more or less dis&gore the grass, but not materially. If
people would allow starUnga to have their nests in the roofs of their dwellings,
or in the Ivy against the walls of buildings, or in holes of trees— in fact
enoonrage them ereryvhere, there would be less injury done by this pest than
at present.

Nambs or Plants {Qeorge Lovncell). — Amelanohier Botryapinm, the
Snowy Mesptius. ( W. P.).— The shrub is Berberis Darwinii, the border flower
Arabis alpina. (Rev. B. 8. D.).— Leucojum lesLivum, the Summer Snow-
flake. If you write to Mr. Webber, Central Avenue, Coveut Oarden Market,
he would, perhaps, be able to answer the qaestion you submit. (Brigid). —
A double form of some Anemone, probably A. coronaria ; Viburnum Tinus.
(8. H. ^.).— The Begonia is probably a florists' variety. The Selaginellas we
cannot determine {8. O.).— 1, Lotus JaoobEea ; 2, Convolvulus Cueorum;
4, Hovea sp. ; 5, Hermannia sp ; 6, Tecoma sp. (Subscriber, Belfast).—
Apparently a species of Anoda. (IT'. Wynne). — Phragmites communis.
(H. K. S.J— 6, Corydalis solida ; ?, Salvia coccinea. The others are florists'
varieties. (Old Subscriber}.^-'R\heB aureum.

POULTET, BEE, AM) PIGEON OHEOOTOLE.

EEMAEKABLE RECOVERY OF A POLAND
COCK.

We do not profesB to be Poland breeders, still we have bred a
few, and with the chickens which we have bronght np some of
the chief prizes of the year have been won. The accompanying
account has, however, been a source of wonder to so many, that
we think it may be interesting to others. All who have eal-
tivated the breed to any extent will probably have experienced
at some time or other the misfortone of a bird going wrong in
the bead. This nsaally happens to the best birds, for it is those
which have the largest crests which generally meet with this
tronble. A slight knock against the top of a basket or the top
of a pen will often bring on this giddiness in the head, and then
the bird generally loses by degrees all power of holding the
head op. Some birds we have known of, from the very weight
of their crests, seem to have been overpowered and unable to
keep erect or to walk properly. When this happens, if the
bird is wanted for breeding, it is sometimes of use to cat the
crest oft, bat this mast be done in a very early stase, or the bird
will generally be soon past any remedy ; or if the bird is re-
quired for the show pen we have heard that a skull cap with an
elastic band ran in the hem to keep the cap close to the head
has been found of nse, bat this remedy again must be tried, we
are told, as soon as the bird ia first aSected. The symptoms
appear to be generally the following : — The bird first does not
seem to be so clear in sight, and runs np against the sides of
the pen, and makes futile attempts to pick up its food. It then
gradually appears to get worse, and often giddiness follows and
the bird will ran round. Next it seems to lose the power over
its head altogether, aud falh right over. In this stage any
remedy is generally hopeless, and the bird comparatively be-
comes useless.

We will return now to the bird we have before mentioned,
which after many months' illness su'idenly recovered. It is a
White-crested Black Poland cockerel, and was hatched in early
April. He was most promising aud the pet of his breeder. He
throve marvelioasly, and last season figured saccessfally in the
chicken classes of Newbury, Bath, Weymouth, Warminster, &c.
The bird improved rapidly, and in due time was entered for the
Ipswich show. All of a sadden five or six days before the show
he appeared to be giddy ; he became worse daily, and a skull
cap such as we have described was placed upon his head. The
owner only had two cockerels sufficiently matared in plumage
for the show, and one of those was this ailing bird. As we,
however, proposed to remain at the show all the three days we
took the bird with us at the owner's wish, on the chance of his
being able to stand in bis pen. When we reached the show the
bird could not stand, and held down its head as if its neck was
broken. We now would ask all who saw the bird at Ipswich
to remember how bad it was then. It should have gone into
pen '252, if oar memory serves us right, but as he could not
stand his mate alone was penned, and he had to be put in his
basket. Messrs. Raynor, Fearuley, and many others will remem-
ber the case well, and how the bird had to be fed by baud, and
that several finciers said it would be a kindueas to kill the bird
and end its misery. On Sep'ember 24th we Ii^ft Ipswich with
the bird and took him back to his owner. From that day for
about three months he had to be fed by hand, and never tried
to pick up a grain from the ground without filling over on his
back. It was such a pet, ho ffevtr, with the owner that he took
it away with him when he left home for a nnnth, and fed it

entirely by hand. About the middle of December it partly re-
gained the use of its legs, and though it moved about better,
still its head was bent down as if its neck was quite broken, and
for thirteen or fourteen weeks more the bird seemed in a most
pitiable state. Wa urged on the owner to kill it, but he still
refused to slay the chicken which had done such good work at
the early chicken shows, and he was most certainly remarkably
good in all the required exhibition points, and would, had all
gone well with him, probably have made bis mark at the great
exhibitions.

On April 19th last we again went t) see our friend's Polands.
In one pen we saw a bird we did not remember to have noticed
ever before. "What bird is that there?" we inquired. The
owner smilingly replied, "Why, that is the lunatic." We could
not believe it. There the bird was strutting about as grandly aa
possible, crowing lustily, his head erect, and his crest, which
had been washed, looking capital. A few days before, while the
birds were being fed, he most unaccountably lifted up his head,
which had been hanging down for six and a half months, and
began to pay attention to the hens and to crow lustily. This is
the most marvellous recovery which has ever come under our
notice.

To account for the recovery we can only think that the brain
was in some way affected, and that by " Time's wonderful work-
ing " the affection cleared away and the bird became restored
to health. We do not doubt but that any further particulars of
this Poland's recovery which we may have omitted to mention
will be given on application to the owner, Mr. Thomas Norwood,
Church Field, Salisbury. We have, however, mentioned the
subject thus fully here as being one of peculiar interest to aU
Poland breeders. — W.

CANARY BREEDING.

In farther quoting Mr. Hervieux's remarks respecting Canaries
and their eggs, the writer says : —

" When your hens have laid their first egg it must be taken
away immediately, and an ivory one put in the place of it to
amuse them. Ton must not put in old addled eggs, as most
men do, which often break in the nest and infect it, and the iU
scent may make the old birds sick. Take away also the second
egg, and add a second of ivory, and do the same at the third
and fourth. When you perceive the hen is like to lay no more
return her own eggs very early in the morning, taking away the
false eggs of ivory. Do this at every sitting, for should you
leave the hens their eggs and not take them away they would
hatch at several times, and the first young birds hatched being
stronger than those which would come two days later, would
take all the food from the hen, and would stifle the last comers,
or scratch and disturb them with their claws.

" A hen must have laid her egg by seven o'clock in the
morning, or eight at the latest. If she stays longer it is because
she is sick, aud if you perceive it she must then be helped, as
has been said before. Some aro apt to notice that of four or
five eggs found to be good, by looking through them on the
seventh day the hen had been sitting on them, very often only
two of them will hatch. That accident may proceed from
several causes. The first is sometimes the often handling of
the eggs whilst the hen is sitting, which cools them so much
that the young in them take no nourishment, and that binders
their thriving ; or else it is because those eggs being so often
handled get some little crack which is imperceptible, and if
ever so little air gets into the egg the little one in it dies
immediately. This frequently happens to those who are but
newly used to Canary birds, for they being novices think every-
thing BO flue and wonderful that their bands are as busy as
their eyes. To avoid this misfortune the eggs must be touched
but once, that is the day when the addled ones are to be taken
away, leaving the hen and her eggs to themselves after that.

" An accident may also be occasioned by the hen, which, having
too many eggs to sit on, by changing their places very often,
sometimes thrusts one from under her, which grows so cold
and remains there so long unobserved, being hid under the end
of her wing, that the young one in it takes no more sustenance,
and consequently comes to no good. This is the only occasion
you must take to touch the eggs, putting that you flnd cold in
the middle of the others."

The foregoing valuable hints are not only worth studying
by learners, but even those more experienced in the fancy will
be none the less wise in their knowledge of Canary treatment
if they let their br.jeding birds remain as much undisturbed as
possible during the nesting period. I advise this as a rule. As
a substitute for ivory eggs recommended by Mr. Hervieux, I
would prefer them made of wood, for the reason that they are
not BO weighty as ivory or bone, and not so likely to sink in the
nests. For many years I have used wooden eggs (cleverly
made by a wood-turner), but only in cases where I find a hen
begins to sit close after laying her first or second egg. I will
here draw attention to a remark of Mr. Hervieux, who says,
during sitting "the eggs must be touched but once," but farther

340

JOURNA.Ii OP HORTICULTORB AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ May 3, 1877.

on in the chapter in referring to an egg becoming cold through
being thmst from nnder the hen, he Bays, " This is the only
occasion you must take to toaoh ths eggs." In general Mr.
Hervienx's remarks are good, but it is impossible to Uy down
a plan whereby all Canary fanciers shall be guided alike in the
treatment of their cage pets, particularly during the incubating
period, owing to the varied temperament of their birds. Actual
experience is the best schoolmaster. — G. J. Babnesby.

LIQURIANISING.

I FANCY some of my readers will smile when they see my
name attached to a letter nnder the above heading, for it is well
known that I keep bees for profit, and believe that the common
English bee is not inferior in any way to the Italian bee or
any other sort yet discovered. Some people think differently,
and others who do not believe in the superiority of Italians
are anxious to possess and try them. My object in this letter
is merely to remind those who mean to introduce Italian qneens
to their hives that the best and most economical time of doing
BO is a day or two after swarming. The old stocks then have
no queens arrived at perfection, only some in egg or embryo in
their cells. A common English queen in a state of fertility is
well worth 5s. or 6s. to introduce to a hive that has sent off a
first swarm with its queen. Such a fertile queen would com-
mence laying at once, and thus keep the combs well filled with
brood, and thus the hive would soon be ready for swarming or
for filling supers. If the hive was left to rear queens about
three weeks would pass before one of the young queens would
commence laying. The reader will see at once what an advan-
tage it is to introduce frequent queens ta hives that have just
sent off first swarms. If I intended changing my breed of bees,
and could purchase queens of the sort wanted, I would do so
shortly after swarming. Italian queens should be spoke for
beforehand, to be sent at the swarming season. If swarms have
not come off naturally they could be taken off artificially.

Much has been written and spoken about queen cages and
the best mode of introducing foreign queens. Experience is
the best teacher, and those who have been engaged in this
work are the safest guides to follow. I have been successful in
uniting strange but common English queens to English swarms,
not having tried my hand with Italians, but have always fancied
that Italian queens could as easily be united t» common bees,
and that without the use of queen cages. When a queen is
removed with the first swarm from a hive artificially the bees
left behind search for their lost queen. In this condition they
receive an English queen readily, and with tokens of gratitude.
Will they receive a foreigner in like manner? I think they
would; but if they would not, I would drum or shake them into
an empty hive and place it some distance from the old stand in
the same garden. Meanwhile I should set the foreign queen
at liberty amongst the combs of the stock hive, and place it on
the old stand. The bees in the empty hive would soon be in a
state of concern and nproar about their qneenless condition,
and ready to retnrn to the old hive, and would speedily go back
with the feeUngs of trespassers and poachers. Bees thus treated
are never disposed to fight or dictate terms. Foreigners could,
in my opinion, thus be successfully introduced to swarms as
well as stocks. When bees lose a queen in a stock hive, or hive
with combs in it, they do not abandon the combs and hives ;
but if the bees be driven into an empty hive they will not settle
or stay in it, and invariably fly back to the old hive or place.
If this ideal is well understood by a bee-keeper who can easily
and readily handle his hives, the practice of uniting swarms
and queens to swarms will shape itself in various forms, and be
generally successful. — A. Pettiqrew,

TOADS EATING BEES.

If this fact needs any further proof the following may not be
uninteresting. A year or two ago our bees were, many of them,
caught by a summer shower. Making their way back to the
hive they crowded the entrance, to the apparent annoyance
of those within, which seemedf to dislike having so many
" damp unpleasant bodies " at their door. Several wet bees feU
ou the ground, and I made matters worse by clearing away
some of those which were blocking the passage, where some
8 ;emed as anxious to push out as others were to push in, con-
sequently there were a good many wet bees crawling ou the
ground unable to fly np. In a very short time there appeared
three hungry toads, which we watched with much amusement
if not with complete satisfaction. A toad would crawl up to
within an inch or two of a bee, and wait for it to move (this
appeared to be a fixed rule), then as soon as the bee stirred the
toad's mouth opened and shut quick aa lightning, and the bee
was seen no more. We were never able to see the toad's tongue,
with which we supposed he licked or lapped-up the bee ; but
that the bees disappeared down the toad's throat there coujd
be no question, and this happened again and again, the toad's

voracity being tremendous. Moreover, the exceeding prompt-
ness with which they appeared on the scene, evidently from
lurking-places close at hand, leads one to suspect that this was
not the first time our toads had had such a feast, which indeed
M. Bruuet's experience strongly confirms. — F. M. Millabd,
Otham, Maidstone.

OUR LETTER BOX,

Chickens Dying (S. Locfcy^r).— The variable weather and exposare to
cold kills them. They should not be allowed to go out until ths middle ol
the day, and then only when fine.

Catchino a Qcekn Bee ((?. S. B ). — The best way to catch the qaeen out
of au ordinary straw hive is to drive the whole population into an empty
hive, then to dash the bees out on a cloth or on a gravel walk, and hunt for
the queen. If, when the bees are shaken out, the empty hive bo placed within
a few inches of them, raised up a little on one side, the insects will 8 3on
begin to creep in that direction. Then is the beat time to look oot (or the
queen. She may be caught by putting a wine glass over her and gently
slipping a bit of perforated zinc under the glass, taking care not to crush her
majesty, unless it is desirable to destroy her. The queen of a swarm may bo
caught in the same way.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Sqoare, London.

Lat. 51° 82- 40" N. ; Long. 0= 8' 0 " W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 A.M.

Ik the Day.

AprU

i>S,as

StJ

■-^ .

Radiation

.9

tor.

■"-S

p * c

perature.

Temperature.

IS

hl^

So

So~

May.

Dry.

Wet.

Uax.

Min.

In
sun.

On

grass-

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

We. 25

29.899

43.2

43 3

S.E.

46 2

661

34.8

Th. 26

29 962

43.1

40.7

N.

45 3

610

86,0

47.7 : 42.1

N.E.

44 (

64.3

46 0 42.0

N.

46.1

51.4

41.7

N.

45.2

64.1

39.4

0.012

N.E.

45.7

55.8

416

—

Tu. 1

30.S61 43.8 1 89.0

N.

45.7
45.4

60.1
63.8

37.2
S8.1

86.1
87.2

~

Means

29.932

45 8

41.8

89.4

o.aa

REMARKS.

25th.— A bright pleasant day, rather less so in the after part, but fair all day

and a moonlight night.
26th.— Fair thouph doll all day; very fine night.
27th.— Cold and dull all day.

28th-— Dull cold morniag; no sun all day, but rather warmer at night.
29th.— Grey but (air and rather lees cold all the forenoon ; slight rain between

3 and 4 p m. and at times after.
30th.— Rather doll till 1 p.m., then bright for an hour or two but dull after,

though fair; rather less cold than in the morning.
May Ist.- Another dull grey day, occasional gleams of Bonlight and a bright
sunset.
The temperature though steady is very low, lower than last week, and con-
siderably lower than the first week in January.— a. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— MiY 2.
Our market is now well supplied with most kinds of early fruit, such as
Peaches, Figs, Grapes, and Strawberrle.s, also Cuerriea from the south of
France, all of which are making fair prices. Business steady. Forced vege-
tables are in good demand at improved rates. The first green Gooseberries
have put in an appearance.

rBUiT.

6. d.

3 6 to 7 0
0 0 0 0

Black i do. 0

Figa dozen 12

FUbert§ lb. 0

Cobs lb. 1

Gooseberries quatL 0

Grapes, hothouse.... lb. 15

Lemons ^100 6

Melons each 0

Artichokes dozen

AsparaRUH ^ 103

Beans. Kidney VlOJ

Beet, Red dozen

Broccoli bundle

Bniaaels Sprouts. .i sieve

Cabbage dozen

Carrola- bunch

Nectarines dozen 0 OtoO 0

Oranges ^ lOa 8 0 12 0

Peaches dozen 16 0 80 0

Pears , kitchen .... dozen

dessert dozen 8 0

20 6 I Pine Apples lb. 2 0

0 0 ! Plums 4 seive 0 0

1 6 Quinces bushel 0 0

0 0 Raspberries lb. 0 0

25 0 ' Strawberries oz. 0 6

10 0 Walnuts bashel & 0

0 0 ' ditto •'«*' 100 0 0

TEaKTABLES.

New

Capsicums ^ 10)

Cauliflower.. dozen

Celery bundle

Coleworta.. doz. bunches

Cucumbers each

Endive dozen

Fennel bunch

Garlic lb.

Herbs bunch

I.<ettuce dozen

Leeks bunch

Mushrooms pottle

Mustard & Cress punnet
Onions bushel

pickling quart

Parsley. . . . doz. bunches

Parsnips dozen

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

Kidney do.

New lb.

Radishes., doz. bunches

Rhubarb bundle

Salsafy bundle

Scorzonera bundle

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spinach bushel

Turnips bunch

New do.

Vegetable Marrows

0
6

I

JOURNAL OP HORTICDIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

341

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day : Day

of of
Month Week.

MiY 10—16, 1877.

AveraRe

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

Sun
Seta.

Moon
Riaes.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age._

Clock
before
Sun.

Day
of
Year.

10
11
12
18
14
15
16

TH

F

S

Son

M

To

W

Boyal Society at 8 30 P.M.

Crystal Palace Sammer Show.

Sdndat aftee Ascension.

Boyal Geographical Society at 8.30 p.m.

Royal Horticultaral Society— Fruit and Floral Com-

El. Botanic Society— Sammer Show, [mittees at 11 a.m.

Day.
61.9
62.1
62.9
63 6
63.2
648
66.2

Night.
40.1
40.8
40.6
38.1
40.4
40.6
42.5

Mean.
61.0
51.4
51.8
50.9
51.8
52.7
51.3

h. m.

4 17
4 16
4 14
4 13
4 11
4 10
4 8

h. m.

7 S5
7 37
7 38
7 40
7 41
7 43
744

h. m.

2 52
S 5
8 20

3 42

4 14

5 0

6 6

1;. m.

4 20

6 0

7 23

8 47

10 7

11 14
morn.

Days.

27
23
29

o

1

2
S

"s" 47
3 49
3 51
3 61
3 52
3 62
8 50

ISO
181
132
133
134
135
136

From observations taien near London during forty-three years, the average day tomperatore of the week Is 63.5' ; and its night temperature

AURICULAS.

T has been a soui-ce of much grief to me to
read of the receut disasters occumng to our
most eminent growers of Auriculas. I tliiuk
it a very easy matter to avoid such dis-
asters, and as " England expects every man
to do his duty," I will, by your permission,
describe to my brother florists my mode of
potting this queen of spring flowers, for on
that operation success mainly depends.
Fu-st, I place the pots in ordinary drain-
age; on this I lay a second course of drainage until I
have entirely hidden the large pieces with fi-agments
varying in size from a large to a small pea. On this I
lay sound dry leaves, avoiding as a deadly foe every kind
of fibre which I formerly used. When these leaves are
crushed firmly down I find my pot filled to one-third ;
on this I sprinkle an even layer of email charcoal, and on
this 1 spread the roots of my plants, but if the tap root
is too short for this purpose I resort to a smaller pot.
I then put in number one compost, which is leaf soil,
small fragments of charcoal and potsherds, and sandy
loam in equal parts, never forgetting three or four tough
dry leaves rolled up so as to maintain cavities, which
always induce sensitive young roots, particularly so when
a little washed grit is added. In potting I allow space
for 2 or 3 inches of top-dressing of number two. This
number two consists of old cow dung and adhesive loam
in equal parts, with a Httle washed grit or rough clear
silver sand.

I may add a word as to the purity of these composts.
I should as soon think of eating my dinner raw as to
administer uncooked food to my Auricula plants ; or, in
other words, I take advantage of the hottest weather to
spread my compost on boards until every particle of
moisture and apparent insect life is dried out of it; I
then store it in a dry outhouse until wanted for use. If
I find myself short of ingredients so prepared I thoroughly
dry more soil before a good fire, and pour boiling water
over the old cow dung in sufficient quantity to thoroughly
purify the same, taking care not to waste the liquid, but
adding the dry loam to absorb it.

In case of special treatment of the delicate growers I
use charcoal solely for drainage, and lay two or three
very firm and adhesive lumps of leaf soil (provided it is
perfectly sweet) on the roots of the plants before putting
in thf usual compost ; for when the roots take hold of
this and the charcoal it is not a little drought that will
cause the plant to droop, and thereby hangs a tale, for
it is by withholding water that I obtain a firm texture of
foliage ; moreover, a thirsty plant will absorb in large
quantities, while a plant in a continual state of saturation
can take in little or no food to sustain it.

Now, as to hquid manure. If I had viTitten the word
twenty years ago it would have been only to register
my disapproval of it ; but I find that plants potted as
above described will fare the better for three or four doses
during the blooming season of clear hquid manure made
Mo. »tl.-V0L, XXX IT., Ksvr Sbkiss,

by pouring boiling rain water over a sufiicient quantity

of old cow dung, stirring well, and using when cold and

pretty clear.

I am sorry to find that any grower should talk of

' abandoning all dungs for pure loam, for it was written

long before Privateer was raised that a good compost was

the life and substance of the Auricula ; and I find by

taking two plants of the same variety and top-dressing

one with pure loam and the other with a mixture of cow

] dung and loam, that the first perceptible difference in the

two plants is that the one in the cow dung will soon

throw oft a dehcate fragrance from the foliage ; and

another more important advantage is that the mixture

gives me larger flowers of greater substance, deeper in

[ velvet, and far more dense in paste.

This, Messrs. Editors, is my system, and if you or any of
your readers should be crossing the rural end of Cannock
'Cha6e you may see the result of it ; for here my plants
' have stood ever since last May open to all weathers,
deeply shaded by a north gable where not a ray of sun
can touch them, yet all now seeming to laugh in luxu-
riance. This I do not mention as any part of the culture,
but results from inabihty owing to protracted illness to
give them more approved treatment. And here I would
remark upon the evil of standing the pots upon the ground,
or in any way plunging them. Hardy-grown plants wUl
do very well on slates or tiles for awhile where the
grower has not facility to keep them all staged with the
hghts ofi'.

It is many years since " D., Deal" informed me that I
had something to learn if I intended to grow the Auricula,
which I have found to be perfectly true to my cost,
although both my father and grandfather were growers.
But the first thing I learned in the preparation of soils
was that particles of decaying wood in a heap of compost
lying on the ground would breed white threads, and these
white threads in their turn would breed the perfect fungus;
and, moreover, these white threads are most destructive
to many soft-rooted plants, as I have proved by experi-
ment both within the precincts of a pot and in the open
border. But aU difficulties have long been overcome, and
my hospital treatment for the Auricula will rally a plant
when very little vitality remains in its circulation. This
treatment, not yet described, I always submit my new
importations to, come from what grower soever they may.
If you think proper to insert this record of my practice in
your pages it is possible someone may give the system a
trial. Some growers may be unable to obtain leaf soil,
in that case I advise the use of sandy loam and an in-
crease of the charcoal. Again, others may be found to
say that they cannot obtain the charcoal. This difficulty
may be soon overcome. Lay sticks upon a slow fire, and
as they assume the appearance of red-hot bars take them
out and immerse them quickly in a vessel of water, plunge
them suddenly, or the operator will inhale a very irritating
vapour. A large part of broken fragments will sink to
the bottom of the vessel, and here may arise a danger,
as a large portion of this is alkali, and is as destructive to
this sensitive plant as the carbon is fertilising ; it should

No. IIUS.— Vol. LVII., Old Sekieb.

342

JOURNAL OF HOBTIO0LTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( May 10, 1877.

therefore be washed through a sieve or otherwise. And now,
Messrs. Editor?, I think I have "done my duty" in the best
way I am able.— S. W. Bullock, Brockton, Staj'ord.

[You have done it well. The only sentence we regret is —
" the hospital treatment not yet described." Pray describe
it.— Eds.]

FOBCING OF THE FIG TREE IN POTS.

If there is one branch of fruit culture that I prefer to another
it is that of growing fruit trees in pots, and especially those
of the Fig. I do not intend to take up the subject of Fig
culture generally, because that has several times been done,
but shall coDtine my remarks to forcing the tree, as I believe
that many persons would be induced to practise it if they
knew it could be done sucoessfally. Some people have houses
built especially for the Fig, and by planting out obtain excel-
lent crops. 1 write, however, now to those who have a vinery
with a pit in it so as to afford a little bottom heat, which the
Fig much enjoys. One of the most successful modes of growing
Figs in pots that I have practised has been the following.

When a vinery is all in readiness for commencing forcing
the pit is filled up with heating material previously prepared.
It consists of cow dung with the straw in it, and horse dung
the same, fresh from the yard. All is mixed together and
fermented for a time, so that the rankuess may pass oft; but
the cow dang not heating violently soon modifies the other,
so that it is not long before the whole is fit to place in the pit.
When this is done the manure is again well mixed and made
firm all over the bed, so that the sinking may go on as evenly
as possible. While this is lying in the house the plants should
be potted.

My practice has been to grow them in No. 8-sized pots as
being easily moved, and they will grow trees of good size year
after year. The plants were brought from their storehouse,
which was generally in a dry place but cool, and the pots were
always covered with litter through the winter. When taken
out of the pots the drainage was taken out, and as the Fig is
a very vigorous-rooting tree one can imagine that there was
a ball of roots matted together in all directions. These were
chopped off with a chopper kept for the purpose to within 3 or
4 inches of the stem all round. The plants were grown on
single stems to about 10 inches above the pot. The balls when
ready for potting would be about 7 inches across and 8 or 9
deep, for they were cut off square at the bottom. The pots
were well cleaned and redrained with large crooks covered over
with some fibre shaken from the soil. The compost was com-
posed of turfy loam two-thirds and the rest very much decayed
manure ; no sand was added.

When potting the ball was placed just low enough to admit
of its being covered with an inch of soil, which was rammed-
in as firmly as possible; and by so doing the soil had to be
in a proper state — I mean not wet, but free, open, and mode-
rately dry. The rule practised was to dress the trees the
same as the Vines with a mixture of sulphur, soft soap, and
clay. After potting the trees were stood on the floor of the
house for a few days, and then for a few days on the bed, and
next they were partly plunged in it ; and if all went well they
were finally plunged when all fear of too mnch heat had abated.
This plunging had to be very carefully done — every pot placed
level, and the manure packed closely under the rim of the
pots, so that the heat fhould rise regularly. The roots had
water within a day or two after potting, but they did not re-
quire much till they had begun making fresh roots, but the
branches were regularly syringed three times a day. Under
good culture there were two crops a year, the first from that
in embryo on the previous year's wood, and the second from
that of the current year's growth.

Watering is very important in the culture of Figs in pots ; they
always want plenty of it, especially when the pots become full
of roots, and, in the height of their growth and fruiting, manure
water three times a week. The growth was generally stopped
when about G inches long, but none less than that, which soon
cansed young fruit to appear at the axils of the leaves. The
young fruit must be watched, or it sometimes happens that
instead of swelling it turns yellow and drops off ; so that a
moderate temperature at first, plenty of moisture, and an early
inducement to root-action are the principal points to study in
the early stages, for a neglect of watering even for a day some-
times will cause the fruit to drop.

Before the season is out a top-dressing is needed, as the
roots will be up on the surface : let the Earns sort of soil be

used for this as for potting. And, again, it must be expected
that they will root vigorously through the bottom and will
spread all over the dung bed, so that when this is found to be
the case the bed itself must be watered, but with only clear
water, as they will be rooting in a bed quite rich enough. I
have not practised this mode of Fig culture for some few years,
but can recommend it strongly to those who have the little
convenience and pay the necessary attention as above described.
I was taught this plan by a Scotch gardener and practised it
for several years under him, and the crops varied very little
from time to time. The sorts were the Brown Turkey and
White Marseilles.

A great enemy to the Fig is the red spider, which comes on
generally when the leaves have made their growth. This pest
spreads with astonishing rapidity if the atmosphere and the
roots are allowed to become dry both at one time. The brown
scale also is pretty certain to find its way on the leaves, and
will establish itself on the wood as well if not picked off.

The trees were allowed to remain in the vinery till the leaves
turned yellow and were ultimately removed to other quarters,
but with plenty of light and air. Probably the Fig will do
with less heat than the Vine ; but it thrives so well if started
at 45", rising by stages as with the Vine up to 70', that there
is no need for making much difference. — Thouas Record.

THE AURICULA APHIS.

Following the suggestion of "D., Deal," in a recent issue
of the Journal I took up to London an Auricula with the living
woolly aphis to Mr. Murray, the Secretary to the Soientifio
Committee of the Koyal Horticnltural Society. He writes me
word — " Tour Auricula blight insect is very close, if not
identical, with a species named Trama radicis that has been
found on the roots of Helianthemum, the Jerusalem Arti-
choke, and Crepie biennis. ... I do not find any notice
of woolly stutf on Trama radicis, and it may be that this is
new."

I had previously found that our Auricula enemy was specifi-
cally distinct from the Apple aphis, so no one need fear mis-
chief from the contiguity of their Apple trees. The Apple
aphis no doubt has sins enough of his own on his shoulders
without being blamed for the sins of his neighbours, and I
would not leave even an enemy under the shadow of an unjust
aspersion, especially as clear facts are wanted to grapple with
our foe. In external appearances the two species are quite
different. The Apple aphis is rough and blackish, the Auricula
aphis sleek aud yellowish white ; and though these differences
of colour may be sometimes modified — and colour alone in an
insect is seldom to be relied on — there are other strcclural
differences which become apparent under the microscope.

The point of resemblance which first attracted me, before I
had the two side by side for comparison, was the woolly sub-
stance which each species produces. This forms a blanket-like
covering and protection for the perfect insect, and also possibly
an aerial but haphazard means of locomotion for the male
insects to float. Thistle seedlike, in search of fresh fields and
pastures new before the summer breeze enveloped in his fleecy
balloon.

It was with great regret that I found at the recent Show on
the 24th ult. at the Crystal Palace that " D., Deal,", was pre-
vented from competing owing in a very material degree to this
pest. The plant he brought there for inspection had apparently
been infested ; there was the blankety covering to the roots —
sodden aud stale — but no insect, as though the enemy had
been there and decamped, for neither I nor others who searched
could detect any sign of him.

The loss sustained by " I). , Deal," is so serious that no one
can well despise the enemy ; but I cannot help thinking he
must unobserved have done most of the mischief in the autumn
months, and that its effects did not become apparent till spring
treatment, and the call of the plants upon their spring energies
found the roots sapped, eaten, and decayed.

I am surprised to find how little my plants have minded the
vigorous treatment I gave them in February. I followed Mr.
Horner's advice — repotted and washed root, stem, and foliage
of all my affected Auriculas, and have not lost one, though I
destroyed thousands of this woolly aphia, and cannot now find
a single specimen, and my bloom is better than I have ever had
it, bat few plants protesting by giving me one, two, or three
pips only, while in growth they are correspondingly vigorous
and strong.

The fact that an aphis attacked the roots seemed known to

May 10, 1877. J

JOURNAL OP HORTIODLTDRB AND OOTTAGB GABDENEB.

343

several growers of Anrionlas, and I trnst that by attention
and watchfalnesB against the first appearances of its insidions
attacks it may be prevented getting established so as to be-
come dangerous.

Watch must periodically be kept by turning the plant out of
its pot, for the woolly white blanket is apparent enough during
the period of the insect's existence, of which I have as yet had
experience. — John T. D. Llewelyn.

KITCHEN GARDEN NOTES.

Cabrotb and Worms. — The Carrot crop is rendered useless
in many gardens by grubs eating into the roots. This takes
place in many well-managed garden!, as I saw Mr. Douglas
complaining of it the other week. The best remedy that I
have tried was to scatter a quantity of soot and lime over the
surface of the ground before forking it over for the Carrots.
This works it into the ground, and keeps the soil free from all
sorts of grubs for the whole season. As many may have their
Carrots in before this time, and will, therefore, not be able to
adopt this plan, the next best way of applying it is to sow the
lime and soot between the rows and hoe it into the ground.

Eabthinq-dp. — All kinds of Greens and Potatoes are greatly
benefited by being earthed-up. Some never think of drawing
•the soil to the sterna of any plants until they are beginning to
bend over with the weight of the head, but they should be
earthed-up long before then, and the earth should not all be
drawn to them at one time. Potatoes should be earthed-up
when the stems are not more than 3 inches high ; and all kinds
of Greens should have a little earth pulled to their stems
flhortly after they begin growing in their permanent quarters,
and the final earthing-up need not be done until they are con-
siderably advanced in growth.

Planting in Dbills. — As few of the winter greens and the
generality of the late antnmn crops of these will not be planted
yet, it will be found very advantageous to draw drills about
3 inches deep (as if for sowing seed), and plant in these. This
plan lets the roots well down into the ground — a great ad-
vantage in dry weather. The plants can also be much easier
and much better earthed-up when the stems are short, and the
leaves near the surface of the soil, than when the plants have
ovily a slight hold of the earth.

Beetroot Culture. — Beet if sown earlier than the last
week in AprU, and the summer subsequently prove dry, is in
great danger of running to seed, and when this occurs, al-
though the roots still retain their original form, they lose their
juiciness and flavour. Beetroot may be grown side by side
with such crops as Carrots and Parsnips, so far as depth of
■soil is concerned, but the Beetroot delights in a cool, open,
moist, not sandy soil. It may be sown on ground that was
occupied with Potatoes last year, or if it could be placed exactly
over where the last year's Celery bed it would do capitally. In
this case it would not be necessary to trench the ground to
the depth of 18 inches, but otherwise it should be turned over
to this depth ; and the manure which is worked-in with the soil
at the same time should be deoayed cow dung and not decayed
leaves, as this kind of manure has a tendency to make the
roots branch and throw out a number of small fibres, which
they should not do, as the best roots are always those which
aie as free from roots as a gun barrel.

When the ground has been turned over roughly do not fork
it before sowing the seed, as this would turn up the manure,
which should be kept well down. Smooth the surface with a
Dutch hoe, but do not do this unless on a fine day, when the
soil is dry and powdery, and after breaking the anrfaoe the
drills may be drawn at once. They should be from 15 to
18 inches apart and about 2 inches deep. One seed every
3 inches along the drill will be sufficient. Cover over with the
rake and then lightly hoe all the surface over again, and leave
it like this until the plants appear in the rows, then run the
hoe between them, and as soon as the young plants are about
2 inches high they may be thinned out. If a plant has come
up from every seed take every alternate one out, and this will
leave the crop 6 inches apart, which is a good distance for
growing them.

Hoeing between the rows to keep the surface open and free
from weeds is the whole of the attention the crops require
from the time of thinning until September, when they will be
ready for taking out of the ground, and then they must be
dug out whole and not be drawn in two or three pieces, for the
roots should never be broken or injured in any way. Cat the
top off 3 inches from the oiown. Lay the roots in a shed to

dry, then store them in a cool shed or cellar amongst dry
sand, where they will keep fresh and fit for nse until about
the time the next crop comes in the following antnmn. —

A Kitchen Gardener.

STIGMAPHYLLON OILIATUM.
Old plants as well as new are worthy of having their merits
recorded, hence I direct attention to this attractive stove plant.
It is only met with occasionally, but its cheerful yellow flowers
and pleasing foliage entitle it to a place in our stoves. It is an
evergreen perennial, and was introduced from Brazil towards
the close of the last century. Its habit is somewhat trailing,
hence it requires some training ; but it never looks so well as
when growing against a wall and not fastened too closely.
In such a position I have seen it much admired during the
summer months, its flowers being almost as " bright as a
Butteronp." It is easily onltivated, requiring only a mixture

Fig. 43, — StigmapbyUon ciliatam.

of loam and peat, and frequent syringings, to prevent red spider
attacking it. Cuttings of half-ripe shoots strike tolerably freely
if inserted in silver sand and protected with a bell-glass. It
is sometimes called Banisteria ciliata. It commences flower-
ing in April, and continues growing and flowering for many
weeks. Its sprays are pretty for associating with other cut
flowers in furnishing vases, but they do not endure long when
severed from the plant. It used to be grown in one of the
stoves at Wimbledon House, but I am not aware if it still
remains in the collection there. Possibly it does, for it is a
good old plant, and not likely to be thrown out of a garden
where plants are cherished. — J. P. S.

SEAKALE.
Now that the time has come for planting Seakale a few hints
as to the successful cultivation of this, one of the most useful
of vegetables, may be acceptable. Seakale is not only generally
esteemed, but it may be had in use for a long period, say from
the end of November till the middle of April. It is, perhaps,
more useful in April and early May than in November, for
very often vegetables are scarce during the late spring months,
especially after a hot and dry summer like the last, when the
staple crops for winter and spring use made enoh slow progress,
bat Seakale grew satisfactorily.

344

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOOLTUBE AND COTTAGE QABUENEB.

[ May 10, 18TT.

I will now briefly describe the mode of growing Seakale
which is practised in the Loudon market gardens, and which
I have fonnd very aucceesfal. In taking np the roots early in
November for forcing, all which are intended for this purpose
are laid in coooa-nut fibre or ashes, and are introduced into
heat as required. When the roots are taken up pieces of them
are selected about 4 inches in length and of medium thickness,
taking care to have them as near one size as possible, as that
is important to ensure an even crop. When the sets are all
out they are covered over in a warm corner with ashes or cocoa-
nut refuse, and are left there until the following spring. About
the end of March they will have begun growing ; they are then
planted in well-manured ground in rows 18 inches apart and
about 1 foot from set to set in the rows, just covering the
crown. By leaving the sets until they have sprouted it is easy
to tell the proper end to leave on the surface, otherwise it
would be impossible to plant without making mistakes : hence
irregular crops. In taking up the roots in autumn every third
row is removed, leaving the remainder in the ground for late
use. There will be found just enough soil in these openings
to properly " land " (as it is termed in the market gardens)
the other rows or beds. This earthing is done at twice, one
batch being covered about the middle of February, and the
other as soon as the crowns are seen to begin growing, cover-
ing the crowns with about 9 inches of soil. The result of this
I have fonnd to be — Kale stouter and sweeter than that ob-
tained by artificial forcing, and the supply throughout the
month of April is very valuable.

When this batch is done with the roots are taken up as
before, and sets are made in the same manner. These sets
are usually ready for planting from the 5th to the 10th of
May, and they generally grow more freely and make as good
crowns as those selected in the autumn. I consider this plan
of growing Seakale to be far better than that of leaving old
stools in the ground year after year. It is important when the
crowns are first starting into growth to water them during
very dry weather, which sometimes occurs in May, as it is
then that the crop is most liable to injury from drought. —
J. P. M., Fulham Fields.

THE BOSE IN ENGLAND.

TouE Journal des Roses awakens in the gloom of the year
the odours that time had crushed, and restores the sunshine
that fills the world with floral beauty. Although Nature may
be still stern and deaf to our entreaties, the book that speaks
of Eoses has a creative charm, for at its bright suggestion
fancy fills the heart with flowers, amidst which the Rose sits
enthroned as queen, glowing with a life that is truly immortal.
The ages have consecrated the Kose to beauty and love, and in
this day of toil and care it is the symbol of rest and heart-ease
to thousands who can find no recreation so sweet, so whole-
some, so homely, as the cultivation of the garden and enjoy-
ment of its fragrant flowers. When our English amateurs
become acquainted with your charming work it will be one of
their most cherished companions, for it will be an addition to
the associations that connect the garden with the fireside, and
link the love of the Koee with the most blessed of the domestic
affections.

We need not make a special claim upon the Kose as ours,
for if we truly honour it we must be unselfish and rejoice that
many revere it besides ourselves. But we may be proud that
it is England's flower, that it twines with the Thistle and the
Shamrock in the trinity of powers that sustain the crown as
the representative of our unity, liberty, and national life. It
has represented strife and tumult and wrong in the dark days
when the people were the sport of factions and the victims of
ambition, but even then it suggested and even aided the better
day that would dawn ; and we talk now of the white and red
Boses with a sense of thankfulness that our domestic life has
grown so large that there is no longer room left in these isles
for the development of the passions that have made our
history not less sad than heroic.

Thus we are in duty bound to the Eose, and when your
brethren (who, as rosarians, are also our brethren) send us
inteUigence of the new varieties they have secured, we throb
with new ecstacies, and our peace seems to be indiesolubly
associated with the flowers of the future, which, in the course
of the season, are destined to become the flowers of the past.
The demand for new Roses in this country exceeds that of any
other flower, as the demand for Roses of all kinds, new and
old, is everywhere the largest item of the business of a trading

florist. In the " Garden Oracle " for 1877 there are desoribaii
thirty-eight new varieties of Roses, all the produce of French
industry and reflective of French taste. They will all be
wanted by our amateurs. They delight to buy them, although
they know that a certain proportion will disappoint them ; for
new Roses are like new flowers of all kinds in this respect —
that however carefully the traders select for us we must finally
select for ourselves, and the public exhibition is the sifting and
sorting machine through which finally they must pass or suffer
to be set aside. Those who do not themselves exhibit or even
visit exhibitions are guided by the formal decisions of those
who arbitrate in these contests, and there is no better tribunal
of public taste. We do occasionally hear amateurs complain
that you send us too many new Eoses. I think I have some-
times been found in the complaining throng, but when 1
reflected that very many of the flowers I had myself raised
and distributed, confident of immortal fame thereby, were
already forgotten I changed my tone and adopted a new argu-
ment. Into that matter, however, I will not now enter ; it is
too large, but the fact remains that whether we seek new Eoses^
or new Pelargoniums, or new Peas, or new Potatoes, we must
incur a certain amount of risk, for our standard of perfection
may diiier from that of the raiser of a new thing. But taking
a broad view of the case the raiser is generally a good judge,,
and the vendor must be accredited with the desire to improve
his trade by the diffusion of good things.

The successive issues of the " Garden Oracle " enable ns to
cast up accounts of the new Roses introduced to cultivation in
the course of thirteen years. This work has attained its nine-
teenth year, but for reasons that need not now trouble us we
cannot derive from it statistics of Roses for the whole of that
period. Let us consider the facts that are available. Of new
Roses introduced to our garden from France, there were in
1804,22; in 1865, 68; 1866,51; 1867,63; 1868,70; 1869,57;.
1870, 75 ; 1872, 66 ; 1873, 43 ; 1874, 14 ; 1875, 55 ; 1876, 14 ;
1877, 38. Of new Roses introduced to our gardens by English
raisers there were in 1864, 2 ; 1865, 4 ; 1866, 4 ; 1870, 3 j
1872, 8 ; 1873, 2 ; 1874, 6 ; 1876, 13 ; 1877, 2. Thus, in the
same run of years your total amounts to 636, and ours to 44.
A careful scrutiny will slightly reduce your total and augment
ours, but the case as now stated is, I know, nearly correct.
The whole total is 680, which, divided by thirteen, gives us 52
as the average per annum — just one new Rose per week the
whole year round ; to be admired first on Sunday, and re-
membered with joy the whole week through. Thus the Rose
conforms to the first observance of Christianity; it is a Chris-
tian's proper flower, a refreshment for his blessed day of rest.

The number of varieties of Roses entered in the catalogue
of any leading English house may be reckoned as about sis
hundred. In the latest catalogue of my friend Mr. William
Paul the total of the varieties described is 013, of which there
are 318 Hybrid Perpetuals and 114 Teas; these two classes
showing a total of 432, there remaining only 181 to make up
the remaining nineteen classes. The student of the Rose as a
garden flower will, in a comparison of the catalogues of fifty
years ago with those of the present day, observe the ever-
growing power of the Hybrid Perpetuals as a class. In the
older catalogues we find the summer Roses conspicuous ; they
were valued in the days gone by. Now a few pages suffice for
their enumeration, and many that once were famous are no
longer to be found. I scarcely know where to find such a
hedge of the delicate and delightful Centifolia as I once rejoiced
in. I have become a stranger to the giant bushes of Rosa
gallica I once possessed ; and not often do I meet with Bank-
sian or Macartney Roses, for in truth our amateurs, with all
their enthusiasm, have acquired a contracted taste, and the
catalogues reflect it in the preponderance everywhere of Hybrid
Perpetuals, Bourbons, and Teas. The exhibitions must, in
part, answer for this ; but the case has its bright side, for it is
the splendour of the newer Perpetuals and Teas that ensures
their popularity, and those who covet honours in the presence
of the public will of necessity place upon the exhibition table
the finest flowers their gardens will produce, and hence Per-
petuals and Teas claim and obtain the first care of our English
rosarians. Should I live to see Roses judged in gardens I will
invite the jury to admire La Ville de Bruxelles, Juno, Paul
Ricaut, and Blairii No. 2 — glorious reminders of a day when
hope was young, and the pride of the heart was subservient
to the simplest of inspirations. Yes ; the exhibitions have
changed the tone of taste in Roses, and the Perpetual class is
like the serpent of Moses that swallowed all the rest.

The amount offered in prizes at onr exhibitions of Roses

May 10, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE QAEDENEB.

34S

ayerages about £3000. There were held in England in the
year 1876 at least fourteen Rose shows deserving to be named,
besides many others of only local importance. That I may be
understood, I name the places in which the fourteen shows
were held. They were Alexandra Palace, Crystal Palace,
Regent's Park, South Kensington, Maidstone, Oxford, Frome,
Chipping Norton, Nottingham, Hereford, Helensburgh, Gallo-
way, and Wisbech ; and one of the most enjoyable of all our
Rose shows is utterly unknown beyond the circle of its pro-
moters. This is held annually io the corn market of Mark
Lane in the heart of the City of London, the competitors being
the merchants who carry on trade there, and the object of it
being to aid the cause of charity. It is a transition from the
beautiful gardens of these rich men, situate for the most part
in the richly-planted suburbs of London, to the little gardens
of the artisans of Nottingham, where Roses are grown as well
as anywhere in the world ; and for many years past the exhi-
bitions of Roses by working men have been characterised by
floral merit in the highest degree. This busy central town,
noted for its manufactories of net, lace, cotton, silk, and wool,
has for an appendage to its smoky dusty turmoil ten thousand
little gardens that blossom into a giant wreath to comfort the
brow of care and redeem human nature from sordidness.

On the 4th of July in the coming summer the amateurs will
have a great day in London. A considerable number of the
most eminent, with our greatest rosarian the Bev. Canon
Hole leading the way, have combined their forces in a National
Rose Society, and have arranged to hold a great exhibition of
our national flower in the far-famed St. James's Hall, wherein,
on the 1st of July, 1S58, was held the first so-called National
Rose Show, under the auspicious auspices of the same govern-
ing mind. Some reforms are to be attempted ; the show is to
be like a flash of lightning — bright, startling, and soon over ;
and there is a growing desire for a more picturesque mode of
displaying the flowers. But so long as high quality of indi-
vidual flowers is desired and required, the prevailing mode
does not admit of any improvement, except in detail — the
principle is sound, and represents the experience of many
generations in floral competitions. Those who yearn for pic-
turesque grouping of cut flowers are mostly young men who
have everything to learn in respect of technical merit in ex-
hibition subjects — as they grow in age, and wisdom, and depth
of love they become conservative, and have no more to say
about the vain dreams of their inexperienced youth. Tour way
of showing Roses we consider horrid, but you must not suspect
me of any lack of politeness in saying so ; because, in matters
of floral art, we have agreed long since that candour, seasoned
with a good spirit, cannot offend. It is a glorious sight to see
ranks of Roses reposing on the freshest of green moss all in
Buch order and so neatly named that every flower may be
judged upon its merits, and we forget the harshness of flat
surfaces and straight lines in the rapture that accompanies
critical comparison of flowers that seemed destined to fill us
with perplexity as to what after all is the acme of perfection, for
they differ so, and yet are so deliciously beautiful throughout.

Two great results may be pointed to in justification of our
enthusiasm in exhibitions. The cultivation of the Rose as a
pot plant has attained with us a degree of perfection never
known before. Oar great exhibitions at Chiswiok long since,
and at Regent's Park in later days, have been characterised by
the splendour of the pot Roses, and in remembrance of them
the names of Lane, Paul, Francis, Fraeer, and Veitch flash
upon ns for ever honourably associated with this phase of
floral art. But there has not been seen in England such per-
fection of finish as in the pot Roses shown by Mr. Charles
Turner of Slough at the Royal Aquarium and at South Ken-
Bington in 187G. It is this curiously successful cultivator's
forte, that whatever he enters into becomes his forte, and his
daily work illustrates the motto, " Fortes fortuna juvat." Thus
far one result. The other is really a part of it. Until quite
recently pot Roses have been well grown by our commercial
rosarians, but badly by our amateurs. But now — oh, happy
time, that so it may be recorded — they are well grown by both
parties. Thus the prizes offered for pot Roses grown by ama-
teurs are no longer offered in vain, for in truth we customarily
see of late years beautiful specimen plants from the hands
of amateurs, although but a few years back such a pleasant
Bpectacle was unknown. Pardon a possible egotism if I ex-
press the thought, which perhaps is vain, and the hope, that is
certainly honourable, that the " Amateur's Rose Book " has
helped to bring about this beneficial change in our cultivation
of Roses.

But I must stop, and "leave half-told the pleasing tale." I
will hope to write again if you will have me do so. Remem-
bering, as a rosarian must, the debt that England owes to
France — for the names of the Roses tell the tale — how shall I
do other than hope that the Rose and the Lily may flower in
both lands in gay and sweet companionship, and prove the
true symbols of a gentle and lasting love that knows not of
boundary lines and interests that conflict, but is animated by
the spirit of dear Robert Burns when he yearned for the day
when all men, the world around, would become " brithers a' ?"
— Shiblet Hibbebd (in Journal des Roses).

UNHEALTHY VINES.

" A Jersey Readeb " gives us a sad history of his Vines, which
consist of Black Hamburghs and Muscats planted in the same
house seven years ago. They have produced " splendid fruit
annually till last year, when the fruit was very inferior — badly
coloured, and many small berries in every bunch. This year
the crop is again a poor one, especially of Muscats, the growth
of which is excessively weak and puny ; while, on the contrary,
the Black Hamburghs promise better things in future, as they
are making good wood." It is supposed that this unfortunate
state of things is owing to mismanagement, the cause of the
"host of small berries" being clearly traceable to a check
sustained by the Vines just as the berries were commencing
swelling, and the statement that " the fire was out for two or
three days when the bunches were in bloom " points to neglect;
or was the example of faulty practice owing to ignorance ? It
is not at all unlikely, or at any rate it was undoubtedly igno-
rance which induced the subsequent application of a dressing
of some three hundredweight of guano to a small Vine border,
and thus instead of enriching it killing all the tender rootlets,
and giving such a shock to the entire system of the Vines that
careful treatment and painstaking will be necessary to bring
them again into a flourishing condition.

So many examples of mismanaged Vines having come under
our notice renders it desirable that the reply to "AJebset
Reabes" should be made as useful as possible to others re-
quiring some assistance. The remedy in this instance is of
the most simple nature. Examine the border immediately,
and make yourself thoroughly acquainted with the condition of
both roots and soil. If rootlets are abundant, stout, healthy,
and spreading among the soil in every direction, then let well
alone, and turn your attention to the branches, which keep
well thinned and thoroughly clean in every part, foliage as
well as bark, letting little, if any, fruit remain upon them thia
year, and you may look forward to a full and abundant crop
next year ; for the nature of all Grape Vines is so wonderfully
elastic that a season or two of skilful treatment is all that is
requisite to bring the most sickly, often apparently worn-out.
Vines into a satisfactory condition. But if, instead of healthy
growing roots, most of them are found to have perished at
the ends and new rootlets are not pushing freely in the soil,
then we would not lose a day, but set to forthwith and re-
move all the soil in which the roots have failed, replacing it
with rich sweet turfy loam. If your soil is not naturally a
rich and fertile one, then use a mixture of three-fourths of
turf an inch in thickness pared from an old pasture, broken
into pieces as big as one's fist, and one-fourth of old black-
lookiug well-decayed manure, with an ample sprinkling of any
gritty matter that you can obtain, such as shattered bricks,
the chippings of a stone quarry, or, best of all, gritty road
scrapings. Apply this, give an occasional soaking of water if
the weather prove very hot and dry, and you will soon have
new roots in abundance greedily feeding upon the rich store
provided for them, and infusing new life and vigour into stem,
branches, and foliage.

Thus much for this particular case. Now let us tarn our
attention to general causes of failure and of success. It is a
well-understood fact that without good soil we cannot have
good Grapes ; yet undue stress is occasionally laid upon the
matter, and the scientific formation of Vine borders has been
carried to an extreme, and what is really a very simple matter
has been made to appear a very complicated and withal costly
affair. Let us call in a little common sense to our aid in this
matter. The soil which will produce good vegetables will pro-
duce good Grapes, and we may safely apply it to either pur-
pose ; but in doing so we must not forget that vegetable cul-
ture is an affair of weeks or months, the crop then being
matured, the plants removed, and the soil broken up and
renovated with manure. The Vines, on the contrary, not only

346

JOOUNAIi OF HOBTIOUIiTUBE AND OOTXAQB GABDQNEB.

[ M»y 10, 1877.

remain in the soil, bat their roots take possesBion of it bo com-
pletely that it cannot be stirred or broken np. We therefore
take care to drain it in the first instance in order to prevent
any accamulation of stagnant water, and to incorporate some
hard gritty substance with it to render it permanently open to
the action of the air, and that water may find a free and ready
passage tbrongh it. To enrich it and draw the roots to the
surface we give an annual top-dressing of manure, such as is
generally to be had from the farmyard, piggery, or stable, and
with the exception of watering nothing more is really necessary
to retain the Vines in fall vigour for many years ; avoid, there-
fore, any exceseive application of stimulants. Large clusters
of Grapes are only to be had by devoting Vines specially to
their production, letting three or four bunches constitute the
crop of each Vine instead of twenty or thirty, which is obvi-
ously an impracticable plan when a daily supply of Grapes ia
required for the table. Go to any of our largest gardens
where Grapes are grown by the ton and the fruit ia brought
to a high degree of excellence, and you will find no sensa-
tional clusters, but any number of " two-pounders" with fine
large plump berries. That is the point at which our best
growers aim. Give them plenty of large berries and they
are satisfied, not caring much about size of bunch. It is
npon the berries that judgment is passed, and not upon the
bnnohee.

Within the vinery itself we should strive to maintain a tole-
rably steady progressive temperature, an avoidance of crowding
of wood, foliage, bunches, or berries, great cleanliness (I have
strong faith in the efBcaoy of clean water), and close attention
to detail. Take an ordinary example of good Grape oolture as
your atandard of excellence, and if yon attain to it rest con-
tent and leave the sensational bunches to those having means
and time at their disposal for a process which after all is more
interesting than useful. — Edward LncKHnKSi.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

We remind our readers that the next exhibition of the Eoyal
HoETiccLTDRAL SociETT and meetings of the Scientific and
Fruit and Floral Committees will be held on Tuesday, May
15th. The change of the day could not have occurred at a
more opportune time, since it leaves exhibitors and visitors
free to patronise without inconvenience the first summer show
of the Eoyal Botanic Society, which occurs on the day follow-
ing. The meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society will in
future be held on Tuesdays, except at any time the Council
ahould have special reasons to select another day. Practically,
however, the absurd clashing of the shows of the two great
Societies — the Boyal Horticultural and the Royal Botanic — is
at an end.

The following letter haa been received by the President

of the Royal Hobticultoral Society : — " Buckingham Palace,
May 2nd, 1877. Dear Lord Aberdare, — I have been desired by
the Queen to express to you and to the Council of the Horti-
onltural Society, how much Her Majesty admired the mag-
nificent exhibition of flowers and fruit displayed in the gardens
to-day, when Her Majesty visited them with Princess Beatrice
and the Duchess of Edinburgh. The Queen also was much
satisfied with the arrangements made for her reception. I am,
truly yours, T. M. BioDDLrn. — The Lord Aberdare, &c."

At the general meeting of the Royal HoRxicnLTURAL

Society held on May 2Dd, Lord Alfred S. Churchill, V.P., in
the chair, the following candidates were duly elected Fellows
of the Society — viz., A. Austin, John Barran, M.P., Alfred
Bedborough, Duchess of Bedford, Mrs. Belli, B. Blenkinsop,
H. J. Smith-Bosanqnet, Lieut.-Col. Bousfield, M.P., Mrs.
Lewis Enight-Bruoe, Hon. A. C. G. Calthorpe, E. B. Cater,
W. J. R. Cotton, Mrs. Denison, Mrs. G. Dowdeswell, Mrs.
Entwisle, John Trew Gray, John Grieve, J, S. Grimshaw,
Mrs. Halsey, Henry Nye, J. T. Oswald, C. E. Pearson, Mrs.
Poole, Colonel J. F. Porter, J. H. Pounce, Thos. Pyke, John
Reeves, Rowland Robbins, Mrs. T. Skinner, Mre. Eowland
Smith, Mrs. Stephenson, Miss Towers, Miss Harriet Towers,
James Webber, Thomas Whitburn, Mrs. Williams, W. W.
Worth, Ac. The Bristol Chrysanthemum and Spring Show
Society, Grand Yorkshire Gala Floral and Musical Exhibition,
and the Eoyal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society,
were admitted into union. A list of nineteen guinea members
elected by the Council was also announced.

The Leeds Horticdltcral Society having obtained

by Fellowship with the Boyal Horticultural Society a number

of the Society's medala, we hear that these wUl be awarded as
follows at the annual Exhibition on the 27th, 28th, and 29th
June: — The silver Banksian to the best grown plant in the
Exhibition ; the silver Knightian to the most worthy speci-
men of fruit exhibited. A bronze Banksian and bronze
Knightian will be awarded at the discretion of the Judges.

We ought not to omit to mention a cariosity exhibited

by Mr. Cutbush at South Kensington last week — namely, a
new Tulip, named Mrs. Cutbush, stated to be the " first blub
Tulip." This is a novelty, and an interesting one. It is not
the amount of blue in the petals, but the fact of ita presence,
that haa warranted the above appellation. The blue appears
to rise like a clond from the base of the white petals, and break
upwards in irregular streaks. The flower is not only undoubt.
edly novel from the unusual combination of colours, but
attractive. It will be looked for again. It should be stated
that several blooms were exhibited, all of which were alike
tinged with blue.

Writing to us on early Melons, a correspondent states

that Mr. Jordan, gardener to J. Boustead, Esq., Cannizaro
House, Wimbledon, has cut very fine fruit from plants raised
from seed sown on January 20th of the present year, and
planted in a small pit early in April. The first to ripen was
Sutton's Horticultural Prize, which was cut April 30th, and
weighed nearly 3 lbs. Several others are nearly ripe which will
weigh 4 and 5 lbs. Considering the earliness of the season at
which they are ripe and the character of weather experienced, this
instance of " expreaa Melon growing " is deserving of record.

• Many letters have reached na controverting the state-
ment of " A Master Gardener " relative to hedgehogs sucking
oows. We can only give one extract from the letter of " A
Countryman," which appears to dispose of the matter. " In
the first place," says our correspondent, " it is impossible for
a hedgehog to get a cow's teat into ita mouth ; and in the
next place, if it were possible, the cow would not allow it to do
BO on account of its very sharp teeth."

We are glad to hear that Mr. E. E. Cutler, the Secre-
tary of the Gardeners' Eoyal Benevolent Institution, has
retired from the Westminstar Fire Insurance Oflice, in which
he has held a high appointment for many years, with a liberal
pension and the highest esteem of the directors. Mr. Cutler
informs us that he will now be " a free man," and that it is
his intention to devote his time to the Gardeners' Royal Bene-
volent Institution,

At the great exhibition that was held at South Ken-

singtou on the 2nd inst. Lady Dorothy Nevill exhibited
several articles made of oak stained with the mycelium of
Peziza leruginosa, which gives it the appearance of Malachite,
But the most interesting portion of her ladyship's exhibition
was the living fungus, which is cultivated in one of the Fern
houses at Dangstein by Mr. Vair, the skilful gardener there.
These specimens were objects of great interest to Her Majesty
and the other Eoyal visitors, to whom they were explained by
Dr. Hogg, Secretary of the Society.

— — • The long corridor in the nurseries of Meaara. Veitoh
and Sona, Chelsea, is exceedingly gay with Ehododendrons iu
pota and baskets. The shrubs have been grown and forced in
the Coombe Wood Nurseries. They vary from 1 to 3 feet in
diameter, and their massive fiowers and varied colours produce
a striking effect. One of the finest of them is The Queen.
Its colour is blush suSused with lilac, the upper petals being
spotted with orange. Other excellent light varieties are Mrs.
John Clntton, Purity, and Onslowianum. Lady Eolle is also a
splendid flower, but more heavily blotched than the preceding.
Of the rich-coloured sorts Michael Waterer, Miss Duller, and
Brougbtonianum are the most noticeable; and Everestianum
is extremely gay with its profusion of fine lilac trusses of
fringed fiowers. The few varieties named are especially worthy
of cultivation for in or outdoor display.

We regret to announce the death of a fine old British

gardener — Mb. Alexander Cramb, who died suddenly at Tort-
worth on the 27th ult. in the sixty-eighth year of his age.
Mr. Cramb was well known as a highly successful fruit-grower.
He was a trusted servant of Earl Ducie, and a friend to all
with whom he was associated.

The collection of Roses in pots to which a silver-gilt

medal was awarded at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show
last week was staged by Messrs. Lane & Son, Berkhampstead,
and not by Mr. Turner as inadvertently stated in our report.
Medala were also awarded to the following exhibitors for

May 10, 1S77. J

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

317

Orchids:— J. G. Hepbarn, Esq. (Mr. Loveland, gardener); Sir
Trevor Laurenca, Bart. (Mr. Spiers, grower) ; Sir Henry Peek,
Bart. (Mr. Ollerbead, gardener) ; W. Terry, Esq. (Mr. Roberta,
gardeoer); and J. W. Miles, Esq. (Mr. r,?rry, gardener). In
onr report we observe that the names of Mr. Miles and his
gardener were transposed.

The display of Pine Apples exhibited at South Iven-

eingtoa last weeklwere deserving of more than a mere passing
notice. There were twenty-four of them, and about the same
number are now arranged by Mr. Webber in the Central
Avenue, Covent Garden. They are, perhaps, the most perfect
fruits which have ever been imported from the Azores, for they
are the pick of a cargo of two thousand which recently arrived.
Both in appearance — the plumpness and brightness of the fruit,
and the sizs and state of the crowns — they are quite equal
to English-grown Pines. Their weights may be estimated at
from 5 to 7 lbs. each. Since Pines of such excellent quality
have been sent from Madeira the demand for them has greatly
increased, and the prejudice which for a time existed against
them as foreign fruit is rapidly diminishing.

CoL. W. W. HoLLisTER might as well, while he is about

it, buy the whole of California. He already owns 7j,000 acres
of that blooming State. On his Santa Barbara farm he has
the trifling number of 40,000 fruit trees.

EAELY WKITEKS ON ENGLISH GAKDENING.

No. SI.
THOMAS HOGG.

TuE taste for florists' flowers was first extensively promoted,
if not originated, in this country about the close of the six-
teenth century, for at that time a great increase of informa-
tion as to their cultivation, as well as new varieties, were
introduced by the Flemish worsted manufacturers, who were
driven over to Norwich during the persecutions in their country
by Philip II. and by the Duke of Alva in 15(57. They brought
over with them GilliBowers, Provence Roses, and Carnations.
This was in the reign of Elizabeth (1.558-1602), who was her-
self very fond of flowers. Tulips and the Damask and Musk
Roses appeared to have been introduced early in her reign.
Gerarde says, in 1596, that a principal collector and propaga-
tor of Tulips had been so for twenty years, and had an im-
mense variety. There is mention of a florists' feast at Norwich
so early as 1637, at which a play or pageant termed "Ehodon
and Iris " was performed. In 1671 Evelyn mentions Sir T.
Brown's garden there as being a " paradise of rarities," and
that the parterres of all the inhabitants were rich in excellent
flowers. In short, Gerarde and others mention cultivators of
flowers almost in every county of the kingdom. The taste
pervaded every rank. The Duke of Somerset, the Duchess of
Beaufort, Dr. Turner, Mr. Lete a London merchant, the
artisans of each manufacturing town, are mentioned as de-
lighting in flowers and flowering shrubs. The taste once
become general has never since abated, and occasioned the
establishment of a distinct branch in the trade of plant culture.
Florists by trade are traceable in this country in unbroken
succession from the reign of Elizabeth, and we may add,
without any good ground for contradiction, that among our
florists have been some of the most skilful, intelligent, and
hononrable of men. Among these was one for whose biography
we are much indebted to a friend.

Thomas Hogg was born in the year 1771 at a small village
on the banks of the Tees, and when he was of very early age
bis father settled at the village of Romald Kirk, near Barnard
Castle, where he pursued the calling of a shopkeeper and
farmer. When very young the subject of this notice displayed
a great fondness for books, and manifested a strong desire
after attaining information on all subjects. His parents being
in easy circumstances, and having the advantage of a respect-
able and well-conducted school in the neighbourhood, they
lost no opportunity to encourage the natural taste of their
son, and develope, so far as lay in their power, the abilities
which he had begun to exhibit. They therefore gave him a
liberal education, which consisted chiefly of a thoroughly
classical character, and he soon began to distinguish himself
as an excellent Greek and Latin scholar. His diligence and
assiduity attracted the notice of Dr. Bhgh, the incumbent of
Romald Kirk, who, having heard of his studious habits, and
become acquainted with his proficiency in classical literature
as well as his general well-grounded information on all ordinary
subjects, determined to introduce him to a more suitable sphere.

Ha accordingly brought Mr. Hogg to London, at which time
he was only about twenty years of age. His first engage-
ment was as assistant to Dr. Thomson, who kept a large and
highly respectable classical establishment at Kensington. He
remained in this situation for a considerable time, until the
death of the Rev. Mr. Shepherd, the incumbent of Padding-
ton. This gentleman also kept a large educational establish-
ment, which became vacant at his death, and which was now
succeeded to by Mr. Hogg. This he carried on with much
success for a period of thirty years, during which time he also
devoted much of his leisure to floriculture ; but as his health
gradually failed, owing to a nervous aflection brought on by
severe study and close attention to his educational duties, his
physician advised him to relinquish the school and devote his
attention exclusively to floriculture. He obeyed the advice,
and we have reason for saying that when he published the
following in 1S3.3 it was not dictated either by the querulous-
ness or the self-sufficiency of declining old age : —

" As to myself, who unfortunately have been an invalid for
sixteen years, suffering from paralysis and a diseased state of
the nerves, and whose memory and faculties have been affected
thereby, I cannot expect to claim any exemption from the
like infirmities attendant more or less on old age ; yet while
I solicit indulgence on this account, I seek not, by unmanly
concessions, to disarm fair censure and criticism of their just
right to examine and judge of its merits ; I mean as to the
subject matter, and not the manner of describing it. My
object (in publishing) is twofold. In the first place, I have
been anxious some time to amend and supply the defects in
my former work; and, in the next place, I have been not
without hope of deriving some small profit and advantage by
publishing the "Supplement" on my own account; for tha
same necessity which obliged me to attempt seeking a liveli-
hood in the garden, after I had been unfortunately rendered
incapable of continuing my labours in the school, and I had
then been gerund-grinding for thirty years, still exists in all
its force. The gifts of fortune have not fallen to my lot, and
I am therefore compelled to use the means within my reach
for the subsistence of myself and a numerous family. Though
my infirmities increase, and though I am able to do little or
nothing myself, yet the same routine of culture and manage-
ment will be continued as usual by my two sons, who have
been for some years past the acting managers and florists in
tha business, so that my friends and customers may safely
depend on being supplied with healthy plants, correct in every
respect as before. It is some consolation in being able to
state that in all the dealings which I have had with florists,
both in England and in the different parts of the Continent,
there is not one of them can say that I have not honestly
fulfilled every engagement."

The above is extracted from his " Supplement " to another
small volume, entitled " A Practical Treatise on the Calturo
of the Carnation, Pink, Auricula, Polyanthus, Ranunculus,
Tulip, Hyacinth, Rose, and other Flowers." This was pub-
lished first in 1830, and in nine years passed through six
editions. They are amusing as well as instructive volumes,
and the following will give our readers an idea of their varied
contents : —

" One Christopher Nunn of Enfield, Middlesex, a noted florist
in his day, was eminent for his skill and dexterity in dressing
Pinks and Carnations for prize exhibitions ; some will even
tell you that Kit was the father of the art. Upon such occa-
sions he had as many applications to dress flowers as he had
to dress wigs, for he was a barber and friseur by trade, and
withal a good-natured, facetious, prating barber, and could
both shave and lay a Carnation with the greatest nicety. 'Xho
novices of that day, who, being unacquainted with hia secret
art, trusted to Dame Nature to open, expand, and perfect their
flowers, were no match for Nunez, for he began where she left
off, and perfected what she had left imperfect. His arrange-
ment and disposition of the petals were admirable, and as-
tonished those novices. Kit's art of dressing is still an envi-
able art, and attainable only by few. Kit as a florist possessed
other merit besides this ; he could mix and temper soils with
the same skill as he did his pomatum. He was a great ex-
perimentalist and compounder of manures ; it was all the
same to him whether he snuffed up the odour of Roses or the
less inviting fragrance of animal ordure. It was he who first
applied sugar-bakers' scum as a surface dressing to flowers,
having witnessed its surprising effect upon the land of a
neighbour of his, a sugar-refiner from Goodman's Fields ; and
he also had the credit of persuading and convincing Sir

318

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGK GARDENER.

I Mny 10, 1877.

Somebody Tresilian or Trevannian, a Cornish baronet, that
old rage and old wiga which contained bo much grease and
human fat were a much warmer and richer manure for his
land than the oily carcases of his pilchards; and it is further
said that Kit, as agent or factor, in one week bought up more
than two thousand wii^s in the neighbourhood of that cele-
brated mart Rosemary Lane, which were sent down to try the
experiment."

"Mode of Dressing a Floweh.— I hardly dare attempt to
draw an?outliue even of this sublime art of dressing a flower,
because I have neither studied nor practised it myself, and,
therefore, not being entitled to a diploma, I must neither
assume the title nor degree of A.M. — that is, Artis Magister,
by which alone I might be held qualified to teach it, but must

be content to be considered only as a pretender and quack
upon this abstruse point. However, let us see what sort of a
handle I shall make of it. In the first place, then, provide
yourself with proper instruments — namely, a pair of brass or
ivory etui, commonly called tweezers, and a small ivory bodkin.
As soon as the guard leaves drop clap a card on, and with
your bodkin from time to time assist the petals in falling into
their places. Then fix a glass cap over the blossom to bleach
the white and to enable the leaves by the warmth to expand
freely. Shade the glass when the sun is out with a Cabbage
leaf or bit of canvas. Take the glass off for an hour or
two in the evening to expose the blossom to the air, lest the
colours become faint by too much confinement and lose their
lustre. Dissolve a little nitre or saltpetre in the water before

Tjg it — TH0M4S HOGG

you put your flowers in it. This will help to stiffen the leaves.
After they have been in water a couple of hours take your etui
and pull the guard leaves quite round and circular. Then
place the second, third, and fourth tier of petals in an im-
bricated form — that is, like slates upon a roof or scales upon
a fish, a leaf covering each division of the leaves in each row
or tier, till they are all arranged in a convex form like the
outside of a dome or cupola. Place the bizarred and finely-
striped leaves in fall sight, plucR out all white and self-
coloured, all pouncy and superfluous dull leaves, and those that
will not lie whirl with your bodkin into the crown of the flower.
Lot the blooms be set in the cellar or coolest part of the house
all night over a tub of water. Mind that the clefts or fissures
down the sides of the pod do not reach below the bottom external
cup, and that tbe guard loaves stand firm and support them-
pelves without the card. A practical lesson, after all, upon
the flower, is worth a dozen theoretical upon paper. Learn
this art by practice, and practise to learn."

Mr. Hogg, contrary to his own expectations, lived for nine
yoira after the publication of his " Supplement," and died as
much regretted as he had lived respected. He was buried on

the south side of Paddington Church, near the road, where a
small altar-tomb may be seen with this inscription : —

Saorod

To the memory of

MR. THOMAS HOGG,

Many years a resident in this parish,

Who died March 12th, 1841. in the 70th year oj his age.

Also MRS. ELIZABETH HOaG,

Wife of the above.

Who died February 15tb, 1822, aged 49 years.

The accompanying portrait of this good old florist and
writer, which has been engraved from an excellent oil-painting
in our possession, will be welcomed by the increasing number
who are now happily interested in the cultivation of such
flowers as the Carnation and Auricula.

GKEENHODSE RHODODENDRONS.

When Mr. Taylor (one of Messrs. Veitch's foremen) con-
ceived the idea of crossing the white R. jasminiflorum with
the buff K. javanicum ho had little idea of seeing such varied
and excellent results. He was not at all prepared that the

May 10, 1S77. ]

JOURNAL OF HOaTICULTURE AND OOXTAQE GARDENER.

349

beantif q1 pink variety Princesa Eoyal would issue from such
a cross ; but when such was the case he was quick to perceive
that a wide and important field was open for further experi-
ment. Some years of waiting have brought a reward to the
great Chelsea firm, and through them to the horticultural
world, for since the value of this fine type of Rhododendrons
has become admitted they will speedily find their way into all
the important gardens of the country. The newer varieties,
which have been lately exhibited and certificated, Messrs.
Veitch state, have betn obtained by the intercrossing of
B. javnnioum, E. Lobbi, II. Brookei, and K. Princess Koyal,
and in which the gorgeous and pleasing colours of these kinds

are blended into a great variety of brilliant and distinct tints.
These hybrids are of far better habit than the parents, and
far more floriferous ; they produce their magnificent trusses
of bloom while the plant is still young, and as they increase
in age and strength yield splendid masses of colour ; there is
scarcely any season of the year in which there is not more or
less bloom. They require the same temperature as E. Princess
Eoyal, and are very suitable for a warm conservatory or green-
house, where their brilliant flowers will be found an invaluable
addition to the decorative resources.

Wo have had evidence that that description is fally justifi-
able, for the varieties we have noticed combine many excellent

Fig, '15.— KiiODLiDENDRON TAVLORI.

qualities. Their colours are distinct and pleasing, the foliage
is handsome, the habit of the plants is good, and they are oon-
tinuona bloomers. They grow and flower with great freedom
in an intermediate house, and the trusses continue a long
time in beauty. The plants appear to require no particular
season of rest, but go on growing, setting their buds, and
flowering continually. A few which we have seen and which
are highly recommendable are

Princess Royal, pink ; E. jaYanicnm x E, jasminiflorum.
Very distinct and pleasing.

Prince Leopold, rosy salmon ; E. Brookei ;■; E. Princess
Boyal. Novel in colour and attractive.

Maidfn's lilnsh, creamy white faintly suffused with pink;
H. jasminiflorum x E. Princess Eoyal. A charming variety
of nndonbted merit.

Duchi'is (if Kdinhurtjh, orange scarlet shaded with crimson ;
R. Lobbi :■; E. Princess Eoyal. A rich and splendid variety.
And

R. Taylori, warm pink with white tube. We did not obtain
the parentage of this charming variety. It is one of "the

best of the batch," perhaps in habit and foliage the " best of
all." An illustration showing the natural size of the truss
and flower is here given, and which alTords a sufficient idea of
the character of this valuabie race of Ehododondrona.

BIRDS AND SQUIRRELS.

As many of your correspondents seem much troubled with
birds and squirrels, I should advise them to keep a dog or a cat
in their gardens. I have two cats, which live almost entirely
in the garden and clear it of mice, and also a colley dog, which
makes it the business of his life to drive away every bird he
sees. The moment a bird settles on a tree or a bush the dog
ia after it, and barka round the tree till the birds rise, when
he hunts them fairly out of the place. Ho has even fiUed-up
his spare time by " bird-keeping " in a field of Wheat, wliich ia
divided from my grounds by a low hedge, and mv neighbour
the farmer declares the dog has saved him tl-ti expense of
keeping a boy to scare birds this winter, wlv'e he haa done
no harm to his crops. At the same time '^^ dog is on ex-

556

JOUSNAtj OP HORTICULTURE iND COTTAGE GA.RDENEB.

t ll»y 10, H77.

celleut terms with the duck?, which walk eoJately in aud ont of
the kitchen garden and clear np the grab? nnd insects at their
ease, perfectly nudiatnrbed by the dos;a and cats. The coUey
attends strictly to business, aud would not dream of chasing
a ohickeu or a duck, whil» ho never allows a wild bird a
moment's peace. — E. E., h'ilts.

WATERING ROSES.

Not much has been written " about Eosea " lately in your
pages. It is not quite the Rose season ; for now the trees are
resting, and their owners appear to be resting too. But the
Roses are now awakening into growth, aud we also must ha up
betimes and aid thom in the best way we can in rendering that
growth perfect.

I have said the Roses are resting ; but I doubt if they ever
really rest. I sometimes think they work even during the
winter, and appropriate and store such food as is within their
reach, and of which they iu due time show us the benefit.
Perhaps I grow different Roses aud for a different object than
do the real roearians. I grow them also in a different manner
from that often adopted. A limited number of " fat blooms "
is not my object, and treps " one year from the bud " are not
my favourites. The favourite Roses in this garden are real
bushes aud real trees which have been growing in the same
places for twenty — thirty years and more, and which appear
each year to be more beautiful than before. They are Rases
Bo hardy that they do not require to ba dug-up annually
and wintered on a sheltered north border — such tiny mifly
sorts are not suited for a Yorkshire garden aud to produce a
cartload of flowers for a choral and floral festival. The Roses
in this garden are not enveloped in Fern or thatched with
straw, for they need no such " protective care." They are old
and hardy — so hardy that some of them survived that long-to-
be-remembered arctic Christmas-eve of 1860, when the thermo-
meter fell below zero aud many a cherished favourite fell too;
many, however, only to rise again, for being " on their own
roots" they started afresh with renewed vigour and have ever
since resisted the severity of the wiuter'a frost. They are not
pruned, perhaps, as a Paul would prune them, nor are trained
as a Camm would train them. A few gross overfed shoots
producing a few highly- fed blooms are not what are coveted
here. They are not "bloated aristocrats" nor "globular"
ecclesiastics ; they are plebeian Roses — Roses grown in tho
mass and for the masses — Roses that are not grown as food
for the learned criticism of a few, but for affording delight
(it may be unlearued, but it is not unrelished) for the many.
They are not growing in " 2 feet of loam aud a third of ma-
nure," but they are just growing in the plain garden soil —
strong in texture it is, but not clay, and it is not more than a
foot in depth, and then come the stones. " But what sorts
of Roses can grow so long aud thrive so well in such ' stuff,'
and how are they supported;"' I fancy may be the mental
inquiry of some. I will tell them.

One of these Roses — one of the finest, is Chi'nudoU'. I can-
not say how many times a blackbird has built its nest in this
" tree," aud how many black nestlings have looked upwards
at the crimson firmament above them and received their
"first impressions" of a beautiful world. Then there is
Madame I'lantier, like a mountain of snow in .Jane and July,
that one bush having more blooms than probably all the
" plants " of Marie Van Iloutte in tho county. Then there
are Brennus and Blairii; the " two Charles," I'uvsl and Law-
son; and the two Pauls, Perras and Ricaut, and " William" —
i.e., William Jesse. Pierre de St. Cyr, if old, is still beautiful,
and La Villo de Bruxelles gives armfuls of flowers. Coupe
d'Hi'bu on the gable end of the vicarage is splendid (what a
grand wall Rose this is!). Our young ladies say this Rose is
the " Queen's favourite," aud who will say it is not worthy of
that honour ? Aud then there is a hedge, a veritable fence, of
the old Scotch Rose often decked with ten thousand bright
buda ; and for " button holes " the most eateemed of all ia the
old double Persian Yellow. Those are a few of the Roses
which are grown ; aud now to the question of support, which
brings me to my text.

They are supported with water — we call it wine, for it makes
the Eosea ao glad and brings colour to their cheeka^no, leaves
and flowers. What is wine to the Roses is liquid manure to
UB. It is convenient to empty some largo tanks and cesspools
when the faiajly are in London during the first week in May,
and then tho wees have their feast of wine, and give us in
return a feast of 'S.oaee. The buds are then swelling aud comn

out boldly, the foliage aubseqnently unfolds a rich dark green,
and the flowers expand freely.

It is no use for those learned in the " laws of vegetation "
to tell me that it is wrong to water Roses when there is no
foliage to absorb the water. They may, perhaps, prove to their
own satisfaction that such a system is wrong in theory, but
many yearly " wiue feasts " have satisfied me that it is right
in practice. I am convinced that it is not only right to apply
liquid manure to Roses now, but that it is the best time to
apply it. I like to saturate the ground wherein are the roots
of the Roses until no more liquid can soak iu, and I like to
" give it 'em strong," as our old coachman says when he assists
in the work. Rosea growing against walls where the soil is
not rich, and is possibly dry, are greatly benefited by a thorough
soaking of liquid manure at the end of April or the beginning
of May. Rosea also iu the open, where the ground is richer,
and it may be wet, are similarly stimulated by the liquid food.

I cannot listen to objections as to the water perishing the
roots and souring the soil. I think, perhaps, what we call aour
the Rosea interpret as being sweet. At any rate, I know that
they enjoy the May watering and show the benefit of it through-
out the blooming season. To all who have Roses which have
been growing for years in the same soil I say, Give them
liquid manure now, give it freely, and give it strong; in 'act,
I do not know of any Roses, let them be growing in whatever
soil they may, which would not be benefited by an application
of this nature. If I am asked what kind of liquid manure ? 1
reply, Any kind. The drainings of manure, the contents of
cesspools, soapsuds, &c. — all are good for Roses, and if none
of these can be had give them guano water; strength, 1 oz.
to the gallon and a pinch of salt ; mix and use immediately,
giving as much as the soil will take. Liquid manure is a capital
medicine for Roses ; it promotes health aud prevents mildew,
especially when taken in the spring. — A Pabson's Gakdener.

DISBUDDING FRUIT TREES.

A FEW weeks ago you published some remarks on Vine cul-
ture, in which the importance of thinning the shoots was
pointed out ; and the benefit this has on the Vine applies with
equal force to most kinds of fruit trees growing out of doors,
especially those trained against walls. Many consider that
disbudding and pinching are iodispeusable to the well-being
of Vines, Peaches, aud other trees under glass, but few, ex-
cepting good professional gardeners, think the same practice
is necessary or would be advantageoua to outdoor trees ; yet
in many instances disbudding is more needful out of doors
than under glass, because outside trees often produce more
young wood than those indoors, and the former have not the
same chance of ripening their wood when it is close together
as those with the assistance of glass. Old standard trees which
are fully grown are hardly worth the trouble of disbudding,
besides the wood on such is seldom of luxuriant growth ; but
young standard trees of Apples. Pears, Plums, Cherries, Ac,
should all be disbudded, not only with the view of giving the
young shoots sufficient space to develope, but alec that the
trees may grow-up in a symmetrical form.

In disbudding standard treea first remove the shoots which
are growing the closest together, and those which are growing
in the direction of the centre of the tree should always be
taken before those which are growiug outwards. The dis-
budding, however, of standard or bush trees is of secondary
importance to those trained against walls, as the air cannot
circulate all around the latter like the former, and there ia,
therefore, all the more need to attend to the disbudding of
wall trees.

Before describing tho mode of disbudding I desire to say
that it is a bad plan to commence the work too early. Remov-
ing tho shoots before they are well formed, or just when they
are composed of a few leave.':, is depriving the fruit of excel-
lent protection, as I find nothing saves the fruit so perfectly
from cold blasts and nipping spring frosts as being surrounded
or partially covered with leaves.

"The first week in May is quite early enough to begin dis-
budding any tree out of doors, and at first only a few of the
shoots must be removed. In beginning it will be seen that
some of the young growths are goiuf; directly against tho wall.
Rub off every one of these, and at the same time remove all
thoae which are growing straight out from the wall. This will
leave the remaining growths arranged along each side of the
old wood. Leave them like this for ten days or a fortnight
IjDger, then go over thom again, and this time reduce tho

Slay 10, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

351

ntunber of the Bhoots until they are 6 inches apart, and always
bear in mind to leave a good shoot in a good position near the
base of the old wood. This will kesp the trees from becoming
bare of fruiting wood in the centre. Always leave shoots to
fill up open spaces, and never crowd them together upon any
consideration. This kind of disbudding applies principally to
Peaches and Nectarines, but young Plume and other trees re-
quire to be dealt with in like manner. At the last disbudding
always try to leave the fruit as much exposed to the light and
sunshine as possible. Old Apricot and Fear trees which send
out large bunches of young shoots from the spurs should have
some of the shoots taken away altogether, and the others
ehonld be cut or nipped with the finger and thumb about
2 inches from their base. This saves pruning in winter, and
is much the best way of securing healthy fruit buds for another
year. — Pbaciicai,i8t.

DEATH OF MR. J. E. EEEVES.
It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death
of Mr. John Russell Reeves, F.R.S., F.L.S., which took place
at his resideace of Woodhayes, Wimbledon, in the seventy-
third year of his age. Mr. Reeves was long known as an
ardent lover of science, and especially of natural science, and
from the position he occupied he bad ample opportunities,
which he freely used, of promoting its advancement. Horti-
culture and botany have lost in him a liberal and enlightened
patron. He was for some years on the Council of the Royal
Horticultural Society which resigned in 1873 in consequence
of the agitation raised by Sir Alfred Slade, Mr. Chetwynde,
and others ; but Mr. Reeves was always opposed to that resig-
nation as being illegal, and he stoutly opposed the fatal step
to the last. Like his father the late Mr. John Reeves, whose
death we recorded just twenty-one years ago at the age of
eighty-two, and after whom so many plants have been named,
Mr. John R. Reeves was equally assiduous during his sojourn
in the East to forward to the Royal Horticultural and Zoolo-
gical Societies any objects of interest or of rarity with which
he was brought in contact. It is in honour of him that the
beautiful pheasant Fhasianus Reevesii is named, and many
plants now so popular and ornamental in European gardens
were introduced through his instrumentality. Mr. Reeves was
for many years connected with the commerce of the East, and
was one of the heads of the great house of Dent, Palmer, and
Co., in the City of London.

THE NATIONAL AURICULA SOCIETY'S
NORTHERN SHOW.

A FEW hours of real pleasure devoted to an inspection of the
treasures brought together by the exhibitors at the National
Auricula Show held at the Town Hall, Manchester, on April
27th, gave fall evidence of that strong and lively appreciation
of the beautiful in Nature and cultivation for which the
artisans and their employers have bo long been famous in the
two counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. The latent fires
of a memorable past only needed the kindling spirit of a
Homer or Barlow to give life and activity to the slumbering
embers of the famous old florists of the neighbourhood, whose
presence was pleasing evidence there, although they had long
ago to retire before the overwhelming foe of scarlet Geraniums
and fickle faehion. They only needed the word of command
to step to the front in their neat, not gaudy, uniforms and
challenge the criticism of the most fastidious. Auriculas, al-
thongh the principal feature, were not the only things of beauty,
but formed the gems for a magnificent setting of beautiful-
flowered and foliage plants kindly lent by the principal growers
around Manchester.

1 append a list of the names of the principal prizetakers ; many
of them, like old songs, are always welcome. To give the names
of all the good flowers would occupy too much of your space, but
the following in the classes I think nneurpassed : — Of white edges,
to which I wonld yield the palm, although those who know them
better than I claim premier place for the green edges, are John
Simonite, with its lovely frosted silver margin, Frank Simonite
having a grand violet ground overlaid with its well-defined
silvery band, SmUing Beauty, and Catherina always the perfec-
tion of correct form and marking. Green edges included Prince
of Greens, Talisman, and Freedom; also several very beautiful
unnamed seedlings of great promise. Of greys Lancashire Hero
has no rival; Geo. Lightbody, Charles Brown, Bolivar, S. Bar-
low, and Alex. Meiklc-john were all first-rate. Selfs. — The finest
were Charles Perry, Metropolitan, Pizarro, and Elen Lancaster.
The rich colour of Lord Leigh and Marquis of Lome give great
promise for the future to those interested iu raising new varieties.

A very interesting box of seedlings, exhibited by S. Barlow, Esq.,
and raised by the Rev. F. D. Horner, many of them in good form,
of the most delicate shades of greenish yellow and primrose, are
full of promise for the future development of quite a new race of
flowers, which, if they do not find a place in competition with
the present standard flowers, cannot fail to find admiration as
decorative plants. The following is a list of the awards : —

Class A, six dissimilar {one at least in each class).— \, Rov. F. D. Horner,
Kirkby Malzeaid, Kipon. 2, B. Simonite, Sheffield. 8. H. Wilson, Halifax.
4, J. Booth, FailBworth. Class B, four dissimilar {oncin each class).— 1, Rev.
F D. Horner. 2, B. Simonite. 3, C. Royds, Rochdale. 4, Miss Steward,
York. Class O, dissimilar (pain).— 1, Rev. F. D. Horner. 2, T. Mellor. S, C.
Rojds. 4, S. Cooper, The Hollies, Timperley. Class D.four Alpines.— 1, R.
Gorton, Ecoles. 2, S. Cooper, 3, Miss Steward. Class E, green crf-ics {single
plants).— Premiam, Rev. F. D. Horner. 1, B. Simonite. 2, 3, and 4, Rev.
F. D. Horner. 5, B. Simonite. 6 and 7, Rev. F. D. Horner. 8, C. Royds.
Class F, grey edges {single plants). — Premiom, S. Barlow, Stakehill. 1 and
2. Rev. F. D. Horner. 8, J. Booth. 4, 6, 6, 7, and R, Rev. F. D. Horner.
Class 0, tchite edges {single plants) —Preminm and 1, Rev. F. D. Horner.
2, W. Wardle, Winshill. 3, D. Jackson, Middleton. 4, B. Simonite. 5, Miae
Steward. 6, T. Mellor. 7, B. Simonite. 8, Bev. F. D. Horner. Class B,
selfs {si7igle plants).— Fremiam, H. Wilson. 1, Rev. F. D. Horner. 2, C.
Royds. 3, S. Barlow. 4. Miss Steward. 5 and 6, W. Wardle. 7 and 8, B.
Simonite. Chus I, Alpines, yellow centres. — Premium and 1, S. Cooper.
2, 8, 4, and ."i, R. Gorton. Class K, Alpines, white iTn(rf«.— Premium and 1,
Miss Steward. 2, R. Gorton. S, Miss Steward. 4 and 5, R. Gorton. Special
Auricula Prizes— For best Lancashire Hero, Rev. F. D. Horner. For best
green edge. Rev. F. D. Homer. For best grey edge, B. Simonite. (Chosen
from the whole Exhibition).

Polyanthus (pairs) dissimilar.— 1, R. Dyson, Chadderton. 2, M. Parting-
ton, Middleton. Single plandi.— Premium and 1, 2, 3, 4, R. Dyson. 5. D.
Jackson. 6, W. Taylor, Middleton. 7, G. Smith, Edmonton. 8, M. Parting-
ton, Middleton.

RICINUS QIBSONII.
Of all the varieties of the Castor-oil Plant this I consider to
be the most distinct and effective. For subtropical gardening
it is highly suitable, and shows to great advantage from the
contrast afforded with the surrounding plants. Its habit is
robust, yet the plant is not in the slightest degree coarse, and
the colour of the leaves and stems is quite distinct from that of
any other strong-growing bedding plant. A single plant grow-
ing in the centre of a small bed of Centaurea, Cineraria
maritima, or Gnaphalium lanatum has a very fine appear-
ance ; also a number of plants thinly disposed over a wide
expanse impart a diversified effect to the garden. This Eicinus
comes true from seed, which should be sown at the present
time — one seed iu the centre of a small pot, and placing in
a heated frame or house. The plants can be shifted into
larger pots when required, and be gradually prepared for
planting-out in June. Castor-oil Plants are frequently raised
too early, and become drawn for the want of suitable struc-
tures to grow them iu during the spring months ; but by com-
paratively late sowing — say the first week iu May — the evil
of having spindly plants is in a great measure obviated. —
A Flower-qakden Fobeman.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

In greenhouses and other places where Vines are grown with-
out the aid of artificial heat they will by this time have started
well into growth, and in most cases the young shoots will have
become sufficiently strong to be secured to the wires placed in
the house to support them. Handle the shoots carefully, and
if they appear stubborn tie them loosely at first and return to
them again in a few days, when they may be placed where they
are required. As soon as the shoots have grown about two
joints from the bunch stop them. If more than one bunch show
on a shoot remove the weakest, and avoid overcropping; and
when laterals shoot again from the joints below where they are
stopped, stop these again to one joint. Keep the atmosphere
as moist as possible consistent with the requirements of the
other subjects in the same house, and close early in the afternoon
to raise ttie temperature and conserve the sun heat. By this
treatment the Vines will make rapid growth and soon be in
bloom.

The bedding-out of summer occupants of most gardens will
now receive attention, more especially in gardens where spring
bedding is not resorted to. Very often during the spring months
we find flower beds as gay with Wallflowers, Myosotis, Pansies,
Polyanthuses, Daisies, Silenes, Collinsias, and other effective
annuals as at any time during the brightest of summer months.
Spring bedding, however, has its disadvantages, for very often
with a late spriog like the present one the flowers must either
be destroyed when in full beauty, or delay is incurred in the
planting-out of the summer favourites until a very late period,
and which is occasionally detrimental, for they have not time
to become established, more especially in hot dry soils, before
the drought of summer usually sets iu. With the thermometer
registering from 2^ to ti" of frost every morning dtiring May, as yet,
many spring flowers have suffered considerably. We would urge

352

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

on amateurs both in the miflland conntieB and in the north — in
fact in all bat highly favoured localities, to refrain from planting
their Bummar-flowering plants until from the 2Uth to the end of
the month. But to facilitate matters everything possible can be
had in readiness; beds unoccupied can be turned and manured,
the edges trimmed, &c. It is a good plan to make a note on
paper of the plants to be bedded-out and the positions they are
to occapy : this will be of great aid at planting time. Continue
hardening-oft the plants as well as circumstanceB and conve-
nience admit. We have had Geraniums out in all this bleak
weather with only the covering of mats.

Outside window boxes are very pleasing adjuncts to many a
villa and suburban residence, as well as to numbers of our town
neighbours, whose only "garden" is their window boxes. The
plants suitable for this purpose are numerous. In bleak and
exposed districts, such as on the north or north-west sides of
houses, where the sun can scarcely ever penetrate, or in exposed
Bituationsat the seaside, there are none better than the common
and variegated Eaonymuses, varied with Auoubas, small Reti-
nosporas or Thujas. At Brighton, where plants suffer so much
from a fierce cutting wind, blowing with it the fine salt spray
from the sea, the Euonymus endures with impunity, and almost
every window is gay with these liliputiau shrubs; but in more
favourable districts bedding plants of various sorts can be attrac-
tively arranged in window boxes. The yellow of the Calceolaria
is seen to advantage lighting up the others, while the blue of
the Lobelia gracefully weeps over the sides. Small Fuchsias and
Geraniums are also plentifully used, and are very useful. Ivy
screens sometimes form a background to these boxes, and
where the Irish Ivy is trained neatly over its wickerwork sup-
port it is very pleasing, and renders the whole box more effec-
tive. The boxes should be of sufficient depth to afford good
root space, and by replenishing at intervals they are always gay,
and afford pleasure to great numbers.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOE
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HABDT FHUIT QARDEN.

Ab was the case last year at this time, there is an abundant
promise for fruit, the trees are robed in white ; but " there is
many a slip between the cup and the lip " and " we must not
count onr chickens before they are hatched," and so until all
dangers of spring frosts are over it is quite superfluous to cal-
culate upon what we shall do with our over-abundant crops this
year. How has May come in ? is a most anxious question from
those depending upon their crops for their daily bread. In our
district it has come in mournfally, like it did last year. Cold,
thin, oast winds have been prevalent since the Ist, with the
thermometer ranging but a few degrees above the freezing poiut,
and sometimes falling as much as 5° below it. Under such cir-
cumstances it is not likely that the more choice varieties of
Pears will set well, and such weather must tell upon Plum and
Pear trees, the blossoms of which had shed their petals before
the nights became quite so cold. If we take last season as an
example the fruit will be likely to drop off in a few days. We
have tried various schemes to protect the blossoms, but have
been only partially sucoessful. If any correspondents could
suggest any practicable method of covering such trees as are to
be found in all well-kept gardens, such as pyramids and dwarf-
trained specimens, so as to protect the blossoms from frost and
not to act injuriously in other respects, it would be a great boon.

A few of the more choice kinds may be grown in glass struc-
tures as recommended by Mr. Rivers, but hundreds cannot
afford even rough glass houses, and they have not the means to
grow the trees in pots ; otherwise it is a very pleasant occupa-
tion for one who has time and means to cultivate fruit trees
under glass, and to those who fancy this style of gardening we
would say, The rougher the house the better do the trees seem
to thrive. No harm results if there is a little ventilation between
many of the laps where the glass meets on the roof. The trees
if in pots require considerable supplies of water at the roots,
and they must not bo quite neglected in winter.

The shading fixed upon rollers for the wall fruit trees should
be let down at sunset and drawn up in the morning about eight
or nine o'clock. The trees ought not to be covered a minute
longer than is necessary. The smaller fruit does not seem to
have suffered much from the frost as yet, the dryness of the air
and the ground having been favourable means of preservation.

It is again necessary to urge the importance of destroying all
caterpillars and larvae of insects which infest bads and blossoms
in as early a stage of their development as possible.

ORCH^VBD HOUSE.

The fruit on Peach and Nectarine trees seems to have set very
well, that on Plum and Pear trees not so well. The glass has
been put-in in very large squares, and the builders were careful to
fit the squares closely at the laps, and the glass upright sashes at
the sides are formed of single squares 4 feet in length, so tbat
anless the ventilators are open the house is almost air-tight.

We blame this for the Pears and Plums not setting well, as the
air is always damp owing to the water applied to Strawberry
plants in pots. At Mr. Fraser's nurseries. Lea Bridge Road, the
fruit trees in his orchard houses set their blossoms much better
than ours. The treatment of the trees is similar, but the
houses are built in a much rougher manner, with spaces for air
where the panes lap over each other. Of course air can be
given at the ventilators, but this is not so effectual as having it
distributed all over the surface of the glass.

Aphis has appeared on the trees in different parts of the
house. This pest periodically visits us with the advent of the
young leaves, and the most effectual means for its destruction
is to fumigate with tobacco smoke. It requires three appli-
cations, and this is generally effectual. It is all very well to
sponge or wash with soapy water, but if you clear the insects
from one tree or branch of a tree they will appear on another
part, &o., ad injinitutn. Not so with smoke ; every part of the
house is permeated with it, and the destruction of insects is
complete.

The trees are looked over occasionally to disbud the branches,
and to cut-out any > hoots which may be wrongly placed or which
are not required. When the trees are under a system of pinch-
ing the young growths soon become crowded, and they are not
always sufficiently thinned-out in autumn. It will be fonnd
that thinning can still be done with advantage.

During the present cold weather water must be applied care-
fully ; still the trees must not be allowed to suffer, as they fre-
queutly do, especially those which have been top-dressed in the
autumn or winter. We were so sensible of this evil that we pot
our trees every year now instead of biennially, as used to be our
practice. The surface compost becomes sodden with wet, while
iinderneath the soil containing active roots often becomes dry,
and this evil increases as the days lengthen. We do not mean
that all or nearly all the trees get into this state, but some of
them do, and it is well to avoid the evil if we can. The potting
must be done as soon as the fruit is gathered in the autumn; at
that time the pota soon become full of fresh rootlets, otherwise
it is not safe to pot annually. With our method of early potting
a good set of fruit is certain so far as it is controlled by the
roots. During this cold weather we do not syringe at night,
only in the morning ; and one thorough syringing at this season
is better than two, if in tho latter case the water is not tho-
roughly applied to the leaves. Apply air early in the morning,
first a little at the highest part of the house, and close the veu-
tilatori between four and five o'clock in the afternoon.

CnCUMBERS AND MELONS.

Where these are growing in frames it has been an anxious
time to those in charge of them, but with care and right manage-
ment the plants may be kept in good growing condition. The
first essential is warmth at night: to secure this cover-up with
mats, or preferably mats and some cheap blanketing under
them. We had some cheap woollen material, and found' that
when it was placed under the mats tender plants were kept
safe during the coldest nights. Covering the glass will not
avail unless at the same time the heat ot the bed is kept-np by
linings. When the heat has declined cut away the old material
round the outer side of the heap, and mix it up with an equal
portion or more of fresh stable manure, and afterwards throw it
up round the frame. Then as to watering. Those who possess
forcing houses can place a potful of water in there ; failing this
the pot containing the water may be placed in the frame until it is
made sufficiently warm. The details of Melon culture is similar
to that of Cucumbers, except that a compost comprising more
loam and less manure is better adapted for them. In the Cu-
cumber house the plants are growing rapidly and producing
abundance of fine Cucumbers. The growths are thinned-out
weekly and regulated. The temperature is 70" at night with a
corresponding rise by day.

OB.INGE AND Tia TREES IN POTS.

These are now making good growth. The former require
70' at night, and Figs will do well in the same temperature, but
we think 0.5° sufficient for them. They do not receive manure
water, but the surface of the soil in the pots is dressed with
some rich material, and nothing is better than loam, guano,
powdered charcoal, and bone dust in about equal proportions.
This compost can be readily obtained, and the trees speedily
show by their rapid growth and healthy appearance that they
like it. Both Figs and Grange trees require to be thoroughly
syringed twice a-day at this season. The water used should be
made warm by standing it over the hot-water pipes, and we
apply the water with considerable force to the under sides of
the leaves, "rhis is the only way to keep red spider from the
Fig leaves, and it helps considerably to prevent the spread of
scale on the Oranges.

FOBCINO FLOWERS.

A continuous supply of Pinks, Roses, and Pelargoniums serve
to keep a conservatory gay with but little assistance from other
plants at this season, and few other flowers are more useful for
cutting ; and the expense of such plants after the first pur-
chases have been made is but little. The main requisite for

May 10, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

forcing is a low pit capable of being heated to 55° daring cold
nights without overheatiug the pipea. The plants should be
near tbe glass, as light and air are all-important. Strict at-
tention must be given to keeping them entirely free from green
fly, as after the plants are placed in the show house they ought
not to be fumigated, as tbe smoke scatters the petals of Pelar-
goniums and destroys the sweetness of the Roses and Pinks.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

Tulips have bent their heads to the keen frosts where not
protected; but where the usual thading material has been pro-
vided they suffered nothing from that cause. The colour is
showing on the petals, and without the canvas covering at night
and shade by day the purity of the flowers would be marred
very much, for this morning (5th inst.) everything is frozen stiff.
The thermometer has fallen to 25'^, or 7" of frost. Carnations
are still under the protection of glass lights ; not that a frost like
this when the plants are dry will do any harm, but the con-
tinued east wind does them no good. It will be necessary to
place them out very soon, as the spindles have come in contact
with the glass. So far the plants have made excellent progress,
and they are quite free from insect pests, and this is a great
point, as green fly is a pest indeed. Pinks move slowly, but the
ground is frequently surface-stirred with the hoe, aud this keeps
the plants in excellent health. The leather-coatt^d grab has
destroyed a few plants, but on the first trace of them we watched
at night with a light and found the nocturnal marauders feeding.

Auriculas are now behind the north wall, but had we known
what the weather would have been they would not have been
placed there so early ; still, many trusses are yet opeuing, and
many plants that were shown at the Crystal Palace are still in
bloom. As the blooms die-off the seed pod is pinched-off with
the fingers. It is dangerous to break the stalk off, as then it be-
comes a mass of decay which cannot be removed sometimes
without the loss of the plant. Do not let the plants be placed
too closely together, and admit all the air possible, removing the
lights altogether when the air is still daring the day. After
such cold nights as we have the days are very warm. We shall
begin potting in a few days, and for this purpose there is no
better material than turfy loam four parts, one part of decayed
manure, one of leaf soil, and a little sand added to loosen the
particles if they are adhesive. — J. Dodglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

William Rumsey, Joyning's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N. —
Catalogue of Select Bedding Plants and Flower Seeds.

Dick Radclyffe & Co., 129, High Holborn, London. — Catalogue
of Seeds, Plants, and Horticultural Decorations.

Dicksona & Sons, 1, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh. — Catalogue
of Florists' Flowers.

Thomas Bunyard & Sons, 48, Week Street, Maidstone, Kent.
— Select List of Bedding Plants, Hoses in Pots, Climbers, <(-c.

William Ball, King's Road, ChelaQat.—Illustrated Catalogue
of New and Mare Plants.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

•,• All correspondence should be directed either to ** The
Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain nuopeued unavoid-
ably. We requefit that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet qaea-
tions relating to Gardening aud those on Poultry and Bee
Bubjecta, and should never send more than two or three
questions at onca. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.

Show PiNSiErf iA. S. F.).— The foUowiag are good in the three clagees:—
Self*: Arab, Mrs. Koisjht, Captain Elder, and Goldeo Queen. Yellow Ground >< :
Bobert Pollock, William Campbell, Mra. Buaaell, and Uobertson Manro.
White Grounds : DucbeBS, Belina, Sunny Park Beauty, and Misa Bessy
M'ABlan.

Design foe a Small Flower Garden {A R€ad':r of the Jour 7vil).—A.
large central oval vrith chains of Rmall circles at each end and a triangular
bed in each comer woald look well np^jn yoar piece of ground 6 yards by 16 ;
far bettor In fact than a more elaborate design, especially if the plantinp ie
well done and the colours tastefully and well balauced. We cannot undertake
to prepare deaignfl, bat will criticise any you may send us.

BniooM BoBDEB iP. F. S.).— Discard the scarlet Geranium, replacing it
with some good pink kind, such as Master Christine or Mrs. Miles, and the
effect will be perfect. If it is inconvenient to do this and the scarlet kind
is retained, we would prefer seeing it placed behind the grey-leaved Cineraria
rather than suffer it to go next the yellow Calceolaria.

PoLLEM OF AucrcA (S. B.).— The male Aucuba is now so common you may
ancceed in obtaining pollen if you make your wants known among your
Mends or to the nearest nurseryman.

AspARAors FOR ExuiBiTioN (C R., Birmingham). —A. fine dish of Aspara-
gus would not only he adinidsiblo in a coUectiOQ of vegetables in August,
bat would ta an acquitdtioo.

KosES IN Greenhouse (Mrs. L.). — We can only conclude that the Roses
not fluwering are in a more shaded position than that of the others, the wood
not being sufficiently ripened. They are not more unsuitable than the others
for greenhouse culture. Allow them to grow, and prune moderately.

ExHrBiTiNQ Roses [T. H. S.).— A gentleman's gardener who is allowed
to sell Roses becomes a dealer, and as such he would be objected to if ex-
hibiting in the amateur classes. A grower cultivating lor pro&t is not an
amateur.

PoLVANTHDS Flowers (R. K. P.). — Nouo of the flowers sent are qnito
perfect accordiog to the florists' standard, for the yellow centre of two of the
flowers slightly runs iato the body colour, and the lacing is not sharply
defined; and of the remaining two, while the flowers are correct in the clear-
ness of the lacing, the segments are a trifle too much pointed, and the
yellow of the lacing ia not cjuite so duop as that of the centre. Still they are
superior to nine-tenths of the Polyanthuses which are exhibited in London,
and you need not hesitate to exhibit them if yon have an inclination to do so
— that is, assuming the foliage ia good, the flower stem stout, and supports
the flowers in an upright position. We congratulate you on your strain, and
advice you to continue selecting and improving. The body colour of the
flowers is very rich and good.

Blood Orange {C D. J. r.).— The Blood Orange is merely a sport from
the common Orange originated by seed, in the same way as a Ribston Pippin
is from the Apple, or a Green Gage from the Plum.

Vine Shoots Scalded {Surbiton).~The shoots are scalded by the sun's
rays falling powerfully upon the Bhoots whilst wet. Mrs. Pince aud Lady
Downe's are more liable to scald than many others. The only remedy is to
discontinue the syringing, and admit air earlier, keeping-up a good atmo-
spheric moisture by frequent sprinklings.

Blue Glass for Vineries (A Novice). — ^We have no experience of blue
glass particularly, hut we have seen glass of various colours usud in a con-
servatory, aud in no iostance with any apparent advantage over other parts
of the house glazed with British sheet of thirds quality. In this country we
have no need of blue lights; better Grapes we believe are grown in England
under colourless thau in America under blue glass.

Vines Over-luxuriant (J. K.). — Ventilate more freely, yot jadicionsly.
Do not entirely close the top lights daring the night, and admit more air
very early in the morning, increaaing it gradually in advance of the increas-
ing temperature. Allow all the foliage possiblo to remain, but avoid over-
crowding as yon would a scourge. The evil of which you complain is in a
great measure the reftult of insoflicient ventilation. Do not let the nighfc
temperature exceed 60^

Asparagus Eaten by Grubs (An Irish Subscriber). — Perhaps the heads
are eatea by slugs, which may bs destroyed by sprinkling the beds with salt,
giving the beds an application so as to make the surface qnito white, or,
what answers better, nitrate of soda, applied at the rate of 1 lb. to SO square
yards. Paraffin oil is very powerful, and is useful as a preventive of the
attacks of predatory vermin. It is, however, very fatal to the foliage of
plants, and requires to he applied carefully. We find that a teaspoonful
thoroughly mixed with three gallons of water, and beEore use skimming off
the oil rising to the surface, is good for steeping seeds before sowing and for
sprinkling between the rows of plants after growth takes place to ward off
attacks of grubs or flies. We think it will be found at that strength a safe
application to apply to plants in firm full foliage. We hope during the
coming season to make some experiments, and will in due coarse record
rcanlte. We should not apply it to the Asparagus beds.

Vines Unfruitful (Idem.).— We think the foliage is too crowded— not
sufficiently exposed to light and air, the wood not being thoroughly ripened.
Allow the shoots a distance of 13 inches to 2 feet apart, stopping them at the
first tendril or at the sixth leaf, and at every leaf afterwards, the laterals
being stopped to one leaf. Afford plenty of air when the wood is ripening,
with fire heat, so as to induce it to become brown and hard. You will find
further remarks on this subject in another column.

Dividing Alpine Auriculas IF. J.). — Do not do so until the flowering is
past aud the plants have had a slight rest, say of a month or so ; then take
them up, separate into as many parts as the plants have crowns, securing
each division with a portion of root, and plant up to the base of the leaves,
watering until established.

Gold Fish (/tit;?n).— Could any of our correspondents oblige us with par-
ticulars of their treatment ia a pond in the garden ?

Raising of Fruit Trees (John Elliott). — la vol. xii., page 88, you will
find an account of " Tha Royal Pears " as raised by Mr. Huyshe. Mr. Koighi's
experiments on fertilisation are to be found in a small book entitled " K
Treatise on the Culture of the Apple and the Pear."

Seedling Pansies {W. G.).— The two dark selfa are very good, but nono
of the other flowers soot combine good shape with stout petals and clearly
defiued colours. Some of them may be attractive for garden decoration, bat
they are greatly inferior to named varieties.

Vegetables Allowed to Under-gapdeners (A., Car3ha}ton).~'ThQ
usual allowance of vegetables to under- gardeners consists of the surplus of
such as are served to the servants'-hall department of an establishmeut, aud
which if not used would spoil. Potatoes are, if the kitchen be served by or
through the garden department, allowed to under-gardeners living on the
premises, but when Potatoes are purchased for the family they are not
Hsaally allowed to under-gardeners, unless, of course, special arrangements
are made. It is verv unusual to allow vegetables to under-gardeuers lodging
off the premises. We hope shortly bo offer some remarks upon the subjeot.

Brodi.tia Culture (Arthur T. Trcr)6).— There is a general reBorablanco in
all the Brodiseas, but each kind posseaaea distinct features, such as are f 3und
in i*izo of foliage, length of flower scape, form, size, and colour of flowers. Of
the two kinds you mention B. grandiflora has small loose trusses of bright
blue flowers with long slender footstalks borne on a scape of about a foot hight
and B. cougosta has much bolder compact trusses of pale blue flowers so
numerous as to offer a striking contrast to those of grandiflora. To these
you should add the bright crimson B. coccinea; under good culture it is re-
markably effective, the flower scapes reaching a height of 3 feet and bearing
large trasses of pendant tabular flowers, most of which are 1^ inch in
length. Wheu grown iu pots they are potted in October in soil consisting of
equal proportions of loam, peat, and sand, and placed in a cold frauie or pit
till active growth begins, when due care must be taken to afford water and
air, for which reason they are then usually taken to the greenhou.io, l)ut when
space is an object they will answer perfectly well in the pit till the llowera
appear. When planted iu an open border, damp low-lying places should be

354

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDBB AND COTTAGE GABDBNEB.

[ May 10, 18T7.

avoided, and dne care taken to prepare the boU before plantinR. As a general
rule we advise that all balba should have as good and carefully prepared floil
in the open ground as in pots. This applies ocpecially forcibly to new gar-
dens, many a valaable batch of bolbs having been lost through planting in a
crude or nDgcnial Boil.

Vallota purpurea (D. if.).— The plants should be potted early In the
spring if required, encouraging their growth by eprinklings overhead and
copious waleringB. In June they may be placed outdoors in an open situa-
tion, watfiring copiously and removing to a greenhouse or room window
when the flower scapes appear. Cultural notes on this useful autumn decora-
tive plant will shortly be published.

Planting Potatoes (Efader).—Vfhen the sets have been small and the
rows nearly 2-^ feet apart we have found eight sacks sufficient to plant an acre
of ground; when the sets have been larger we have required ten sacks, or
even more.

Setting Cannon Boiler {Berne Lodged—ton may have the boiler set
its proper way without interfering with the circulation of the water to any
serious extent. It is not material as to the distance between the flow and
return pipes, bat the circulation is best when the return enters the boiler at
its lowest part, the flow being at the highest; but we have one similar to
yours and the circulation though slow is complete. The depth of the furnace
calculating from the grate bars to the lower central convexity of the boiler is
9 inches, and in length 18 Inches; but without good stoking and fuel of
elow combustion such small furnaces require frequent attention.

Weed in Wheat Field {BTene'hley).—\i is the Corn Buttercup (Ranun-
culus arvensis), whioh flowers during May amongst the young corn, its three-
cleft leaves giving rise to the name of " clock wheel." It is best proceeded
against by hoeing before it flowers. Hoeing being now almost abandoned in
the cultivation of cereal crops, hence the increase of weeds by their being
allowed to seed. Fallow before taking a Wheat crop, or what is better, a
root crop, and drain the soil if required.

Destroying Weeds in Gravel Walks {Suhseriber, St. Bridgid). — We
have no experience of vitriol except for destroyicg coarse weeds sush as Thistle,
Dandelion, Plantain, &e., but the followiug application is very effective: —
Dissolve 1 lb. of powdered arsenic in three gallons of cold water, bail and keep
ctirring, then add seven gallons of cold water and '2 lbs. of crushed soda,
stir the whole well whilst boiling, and with a rose watering-pot apply to the
walks in dry weather from March to May. It may be applied cold, but is best
nsed hot, placing an Incliuing board at the sides of the walk to keep the hot
liquid from the Boi or Grass. The above quantity is sufficient for 25 square
yards.

Calico Lights (Idem). — Pale Unseed oil three pints, sugar of lead 1 oz.,
white reein 4 ozs. Grind the sugar of lead with a little of the oil, adding the
other ingredients, incorporating the whole thoroughly in a large iron pot over
a gentle fire, and apply hot with a large brush to the calico tacked loosely on
the frame. The following day tack on to the frame tightly. Thene fraraea are
very useful to ward-ofT heavy rains, and for affording shelter and shade.

Glazing Vineby (T. IF.).— We should glaze the house with 21-oz. sheet
glass ttiroughout, the other glass you name not being necessary for either
the Vines or plants.

Green Fly on Peach Trees (G. C.).— Tobacco smoke properly applied is
B certain cure for green fly, but it often causes the flowers of plants to fall
off. Fumigating Peach trees before and after flowering will save them from
the ravages of greea fly. Trees on walls out of doors are difficult to manage
when green fly attacks them. We uae a rick cloth to cover the wall and
trees, syringe it well to thicken the cloth, aud then fill the space between it
and the wall with tobacco smoke, and afterwards syringe the fly off.

Names of Plants {E. R. ilf.).— Polemonium cceroleum variegatnm.

POULTEY, BEE, AKD PIGEON OHEONIOLE.

BIRDS AND TELEGRAPH WIRES.

We had no idea when writing on the " dangers of birds " two
or three weeks ago that the subject would have been interesting
to so many. We have had, however, bo many letters asking for
farther information as to what birds were killed most frequently
in the time when there were but two or three wires running
along the line of railway, that wo have made further inquiries
from a most responsible person, who has supplied us with the
following information concerning the birds whioh have come
into his own hands.

He has had Partridges in abundance and a few Pheasants, also
Bome few Wood Pigeons ; but these did not come into his pos-
Bession in large numbers, although his neighbourhood abounded
with them. Of Hawks he had no less than seven hobbies, three
of which he now has set up in his own collection. They were
all males except one. One of them was killed close by Mr.
Keynes's celebrated rose gardens near Salisbury, and another
of them had his wing cut oft by the wires. He also obtained
from Devonshire very many tawny Owls and several barn Owls.
Cuckoos, Wrynecks ; and Doves, too, in great numbers were
picked up on the line in his neighbourhood and brought to him.
He also tells us that he has never come across Rooks, Crows,
or Magpies killed in this way— in fact none of the Crow family;
neither has he ever had Martins or Swallows. These birds
apparently were able to keep out of such dangers.

Of smaller birds he tells us great numbers were continually
being picked up under the wires, especially Larks, but it was no
small number also of Thrashes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Red-
wings, Yellow Bantings, Cbaffinobes, and Robins, the latter
being nearly always killed at early dawn. He also found one
Ring Ousel, Lapwings, Wild Ducks, .Tack and common Snipes,
Thick-kneed Bustards or Norfolk Plovers, also Golden and
common Plovers. In one morning in October he found five of

the latter species lying dead all close together. Wagtails, too,
used to be found in numbers, generally in the autumn, when
many of them had got into flocks for migration, and these most
especially near Chard, where they used to congregate in the
osier beds. It was not, however, from flocks in migratory flights
that the greatest number met their deaths, but nearly always
when they were oat seeking their food ; and they were most
generally found in a valley, when the birds flying from the hills
could not see the few wires which then ezisted, as they were
against the light.

These birds were all picked np in the years of 1857—1860. As
soon as the number of the telegraph wires were increased, most
perceptibly did the number of deaths occasioned by them de-
crease, and now when there are eighteen or twenty wires the
mortality among the birds from this cause is almost nothing
in comparison to former times. We can, then, easily realise
what a startling number of birds must have been annually
killed in past years, for all those which we have mentioned
were either picked up by or came casually into one man's
possession, and he has now many of them exquisitely set up
and cased in memory of those murderous times. One or two
have written to us saying that it was impossible for three men
to have in one season picked up 361 Partridges on eight and a
half miles of line. We can, however, assure them that it was
the case, and that even since writing at that time we have again
verified the statement, and would again tell our readers that it
was on the L. & S.W.R. that this occurred, whioh line of rail-
way runs through some of the very best Partridge shooting in
the soQth of England.

While on the subject, however, of wild birds and their foes,
we are glad to hear that an ofiicer of the Society for Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals seized upon a large quantity of young
Blackbirds and Thrushes which were exposed for sale at Rom-
ford a week or two back, contrary to the Wild Fowl Protection
Act; and, again, we learn that one of the London bird-catchers
has been brought to book, for last week at Wandsworth George
Smith, a bird-catcher, was charged with taking a nest contain-
ing some young Linnets, contrary to the byelaws of the Con-
servators of Wimbledon Common. The charge was proved, and
the culprit was fined 40s., or in defaalt of payment to undergo
fourteen days' imprisonment. From this we can see that there
are people on the alert to do what they can to protect our wild
songsters. — W.

exhibitors— DEALERS AND BREEDER 3.

Who or what is to be praised — the high breed and fine con-
dition of the bird, or the exhibitor? Most certainly the breed
and condition. These guide the decision. Why, then, must the
merit ol the birds shown be slighted because their owner is a
dealer? If they are, there should be an animal's protection
society, and fowls so treated should be handed over to its care.
Why should we behave so jealously and ungratefully to the
dealer? Does he deserve it? Is it a fitting reward for his
labour ? Here we have examples of dealers who are such strong
fanciers they ruin themselves in pursuit of their hobby, and as
an appreciation of their efforts they are to be excluded from
competition. Why does the dealer wish to exhibit ? B.ecause
he is not without ambition, and he desires a premium or dis-
tinction for some breed he has imported with much expense
and trouble. He will support the shows where he is allowed to
exhibit openly, and must take other steps where he is slighted.

He has a friend, a shoemaker, named Crispin ; he has a pair
of Turtle Doves under his bench which, of course, have young
ones ; he is, then, a breeder. The dealer has recourse to him,
and by bis instrumentality he can show his birds. He seeks no
unfair advantage ; if he did he would not be allowed to obtain
it. He does right. My friend, why does envy make that eye
blind with which you should see yourself? How often has the
breeder helped you ? He has answered all your demands, and
enabled you to improve your breed. He has made you a better
breed than yon ever had before. Thoy have been praised as
your breeding, and all the thanks he gets are — " Tou can go
about your business." — {Translated from the " Geflitgel Blatter.")

ROSSENDALE POULTRY, &c., SHOW.

This Show was held at Newchoroh on the 5th inst. Clark's
pens were used, and the whole of the birds were shown in the
open air; the day was fine, whioh contributed largely to the
success of the Show. The entries in poultry, Pigeons, and
Babbits were about 370.

Game headed the list with a small entry for the amount
given, but the birds were good and the awards well made.
Spanish only two, and Dorkings four. The Cochins and
Brahmas were very good classes, and while the entries were
but small in the Hamburgh classes the quality was such as is
not easily surpassed. Game Bantams, Black Red were very
good ; first an old pair, and second and third birds of last year.
In the variety of Bantams, flnt was a good pair o{ Fekins, and

May 10, 1877. ]

JOOBNAIi OF HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

355

second and third Blacks. The local classes, which were pretty
well Bupported, contained some good birds.

Babbits had three classes, Augoras and Himalayana being
selected for special honours, while the Lops were thrown into
the variety class.

Piqeons were best supported in numbers, although Pouters
and Carriers were very few. In Carriers first was a Dun cock
and second a Black hen. Sborlfaced Tumblers were first and
Becond Almonds and third a Blue Bald, the second a gem in all
particulars. Longfaced were first a Yellow Mottle and second
a Silver Bald : the first was grand ia colour and beautifully
mottled. Foreign Owls very good ; first and second White, and
third Blue. Turbits a large class and two firsts were awarded ;
but the prizes were withheld in the Nuns. Antwerps, Short-
faces very good. First a Red Chequer and second a Dun, the
first large-headed. Longfaces were good but few, but well
placed ; the first, a Dun cock, being about the best in the fancy.
Dragoons had two classes, first in the variety being Grizzle,
second Silver, and third Yellow. The Selling and Flying classes
were about the largest of all, but the fiyiug birds were a coarse
curious lot.

PODLTKY.— Same.— Biizclt or Brou-n Red.-l and 2, C. W. Brierley. 8, D.
Bothwell. Any other i-ariety.—l, C. W. Brierley. 2, J. F. Walton. Spinmh.—

1. J. Powell 2, H. Wilkinson. DoBKiso».-l and 3, W. H.King. 2, J. Walker.
Cochis-Chi-11.— Cinnami»! and Buff.—\, J. Walker. 2. R. P. Ccrciyal. 3, T.
Aapdt'n. Any other rnrieti/.—l, R. P. Percival. 2, R. J. Wood, T. Aspden. 3,
T. Aspdcn. Biuajli PooiaA—tiu'ii or Cart —I.e.* J. Dnckworth 2. R. P.
Percival. 3, A. Bamford. Bx^BURQBS.—QoUUn-pencitled —I and 2, G. 4 J.
Dttckwortb. 3. J. Rawnsley. silver-pencilled.~l, T. Cropper. 2 and 3, J.
Stuttard. Golden-apaj»tled.—l and S, G. & J. Duckworth. 2, J. Rawneley.
Silter-spangUd —1, J. Fielding. 2, T. Stnttard. 3, T. Cropper. Black —1,
Stott & Booth, W. Wilson. •>, W. Wilson. Game Bantams —Black or Brown
Med.—l, E. Walton. 2 and 8, W. F. Entwiatle. Any other variety.-l. E.
Walton. 2. Beilingham A GiU. 3. F. Holt. Bantams.-A'oI Game— 1, H B.
Smith. 2, T.Green. 3. R. Hargreaves. Polish.— 1. J. Rawnsley. ANT otheb
Variett.— a, J. E. Clayton. 3, A. Smith. Selling Classes —Price not to
tfJTceed 42*.— 1. J. Fielding. 2, S. Bnukley. 3. J. Triolie't. Price not to exceed
2U.— 1, G.H.Tiickett. 2. G. W. Benshall. 3. J Stuttard. Ducks— Aylesbury.
— I, C. Holt. 2 and S. J. Walker. Boufn.— 1 and 2, J. Walker. 3, R. Whowell.
Any other variety— 1, 1. Trickett. 2 and 3. H. B Smith. Geese —1 and 2, J.
"Walker. Torkeys.- 1 and 2, J. Walker Disthiot Classes.- Game.— 1. J. F.
Walton. 2, S. Atherton. 3, J. Madcn. Dorking, Blacit Spanifh.Cochin-Ohina,
Braftma Poo(ra.—l and 2. R. HargreayeB. 3, W. H Sellers. Bamhurah3.—\, \,
J.Harrison. 2, T. Cropper. 3, J. Pickup, iun. Bantama.—l, E. Walton. 2 and
3, T. Green.

PIGEONS.- PoDTEES.-Coct or Ben.—\, W. J. Warhursl. 2. H. Yardley. 3,
T. Ridley. CARRiEss.-Coet or Ben —I and 2, H. Yarrller. 3, W. J. Pollard.
TVTiBi.K&a.-Short'faeed.-Goek or Ben.~\ and 2, H. Yardley. 3, B. Rawufley.
Long-faced.- Cock or Ben.— 1 and 2, J. Brown. 3, H. Yardley. Owls.- Foreign.
—Cock or Ben.—l, A. Simpson. 2 and 3, R. O. Fieldiug. E;ii7ii«/i.— Cocft or
Hen.— 1. R. White. 2, J. Krown. 3,W.J.Lnca8. Barbs. -CoeS or IWen.—l and

2. C. Hopwood. 3, S. Fletcher. Tdrbits.— Coet or Ben.—\. W. H;

8, J. Duckworth, antwerps.— i'/iorf-foced —1, R Brierley, W. F. Ei
2, W. F. Entwistle. 3, R White. R. Brierley. Long-faced.— Cock or Ben— I
and 2. B. Rawnsley. S. A. Edwardson. Fantails.- Cocte or Hen.—\, W. J.
Warhurst. 2, H. Yarllev. 3. J. F Loversidge. Draooons.— Blue.- Coc* or
Hen.— I«nd2, A. McKcnzie. 3, R. White. Draooons— ^nu unrieli/.-Coc* or
Hen.— 1. 2, and 3, A. McKenzie. Selling Class.— 1, B. Rawnslev. 2. H. Yard-
ley. 3, C. Waddington. Flvino Pubpobes.—C'oc* or Hen.— 1, F. Eastwood. 3.
J. Talker.

RABBITS.- Angora.- Bucfc or Doe.—l, J. W. Baron. 2, S. Taylor. 3, J.
Kenyon. HlMALiYAK.-Buct or Doe.— 1. T. 4 E. J. Fell. 2. D. OUfield. 3, T.
Moss. Any other Vaeietv.— BucA: or Doe —1, T. Moss. 2 and 3, J. W. Baron.

The Jadges were Mr. S. Fielding and Mr. H. Beldon.

EPWOKTH POULTRY SHOW.

The twelfth Show was held at Kpworth on (he 'Ith inst. under
very favourable circumstances, the day proving very fine and
enjoyable. The high position this Show has attained may be
known by the yearly increase of entries ; this time the increase
amounted to about a hundred over those of last year. A grand
Tiiarqaee was provided for the poultry, etc., and ail was comfort-
ably arranged and carried out, the only drawback being that
the birds were rather difllicult to reach when it was needful to
handle them.

Game headed the list with a large entry, and the birds were
unusually well shown, and for the time of yearin capital feather.
In single cocks, of which there were twenty, the first w.as a
Black Red cockerel, nnnsually gord in every point but head,
which was a little short ; second a Brown Red of grand colour
and style, and wonderfully black in face and eye : and third a
capital Brown Red cock, faulty only in length of body. In hens
the winners were Brown Reds, the first a pullet of unusual
merit. Cocks any other variety were — first a good Pile, and
second a Duckwing; and in hens, first and cup for Game was
a most perfect Duckwing, shown in the highest bloom.
Spanish were a grand class, the first carrying off the section
cop, although not easily, being very closely pressed by both
Bralunaa, Cochins, and Polish, which were all very good in thtir
classes. An unusually good Spanish pullet was first in single
hens, and a capital Silver Polish hen second. Bantams were
numerous and the quality good. In Red Game Bantam cocks
the first and second were a close run and both Black Reds, the
section cup going to the first-named bird. Hens were — first a
Brown Red pullet, which we consider the best we have yet seen ;
second a Black Red hen good in all points. A Duckwing won
the place of honour in the next class, a fair Pile coming second.
Files winning both prizes in the next class. Bantam cocks of

any other variety were mostly Blacks, and, though good in other
respects, they were larger than is desirable, the hens being better
in respect of size. A few pens were empty.

Pigeons also a good entry, but were placed rather high for
inspection. Carriers headed the list. First a Dun cock, well
shown and good in all points ; second a Black cock, also good ;
and third a capital Black hen. Pouters were a puzzle, and were
an unusually good class. First a Black, graud in limb, length,
and colour, and a bird that must make its mark ; second a Blue,
almost equally good; and third also a Blue. Tumblers were—
first and cup for the best bird in the Show, an exquisite Almond,
good all round ; second also an Almond, full better in head pro-
perties, but not so well broken, &c , in ground colour; third an
Agate, particularly good in head. Jacobins were — first a Yellow,
second Red, and third White. Fautails were a good class.
Turbits were fairly good ; first a Blue, which ooiubines all our
ideas of a perfect Turbit head ; second a Red, failing little in
any point ; and third a Black, not so good in head but capital in
colour and feather. Dragoons were the next class, of special
quality. First a Blue, second Yellow, and third Red. The
Variety class contained some good birds. First a pretty little
Blue Owl, second a Black Trumpeter, extra Becond a Pigmy
Pouter, and third a Blondinette.

Of Cage Birds there were seventy-eight, no less than twenty
Linnets being entered, and the quality was very good through-
out, the extra prize going to a capital Lizard (Golden), faulty
only in being rather smaller than is desirable.

In Eahhils there were but two classes with thirty-one entries.
Lops, first was a Sooty-fawn buck, 23J by 4}; second a young
Blue-and-white doe of exquisite quality and softness of ear,
224 by 4}; and third a Black-and-white doe, 22 by 4^. The
Variety class was a severe one, the first award being made to a
Himalayan, second a Belgian Hare, and third a Silver-Grey,
several others proving so good as to cause a pang to have to
leave them out of the list.

POULTRY.— Game.— B/acfc.&ref.aieti and other Ite<U.—Cock.—l, T. Younff.
2, H. E Martin. 3, W. 4 H. Adams, vhc. Dr. Camoron, W. 4 H. Adams. Ben.
— 1, H. E. Martin. 2. W. Perrin. 3. Dr. Cameron. Any other eolour.—Cock.—
1,J. F.Walton. 2, H. E. Martin. 3. Sales i Bentloy. iide, J. Challand. Hen.
—1 and Cup. Dr. Cameron. 2. J. Wright. 3, sales 4 Bentley. u/ic, J. A. and
H. H. Stftyeley. French.— I, E Walton. 2. R. A. Boissier. Spanish —I and
Cup, J. Powell. Sands, R.Newbitt. Bbarmas.-I and 2, J.T.Smith. Cociu.NS.
—I, C. Bloodworth. 2, R. P. Perciyal. vkc, W. A. Burnell. S. R. Harris. Ham-
BVKOHS— Spangled —1. H. Beldon. 2, .1. Kellet. PeneilleiJ — 1, H. Beldon.
2, A. East s. H. K. Hohson. Any othbe Variett.— 1, A. & W. H. Silyeater.
2, T. W. Flotcher. s, G. W. Boothby. Any Variety except Game.- Coc*.—

1. H. Beldon. 2. Rey. E. Reynolds, vhc, W. A. Burnell, A. S W. H. Silyester,
J. F. Smith. Hen —1. R. Newbilt. 2. H. Beldon. vhc, J. Powell. C. Bloodworth.
J. F. Smith. Game Bli^tkus.— Black-breasted and other Reds.— Cock.— I and
Cup. R. Newbitt. 2. C. Temperton. A. S. Sugden. 3, S. Beighton. vhc, J.
Calladine, S. Beighton, W. Atkinson. J. Ferry. E. Walton. Sen.— 1, S Beighton.

2, A. S Sugden. t-hc. E. Walton, A. S. Sugden Any other colour.— Cock.— \,S.
Beighton. 2. E. Walton, vhc, B. Newbilt. Hen.— 1. F. Allen. 2. R. Newbitt.
Bantams.— .4ny variety except Oame.—Coek.—\, E. Walton. Hen.— 1, J. W.
Crowther. 2. H. Beldon. Selling Class —1, E. Walton. 2, J. Powell. 3, R.
Newbitt. vhc, W. Knight, J. F. Smith. UncKs.-Aylesbnry or Bouen.—l and
2. Dr. Snell. vhc, S. R. Harris, J. White. Any other variety.— I and 2, A. and
W.H. Sill-ester.

PIGEONS.— Cabriebs.—I. J. Baker. 2. T. R. Spencer, 8, H. Yardley. vhc,
J.Baker. Pocterb— 1. C. Wroot. 2. L. 4 W. Watkin. 3. J. Baker, rlic, J. E.
Crofts. TOMBLERB—I, Cup, and i>/ic. H. Yardley. 2 and 3, J. Baker. Jacobins.
—1.2, 3. and udc. H. Beldon. Fantails.-1, J. Baker. 2, H. Yardley. 3, J. F.
Loyersidge. Tohbits.— 1. R. Woods. 2. H. Beldin. 8 and vhc, J. Baker.
Maopies — 1 and 3. J. E. CroJts. 2. R.Woods. Barbs —1. H. Yardley. 2 and 3,
J Baker, ti/ie, H. Yardley, J. E. Crofta. Antwebp3.— 1 and 2, H. Yardley. 3, J,
Kendrick.jun. Dragoons.- I and 3, R. Woods. 2, J. Baker, tilvc, H. Yardley,
R. Woods. W.Smith, .1 Baker, G. E. Beaumont. Any othbr Variety.— I, 2.
andndc, J. Baker. Extra 2, H. Beldon. 3, U. Yardley. Selli.no Class.— 1,H.
Yardley. 2, H. R. Tenney. 3. T. R. Spencer.

CAGiS BIRDS— Canary.- yfi;oui.—I,2, and ulie, W.Perkins. Bu.?.-! and 2,
W.Perkins. Oreen or Farie(;a(e<*.-1. W. Perkins. 2, T. Green. 3. S. Gravil.
uhe. W. Perkins, J. Spence. Goldfinch.- I, J. Spenoe. 2. S. Grayil. vhc, J,
Lnfthouse. T. J. Autey Linnet.— 1 and 3. S. Grayil. 2, J. Spence. Extra 2, J.
Boyes. vhc, s. Blackburn, Miss E. Major. Any othbr Variety.- I and Cup,
T. Green. 2, W. Smith. 3, Mrs. O. Butts.
3— Lop.EAHED.-Bucte or Doe.
roll. 3. Yv.T. Millett. vhc, C.King. ANY oiius« jDKt.E.L«.— jjut... o. ..^ur.— *, li.
E. Gilbert 2. J. H. Roberta. S. H. E. Gilbert. Extra 8, C. F. Copeuan. vhe,
E. Pepper, J. F. Jessop, J. & E. J. Fell.

Judge, Mr. E. Hatton, Pudsey, Leeds.

THE BAEB.

The Barb formerly ranked first of the Toys, but has latsly
been elevated to a position among the high-class varieties, and
rightly too, as I know of no variety which it is more difficult to
approach perfection in breeding, and I find as mnch pleasure in
breeding them as I ever did the Pouter or Carrier. The Barb
fancy is in its infancy in America owing to its not being under-
stood, and therefore not appreciated; but I hope to see it grow
so rapidly that in a few years we may be able to send birds of
our own raisiug to be winners at the Crystal Palace show iu
London.

My first experience in the Pigeon fancy was with Carriers, but
after a few years I thought that a few White Barbs would make
a pleasing contrast to the Black and Dun of the Carriers in my
lofts ; I therefore purchased a few and bred them two years,
fancying them very much. Wishing to include all colours iumy
stock, I purchased the stnds of two Barb fanciers, many of the
birds being prizewinners. About this time I became a sub-
ecribei to Fulton's "Book of Pigeons," after reading which I

356

JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTDRB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

became more interested in the Barb, and concluded to strengthen
my stud by the importation of some better birds. In this I was
very successful, as they have all taken premiums at our principal
shows. Having related how I became a Barb fancier, I will
now give a description of their principal points and how I breed
them.

The skall I consider to be the most important point. It should
be broad, flat, and even — the same width at front as at back. We
cannot give too much weight to this point, as it gives the head a
very neat appearance, whereas a tapering skull gives the bird a
coarse ugly look. The beak should be short, thick, and inclin-
ing downward, with the lower mandible seeming to support the
upper. The eye-wattle should be large, round, and even, or the
same distance from centre of eye to outside of wattle at every
point, rising a little above the head and standing out from it.
The edges of the eye-wattle should be very thick ; the iris should
be white or pearl excepting in Whites, which have dark eyes.
I have heard of Whites with pearl eyes, but they are very scarce
and I have never been able to procure any. The neck should be
of medium length and slim, especially where it joins the head,
with a clean curve under the gullet. In this I differ from Mr.
Fulton, as he advocates a thick neck and full gullet, which I
think detracts much from their neat trim appearance. The
body should measure about 14 inches from beak to end of tail :
with its short legs and nicely arched neck, in all it is a very
neat, tidy little bird, and as beautiful as of any breed we have.
I have noticed persons outside the fancy admiring them very
much upon seeing them in the show room. Our object in breed-
ing is to improve upon the original stock if possible, and in
order to do this we must mate our best birds together. A great
many make a fatal mistake here; if they have one very fine pair
and one ordinary pair they will cross the two pairs, hoping by
that means to improve the whole stock, but instead of which
they reduce it to the level of the ordinary birds. I am breeding
a very fine Blackcock to a Dun hen, his equal in all points ; this
pair I have never seen equalled in quality. The cock has a
broad, flat, even skull, J inch between eye-wattles. Eye wattles
i, I'e inch in diameter, beak short, heavy, inclining downward,
and measuring ly^ inch from centre of eye to point of beak,
with a good even beak-wattle. From these I expect some very
fine young, as they are both from excellent stock. My second
pair is Dun cock and Black hen. The cock is very large with a
broad massive skull, good in all points, but rather coarse. His
hen is a very fine bird, even in all Barb points, and a capital
match for him. Another pair is Black cock and Yellow hen.
The cock is good in all points with the exception of skull, which
is the required width but tapers a little ; the Yellow hen supplies
the deficiency, as she has a very fine even skull. I am breeding
also from young birds. After the present breeding season I will
give the result of my experiments both in colour and other

E pints. I am breeding from fifteen pairs of all colours, having
irds mated-up as follows: Black cock to Dan hen. Black cook
to Black hen. Black cock to Y'ellow hen, Black cock to Red hen,
Dun cock to Black hen, Yellow cock to Yellow hen. Yellow cock
to Red hen, and Red cook to Red hen. — Bake, — {American
Fanciers' Journal.)

and that therefore his faults ought to be overlooked. Be this
so, and why not overlook the faults of the Bullfinch as well, if
he really be a depredator? The Sparrow feeds upon almost
everything eatable, the Bullfinch feeds principally on insects.
All who have studied the domestic economy of birds must know
this, and such being the case surely he must do his part In a
much larger measure in keeping down the destructive insects
which might otherwise prove fatal to our crops year by year.

In looking over the remarks of that distinguished naturalist
Mr. Thomas Edward of Banff I find he says of the Bullfinch:
" Great numbers are annually destroyed by gardeners and nur-
serymen, who believe that they are destructive, yet their prin-
cipal food consists of insects, and insects are also the food of
their young. I hope a better day will arrive for these lovely
little birds, when they will be cherished and encouraged rather
than hated and destroyed." I am sorry that I cannot agree
with " WiLTSuiKE IIegtuk's " method of preserving blossoms
of fruits. Suppose it were generally acted upon — shoot down
the Bullfinch "with no sparing hand;" in fact, wage a war of
extermination of Bullfinches in the south or wherever they are
to be found ; do the same with the Sparrows in the north, and
when a man finds any particular bird an annoyance root it out.
Let every Blackbird and Thrush fall by the gun in case they
should attack the ripe fruit at the end of the season. Let every
Pigeon at large be killed, because I find they pick the hearts out
of my few young ten-week stocks. What would our gardens,
lawns, and fields be without those

'* Beautiiul creatures of freedom and light ?"
Silent? aye, dead to sound, dead to motion, even worse than
dead — crawling with loathsome and destructive vermin. I
protest against the proposition, and appeal to all who may read
this to spare the Bullfinch as one of the most beautiful speci-
mens of our Maker's handiwork. Rather make use of one of
those less expensive and simpler appliances advertised so gene-
rally for the protection of fruit trees, and the result will be plenty
of fruit, beautiful birds, and varied song all around, quite equal
to the finest " florists' flowers."

Since writing the above I have read " Wiltshire Rector's "
second anathema on the Bullfinch. His arguments make it no
clearer that the Bullfinch does the damage said to be done by
him ; but allowing it to be the case, is this lovely bird to be
made "winter game " of for the sake of a few bushels of fruit?

There seems a certain hardheartedness, cruelty, or fearful
ignorance in the south unknown in the north. I hardly know
what to term it, but in going through some of the markets I am
struck with this — I see Blackbirds, Thrushes, Robins, Larks,
&c., hung up by the legs for sale. 1 refer at present to St. John's
market, Liverpool ; there I have seen that grand songster the
Lark for sale at Is. per dozen, plucked, dragged, and spitted !
Twelve of those thrilling songsters run through on one wooden
spit ready for the fire, price Is. ! Pray, what damage do they
do ? and yet they are netted or shot by the thousand every year.
— James Huie.

THE BULLFINCH.

Where has the humanity of our friend " Wiltshire Rector "
gone to ? He is the last I should have thought of as advising
the extermination of this beautiful bird. " Do not estermitiats
the hedgehog," says " Wiltshire Rector," but " Bullfinches
must be shot down or killed in some humane manner." Now
this bird is not only beautiful in plumage and handsome in form,
but he has a very sweet natural song. Aa a cage bird there is
none more pleasing in all respects. True, he has not the loud
defiant song of the Chaffinch, nor the sharp pert song of the
Goldfinch ; his song is low but very sweet, and there is no bird
of his size more observant and acute in all his senses, as is
proved by his powers shown under tuition.

But what of his depredations ? Is poor Bully to stand the
whole brunt ? I throw sentiment to the winds here and do with
class men alone— those who value fruit above all, or those whose
livelihood depends on fruit. Are there no Sparrows in the
neighbourhood of the gardens referred to ? I can tell of their
mornings' work. Close to my bedroom window grows a large
pear tree, a great bearer, and being an early riser I see what is
going on when many people are still in bed. I see the Sparrows
cutting down the blossom buds by the dozen when the buds are
at a certain stage ; and then as to the gooseberries, they do not
even leave the buds " on the extreme ends " of the branches.

There are no Bullfinches within twenty miles of Glasgow,
therefore they cannot be blamed for this work, but it is the
work of the Sparrows alone, as I have watched them and
frightened them away often. Then my peas; I have had to
sow a third time in one season before sufficient appeared above

f round aa make a decent show — all the work of the Sparrow;
ut we are told that the Sparrow does a more-than-oounter-
balancing good by the destruction of insects during the Beason,

THE CHALLENGE.

Though the challenge given some weeks ago to test the
powers of several kinds of hives has not been accepted, I have
not relinquished the hope that a trial of this kind, fair and
friendly, will yet be undertaken. Such a trial would excite a
healthy and lively interest in apiarian circles. In offering " to
comply with any reasonable conditions," I tried to cover a wide
field and give ample scope for any preferences, and I did not
anticipate that anyone would misuudorstand my meaning. It
appears to me that the competing hives should be placed in one
garden and all be treated alike or managed on the same prin-
ciple, in the absence of interested parties. I cannot imagine
anything fairer or more satisfactory than this. Suppose a gentle-
man of the Stewarton school were to decide that the teat should
be " quantity and excellence of super honey," his proposal would
be quite reasonable. I had not the faintest idea of settling the
matter by mere weight of the contents of large hives on one
side, and weight of super honey on the other. These would not
be reasonable and fair conditions.

One or two correspondents have objected to the proposal of
letting the hives alone till the end of the season, on the ground
that the success of some kinds of hives depends on the attention
given to them as they require it, or aa the season advances.
Doubtless there would be a disadvantage in placing several
supers on a hive at the commencement of the season, but the
disadvantage would be as great on one side aa the other. I am
of opinion that if the owuera of the hivea were permitted to
meddle with them during the time of trial the results would not
be considered satisfactory. If the trial were to come oft it
should bo such, and carried out in such a way, as to command
the respect and confidence of all parties. If such a trial ever
comes off, one of its most pleasing features will be the fnot that
the results or harvests of honey obtained came from hivea that
received no attention whatever during the whole season from
March till September. Though the challenge remains unao-

M»j 10, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENBB.

357

oepted, it is my intention still to prepare some hives for it, that
Beveral £;entlemen will eventually unite in an effort to have a
fair and friendly contest between hives and bees of varioas
kinds. If the competiug hives be placed in a good neighbour-
hood for honey, and be fnvoured with fine weather, the results
will, I believe, be highly instructive, and, on being published, do
more to advance bee-keeping than many bee and honey shows.

Some of the readers of this Journal know that a challenge
ending with these words, *' Come on if you dare," has been
given to me. The gentleman who gives the challenge wishes to
have his hives under his own care and control, so that the ad-
vantages of manipulation may be fully realised. It appears to
me that his proposed trial would settle nothing. Even if his
conditions were reasonable, it is not at all likely that any peace-
loving person would accept a challenge given otherwise than iu
a friendly manner. — A. Pettigkew.

THE ITALIAN ALP BEE.

In those pages which so interestingly record " A Detonshibe
Bee-keeper's" early aspirations to possess the Apis ligustioa,
its arrival in England oo August 5th, 1859, its dissemination
from the Devon apiary of the late Mr. T. W. Woodbury all over
the United Kingdom and even the antipodes, the good character
borne to the newcomer from far and near — to the advanced api-
arian familiar with all this it must seem a work of superero-
gation, some fifteen years after, to begin rewriting that good
character. But unfortunately "old times are changed, old
manners gone." A new school of apiculture has arisen in the
interim which openly teaches retrogression : the big straw skep,
the boxes from the grocer's shop, and the noli-me-tangere system
of bee-management are pronounced the acme of perfection. This
new school has refused to give the Italian a trial, and cannot
perceive the influence of the yellow-jackets on the longevity of
the workers, the distance to which the bees fly to forage, at
which the queen bee mates and to which drone influence extends
— sufficient of itself to cause the name of Woodbury their intro-
ducer to descend to latest posterity; while this same new school
tarnish (let us hope unwittingly) that honoured mime by in-
sinnating that the Italian is the best "only to sell." The
fashion is now entering on another phase, and competitive tests
are called for which every intelligent bee-keeper has tested for
himself long ago, and which others by the expenditure of a
few shillings for a queen can satisfy themselves of at any time.
The lack of enterprise betrayed by many is evinced by the loud
and oft-repeated call, Where is the superiority of the Italian ?
Echo has only answered, Where? Emboldened by the silence
of others " W. J. C." presumes to answer the question by a
reported conversation with no less an authority than the late
Mr. Woodbury, to the effect that but for gentleness the Italian
was no whit superior to our old aborigines. When matters have
reached this climax it behoves someone to come forward to
refute such misleading statements; and as one of Mr. Wood-
bury's original subscribers for the propagation of the Italian,
I can very easily set that matter at rest by quoting the following
paragraph from page 18 of his treatise, " Bees and Bee-keeping."
After adducing numerous instances of their superiority for pro-
lificness and large honey harvests " forced upon me " through
them, he concludes as follows — " The foregoing facts speak for
themselves; but as information on this point has been very
generally asked, I have no hesitation in saying that I believe
the Lignrian honey bee infinitely superior in every respect to
the only species that we have hitherto been acquainted with."

Whatever value my testimony on this subject may possess it is
at least disinterested, as I have never imported an Italian queen
for sale. My sympathies, too, at first were rather against the
foreigner, though certainly not to the extent of refusing to give
it a fair trial. And did it come and at once conquer? Anything
but that. My first stock brought but destruction in its train,
being badly infected with foul brood before Mr.Woodbury had dis-
covered the cause of his dwindling apiary. After a time a second
stock was procured; again the fell destroyer appeared, and
once more I became a bankrupt in the beo way ; yet another
was obtained to Italianise my third stock, and all went well.
After passing through such an ordeal sufficient to disgust many
a one, my opinion of the value of the Italian bee may best be
drawn from the f 4Ct that I cannot remember the number of years
since a black bee was bred in my apiary.

After careful study and comparison of both varieties I have
come to the conclusion that the value of the Italian consists in
its beauty, proliQcness, power, activity, and, to my view the
greatest of all, fresh blood. Let us look at these points.

1, Beauty. — No one who has seen an Italian bee I presume
doubts this. Place an Italian and a black bee side by side on a
window-pane or compare them on a landing board and decide ;
again, the bee-keeper who has never witnessed a flight of young
yellow-jackets disport themselves with almost tire-fly radiance
amongst their more sombre sisters in the clear bright sunshine
of a spring day has a sight still in store for him.

2, ProUflcness. — This is a point about as difficult to gainsay as

the former, and I need not enlarge on it farther than merely
point to the first stock of these bees which reached Scotland
— an Italian queen placed at the head of common bees, and in
one season multiplied into seven, having thrown three swarms,
the first of which swarmed once and the second twice. The
last swarm weighed 4 lbs. So rapid a rate of increase was pro-
nounced at the time to be unparalleled in the history of Scottish
bee-keeping.

3, Power. — That the blacks go down before the Italians is un-
questionable. Could space be here affurded for illustration,
many a painful instance rises to the mind's eye of the utter
destruction to which some apiaries were subjected from the ex-
pertness with which the Italian destroyed the black.

4, Activity. — Anyone who has possessed the Italian must have
been struck with their quick agile movements as compared with
the blacks. They are first on the wing, first to scent the new
flower, first to alight on the treasure trove; indeed, I early
formed the opinion that our northern region was congenial
and in keeping with their alpine home, where Mr. Hermann
tells they thrive to an altitude of 4500 feet above sea level, and
in the warmer south of Italy they are not found. A leading farmer
of our county — whose better-half, during a recent very poor
honey season, exhibited the premier super from an Italian
stock — was interrogated if it were due to the superiority of the
harvesters. His reply was he knew nothing about bees, gave
them as wide a berth as possible ; but one thing he would vouch
for — these yellow customers were first out on his fields in the
morning. The early bird caught the worm ; he supposed that
was about it.

5, Fresh Blood. — In an article which appeared in this Journal
last season (No. 788) entitled "Breeding Bees," bearing the
initials " A. P.," the startling announcement was made that
" in-and-in breeding has gone on for generations and ages." and
" the conduct of both bees and drones of every hive indicates
that in-acd-in breeding is a law amongst them, not an excep-
tion," whereas the very opposite holds good in all animated
nature. I am not aware that wo have a more beautiful illustra-
tion than in the honey bee of the care provided to avert the evils
attendant on forming alliances within the degrees of consan-
guinity, and as such I have always pointed it out to all stock-
owningand poultry-keeping friends. I really thought the merest
tyro in bee-keeping was aware that for this very purpose the
queen bee invariably mates without the hive. She is impelled
to a far flight ; of this I was not in ignorance before the advent
of the Italian, for I had often stood watch iu hand speculating
during the fifteen to twenty minutes the young queens were
absent on such trips. Mr. Woodbury then proposed in the most
fraternal manner to distribute the Italian for a small nomi-
nal charge amongst his subscribers, and in order to preserve
these young queens pure from the black drone influence of
other apiaries he advised isolation, placing them fully a mile
from other bees. I then predicted the shipwreck of the adven-
ture, which unfortunately was too literally fulfilled. Conclusive
evidence of what I have here stated may be drawn from the fact
that during all the years I have possessed the Italian bee, my
apiary being well stocked for most part with strong non-swarm-
ing colonies, in every ease with an imported queen or daughter
of such at their head, and consequently many pure-bred Italian
drones, yet notwithstanding I only once succeeded in obtaining
pure impregnation, and that could scarcely be classed as an ex-
ception to the unvarying rule, because that young queen was
bred in early spring long before black drones appeared, and her
fertilisation so far as my knowledge could extend was dependant
without a choice on Italian drones from another of my colonies,
the queen of which, if I remember rightly, was a drone-breeder.

As a set-off for my disappointment I made the invaluable dis-
covery that the first cross between the young Italian queen and
black drone was a larger, more poweiful, and much more in-
dustrious insect than the pure-bred of either variety ; in proof
of this I need only point to the honey harvests which I have
been enabled to reap in hives possessing amplest facilities for
their so doing. I had better at the same time state that such
cross I found much more irascible than either pure-bred bee,
and console myself with the sound advice tendered me in no-
vitiate days by my old preceptor — " Aye, buy the wicked skep ;
they're far the best honey-gatherers."

The potency of the spell exercised by the first cross is ap-
parent and well understood in larger stock than our favourites;
for instance, we do not depend for the beef and mutton supply
with which to feed the teeming masses of our population on
either the high-bred shorthorn or the Leicester, but to crosses
from them ; and in like manner every poultry-keeper knows
it is not his pure-bred fowls but the first cross which fills the
egg basket. I disapprove of all mongrels, and carefully weed
them out.

From what I have written it may be supposed that the prowess
of the Italian in love cannot be maintained equally as in war,
but such is far from the case, although it does seem to be
ordered that the more agile Italian princess far outstrips her
lazier drones in their flights, and forms alliances with the dark

358

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Bons of our land. Oa the other hand, the Italian is equally the
favoured swain with the native brunettes. In a radius of from
one to close on five miles bee line from my apiary crogses from
the reversed parentage abound ; and as the first, and for several
years the only possessor of the Italian in our county, it always
afforded me much pleasure to fiud the humble cottager point
out with honest pride his "striped bees," and hear him dilate
on the swarming and harvestiug feats they performed, some-
times unconscious that it was to tbe listener he was indebted
for the fresh blood he so highly valued ; and on disposing of
surplus stock the striped livery rates at a higher value, so much
BO that the gain from the cross has proved the stepping-stone
to the pare.

The darkest shadow on the Italian piotnre is the impossi-
bility for one bee-keeper alone in a district to breed pure, and
instead of finding it a larger, to my eye it has always appeared
a sharper-ended lesser insect than our old sable friends. Again,
I was led to believe it to be exceedingly gentle, almost queenly,
in the use of its sting — let alone they are exceedingly harmless.
Personally we have lived together on the best of terms, possibly
on the principle of the fiery colt which knows its master; but
I have had assistants who would only approach them with fear
and trembling, and they were most discriminating in their
attentions to these parties, would decidedly pronounce them
much quicker-tempered than the aborigines. The slow lumber-
ing black leisurely circles the head in the first instance to make
observations, while the Italian strikes right out when once war
is declared.

I am decidedly of opinion that it would amply repay the
humblest and poorest cottager to procure at least one Italian
queen, and place her daughters at the head of every hive of bees
fie may possess. — A Renfrewshire Bee-keepeb.

CROSS STICKS.

A CORRESPONDENT, " Zeno," asks how honeycomb can be cut
from the sides of heavy hives with cross sticks in them. His
hives are home-made and measure 16 by 12 inches, and have
four cross sticks in each. Cross sticks are necessary in large
straw hives to give support and steadiness to their combs ; they
are very useful, too, at the crossings, for there the bees have
byeways or passages from comb to comb. Without such passages
the bees would have to travel long journeys. It would, indeed,
be doubling the Capo to them. Without cross sticks large hives
could not be turned up, handled, and examined with safety as
we do ours very frequently, neither could they be removed from
place to place or sent off by road or rail without very great risk
and many breakdowns. In the Stewarton hive, for instance,
there are no cross sticks, but the danger and difficulty are met
by having a number of shallow boxes in one hive, so that there
is not much weight or depth of comb in any part of the hive.
At the junctions of the boxes in the Stewarton hive the bees
will have cross lanes enough.

The bar-frame hive proper, or moveable-comb system, does
not admit of cross sticks. The admission of one cross stick in a
bar-frame hive would destroy its principle and fasten its combs.
In bar-frame hives proper there are no cross lanes from comb
to comb, and as their combs are unsupported there is consider-
able risk run in removing them from place to place in summer.
The larger a bar-frame hive is the greater is this risk ; and as
doubtless they will be made larger year after year, it is to be
hoped that some clever bee-keeper will invent or contrive
something that will steady and support the combs in bar-frame
hives.

In fine honey seasons large hives of every kind become too
heavy for keeping. From 20 to 30 lbs. of honey is enough to
keep a large stock hive from September to April, and then pro-
bably some will remain uuconsumed. About 15 lbs. is the
average consumption of a good hive in an average winter, but
it is well to err on the safe side. We repeat here that one of
the greatest difficulties in bee-keeping is to arrange matters and
select stock hives at the end of a houey season. A superabun-
dance of honey in stock hives is a hindrance rather tban a help
to bees. One year we cut about £10 worth of honey from oar
selected stock hives which had crass sticks in them. No doubt
the sticks are in the way a little, but we do as well as we can.
We use a carving knife aud a comb knife at this work. Of course
the combs cut out leave empty spaces in the hives, which have
to be refilled by the bees in the spring; and this is an objection
to the system, for bees are apt to build drone combs in the
spring months. We have frequently used the comb knife in
summer and let the bees fill up the spaces in the autumn ; and
since sugar has become so low in price we have practised more
the system of taking all the honey from heavy hives, putting
their bees in empty ones and feeding thnm into stocks. " Zeno"
will find that by placing hia cross sticks near the centre of
his hives, and at least 4 inches above their boards, he will have
but little difficulty in cutting combs from heavy hives. A
little courage and experience make every operation easy. —
A. Pettigbew.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Cock's Comb Discoloured (E. D.).— We advise you to give the bird a
tablesprjonful of castor oil at once, and ta repeat the dose every other day till
the comb retarwa to its natural colour. Your feeding ia very good save the
Rreen meat. A fowl will not eat cut grass, nor does it care for cabbage
leaver. It wants somethin? that will bear a pall, such as a large sod of earth
covered with grass. The resistance excites the birds, and they tear the grass
to pieces. They discover lota of food in the earth, and they eat it. 'Xhey
also eat much of the earth itself. It beepa them in health.

Swans {E. B.). — Swans vary in the number of eggs they lay; between five
and nine. There is no fixed time of incubation, but it ia generally thirty
days. The uucertaiuty of their hatching has perhaps given rise to the com-
mon belief that a Swan can only hatch during a thonderetorm. The cygnets
may be pinioned when seven or eight weeksoJd.

CoLoDB OF THE EvES IN ENGLISH OwLS [Reader). — In all Owl Pigeons,
except the Whites, the eyes should be of an orange-red colour. In Whites
they ahould be " bull" — i. '-., dark, and apparently all pupil.

Driving Bees. — " O. C , Croydon," gays, "I took the honey from my bees
last year and fed them well up with syrup. This spring I have fed them
gently. They are now nomerous and healthy. Suppose they Bwarm in May
or June, do I understand correctly that twenty-one days after they swarm is
the best time to drive the bees and take the honey ?" Yes, if the hive has
considerable stores of honey at that time and you wish to obtain it. Twenty-
one days or theroabouta is the best time to drive the bees into an empty hive ;
but it does not follow that they will require to be fed with syrup, for the
season will not then be over, and the bees may fill their hive without artificial
feeding. On the twenty-first day after swarming a hive has no brood in it
save a few cells of drones, which are twenty-four days in being hatched.

METEOBOLOQICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Sqoabe, London.

Lat. 51" 82' 40" N. ; Long. 0' 8' 0' W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 A.M.

In thb Day.

1877.

isi|

Hygrome-
ter.

|g

Shade Tem-
perature.

Radiation
Temperature.

.a

May.

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

Mas.

Min.

sun.

grass-

Inchea.

deg.

d»g.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

SISS2

4S7

38 3

46.4

61,0

88.7

77.9

38.7

Tb. 3

42.2

44.2

62.6

39.7

91.6

28 8

—

Frl. 4

so.oet

45.9

39 3

N.N.E.

43.6

63.5

29.2

109.0

27 3

—

29 863

44 9

3S.6

434

65.0

29.7

111.2

25.7

—

Sun. 6

49.847

45.5

S8.8

S.E.

44.0

63 9

Sl.l

1012

27.4

—

2a.78i

63 6

46.5

N.

41.7

65.4

34.1

110.6

30 5

Tu. 8

29.724

66.4
48 3

46 9
41.6

46.8
44.6

66.8
56.9

37.0
S2.9

107.4

83 2
30.2

—

&IeanB

29.9»

lOl.S

REMARKS.
2nd.— Dull early, bat gattiog grai.ltially brighter; occasional gleams of sun

in the after part of the day, aud fina nisht.
Srd.^Fioe muraiog aud forenoon; a few drops of raia aboat 2 P.ai., dull

afternoon; cold ail day and starlit night.
4th.— Very fine and brif^bt all the forenoon, rather less so in the afternoon,

but briflht starlit niRht.
5th.— Very bright all the furo part of the day, rather less 80 towards oveaing,

but asaia a very hue night.
6th. — Bright and fine all day aud night, bnt still cold except In the sun.
7th. — Another fine day and much warmer, bat the night cold and starlit.
8th.— Much warmer; a bright eujoyable day, much more samiuer-liko than
any we have previously had.
The beginning of the weak very cold, especially at night, the mean of the
night temperatures being 6" lower than Ust week. Very sharp frost on tho
nights of the 2ad, 8rd, 4ch, aui 6th.— G. J. SvmOaNS.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— MiY 9.
BusrNRSS has been somewhat quieter daring the week, and with a fair
sapply of best goods prices have given way. All outdoor vegetables are
coming short and advancing in value, bat large quantities find their way from
theContineat.suchas ABparfts'UHjFrench Beanq, Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes,
aud new Potatoes, thereby holpiug to keep things at their proper level.

a. d.

.^100 6 0 10

Apricots doz. 16 3 0

s. d. B.

, f^-lOO 8 0tol2

Peiiche* doz. 15 0 S)

Peara, kitchen dos. 0 0 0

dessert doe. 8 0 12

PineApples lb. 2 0 5

Strawberries oz, 0 6 1

Walnuts bushel 6 0 8

Benna, Kidaey ^* 10.)

Beet. Red. dozen

Broccoli bundle

Brussels Sprouts. -i sieve
Cabbage .

New.,

Caulidow
Culery

. bunch 0 4 0 8
,... do. 16 2 6

. dnz

Coleworts.. doz. bunches

Cauumbers each

Endive dozen

Fennel bunoh

Garhc lb.

Herbs bunch

Lettuce dozen

Leeka bunch

pickling qua

Parsley.... doz. bunches

Parsnips dozen

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

Kidney do.

bushel 0 0 0 0

Ne

Radishes., doz. bunches

Rbubarb bundle 0

Salsaly bundle 0

Soorzonera bundle 1

Seakale basket 1

Shallots lb. 0

Spinach bushel 2

... bunoh 0

lb. 0 6 16

Ne

Vegetable Marrows 0 0 0 0

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

o?^ ^oY 1 MAY 17—23, 1577.
Month Week. '

Averaf^e

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

Sun
Seta.

Moon
RiBes.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Sun.

Day
of
Year.

1 1

Day.

Night.

Mean.

h. m.

b. m.

h. m.

b. m.

Days.

m a

17

Th

Boyal Society at 8.30 P.M.

OD.D

41.7

53.6

4 7

7 46

7 26

0 8

4

8 49

137

18

P

65.3

■12.7

54.0

4 5

7 47

8 64

0 86

5

8 47

133

19

S

66.2

43.1

54.6

4 4

7 4S

10 23

1 0

6

3 44

189

20

Stni

66.3

43.3

54.8

4 8

7 60

11 50

1 17

5

S 41

140

21

U

Whit MoNDiT. Bank Holiday.

66.8

44.5

55.4

4 2

7 51

OalS

1 81

8

8 88

141

23

■I'n

54.3

7 58

2 86

9

3 S4

142

23 W

Society oj Arts at 8 p.m.

67.7

41.9

56.8

7 54

8 58

1 55

10

S 29

148

From obserrations talcen near London daring forty-three yeare, the average day temperature of the week is 66.1^ ; and its night temperature
87.6^

KOSES.

EES after week have we I'osarians tnrned
over the pages of the Bose journal, and,
with the exception of a slight squabble
about Beauty of Glazenwood, no line has
been written upon the subject so dear to
our hearts. What is the cause ? Is it
the east wind which has been blowing
here without intermission ever since
Easter ? or is it that " love is gi-owing
cold " and that Roses Jo not command
that devotion they once did, or is it that there is nothing
to write about ?

Sometimes I think that the second is the real cause —
that the rage for Eoses and Bose shows is abating, for
many signs point to that result. The Crystal Palace has
sent ont one of the meanest schedules I have ever seen.
When first I showed Boses there they gave four prizes
to each class ; a year or two afterwards they reduced the
number to three, and now this year they have docked
all the third prizes ; they have also taken away the close
classes. I mean there is nothing to prevent two men
taking the prizes in every class. If two amateurs whom
I need not name are in great form they will divide all
the prizes, and we poor little exhibitors will be left out
in the cold, and I shall have to return to my wood a
tvylder savage than I came out.

The Aquarium, again, that wonderful establishment
which opened without fish, but with such a high-sounding
prospectus about educating the nation and elevating the
tastes of the people, having now obtained the fish, turn
out the flowers, and instead of encouraging the growth of
Boses, &c., by holding shows, shoot out young ladies
from cannons, &c. The Alexandra Falacc re-opens at
Whitsuntide, but makes no sign as to a Eoso show. As
to the Boyal Horticultural Society, it appears to be re-
gaining lost ground, and next year we may hope will be
able once more to give prizes and hold its usual Bose
show. But the result of all that precedes is that we
shall only have one Bose show in London or the suburbs
worthy of the name — namely, that of the National Eose
Society, which we rosarians have formed unaided by
any of the old societies or companies ; so that there is
some ground for hinting that concerning Bose shows
" love may be growing cold."

Another sign is that, so far as I can hear, this National
Bose Society is not making the progress one could wish.
And I would urge upon all rosarians — upon all men and
women who love Boses whether they show them or
not, to support this Society by becoming members. The
subscription to the Society is only lil.s., and for which
tickets to the Show in St. James's Hall wiU be given
which will admit before the general public. The fixture,
July 4th, ip, aa it turns out, one of the very best that
could have been made. I never knew Bo.'ies so backward
as they are here in the west. Hercules and I pruned
late on purpose to suit the National, and aa it has
turned out we could not have done better. The cold

Kg. 842.- Vol. XXXIL, Kzw SEBiaet

winds that we have had since Easter have kept the Eoses
back so much that they are now only just shooting, so
that I doubt very much whether the Crystal Palace Com-
pany will not have to change theh" day. I never knew a
more favourable season than this has been so far for
Eoses. The mild winter continued till March was nearly
over — till we had completed pruning, and then the cold
winds began which prevented the Boses growing and so
being injured by the frost. I believe that we shall have
a splendid season for Boses, although it may be late.

1 have lately been observing with great care the growth
of different varieties of Tea-scented Boses, and it may
not be amiss to state here the results. I have many Teas
planted in v.arious aspects and in different soils. Some
are on the seedling Briar and some are on the dwarf-
Briar, and others arc worked on tall standards. I have
observed the growth of various kinds, and I have come
to the conclusion that some of the more recent acquisi-
tions, most beautiful though they are, and to be prized
above rubies in a Bose house, are too tender to be grown
successfully out of doors. I think it will be granted by
my Eose brethren that Comtesse de Nadaillac is one of
the loveliest Teas sent out since Catherine Mermet. The
growth of this, however, is weak, and it is so excessively
tender that outdoor culture under the most favourable
circumstances is next to an impossibility. The same
remark applies to those gems Madame Jules M.argottin
and Perle des Jardins, new plants purchased from one of
the best houses in the trade. Tliese Boses are on the
seedling Briar, and in spite of the mild winter they have
aU died down to the ground. As soon as we have some
mild weather I shall give them a " pick-me-up " in the
shape of hquid guano, but I have very faint hopes that
they will give good blooms for the shows. Souvenir de
Paul Neron grows magnificently with me on the standard,
but hardly at all on the seedling Briar. Of other Teas
comparatively new and of great beauty I have two which
grow splendidly on both stocks — viz., Jean Ducher and
Marie Guillot; and yet, strange to say, all these varieties
with the solitary exception of Comtesse de Nadaillac are
marked "vigorous" in the catalogue of the nurseryman,
from whom I purchased them.

The most vigorous, however, of all Tea Boses is (with.
mo at least) that priceless jewel Marie Van Houtte, and.
yet Mr. Cranston calls it a moderate grower in his cata-
logue, and in answer to my protest assures me that it is
a very poor grower with him. I hope anyone who reads
these notes will compare them with his own experience
and let us know through the Bose journal how these
Boses grow with him. Next to Marie Van Houtte I
should place Bubens as a grand grower. It is not often
you can get a fully-expanded bloom of this variety worth
looking at, but what Eose can excel her in the bud ?
What glorious half-opened blooms does she sometimes
gives u.";, uuhke any other variety ! while she is one of
the freest bloomers I know. Then next as a good grower
I .should place Souvenir d'un Ami, which is one of the
grandest of Tea Eoses, and not to be surpassed by any
other early in the season before the July sun has taken
No. 1194.— V«L. LVII, Old SEBisg.

360

JOUBXAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GiKUBNEB.

[ May 17, 1877.

all colour out of the blooms. After her I place as a free-
grower Jean Daoher. This variety is not at present much
known, bnt I think it will soon take a foremost place among
Teas.

Bnt as I look over my stock and compare notes the con-
clnsion forces itself on my mind, how few good Teas there are
which can be cnltivated out of doors. They can almost be
counted on the fingers of the hands, and I never know how to
make np the dozen required at the shows. Here they are
according to my judgment — Devoniensis, Catherine Mermet,
Souvenir d'un Ami, Souvenir d'Elise, Marie Van Houtte, Mare-
chal Niel (Noisette), Cloth of Gold (Noisette), Belle Lyonnaise.
Then we come to an end ; the other four must be cut from
such varieties as may chance to give ns a fair bloom, bnt
which rarely, if ever, do for a show — Niphetos, Madame Willer-
moz, Comtesse de Nadaillae, Marie Guillot, Triomphe de
Rennes, Celine Forestier, David Pradel, and Homure. Have
we ever seen a first-rate stand of twelve Teas and Noisettes
without one or two weak blooms ? I have never judged one or
seen one anywhere. The problem, then, is (1), How are we to
grow very tender Teas out of doors ? (2), How are we to re-
tard them enough to show them at the great exhibitions? Mr.
George Paul is trying a plan which I tried to describe last
year in our .Journal, and I shall be most anxious to see how he
succeeds this year. The Tea Roses add immensely to the
beauty of a stand ; and whether or not they ought to have
points given to them on account of the difficulty of growing
them, I think at least they should have points on account of
the light shade that they give to a stand of seventy-two dis-
tinct Roses, the great majority of which are always crimson
and dark-coloured Hybrid Perpetuals.

There is, however, a good time coming for Tea Roses, as
Mr. Boseawen has induced the Bath and West of England
Society to give two silver cups at their Show this year. This
is to be at Bath, the home of the Tea Rose, and we are sure to
have a feast of good things there held, as it is at the very
time when Tea Roses are at their best. I consider we owe a
deep debt of gratitude to that gentleman for having given us
ihis grand opportunity of showing and seeing the Teas under
the most favourable circumstances, and I have every confi-
dence that the result of his exertions will be a magnificent
show.

The Torquay Rose Society has, in deference to the protest
which they have received against holding a two-days show, de-
termined most wisely and kindly on only holding it on the 28th
of June — a capital fixture. But there is one remarkable feature
in their schedule upon which I should like to hear Mr. George
Paul's opinion. They have decided that Cheshunt Hybrid and
Beauty of Glazenwood are to be excluded from the classes for
Teas. Concerning the latter I know nothing, but Cheshunt
Hybrid is a Rose so extensively grown that this decision comes
as a blow in the face to men who, like me, have hailed the ad-
vent of Cheshunt Hybrid as an acquisition in giving us a colour
to relieve the white and yellows of our stands of Teas. At the
same time I think that the Committee is right. Cheshunt
Hybrid is not a Tea pure and simple, nor does Mr. George
Paul call it so. Although it is in the list of Teas he calls it a
Hybrid Tea ; bnt in habit, growth, and leaf it reminds one far
more of a Bourbon than a Tea. Still, such an authority as
Mr. Reynolds Hole speaks of it as a Rose which on " examina-
tion has all the characteristics in wood, leaf, and habit as the
Tea-scented China Rose." That good rosarian, Mr. Walters
of Exeter, who spends his whole day in his nursery, in speak-
ing of this Rose and praising it said, " Bless you, sir, it is no
more a Tea than I am ; it is a climbing Bourbon." When
doctors differ who shall decide? Bat the Committee have
solved the difficulty so far as they at Torquay are concerned,
and they declare that, whatever else it may be, it is not a
Tea.— Wild Savage.

KITCHEN GARDEN ARRANGEMENT.
Amongst the customs which have taken deep root in the
gardening world is that of having borders and rows of frnit
trees (more or less tortured with the view of getting them into
some ideal shape which but few ever attain), running parallel
with every walk in the kitchen garden. I daresay this answers
very well in small gardens where the proprietor is his own
head gardener, or where the work is not too much for one
trusty man to do all ; but in larger establishments, where the
kitchen garden covers from three to ten or more acres, it is
questionable if this arrangement is the best.

I am of decided opinion that it is more economical, and that
better results are attainable, by having vegetables by them-
selves and fruits by themselves as much as possible. Those
who cannot see any beauty or take any interest in a well-kept
vegetable garden are to be pitied, but it seems to me that the
usual arrangement starts with the idea that there is something
loathsome in growing Cabbages, and that we must screen such
crops from the eye of the refined, and therefore rows of
pigmy trees are planted to separate the ornamental (?) from
the useful. If the screen is to be a perfect one, the trees
cannot be of much use, as they must be crowded ; on the other
hand, if the usefulness of the trees is studied, glimpses be-
tween them will often reveal a state of things not quite in
harmony with themselves and the borders. Sach borders and
such trees entail an immense amount of labour ; and as there
are not many gardens where there is more than a sufficiency
even when used economically, it is plain that if the borders
get more than their share something else must go short, and
too often the result is to be seen immediately behind the trees
and borders in the shape of poor, scanty, and unclean crops of
vegetables, which are an eyesore all the summer and a source
of vexation and trouble through the winter.

The remedy for this state of things is — first of all to ac-
knowledge that a continuous supply of good vegetables, includ-
ing salad, is often the most difficult as well as the most im-
portant part of a gardener's duties. Much skill and attention
are required to have Cabbages early in April ; Peas from
May to November; Lettuces, Broccoli, or Cauliflower always.
Yet these and other equally important crops have to be pro-
vided, and the reason the gardener of the period does not fail
oftener than he does in this direction is, perhaps, because he
generally has some good, useful, though it may be despised,
kitchen-garden labourers to prompt him.

Bat labour to be used economically must all be directed from
a central head where all datails are understood. It is human
nature to be selfish, and we cannot expect a man whose time
is solely occupied with growing vegetables to care very much
for fruit trees, and the shanoes are that a root on which the
life of a favourite tree depends may be ruthlessly amputated
for the sake of growing an extra Cauliflower. I have had
many trees on the Paradise and Quince stocks seriously in-
jured with the spade and fork before I fenced them off from
ordinary labourers. The mischief was not done wilfully, but
merely through a lack of sympathy. We know that a work-
man who takes an interest in what he U doing is worth twice
as much as one who only looks forward for night. Perhaps all
are not capable of interesting themselves in gardening matters ;
they may not have the requisite talent, or their interest may
lie in another direction, but wherever ability or taste show
themselves they oaght to be utilised and cultivated by means
of heaping responsibility on the shoulders of the possessors,
for depend upon it there is nothing can make men of us so
quickly as responsibility.

The work of one department ought to be separated as much
as possible from that of another, so that the man in charge
of the one may devote his time and attention to the natural
difficulties, of which there are sure to be enough, and that he
may not have to contend with difficulties made by the thought-
lessness of those belonging to another department.

In the vegetable garden I prefer to see the crops running in
hues parallel with and at right angles to the main walks and
coming close np to them, every variety being carefully labelled
where it can be read from the walk, and all kept in the highest
style of cultivation. This is simpler, more systematic, and
more economical than the usual arrangement, and there are
not many proprietors who would fail to interest themselves as
much in a crop of Onions averaging three-quarters of a pound
in weight as they would in a row of prettily trained but often
fruitless Pear trees.

Borders there are against the walls, and these are useful for
forwarding or retarding according to aspect, but no ordinary
labourer's spade must come within 6 feet of the wall if the
frnit trees are expected to flourish. — William Tatloe.

VALLOTA PURPUREA CULTURE.

As the finest of bulbous window plants, the most useful of
late summer greenhouse evergreens, and most gorgeous of
plants for masiing to flower in September and October, the
Vttllota merits notice. As a window plant grow it in a pot of
twice the diameter of the bulbs, and after draining sufficiently
employ a compost of turfy loam and one part of leaf soil or

May 17, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HOBTICUIiTUSE AND COTTAGE QABDENEB.

361

thoroughly decayed mannre for the plants to grow in. Pot-
ting i3 best done in early spring, the plants having been kept
rather dry over the winter. In potting most of the old soil
should be removed, in fact all that can be removed with a
pointed piece of wood, and the plant be returned to the same
or a slightly increased size of pot. Young plants will, of
course, require an increased size of pot ; but a 7 or 8-inoh pot
is quite large enough for those with three or more flowering
bulbs. At potting there ia no need to remove the offsets,
they take nothing from the parent bulb ; yet when eaah bulb
has not room to swell, then the offsets should be removed.
Water should be given rather sparingly; but as the plants
produce fresh foliage water should be given more copiously
until growth is complete, and then only sufficient need be
given to maintain the foliage fresh. After the middle of June
a position outdoors in a sunny situation is as good as any,
affording water freely, removing the plants to a window when
showing for bloom.

When grown in a greenhouse very similar treatment is
required, but as larger plants can be accommodated there than
in a window, they may have a slightly increased size of pot
each year, only removing any bulbs that crowd too much, in
which way very effective plants may be had. Single bulbs are
always useful ; they may be grown in 6 or 7-inch pots. If a
portion of the plants are placed outdoors in June on ashes in
an open situation sheltered from winds and duly supplied with
water, they will flower later than those retained in the green-
honse in a light airy position, forming, if moved under glass
when the flower scapes appear, a good succession. We do not
repot our plants oftener than every second year, and no plants
could be more satisfactory. The plants are kept moist at all
times, drier of course after flowering than when growing, in-
creasing the supply with the growth. No plants could flower
more freely ; all they want is abundance of light and air and
free watering when growing.

For a display outdoors a situation should be chosen open
yet sheltered from winds, the plants being planted in the beds
early in June, and duly attended to with water if dry weather
ensue. In September and early October a display of bright
flowers may be looked for that will eclipse in brilliancy the
most sensational of bedding plants. They should be planted
closely, so as to form a mass. After flowering, or in October,
they may ba taken up, potted, and wintered in a greenhouse
or pit — any place having light — with safety from frost. — A.

CULTIVATION OP TURNIPS.

The Turnip is such a useful vegetable that every person who
has a garden grows it to a certain extent, but in many oases it is
not cultivated so largely as it ought to be. I do not moan that
it should be grown in great breadths, but small quantities
should be grown for succession over a perioi of eight or ten
months. Turnips may be had nearly all the year round with
very little trouble, provided due attention is paid in selecting
Buitabln varieties and they are sown at the proper time.

For the earliest supply I sowed about two dozen 12-fe6t rows
of Snowball on a south border the first week in March. The
weather since has been against them, and although they are
now showing large rough leaves, subsequent sowings will soon
come up to them. However, in favourable weather those sown
about the beginning of March will be ready for use by the end
of May. From the Ist of March until now two sowings are
sufficient to give a fair supply, but after this time a row or two
should be sown every fortnight until the end of July, as during
the hot weather of July and August the bulbs soon become hot
and stringy, and sowing often is the only and never-failing mode
of insuring a constant supply of tender young Turnips.

I never sow any Turnip seed in open spaces until all the
vacant parts between Gooseberry and Currant bushes have been
filled np. A row is also run down between the Raspberries
and young plantations of Rhubarb. All these shaded parts
do wall for the early crops, but the autumn and early winter
crops must have an exposed situation.

In choosing the ground avoid clay soil, and select a part that
has had some early Potatoes or some such opening crop on it.
Soil that has been mixed with ashes does capitally for Turnips.
I have sown Snowball until the end of June, and no better
could be had until then; but after the beginning of July, and
especially at the end of that month when the winter crop has
to be sown, a hardy sort must be selected. I have tried a
number of sorts for sowing then, and I now prefer Chirk
Castle to any other. It is exceedingly hardy and swells out

freely until .the new year, and after that I know of no quick-
growing variety that will not bolt ; therefore to matte sure of a
supply in the spring months a good patch of the Swede must
be sown. This is a splendid hardy Turnip, and always good
in flavour from November until March. I have sown about
a score long rows of it to-day (May 8 th), but it may be sown
with the same results for the next three weeks. — .^

Never sow Turnip seed thicklv, as it germinates very freely.
The rows should be from 15 to 18 inches apart. The drills
may be from IJ to 2 inches deep. Always leave the soil over
the seeds rather rough, but at the same time never let any
large clods remain that will hinder the young plants from push-
ing up. Thin-out from 8 to 12 inches apart as soon as the
young plants have formed from four to six leaves. Hoe
amongst them frequently, and never allow them to become
choked with weeds. — M. M. P.

CRYSTAL PALACE SUMMER SHOW.

May 12th.

When the schedule tor this Show was issued and it was found
that third prizes were abolished, also that such short notice of
the events was given to exhibitors, it was considerad by many
that the Show would not be equal to the exhibitions of previous
years. Beariag in mind that " general impression," the Exhi-
bition of last Saturday mast be described as satisfactory. A
principal factor contributing to the result ia, thati it was the
lirst metropolitan exhibition of the year where liberal prizes
were provided for specimen plants. The time was also favour-
able, for other shows closely following gave distant exhibitors
the advantage of staging in more than one place at a cost of one
"through journey." The schedule also, it must be admitted,
was well arranged. Without consisting of a large number of
classes (there were only twenty-eight), it was sufficient to ensure
a large Show. In nearly every class there was competition, and
every exhibitor save one who had entered the lists occupied the
space, or more than the space, allotted to him. The Show,
therefore, was a large one, and in most respects it was good, but
not in all.

To begin with, the £25 provided for nurserymen's stove and
greenhouse plants in bloom was not well won, or rather it should
be said was not won at all, for we only noticed one collection
staged in this class. Orchids were not so numerous as we havo
seen them at the Palace; and Pelargooiams, Calceolarias, and
Cinerarias were below the standard of quality of plants staged
in former years, the deficiency on this occasion being a result of
the protracted cold weather preventing the plants being "in."
On the other hand, however, the picture had a very "bright
side," for the stove and greenhouse plants exhibited by ama-
teurs were excellent; and especially so, perhaps, were the
ornamental-foliaged plants. Roses were also wonderfully good
considering the weather, and Azaleas were both numerous and
superior.

IJesides an innovation in the compilation of the schedule there
was a change also in the arrangement ol the plants. At former
exhibitions the plants have been disposed on both sides of the
central transept, leaving the centre open for promenade. On
Saturday, however, the collections were arranged down the
centre of the building, and the visitors were divided into two
distinct streams. Both plans have their advantages; the latter
maybe the more convenient, but the firmer readers an exhibition
the more imposing, inasmuch as it presents a much better
" general view " being had of the display as a whole. The Show
was better, therefore, than at the first glance it appeared to be,
and was in fact both an extensive and excellent display. We
will now refer to the classes, commeucing with

Stove and Greenhouse Punts in Bloom. — In the nursery-
men's class for twelve plants Messrs. T. Jaokaon & Sons, Kings-
ton, were the only exhibitors, and a second prize was awarded
for their collection. In this group wh noticed a good Imanto-
pbyllum, Apholexes, and Azalea. KbododB.drou PrinocES Alice,
with fine campanulate flowers, was also highly attractive. Bo-
ronia pinnata, Heitbs, Statice profusa, aud Anthurium Scher-
zeriannm completed ttie collection.

In the corresponding class for amateurs (nine plants) the ex-
hibitors were Mr. Chapman, gardener to S. Spode, Esq , Hawkes-
yard Park, Rugeley ; Mr. Peed, gardener to Mrs. Treadwell, St.
John's Lodge, Lower Norwood; and Mr. E. Tudgey, gardener
to T. F. G. Williams, Esq., Henwick Grange, Worcester. Mr.
Chapman won with Chorozema Chuudlerii, 5 feat in diameter,
splendid; Anthurium Scherzerianum, 1 feet across and nearly
a hundred spathes; Pimelea mirabilis. Erica odora rosea, and
DracophvUum gracile, each I to 5 feet in diameter; a capital
Ixora ; Erica Cavendishii, aud two large aud well-bloomed
Azaleas. Mr. Peed was second. He staged an admirable Iman-
topbyllum 4 feet in diameter with twenty fiiia heads of flowers ;
fine oval-shaped specimens of Francifoea calycina and conferti-
folia, Olerodendron Balfourii, an immense Epacris, Erica Caveu-

362

JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 17, 1877.

dishii, a fine pyramid Azalea ex^ranei, and an excellent specimen
of Rhododendron Oonntess of Haddington. An extra prize was
awarded to Mr. Tudgey.

In the amateurs' class for six plants there were fonr compe-
titors. Mr. Tudgey, gardener to T. F. G. Williams, Esq., win-
ning with Hedaroma tnlipifera, a perfectly trained and finely
grown plant 5 feet in diameter; Ixora Williamsii, with very
tine trusses; Erica ventricosa magnifica, a capital Imantophyl-
him, Anthnriom Scherzerianum, and Clerodendron Balfourii.
Mr. Chapman was placed second for a very fine Ixora coccinea
and Clerodendron Balfonrii, also Ericas ventricosa coccinea
minor and eximea superba, with flat-topped plants of Chorozema
varinm and Hedaroma tnlipifera. Au extra second prize was
awarded to Mr. Child, and an extra third to Mr. Peed.
i lln the class for eight Ericas (open) Messrs. Jackson & Sons,
Kingston, had the premier place with very large plants of
E. affinie, E. exquisita, E. tricolor Wilsonii, B. Cavendishii, and
E. dopressa, and smaller specimens of E. ampnllacea, E. obbata,
and E. florida. Mr. Peed was second with an excellent collec-
tion, more level in size than the Kingston plants, but not quite
BO closely grown and trained ; and Mr. Legg third. In the ama-
teurs' class for six Ericas Mr. Legg had the first place with
vigorous young plants, admirably grown and trained. E. tubiea-
iormis, E. Victoria, and E. Cavendishii were splendid, although
the plants were not more than 2i to .3 feet in diameter. E. iu-
signis, E. depressa, and E. CandoUeaua were not quite in
bloom. Mr. Tudgey was placed second with larger plants, but
too thinly trained ; an extra prize being awarded to Mr. Peed
for healthily grown plants, although greatly varying in size. In
this class it was a treat to see such sterling quality as was ap-
parent in Mr. Legg's young specimens and there is every promise
that their grower will eventually become as distinguished as a
cultivator of hardwooded as he is of fine-foliaged plants.

Azaleas. — These contributed greatly to the effect of the Exhi-
bition. For nine plants (open) Mr. Ratty, gardener to E. Thorn-
ton, Esq., The Hoo, Sydenham Hill, was placed first with nine
grandly-bloomed formally-trained specimens. They were ob-
tusely pyramidal-shaped, 6 to 8 feet high and 4 to G feet in dia-
meter at the base, all in admirable condition. Georgiana,
scarlet; Criterion, light pink ; and Mrs. Fry, rosy crimson, were
the most effective. The second prize was awarded to Mr. Child ;
and an extra prize to Mr. Turner, Slough, for naturally grown
plants — a refreshing change from the formal masses of colour of
closely trained specimens.

In the amateurs' class for six plants Mr. Ratty staged magni-
ficent specimens grown on short single stems, and having heads
flatly rounded 6 and 7 feet in diameter. The masses of colour' —
white, rose, scarlet, and crimson — presented by these plants
were very effective. A. Burlingtonii, rich pink, and Princess
Charlotte, pale rose, were especially admired. Tiie second prize
went to Mr. J. Child, gardener to Mrs. Torr, Garbraud Hall,
Ewell, for plants ranging from 5 to 7 feet in height, oval-shaped,
but one or two of them were rather loose. The finest in the
group was Duchesse Adelaide de Nassau, crimson ; rosea elegans,
rich pink ; and Criterion. In the class for twenty Azaleas in
pots not exceeding 9 inches in diameter (open), Mr. Turner,
Slough, was placed first for an admirable collection, the plants
being pyramidal in outline, but not so closely trained as to hide
the foUage. The varieties were also excellent. Conspicuous
was Souvenir du Prince Albert, pink aud white, one of the most
distinct and attractive Azaleas in cultivation. Others exceedingly
fine were Apollo, white, rose stripe; Eugene Mazel, Charles de
Back, rosy pink; Marie Van Houtte, white; Reine des Pays
Bas, lilac; Mrs. Turner, rosy salmon; and Mons. Cuvellier,
scarlet. Flag of Truce and Bernhard Andreas, double whites,
were also attractive. Mr. Ratty had the second prize in this
class with a collection of very great merit.

Roses. — This was the first "battle of the giants" of the
season, but the weather had prevented all the plants being per-
fect. In the nurserymen's class for nine plants Mr. Charles
Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, was placed first with La
France, very good; Celine Forestier, excellent; Juno, Anna
Alexieff, Charles Lawson, very good ; very fine Duke of Edin-
burgh, Victor Verdier, Madame Thcruso Levet, and Maruohal
Vaillant. The second prize was awarded to Messrs. Paul and
Sons, The Old Nurserie", Cheshunt, for huge examples of Prin-
cess Mary of Cambridge, Celine Forestier, a grand Victor
Verdier, Docteur Andry. very good; Madame de St. Joseph,
most excellent; Horace Vernet, Anna Alexieti, Madame Victor
Verdier, perfect; and John Hopper. Mesars. Paul's were the
larger plants, but the Slough specimens had the finest blooms.
The foliage of all was excellent, and the merits of the two col-
lections were nearly equal. For sis Roses in pots (amateurs)
Mr. J. W. Moorman, gardener to the Misses Christy, Coombe
Bank, Kingston-on-'Thames, was a good first with medium-
sized and well-bloomed plants of Paul Verdier, Victor Verdier,
Madame Alice Dureau, Annie Laxton, Marquise de Castellane,
and Madame Willermoz. Mr. W. Philips, gardener to A. Giles
Poller, Esq., Youngsbury, Ware, Herts, had the second place.
In the open class of twenty Roses in pots not to exceed 9 inches

there was only one exhibitor, but right well did Mr. Turner
deserve first honours for grand examples of Madame Lacharme,
Miss Hassatd, Royal Standard, Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Edward
Morren, Marie Van Houtte, La France, Madame Thermae
Levet, &c. The size and quality of the blooms we considered
perfect. For decorative purposes in private gardens Hoses, as
exhibited in 9-inch pots by Messrs. Turner and Moorman, are
commendable examples of culture which many growers may
follow. The " elephants " few can hope to equal.

Magnificent blooms of MarCchal Niel (six large boxes contain-
ing nearly two hundred blooms), came from Mr. John Mayo,
13, Corn Market, Oxford. Two boxes of splendid blooms in
twenty varieties from Mr. Wm. Corp, Oxford. Messrs. Paul
and Son exhibited Roses in pots — Magna Charta, grand in foliage
and bloom ; Bessie Johnson, Princess Beatrice, Peach Blossom,
Star of Waltham ; also six boxes of cut blooms. Extra prizes
were awarded to these exhibitors.

Okciiids. — For ten plants (nurserymen) Mr. B. S. Williams,
HoUoway, was in his old position — first— with Vanda tricolor
insignis, Sobralia macrantha, Odontoglossum Pescatorei, On-
cidinm sarcodes, Cypripedium niveum, a fine pan with twenty-
five flowers; C. villosum, also fine; Oattleya Mossias grandi-
flora, Oncidium Marshallii, Cypripedium biflorom, and Vanda
snavis. Messrs. Jackson & Son, Kingston, were placed second,
They staged a pair of fine Vandas tricolor, formosa and insig-
nis ; Cattleya Mossiag superba, with a dozen flowers ; Odonto-
glossum Alexandras, Saccolabium retusum with three fine
racemes ; Dendrobium Devonianum, Masdevallia Liudenii, and
Cypripedinms.

In the amateurs' class for twelve plants Mr. Child was placed
first. Oncidium ampliatum majus in this collection was very
fine ; it had more than a dozen robust spikes. Camarotis
purpurea, Cypripedium Stonei, and Cattleya Mossise superba
were also noticeable. Mr. Peed was placed second for a credit-
able collection. The Orchids, although not uumerons, secured
a large share of attention from the visitors.

FiNE-FonAGED PLANTS. — lu the Open class for twelve plants,
Mr. Legg, gardener to S. Ralli, Esq., Cleveland House, Clapham
Park, exhibited plants in his usual finished style. The col-
lection comprised a Dicksonia, two grand Palms, Geonoma pu-
mila and Stevensonia grandifolia ; magnificently grown Crotons
Weismannii, variegatum, Johannis, and angustifolia ; Dracsna
Shepherdii, 9 feet high ; Davallia Mooreana, 5 feet across ; Alo-
casia Lowii, A. macrorhizn variegata, fine; and a Dasylirion.
The first prize was awarded. Mr. Tudgey was placed second
with a splendid Pritchardia pacitica, Latania borbonica, and
Cycas revoluta, a very tine Paudauus Veitchii, Crotons, &c. ; an
extra third prize being awarded to Mr. Ley, Croydon, for a
good collection including Cocos Weddeliana, Yucca fllameutosa
variegata, Alocasii Lowii, Dion edule, &o. In the class for
eight fine-foliated plants (amateurs), Mr. Legg again had the
premier place with a grand specimen of Cycas revoluta, perhaps
the best plant extant of Croton volutum, Croton majesticnm,
Dieffenbachia nobilis, Dracmna Shepherdii, a good Phyllotranium
Lindeni, and a green Pandanus. Mr. James Ford, gardener to
J. G. Megaw, Esq., Windermere House,Lower Norwood, had the
second place. In this group Caladium nymphmfolium had mag-
nificent leaves 4 feet long aud 3 broad. The old Begonia argy-
rostigma, named atrosanguinea, was effective. Croton Wightii,
a Penuisetum, Cissus discolor, Croton variegatum, and Maranta
zebrina were also noticeable in this group.

In the class for nine Dracamas (open) Mr. Legg had the first
honours for excellently grown plants 3 to 5 feet high of Fraserii,
amabilis, excelsa, Shepherdii, Emperor, Hendersonii, Weis-
mannii, Y'oungii, and Denniaouii. Messrs. Rollisson S: Sons
had the second place with a collection which included the new
varieties Sidueyii, terminalis alba, recurva, and Nitzsohnerii.
Mr. Ley also exhibited in this class, the green species Intescens
having a striking effect from its light green recurved foliage.

In the class for nine Crotons in pots not exceeding 16 inches
in diameter (open), Mr. Wills, Melbourne Nursery, Auerley,
won with remarkably healthy plants, including C. ovalsefolium,
Y'oungii, undulatum, multicolor, majesticnm, Veitchii, &c. ; Mr.
Ley being placed second with plants varying in size from about
5 inches to .5 feet.

For six Palms in pots, distinct (open), the first prize was
awarded to Mr. John L. Ley for huge plants of Chammrops
tomentosa, Corypha australis, Pritchardia pacifica, Euterpe
edulis, Geonoma Schottiana, and Astrocaryum mexicanum. Mr.
Legg was placed second with smaller but excellently-grown
plants of such choice sorts as Cocos Weddeliana, Verschaffelti*
splendida, Dremonorops periacanthus, D. palembanicus, and
Martineaia erosa. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. B. S.
Williams for a fine group.

In the class for twelve stove and greenhouse Ferns (open)
there was a very keen competition, six collections being staged ;
first honours going t) Mr. B. S. Williams, Holloway, for splen-
did plants of Dicksonia autarctica, Gleichenias speluncse,
rupestris, and dicarpa, Davallia Mooreana, Aspleuiom nidus,
Cyathea meduUaris, and Phlebodium Bubauricolatam. Mr. E.

M»y 17, 1877. 1

J0DRK4.t. OF HORTI^aiiTDRE AND OOTTAOB GARDENER.

363

Tadgey, gardener to T. F. Williams, Esq., was second with ex-
cellent specimenB.

Six collections of six plants suitable for dinner table were
staged. The first prize was awarded to Mr. J. Lambert, gar-
dener to H. VT. Stealcke, Esq., Heme Hill, Dalwioh, for graceful
plants of Cocos Weddeliana, Geonoma gracilis, Daainonorops
palembauicns, Dracena gracilis, Pandanua javanious, and Croton
angustifolium. Mr. Wills, llelboorne Nursery, was a close
second, having staged an admirable collection.

For eight Pelargoniums in 8-inch pots Mr. Charles Tamer
was awarded a first prize. In the corresponding class for ama-
teurs Mr. James, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., Rodlees,
Isleworth, was the only exhibitor, and to him first honours were
awarded for eight very even and well-bloomed plants. In
classes 20 and 21 (for eight fancies), the first for nursorymen,
the other for amatenrs, Mr. Turner and Mr. James were the
only exhibitors, and were awarded first prizes. Pelargoniums,
however, were not superior, nearly all the plants showing
signs of having been advanced in a close artificially heated at-
mosphere.

For nine Calceolarias Mr. Salter, Laurie Park, Sydenham, was
first; Mr. James, Redlees, second ; and Mr. Bristowe, gardener
to G. Campbell, Esq., South Dalwich, third. The date, how-
ever, was too early for Calceolarias as well as for Pelargoniums.

For nine Cinerarias (open) Mr. James staged excellent plants
of Thomas Brown, crimson, and Purple Gem, two fine selfs ; also
Princess of Wales, Her Majesty, Compactam, Favourite, and
Lord G. Hamilton. He was the only exhibitor, and was awarded
the first prize.

For twenty-four Alpine and Herbaceous plants (open) Mr.
Robert Parker, Exotic Nurseries, Tooting, had first honours for
a very good collection, including fine pots of Soillas in five
varieties, Polygonatum multiflorum, Doronicum auitriaoum,
Symphytum caucasicum. Amongst the dwarfer plants were
Lithospermum prostratum, Adysetum orientale. Phlox Nelsoni,
Oalthapalustris.Alyssumsaxatile, Iberia G»rTexi»na,Cheiranthu9
Dillenii, and Saxitraga Stansfieldii. Mr. Coppin, The Rose
Nurseries, Shirley, Oxford, staged capital plants of tricolor
Pelargoniums 3 feet over, and excellent trusses of Verbenas in
twelve varieties ; and Mr. Hooper, Bath. Marfichal Niel Rosea
and Pansies, the latter commanding a large share of attention.
Especially flue were Jupiter, yellow and black ; La Brillante,
orange red ; Mrs. Bull, violet ; Dawn of Day, blue ; and The
Dove, white.

Miscellaneous collections of plants were staged by Messrs.
RoUisson & Sons, Tooting; Mr. Laing, The Nurseries. Forest
Hill; and Mr. Wills, the collection of the last-named exhibitor
consisting of a grand dispUy of Dracajuas which Mr. Bause has
raised and cnltivateil. They were deservedly admired. Mr.
James Chunfield, gardener to H. Littleton, Esq., Westwood
House, Sydenham, exhibited some good Cucumbers of Tele-
graph, Tender and True, and Kirklees Hall Defiance. The
second variety named, however, did not appear to be "true,"
the fruit being neither so short in the neck nor so deep in colour
as this variety is when exhibited by its raiser Mr. Douglas.
First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. B. S. Williams for
Maranta Massangeana, Bertolouia Van Huuttei, Panax lacini-
atus, AraUa gracillima, Lomaria discolor, Phyllanthus roseo-
pictus ; Mr. Charles Turner for Azalea Jean Vervaene ; Messrs.
Paul & Son, Cheshunt, for Rose Emily Laxton; Mr. Henry
Hooper for Pansy New Guinea.

Besides withholding third prizes from the schedule the Com.
pany was further economical in withholding breakfast tickets
from the exhibitors and without having given notice of the
change. Complaints were heard also that tickets enabling those
in charge of the plants to pass in and out of the Palace were
not distributed as usual, and one assistant has complained to us
of having been a prisoner in the building from i o'clock a.m. to
10 P.M. Many will regret to hear also that the services of Mr.
Wilson are no longer at the command of exhibitors. Mr. Wil-
son's aid was very valuable at flower shows as well as at exhi-
bitions of poultry, birds, l-c, but his term of twenty-flve years
of service was suddenly terminated on Saturday last in the
interests of "economy."

EABLY VERSUS LATE SOWING OF SEEDS.

Neably every person who has a kitchen garden is always
anxioua to sow the seeds of the principal crops as early as
possible in spring. I have been inclined the same way myself,
and have acted accordingly in this and former years ; but I
have quite made np my mind that in future I will sow no
kitchen-garden seeds out of doors earlier than the first week in
April, and only then if the weather be favourable. I can give
plenty of reasons for coming to this decision, and by stating
a few of them they may correspond so far with the experience
of others that they may do the same as I intend doing.

Oar early Peas, Carrots, CauUfiowers, A-c, are raised nnder
glass, and I will not refer farther to them. We sowed our

Onions the first week in March, and taking the advantage of a
good day a few short rows of Peas were put in at the same
time, as were also Early Horn Carrots, Snowball Turnip on a
south border, and email patches of all kinds of Greens, includ-
ing Cauliflowers, Savoys, Brussels Sprouts, Lettuce, &!J. The
plants from another sowing of all these crops made exactly
one month later are now (May -Ith) in advance of the first-
sown crops, and apart from their forwardness the plants from
the last-sown seed are much the healthiest-looking, as they
have not that " stand-still " appearance about them bo
characteristic of all plants which have had to struggle long for
an existence in a yonng state.

I did not make a second sowing of Onions, bnt Leeks and
Onions just take about the same time to come above gronnd,
and the Leeks sown a month later than the Onions are now
abreast of them. The Onions have come np well enough, bat
they have not moved in the least for the last three weeks, and
if they had been sown as late as the Leeks they would have
continued growing without ever being checked. The Early
Horn Carrots are no farther advanced than the later-sown
main crop of James's Scarlet. Although sometimes cold, we
have not had much frost this spring ; but it is not this kind of
weather that does the most harm to the yonng seedlings. A
wet, stiff, cold soil is far more against them.

It is very seldom that the surface of the gronnd will break
fine and freely early in March, and after the seed has been
covered if rain oemes in any great quantity the surface of the
gronnd becomes hard and cold. This is what my early plants
have had to contend against this spring, and I might be caught
the same way another year ; bnt I will not risk it, because I am
now satisfied that I can have as early and better crops from
seed sown the first week in April as that sown the first week in
March, and all uneasiness about failure ia avoided. — A Kiicheh
Gabsbneb.

UNHEALTHY VINES.

Is a vinery in which the Vines broke about the Ist of
February the young bunches in half the house have nearly
all dropped oft before blooming. It is a very old house, quite
noted for itj abundant bearing hitherto. The warmest part
has lost nearly the entire crop. In the cooler end some rods
are good, and the bunches have been thinned. The Grapes
are swelling, and are about the size of No. 1 shot. The house
is heated by flues, and the Vines are planted inside and ran
through arches into an outside border which has been well
manured. The Vines are nearly all Black Hamburghs. The
soil ia heavy and is well drained. I have enclosed a conple of
the bunches, and should feel obliged if yon will inform me
what is the cause of the bunches dying, and what I can do to
remedy the mischief another year. — H., Maldon.

[We publish the above letter as an example of many others
of the same nature which we have received during the past
month. We have never received so many complaints before
as have been addressed to as during the present season on
" bunches shrivelling," " shoots decaying," " foliage scald-
ing," &a. We suspect that the primary cause of the evils
complained of is to be found in the exoessive wet of last
autumn and winter. In the particular case of " H., Maldon,"
(which is typical of many others), we opine that the " heavy
soil " of the Vine border was so saturated that the Vine roots
(which were freely produced after the autumn rains, the tempe-
rature of the ground being then unusually high in consequence
of the hot summer) decayed to a considerable extent. The
stored-up sap in the rods was suffioient to promote growth up
to a certain stage, but the roots were wanting to sustain and
perfect that growth, hence the failure of the early Vines, the
late Vines having had time afforded them to form fresh roots
to support the foliage and crop. Timely and sound advice
bearing on this question was given some time ago by Mr.
Douglas in his useful " Doings." His Vines, like many others,
were not breaking well, and he had recourse to a steady low
temperature until fresh roots had time to form in the borders
to support the growth. That his praotioe was right the present
condition of the Vines at Loxford testifies. We saw them the
other day, and they are in excellent health. Had he increased
the heat of his vineries byway of forcing the Vines into growth
he would have erred, as we are afraid others have erred. The
many examples of shrivelled bunches and decayed growths
which have been sent to us all tend to force ns to the con-
clusion that the growth of the Vines has been unduly accele-
rated before the roots were in an active state. The stored-np

364

JOURNAL OF aORTIGOLTOBE AND GOTTAGK QARDENEB.

[ May 17, 1877.

sap in the Vines became exhausted before the means of supply-
ing necessary and supplementary food from the border were
afforded, hence a check was received, resnlting in shrivelled
bnnches and decayed shoots. The right practice to adopt in
Becnring fatare crops was sufficiently detailed last week by Mr.
Luckhurst, and we recommend a careful perusal of hia article
on pp. 345-6.— Eds.]

KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

May 15th.

Considering that this was merely a fortnightly meeting arid
not a " show " as generally understood, the display provided in
the conservatory was a varied and attractive one. Only a small
quantity of fruit was exhibited, but several plants were brought
before the Floral Committee, and a few very good miBCellaneouB
collections were staged — namely. Orchids from Sir Trevor
Laurence, Bart. ; Roses in pots from Messrs. Veitch & Sons,
Chelsea; Azaleas from Mr. C. Turner, Slough; Clematises from
Mr. Noble, Bagshcit ; Orchids and Ferns from Mr. Wills; cut
Roses from Messrs. W. Paul & Son ; and a miscellaneous collec-
tion of greenhouse plants from Messrs. "W. Cutbush & Sons.

Fruit Committee. — Henry Webb, Esq., in the chair. A very
good dish of Grosse Mignonne Peaches was sent by Mr. Samuel
Jenks, gardener to D.Larnach.Esq., Brambletye.East Griustead,
Sussex, tor which a cultural commendation was awarded. A
Green and Scarlet-flesh Melon were sent by Mr. H. W. Ward,
gardener to the Earl of Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisbury.
The Green-fleshed variety was not in condition, and the Scarlet-
fleshed form is of the Scarlet Gem type, but was not thought to
be an improvement on that sort. A white-spined Cucumber
was sent by Mr. Booth, gardener to J. Osmaston, Esq., Osmas-
ton Manor, Derby, but it was not thought to be equal to others
in its class. Letters of thanks were ordered to be sent to both
exhibitors. Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq.,
Loxford Hall, Ilford, sent specimens of Tender and True Cucum-
ber to show that fruit with a small neck and fruit of an even
thickreis throughout were produced on the same branch. A
letter of thanks was voted.

Floral Committee. — W. B. Kellock, Esq., in the chair. The
Orchids from Sir Trevor Laurence (grown by Mr. Spiers) com-
prised Oncidium crispum grandiflornm, with four expanded
flowers. These were more than 3 inches in diameter, and were
very striking. It resembles a tiue form of 0. c. Forbesii, and
was awarded a first-claps certificate. Odontoglossum citrosmum
roseum had three spikes and upwards of forty splendid rose-
tinted flowers ; O. Andersonianum had a grand spike of richly
spotted flowers ; O. triumpbans superbum was also in excellent
condition. Tbe distinct Oncidium metallicum was well repre-
sented. Cattleya Schilleriana, probably the finest plant ever
exhibited, had seven flowers; and Houlletia Lowii had two
wax-like sulphur-coloured flowers — carious, ai tractive, and
powerfully perfumed. To the last-named plant a botanical
certificate was awarded.

Messrs. Veitch's Roses were in 8 and 9-inch pots. The plants
were splendidly grown and bloomed— were in fact perfect plants
for conservatory decoration. They were extremely dwarf, each
carrying from twelve to twenty blooms, and the foliage was as
good as the flowers. Amongst the Teas Perfection de Mont-
plaisir, rich yellow, was in beautiful condition ; Marie Guillot
was also good, and Alba rosea splendid. One of the blooms on
the plant we never saw equalled. Celine Forestier was in per-
fect condition. John Stuart Mill, Beauty of Waltham, Paul
Verdier, Pierre Ncitting, and Duke of Edinburgh were note-
worthy amongst the dark varieties ; and amongst the lights
Madame Lacharme had fine blooms but not pure. Capitaine
Christy was remarkably good, as were also Baronne de Roth-
schild and La France. A silver medal was awarded.

Tho Azaleas exhibited by Jlr. Turner were mostly the same
effective medium-sized plants which were staged at the Crystal
Palace last Saturday, and which are noticed in our report
of the Show. One, however, not noticed there is Flambeau,
rich crimson scarlet, highly effective. A. sinensis, orange
yellow, very valuable for decorative purposes ; Jean Vervaene,
a fine continental variety, rosy salmon fringed with white, were
exhibited by Mr. Turner. The last-named variety has been pre-
viously certificated, and is w('rthy of the notice of cultivators.
A silver gilt medal was awarded for this collection.

Amongst Mr. Noble's Clematises we noticed C. Torriana as
being distinct in colour, very pale lavender shot with rose. Of
the lilac-purple varieties Margaret Dunbar and The President
were very flue, and Xerxes was conspicuous from its rich colour
and miiroon band.

Mr. Wills's group was small but attractive owing to the sim-
plicity of its arrangement. The groundwork was composed of
small plants of Adiantum cuueatum, amongst which were irre-
gularly disposed a few choice Odontoglossums. A bronze medal
was awarded.

The collection of Messrs. Cutbush was composed of Palms,

Dracfenas, Rhododendrons, Conrea cardinalis, several Ericas
(E. mirabilis being especially attractive), Boronias, Gena-
tyllis. Lilies, and a pretty old greenhouse plant, Hypocalymna
robusta — a very good group, for which a silver medal was
awarded.

Messrs. Paul & Sons' cut Roses comprised sixty varieties.
Amongst the Teas Souvenir d'un Ami, Marie Van Houtte, Ni-
phetos. President, Climbing Devoniensis, and especially Rubens,
were in charming condition. Cheshunt Hybrid was also su-
perbly shown. Beauty of Waltham, Princess Beatrice, Madame
Nachury, and Duchess of Edinburgh were also admirably repre-
sented. A bronze medal was awarded for the collection. Messrs.
J. Mayo & Son, Cornmarket Street, Oxford, exhibited upwards
of sixty blooms of Marechal Niel Roses in excellent condition,
and were awarded a bronze medal.

Messrs. Veitch exhibited four varieties of Azalea mollis —
Flambeau and aurantiaca, orange; Comte de Gomer, delicate
pink; and CouIeurdePaille, soft buff colour, very pure and fine —
for which a first-class certificate was awarded. A similar award
was made to the same firm for a new Dracfena from the South
Sea Islands. This, which is named Robinsoniaua, is highly
distinct and very promising. The plant is of stately growth, the
leaves being olive green striped with creamy white and rose.
The new unfolding leaves are especially attractive. Messrs.
Veitch also exhibited Dracaena speciosa, Crinum Mackoyanum,
and Adiantum semulum, an elegant Fern, intermediate in
appearance between A. formosnm and A. cuneatum. Messrs.
Veitch also exhibited the new American Hydrangea Thomas
Hogg ; but it is not yet pure white, although the green tinge in
the petals appears to be disappearing. The Committee desired
to see it again.

H. J. Elwes, Esq., Preston, Cirencester, sent flowers of EU-
easna longipetala, a carious and pretty Pancratium-like flower;
Calceolaria crenatiflora, pure yellow ; Tulipa undulatifolia, to
which a vote of thanks was awarded ; and Cypripedium candi-
dum, a hardy species, extremely attractive. The slipper of the
flower is a pure ivory white, the staminode orange with brown
spots, and the sepals brown. It is a charming species, and was
introduced from North America in 1826.

Mr. Cannell exhibited his new striped Geranium New Life,
scarlet with flakes of white and rose — withal a good-formed
flower. A vote of thanks was awarded.

Mr. Ollerhead, gardener to Sir H. W. Peek, Bart, Wimbledon
House, exhibited a spray of Aristolochia ornithocephala with
four remarkable flowers. The correct name of this, however,
was stated to be A. braziliensis. A vote of thanks was awarded
to the exhibitor. Mr. Bell, The Nursery, Lakenham, Norwich,
exhibited Adiantum Capillus-Veneris var. corymbiferum, the
fronds being crested like those of A. Liiddemanniannm. Mr.
Dean exhibited Mimuluses, Polyanthuses, cut blooms of Pansies,
and a few Alpine plants ; and J. D. Llewelyn, Esq., sent an un-
named crimson Azalea.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S SUMMER SHOW.

Mat 16th.

At few places are better plants exhibited than at the first
Summer Show at Regent's Park, and few places are better cal-
culated to show them to advantage than the large marquee with
its hollow central ground aud bold turf-covered elevations,
rising tier above tier, yet suificiently isolated to permit all the
collections being conveniently inspected. The four half-circular
groups in the centre of the marquee were contributed as follows :
— A grand display of Rhododendrons and Japanese Maples from
Messrs. Veitch ; also a flue group of Roses fringed with cut-
leaved Maples; an attractive collection of decorative plants
from Messrs. John Laing A- Co., Forest Hill; and a very large
and excellent group of Tree Ferns, Orchids, and flne-foliaged
plants from Mr. B. S. Williams. For these groups extra prizes
were awarded. The collections in competition were arranged
on the grass terraces surrounding the marquee, the flowering
plants on the projecting mounds, the Ferns and fine-foliaged
plants in the recesses. The general appearance of the Show
was very rich, and it must be pronounced as one of the best
exhibitions of recent years.

In nuiserymen's principal class for twelve stove and green-
house plants in flower first honours were secured by Messrs.
Jackson & Son, Kingston, who had evidently reserved them-
selves for the event, for the specimens were vastly superior to
those which they staged at the Crystal Palace. The collection
comprised two Azaleas, three Heaths, two Aphelexes, a Statioe,
Imantophyllum, Hedaroma, and Rhodcdendron. Mr. B. S.
Williams had the second place with a splendid group. It con-
tained a remarkable specimen of Clerodendron Balfourii, an
immense EricaCavendisbiana, aCueexampleof Ixora Williamsii,
Azaleas, Heaths, Aphelexis, Azalea Criterion, and Anthurium
Scherzerianum. Mr. Peed, Roupell Park Nurseries, Norwood
Park, had the third prize for smaller yet creditable specimens.

In the corresponding class for amateurs (ten plants), Mr.
Chapman, gardeuerto J. Spode, Esq., Hawkesyard Park, Rugeley,

May 17, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

had the place of honour with the eame splendid specimens
which won at the Palace. Mr. Peed was placed second and Mr.
Tadgey third. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. Wheeler,
gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmid, Bart. In the amatenra' clftaaes
for six plants Mr. Tadgey was first, Mr. Chapman second, and
Mr. Legs third for admirable collections, an extra prize going
to Mr. Child. Amongst nurserymen (six plants) Messrs. Jaok-
Bon it Sons were first, and Mr. B. S. Williams second.

Orchids. — These were not so numerous as we have seen them
on former occasions. la the amateurs' class for six plants the
first prize weot to Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londes-
boroagh, for 0 Jontoglossum citrosmum with three grand spikes,
O. Pescatorei, 0. Koezlii, Dendrobium Parishii, Cattleya su-
perba, and Aerides Veitchii, all in splendid condition. Mr.
Child was second with Oucidiam ampliatam majus, very fine;
Aerides Fieldingi, two Cypripediums, a Cattleya and Vanda.
Mr. Newman, gardener to W. H. Michael, Esq., Highgate, was
placed third for Dendrobium Falconer!, very finej D. Wardi-
anum, Phalienopsis Liiddemanniana, Cypripedium Stonei, and
C. niyeum. An extra prize was worthily awarded to Mr, Heims,
gardener to F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q C, who exhibited a splen-
did plant of Dendrobium densitioram, also Phalfflnopsis grandi-
flora aarea, Odontogloasum Alexandra;, and Epidendram vitel-
linum majuB in capital condition. Mr. Heims also exhibited
a good miscellaneous collection. In the classes for nurserymen
Mr. B. S. Williams was in his usual place and had the first
prize, Messrs. Jackson & Son being placed second. The plants
are nearly all named in the Crystal Palace report. They had a
very rich effect.

Roses. — The specimens in these classes were splendid. Mr.
Turner's plants were in grand condition and commanded all the
chief prizes. There were three nurserymen's classes and an
open class, but no special class for amateurs— an oversight pos-
sibly, for what plants are more worthy of cultivation and encou-
ragement than Roses in 8 inch pots ? They ought to be as
generally grown as Pelargoniums. In the open class for six Roses
in pots Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, exhibited
magnificent examples of Paul Perras, Celine Forestier, Paul
Verdier, Dake of Edinburgh, Edward Morren, and J«no, to
which the first prize was awarded ; the second going to Messrs.
Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshnnt, for plants scarcely
less inferior to the first-prize collection. Charles Lawson, Victor
Verdier, and Culine Forestier were grand examples of culture.
The two sixes may be considered the most perfect plants which
have probably ever been exhibited. Mr. J. W. Moorman, gardener
to the Misses Christy, Coombe Bank, Kingston-on-Thames, was
third with well-bloomed plants of good quality. Mr. Henry
Coppin, The Rose Nursery, Croydon, also exhibited in this class.
In the nurserymen's class for nine Roses Mr. Turner was again
placed first, and Messrs. Paul & Sons second. Mr. Turner was
first in the class for twenty Roses in 8-inch pots, and Messrs.
Paul & Sons second.

In the class for six new Rosea (nurserymen) Mr. Turner was
the only exhibitor, and was deservedly awarded the first prize,
fonr of the varieties staged being of his own raising — Rev. J. B. M.
Camm, Miss Hassard, Oxonian, and Royal Standard. Triomphe
de France, very large, but coarse ; and President h&on de St.
Jean, a very dark Rose, were the other plants in this class.

A2AI.EAS — These contributed greatly to the effect of the Ex-
hibition. In the amiiteurs' class for six plants the prizes went
in the following ordei- :— First, Mr. Ratty, gardener to B. Thorn-
ton, E^q., for huge pyramids; second, Mr. Child, gardener to
Mrs. Torr, Garbrand Hall, Ewell, for his Palace collection; and
third, Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmid, Bart. ;
Etoile de Flandre in this collection was striking from the
flowers at the top of the pyramid being scarlet, the other por-
tion of the plant being white. In the nurserymen's class for
six plants Mr. Turner had first honoars with his naturally-
grown plants. Duchesaede Nassau, crimson scarlet; Comtessede
Flandre, deep rose; and Madame Cannart d'Hamale, white,
were splendid in this collection. For twelve greenhouse Aza-
leas in 12 inch pots Mr. Turner was placed first, and Mr. Ratty
second, both with admirably bloomed examples ; and for six
plants in 12-inch pots Mr. Ratty was first, and Mr. Wheeler
second.

Heaths. — In the nurserymen's class for twelve plants Messrs.
Jackaon & Sons were the only exhibitors, staging plants from
2 to 3 feet in diameter, but not calling for special comment.
They were awarded the first prize. In the amateurs' class for
the same number of plants, Mr. Legg, gardener to S. Ral'.i,
Esq., was easily first ; aristata superba in this collection was
grind. Mr. Peed, gardener to Mrs. Treadwell, St. John's Lodge,
Norwood, was second ; and Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. H.
Goldsmid, Bart., third. In the open class for six Heaths the
prizes were a^tarded in the following order : — Mr. Legg first,
Mr. Peed second, and Mr. Tadgey third.

Ferns and Fine-follioed Plants — In the nurserymen's
class for six exotic Ferns Mr. B. S. Williams was invincible.
He staged a grand specimen of Cyathea medullaris, Dicksonia
antarctica, Davallia Mooreana Cfeet in diameter, and admirable

examples of Gleicheniaa speluncfe and rnpestris. Mr. Ley_,
Croydon, was placed second. In the amateurs' class for six
plants Mr. Tudgey had the premier place with Alsophila austra-
lis, Dicksonia antarctica, a Cyathea, Gleichenia, and Adiantum
farleyense, all in excellent order. Mr. Wheeler had the second
prize.

For six fine-foliage plants (amateurs) Mr. J. Legg was first
with his admirable Palace collection. Second, Mr. E. Tudgey;
third, Mr. P. Hill, gardener to — Taylor, Esq , Regent's Park.
In the corresponding class for nurserymen Mr. B. S. Williams
was placed first and Mr. Ley second ; and for a group of twelve
Agaves, Yuccas, and Cycads the first prize was awarded to Mr.
Ley, and second to Mr. B. S. Williams.

Pelargoniums — ^These were not numerous. In the class for
nine plants in S-inch pots (open), Mr. James, gardener to W. F.
Watson, Esq., Redlees, Isleworth, was placed first with very
even and well-bloomed plants. For six plants (amateurs) Mr.
James was again placed first. In the corresponding class for
nurserymen Mr. Charles Turner was awarded first honours;
Claribel and Maid of Honour being particularly noticeable iu
this collection.

For nine Calceolarias (open) Mr. James was a good first, his
plants bein;; very fine both in habit and bloom; Mr. Coppiu
was awarded the third prize.

In the class for six old-fashioned plants (open) Mr. W. P.
Roberts, gardener to W. J. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House,
Falham, was the only exhibitor, and was awarded a first prize.

New Plants. — Messrs. W. RoUissou & Sons, Tooting, ex-
hibited a remarkable Azalea indioa RoUissoni, stated to be from
Japan, and hardy. The plants were only about 6 inches high,
with very slender foliage, and fine double, rosy-pink flowers,
very distinct and attractive. A certificate was awarded.

Mr. Williams exhibited Dracaenas Rebecca), terminalis alba
(certificated), andElizabethre; Croton Andreanum (certificated),
bold and promising; C. Victoria, a brilliantly coloured seed-
ling from Weismannii; Erauthemum Eldorado, the cordate
leaves being 4 inches long and 2i broad, green, and conspicu-
ously reticulated with yellowish veins ; Adiantum WiUiamsii
(certificated), an elegant Maiden-hair with crisped pinn<e ; and
Microlepia anthriscifolia (certificated), a small-growing Da-
vallia-like Fern of the greatest elegance ; also Aralia filicifolia
(certificated).

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, exhibited Dendrobium
suavissimnm (certificated), a splendid Dendrobe with rich orange
flowers, having a bold maroon blotch on the labellum.

Messrs. Veitch staged DracaBua McArthurii, very dwarf, and
more rich-coloured than D. Cooperii ; also D. Robinaoniana,
Azalea mollis in variety, Authurium Brownii (botanical certifi-
cate), Selaginella Brownii, Lomaria discolor bipinnatifida, and
Hydrangea Thomas Hogg. The two plants last named were
certificated. Certificates were also awarded to Messrs. G. Jack-
man & S^n, Woking, for Clematises Lady Egmont and Florence ;
also to Mr. Noble, Bagshot, for Clematises Margaret Danmore,
Madame Torraine, and Xerxes.

Mr. James Kingsley, Bevois Valley Nursery, Southampton,
exhibited a new Coleus Empress of India, with large velvety
foliage blotched with yellow and pink; also Petunia Mount
Beauty, an immense Gloxinia-shaped flower 4 inches in diame-
ter, colour purplish crimson with a white tube veined with
purple. It is almost or quite identical with Dr. Hogg, a new
variety now being sent out by Mr. Cannell.

Messrs. B. G. Henderson & Son, Pine Apple Nursery, ex-
hibited Mimulus pardinas (certificated), double, and other fine
varieties; Blandfordia nobilis grandiflora, and B. aurea elegans
(certificated), Mikania scandens variegata, and Bouvardias. Mr.
Barley, Brentwood, staged cut blooms of Zonal Pelargoniums;
Messrs. William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, an extensive and
superior collection of Roses in pots, also six boxes of cut blooms ;
Messrs. Harrison, Leicester, new Giant Mignonette ; Mr. Charles
Turner a splendid collection of Tulips, also Alpine Auriculas;
Mr. J. Mayo, Oxford, Marucbal Niel Roses; Mr. Noble, Clema-
tises ; Mr. Coppin, Shirley, Tricolor Pelargoniums, Verbenas,
and Roses. Messrs. W. Cutbush arranged a large and effective
group of ornamental-foliaged and flowering plants ; and Mr.
Parker, Tooting, hardy herbaceous plants. Extra prizes were
awarded for these collections.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Wb hear that a labge Rose Show will be held at the Alex-
andra Palace on Saturday, Jane .30th, for which a liberal
schedule is being prepared. The schedalo will shortly be
ready, and may be obtained on application to Mr. John A.
McEtnzie, 1 and 2, Great Winchester Street Buildings,
London, E.C.

The Whitsuntide Exhibition of the Manchesteb

Botanical akb HoRTicuLTnBAL Society, which opens on Friday
the 18th inst. and continues until the 20th, is expected to
be a very large one. There are thirty-three classes for ama-

366

}OUBNAL OP HORTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE QABDENER.

[ Hay 17, 1877.

tenrs and twenty-five for nurserymen. The prizes in all the i
classes are good, some of them being very liberal. For twenty
plants, ten fine-foliage and ten in flower (amateurs), £60 is
offered in three prizes of £30, £20, and £10, and a uimilar I
amount is offered for Orchids. In the nurserymen's classes
about equally large amounts are offered. In this section £50
is provided for a collection of plants arranged for effect and
occupying space 22 feet long and 15 feet wide, the prizes being
£25, £15, and £10. On the 25th there is to be a special ex-
hibition of table decorations. Hoses, &a., and the National
Tulip Society's Show will be held at the same time.

The whole of the details connected with the Show of

the National Kobe Society are to be entrusted to Mr. W.
Newman, who has been so long favourably known to all ex-
hibitors of the Hose as the practical manager of the Crystal
Palace flower shows, and afterwards as connected with the
Alexandra Palace. Want of space for the Show is the main
difficulty, but the Committee had no other alternative in
carrying out of their plans of bringing a Rose show to the
very centre of the fashionable part of business London.
Those who join the Society will obtain two admission tickets,
giving them an entree to the Show for an hour before the
general public are admitted.

In order to meet the views of some exhibitors who are

members of the National Hose Association the Committee of
the ToBBAY HoBTicDLTUEAL SooiETT havo decided to limit the
Eose Show to one day — namely, June 28th. Captain Fane
Tucker is the secretary.

We have received from Mr. Christison, gardener to

B. 0. White, Esq., The Priory, Lewisham, some blooms of
Mabechal Niel Eose of splendid quality. We have seen
many hundreds of blooms this year, but none superior to these
before ns, and the foliage is as fine as the flowers. We should
be glad to hear how and under what conditions Mr. Christison
has grown these grand Roses.

It is worthy of record that the fine dish of Geosse

MwNONNE Peaches exhibited before the Fruit Committee on
the loth inst., and for which Mr. Jenks of Brambletye was
awarded a cultural commendation, were gathered from a
medium-sized tree bearing 213 Peaches. The tree has pro-
duced a similar crop of fine fruit four years in succession.

Wb some time ago alluded to a collection of Odonto-

OLOSSCM VEXiLLAKinii in Mr. Bull's nursery at Chelsea. The
plants are now flowering, and the effect is quite remarkable.
There are 150 plants in from 2 to 5-inch pots, and every plant
appears to be producing flowers. The beauty of the collection
is highly striking, and it is interesting to note the many va-
rieties there are of this magnificent Orchid. In the same
house is an excellent display of another splendid Odontoglot
— 0. Eoezlii. This collection of Odontoglossums demands
mention as the most extensive of its kind that has ever been
seen in England, and it is highly worthy of inspection by all
who are interested in these splendid flowers.

A cobeespondent in advocating the culthee of Nae-

cissusES, says they are " Everybody's flowers — that is, they
will thrive almost anywhere, in sun or in shade, and in nearly
every kind of soil. The different varieties flower over a long
period, and no flowers resist the effects of rainy weather so
well as do these. The flower buds expand freely when out
and placed in water, and they there last in beauty nearly or
quite as long as when growing on the plants."

A GEMTLEMAH who has kept a meteorological diary since

1847 says that the present ia the most backward spbinq that
has occurred since that year. In his garden at Croydon the
first dish of Aaparagus is usually out about the 17th of April,
but this year it was not cut until the 11th of May. The latest
previously was in 1853, when the first cutting was on the 5th
of May.

A COMMITTEE 19 in the course of formation with the

object of presenting a testimonial to Me. JosEpn Dale, F.H.S.,
of the Middle Temple Gardens, London. Mr. Dale, so long
ago as 1841, began to ornament the gardens of the Middle
Temple with Chrysanthemums, and in 1856 he first published
his pamphlet on the cultivation of the flower, which is a guide
and text-book still deservedly popular ; and his annual exhibi-
tion of plants, showing what may be done by judicious manage-
ment in the heart of a smoky city, has been of incalculable
benefit to many. The present, it is believed, offers a fitting
opportunity for the Chrysanthemum growers of England to
Bhow their appreciation of Mr. Dale's labours, and publicly to

acknowledge the advice and assistance which he has unhesita-
tingly offered to any floral aspirant who sought information of
him. Communications on the subject or donations may be
forwarded to Mr. Shirley Hibberd, Hermitage Eoad, Stoke
Newington, Treasurer ; or to Mr. J. S. Hodson, Gray's Inn
Chambers, 20, High Holborn, Secretary.

Although vegetables are scarce in many private gar-
dens, CovENT Gabden Masket appears to be well supplied.
There are many tons of young compactly-hearted Cabbages
from the London market grounds, and Peas, Broad and Kidney
Beans, and Globe Artichokes are supplied from the south of
France. Salading of both English and French growth is
plentiful, as well as Asparagus, also Seakale of home growth.
Ehubarb is small for the time of year, the best examples we
noticed having been sent from Yorkshire ; it had been grown
under pots. New Potatoes from Jersey are very good, and old
tubers from Lincolnshire and Yorkshire look well in the sacks,
although we are informed that many of them are slightly
diseased.

A cobeespondent writes to us as follows on forcing

Feench Beans in boxes : — " Some time ago I did not see my
way clearly to find room for a lot of French Beans in 8-inch
pots, which I knew would require a place in some warm house
at this time ; so in order to economise space I obtained some
cutting-boxes, which are 3 feet long by 14 inches wide, and
4 inches deep. These I half-filled with a rich compost of loam
and dang. The Beans were then laid in the boxes about
2 inches apart, and covered over until the box were nearly full.
They were then watered and placed in a Pine stove. They
are now bearing an excellent crop of pods, quite equal in every
way to any we have had in pots, and the space saved is con-
siderable."

For several seasons the supply of Vegetables has not

been so limited as during the present spring. Complaints of
scarcity reach us from various districts. In by far the greater
majority of gardens the deficiency alluded to was quite un-
preventable. The hot and dry summer prevented the Brassica
crops from making anything like their usual growth. Winter
Spinach was unable to resist the continued downpour of the
autumn and early winter months, and the protracted cold of
spring has prevented such crops as Cabbages and Asparagus
from advancing for early use. When we reflect that vegetables
are frequently scarce during April and May, it is a little sur-
prising that Seakale is not more largely grown on the simple
plan adopted in the London market gardens, and detailed last
week by our Fulham correspondent. This crop is so easily
grown and so serviceable, that we direct attention to the letter
on page 343, while there is yet time for the practice mentioned
being carried out to any extent desired.

A 6TEIKIN0 example of the advantages of a low tem-

peeatube fob Masdevallias was pointed out to ns the other
day by Mr. Ollerhead. Three plants of M. Harryana are now
suspended in a cool Orchid house, and are just expanding their
flowers. By far the best plant of the three — the best in foliage
and having the finest and the brightest flowers — is the one
which has been grown with a night temperature of 45' to 40°,
the others which have had a minimum temperature of 55°
being wiry in comparison. Masdevallias are distinct and
beautiful Orchids, and may be grown better without highly
heated structures than with them. Their cultivation on that
account should be largely increased. In the nurseries of
Mesers. Veitch and Mr. Williams thousands of Masdevallias
are growing under " greenhouse treatment."

Thb cuckoo was heard at Daventry on the 12th inst.

FRUIT-TREE CULTURE.— No. 2.

EXTENSION vSESns EE3TBI0TION.

Plum and other stone fruits differ from Apples and Fears in
forming fruit buds upon the current year's growths as well as
upon older spurs. Except for the Cherry no dwarfing stock is
necessary, the Plum, Apricot, Peach, and Nectarine upon the
Plum stock being provided for, the Plum in all its varieties
being surface-rooting, by which the cultivator is enabled to
have fruitful trees under the utmost limit of restriction. I{
there ie any fault to be found with the Plum as a stock it is
that of supplying nutrition in excess of what is required, the
food supplied being more than the foliage can appropriate,
giving rise to extravasated sap, particularly when the atmo-
sphere is cold : hence I do not wonder at Mr. Taylor encourag-
ing a sucker or two, which, however, is unnecessary when sappy
unripe growth is checked by lifting. With kinds free in growth

May 17, lf77. ]

JOORMAIi OF aORTICaLrURB AND COTTAGE GARDEf^EB.

367

correepondiEg with the stock and having an early leafage the
greatest immunity from enm is found. Take Apricot?, for
instance. Moorpark and Kaisha are late in leafing, they with
me suffer from gum ; but Blenheim, Koyal, Onllins Early,
Hemskirk, and St. Ambroise are free, having a much earlier
leafage, do not suffer from gum; neither does Moorpark appear
to gum when lifted triennially. lu rich moist soils we have
the greatest liability to gum, for which there appears no
remedy but restriction of the roots by lifting, and warmth so
as to induce short-jointed well-ripeued wood.

Extension, therefore, is useless against disease, and equally
at fault in inducing fruittulness. In what, then, consist the
advantages of the system? The answer of some is, " More
wood, larger fruit." But what of its quality ? Is it also
superior ? These questions I leave to be answered by the
votaries of extension. If it can be shown that extension is
necessary for continued fruitfnlness (and I admit that it may
be in a few cases, which I shall proceed directly to particularise) ,
then we have to consider if we may not have extension and
restriction at the same time; extension, inasmuch as we re-
place old worn-out parts by more vigorous fruitful growths,
and restriction by confining the new growths to the space pre-
viously occupied by the old.

Examples of a combination of extension and restriction may
be found in most gardens, and very often in the same tree, as
in that of a fruit tree only partially coveting its allotted space
— the terminations of the principal branches are extensions.
Extension, however, as generally understood, is the allowing
of space for a tree to go on continually increasing in size, and
not restricting it to a space of say 20 to 21 feet by 10 or 12 feet
against a wall or trellis; or a bush or pyramid not confined to
so many square feet of space, but instead affording as many
yards as it likes to take. The question involved is, " Is the tree
as fruitful when restricted as when allowed extension ?" I have
no hesitation in submitting that for general purposes the
restrictive system is equally satisfactory with the extension ;
but it is also certain that both may be carried to an extreme.
Restriction of the branches alone is useless in restraining
undue vigour and inducing fruitfulness. My pyramid trees
rebelled against restriction by the knife. They grew more,
and became also more unfruitful ; but the application of the
spade produced fertility.

With the Apricot the case is very similar ; long sappy growths
are neither healthful nor fruitful. The finest fruit is produced
by spurs and shoots of moderate vigour. There is no denying
that some trees admit of restriction to a much less extent than
others. Some bear well under the closest restriction ; others
treated in the same manner are unfruitful, though both sub-
jects are under the same cultural and climatic conditions.

The Champagne Gooseberry may not be pruned so closely
as Whitesmith or Warrington. Thinning-out old branches
and leaving the young wood is the proper course to pursue j
with the first, it not forming spurs nearly so freely as the
last two. In Currants we have the long-jointed Houghton
Castle or Victoria not amenable to such close pruning as the
Red Dutch. Even in Raspberries the Antwerp will bear much
closer shortening than Fastolff.

Of Apples Mrre de MOnage, Blenheim Orange, and other
strong growers do not bear restriction so well as such kinds as
Margil and Dumelow's Seedling ; whilst in Pears .Jargonelle,
General Todtleben, and Passe Crassaneare not to be restricted
in the same close manner as Bon Chn'tien (Williams'), Louise
Bonne of Jersey, Passe Colmar, &c.

In Plums there is a great difference in the growth, for .Jeffer-
son, Kirke's, and Coe's Golden Drop in dessert kinds are very
prolific when close pruned, but Belgian Purple, Transparent
Gage, and OuIUn's Golden do not fruit well when closely
spurred. Ditference prevails also in Apricots. Kuyal and Kt.
Ambroise are not so fruitful under the same restriction as
Kaiaha and Moor Park; and in Peaches Noblesse will not
endare the close prnulng that may be applied to Royal George.
— G. Abbey.

KWELL CASTLE,

THE SEAT OF A. W. OADESDEN, BS(,i.

Amomgst the gardens near London well worthy of a visit at
all times of the year are those of Ewell Castle. There are
few gardens whore more cleanliness is found. Insects are not
allowed to exist under glass, nor weeds to be seen outdoors.
The flower pots are as clean as if fresh from the pottery, and
to Ibat sirap'e yet important matter the health of the plants
is, iu my opinion, in a great measure attributable. Not a

vestige of moss is to be seen on the soil or the pots, and a
decayed leaf or petal is not permitted to remain on the plants.
Not one weed could I find in any part of the garden, and in
fact on this account some disappointment had a few days ago
been experienced when, alter a long and careful search, not a
sprig of Groundsel could be found for a pet bird. That may
be a trifling maiter to mention, but it has been left on record
by one who is worthy of being listened to that " success is
achieved by attending to trifles, and success itself is no trifle."

Ewell Custle is a comparatively modern mansion in the
castellated style of architecture, and is owned by a gentleman
hav'ng cousiderablo possessions in the district, and who is
careful that his mansion and its surroundings are at all times
in keeping with the position of the family. It is to the gardens,
however, that your readers will be more particularly interested,
and these I will attempt briefly to describe.

I first entered the flower garden, which is not large. There
is an open expanse of lawn surrounded with shrubs, the flower
beds being arranged by the sides of the walks. The beds are
now bright with spring flowers, such as Pansies, Wallflowers,
Arabis, Aubrietias, Phlox frondosa, &o , and the borders in
front of the shrubberies aro gay with Hyacinths and Tulips.
On the lawn are some good Conifers, such as Pinus Pinsapo,
P. Nordmanniana, P. Cembra, Cedrus Deodara and C. atlantica,
Abifspxoelsa and others. These are all named — labels being
uf ed which will endure as long as the specimens. These labels
are made of glazed earthenware, and are 5 or (j inches square,
the top having a sharp slant, and on this slant the names were
cut or have been impressed before the " posts " underwent the
process of hardening. The material is imperishable, the names
permanent, and the labels themselves immovable by any acci-
dent. The tops are only a few inches above ground, and they
are neat and inconspicuous. By the side of the terrace walk
near the mansion is an old vinery which is reputed to have
produced more prize Grapes than any other house of its size
in the country. Both Vines and house are now venerable, but
that is not considered a suihcient reason that destruction
should follow, but they are treated as good old servants should
be treated — with respect. In the grounds contiguous to the
lawn are some fine timber trees, a splendid specimen of the
Copper Beech and an equally remarkable Turkey Oak being
especially commanding.

From the flower garden a shaded semi-wild woodland walk
conducts to a mound about half a mile distant from the Castle,
and which is known as Queen Elizabeth's Banqueting Hall,
the ground being part of Nonsuch Park where that monarch
once resided. The foundations of the Banqueting Hall have
been carefully preserved and built up to a height of about
■1 feet and surrounded with a sunk fence. The ground thus
raised may approach about an acre in extent, and is occupied
with large forest trees, mostly Larches, and an undergrowth of
shrubs. Amongst these shrubs winding walks are formed, and
a cool and secluded retreat is provided, which is much enjoyed
by the family during the sultry days of summer. No attempt
at " gardening " is permitted in the " Hall" or its approaches,
but all is appropriately natural ; the only suspicion of " care "
perceived is that which never obtrudes, yet cannot fail to ba
noticed — cleanliness.

But what I desire especially to refer to are the plants and
houses. Adjoining the Castle is the conservatory. It is a
large square structure having two central stages and a stage
round the side containing some fine specimens of Camellias
10 feet by 6 ; Cytisus raoemosus, 7 feet by 5 ; Erica Caven-
dishii, 0 feet by 4 ; Epacris of sorts, 4 feet through ; Sea-
forthia elegans, 11 feet by 12, a splendid specimen; and
some of the finest Primulas, Cinerarias, and Cyclamens which
I have ever seen. These, however, are now fading; but
they can be well spared, for they are being replaced by a
collection of Calceolarias. I am not forgetful of the excel-
lent plants which Mr. James and other renowned cultivators
stage at the metropolitan exhibitions when I say that it is a
long time since such splendid plants have been exhibited in
London as are here grown by Mr. Scutt, Mr. Gadesden's skilful
gardener. Their luxuriance is remarkable ; the plants being
about 2 feet in diameter and 18 inches high, the foliage almost
hiding the pots, and the flowers being proportionately large.
The strain is Mr. James's, and the cultivator has done it ample
justice. Gloxinias are largely and admirably grown here, many
of tbo seedlings being of great merit, and these with other
flowering plants , including Richardias with spathes nearly a foot
across, render the structure extremely gay. Adjoining the
conservatory is a plant stove which I think should be attached

JOURNAL OF HORTIO0LTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May

to all oonsorvatories, both as affording a pleasing change
and as a great aid to the gardener in cultivating oruamental-
foliaged plants. Amongst the Ferns in this etove I noticed
Dickaonia antarotioa, 12 feet high ; Cibotiam Barometz, 12 feet
through, a splendid plant ; good Adiautums of various sorts;
Musa Cavendishii ; Croton angustifohum and others C to 7 feet
through ; Latania borbonica, 7 feet by 7. Amongst Orchids
Dendrobium Devonianum and pulohellum were very fine ; these
with Begonias and other flowering plants produced an admir-
able effect.

The kitchen garden is a short distance from the mansion.
At the entrance to the garden is the head gardener's cottage,
which is such a one as every gardener should have. Near the
cottage is a lean-to Peach house unheated, yet the trees are bear-
ing an excellent crop of fruit. The next two houses are vineries.
The Vines were regarded as " worn out " two years ago, and

the owner contemplated their entire removal. Mr. Soatt, hosv-
ever, on taking charge attempted their renovation, and in
August, 1875, renewed the border and lifted the roots, shading
the house densely in the meantime, and preserving the foliage
by keeping it constantly moist. New roots were speedily
fotmed, and these having good soil and repeated applications
of liquid manure imparted fresh vigour to the Vines, which
are now in the highest degree satisfactory, and are certain to
produce Grapes this year of the first quality. Active root-
action, plenty of water, thinly training the shoots, and great
cleanliness are the means adopted in Grape-growing at Ewell
Castle. None could be better nor more suceessfol, hence the
recording of them here. In these houses a number of Epacrises
and other plants which have been used for the conservatory are
now making their growth. The next house is a stove, in
which is a general collection of flowering plants and Ferns.

Fig. 40.— Ewell oastle.

Near it is a small propa^ntiag house, and adjoining this is a
greenhouse, in which are more herbaceous Calceolarias in
8 and 10-ineh pots — plants which are worthy of a place at any
exhibition ; but Mr. Gadesden likes to see his plants without
any broken foliage, and does not approve of showing. In the
next house is a clean collection of Pelargoniums coming on
to succeed the Calceolarias in the conservatory, and near this
house is a stove containing a general collection of stove plants.
Orchids, &o. These houses are not large, but are very com-
pact and useful, and are kept in perfect order. There are also
frames, &o., for the forcing of vegetables, growing bedding
plants, &c. The conservatory and other structures in the
garden were erected by Messrs. J. Weeks & Co., Chelsea.

The kitchen garden contains about two acres, and the same
neatness and order prevail here as in the pleasure grounds.
The fruit trees have been laden with blossom, but it is feared
the crop of fruit will be a small one : the frost (14°) has much
injured the blossom, also the young shoots of Peaches, the
growths of Boses, and the Box edgings of the walks. On the
north side of the Castle across the road stands a relic of
antiquity — the venerable tower of the old parish church covered
from bottom to top with Ivy, the remaining portion of the
church having been removed. Fortunately Mr. Gadesden has
been suooessful in preserving the tower, for it is one of the
finest ornaments of the village. Were the graves in this church-

yard levelled, and the grass neatly mown amongst the shrubs
and Conifers, a beautiful little piuetum would be formed, Buoh
as any village might be proud of owning.

It is pleasing to record that the servioss of Mr. Soutt are
much appreciated, and that he is indebted to his employer for
many acta of kindness.

Ewell Castle is about a mile from Ewell station on the
London and Sonth-Western Railway. — D. L.

PHCENIX EUPIOOLA.
Since plants have become so popular for table decoration,
also for the ornamentation of rooms in town and country,
Palms have risen rapidly in public esteem. Not only are they
amongst the most elegant of plants, but they are distinct.
Their beauty is also long-laating ; in fact, when in good health
they are always attractive. Neither is there any real difiioulty
connected with their culture, for if provided with a moist
genial atmosphere and a suitable temperature, and attention
also is paid to the simple matter of cleanliness, healthy plants
will result with the greatest certainty. In the decoration of
stoves and conservatories Palms are invaluable, for no plants
combine elegance and dignity so emphatically as they do, and
none " set-off " flowering plants to greater advantage. Palms
are not only beautiful at all seasons, but they are attractive in

May 17, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

369

all stages of growth. When only a few inches high some of
the slender growers are amongst the most soitable of dinner-
table plants; when larger they are admirable for placing in
vases on pedestals ; and when they assume more stately pro-
portions they play an Important part in the furnishing of
halls, &a., and are indispensable for exhibition purposes.

Some Palms are conspicuous by their grandeur, and are
of noble growth ; others are remarkable for their chaste
beauty and slender elegance. To this class Phcenix rupioola
belongs, which Mr. Bull has recently introduced with the

following correct description : — " This is one of the most ex-
quisitely graceful amongst the smaller Palms, and in elegance
takes a simOar place among Phmnioes to what Cocos Wed-
deliana does among the species of Cocos. It is of acaulescent
habit, with wide-epreading arching pinnate leaves, having a
slender rachis and very short petiole, which is dilated at the
base and partially encircles the growing point. The fronds
are broadly lance-shaped in outline, with long narrow pinnae,
the lower of which become gradually reduced to spines. The
pinnaj are channelled at the base, and appear to be attached

Pig. 47.— PHtENIX

by the folded base which joins on to the winged raohis, the
wings being pressed together along the spaces between the
pinnee and continued into the lamina. Some of the lower
pinna and spines are set on in oontiRUons pairs. It comes
from India, and is a most valuable ncriuisition for collections
of ornamental plants, amongat which it will occupy one of the
foremost positions." Mr. l!nll has enabled us to give the
accompanying illaatration of this elegant Palm, which cannot
but be regarded as an aoqaisition for various purposes of
decoration.

VINE MILDEW.
In the Journal of May the 3rd in the notices to correspon-
dents you recommend " R. M." to use sulphur for the de-
etmction of mildew, Now, I consider a stubborn attack of

mildew on Vines in particular one of the greatest calamities
that can overtake a gardener. What can be worse than mil-
dew? To "blight like mildew" is proverbial. I have often
wondered that none of your numerous correspondents when
writing about mildew have never recommended E wing's mil-
dew composition as an antidote. For several years in suc-
cession our Vines were attacked with mildew, and we dusted
them ovor repeatedly with sulphur, but it was of no avail. Aa
soon as the first speck of mildew appeared sulphur was applied,
and notwithstanding all our efforts to impede its progress it
still slowly and surely spread all over the Vines. When our
efforts with sulphur proved ineffectual I wrote for several
bottles of Ewing's mildew wash, and since the first application
of the composition, which is several years ago, we have never
seen any traces of the insidious enemy. According to the in-
strnctionB given with each bottle Messrs. Ewing & Co. reoom-

370

JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ May 1*?, 1877.

mend three applications during the enmmer, but if one is given
before the Vines come into bloom I am of opinion that it will
be effectual. The bottles sold at Is. Ciil. each are worth ten
times that sum to any gardener who is troubled with this
terrible malady. Bed spider, mealy bug, and other insEcts are
as effectually destroyed as mildew.^Q. Bead.

AUKICULAS.

So BucceEsful was the National Auricula Society's southern
Show; so welcome was it to see new friends made and old
friends exchange pleasant greetings ; so willingly was aid ren-
dered, and so generally just were the criticisms, that under such
circumstances it would be utterly to lack grace to exhibit a
trace of unfriendliness to anyone ; and on the part of the
gentlemen I had the honour to be associated with and for
myself I disavow all feelings except those of good fellowship.
The few words I have to say to my friend " D." of Deal will
be words of brotherly love. I will not dwell on the fact that,
though he says " seven exhibitors competed," I paid prize
moneys to eleven, for our friend is not great in numbers. But
I do ask him to tell me what I am to understand by hia state-
ment that "No Auricula grower would, I believe, subject his
plants to a higher temperature than that of au ordinary matted
frame if he could help it," prefaced as this statement is by the
assertion that " The general character of the exhibits bore in
many instances unmiatakeable evidence of having been subject
to a higher tem]iernture than the Auricula hkes, and there
were many plants which, had they not had their Clutches, would
have been gracefully nodding to the visitors, so drawn were
the stems."

Mr. Horner, whose prowess " D."j of Deal most properly
eulogises, writing of the Auricula in the "Florist" for April,
page 74, saye, " The work with these plants in April is indeed
welcome work, guiding thera through their bloom in constant
recollection that, though the pls' t itself is hardy enough, yet
the bloom is tender and easily iuj ared. Every grower, whether
of a dozen or a thousand plants, and whether he means to
exhibit or not, should be determined to take as much pains as
if he did. Nothing less will make the bloom satisfactory to
him. It is the poorest mistake and the most pitiable of excuses
to say 'I do not grow for exhibition, so they will do well
enough for me.' No one is fit to be trusted with a plant any
more than with a dog if he ru' ans to ill-treat it. Like a dog,
it is a good thing thrown away upon him, and the sight is
grievous." Mr. Horner had previously told us his plants were
growing in a greenhouse, and that he had " thought it well to
take the chill off " certain nights " with their 12' to 18' of
frost," so " kept a quiet tire on."

I ask " D." of Deal therefore to tell us, first, what is the
"higher temperature" of the ordinary "matted frame" to
which the Auricula may alone properly be subject ; and
secondly, is he prepared by experience to assert that the bloom
can be as successfully developed and the plants less drawn iu
the ordinary matted frame, subject to the fluctuations of our
most variable seasons, than iu the house prescribed by Mr.
Horner? These are questions worthy of discussion and far
removed from personal considerations.— E. S. Dod^-ell.

OUR BOEDER FLOWERS— ALKANETS.

We admit that the Alkanets are a little coarse in habit and
appearance, and for that reason they are not always admitted
into what are termed dressed grounds. Whatever ideas may
be entertained respecting the family in hand, there is that about
many of them that is a suflicient recommendation for them
to be placed iu large borders and other out-of-the-way places
which are to be found about both large and small residences,
and which require brightening-up a little with the presence of
some hardy free-growing plants. Take for instance Aachusa
italica ; when well established and growing from 3 to 5 feet in
height and properly staked, we have not a more attractive
herbaceous plant in our borders. It blooms a long time, is of
a beautiful light-blue colour, and lives for many years. It is
increased by division in the spring.

The Evergreen Alkanet (Anchusa sempervirens) is a useful
plant for covering naked spaces in shrubberies, and for borders
too, where its intense blue flowers are very attractive ; being a
native species, when established it only requires to he left
alone. It is increased by seed and division.

There are many more kinds from other parts of the world,
enoh as Anchusa orispa, A. paniculata, and A. officinalis, which

are worthy of cultivation. Anchusa tinotoria is possessed of
colouring properties, and is valuable as an article of commerce.
The colouring principle is insoluble in water, but imparts to
alcohol, wax, and other unctuous substances a deep red colour ;
it is sometimes used to give colour to adulterated wines, oils,
lip-salves, &c. It is a native of France, the Levant, and other
parts of Europe, and thrives in good sandy loam. When
planted the ground should be well broken-up to the depth of
2 feet. The Alkanets are gross feeders, but are impatient of
wet; they wOl bear partial shade, hut are the better for having
full exposure. — Yekitas.

OUR GARDEN FRIENDS AND FOES— No. 1.

Some few weeks since I read with something like astonish-
ment a letter signed " A Master Gaedenek," in which he
alluded to squirrels, hedgehogs, and bullfinches. I did not
think that the writer could have been in earnest when he wrote
the letter in question, and I also failed to perceive anything
like a good joke in it. I think, however, that it would be well
to endeavour to disabuse the public mind of some of the many
prejudices which unfortunately exist against various birds and
animals, as they very often form the excuse for the perpetra-
tion of great and unnecessary cruelties upon them. Your
columns are without doubt one of the very best mediums
through which to disseminate the necessary information, and
I beg to contribute my mite, which may induce other readers
who may be better qualified for the task to take the matter up,
so that the truth as regards the habits, &a., of some of the
many winged as well as four-footed frequenters of the garden
may be correctly ascertained.

I will first speak of the bullfinch, and as regards him there
does not appear to he the slightest doubt as regards his posi-
tion, lie must certainly come under the denomination of a
garden enemy; indeed, I feel quite sure that your kind-hearted
correspondent, the " Wiltsuike Eectok," would not have
passed so sweeping a condemnation upon him had there been
the least chance of finding extenuating circumstances in his
case. Or had " A Master Gardener's " statement regarding
him been correct, I for one should have been very sorry to have
either shot or in any way molested him, as he is without doubt
a fine handsome fellow. Unfortunately for him, however, in-
stead of shunning the garden he is, I am quite inclined to think,
more likely to be found there or in the orchard than in any
other locahty, and wherever you find him you will be sure to
find him iu mischief. I have frequently shot him in the very
act of picking off buds from Apricot trees. Plums, Gooseberries,
&a. , and have found the buds in his mouth as well as in his crop.

I have more times than once subjected the tomtit to a
similar examination, although this method, by-the-by, of
ascertaining the guilt or innocence of an individual must be
admitted to be objectionable, and something akin to what was
in former times familiarly known on the border land as
" feathered justice," or hang first and try afterwards. But in
the poor little tomtit's case it was absolutely necessary that
the punishment should precede the trial, and on the establish-
ment of his innocence a free pardon was granted to the victim
of an unjust suspicion. I am now quite inclined to exonerate
him from anything like disbuddinp proclivities, although he is
so frequently blamed and mercileeoly destroyed by many on this
account. I quite consider him as one of our best garden
friends. He is frequently supposed to be in the act of injuring
fruit trees, Ac, when he is m reality benefiting them to a
great extent by carefully freeing them from insects of various
kinds. As an illustration of this, there is in the conservatory
at the place where I now write a large Orange tree, which a
week or two since was just coming into bloom, but the flower
buds as well as the young shoots of the tree were very much
infested with a small green aphis, so much so that it was re-
solved to fumigate the structure. But as some of the bloom
was expected to be required for a wedding it was considered
that even the shghtest traces of tobacco smoke emanating
from a bride's bouquet might not be considered appropriate,
and on this account fumigation was delayed for a time.
During the interval a pair of the common blue tomtits found
access to the interior of the house, and in the course of two
or three days they did not leave a single aphis upon the tree.
The tomtit may without doubt be considered as strictly insect-
ivorous. He delights in the small green caterpillars which
wrap themselves up in the loaves of the Eose and other plants,
lie eats flies of all kinds, is by no means afraid of a wasp, and
may even sometimes take undue liberties with bees. But

May 17, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICDLTORE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK.

371

taking into conaideratiou his many virtues we can well afford
to be to hia faalta a little blind, and continue to regard him as
a really true garden friend. There are, I think, three species
or varieties of the tomtit, all of which occasionally frequent
gardens, and the foregoing remarks apply alike to all of them.
The small blue variety is, however, the most common.

The common house sparrow is generally considered as a sad
rogue. Among many other ill-done deeds attributed to him
is that of picking the buds off fruit trees and Gooseberry
bushes. I do not, however, believe that he does so. I have
frequently seen him busy amongst them, and suspecting him
to be really doing this I have there and then shot him, but the
most careful post mortem examination has failed to discover the
least trace of buds in either his mouth or his crop ; and I am
inclined to think that if he remove bnda at all he only does
so when they interfere with hia search for insects, of which he
is a very large consumer during the spring and early summer
months. I have often seen him pull the blooms of Crocuses
to pieces in a very provoking manner. Why he does so I am
unable to say, unless it is in his search for insects. His
decided weakneaa for Green Peas cannot be disputed. Taken
altogether it may be truly said that sparrows do much good,
and if their number is allowed to unduly increase they will be
found to do much harm. I will allude to some other friends
and foes on a future occasion. — P. G.

THE ROYAL NURSERIES, SLOUGH.

When the Auriculas are iu flower and specimen Roses are in
bloom, and when stage and fancy Pelargoniums, Tulips, cSjc, are
showing, it is a treat of no ordinary kind to inspect these cele-
brated nurseries. Roses are now receiving considerable at-
tention at Slough, and how well they are grown there the high
honours they receive at the London and provincial shows can
testify. Mr. Tamer grows his Roses in light airy structures.
The glass is very nearly down as low as the floor line. Why
should glass houses be built on walls standing 3 or 4 feet above
the level of the ground, when upright sashes of glass and wood-
work can bo made at no more cost ? It is certain that for the
largest proportion of plants grown iu pots, the more light that
can be obtained above and around the plants the better. Then,
again, the plants at Slough have plenty of room allowed them ;
no overcrowding is to be seen anywhere. In the houses where
the largest specimens are there is no staging, the specimens as
a rule being placed upon inverted flower pots, and the man in
charge can gain easy access to any part of the plants without
disturbing them in any way. The largest specimens are mostly
well-known sorts which have been frequently mentioned. Very
noteworthy, too, is a large house fiUed with Roses in pots 8, 10,
and 12 inches in diameter, and for my part I would not grow
them in larger pots. The health and vigour of the plants were
excellent. Three new sorts sent out from this establishment
in 1875, and raised here, have proved to be well adapted for pot
culture. First must be placed Rev. J. B. M. Camm ; not that it
is a better Rose for exhibition than the others, but its flowers
are the sweetest of all, and iu other respects it is a fine and dis-
tinct Rose with globular rosy-pink flowers. Royal Standard
had still larger and more globular flowers of a bright rose
colour. Miss Hassard had no fully developed flowers, but iu
bud it is charming, and yields to no Rose in beauty of foliage
and vigorous yet compact growth ; the flowers are pale pink or
flesh-coloured. Mr. Turner thinks very highly of Duchesso
de Vallombrosa, it is one of the best of the new Roses of last
year ; and Princets Beatrice is another very good Rose raised at
Waltham Cross.

We have heard on more than one occasion that the interest
in the stage Pelargoniums has slackened, and that there is no
demand for them. Mr. Turner does not say so, and on my
asking what he did with such great numbers of them I was told
that they never had enough to supply their customers. About
a dozen varieties were coming into bloom in the show house.
The plants were only medium-sized, but were in excellent
health and throwing fine large trusses on stout elastic flower
stalks. There is a surprising variety of colour in this class of
Pelargoniums now. I noted Claribel as being very pure white
with a carmine blotch on the upper petals ; Prince Bismarck,
crimson and maroon; Scottish Chieftain, crimson and upper
petals dark maroon — a fine flower ; and Ruth, lively cherry
marked with maroon on the upper petals. But at the time of
my visit the largest proportion of them were in bud only. A
few of the very best sorts are Eclipse, Edith, Marchioness, Prima
Donna, Revenge, Achievement, Admiration, Blue Boy, Conquest,

Constance, Crown Prince, Diplomatist, Example, Lord Clyde,
Maid of Honour, Pompey, Prince Leopold, and Warrior.

Fancy Pelargoniums are very attractive, a large collection of
choice varieties are still cultivated at Slough, and new soita
are being raised here annually. The fanci es are well worthy
of extended culture. They are rather more tender than stage
sorts; but if a lighter compost is used in pott ing, and the plants
have a little more heat than their more robust cousins, they will
not disappoint. Countess of Dudley, East Lynn, Fanny Gair,
Godfrey Turner, Duchess of Edinburgh, Priscess Teck, and
Ellen Beck are amongst the best. The soil at Slough seems
suitable to all sorts of plants, but skill and persistent attention
cannot be wanting to produce such fine flowers as are at present
to be seen.

Azaleas are largely grown, but Mr. Turner has discarded the
large pyramids which he used to exhibit iu Lo ndon some years
ago, and now grows a different style of plant. They are trained
to single stems about the length of an umbrella handle, and the
heads are something like an umbrella when expanded. Plants
trained in this manner are very eflective, especially when placed
on tho ground. Some plants have been allowed to grow in a
natural manner, and it would be well if more were so grown. A
collection of umbrellas is not more natural-looking than a col-
lection of pyramids. A few of the very best varieties are Due
de Nassau and Duchesse de Nassau, which though old cannot
yet be discarded from the choicest collection ; Apollo, Comtesse
de Beaufort, Flambeau, James Veitch, Madame Ambroise Ver-
schaSelt, MdUe. Marie Van Houtte, Mrs. Turner, Charmer, and
Souvenir de Madame Rudolph Abel.

Of Auriculas the demand for plants is now so great that the
stock of many fine sorts is well nigh exhausted. Some of the
seedling alpines are still in good trim, but the show varieties are
mostly over. Tulips I hope to see when they are in flower, and
shall probably have something to say about them at that time.
With the increasing interest in other florist flowers it is certain
that the gorgeous Tulip will not be forgotten, and the list of sub-
scribers and exhibitors to the National Tulip Society is now a
very large one. No garden should be without a bed of Tulips,
and yet I doubt if half a dozen collections could be found in the
metropolitan district.— J. Douglas.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.
A GREAT change in the weather has occurred ; the frosty east
winds have gone, but the destruction caused by them still re-
mains. Potatoes were utterly destroyed, even where protected
from the force of the wind by a wall on the leeward side. Other
plants which were not destroyed show the effects of the cou-
tinusd cold in a stunted growth, from which they will not soon
recover. We have not yet been able to judge of the effects ol
the frost upon the fruit trees, but fancy those that were in full
blossom will not be overburdened with fruit.

KITCHEN GABDEN.

We have continued using the hoe amongst all crops, including
the permanent crops of herbs, &c., and all ground that is not
under croppiog is being rapidly filled. Peas have again been
sown for succession. We find that during the dry and hot
weather of July Peas are not only subject to mildew, but also to
the attacks of thrips ; we have therefore dug out shallow trenches
in the same way as Celery trenches, and in the bottom of these
the drills have been drawn for the Peas. No doubt that water
can be applied to the crops much better when grown in this way,
and evaporation from around the roots will not proceed so
rapidly, especially if a little manure is placed over the surface
of the ground. Cauliflower plants which were put out before
the frost winds set iu have grown but little, and a stray rabbit
found its way in and cut a number off at the surface of the
ground. Fortunately there were plenty of spare plants to make
the blank spaces good. It may seem a small matter to mention
the mischief done by a rabbit, but these creatures are a real
plague. At this season there are scores if not hundreds of young
rabbits about, and they force their bodies through very small
holes ; for instance, the Carnation frames were raised off the
ground about 2 inches to allow air to circulate underneath ; one
crept in there and ate off several choice sorts, so that it waa
necessary to surround the ground with galvanised netting. The
meshes must not be more than 1 { inch ; if larger than this, small-
sized rabbila get through.

We have made a sowing of Dwarf Kidney Beans in the open
border, and have potted-off some that were raised in pots. It ia
Uttle use sowing either Beans or Scarlet Runners very early, as
they are sure to be cut down by frosts. These crops we hope,
however, will now be safe. Those that we have potted-off now
will supply pickings until pods can be gathered from the plants

372

JOUBNAL OF HORTIOULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

( May 17, 1877.

out of doors. The kitchen gardener will do well to take stock of
hia work to see that all the salads and vegetables that he is likely
to need are either sown or planted and making satisfactory pro-
gresB. *' A Kitchen Gardener" gave some appropriate hints
last week, and especially that referring to the Carrot maggot.
We have not tried Boot and lime, but this can easily be done
previous to sowing. We intend to try watering the crop with
water qualified with a glass of paralEu to a gallon or so of water,
as we have freqaeutly been recommended to do.

VINERIES.

In the earliest house the Black Hamburghs are colouring
rapidly, and the attention required now is very small. The
principal work is attending to the ventilation and damping the
paths about twice daily. We have frequently stated that a dry
atmosphere, or even dryness in the soil of which the border ia
composed, is not likely to be beneficial to the Grapes ; in fact,
we are persuaded that the fruit does not colour well under such
circumstances. I think it was stated in this Journal that Mr.
Meredith, who exhibited such finely coloured Grapes in June
and July, constantly kept the surface of his borders in a moist
Btate, and used to allege that this was the secret of his great
success as an exhibitor. There were not wanting those who in-
Binuated that the Grapes were sour; ourownexperienoe with the
Black Hamburgh is that sometimes the fruit is coloured before
it is ripe, but we have always found that the blackest Grapes
in the house were the richest flavoured and had the firmest
flesh. The common house spider is a troublesome interloper
in the vinery at this time; small specimens get into the centre
of the bunches and spin their webs all over the outer berries.
The only way to reach them is to thrust a pencil carefully into
the bunch where the spider is lurking, when it will let itself
down from the bmioh in considerable alarm, and may easily be
captured.

As the fruit is cleared off Vines in pots the canes may be
destroyed. It does not pay to grow them on for future crop-
ping when young Vines may be raised so easily from eyes and
can be grown to a fruiting size in one season. Vines that are
being grown-on for fruiting next year must not receive any
check to their growth. When the pots are thoroughly filled
with roots shift-on into the fruiting pots without any delay;
12 or 13-inch pots are sulBciently large. We give abundant sup-
plies of tepid water to the roots, but not any manure water.
The potting material is good clayey loam, and the top spit of an
old pasture is the best. We have used it almost fresh cut, but
prefer to let it lie about three months stacked up on a heap with
the grass side under. To this loam we add a fifth part of
decayed stable manure and a few crushed bones. We drain the
pots well, and place over the drainage some of the fibrous part
of the loarn from which the finer particles have been shaken;
and in potting the compost is beaten in firmly with a wooden
rammer, and the more fibrous the loam is so much the more
firmly must it be rammed in. Many persons grow their pot
Vines in bottom heat; others condemn tin practice, as giving a
gross or succulent class of roots, which suffer during the winter
season. We have always grown our Vinos on a staging fixed
over the hot-water pipes, and thdir growth has been surprising,
the canes always being of the strongest description, and this
system we can confidently recommend. The treatment may
be summed-np thus : Water freely at the roots with water
rather warmer than the temperature of the house, and syringe
twice a day with the same. Close the house early in the after-
noon, but admit air early in the morning and rather freely by
day in hot weather. The mioimum temperature ought not to
fall below 05°, it may be 70 ' during warm nights. This treat-
ment to be continued until the wood shows signs of ripening,
when more air and less moisture should be provided, but the
transition must be gradual.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

Stage and Fancy Pelargoniums are well advanced towards the
flowering stage. We have been careful to fumigate all through
the winter on the first appearance of green fly, and at present
there is no trace of any in tbe house. Although we fail to see
them they may be present, and it will be better to fumigate at
once before any of the flowers open. The pots have a watering
of manure water about twice a week. Tree Carnations are in
flower; in fact we are never without these enjoyable fljwers.
The young plants have been potted off and placed in a cold
frame, where they will remain until they are established in their
blooming pots, when they do better in the open air. As the
growths progress it is necessary to tie them to their supports.
Green fly if not destroyed does much damage to Tree Carnations.
Nothing answers better than tci fumigate tlie plants well when
in the frames ; and if they are free from fly when placed out of
doors it is not likely to hurt them much before they are removed
inside in the autumn.

A novel feature in the greenhouse are the hardy Cypripediums,
at the head of which must be placed C. spectahile. Some pots
of it in the shady corner of the house are throwing up many
strong spikes, but the flowers will not open until June. The
first to open is C. pubescens : this species has one and two

flowers on a stalk which are just passing away, and 0. Oalceolua
is opening. This variety is dark purple with a clear yellow lip.
Another very interesting Orchid for greenhouse culture is Orchis
foliosa ; it does very well in the greenhouse and freely increases.
It is best to place the plants in a corner where they can be
syringed once or twice a day. We have tried the beautiful Diss
grandiflora under the same treatment, but have failed; and yet
it is grown at Chatsworth in a Heath house, where wo saw it
growing as freely as the Cypripediums do at Loxford.

It is now a good time to sow Chinese Primula, Cinerarias,
and Calceolarias. The seed should be sown in pots in fine soil,
and be covered over but lightly. The seeds vegetate best with
the aid of a little heat, and the pots should be placed in a frame.
When the seedlings are large enough to handle we prick them
out into large GOpots, about a dozen in a pot, and when the
plants have made two or three leaves as large as a fourpenny
piece they are potted singly into thumb-pots. We sowed Cycla-
mens about a mouth ago, and the small plants are about ready
to be potted-off singly in small pots. We intend growing them
on in a little heat all the summer, and shall obtain a few flowers
from each in January and February next year. — J. Douqlas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should be directed either to " The
Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjeots them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee
subjeots, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. AU articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.

Books (F. a. F.i.— Oar " Oar Jea Manual " will suit yon, price Is. 6d.,or
froo by post, Is. S^d.

BasES paoM Cuttings (S. J. W.). — You omit to state the season of the
year at which you inserted the Rose cattiogs. Oblige by Bupplyiflg the
dedciency, aod your letter ehall have oar atteutiou.

Red Spideb (ilfdjor 3f.).— We never commauicate the addresses of corre-
spondents. A letter sent open to oar oftice would be forwarded.

Instruments fob Dbessing Flowebs {R. J. S. H.). — ^We do not know
where the proper inshrumeuts for dressing flowers are to baobiainoi ; we have
never seen them offered for sale. If yoa apply to some of the eminent
florists perhaps you will be able to got the information from them.

Planting a Flower Bobder (Firiei.— Wo do aot considerthe yellow and
scarlet objectionable, especially as the Iresine comas next to the Calceolaria.
We .should lilie the arran?emoQt better if the variegated Geranium could be
placed between the Iresine and Lobelia.

Floor for Fernerv iTwrnty-yran Subscriber). — In makin'^ a fernery
over the boiler cellar we should adopt the plan you name of taming an arch
over the cellar in preference to building pillars and covering with flagstones
without an arch. Sooner or later the pointing in the latter case would give
way, and you might have some trouble with the dust, if not something worse,
arising from the boiler shed. With an arch you would be perfectly safe, and
yonr foundation would be the more substantial.

Floweb-garden Arrangejients (7, P.,jiiti ). — We cannot submit modes
of plantiui;, brit can only criticise and sugyejt alterations when a proposed
arrangement is submitted to ug. Were we to propose a plan of planting
your beds we might advise the use of plants which you do not possess, and
not utilise others of which you may have a large supply. Your beds are
sufficiently large to have ma.'Ses .1 or 5 feet in diameter of say scarlet Gera-
niums round the Roses, fllling in the remaining spaces according to taste
and the plants at your disposal.

Gold Fish in Garden Pond (F. J.). — A correspondent states that their
management is very easy — "so easy, indeed, that nothing more is necessary
than to prevent tho pond from running dry in summer and from being con-
tinuously frozen over in winter. I have two ponds ou the highest level of
one of the southern counties, in which there are hundreds of gold fish.
These ponds are not largo; the smallest is certainly not more than 25 feet
by 16 feet, and is not doip. Ab:)ut eight years ago seven or eight fish were
put in it, and they have increased wonderfully. The sides and bottom are
stiff clay, and in this the fish delight. Gold fish will not do nearly so well in
a fountain; they will live an i increase if it is of good depth, but not as they
do in a pond. Tbey are easily tamed — that is, they will come to the edge of
the pond on the top of the water whcu they hear voices if they are oooasion-
ally fed with a lew pieces of bread, over which there is rare scrambling. I
can remember gold fish in the larger pond for more than thirty years."

Repotting kZ'^L.^ks {An Amateur). — Repot at once those that have not
flowered, and the others so soon as the flowers have fadel. Only give a
moderate shift and make the soil firm in potting, keeping the neck or collar
of the plants rather high in the centre of the pots. Place the plants in
heat, even those that appear to have made their growth, sprinkling overhead
twice daily, maiataining a moist atmosphere and shadiog from sun. They
should be continued in heat until the growth is complete, or t ) the end of
June or early July, and then have a cooler house with plenty of air and light,
so as to thoroughly ripen the wood for securing well-set buds.

Mevenia erecta (B. C, I).).— Withhold water, but not to tho extent of
causing the leaves to be suddenly shed, keeping rather cool and comparatively
dry for ah )ut sis weeks, after which cut-in rather freely, leaving ample weU-
ripeeed wood for future breaks, and return to moisture and heat, repotting
when the new growths are an inch or two long. The plaut will flower again
in late summer, and should be kept rather dry over the winter.

JOUKNAIj op HORXICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

373

EED-SKiN?fED Flourbajll Potato (West Coast).~~OnT experience of this
kiod coincides with yours, bat we are bound to admit that in some soUa,
especially light, its quality as a late kind is good.

Large versus Small Seed {I(Um). — The largest and plumpest eeed is
stronger in vegetative power, and usually affords the healthier plants, than
small seed.

Planting-out Obasges and Camellias {Citron). — Unless yon are pre"
pared to make a proper border for the plants we should not advise their being
planted-out, though both would succeed admirably were the soil taken oui
2 feet 9 inches deep, and 9 inches of rubble put npon the bottom for drainage,
the beds or borders having a drain with proper outlet to carry off supertlaous
water. We should use pure loam, the top 2 or 3 inches of a pasture with its
torf for the Orange, preferring hght to heavy soil, aod if poor add a fourth
part of fresh horse droppings, chopping the loam up rath*r small. For the
Camellia employ fresh loam with its turf about 1^ inch thick, and to this add
a third part (.f sandy peat. The soil in both caa-s Bhould be raised 9 inches
higher than the intended level to allow for settling, and be employed mode-
rately dry, making it rather firm.

Carnations Injured by Sltjgs {L. L.).— First carefully examine yonr
plants and pick out any slugs that may be lurking amongst them ; then
stir the gronnd well, and sprinkle over it and around the stems a mixture of
soot, Ume, and guano. If you lay Cabbage leaves near the plants they will
probably attract many of the slug^, when you can then easily destroy them.
Slugs are generally more numerous and destructive where the surface of the
ground is seldom disturbed than when it is moved frequently.

Double Stocks {J. 5., Sutton). — Perfectly double flowers cannot produce
aeed either in England or Germany. The seed is saved from single flowers.
Flowera having more than four petals are said to produce seed which gives
the greatest per-centage of doable flowers.

Holy Ghost Plant (A. H.). — The botanical name of this plant in
Peristeria elatn. It is an Orchidaceous planf, a native of Panama, and is
known there by the appellation of El Spirito Santo. In England its popular
name is the Dove Flower, from the column of its flower bearing a strikiug re-
semblance to ft dove. It requires to be grown in a compost of fibrous loam,
leaf poil, and turfy peat in equal proportions, misint! therewith broken char-
coal freely, and filling the pots quite one-third with drainage. Place in a
stove and water very carefully until growth commeoces, afterwards more
copiously. Yonr other quesstion will be answered neit week.

Names of Plants (HoUon). — Amelanchier Botryapium. (17. Parry). —
Achillea umbellata. (F. T.).— 1, Stachys lanata; 2, Duvaua latifolia; 3, Eu-
phorbia Peplis. { T. P.). — 1, Lamium album ; 2, LamJum purpureom ; 3, Stel-
loria Holostea.

POULTEY, BEE, ATO PIGEON OHEOinOLE.

THE LONDON POULTRY SHOWS.

The caterers for poaltry fanciers seem to imagine that in the
neighboarhood of London the old proverb that "enough is as
good as a feast " does not hold good, for they have arranged to
hold exhibitions at the Aqaarinm, Agricultural Hall, Alexandra
Palace, and the Crystal Palace. Whether all are to be under
the same management as they have been heretofore we do not
know, but we confess we regret that, as there are fifty-two weeks
in the year, all these four meetings have been arranged to be
held within the short space of seven of them. The dates do not
clash, and that is all that can be said; and it would be no bad
plan for any distant exhibitor who has a good stud of birds to
pitch his tent in the metropolis for a little while, and make a
tour with his birds from show to show instead of incurring the
exnense of sending them home. As all shows, however, are got
up with the intention of making them a success and not a losing
transaction, we should imagine that the promoters of these
exhibitions vould do wisely to consult together and see whether
some one or even two of them cannot be postponed for a more
advantageous date.

Taking briefly into consideratiou the ages and specialities of
the four exhibitions, we should undoubtedly say that the two
Palace shows are those which deserve most patronage and should
be the least allowed to 8u5er. Of the Sydenham meeting, how-
ever, we have no fear. We believe many people who look
npon their poaltry merely as a hfalthy recreation and pleasure
would prefer a high commendation at the Crystal Palace to a
prize at another show. It is now an old-established meeting,
and for some years has been held about the same date, and
is undoubtedly the great meeting of the year. For the other
three shows, then, Sydenham must not suffer; uor will it, we
feel certain. The next in order of age comes the Alexandra
Palace, which on the last occasion was for chickens of the year,
and a capital show it was, admirably conducted and prompt in
its armngement't. This show is annotmced to be held on October
16th, 17th, and 19th, and will, we hope, once more be for chickens
of the year as different to the sister Palace, where classes are
for birds of all ages. For the welfare of itself and that of the
annual show in the university city we should have been glad to
see the dales a week earlier in the month. For Oxford, however,
we have no fear. Well managed, well patronised, very popular
as this show has been, so will it be doubtless on this occasion ;
for it would indeed be shabby of any loyal fancier to abandon
a love which has been so long constant and true for one, com-
paratively speaking, of mushroom growth.

The other two yet to mention are the Aquarium at Westminster
and the Agricultoral Hall at laliugtou. It has been proposed

that the latter should give way, as being the younger, but this
we cannot see, for surely, though both are infants, the Dairy
Show was held some months before the Aquarium meeting. We
could spare them both, and if the ono was pestponed to Decem-
ber and the other to January we believe it would be better for
both. We cannot think either could have been a great success
last time ; in fact, we know the Westminster meeting was
attended with much loss of money. We should suppose that
the managers will be responsible for all claims, and so after
all it is for them to see what can be best done. We were,
however, rather surprised to hear that a sum of money is
being collected to partially, or as far as possible, recoup the
Aquarium losses. We say surprised, because we understood the
show was quite a private undertaking, and had the balance been
to the good instead of to the bad we doubt if we should have
heard much about it. Both the two last-named ehows have yet
to learn many things about their proper management, for we
know of a most peculiar mistake which took place at the Agri-
cultural Hall over a lady's Buff Cochins, while at the Aquarium
the blunders and confusion were so many that it would be im-
possible to tell of them. The managers, however, were pushed
by the narrow limit of time afforded for their preparations, and
we hope if they again hold their meeting that they will see to
this point, so that things may be in better train when the visitors
arrive. From this meeting the others may learn a good lesson.
We allude to publishing the names of the judges who are to
award the prizes in the various classes ; and though from the
death of one of their number they were unable to adhere to their
list, it was a good plan and a system we hope will become gene-
rally prevalent.

Whether all the four shows are held on the dates named or not,
we hope that those who do keep their engagements as they are
now advertised will, in drawing up their schedules, bear in mind
that the entry fees are often in many classes wholly dispropor-
tionate to the prize money given ; that double baskets generally
produce double entries — a privilege all shows should grant;
that the names of the judges and their classes should always be
given ; that the awards should be placed on the pens as soon aa
tlie judges have handed in their nlips ; and that many amateurs
clever in their own breeds would assist in judging, and would
be able to give time and knowledge to many classes which have
hitherto been but indifferently judged.

Thus much for the metropolitan shows. We personally wish
them all much success, and trust we may be present at the
meetings to judge for ourselves. We have mentioned the sub-
ject to-day as it has caused, &ud is causing, much talk among
fanciers, who when they come up from far-distant homes to see
a London show want and expect to see an exhibition worthy of
England's capital, and not a show-room indifferently filled be-
cause of the dates of the various meetings so closely clashing.
-W.

whabpedale poultby, &c., show.

The seventy-ninth Show of the Wharfedale Society was held
at Otley on the 12th inst. The entries were very good in all
sections, and the pens were arranged in the open air. The day
being fine and not cold the birds so exposed took no harm ; bat
it is rather singular that while a large marquee was provided for
the dogs, valuable birds should have been placed at the mercy
of spring weather.

Game headed the list, but the entries in this section were not
so numerous as we have seen them here, the cup going to a
handsome weU-shown pen of Brown Reds. Spanish were very
good ; the Epworth cup pen again attaining similar honours.
In Cochins the winners were all Buffs. In Dark Brahmas we
had the impression that a mistake bad been made in the two
first pens, but on close examination we found little difference
in the quality of each ; the third was also a capital pen. Polish
were very good ; Silvers first and third, and Gold second. Hain-
burghs as a rule were very even classes and the entries good,
some of the pens being as near perfection as is ever seen ; the
cup going to a grand pen of Gold-spangles. Bantams were not
very good as a lot; but there were some very good pens of Black
and Brown Reds, the two winning pens a close run for cup.
Blacks good in style and plumage, but poor in comb. In Ban-
tams, variety, first were Gold and second Silver Sebrights, and
third Whites. Of Ducks the Variety class was the best and
most interesting.

Pii/eons were, as is usual here, a capital entry. In Pouters
the first was a Red. Carriers good ; the first and second Duns,
and third Black, and correctly placed. In Barbs the winners
were all Blacks; the first good, but second and third rather
spouty. In Jacobins the winners were all Reds. The third was
by far the best, being very close in hood and chain and correctly
marked; the second was rightly placed; and the first was coarse,
loose in feather, and Baldpate-cut under the beak. We should
have placed the White third. Dragoons were not a grand lot;
the first was a Grizzle, a grand bird, rather heavy in wattle; the
second and third Blues were quite different in style of head,
being flat square-headed birds. In Short-faced Tumblers the

374

JOURNAL OP HOKTIOOLTOBE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

[ May 17, 1877.

first was a good all-round bird. Long-faoed TmnblerB were first
and second Black Balds, and third Bed Mottle, three good birds.
In TarbitB the winners were good birds, Trumpeters good and
well placed ; the first Black, and second and third Mottles.
English Owls were a good lot; the best headed bird was only
highly commended, perhaps on account of its undecided colour,
which was between blue and powdered blue. Foreign Owls were
very good, and the winners White ; all good birds. Magpies a
good class and well placed. In Short-faced Antwerp cooks first
■was a Bed Chequer, capital in head properties; second also of
that colour; and third a Dun, a decided medium-faced bird.
Short-faced hens. — A most perfect Bed Chequer first; second
and third good Dons. None of these classes were more perfect
in head than the Long-faced cocks, the first a grand specimen of
the variety, a Dun, as also the second, the latter having pearl
eyes; and third a Bed Chequer. The Long-faced hens were
very good, the second award in the latter class being made to a
Blue Chequer cock of which there could be no doubt. Medium-
faced cocks were very good, and the hens were a fair class.
In the Variety class first and third were Nuns, and second a
Black Turbiteen.

In Babbits there were nine Lops, the first a fnir Black-and-
white doe, not in good coat. Second a Blue-and-white doe was
by far the best in the class, being of such quality of ear and
texture of coat as is rarely attained. Third, Fawn-and-white,
was a good Babbit. The first was best in Himalayans, the
second and third being about equal. In the Variety class the
first was a Grey Dutch, too much marked on the hind feet and
very uneven on the nose; second a Belgian Hare; and third a
Silver-Grey.

POHLTRY.— GiMB.— Blnet Bei.-l, W. 4 H. Adams. 3, J. Waddington. 8,
Ambler & Hartley. Brown i?rd.— Cup. E. Land. 2, J. Booth. 8, E. Aykroyd.
Ductirina.— 1, H. C. & W. J. Mason. Anj/ other colour.— 1 and 2. H. C. 4 W. J.
Mason. 8. J. F. Wallon. BtA-Coct.— 1. W. 4 H. Adams. 2. J. C. Diion. 3,
E. Lund. Hm.—l, W. MUner. 2. R. Hemingway. S, W. Scholeflcld. Anv
other variety.— Cock.— 1, E. Aykroyd 2. H. C. 4 W. J. Mason. 8, W. Robert-
Bhaw. Uen.—\, E. Aykroyd. 2, J. F. Wallon. 3, M. Jowett. Spanish.— Cup
and 1, J. PowelL 2, J. Thresh. 8. Mrs. Allsopp. Cocbins.— I, O. Sidfwiok.
a, J. Booth. 3 and vhc, H. Beldon. Bruima Puothis.— Car*.— 1. H. Belion.
2,J. F.Smith. 3, W. Scholefleld. LijM.— 1, J. F. Smith. 2. M. Hall. 8, R. P.
Percival. Dobkings.— 1 and vhc, W. H. King. 2. H. Beldon, J. E. Maude. 8,
J. Booth. PoLANDS.— J and 8, H. Beldon. 2. J. Rairailey. Hamdobohs.—
aoUl-spar\aled.—Cav, 1, and 2, H. Beldon. S, J. Rawnsley. Silver-spanQled —

1, H. Beldon. 2, J. Kawnsley. 3. H. Bowker. Golftjitncilied.— 1, lUingworth
and Sheard. 2 and 3, J. Rawnsley. Silver-penciUed.—l and 2, 3. RawnsHy. 3,
H. Beldon. Black.— \ and 2, H. Beldon. 8, C. Sidgwick. Houdans.— 1 aJid 2,
il. HaU. 3. R. A. Boisaier. French Fowls.— ^ii» other variety.—!. M. HaU.

2, H. Beldon. 3. Robinson 4 Myers. Gahb Bantams.- Bine* Bed.—l. E.
WaUon. 2, W. F. Entwistle. S.J.Booth- Brouiniifii.— 1 and2.W.F.Entwi8Ue.

3, A. Swires. .4n]/ o(/i«r co/oitr.— 1, E. Wallon. 2. F. Holt. S.E.Lund. Cock.—

1, J. Raynor. 2, J. Blamires. 3, W. F. Entwistle. Bantajib.- Bfack —1, F.
Beanland. 2, E. Wallon. 3, H. Beldon. ^w otljer tiaricli/.-l, H. Beldon. 2,
H. A. Hawkins. 3, E. Wallon. Ani other Variety.— 1 and 2, H. Beldon. 8,
E. Snell. Docks.- Bouen.— 1, E. Snell. 2. J. Newton. 3, H. B. Smith. Ayies-
fcurj/.-l, E. SneU. 2, J. Newton. 5, J. Booth. Any other varicty.-l and 3, J.
Booth. 2. H. B. Smith. Selling Class.— 1, M. Hall. 2, O. Moore. S, R.
Corliss. Geese.- I, E. Snell. 2, H. Beldon. 3. Dobson 4 Poander.

PIGEONS.— PoCTBRS.—Cnp and I, E Horner. 2, J. Booth. 8. J. Baker.
Cabeikbs.— 1 and 2, J. Baker. 3, J. Rawnsley. Barbs.— 1 and 8, H. Yardley.

2, J. Baker. Jacobins.— 1. E. Homer. 2 and vhc, J. Baker. 8, T Holt.
Dragoons —1, R. Woods. 2. A. McKenzie. 8, J. Baker, vhc, J. Booth, R.
■Woods. Tdhblbbs.- Sftort/.i^fri —1 and 2. J. Baker. S, W. Harrey. ionj-
faeed.—l, R. Woods. 2, F. Seanor. 3, G, Lister. Fantails.-I, J, Baker. 2,
f. Seanor. 8, W. J. Warhnrst. Tdbbits.— 1, G. Sadler. 2, F. Seanor. 8,
Ward & Rhodes. Trompetebs.— 1, J. Baker. 2, J. W. Robinson. 3, W.
Harvey. Owls.- JSnjiijft.- 1. J. W. Stansfleld. 2. J. Thresh. 8, Ward and
Hhodes. Forciffn.-l and 2, Ward & Rhodes. 8, F. Seanor. Magpies.— 1, F.
Seanor. 2, R. Woods. 3, R. Frew. AyiTwtBra.-Short-faced.-Coek.-l, W. F.
Entwistle. 2, J. Kendrick. jnn. 3, J. Lister. Hen.— 1 and 3. W. V. Entwistle.
2, H. Yardley. Lo'ij..foc.'d.— Coc*.— 1 and 2, E. Lund. 8, S. Wade. Hen.-1,E.
Lund. 2, W. E. Kdwardson. 3, J. H. Bastow. MediuTn-faced.-Cock —1, B,
Lund. 2, J. H. Bastow. 3, W. F. Entwistle. Sen.— 1, S. Wade. 2, E. Mar.
shall. 8, J. Lister. Swallow.— 1 and 8, E, Horner. 2. F. Seanor. Arohanoels.
—1, A, Bew. 2 and 3, E. Horner. Ant other Variett.— 1, F. Seanor. 2, H.
Yardley. 8, E. Homer. Selling Class.— 1 and J, H. Yardley. 1, W. Harvey.
B, J. Baker.

RABBITS.— LoNO-BARED.-I, W. T. Millett. 2, T. 4 E. J. Fell. 3, J, W.
Baron. Anqoba.- 1, S. Rnther. 2. R. MurRatroyd. 8. S. Buckley, vht, O. S,
Burton. Himalavan.— 1, H. E. Gilbert. 2, J. S. Wilson. 3, T. 4 E. J. Fell.
Ant other Vaeiett.— 1. J. Robertahaw. 2, J. H. Roberts. 8, J. Armstrong.

CATS.— English.- JVfdie or Female.— I, E. Horner. 2, J. Armstrong.

3cDaES.— Poultry : Mr. J. Dixon, North Park, Clayton, Brad-
ford ; Mr. C. W. Brierley, Prestwich, near Manchester ; Mr. P.
Eden, Salford. Pigeons and Babbits : Mr. J. Hawley, Girling-
ton, Bradford.

THE SILVER-CREAM RABBIT.

When writing on the Siberian Rabbit we stated that it was
probably not a distinct variety, bat the product of a cross be-
tween the Himalaya and Angora. There is some little diversity
of opinion upon that score, but there is no doubt whatever that
the Silver-Cream is not a distinct variety, but of what varieties
it has been extracted from it is difficult to say. The Silver-Grey
element is probably the strongest present, bat Silver-Grey blood
alone is of course insufficient to produce a Cream. We will
speak more of this when we have given the characteristics of
the variety.

As the name indicates, this v.ariety of Rabbit is of one uni-
form colour — viz., a silver cream. When a perfect specimen is
seen considerable surprise is expressed that a Rabbit can be
brought to such a colour. It is certainly a very beautiful one.
The for is shaded somewhat in a similar manner to the Silver-

Grey, bnt very much lighter ; in fact, there is no resemblance
in the actual colour, which, however, is produced by the hairs
being of two different colours, some dark and some light, in the
same way as its darker and purer-bred brother. The shade varies
considerably, some animals being much lighter than others.
The best specimens, at any rate those that carry oS the most
prizes, are of a pale dellca'e shade and are very much admired.
The desired shade can only be obtained by pairing judiciously,
and with every oare certainty cannot be guaranteed. The head
will generally be a trifle darker than the body, and this is not,
in the eyes of some fanciers, a drawback, provided the difference
in shade be not great. Others are of opinion that it is a draw-
back however Slight the difference. Still it is but rare that a
specimen is met with that is entirely uniform. The under
portions of the body are generally considerably lighter, the
belly being often quite white. This is no detriment. The ears
are short and upright, no lopping being permissible. This is
important, and the animals should be kept in an atmosphere
only slightly warmed, or the ears will be found to become too
long as the animal arrives at maturity. The head is of a fair
size, the nose pointed, and the eyes not very large, but full and
brilliant. The body is compact and well set, though not gene-
rallyvery large. The weightseldom exceeds.? lbs., and is often -1.
About a pound less than the average of the Silver-Grey may be
named as the mean weight of the Cream. It is thus a decidedly
small variety, coming about third in the scale for diminutives.
Diminutive Babbits are in the ascendant just now, though how
long they will remain so it is difiioultto say. The Silver-Cream
is very active and hearty, and has a neat and spruce appearance.

The doe is fairly prolific, being about the same in this respect
as the Silver-Grey. The young are moderately hardy. They
should be taken from the doe at about two mouths, and kept in
a shed or building fairly warm. They will be found to silver
better and more quickly under these circumstances, but care
must be taken not to keep them too warm, or, as already men-
tioned, the ears will be too soft and pendant. They may be
kept together till about five or six months old, when they must
be separated, or the bucks may be taken away a month sooner.
In disposition they wiU be found gentle and affectionate. They
are about the average for disposition and hardiness, and with the
average amount of care they will be found to do very well. As
the breed is quite a new one and has only been in existence a
year or two, it is impossible to say exactly what financial value
may be attached to it. It is probable, however, that the skins
may be used to great advantage by furriers, and that they will be of
considerable value. At present no classes are offered for Silver-
Creams, and they have to put up with the Any variety class, in
which they figure pretty prominently, often taking very high
honours.

It is difficult to give any directions as to how to produce the
variety by crossing, because a correspondence has been going on
in the fancy for the last year on the subject, and there seems to
be great diversity of opinion. At one time there was a preva-
lent idea that there was a good deal of Dutch blood present in
addition to Silver-Grey. This idea was perhaps strengthened by
a tendency to white noses. Others have been produced by the
introduction of Fawn-coloured sires to Silver-grey does. There
seems to be a great probability that the discussions now going on
will solve the question, some visits to the Jardin d'Acclimata-
tion at Paris by some of those interested in the question having
resulted in a little light being introduced. So popular does the
breed now appe.'ir to be, that if there is not a great falling-off
shortly it is destined to be one of the, if not the, most popular
breeds of foreign Rabbits extant. " New brooms sweep clean,"
and old ones too sometimes ; and all fanciers, young and old,
will be glad to welcome a new variety in the fancy. Still it
would be far more satisfactory if the vexed question of breed
could be solved. Were the fancy a little more willing to discuss
questions temperately and carefully the question of the Silver-
Cream's extraction would soon cease to be a matter of doubt.
Some cases are narrated in which apparently thorough-bred
Silver-Greys have thrown Creams, although these are rare. It
should be noted, of course, that the Silver- Cream is a distinct
variety. We believe it breeds fairly true to colour, although
not invariably so by any means.

The uncertainty with referonce to Silver-Creams gives the
breed a kind of charm, and the trouble necessary to approach
perfection makes its rearing a study well worth going into. As
already noted, the breed is beoomiug exceedingly popular, and
that popularity is increasing. — Geta.

BiNnuBT Poultry and Pioeon Show. — We are informed that
there are 003 entries for this Show, which is to be held on the
'23rd and 24th inst.

ARTIFICIAL COMB FOUNDATIONS.

M.iNT of the readers of the Journal of Horticulture will re-
member that two years since at the Crystal Palace I exhibited a
method of making a guide by painting with molten wax apon a

May 17, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTDRB AND COTTAGE QABDENER.

wet oast of plaster, against which the bar or frame was so placed
that the wax sheet produced, while it freely left the plaster, ad-
hered most firmly to the dry wood, and was in the exact position
it required as the midrib of the comb to be formed npon it, and
was in addition embossed with the rhomboidal forms which con-
stitute the bases of bees* cells, since the cast was itself taken
from a German engraved plate. Using these guides I soon
found that the rhomboids just referred to hardly seemed to the
mind of the bees, and measurement revealed the fact that the
German plates gave the cell bases of too small a size, making
fifteen and a half cells to the 3 inches, while the comb from a
considerable number of hives gave a mean of fourteen and two-
thirds cells in the same space, from which mean none of the
examples differed materially. In order to accomplish the double
object of giving bees cells of the exact magnitude and sheets
made in the manner already explained which should fill or
nearly fill their frames, I commenced attempting to prepare
casts from natural comb, and succeeded by means sometime
since explained in a contemporary and also in my " Practical
Bee-keeping," but which space forbids me now to more than
outline.

Having selected old and tough comb, all worker, and as flat
as I could find it, I cut down the cell walls on one side till the
work commenced to get ragged, when I poured melted tallow
into the tnmc.ited cells and then cut again until the cell wall
had been almost wholly removed. The tallow held the pupa
skins against the knife, and the work progressed most neatly.
Removing the tallow and flattening the comb, and subsequently
taking a cast in plaster, I got a matrix for my sheets which
enabled me to obtain results I may now detail. Placing a frame
containing one of these sheets in the middle of a stock I found
in twenty hours that the comb was completed and the middle
part was filled with eggs. The cast was not prepared until the
time for profitable swarming last year had passed; but in the
latter part of June I obtained a swarm by purchase and placed
it in a Cheshire hive, every frame of which contained these
sheets to the depth of 6! inches. In three days the hive was
nearly filled with comb, while at the evening of the twenty-
third day after hiving brood was hatching from the bottom edge
of more combs than one, and the bees at once accepted a super
which was placed over them. The combs were all absolutely
flat, and the hive did not contain I believe ten drone cells, A
great point had now been gained, for every bee-keeper of ex-
perience knows the vexatious difficulty of getting rid of excess
of drone comb. In the height of the honey season it is all but
impossible to get bees in stocks to build cells of worker size.
Cut out drone combs you may, but in nineteen cases out of
twenty you will only have them replaced.

Meanwhile the Americans had been busy, and by the kind-
ness of my friend Mr. Hunter I received a supply of the re-
nowned Long's foundations, the beaatiful finish of which is
well nigh perfect. The '2-feet rule at once showed the cells to
be too large for raising workers, since thirteen and a half only
are given to the 3 inches. The size is, in fact, as nearly as may
be half way between worker and drone, twelve cells of which
give the same total diameter. A little calculation rendered ap-
parent the immense disadvantage this excessive largeness of the
cells would be to the bees during wintering, but I placed at once
an experimental sheet in the midst of a strong colony. The
bees, although fed, commenced working upon it tardily, whilst
the next hive seemed to take my sheet, made from natural comb
with hearty goodwill, finishing three while the Long's founda-
tion was only about half complete. Eggs were slowly laid in it,
and now more than half the bees produced are drones. Nor is
this the only disadvantage : the sheet gives much trouble by a
disposition to plait at the lower edge. Since my sheets, if put
into the hive bent and crooked, are made perfectly flat by the
mere weight of the adherent bees, why are impressed sheets
cockled and warped under the same influence ? I can only at
present speculate upon this point, but I believe the following is
the reason. All substances, unless absolutely non-elastic, when
bent under pressure are put under a certain amount of molecular
strain, which operates in tending to rpstore straightness to them
when softened. If a sheet of wax be bent it will be found, espe-
cially when warmed, to tend towards its original form. The
impressed sheet is stretched and bent backwards and forwards
when the form of the cell bases is given to it. It is fixed at the
top to the bar in the hive, and the warmth of the bees whilst
elaborating the comb allows the sheet to reduce the bending it
has received, and so to become longer than the part of it attached
above. It can only dispose of this greater length by assuming a
waved form from end to end. My sheets, on the contrary, are
made in the form they are subsequently to assume, and conse-
quently no disposition to elongate exists.

But the most serious charge brought against foundations is that
they are commenced at the bottom and break away. In reply to
this I can only say mine are always commenceil at the top, and
that I had the opportunity at the Alexandra Palace last autumn of
showing to many prominent bee-keepera a large number of combs
commenced only, but with the top row of cells all well advanced.

This is BO uniformly the case that I have been much puzzled as
to the cause. I have tried a number of experiments which have
to a large extent, if not wholly, made this point clear, while they
have brought out some very curious facts with regard to the
construction of comb itself. These experiments show con-
clusively, I think, that the form hitherto given to comb founda-
tions both by Germans and Americans is not that which most
helps the bees, nor is it that to which a study of comb structure
would have led. Upon this matter, together with my droue
comb foundations for supers, I hope in the future to dilate,
merely now contenting myself by saying that the only super I
have had as yet started has its row of cells contiguous to the bar
nearly finished, while the rest of the cells are all but UBtonched.
As I disposed of the hive working it I retain it as a spechnen,
and shall be pleased to show it with many others, and any of
my hives with their combs formed upon the sheets I have been
describing, on Saturdays May 12th or 19th to any brother bee-
keeper who may be interested in the advance of apicoltuie.
— F. Cbeshibe, Avenue House, Acton.

SECTIONAL SUPERS.

The importance of this subject to the bee-keeper will doubt-
less excuse my returning to it, for the experience of the various
honey shows of the last three years has proved that the days
of large weighty supers are doomed, the first object of the bee-
master who hopes to make profit of his hives being to raise a
product that will command the best market price, which the
large bell-glass or wooden box of honey does not. Neither does
the strained honey satisfy the fastidious taste of the wealthy
epicure. American bee-farmers are years ahead of us in the
discovery of what is needed for the desirable end. Their super
patterns are legion, but all tend to the same object — to produce
clean well- filled combs of attractive appearance, and small
enough for the retailer to sell without cutting.

Mr. Boot of Medina, Ohio, whose apiary was figured in this

Journal a few weeks back, has favoured me with samples of his
latest sectional supers, which in simplicity and iuexpensiveness
will be hard to beat. Fig. -18 illustrates the section box, and

a-yjasa^KK

ki.U-?sk5Si!

ss5l'i;'5«.'i&

fig. 49 the manner in which they are placed in the frames with
which the hive is filled. I should, however, say that both hive
and super are exactly alike; the former, filled with ordinary
frames, being used as a breeding box ; the latter, filled with
wider frames and sectional boxes, as a super. When supplied to
the bees each section is fitted with a piece of clean comb, natural
or artificial, without which, of course, no dependanoe could be
placed that the bees would build in order. On examination of
tig. 48 it will be seen that all four sides are neatly morticed, and
they tire merely held together by the mortices; but being all cut
by circular saw to gauge, such is the accuracy that the whole
is quite firm and every piece interchangeable. The top is
grooved to fix the guide comb, and the section boxes are sold

376

journaij of horticulture and cottage gardener.

for the marvellonsly low price of §10 (£2) per thoaaand ! less
than ^d. each. This ia the price quoted for boxes 5 by 5 by 2,
or anything less. Of course, the natural exclamation is, "Ah!
that is in America ; but what can we get them here for ? " "Well,
I supplied patterns to a friend, an ardent bee-keeper, anxious to
help our good cause, and who had all the requisite machinery —
circular saw, steam power, and timber at first price, and he
made some as a trial, and dow declares they cannot be made
and sold in England under 2d. each. He thinks the Yankees
must get their wood for nothing and labour for less to sell at
their price I Now, at 2d. each they are not too dear to use; but
we can yet do better. It is no uncommon thing to find we can
import articles of merchandise better and cheaper than w© can
make them, and in like manner we can import these section
boxes so that they shall certainly cost under Id , and I think
not more than id. each. I have been in the habit year by year of
getting all manner of foreign apiarian novelties for my friends
at cost price, and although I have often unfortunately found
myself in the position of the old man and his ass, by next season
I certainly will import a case of supers to serve as patterns;
and in the meantime, as circular saws are now so common with
amateur workmen, I extract, somewhat condensed, Mr. Root's
instructions ia "Gleanings in Bee-culture" how to make the
flections.

" Take some seasoned pine boards any width or thickness, saw
them all up in lengths of about 3S inches, and then saw these
into strips of 2 inches, or whatever you have decided upon as
the proper distance of your section boxes from centre to centre.
Turn these strips up edgewise, and saw off strips one-eighth of
an inch thick, which pile up in bunches of forty or fifty, and
then take some strips of stout paper, and with small tacks fasten
them round the thin wood strips so that the bundles can be
handled like a 2-inch plank. The paper strips should be about
an inch wide, and tacks so small that they can be pushed in
with the thumb ; and they should be put at such distances that
when cutting off the lengths for sections which follow, the saw
will not strike the heads, and that each bundle may be tied
with a btrip of paper. These will now do for nailed frames, and
we next proceed to show how to put them together without nails.
Set your saw table so that it will allow the saw to cut just one-
eighth of an inch in depth; then fix a steel blade iu the saw
table so that it will project above the surface just one-eighth of
an inch. This blade is to bo parallel with the saw and just
one-eighth of an inch from it. Now take one of these bundles
of side pieces and stand them on end with one corner against
the steel strip : we will call this steel strip a track for conveni-
ence. Push the stuff through, and you will have a single groove
across all one-eighth deep. Now set this groove on the steel
track — the track is perfectly straight, and just fills the groove
cut by the saw — and saw the next, and so on ; the last cut being
set on the track to saw the next by until the whole bundle is
grooved on both ends. The top and bottom bars of the sections
are made a quarter of an inch narrower than the sides to give
the bees passage, and sorting out the best half of them run them
over the saw so as to cut a groove lengthwise exactly in the
centre, and so nearly through that it will bend like a hinge.
Lay it on the table so that one-half projects over. Bend it so
that the groove opens, insert the strip of wax sheet or founda-
tion, close it and all is secure, and the wax so much of a fixture
that it may be torn in two before it will come out." — John
Hunter, Eaton Else, Ealing.

E.UILY Swarm. — Mr. Thomas Cattlin, The Arboretum, East
Cowes Park, Isle of Wight, informs us that he had a fine swarm
of bees on the 11th of May, which be hived successfully, and they
are doing well. The swarm was so large that he pub a glass on
the top of the hive and many of the bees have gone into it. The
parent hive he has fed every week, allowing lib. of lump sugar
to a pint of water, for the last six months.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Management op Chickens (ff. S.).— Now the nislits are shorter and the
weather warmer yoa only injure yoar chickens by taking thera in at night.
If they require protection put up a hoard in front, but it should be taken
down at daylight.

Breeding Dl'ces (F. ii.).— Carolin* Dacka will not make a nest on the
grooud. They require a box to breed in, or something similar. Carolina,
"Whistling, and Muscovy Ducks porch. Egyptian Goese do so likewise.

Sex of Swans (Framfield).— It used to be a saying that in giving away
birds two made a pair if they were breeds showing no indication of plumage.
Swans, many of the Oeese — Egyptian, Beraicle, Brent, Canada, and Bean-
are positively alike in both eexea so far as feather is concerned, and although
there vre certain degrees of development in some points by which people
profess to be guided, we know they are continually mi-taken. The old hen is
tEiken for a cook, and the young cock is taken for a strung hen. There can
be no doubt in your case; they are both hens. Each has laid four eggs.
Your benefactors were deceived. Two did not make a pair.

Hatching Swans' Eggs (Q. A. B.).—\Ye have never put Swans' eggs under
ahen, thfy aro too large; nevertheless we believe a good-sized hea would
hatch three. (We would eay four, but you know there is no luck in even

numbers in sitting et^gs). Perhaps you will laugh at the idea, and we aocnsa
no one ; but if your poultry mana;^er or manageress may have remonstrated
against the even number and it should bring success, they will say nothing.
Perhaps, as logoldsby said, or says, for doth he not always speak ? "They
will look all the more, or think, or believe, and will say, ' Well I I never.'" We
beliere the eggs will batch, and if the young be fed on ground oats or barley-
meal mixed iu a shallow pan, with a sod of growing grass at the bottom and
a small portion of flue gravel, they will do very well.

Taking Honey (B. Morudn). — Honey cannot be taken from hives of any
kind without meddling with them in some way, and thus coming in contact;
with some of the beeg. Fumigation or a bee-veil should be used in all opera-
tions. Supers are fiUei on Urge hivos when full more rapidly than on small
ones, inasmuch as the large hives have more workers. But in putting small
swarms iu large hives supers should not be looked for the first seasoa. After
bees are established in large hives you will be astonished and satisfied at the
amount of work done. H mey is removed from all kinds of hives in the same
way — viz., by removing their super'} or side combs or both, and by driving
their bees into empty hives and takiug all their couteats.

Bar Hives {A CorMtant Reader) — We are now using the bar hives recom-
mended by Mr. Taylor, but improved by Messrs. Abbott, Brothers, of Fair-
lawn, Sout hall, near London, and we have a high opinion of them. They
are substantially the same as the biir-framed hives introduced by Mr. Wood-
bury. We do not use bars only, but the baV-framea.

Stewakton Hive {E. 3.}. — Your questions will be answered neit week.

METEOROriOGICAIi OBSERVATIONS.

Gamdes Sqoahe, London.

Lat. 5V 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0^ 8' 0' W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9A.«.

Is T

IB DAT.

1877.

iPi

Hygrome-
ter.

ll

Shade Tem-
perature.

Radiation
Temperature.

.9

May.

In

On

Dry.
ileg.

Wet.

ieg.

Mai.

Min.
ies.

sun.

E^ass.
deg.

Inches

deg.

In.

We. 9

55 «

50.7

s.

49.0

66.5

46.3

114.9

0.011

Th. 10

29.575

5«.2

4ti.6

w.

EO 1

65.5

47.1

1210

45.4

0.029

Fri. 11

29 5LB

50.0

48.S

N.W.

51.6

57 6

46.3

79.6

45 5

0.12a

Sat. 12

29 559

52.0

49.7

N.B.

49.2

66.0

49.6

70.0

36 0

0.187

Sun. 13

29-660

52.6

5 .6

W.N.W

49.2

69 2

47.4

86.8

44 6

0.035

Mo. U

29.620

49 ,S

48.2

S.E.

49.3

69.7

44 4

76.0

41.0

0.052

i9.8i3

51.6
52.3

Ml
49 5

W.

49.7
49.6

61.6

48.4
15.8

115.4

48.3

—

Means

29.813

94.8

0.4SS

REMARKS.
9th.— Rather dull morning ; bright in middle of the day and early part of
afternoon, shower between 6 and 7 p.m., and dull after.
10th.— Rather stormlike at 8.50 a.m., but soon cleared off ; a fine day, though

rather threatening; a storm iu the forenoon.
11th.— Damp, dull, and dark in the fore part of the day, and showery after.
12th. — A dull, damp, dark November-like day, but not cold.
13th. — Dull damp forenoon, but tiue afternoon.
14th. — Dull morning, but very fine afterwards.

15th.— Another damp dull morning, but soon clearing, and beautifally fine
day, and bright ni^'ht.
Warmer than the previoui week, cloudy and dull with frequent showers.—

G. J. SSMONS.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— May 16.
The change in the weather has had a sensible effect upon the supply of
both fruit and vegetables during the last two or three days, which with a
better demand has caused a more healthy tone to pervade our market.
Amongst hothouse fruits Gripes and Strawberries are ia good supply, but
Peaahes are backward, and good samples are in request. Importations of
early vegetables are still heavy, and prices are well maintained.

j sieve S
.dozen 1
bushel 0
J sieve 0
i do. 0
dozen 12
.... lb. 0

FR
d. a.d.
6 to 7 0
6 3 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 20 0

0 0 n
0 1 0
6 2 6

0 la 0

0 10 0
0 15 0

VEOEl

d. B. d.

0to6 0
0 6 0
6 2 6
6 S 0
9 1 6
0 0 0
0 a 0
6 0 8
0 2 0
6 2 0
0 4 0
6 2 0
0 4 0
6 1 6
0 2 0
8 0 0
6 0 (1
2 0 0
0 2 0
4 0 0

3IT.
Nectarines

dozea 0

i?-10» 8

dozen 15

. dozen 0

. dozen 3

d.

ot

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0

d.

6t
2
0
4
0
0
0
6
0
6
0
6
9
0
0
3
G
4
9
0

s.d.
oO 0

Apricots

Chestnuts

Currants

Black

Figs

12 0

30 0

Pears, kitchen...
dessert

0 0
12 0
6 0

Plums

1 seive 0
. bushel 0

0 0

0 0

Gooseberries

Grapes, hothouse

. quar^ 1
... lb. 4

.«»100 6

1 0

. bushel 5
.••V 100 0

a.
..pottla 1
punnet 0
bushel 0
. , . quart 0
bunches 2
. dozen 0
. quart 0
, bushel 2

do. 3

lb. 0

8 0

Melons

0 0

Artichokes

dozen 3

Mushrooms

Mustard & Cress

s. d.

02 0
0 4

Beans, Kidney...

Beet, Red

Broccoli

Braasels Sprouts

Cabbage

Carrols

New

..«>10l) 1
. dozen 1
bundle 0
.1 sieve 0
.dozen 1
. bunch 0
.... do. 1
. I?' 10) 1
. dozen 2
bundle 1
>unches S

pickling

Parsley.... doz

0 8
0 a
0 0

p ^

0 0

Potatoes

Kidney

4 6

5 0
1 S

Radishes., doz

bunches 1
..bundle 0
bundle 0
bundle I
. basket 0
lb. 9

1 6

1 0

Coleworts.. doz.

Salaaty

Scorzonera

1 d
0 0

. dozen 1
. bunch 0
.... lb. 0

Spinach

. bushel 2
.. banoh 0
do. 0

4 0

Herbs

Lettuce

Leeks

. bunch 0
.. dozen 1
., bunch 0

9 n

Vegetable Marrows 0

U 0

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

377

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day Day 1

of 1 of MAT 24-30, 1877.
Month Week. 1

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

San
Sets.

Rroon
Rises.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Ak'e.

Clock
before
Sun.

Day
of
Ye,r.

1

Day.

.N'ight.

Jlean.l h. m.

h. m.

h. m.

b. m.

Days.

m s

24

67.4

4S.0

65.2 1 3 58

7 65

3 24

144

25

F

Twickenham Show.

65.4

42.9

54.2 1 3 67

7 56

6 45

2 25

12

8 18

145

26

S

67.4

3 56

7 68

8 6

S 46

13

3 12

146

27

Snii

Trinits- Scsdat.

66.5

447

55.6

S 65

7 69

9 18

8 15

14

3 6

147

28

M

Royal Geographical Society (Anniversary) at 1 p.m.

68.1

444

66.2

8 64

8 0

10 18

3 66

15

2 69

148

29

To

67.5

8 1

11 B

4 49

16

2 61

149

80 W

Society of Arts at 8 p.m.

6S.4

44.7

56.6

3 62

8 3

11 34

5 54

17

2 43

160

From observations taken near LoniJon daring forty-three years
88.1^

the average day temperatnre of the week is 67.2= ; and its night temperature

THINNING FRUIT.

UBING the latter part of May and the early
part of June more fruit requires tliinning
than at .my other season of tlie year. Tlie
enoiTnous number of Vines in unforced
houses througliout the country form theu-
fruit at the period named ; and Peaches
and other stone fruits in cool houses and
in the open au- also require attention now.
Before giving a few liints on fruit-thinning
I may just say that I am of opinion that,
as a rule, many kinds of fruit are not thinned to the ex-
tent it is necessary they should be, and if thinning the
fruit were more juihciously attended to, in the place of a
glut of fruit one year and none whatever the next, there
would be a more uniform crop annually.

Gr-A-Pes. — fc'ome varieties of Grapes set their berries
mnch thicker than others. 'J he highest-flavoured Mus-
cats frequently set very irregularly ; in many cases there
being nothing but a few large berries to each bunch ;
while such sorts as the Alicante form ten times more berries
than are wanted. Muscats should never be thinned until
.about three weeks after the bunches have gone out of
bloom: by that time it will be perfectly visible which
beiTies are likely to swell to their fullest extent. Let
every one of these rem.ain, if required, and clip out all
the small berries. Where there are not enough of large
hemes to complete the bunch a few of the largest of the
BnaaU berries may sometimes be left ; but for my own
part I would sooner see a thin bunch than a thick one
with a multitude of miniature berries amongst a few large
ones when ripe. Lady Downe's is not altogether free
from the Muscat fault ; its fruit does not always swell
equally. This, I have observed, occurs oftener in par-
tially shaded houses than in those fully exposed to sun-
ehine ; but there can never be any mistake in cutting out
all sickly-looking berries, and leave only those which
show a fi-esh plump appearance. Alicantes may be thinned
a few days after they have gone out of bloom without
fear of making a mistake ; but Barbarossas require more
care, as they are not uniform setters. The Black Ham-
burgh generally sets freely, but it is worth while observ-
ing that its berries, as a rule, form in threes, the larger
one being in the centre, and in well-set bunches there are
enough left when these two are cut away and the large
centre berries are left all over the bunch. No other
Grape that I know calls for particular remark.

Always use a pair of long, narrow, verj- sharp scissors
in thinning. Clip the berries out of the centre before
removing them too much from the outside. In inserting
the point of the scissors in the centre of the bunch take
gi"eat care and do not pierce any of the berries that are
to be left, or those so injured — even very slightly — will
fail to do properly afterwards. In thinning, the bunch
must be held without being injured. There must be no
twisting of the shoulders nor rubbing of the Grapes.
Nearly aU the berries which have to be taken out should
be removed the first time, but if it is seen they will become

No. 813.-VOL. SXXU., KE-rf SEEiZB,

too close a few more may be out out before they are fully
swelled. Always leave every bunch a little too thin
rather than a great deal too thick, but try and remember
how they ended last year and act accordingly.

Peaches and Nectarines. — "Leave the fruit of these
from 9 to 12 inches apart all over the tree," is advice
often given, but it as often happens that Peaches and
Nectarines set thickly in one place or part of the tree,
while other parts are bare of fruit. In this case it is
difficult to get them " all over." " Theu should they be
left closer than 9 inches apart to recompense for the
deficiency on many of the branches?" Certainly. I
have a tree now with plenty of fruit at the points of the
branches, but scarcely any in the centre, and on some
branches I liave left the fruit not more than 4 inches
apart, and I have done this before and found it to answer
well ; but at the same time the crop is not excessive.
Perhaps if all the fruit were distributed evenly over the
tree they would not come closer than 9 inches apart. I
merely refer to this because I have known some amateui-a
who did not understand whether when the fruit was
thick in one part and none in another it should still be
thinned to the state 1 distance.

It is never safe to begin thinning these fruits to any
great extent until after the stones are formed. "When they
are set very thickly those whijli appear in clusters may
be reduced to one, but nothing further than this should
be done until the time above stated. Those which stone
first swell quickly, and they often take the lead of those
of which the stoning is doubtful. When these early-
stoned fruits are suflieient to form a crop remove the
others at once, and the strength of the tree wiU be not
wasted, as would otherwise be the case. The fruit which
is left should always stand prominent on the face of the
trees, and those which are formed behind the branches
should only be left when they are ^.ctually needed. On
strong healthy trees the fruit may be left from G to
10 inches asunder; on weak trees it should be double
tliis distance.

Apricots. — These are thinned under the same regula-
tions as the iireceding, only green Apricots are often
wanted for cooking and preserving in that state, and the
best time to gather them for such purpose is just before
the stone in their centre becomes hard. Apricots often
set in clusters, and these should always be reduced before
the single fruits are touched. They should never be left
closer than Peaches. This season our trees have just set
about enough for a crop, and we shall not thin-off a
single fruit.

Apples, Pears, and Plums — It is veiy seldom that the
fruit of any of these are thinned, and so much the worse
for the trees, especially if young, as many fine young
trees that would ultimately be of a superior character are
crippled, if not ruined, in their early years by being
allowed to bear heavy crops of fruit. It is a leading
desire with many to see the branches of little trees bent
under a load of i'ruit, but it is bad practice. Single fruit
may generally be left without doing harm ; but to give
the fruit a fair chance of coming to perfection and the

No. 1105.— Vol. LVII., Old Sesieb.

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 24, 1870.

tree an opportunity of prolonging a fruitful existence nearly
every cluster should be reduced to one fruit. — M.

FLOBIST FLOWERS EAISED FROM SEED.

AnRicuLis. — From April onward no outdoor flower can at
all compare with the Auricula, and any garden without it ie
devoid of one of the very choicest of spring flowers, for they
are lovely upon the plants and very useful for cutting. I
allude to the Alpines, for no one need expect anything good,
even for borders, out of a packet of seed of the show varieties,
at least such is my experience ; and even in Alpines not many
come from seed of exhibition quality. Nevertheless, very
useful kinds in variety may be had for borders from a packet
of seed, and such as are deserving of being cherished in any
garden. Everybody may grow them, for they are not at all
delicate, but will thrive anywhere providing the soil be free
from stagnant water. They are grateful, no plants more so,
for a little well-decayed manure or leaf soil mixed with the
soil ; and if planted where they have slight shade in hot
weather they thrive all the better.

The seed may be sown any time from March to May, or even
June. I BOW in April, draining a pan (one a foot across is
large enough for a packet of seed) an inch deep, covering with
about half an inch of the rough of the compost — three parts
yellow loam and one part leaf soil, with about a sixth of silver
sand, filling to within an eighth of the rim with sifted com-
post, making the surface smooth and scattering the seed evenly,
and covering with fine soil about the sixteenth of an inch deep,
placing in a frame with a gentle heat, shading from sun to
lessen the necessity for frequent watering in order to keep the
soil moist, which it must be from the first. The pan may be
placed in a cold frame, but I think there is a more regular ger-
mination of the seed in gentle heat than in a cold frame. In
either case shade is given, and when placed in a hotbed so soon
as the seedlings appear they are moved to a cold frame and
light and air given. The latter they delight in, and the former
also, but subdued — the fierce rays being broken by shade. No
place is better after June than a north border, but until then
shade artificially, as what we want is growth early and con-
tinued 60 as to have the plants well established before winter.

In June or July the seedlings will be fit to prick off G inches
apart every way, lifting carefully and making the soil firm
about the plants, watering gently, shading them from sun.
Though they like shade in summer they want sun in autumn
onward, and this must be remembered when choosing the site
for growing them. If the soil be wet a raised bed should be
formed, putting in some stones for drainage, -and not less than
6 inches thickness of soil upon it. It is well if the plants in
the bed are so arranged that they may be covered with a frame
in winter, placing it over them in October, with a brick under i
each corner, giviug air abundantly by the lights in all mild I
weather, closing only during frost, in which case the bricks 1
should be removed from the corners of the frames, and in very ■
severe weather protection over the lights should be afforded. !
The value of the lights is in protecting from rains, wet being
injurious; and protection is absolutely necessary in spring if
mealy leaves be wanted, and the flowers are required to be kept
from discoloration. Eat for Auricula-growing for the million
all that is wanted is protection from heavy rains in autumn,
winter, and spring. Oiled calico lights answer well, they
being fixed so as to throw the water clear of the outer row of
plants. The lights should be withdrawn in mild weather.

I have, however, seen some really gorgeous beds ©f Auriculas
which have not received any attention beyond shading until the
plants were established, and shielding them from rain and sun
when flowering. Some people have an idea that Auriculas are
miffy plants, and that it is no ute attempting their culture
unless more than oroinary care can be bestowed upon them.
Ytt the Alpines are very suitable border flowers, and a garden
without them is deficient of one of its finest spring ornaments.
What finer plants have we than a few of the choicer show and
Alpines grown in pota drafted from the frames (in which they
have been wintered) to the greenhouse for flowering? Their
association with Frimula cortusoides amcena vars., and others,
is very effective. After flowering, a frame on a north border
until October will be found not only to suit Auriculas but a
majority of Primulas, which are really worth growing in pots
for the decoration of the greenhouse in spring.

If able to obtain some choice seed of show Auriculas, then
we must be prepared to give extra attention to raising and
growing the plants. A compost of maiden loam at least a year

old, and a third of cow dung two years old, or a similar portion
of well-reduced leaf soil, is suitable. The seeds are best sown
in rows about an inch apart, placing in a cold frame, keeping
regularly moist till the seedlings appear, after which no water
to be given except between the rows, not wetting the foliage of
the plants. When the plants have about four leaves lift them
carefully and place them round the sides of 5 or G-inoh pots.
Water can thus be given in the centre of the pot without
wetting the foliage, besides which the plants thrive better than
when placed all over the soil. At the beginning of August
they will be large enough to pot-off singly into "s-inoh pots,
returning them to the frame, keeping rather close and shaded
until they have taken well hold of the soil, after which give
plenty of air, continuing the shade, however, until the close of
September. During winter very little water will be required ;
but about February it will be necessary to apply it if the
weather is mild, increasing the supply with the growth. The
plants may be moved to a north border in summer, repotting
them into 4J or 5-inch pots in August, merely rubbing off the
surface and outer soil, using the same compost as previously
advised. The following April most of the plants will flower.
A little weak liquid manure may be given about once a week
in February, and after that twice a week until the truss is
seen rising in the foliage. The choicer description of Alpines
may be treated in the same way. — Q. Abbey.

SEAKALE.

After reading the brief but lucid description given by your

correspondent " J. F. M." (page 344), on how to grow Seakale

in large quantities, it/occurred to me that I might tender a few

remarks which may be useful to growers with limited means.

1 will first refer to my mode of blanching. The plants are

2 feet apart, in rows ',> feet asunder. In the autumn as soon
as the foliage is ripe I clear it away, and then select about
one-third of the best of the stools in the plot, and cover them
in either of the following ways : — If the plants are large I take
sticks 2 or 2J feet long (the staves of old cement barrels split
into pieces answer well for this purpose), these I place all
round the plants slantingly so that they meet close together
at the top, and cover to the depth of 0 or 7 inches with Sea-
grass (a material the Ksle delights in), but smaller plants I
cover with an inverted 9 or 10-inch flower-pot, again covering
with grass but lees thickly than the sticks except on the top of
the pots. If Sea-grass is not procurable, then stable litter or
straw may be used for covering. The Kale is ready for cutting
about the last week of February or the first week in March.
My second lot I cover in January, and my third towards the
end of February, immediately before it commences growing.
The result of this simple practice is, that I have superior
heads of Seakale for above two months.

The plants occupy the same bed for many years, but oo-
casioually a bed requires renovating. The plants are then
dug-up, and clean white roots are selected not less than
half an inch thick, and cut into lengths of about 4 inches.
These are inserted in sand at the distances above mentioned,
the ground being previously trenched and well manured. In
the month of May last year I planted a bed in the manner de-
scribed, and I have seldom or never seen finer Seakale than I
have had from that bed this season. Earthing-up, covering
with coal ashes or cocoa-nut refuse must, I think, injure more
or less the delicate heads as they grow-up through such cover-
ing, and great trouble must be involved in washing the Kale,
for I think it cannot be easy to remove the gritty particles in
the axils of the leaves. — B. G., Co. Down.

GIVING AIR— SPRINKLING.

Vert deeply rooted is the idea that the scalding of fruits
and the scorching of foliage are caused by the too powerful
action of the sun's rays whilst the fruit or foliage is wet. This,
in my opinion, is altogether an erroneous idea, as is proved in
many places every day during the spring and early summer
mouths. We shut up Melons, young Vmes, Cucumbers, &e.,
with a shade temperature of 90' or 95' (representing a sun
temperature of 120 to 140°), and syringe unsparingly at the
same time with water at 100" or 110' during the brightest sun-
shine, but they do not scorch. Grapes, too, and Peaches three
parts grown, which we wish to force to the utmost, are closed
at a temperature only a few degrees lower than the above, but
they do not scorch unless they are either too close to the glass
or have been drawn out too much by fire heat ; but open one

May 2 J, 1377. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTIODLTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

379

of the above houses again immediately after syringing while
the snu is still very hot, and scorching would take place as
Burely and perfectly as if the plants had been placed on the fire.

Scalding, scorching, and rust are caused by too rapid evapo-
ration, and the manner of giving air is at the bottom of it all.

" Admit air early " is very good advice, and must be attended
to, bat it is not all that is required. See that your thermometer
which you trust to so faithfully is not misleading you. Is it
encased in metal, or does it hang against any powerful con-
ducting substance ? Does the sun shine directly on it ? Hang-
ing directly in the sun's rays a thermometer is worse than use-
less because it does not tell the truth. The mercury may rise
perhaps 5' in a quarter of an hour, while you are giving air
carefully a little at a time, and flattering yourself how nicely
you are doing it without the possibility of a check on the
tenderest of foliage ; but a thermometer backed and shaded
on each side with 'wood will tell a very different tale, for while
the other is rising 8° or 10' this will only just begin to show
signs of life. Here, then, is a danger, that while watching a
thermometer and giving air in accordance with it we may be
actually lowering the real temperature although the mercury
is rising.

There is another popular notion which I wish to call atten-
tion to in connection with the above, it is about sprinkling
floors, walls, &d. " Sprinkle more," say our advisers ; this,
too, may be very good advice, but sprinkle when ? What is
the effect of sprinkling the floor and walls of a hothouse on a
bright summer's day while the ventilators are wide open ?
Why, certainly to lower the temperature ,.nd almost certainly
to make the atmosphere drier by evapor^'ion. Did ever any-
one see a drooping plant revive simply from pouring water
about the paths while the ventilators were wide open and the
Bun's rays unobstructed ? I say. No. Sprinkle as much as
you like as soon as the house is closed, and the plants will
revive almost magically; but sprinkling for this purpose at
any other time can do no good, and I think it generally does
harm. — Wllll4ji Tatlob.

KOSBS IN POTS.

No more enjoyable flowers have lately been exhibited at the
London shows than Roses in 7 and 8inch pots. These have
chiefly been staged by Mr. Turner, Slough; Messrs. Paul and
Sons, Cbeshunt ; Messrs. Veitch & Sous, Chelsea ; Messrs.
Lane & Son, Burkhampstoad ; and Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son,
Waltham Cross. Ouly one amateur grower (Mr. Moorman) has
as yet stiged really well-grown plants this year ; but the fact
that Ue has done so, also that the garden under his charge is
only a small one, where the Roses are chiefly grown in brick
pits and unheated frames, suggest how many others there are
who have the same or greater conveniences, but as yet have not
commenced the cultivation of Eoses according to the most
approved mode of growing them. Roses in pots there are in
plenty, and excellent blooms are afforded from them in many
gardens, bat when fine blooms are combined with handsome
plants the Rose is seen in its fullest beauty.

There are but few now-a-days who cultivate show Pelar-
goniums who are satisfied with plants having three or four
upright growths ?< feet high with a tuft of flowers at the top
and no foliage at the bottom. They endeavour to have dwarf
symmetrical plants, the foliage almost hiding the pots, and
the plants greater in breadth than they are in height. The
lowermost shoots on such plants are secured down to the rim
of the pot and trained out almost horizontally, the centre of
the plants being so furnished as to present the outline of a
flattened globe. Such plants are very beautiful, and vastly
superior to others which have been permitted to grow in their
natural upright manner, forming pigmy trees with brown bars
branobe?, exhibiting not art and culture — not Nature in her
own free and charming guise, but a combination of Nature
cribbed and art distorted. Roses in pots are as amenable to
training as Pelargoniums. The Roses which have been ex-
hibited by the growers named have been remarkable for their
grand blooms, luxuriant foliage, sturdy growth, and skilful
training. The foliage did indeed almost hide the pots, and
from twelve to thirty shoots were trained with the greatest
regularity, and each terminating with a splendid bloom. What
other plants can surpass these, or even equal them ? No others
which c»n be purchased eo cheaply and grown so easily. Their
cultivation, therefore, as suggested in your report of the Re-
gent's Park .Show, should be encouraged by every possible
moans, and prizes certainly ought to be offered for them for

which amateurs alone should compete.'' Mr. Moorman,' who
sometime ago communicated an excellent article on the cul-
tivation of Roses in pots, would do well to return to the sub-
ject and tell the best sorts to grow and how to grow them.
Medium-sized plants, such as those referred to, could not fail
to be appreciated wherever provided, and there is no reason
that they should not be seen in the majority of gardens
where flowering plants under glass are cultivated and
cherished.— W. S. P.

TRIFLES— GIVING AIR.

" There is such a bother made here about a trifle." These
words came to me on the wind as I turned away after having
given one of my assistants a slight " wigging" on his want of
attention in the matter of early air-giving in the forcing house.
I shall not soon forget the stern, hard-to-learn lessons of at-
tention to trifles which I learned from an old Yorkshire
gardener. He was one of the old school : shrewd, clever,
and practical, but having something of the irritability of
genius, was easily provoked, specially so by little things, little
neglects and thoughtlessnesses, and could lay down the law in
his choice vernacular with, sometimes amusing, and always
positive impressiveness. He used to say that the top lights of
every glass house ought to be opened a little every morning if
only for a quarter of an hour, just to let off the bad air and
vapour. The old man's theory is good, very good, the only
evil is the pushing of it to extremes. My own opinion in
this matter is, that if a little, ever so little, air cannot for
economy's or other reason's sake be left on all night in forcing
houses and pits, a little should be given early in the morning
at the highoBt point of the house or pit — that is, if the wind is
not blowing-in at that point. If the wind — a spring north-easter,
let us say — be blowing iu the direction of the top air-openings,
it would be much better not to open the lights there, but to
open them at the bottom. As to the quantity of air to be
admitted, each man's skill must be the regulator in this matter
as in so many other gardening operations and arrangements.

In those peculiar days we so often have in the early part of
our English seasons, " summer days and winter nights," if
a little air is not admitted early in the morning the plants
run a double risk, first of being almost parboiled by hot vapour,
and then to counteract this high temperature, the effect of the
brrning sun I have mentioned, of being half frozen by the icy
air which is allowed to come in to lower the house to a health-
ful temperature. Now, if a small opening had been made early
in the morning at every opening sash, even though that open-
ing be only quarter of an inch, the heated vapour would have
so escaped, and the plants been so dry in consequence, that if
the sun had raised the temperature to 90° or 100° there would
have been no harm done.

It is difiioult to make even most zealous assistants see the
force of this. Touth and inexperience make them undervalue
little matters. I would, however, impress this truism upon all
gardeners, that " good gardening consists in attention to
trifles." It has been well said, " Trifles make-up the sum of
human happiness ;" and obversely of its misery. And when
another great man has defined genius as being " a capacity for
taking trouble," attending to trifles, it becomes us all to think
seriously about them. Our young people do not see these things
as we see them, and remembering one's own weaknesses we
must be as gentle and forbearing as we can. Young men, at-
tend to trifles ; old men, reprove kindly. — X.

UNHEALTHY VINES.

Ijipeefect root-action is undoubtedly the primary cause of
most of the ills that Vines are heirs to, and the Editors have
done well in calling especial attention to the fact. The term
clearly and unmistakoably implies the existence of unhealthy
roots, and unhealthy roots are caused by bad soil or defective
drainage, or by both. The evil is traced to its source. Is not
the remedy as clear as the day ? Get rid of your bad soil, see
that the fresh soil contains plenty of liard gritty matter, lay
2-inoh drains 0 feet npnrt from back to front of the bottom of
the border into a -1-iuoh pipe running along the front, and
your Vines will cease to suffer from imperfect root-action.

This repetition of advice, often given but loo seldom acted
upon, will show how much importance I attach to the matter.
I may add that in my own practice I do not rest content with
well-laid drains, but keep myself constantly informed of their
action by means of a shaft of brickwork, through which the

380

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I May 24, 1877.

main drain passes after leaving the border, so that one can
always see if the water passes away freely in a wet season, and,
what is of equal importance — see that the waterings are
thorough in a dry one by having it poured upon the top of
the border till it flows freely from the drains at the bottom.
— Edwaed Luokhubst.

CLEMATISES AT BEGENT'S PARK.

No one who has not seen the best varieties of these plants
grown in the best manner and exhibited in the best style can
form a just idea of the beauty of such a collection as Messrs.
Jackman & Son of Woking have now on view in the gardens of
the Royal Botanic Society. The plants are arranged in the
corridor leading to the conservatory, which is filled from end to
end with about four hundred specimens, and every plant is laden
with splendid flowers. Many of the blooms exceed 9 inches in
diameter ; and embr.acing as thsy do all tbe shades of colour
from white to violet, produce an effect which should be seen by
all who have the opportunity of visiting the gardens. Many
there are, however, who are unable to do so, and it becomes the
more necessary to uotu a few of ihe leading varieties of these
effective hardy climbers. But although hardy, the plants exhi-
bited have been grown under glass in a large light nubeated
-structure, yet many of them have been outside all through the
'»;viuter, and were only placed in the house in the spring. This

'is mentioned as illustrative of their hardiness, and as evidence
of the simplicity with which Clematises may be cultivated for

• conservatory decoration.

A few of the most noteworthy varieties are the following —

^Xjady Egmont (new), very delicate mauve suffused with rosy

. pink, deepening at the edge of the undulated Fepals. The flowers
fire about 8 inches in diameter aud are produced in profusion ;
they are also deHcately perfomed. This variety has been re-
cently certificated, and is undoubtedly one of the best yetraised.
Florence is another new and very fine variety, p.ile lavender
edged with pale purple, which was certificated at the same time.
Duke of Noifolk is superior ; lavender-coloured flowers and re-
markably fine foliage. Earl of Egmont (new) is noticeable as
being the darkest of all the early-flowering varieties ; it is a free
and continuous bloomer, and will be useful for many decorative
fiUrposes. Lord Beacousfield (new), nearly blue, is very free
and very fine; as also is Princess <f Wales, a grand, smooth,
bright lavender-coloured flower. Alba Magna, nearly white, is
the largest flower of all aud is a great acquisition. It is a new
variety of the lanuginosa type.

The following six varieties are also new, and are being sent
out for the first time this year — namely. Duchess of Edinburgh,
white, double, remarkably fine; Maiden's Blush, blush white,
effective; Mrs. Hope, satiny mauve, very full aud flue; Mori-
kata oke, French white with undulated sepals, very free ; Robt.
Eanbury, bluish lilac, glossy, and of excellent form ; aud Duchess
ai Teck, white, with a faint mauve bar, flowers of great sub-
Eitance and very attractive.

Amongst older varieties, extra fine, are Lord Derby, laven-
der ; Fair Rosamond, blush ; Lord Mayo, rosy lilac ; Sir Garnet
Wolseley, nearly blue, with maroon bar; Stella, light violet;
Vesta, creamy white; Lady Caroline Nevill, blush, mauve bars;
and Sir William Kenuett, deep lavender. Gloire de St. Julienne
is also worthy of notice from its commanding long-petalled satiny-
blush flowers; it is very distinct. Countess of Lovelace is still
the finest of the laveudcr-blue double varieties and should be
largely grown, aud Lucie Lemoiue is an excellent double cream-

■ coloured variety.

The above varieties are the finest at present in cultivation,
• and demand notice from their sterling qualities. The Exhi-
bition closes on the 20th inst. The display is rendered further
attractive by the introduction of a few highly coloured standard
Rhododendrons, and a fringe of Enonymus radicaus alternated
with the blue, hardy, evergreen trailing plant Lithospermum
prostratum.

THE PEACH CROP ON OPEN WALLS.

Such was the miserable refrain which kept running through
my head during the latter part of April, and it has proved to
be almost literally true, not only of Peaches, hut of Nectarines
and Apricots. I do not mind the cold alone, for with my
coping boards I can almost defy it; but when the wet comes
driving upon the swelling blossom buds day after day and also
upon the wall, rendering it so cold that the frost lays its icy
grasp upon bud, branch, and brickwork, it is then that one
loses hope. Such has been the lamentable state of things this
year, consequently the crop is a failure; and I am not surprised
to hear from my friend Mr. Walker of Dunorlan that " it is
the general cry that there are but few Peaches, Nectarines,

and Apricots — not one fruit where there ought to be dozens,
the flowers having fallen off just at the time the fruit ought to
have been setting, even upon trees which were covered every
night with canvas."

What is the remedy ? Glass, sashhara, and brickwork.
That is my answer, and acting upon it I am now trying to
ascertain the cost per running foot of putting a glazed cover-
ing to a wall 10 feet high. Can anyone give me any reliable
fignrea ? — Edwaed Luckhurst.

FOEGET-ME-NOTS.
EvEET year these charming spring flowers appear to become
more popular. They are grown in thousands both for conser-
vatory and garden decoration, and well they deserve to be, for
few dwarf spring-flowering plants are more effective, and none
are more easily cultivated. It is not often, however, that new
varieties command notice, yet there are not wanting signs that
those at present in cultivation will be improved upon both in
size of flowers and their colotxrs. Not long ago Mr. Groves of
Shortlands, Kent, exhibited an enlarged form of Myosotis

Fig. 50. — Myosotis 'Weirleigh Sorpriee.

dissitiflora at South Kensington. This is a variety of great
promise, and will probably be seen again ; but the most dis-
tinct Forget-me-not that has lately come under our notice is
Weirleigh Surprise. It was raised by Mr. Harrison Weir at
Weirleigh, and is now being distributed by Messrs. James
Carter & Co., of 237, High Holborn, London, who have enabled
us to submit a figure of it. It was exhibited last year at South
Kensington, aud every flower on the plant was as distinctly
striped as is shown in the engraving. As to the origin of the
variety, Mr. Weir states that for some time he had been plant-
ing the white aud blue together with the hope of getting a
cross, and had tried poUenising them but without 6ucces8._ On
going to the part of the garden where the rubbish heap is, he
saw a number of plants of the Myosotis had come np on the
bank, and directed they should not be disturbed until they
bloomed. The first that did so to his delight was the one now
called by the name of Weirleigh Surprise.

MAEEGHAL NIEL EOSE.
The Roses which I forwarded to your office last week wtre
grown as follows : — The Vines in a lean-to house were old and
unprofitable, and they were taken out and two Marechal Niel
Roses were planted in the border and trained inside to the
wires which formerly supported the Vines. The Roses are
worked upon the Briar stock, and have grown very strong.
They have only been planted a little over two years, and now
they nearly cover tho whole roof of the house. Some of the
young shoots are as strong as a walking stick. They have
flowered very freely, and the flowers have been all about the
same size and colour as those which you saw. There were
573 flowers open on the 11th of May, and we had out probably

May 34, 1877. 1

JOUKXAL OP HORTIOULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

381

a huadred before I eonnted them. I nai reoommend the plan
mentioued for growing thU glorious Poae in perfection, and I
think wherever room can be aSjrded to train one under gUs3
similar to a Vine it will prove worthy of the space it oconpies.
— W. Christison.

[We onoe saw a large honse planted with Maryohal Niel
Roses. It was originally a vinery from whence the Grapes
were sold, bat the sale of Maruchal Niel blooms proved much
more profitable than the Grapes. — Eds ]

EOYAL BOTANIC GABDENS, MANCHESTER.

GREAT FLOWER AND FRUIT SHOW.

The great Whitsantide Show (which has long been one of the
principil meetings of the year for exhibitors and visitors from
all parts of Great Britiin) opened thia year on the ISth and
closes on the '2oth. There is a traly grand display of plants,
flowers, and fruits. It is said by those who hive been exhibi-
tors since the oommaacemsnt of the exhibition) to be the best
Show yet held. If there is a slight falling oft in soma of the
classes, which mast be expected owing to changes in taste or
fashion — as, for instance, the great pyramid plants of Azaleas —
these could very well be dispensed with in the presence of the
magnificent specimens of Rjses exhibited by Messrs. Turner of
Slongh, and Paul & Sons, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. It is
also admitted that Orchids were never shown better. The trade
collections of Mr. B. S. Williams of HoUoway, and the Messrs.
Eollisson of Tooting, London, contain well-grown specimens
of the rarest and choicest species and varieties in cnltivation.
Private collections, too, have a magnificent effect arranged on the
opposite side of the building. Especially fine are the collec-
tions of 0. O. Wrigley, E^q. ; and equally well grown, if smaller
specimens are those staged by Dr. Aiusworth, J. Broome, Edq.,
and others. And here we may state that some little dissatis-
faction was expressed at the way in which some of the speci-
mens are made-np, and we do confess that making-up pans
and pots of Orchids is carried a little too tar. A great grower
has, perhaps, scores or hundreds of some species, and he fills a
pot or pan with a dozen plants or more, sometimes with aa many
distinct varieties of the same species. Of course the larger the
specimens are the greater is the effect of the collection. It
would stop the mnrmurs if promoters of bhows would clearly
specify in their schedules the requisite number of pots or pans
of Orchids ; when the schedule says " Twelve Orchids, distinct,"
then the exhibitor who raakes-up pots or pans with several
varieties in each does not comply with the terms of the schedule.

Another very pleasing feature in the Show is the herbaceous
plants. It seems a descent in the scale from exotic Orchids to
the humble alpines, but it is not so. Orchids aa showu at Man-
chester are the flowers of the very few ; alpine and herbaceous
plants are the flowers of the many. Messrs. J. Dickson A- Sons,
Newton Nurseries. Chester, and Messrs. Rollisson of Tooting,
deserve great credit for the care they have taken in exhibiting
such finished collections as they exhibited on this occasion. A
word of praise ought also to be given to a collection of exotic
Ferns from 0. O. Wrigley, Esq., of Eury. Such well-grown
specimens of the choicest species of Gleichenias, Davallias, &c.,
were never before exhibited. Hardy Ferus, too, are well grown,
and two collections at the bottom of the large tent command

teneral admiratioa. Besides the large conservatory, which is
evoted to exotic plants, there are two other large tents filled
with plants, and the arrangements of the different classes are
admirably carried out to give the best effect. This, of course,
entails additional labour on those entrusted with the duty of
reporting for the public press, but of this we make no complaint
as it is unavoidable ; but we would suggest one improvement.
The Judges are divided into sections, two in each section, under
the care of a " Steward ;" one set judges, say, from Class 1 to 12,
"Why cannot the Steward be furnished with prize cards, and aa
one class is judged place first, second, and third to the col-
lections ? Aa it was no awards were fixed until the Judges had
finished their work, and whit makes the matter worse is that
the names of the exhibitors arc not known until the prize cards
are fixed. In the case of the principal collections this was not
done until very nearly the time for opening the Show.

The annual dinner of the Council nod Judges was held at the
Trafford Hotel near the Girdeni. Dr. Witts, President of the
Council, presided, Mr. Bruce Findlay occupying the vicech»ir.
The Treasurer's report by Mr. J. Broome congratulated the
Society, on this its jubilee year, on the prosperous state of its
finances, and if the Show is successful it is expected that it will
be entirely free from debt this year. Certainly th? present
Conncil deserve great credit for the exertions they have made
to place the Society on a sound bjsis, and S'lma extent of their
difficultiea may be ascertained from the fact thit the Council
liave paid j£30,000 in interest on debts. It ought also t) be

known that, like the Royal norticultural Society of London,
neither the Council nor anyone else have a personal interest in
the matter, and that after the debt has been paid all superfluous
cash will be devoted to the cause of horticulture or floriculture.
The Rev, Canon Hole, in proposing " Prosperity to the Royal
Botanical and Horticultural Society," said that the present Ex-
hibition afforded tha working classes an admirable opportunity
to become acquainted with the works of Nature at a low charge,
and spoke strongly in favour of the opening of such gardens on
Sunday. If ho was told, " Would not you rather that the people
went to a place of worship?" he would say, "Why shouldn't
a garden be a place of worship ?" At all events it was a better
place of worship than a pnblichouse [applause]. Mr. Shirley
Hibberd proposed "The Exhibitors," to which Messrs. B. S.
Williams, Rollisson, and J. McCallum responded, all of them
uniting in the warmest tribute to Mr. Bruce Findlay for his
courtesy and for the admirable arrangements made for their
comfort and convenience, stating that they looked forward with
the greatest pleasure to the Manchester Exhibition.

A show of Tulips and other cut flowers was announced for
Friday (to-morrow), but it is certain that the Tulips will not be
in, and the show is poatponed. Florists and others have been
much gratified at the increasing favour in which florist flowers
are held all over the country — a result priocipally due to the
patronage they have received from the Council of this Society,
and if they had not been hampered with difficulties much more
would have been done.

Stove and Greenhouse Pl.ints (amateurs). — In Class 1 —
twenty plants, ten foliage and ten in flower — the prizes are i:30,
.i'20, and £10. The groups are well arranged, with the flowering
plants in front, backed with large handsome specimens of foliage
plants. The first and second collections are very nearly equally
balanced, and at first sight we placed the collection from Preston
first ; but we doubt not that the Judges were right, as on a closer
inspection one of Mr. Shuttleworth's large Gleichenias we found
was paat its best, and his flowering plants are certainly not quite
equal in merit to the Cheltenham collection. Mr. B. Pilgrim,
Fern Lawn, Cheltenham, is first with a well-flowered healthy
specimen of Boronia serrulata ; Tetratheca oricajfolia hirsuta, a
grand specimen; a well-grown example of Pimelea spectabilis ;
Acrophyllnm venosum, very fine ; Azalea Flag of Truce ; Erica
Victoria Regina, and E. Cavendishiana; Clerodendron Bal-
fourii ; and a fine variety of Anthurium Scherzeriauum. His
foliage plants comprise some noble Palms, a grand Encepha-
lartos villosus ; Crotona pictum and Wieamannii, also a very fine
C. longifolium variegatum ; Paudanus Veitohii, well marked;
and a handsome specimen of the rare Geonoma Seemanii.
Second T. M. Shuttleworth, Esq., who has a very handsome
opecimen of Boronia pinnata, exceedingly well grown and
covered with its pretty rase-coloured flowers ; Dendrobium
nobile, well flowered; Statice profusa ; Aphelexis macrantha
purpurea, and the variety rosea ; Dracophyllum gracile ; Erica
Victoria Regina nnd E. Cavendishiana; Anthurium Scherzeria-
num, and a white Azalea. Hia foliage plants are Gleichenia
spelunca3and G.dichotoma;Cycascircinali8; Crotonundnlatum,
remarkably well coloured ; Stevensonia grandifolia, with noble
foliage; Cordyline indivisa; Dion edule ; Dasylirion gracile;
and a fine Cooos Weddelliana. So keen was this contest that the
Judges had 1 1 go by points, and after careful examination found
only three more for the first collection than the second. Mr. J.
Rylands, Longford Hall, Stretford, Manchester (Mr. G. Smith,
gardener), is third with very creditable examples. He has a
fine Pimelea spectabilis and a well-grown Alocasia Lowii.

Twelve plants, six flowering and six foliage. — H. Samson, Esq.,
Brunswick House. Bowdon (Mr. W. Lingford, gardener), is first.
He has a grand Hedaroma tulipifera, a well-grown specimen of
Ixora coccinea, exceedingly fresh and healthy exatnples of
Gleichenia flahellata, G. rupestris, and as fine a specimen of
Cocos Weddelliana as any in the Show. T. M. Shuttleworth,
Esq., is a good second. Boronia pinnata and Hedaroma tulipi-
fera are tine amongst flowering plants. In foliage plants there
are two handsome Gleichenias and a grandly coloured Croton
majeaticum. Mr. E- Pilgrim, Cheltenham, ia third. Ten fine-
foliaged plants are shown in excellent condition by T. H. Birley,
E^q , Hart Hill, Pendleton (Mr. E. Elkin, gardener). He has a
good Cordyline indivisa, a noble Seaforthia elegans, and a grace-
ful Cocos Weddelliana. The second prize goes to S. Schloss,
Esq., Osborn Villa, Bowdon (Mr. W. Cardwell, gardener). Mrs.
Leech, Gorse Hall, Staleybridge (Mr. C. Goodal, gardener) ia
third. In the nurserymen's class for twelve stove and green-
house plants in flower there is only one exhibit; it is from
Mrs. E. Cole & Sons, Fog Lane Nurseries, Withington, and to
it the first prize is awarded. The plants are not of large size,
but very healthy. The collection includes examples of those
already named and a Bougainvilloa glabra.

AzALE.\s. — (.''iO, £12, and is are offered in three prizes for
ten specimens, and yet only one exhibitor came forward
— H. T. Broadhurst, E^q , Wondhill, Prestwloh (Mr. J. Mellor,
gardener). The plants arc mostly of old varieties and of
good size, being also fairly well flowered. The Judges awarded

382

JOURNAL OF HORTIODLTUBE AND COTTAGE GABUENEB.

[ May 24, 1877.

a second prize. In the narserymen's class for eight Mr. C.
Tamer, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, gaius the first prize with
medium-sized plants with blonma of largp size and fine quality.
The beat sorts are Charmer, Reine des Fleura, Duchesse Ade-
laide de Nassau, Dae de Nassau, &c. Mrs. Cole & Sons
second.

Ericas. — These, like the Azaleas, are but poorly represented.
Mr. E. Pilgrim has a fair collection in the amateurs' class. The
plants are of medium size and fair qualify, and received the
first prize. In the nurserymen's class Mrs. Cole & Sons have a
second prize awarded for eight plants.

Orchids. — Amateurs, sixteen specimens in flower, distinct.
O. O. Wrigley, Esq., I3ridge Hall, Bury (Mr. Hubbersty, gar-
dener), has by far the beat collection. 'Tht-re is a large panful
of the pretty Cypripediam niveum with about a hundred flowers;
a fine form of Masdevallia H-irryana with fifty flowers, most of
them fully expanded ; Anguloa Clqwesi with forty grand flowers ;
Vandft suavis, seven spikes and eleven flowers on a spike ; Mas-
devallia Liudcni has seventy flowers on a robust specimen ;
Anguloa eburnea with twenty fine flowers ; Saccolabium gnt-
tatum, sis spikes; immense masses of Thuuia Bensoniii; and
T. Marshallii ; a mass of Calanthe veratrifolia with at least fifty
spikes ; Masdevallia Harryaua violacea, a distinct and pleasing
variety ; Ada aurantiaca, Lycaste Skinneri, and a grand speci-
men of Odontoglosaum Phalrenopsia completes the collection.
Second comes Dr. Aiusworth, Cliff Point, Higher Bronghton
(Mr. E. Mitchell, gardener), who has a well-grown and well-
flowered collection of smaller specimens. Most noticeable are
Dendrobium Aiusworthii, a very pretty hybrid. The flowers
are white with a reddish lip ; at least three hundred of them
are fully expanded. Saccolabium guttatum, Cattleya Mendelii,
Odontoglosaum UKvium majus, and Phalfenopsis grandiflora are
the best specimens in the collection. The third-prize collection
is from R. Aders, Esq., Bella Villa, Whalley Range, Manchester
(Mr. D.Boardman, gardener). He stages some good plants, espe-
cially Odontoglossum vexiUarium with eleven flowers; a fine
Odontoglossum citrosmum roseum, and a good example of Den-
drobium Schrojderi. For eight plants, distinct, 0. O. Wrigley,
Esq., is again first with a grand Dendrobium Schrcederi with
nine spikes; a fine potful of Odontoglossum vexillnrium with
twenty-eight flowers ; a beautiful form of Lycaste Skinneri and
Dendrobium ccspidatum, very pretty. Joseph Broome, Esq.,
"Wood Lawn, Didsbury (Mr. A. Williams, gardener), is second
in this collection. A very healthy Cattleya lobata has twenty-five
flowers, and it is a most telling specimen. Dr. Ainsworth comes
in third in this class. 0. O. Wrigley, Esq., is again first for
three plants. J. Fielder, Esq , Chorlton-cum-Hardy, is second
With, amongst others, a grand specimen of Dendrobium deusi-
florum. J. Taylor, Esq., Newton Heath, is third.

Nurserymen. — Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper HoUoway, London,
is first for twenty Orchids, distinct. He has a healthy pan of
Cypripedium niveum, Cattleya Warneri, the true variety, with
two flowers; Oacidium concolor, with nine spikes of its pretty,
clear, primrose-coloured flowers ; Odontoglossum Pescatorei,
with two very fine spikes, and other well-known sorts. Messrs.
RolUfson, Tooting, London, are second, and their collection is
but little inferior to that of Mr. Williams. They have a grand
Odontoglossum vexillarium, which has four spikes, with twenty-
two flowers; a splendid specimen of Oocidium concolor, Ltelia
elegans, Lrclia elegans Sohilleriana, Cattleya Warneri, and
L.-elia majalis. Messrs. RolHsson are first for ten. Their plant
of Odontoglossum vexillarium has six spikes, and thirty-four
flowers open. They have also a fine pot of Odontoglossum
na?vinm mnjus, and Oucidiam Marshallianum, very fine. Mr.
Williams is second.

Roses in Pots (nurserymen). — The great class is for twelve large
plants, and the contest is again renewed between Mr. C. Turner
of Slough and Messrs. Paul & Sons of The Old Nurseries, Ches-
hunt, and with few exceptions a dilTerent set of plants are exhi-
bited from those they had at the London shows. In all the classes
Mr. Turner is clearly ahead of his great rival. His plants are
in excellent condition, indeed it is a question if ever before
any firm showed pot Roses of such large size combined with
quality and in such numbers as Mr. Turner did. He exhibited
eighty-seven plants, and in each class he carried off first prizes.
His twelve large plants were Paul Perras, perhaps the best plant
ever Been, and yet it is thirty years old. It was shown in London,
and is still in fine condition. Edward Morren, which was not
quite out at Regent's Park, is now at its best. The foliage is
most beautiful .and the flowers of the largest size and of grand
quality. Madame de St. Joseph, fine in flower and foliage; but
to save repetition it may be well to say that the foliage on
Mr. Turner's plants is splendid throughout. La France, Celine
Forestier, Madame TLoiose Levet, Charles Lawson, and Miss
Ingram, comprise the cream of this collection. In justice to
Messrs. Paul & Sons we ouL'ht to say that, although Mr. 'Turner
ia decidedly first, their plants are very fine indeed, especially
the Teas. Souvenir d'un Ami and Madame Margottiu have each
about a hundred flowers on them. Camille Bernardin, La France,
Madame ThOiese Levet, and Victor Verdier are fine amongst

Hybrid Perpetuals; and Charles Lawson (Hybrid China) shows
up well, and has very fine flowers.

The class for thirty Roses in 9-inch pots forms a most interest-
ing exhibition, all the finest and newest sorts being represented.
Mr. Turner is first with marvellous plants of "reas Madame
Willermoz, Peifectiou de Montplaiser, and Madame Margottin.
Amongst Hybrid Perpetuals Madame Lacharme is superb ;
Princess Beatrice, fine quality; Royal Standard, John Stuart
Mill, and Rev. J. B. M. Camm bear out all that has been said
in their favour. Franoois Michelon, Edward Morren, Mens.
Paul Neron, Madame Victor Verdier, Villaret de Joyeuse, and
Hippolyte Jamain are all very fine. Messrs. Paul, who are
second, have of sorts not included in those named, Caroline
Kuster, fine pale yellow Tea Rose ; Emily Laxton, new; Duchess
of Edinburgh, Centifolia Rosea, and Princess Mary of Cambridge.
For a group of twenty-five Roses in any size pots Mr. Turner is
again first, and though this may be called the " scratch lot" it
contains splendid specimens of sorts already enumerated, and
a grand specimen of President (Tea), yet one of the very best
Roses. The next class is for twenty Roses sent out in 1874,
1875, and 1876. Mr. Turner is the only exhibitor, but has fine
plants of his new seedlings ; also of Duchesse de Valombrosa,
Madame P. Langier, Marechal Robert (Tea), Star of Waltham,
and Arthur de Sansal.

Roses exhibited by amateurs are not conspicuous. John
Heywood, Esq., Stretford, Manchester, is first; S. W. Barker,
Esq., Seymour Grove, Manchester, is second; and H. J. Leppoo,
Esq., Higher Bronghton, third.

Ferns. — In the amateurs' class for nine plants 0. 0. Wrigley,
Esq., is the only exhibitor, but lais plants are truly grand.
Davallia tenuifolia, D. polyantha, and D. Mooreana are well
grown. The first-named is a noble species, with more finely
divided fronds than D. Mooreana, and of more graceful habit;
Cyathea dealbata and C. princeps; Gleichenia speluncie, G.ru-
pestris, and G. semivestita are of the healthiest description.
For six Adiautums Mrs. Leech of Staleybridge is first with
medium-sized specimens of A. Farleyense, A. trapeziforme,
A. formosum, A. cuneatum, and a form of A. Capillus-Veneris.
Second T. M. Sbuttleworth, Esq., who has fine specimens.
R. Aders, Esq , is third with some good plants; but they are not
of uniform size. In the class for six Filmy Ferns J. Rylands,
Esq., Longford Hall, is first with small specimens of Todea
Buperba, T. Hyme'jophylloides, and T. Wilkesiana; Hymeno-
phyllum tunbridgense, H. deniissnm, and Trichomanes radicans.
Mrs. Leech is second.

In the nurserymen's class a grand lot of Filmy Ferns come
from Messrs. J. Standish & Co., Ascot. Every plant is large
and in good condition — Hymenophyllums flexuosura, crispatnm,
anddemissum ; Trichomanes radicans, and Todea superba. Tree
Ferns — Messrs. James Dickson & Sons of Chester are first for
a pair of Tree Ferns with Dicksonia antarctica ; Messrs. Thyne
of Glasgow a good second, and Mr. B. S. Williams third.
Messrs. J. & R. Thyne have a first prize for a pair of greenhouse
Palms, and Joseph Broome, Esq., first for four Palms. For
hardy Ferns tbo first prize for twenty goes to Miss Pearson,
Higher Bronghton (Mr. J. Haudly, gnrdcner), and they are well
deserving of all the honours. There is a very beautiful plant of
Osmunda cinnamomea, and some specimens of the different
varieties of the Ladj' Fern (Athyrium Filix-fremina) are all that
can be desired for graceful contour. H. Crowley, Esq., Green-
heys, is a very good second.

Pelargonidms. — Except the variegated Tricolors in the
amateurs' section, which were very fine, the plants large and
well grown, and some healthy specimens of the stage varieties
from Slough, the others call for no special remark. In the
amateurs' classes for stage varieties, six distinct, in flower, H. J.
Leppoc, Esq., Higher Bronghton (Mr. A. B. Hastings, gardener),
has some very fair specimens, and gains the first prizes ; he is
also first for Fancies, Ellen Beck and Delicatum are fairly well
grown. For Zonals in flower Miss Ashton, Didsbury (Mr. _H.
Royle, gardener), is first; second H. J. Leppoc, Esq., and third
James Kershaw, Esq., Cheetham Hill. Six 'Tricolors, W. Young,
Esq., Highfield, Heaton Mersey, is first for six, the plants large,
wtll grown, and finely coloured; J. S. Mort, Esq., Altrincham,
is a good second ; Miss Ashton ia third.

Three pots of Lilium auratum are shown by J. Fildes, Esq.,
and John Heywood, Esq. Pairs of Yuccas by Joseph Broome,
Esq., and J. Kershaw, Esq., Cheetham. Lycopods in six varie-
ties by T. H. Birley, Esq., Pendleton ; J. Kershaw, Esq.; and
J. Taylor, Esq., Newton Heath. All the three exhibits are well
worthy of the awnuls made to them. Six Clematis in pots are
well shown y J. Heywood, Esq., and Dr. Ainsworth had a
second prize foPeix Amaryllis.

In the mirse.ymen's classes first prizes are awarded to Mr.
U. S. Yates nurseryman, Sale, Manchester, for twenty-five
hardy Rhodouendrons ; and to Messrs. W. G. Caldwell & Son,
Kuutsford, for hardy trees and shrubs, also for stage Pelar-
goniums. Mr. C. Rylance, Angton, Orraskirk, has first prizes
for Fancy, Zonal, and Variegated Pelargoniums. There is a
strong competition for Dracaenas. Messrs. RoUisson are first

May 34, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

with very handsome specimens of D. Salmonea, Eebeccis, ter-
minalis alba, Mooreana, and excelsa as the most distinct. Mr.
B. S. Williams second, and has D. magniflca, ferrea grande,
amabilis, Baptistii, and Toungii. Third, Messrs. Thyne, with
good sorts.

Alpine akd Herbaceous Plants. — This, as we have previonsly
stated, is a most interesting exhibition, and is well worthy of
minute inspection. To see so many of these attractive plants
in flower at this season of the year is a treat indeed. MesEra.
James Dickson & Co. have the following species and varieties
very fine, and secure the first prize in the class for eighty
plants in 8-inch pots: — Sedum brevifolium, S. acre aureum,
S. sexangulare ; Spiries palmata, Tulipa retroflesa, clear yel-
low, and T. cornuta ; Allium triquetrum, Scilla patula pallida,
S. cernna rosea, Primula cortusoides lilacina, Iberis gibraltarica,
Khodiola americana, Lilium Thunbergianum fulgens, L. san-
gnineum, Dodeoatheon Je£freyanum, D. media elegans. Phlox
canadensis, Viola palmeusis, Alyssum saxatile, Sempervivum
ciUatum, Tulipa cornuta, Aquilegia alpina, A. vulgaris, A. bi-
color; Sempervivums of sorts, Sasifraga umbrosa, S. umbrosa
Melvilli, S. peltata, S. cristata, S. pinnatifida, and S. grauulata
fl.-pl.; and Sedum arboreum. Messrs. Eollisson are second, and
they also have a fine collection, which for want of space cannot
be noticed in detail. There are classes for amateurs, but their
exhibits here are not of such a high order of merit, but some
fins plants are shown. T. H. Allen, Esq., Manchester, is second
with twenty-four plants ; S. W. Baker, Esq., The Sycamores,
Sycamore Grove, Manchester (Mr. T. Byrne, gardener), is third.

New and Rare Plants. — Classes are provided both for nur-
serymen and for amateurs, but very few plants are exbil>ited
which have not been already described. Mr. B. S. WilUams
stages the best twelve specimens ; they comprise good examples
of Artocarpus Cannoni, ^chmea Marie Begina, Dracfena ter-
minalis alba, and Brahea filamentosa. Messrs. KoUisson are
second, and Mr. Ley of Croydon third. In the amateurs' classes
T. M. Shuttleworth, Esq., is first; J. Bylands, Esq., second;
and F. H. Allen, Esq., third. Joseph Broome, Esq., has a
first prize for six Dracsnas. O. O. Wrigley, Esq., is second,
and E. Boden, Esq., third. J. Broome, Esq , has also a first prize
for four Araucarias.

There is an open class tor a collection of Nepenthes, Sarra-
cenias, Cephalotes, &c. : two interesting collections are exhi-
bited, and equal first prizes are awarded to 0. 0. Wrigley,
Esq., and J. Fildes, Esq.

Collections of plants arranged for effect (space not less than
22 feet by 15 feet). Messrs. Thyne of Glasgow gain the first
prize with a large collection ; it is backed with choice Palms,
the front being filied with the ordinary Covent Garden plants,
such as Pelargoniums, Lily of the Valley, &c. They fill 60 feet
in length of space ; and Messrs. Yates A: Ley, who gain second
and third prizes respectively, had but 25 feet each, occcupied in
a very effective manner. Twenty miscellaneous plants are ex-
hibited by amateurs. John Eylaods, Esq., is first ; H Sampson,
Esq., Bowdon, second; and Mrs. Douglas, Cheadle, third.

A collection of stove and greenhouse plants is sent from the
gardens of Sir James Watts, not for competition. It contains a
fine pair of Yucca filamentosa variegata, and an immense speci-
men well flowered of GenetyUis Hookeri.

Fruit. — As was to be expected after such a backward season,
and the Show being held so early, the portion of the table re-
served for fruit does not make a very imposing display. There
are but two collections. That from Lord Carington, Wycombe
Abbey, High Wycombe (Mr. G. T. Miles, gardener), contains two
Jamaica and two Queen Pines, Black and White Grapes, Brown
Turkey Figs, Black Circassian and Elton Cherries, Strawberries,
and a Golden Queen Melon in good condition ; the first prize is
awarded. . The other collection comes from Lord Delamere, Vale
Royal, Northwich (Mr. E. Milne, gardener). He has very good
black and white Grapes, Figs, two dishes of Peaches, Straw-
berries, and an unripe Melon. It is a mistake to exhibit unripe
fruit, as if it counts for anything in a collection it counts against
an exhibitor.

For two bunches of black Grapes there is some fine-coloured
fruit. The prize collections are as good as any we have ever
Been in May. The Earl of Crawford and Balcarras, High Hall,
Wigan,i8 first; Lord Bagot, Eugeley (Mr, Bannerman, gardener),
second; and Lord Delamere, third. Except the first-prize
bunches the others are rather unripe. For two bunches Lord
Bagot is first with a hunch of Foster's Seeilling and Duke of
Bnccleuch ; W. Blinkhorn, Esq., St. Helen's (Mr. J. Smith, gar-
dener), second with Muscat; J. C. Antrobus, Esq , Eaton Hall,
Congleton (Mr. J. Heamen, gardener), has the third prize with
fairly ripe Foster's Seedling.

Strawberries in pots are of no great merit, but they ought to
make an iutf resting exhibition, as that is the right way of show-
ing forced Stra^vberries. Mr. E. Gammon, The Limes, With-
ington, is fir^t for twelve pots; J. Eylands, Esq., second ; and
the Earl of Ellesmere third. The first exhibitor exhibits Presi-
dent, and the others Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury.

Cucumbers are shown by J. Eylands, Esq.; J. H. Birley, Esq.

Mr. Elkiu, gardener); J. G. Adam, Esq., Ashtou-on- Mersey;
H. Beard, Esq. ; and J. Leppoc, Esq.

It would occupy too much space to eniimerate even the col-
lections of garden implements of every description — hothouses,
garden frames, &o., with which the lawn in front of the conser-
vatory is covered ; but we should like to notice one or two things
in the miscellaneous collections of plants. Messrs. James Dick-
son have a very good group of choice Palms and other stove
and greenhouse plants of considerable merit. Mr. Smith of
Worcester has a group of plants, conspicuous in which is a very
striking variety of a new Clematis named Madame George.
The colour is new to the Clematis, indeed we do not know any
plant that has flowers of a similar shade of colour. It is a
deep violet-purple, almost maroon. The plant is of very free
growth. Nor should we fail to notice a well-grown collection of
Amaryllis from Mr. James Anderson, Meadow Bank, Udding-
ston. N.B. — There are forty-two varieties, all seedlings. Nona
of them are named, nor are they numbered for future identi-
fication. Many of them are of first-class merit, and the collec-
tion is awarded an extra prize.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

The numbers who visited the gardens of the Kotal Horti-
cdltueal Society at South Konsingtou on Whit-Monday were
6930, at 2d. per head, equal to £57 lG.s.

We wish that authentic inatanoea of tkee-longevity

were sent to us. Two instances we have recently noticed are
that in the Paris Jardiu des Plantes there is living the first
Acacia brought to Europe. Vespatiau Robin, gardener to
Louis XIII., introduced it in the year 1G35. In the orangery
at Versailles the death is announced of " Grand Bourbon,"
the finest of the Orange trees, at the great age of ii5 years.
Another of our wishes is that gardeners would send us re-
ports of their experiments, whether successful or failures ; for,
as was said to Liebig, " Your method of scientific inquiry is
rapidly changing the features of the most ancient and im- •
portant of human arts — the culture of the soil ;" and Liebig
recorded his mistakes as well as his successes. " There is no
harm," he observed, "in a man's committing mistakes, but
great harm in his committing none, for he is sure not to have

worked Aa error of which you have become cognisant

do not keep in your house from night till morning."

At the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society,

Lord Alfred S. Churchill, A'.P., in the chair, the following
THiETV-THREE CANDIDATES Were duly elected Fellows of the
Society — viz. : Miss Vans Agnew, W. J. Alt, H. Balderson,
Mrs. IJudborough, Francis Bell, Lord Edward S. Churchill,
M. C. Close, M.P.,Lady Cranstoun, Mrs. Crofton, SirBarrowH.
Ellis, K.C.S.I., Rev. John R. Fiolden, M.A., Harry Goddard,
Miss Grisewood, Mrs. Howard, E. Stafford Howard, M.P.,
William J. Jefferies, L. A. Killick, T. F. Mould, Miss Oswald,
Mrs. Phillips, Horace C. Pilcher, E. Pilgrim, J. C. Powell,
Colonel Sawyer, Major R. N. Dawson Scott, R.E., H. Sydney
Smith, James Smith, Mrs. Tudor, Alfred Weeks, Miss Annie M,
Whitlaw, John Wood, John Young, Earl of Zetland, &c. A
list of twenty guinea members elected by the Council was also
announced. At the previous meeting on May 2 ad thirty-seven
Fellows and nineteen guinea members were elected.

We remind our readers who are interested in the

Centennial Exhibition of the Bath and West of England
AND Southern Counties Association that six days' notice of
entrance in the Rose classes must be given to the Hon. and
Rtv. J. T. BoBcawen, Show Yard, Bath. The two ten-guinea
cups for twelve Tea Roses ought to bring out a fine display of
these charming flowers from both amateurs and nurserymen.
The Show opens on Tuesday, June the 5th.

■ The Royal National Tulip Society's Exhibition, which

was to have been held on the 25 ih of May, is postponed. The
Show will be held at the Botanical Gardens, Manchester, on
Tuesday, June 5th, under the same conditions as stated in the
schedule already published.

The flower sermon annually preached on Whit-Taes-

day at the parish church of St. Katharine Croe, in the City,
attracted a crowded congregation on the evening of the
22ud inst. The service was altogether a happy and interesting
one. The church was filled with children and young persons,
each of whom brought some kind of flower. Dr. Whittemore
preached this year on the Fig tree, founding his discourse on
the words in the 3rd chapter of Habakkuk, " Although the
Fig tree shall not blossom, yet I will rejoice in the Lord." The
rector, in pressing home many lessons from the Fig tree, inci-
dentally drew a refreshing picture of the now crowded neigh-

384

JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTURB AND OOTTAQB QABDENER.

[ May 24, 1877.

bonthood of his church in the days when monastic gardens
were there, in which the monks cultivated Fig trees. He
reminded the older people in the congregation that trees used
to grow in some of the City courtyards, which were supposed
to be the remains of Fig orchards, though now the district was
so altered that to some it would seem singular that a flower
sermon should be preached in it. The name cf Fig Church
Lane and old pictures of the neighbourhood showing ladies
weaving garlands conveyed an idea of the once rural aspect of
the spot. The small seed from which the Fig tree springs was
made by the rector to convey to the children the lesson that
no one was so small as to be of no use. The appearance of
the fruit on the Fig tree before the leaves grow prompted the
motto — " Deeds before words," and the injunction to be a
Christian rather than to parade ChriBtiauity.

We have received the schedule of a great HOBTionLTnRAL

ExniEiTioN which is to be held at Antwerp from the 19th to
the 22nd of August, in connection with the fOtes to celebrate
the 300th anniversary of the birth of Rubens. It consists of
127 classes ; and the prizes, which consist of gold, silver-gilt,
silver, and Ijronze, are both numerous and valuable.

The Rev. T. Brockway has alluded to the vegetation

OP Madagascae as follows : " It was not yet the season for
flowers, but there were some here in warm spots. Sometimes
I saw Orchids hanging from trunks of trees, and found one
beautiful specimen of a terrestrial Orchid in full bloom, and
in a sheltered nook recognised the pretty blue Lobelia. Ferns
of great beauty abound, among which the Tree Fern and the
Maidenhair are frequently seen. But it was almost worth the
trouble of the journey to see the Bamboos. These with the
Rofiia tree and the Traveller's Tree, only found in hot regions,
showed the luxuriance of vegetation in this tropical climate."

A COBKESPONDENT Writes :—" What particular deUght

can it afford Mr. Dodwell to be continually carping at 'D.,
Dealt ' I have read his observations at page 370, and I am of
opinion that his own statement is not absolutely correct when
he says, ' I paid prize moneys to eleven.' Did not that in-
clude exhibitors of Polyanthuses? and therefore 'Jy., Deal,'
was quite correct in saying that of Auricula exhibitors ' seven
exhibitors competed.'" [Did Mr. Dodwell pay prize moneys
to eleven exhibitors of Auriculas ? If he did not he made a
misleading statement. — Ens.]

We have received the first number of the " Jouknal

OF Forestry, " a monthly publication published by Messrs.
Rider of St. Bartholomew's Close. The object of the journal
is to " bring forestry into the foreground as a science, an art,
an economic department, and a source of social and personal
delight." The importance of establishing a school of forestry
in Britain is ably urged, and many excellent articles are sub-
mitted on various topics which come within the province of
the volume. It is a publication of much promise, and can be
recommended to landed proprietors, and, indeed, to all who
are interested in the management of woods and who are
identified with the growing of timber for pleasure or profit.
The first number is calculated, from the variety and soundness
of the articles it contains and from its general good appear-
ance, to meet with a favourable reception from those who are
interested in the management of estates. The volume is of
large 8vo. size, and contains seventy-two pages of excellently
printed matter. It deserves success.

Keferhisg to " F. J.'s " inquiry for " Particulars of treat-
ment of Gold Fish in a pond in the garden," Mr. Butler of
Bletcbingley states that last spring he turned two dozen into
a pond about 30 feet in diameter, supplied with water from
the natural drainage of the adjoining land, and having so
turned them in nothing further was done. They did very well
until November, when they disappeared, and as they did not
again show themselves during the winter it was concluded they
were dead, until the following passage was read in Knight's
" Museum of Animated Nature:" — " In the winter carp appear
to undergo a partial state of torpor, burying themselves in the
mud or in deep holes in the bank." The re-appearanoe of
the gold fish was therefore hoped for, which hope has not
been disappointed, for within the last fortnight they have
shown themselves, and are as lively and well as can be
desired.

We have received the following note from a Dorsetshire

correspondent: — "I send you two or three blooms of Miss
BATEiiAN Clematis, which should be pure white. You will
observe that they are as green as jealousy. They are taken

from a plant against a south wall which last year bloomed
splendidly, and appears now to be in most robust health, being
covered with blooms, but as yet they are all like the sample
enclosed. Can you account for it ? It is exceedingly annoy-
ing, just as the summer is here and the Roses begin to cover
the walls, to have these green-eyed monsters spoiling all."
We think the cold wet spring and the absence of sunshine has
caused this abnormal feature.

On'e of the finest light Azaleas that has come under

our notice is Apollo. We recently saw some plants of this
flowering in the collection of Messrs. Veitch, and even when
associated with such excellent sorts as Mdlle. Leonie Van
Houtte and other approved Belgian varieties its superiority
was manifest. The flowers are almost pure white, but a few
are irregularly striped with pink. They are large, well formed,
and of good substance, and are produced in great profusion.
This Azalea has been recently exhibited by Mr. Charles Turner.
It is almost certain to find its way into all collections, and the
sooner the better, for it is a splendid variety.

We have received the following note on Mr. Wilson's

leaving the Crystal Palace : — " I am sure that none of the readers
of the Rose journal who ever exhibited Roses or other plants
at the Crystal Palace can have read the announcement at the
conclusion of your article on the Crystal Palace Flower Show
without great regret— viz., that Mr. Wilson has been dismissed.
I never met with a more kind or courteous official, or one
whose conduct to exhibitors of all classes was more to be
praised. I am exceedingly sorry to find that the exhibitors at
the Crystal Palace will lose the benefit of his services, and I
would oiler to him the condolence and regret of at least — A
Wyld Savage."

The flower show to be held at the Orleans House Club,

Twickenham, on Friday and Saturday next the 25th and 26th
inat., is expected by the managers — Messrs. RoUissou & Sons,
Tooting — to be a very good one. The prizes are certainly
liberal. The large Roses from Slough and Cheshuut are in-
vited, for we observe that in class A for ten Roses two prizes
only (£20 and £15) are provided, three prizes being offered
in the remaining classes. There is a class for twenty Roses itb
8-inch pots (open), and we are glad to see an amateurs' class
for eight plants. Azaleas, Orchids, stove and greenhouse
plants, hardy perennials, new and rare plants, &e., are pro-
vided for. The total amount of the prizes offered exceeds
£350.

On page 487 of our last volume a correspondent under

the signature " Cape " inquires for plants of the Cape species
of Pelargoniums. If he will send us his address we have a
communication for him which we will forward.

One of the finest Ferns of recent introduction is

Adiantum palmatdm. It is being increased as rapidly as pos-
sible in the chief nurseries. We lately observed a fine stock
of it in Mr. Williams's nursery at HoUoway, where it is popu-
larly called the " greenhouse farleyenee." It has the same
large pinnules as A. farleyense, and the rachides are similarly
slender. It is one of the most elegant Ferns in cultivation,
and will be the more popular on account of its comparative
hardiness. It was discovered by M. Roezl in Peru at an alti-
tude of more than 10,000 feet, hence the temperature of a
warm greenhouse will suit it admirably.

Frdit. — Texas producers expect the largest fruit crop

this year which has ever been harvested in that State.

ANTHURIDM SEEDS POISONOUS.
When I entered my Orchid house the other morning I
immediately perceived a horrible smell, and knowing that it
proceeded from a dead rat I commenced searching for it. I
found it under the stage. On looking about I saw that the
animal had been eating some seeds of Anthurium Scherzeri-
annm which had just been gathered and placed in a heap, but
which the rat had scattered all about, and the traces of ita
having eaten several were evident from the fact of the seed
pods being emptied of their contents. Now the effect must
have been very immediate, as the rat had evidently, after
enjoying its last meal, jumped down from the stage and died
at once. We have no rat poison about that I am aware of,
as I do not allow the use of it ; and I naturally conclude that
the Anthurium seeds contain deadly poison. I send you thia
short account, as I should like to know whether a similar result
has followed elsewhere ; if not, it is as well that your readers
should be warned against the dangerous foe which lurks in the

May 2J, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAQB aARDENER.

385

seeds of this grand stove plant. A gardener might unknow-
ingly take seeds home, and young children's lives might be
endangered or sacrificed if my theory as to the death of the rat
is correct.

I have a robin's nest at present in a plant of Polystichnm
angnetatum in my north house containing eggs, and a wren
has also built in a little hole in the back wall, from which a
half-brick has been taken. I had often seen the robin in the
house, but could not find its nest, and I never should if my
gardener had not pointed it out to me, so ingeniously is it
concealed. Anyone can see the little wren's cosy abode.
— T. M. Shuttlewokth, F.B.H.S., Hoicick House, Preston.

WATERING ROSES.

"A Parson's Gardener's" article in the Journal of May 10th
is exceedingly interesting and not a little amusing also to such
men as myself. Oar Journal no doubt is read by uumbers of
rosarians who never exhibit, and who look upon the Kose
simply as a garden flower, so that any article which has to do
with the cultivation of garden Roses is of great value to a large
class of your readers.

Your correspondent's letters have also been of great interest,
not to say profit, to a large number of other readers, who do
not need advice as to the cultivation of the Rose, but who are
connected with the sale of such varieties as those named in
his letters.

Soon after " A Parson's Gardener's " first letter on climb-
ing Roses appeared in the Journal I happened to be in the
Rose nursery of a large grower. He had had a number of
summer Roses (Boursaults), evergreens, ifcc, for years, for
which there was no demand. In the course of conversation he
told me with delight, " I have got rid of all my old Boursaults,
and Alice Grays, and Amadis; the demand for them has been
enormous since that letter of the 'Parson's Gardener'
appeared." Now, if he has any left, which I should doubt, ho
will be able next autumn to dispose of Chontjdolii, Juno, Coupe
d'HebO, A'C, which yonr correspondent so much recommends.
In fact, there is no telling how much good the " Parson's
Gardener" has effected and may effect. He can even extend
his beneficent hand over me ; he can do good to what he is
pleased to call a "globular ecclesiastic;" he can not only take
pity upon a savage but help to clothe and feed him, for he
recommends old "trees," not plants that are only one year
old. I have such a lot of old Roses, and my beds are so full,
that unless I can get rid of some of them I shall not be able
to find room for any new ones next autumn. If I sell them
now after this grand letter I shall be grateful, so will the
nurserymen who supply me ; in fact, there is not a class of
Rose-growers, amateur or nurserymen, who will not, if they
have not already, had reason to bless " A Parson's Gar-
dener."— Wyld Savaqe.

EARLY WRITERS ON ENGLISH GARDENING.

No. 32.
JOHN COAKLEY LETTSOM, N.D.

Dr. Lettsom was born in a small island in the Atlantic, near
Tortola, called liittle Van Dyke, December 22ud, 1711. His
ancestors on tUo father's side originated from Letsom, a small
village in Cheshire ; on the mother's side they were lineally
descended from Sir Ciesar Coakley, an Irish baronet, whose
family uniformly possessed a seat in the Parliament of Ireland,
the last of whom was Sir Vesey Coakley. Different branches
of these families, during the government of Ireton in Ireland,
went toBarbadoes in favour of the Commonwealth, and settled
afterwards in different islands among that large cluster known
to us by the name of the Leeward and Windward Islands.

When only about six years of age he was sent to England
for his education. His future destiny seems to have been
determined by the accidental circumstance of his landing at a
seaport where Mr. Fothergill, then a celebrated preacher among
the Quakers, and brother to the distinguished physician of that
name, happened to be on a visit, and he was received into the
very same house in which the preacher lived. By the advice
of that excellent man, who conceived a parental affection for
him, young Lettsom was sent to school to Mr. Thompson,
uncle to the physician of the same namo in London, who was
then assistant in the school, between whom and his pupil an
inviolable friendship commenced, and continued in advanced
life with unabated fervour. Mr. Thompson's school was in
the vicinity of Warrington, where Mr. Fothergill lived, and by

this means the superintendence of his education was continued
till the period when the law admits of a youth choosing his
own guardian, which, in consequence of the death of his father
some years before, he did in the person of his friendly pro-
tector. The amiable pastor accepted the important charge,
and placed him, with a view to his future profession, with Dr.
Sutcliff of Settle in Yorkshire, intending, when of proper age
and experience, to recommend him to the patronage of his
brother, then in the highest practice of London.

After leaving Dr. Sutcliff young Lettsom came to town and
assiduously attended St. Thomas's Hospital for two years.
He then returned to his native land to take possession of a
property which came to him by the death of his father and
elder brother, the latter of whom, having contrived to run
through an ample fortune in a few years, left very little of the
family estate to be inherited by his successor, except a number
of negro slaves. These, with that admirable spirit of benevo-
lence which his conduct in maturer years uniformly displayed,
he emancipated, and in the twenty-third year of his age, as
he often told his friends, found himself £500 worse than
nothing.

The fortune of Mr. Lettsom was henceforth, therefore, solely
to be made as a medical practitioner, and so strenuous were
his endeavours and so extensive was his practice in Tortola,
where he settled, that in a very short time he was enabled to
return to Europe and to visit the great medical schools of
Paris, Edinburgh, and Leyden, at the latter of which uni-
versities he took his degree in 1769. To complete his educa-
tion he visited, besides Paris, most of the places of resort for
the relief of invalids abroad — as Spa in Westphalia, Aix la
Chapelle, and various others. When he visited Paris, among
other honourable recommendations he carried one from
Dr. Franklin to Monsieur Dubourg. He was afterwards intro-
duced to the celebrated Macquer, Le Koi, and other characters
conspicuous at that period, with whom he corresponded till
their decease.

After this circuit he repaired to London, where he finally
settled, with the undeviating friendship of his old guardian
and the patronage of his brother the physician, whose life he
afterwards published as a tribute of gratitude and respect.
About the year 1769 he was admitted a licentiate of the Royal
College of Physicians ; the year after he was elected F.S.A.,
and in the year succeeding that F.R.S.

Under such patronage — with a mind richly stored with
science, matured by reflection, improved by early and dear-
bought experience — success was insured, and its fruits were
displayed, not in a fastidious conduct and ostentatious parade,
but in benevolent schemes for the relief of the distressed poor
and numerous charitable institutions to mitigate pain and
repel disease. Many of these originated with himself, and of
those that were planned by others several received from him
considerable improvement, and all his active support. Hia
subsequent marriage with an amiable woman and the addition
of a considerable fortune by that marriage enlarged his means
of doing good, nor did the necessary attention to the interests
and happiness of a numerous family (the result of that
marriage) permit his zeal in the cause of philanthropy to cool,
or restrain the current in very arduous times of a well-directed
liberality. He in many instances fostered genius, cherished
science, and expanded the circle of the arts in periods of indi-
vidual and national distress unprecedented in the annals of
this country, and his purse equally with his pen were devoted
to their cause. Medicine and botany were particularly in-
debted to his zealous researches. Foreigners of talents and
merit ever found a hospitable reception under his roof, and he
constantly corresponded with the literati of eminence both in
Europe and America.

In illustration of his unbounded benevolence may be men-
tioned the extraordinary and well-founded fact of his having
been many years ago attacked, upon his return to town, on
Finchley Common by a highwayman, with whom his re-
monstrances and pecuniary assistance operated so powerfully
that, in the result, a public robber, impelled to transgression
by extremity of want, was converted into a useful member of
society.

The doctor's villa near Camberwell, called Grove Hill, the
place of his retirement in the short intervals of professional
business, is situated on a spot the beauty of which in early
life had attracted his attention, and which he resolved to be-
come master of if his circumstances should become sufficiently
prosperous. His wishes were gratified, and the natural
beauties of the situation were improved and brought to the

JOURNAL OP HORTIODLTORE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ May 24, 1877.

utmost perfection hy hia taate and care. The late John Soott
of Amwell has celebrated it and paid a jast tribate to the
character of its owner in one of his poems ; and Mr. Maurice,
with whose various talents the public are well acquainted, has
in an elegant poem given an animated description of the villa,
and of the interesting scenery and beautiful landscapes with
which it abounds. In this charming retreat Dr. Letteom had
formed a museum of natural history, consisting of many rare
and valuable specimens, as well as a botanic garden enriched
with the choicest plants, brought at a great expense from the
four quarters of the globe, all arranged according to the
Linniean system. The library was ample, and contained such
a collection of books in all languages and on all sciences as few
private gentlemen could boast of being possessed of; but in

those that relate to natural history (the doctor's f avoatite atndy)
it more particularly abounded.

In 1800 his domestic happiness received a severe interrup-
tion from the death of his eldest son, Dr. John Lettsom.

Mr. Charles DiUy, who died in 1807, an old friend of Dr.
Lettsom, left him a legacy of £500 ; and Dr. Anthony Fother-
gill, who died in 1813, thus expressed in his will his opinion of
and regard for him : — " To Dr. Lettsom, my silver medal of
Capt. Cook ; also, in consideration of his kindly undertaking
to publish a collection of my essays, my gold stop-watch, and
a cane with his own cipher, which he gave me, and which I
have walked with many years, with grateful remembrance
of the donor." After appropriating £1000 towards the ex-
pense of selecting and publishing his works, Dr. Fothergill

adds, " I hope my worthy friend and learned physician Dr,
Lettsom will do it, with hia wonted accuracy and discrimina-
tion." The benefilB which Dr. Lettsom was likely to derive
from some still more considerable pecuniary bequests of Dr.
Fothergill he did not live to enjoy, but he paid a just tribute
of respect to the testator in an oration delivered at a meeting
of the Medical Society.

Amongst the most remarkable public services that Dr. Lett-
som rendered his country were his contest with and complete
conquest of the famous water doctor Mayersbach ; the share
he took in forming the general dispensary in Alderegate Street
(the parent of so many other of those excellent institutions) ;
hia early attention to the Royal Humane Society; and his
fouuding the Medical Society in Bolt Court ; and the General
Sea-Bathing Infirmary at Margate, planned wholly by himself.

With Dr. Lettsom, and his friends Dr. Warner and Mr.
Nichols, originated in 178G the idea of erecting a statue in
honour of Howard the philanthropist. The modestj of that
excellent man checked the intentions of his friends at that time ;
but the idea was carried into effect after his death, and the
monument was the first introduced into St. Paul's Cathedral.

In 1812 he associated himself with the Philosophical Society
of London, of which he was soon after chosen the President.
To this institution he was ardently attached.

Dr. Lettsom's writings are very numerous, as well moral as
medical, and all of them discover the philanthropist and
physician. We select a few :^

" The Natural History of the Tea Tree, with Observations
on the Medical Qualities of Tea and Effects of Tea-drinking."
" The Naturalist's and Traveller's Companion, containing In-
structions for Collecting and Preserving Objects of Natural
History." " An Account of the Culture and Use of the Man-
gold Wurzel, or Boot of Scarcity. Translated from the French
of the AbbC de Commereil ; 1787." " Hints for Promoting a
Bee Society. Two editions ; 1790, 870."

NEPENTHES SANGDINEA.

Ddrino the recent visit of Her Majesty to the flower show
at South Kensington it was observed that the Queen paid
especial attention to the display of Pitcher-plants. These
plants are so carious and beautiful in aspect and structure

May 24, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTIODLTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

387

that they never fail to command the olose attention of every
obeerver. Amongst the moat rare and cutioua members of
this tribe is the Bnbjeot of onr illustration, Nepenthes san-
gninea, sketched from the nnrivallsd collection of Pitcher-
plants in the Nepenthes house of Messrs. Veitoh A Sons of
Chelsea. Nepenthes sanguinea was introduced to this country
by the firm just mentioned about twenty-two years ago
through the instrumentality of Mr. Thomas Lobb, who dis-

covered it on Mount Ophir in the Malay Peninsula. It has
always been a very rare plant, not so much from any real
difticnlty in its cultivation as from the length of time required
for its propagation, owing to its slow growth and the hardness
of its woody stems. Messrs. Veitch grow their plants belong-
ing to this species in a damp house as near the glass as possible,
and in a somewhat lower temperature than that in which
N. Rafllesiaua and other species are grown. The pitchers of

Fig. 62.— Nepenthes aiNGciNEi.

N. eangninea are, as their name imports, blood red in colour,
and they measure (exclusive of the lid) 9 inches or more in
length. The lid itself and the interior of the pitcher are
beantifuUy mottled and variegated, whilst the exterior is of a
uniform and deep crimson colour. In a state of nature the
seeds of Nepenthes at first float on the surface of the hot
swamps of the Malay islands, Australia, the Seyohelle islands,
Madagascar, &a. When the seeds have imbibed a quantity of
moisture they sink to the bottom of the swamps and there
germinate.

A hot humid atmosphere and heat at the roots are necessary
for the BuccesBfal coltivation o{ these plants, which should be

grown in a compost of coarse fibrona peat mixed with a greater
portion of hypnum moss.

EARLY PEACHES.
I AM now gathering some brilliant specimens of the Early
Beatrice Peach of fab size oud excellent flavour. Closely
following are Early Louise, Early Eiver.s, and Hales' Early.
The house in which these fruits are ripening was heated in the
last week of December. I forget the day when the fire was
first lighted, but it was after Christmas. For a few weeks the
temperature of the house was kept from 45° to 50° Fahr., and

JOUENA.L OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 21, 1877.

the average temperature during March and April has ranged
between 60° and 70'. Owing to the abaence of aun and the wet
weather no excesaive flnotuationa of heat have occurred. As
these Peaches become better known gardeners will, I think,
appreciate their value.

In the same house with the same treatment the Koyal George
and Grosse Mignonne will not, I think, ripen for a month to
come. My trees are in pots, and without conceit I may aay
they are a charming sight, covered with healthy and luxurious
vegetation. The house in which the trees are grown ia a
small span-roof, 150 feet long by 15 feet wide, and contains
150 trees in pots all in fruit. I cannot help regretting that all
the trees are not the four early sorts I have named. Next in
order come Elvers' Early York and Condor, and I have found
them the beat two in sucoescion for forcing. Lord Napier
Nectarine ripena with Early York, and ia an excellent forcing
Nectarine, large, of good colour, and exquisite flavour.

The cold orchard houses present a refreahing contrast to the
wall Peaches, which here look wretched with blistered and
starved leaves, and an entire absence of fruit. I hope other
districts are more fortunate. The orchard-house trees, on the
contrary, are full of health and fruit. There can, I think, be
hardly a question but that the climate north of London is
much adverse to the Peach tree, which appears to require
not only shelter for the flowers when expanded, but shelter
lor the wood during the winter, and a dry soil for the roots. —
T. Francis Eivees.

PRETTY FLOWER BEDS.

There is no accounting for the difference of taste in flower
gardening : some like high colours and strong contraats, and
some prefer harmony and reat, and employ retiring colours.
The difficulty with the gardener is to meet and satisfy the love
of novelty which is implanted in the mind. Many years ago
I had a large flower garden to make gay, and had but few
plants to do it with. Two beds, about 18 feet long and 5 feet
wide, were planted all over with Cerastium, and ten plants of
Tropteolum Eclipse were planted here and there amongst the
Ceraetium. I never saw such charming beds, nevtr planted
beds that give half so much satisfaction or pleased so many
people. They were charming carpets without a pattern. The
leaves of the Tropfeolum were hidden and lost in the Ceras-
tinm, but its scarlet flowers just rose abo'^e and seemed to rest
on the white Ceraatium foliage. Fortunately the aoil of the
beds was poor, otherwise the Tropieolum plants would have
run too much to leaf. The beds were really fascinating beyond
description. — A. P.

APPLE CULTURE.

The many articles — not one too many — on this subject arc
calculated to do much good, and we seem to be advancing to
Bome certain and defined poEition. The amateur must in
future receive trees from nurserymen true to name. This I
place first, for how can we talk or write about trees unless we
are sure of their names ? Whatever the causes may have been ,
whether carelessness of the men, or trust to appearance of the
trees, or error in labelling, therosult ia disastrous — a tree with
a wrong name, no identification, no accurate knowledge. My
plan ia never to go to that nuraeryman again who sends me
any tree wrongly named. A minor grievance, but still a
grievance, is receiving trees not ordered, but sent because the
trees ordered were not in atock ; the result is, that an amateur
gets more trees ripening at one time than he requires, and his
course of rotation ia put out. It is better for the nurseryman
to procure elsewhere the required variety ; or I should even
prefer waiting a year than have a tree not wanted. One writer
has mentioned that he has always received trees true to name
from Mr. Rivers. I can say the same in regard to Mr. Richard
Smith of Worceater, and no doubt others can aay the same for
other nurserymen.

Now in order to attract greater attention to fruit culture I
must make a auggestiou which I should like to see carried
out. The thought came into my mind when I this year
received the beautifully illustrated catalogues of Messrs.
Sutton and Carter, known as Sutton's " Amateur's Guide in
Horticulture," and Carter's " Vade Mecum." The thought was
this, Why should not our great fruit-growers do for Apples
and Pears and other fruits what these seedsmen have done for
flowers and vegetables? Take, for instance, the Worcester
Pearmain ; that ia au Apple worthy of the draughtsman and

the ooloutiat. If the two great fruit-growers I have named
would bring out such catalogues aa I have referred to, with
such admirable illustrations, some coloured and othera plain,
a great impetus would be given to practical pomology, for
the eye being attracted by good form and fine colour, a desire
to cultivate would arise, and accuracy of knowledge would
come too, for buyers would know Apples by sight. The cul-
tivation— I mean the intelligent cultivation of fruit trees with
au eye to increasing for the market and for private use, tho
best looking, and the best keeping kinds— is a subject which
ia very important. Apple trees are cheap, and landlords would
do well to increase the value of their cottage property, and also
keep good tenants, by planting their cottage gardens with
useful and ornamental varieties of fruit trees, of Apples especi-
ally. This is an expense which in no case ought to be borne
by the tenant.

Carefulneaa in packing fruit trees ia also very necessary, but
I have never had any reason to complain of the want of this.
There is also a fault sometimes in the trees coming in too
dry a state, as if aome had been " lifted " for some days before
sending off. Then let me observe as to planting — get in your
trees at once, or if impossible, say they arrive on a Saturday
afternoon, put them in " by the heels." Another cause of
failure is that gardeners, and especially jobbing gardeners, will
dig close to the roots and down among the roota of fruit treea,
and out off or wound the roota. So alao among Kaapberry
canes. This is a great cause of mischief, for down pierce the
remaining roots into some hungry subsoil. I have had this
brought before me strongly of late, where wall-fruit trees have
been thus injured, and new trees bought again and again.
Now the cauae ia discovered and there is a good chance of a
remedy.

It would, I fancy, be difficult to send trees from the nursery
with such permanent labels as zinc, and they might wound the
branches ; but something better might be attempted than the
mere alipa of thin card, with the thinnest of string attaching
them to the trees. Slips of parchment would be better and
last longer, and very fine copper wire would be more durable
than string. Still the new owner ehould at once, directly alter
planting, put on hia zinc labela. With the name I add the
time of ripening, thus^

New HiWTHOBNDEN.

(Dec— Feb.)
K.

This helps the memory, and will prevent confusion in the
fruit room. The letters, D or K, dessert or kitchen, prevents
a servant from wrongly using the fruit.

No doubt there is much excellent advice given by " C. M."
as to only a few, and those the known best Apples, being cul-
tivated ; but there is in human nature a love of experiment,
and alao a love of old friends ; so, luckily for both sellers of
Apple trees and sellers of Rosea, very many different sorts
will be in constant demand. I own I am always experiment-
ing in all sorts of things, and at the same time dearly love
tried and proved old friends, whether they be Hawthornden
and Irish Peach in Api:lea, or Blairii No. 2 and William
Griffiths among Itoses. That certain Apples are very superior
there can be no doubt, but very few are equally good in all
climates and soils.

My situation is in North Wilts, and not above a dozen miles
from Bath, as the crow flies less, hence a capital fruit climate.
My soil ia a good loam, with a not over heavy sandy olay sub-
soil. I mean a clay which readily iu most parts breaks in the
hand, and iu a few years becomes, if brought to the surface,
good enough garden soil. There is now a fine bloom on all my
Apple pyramids of two-years planting, and some of one year ;
alao most of the two-yeara-planted Pears, and a few of the last
year's. Aa to the older trees, Plums if early are utterly ruined
by bullfinches. Apples are promising and Pears fair. The
BuUace which failed last year will retrieve hia deserved good
name this. Shropshire Damson, a fair bloom only. Strange
to say the Kerry Pippin, finely grown, proved year after year
an utter failure ; once only in twenty years had I a decent
crop, so this winter I out it down. The bullfinehes have
utterly stripped the Medlars here. A sure bearing Apple
with me, and hence reliable for kitchen purposea, ia Lewia'a
Incomparable ; and another, a large-grown and bearing tree,
which comes in just after, called locally a Pomoroy, but most
certainly not a true Pomeroy. I sent ita fruit to be named
by our Editors, but the reply was, " Not known." It ia very
general in this district. The Devonshire Qnarrenden comes
hard and flavourless; the Old Hawthornden magni&oent ia

May 24, 1677. ]

JOUKNAL OF HOBTICULTDKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

389

eize and good in every way. Keswick Codlin I destroyed ; the
tree was old, and there are better Apples at the date. Greasy
Coat I knew in Cambridgeshire as a good Apple, and deserves
its not very polite name. Mr. Abbey's article (page 323) on
the subject of fruit culture is worth}' of close attention, and
places fairly before all the relative merits of orchard and
garden fruit-growing, and standard and pyramid merits. The
amateur must, I think, look to the latter for interest and
amusement and the highest character of fruit. I own I think
the pyramids very interesting. The eye is close to the bloom
to observe its beauty; the hand can readily form the tree;
then the beauty of the fruit as to shape and colour is more
prominently seen than in wall trees, or more particularly in
standards. A well-grown, and coloured, and prettily shaped
Pear never looks so well as when depending from the branches
of a nicely formed pyramid. Let our nurserymen strive to
bring out beautifully coloured and pleasingly shaped Apples
and Pears, and issue illustrated catalogues of the same, and
fruit culture will receive a great impetus. — Wiltshire Rectob.

THE NATIONAL KOSE SOCIETY.
My good friend " Wtld Savage," in his rather mournful
lament over the Rose, seems to fear that we are not progress-
ing as he would wish. I do not share his fears, although I
could wish that more lovers of the Rose would join ; but with
a donation list of nearly £130 exclusive of £60 in cups, and
with nearly two hundred members, I think we have made a
very fair start. The annourseement in last week's Journal
that Mr. Newman will take the management of the Show
(assisted, I hope, by Mr. John Mackenzie), will, I am sure,
commend itself to your correspondent ; as will also the fact I
am now enabled to announce, that our excellent friend Canon
Hole will preside at the dinner at St. James's Hall on the day.
It promises to be, as he says, a good Rose year; and if all our
friends would only exert themselves as some have done we
should have a still more flourishing tale to tell. — D., Deal.

As soon as spring bedding plants are past their best remove
them. All such that are increased by division of the roots should
be divided and planted in suitable positions in a shaded border.
Daisies, Forget-me-nots, I'ftnsies, Polj-anthns, and Primroses
are all increased in this way. Wallflowers are raised from seed,
which should be sown thinly at the present time, the seedlings
to be afterwards transplanted in order to keep them dwarf and
sturdy. The planting-out of summer bedding plants may now
be proceeded with ; although the weather is very cold, yet there
is an absence of frost, and warmer days may be expected. One
of the principal objects to be kept in view is never to plant when
the soil in the pots is dust-dry, for if planted in that state no
amount of rain, or watering given to the flower beds will render
the growth of the plants satisfactory. See, therefore, that the
soil in the pots is in a healthily moist condition before planting.

Some of the more select bedding plants— such as Colenses,
Calceolarias, Geraniums, Petunias, and Lobelias— if not required
for bedding can be potted for famishing the greenhouse during
the summer months. Any spring-struck Geraniums shouldbe
treated in the same manner, and they will bloom well during
the autumn.

Rosea are now beginning to grow, and it is necessary to repeat
that worms in the buds must be sharply looked for ; we have
plenty of them, and it is only by keeping a sharp look-out
almost daily that they can be kept under.

Herbs are always in request, and should be grown in every
garden. Mint, Thyme, Sage, Tarragon, Winter and Summer
Savory, Pot and Sweet Marjoram, Basil, Fennel, Borage, and
Balm are among the most iu request. Sage, Mint, and 'Thyme
are no doubt more used than any others. Sage is readily in-
creased by cuttings and seeds. Mint requires transplanting
every two or three years. Thyme, of which there are two or
three sorts, ia best procured from seeds sown at the present
time, it may be also increased by division. Tarragon, like Mint,
is improved by being divided and occasionally transplanted, it
I will also require protection from slugs when coming through the
ground. Basil, Borage, and Sweet Marjoram may be sown in
the open ground when required ; the seed can be bought cheaply.
As the summer advances all kinds of herbs can be cut and dried
in order to preserve a supply during the winter months.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

May has indeed been very fickle ; for the most part the
month has been cold and cheerless, but the rains which followed
the protracted cold east winds have been highly beneficial to
vegetation, and on ground that was not well stirred with the
hoe during dry weather weeds have grown apace and must be
promptly destroyed, for if they are allowed to remain such
troublesome weeds as Chickwetd not only speedily exhaust the
soil but otherwise injure young seedling pl.ints; encourage,
therefore, the growth of all growing crops by forking and hoeing
between them. The earliest-sown Cauliflowers, Cabbages, and
Brussels Sprouts will shortly be large enough for planting-out.
These are much better planted while young instead of being
left in the seed beds to become drawn. Thin all advancing
crops, such as Onions, Carrots, Parsnips, A;c. If Onions are
likely to be short make another sowing ; they will be useful for
drawing young or for pickling. More Peas, Dwatf Kidney and
Runner Beans can be sown. Draw the soil on each side, and
place sticks to thoee crops sufiiciently advanced. Radishes,
Spinach, or other light crops may be sown between fruit bushes
or between the rows of Peas. Small sowings of all kinds of
salad should be repeated often. Lettuce with us answers best
if sown in drills, thinning the plants out in time and allowing
them to attain their full size where sown. By doing this they
have not such a tendency to bolt as when they have been
transplanted. Paris White Cos and its selected stocks — Kings-
holm White Cos and Alexandra White Cos, are undoubtedly the
best for summer use, and "heart" without much trouble of
tying them up. Lettuces which have stood the winter are now
turning in, and the Cos varieties may be assitted to blanch by
tying them with a small piece of mattmg.

Frames and pita where bedding plants have been protected
daring the winter and spring months should now be turned to
account for growing late crops of Melons and Cucumbers. They
will require less heating material now than in the early spring
months ; still a good quantity of well prepared dung is a de-
sideratum. Let the dung be thrown in evenly and worked
about with a fork. Allow it to settle, and place some good soil
raised in the centre of each light. Melons require much heavier
soil than Cucumbers. Shade slightly when first planted, yet
inure the plants to the light ond sou. When established give
plenty of air and water during hot weather, and close the frames
about 4 or .3 I'.m., and open them in the morning as early as the
weather permits. Do not let the plants ramble wildly, but keep
them within bounds by regulating the branches and stopping
the joints. Telegraph is a good Cucumber for all purposes, and
of Melons Victory of Bath and Monro's Little Heath are both
comparatively hardy, and arc useful sorts.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

A FAvocKABLE change has taken place in the weather, the
cold, keen, east winds having been succeeded by refreshing
showers. An excellent opportunity has thus been afforded for
planting out all crops of vegetables and salads which were wait-
ing, and for filling up spaces where plants had died or been
eaten ofl by marauders. We should have again run the hoe
through tbe soil amongst many crops and also the fruit-tree
borders to kill incipient weeds, but ail our available force was
wanted in the flower garden. However, those who have a large
kitchen garden to manage will now be very busy in getting
everything in a forward state. Two sowings of Peas at least
ought to be made this month. During the first week in the
month we sowed Standard, Dr. Hogg, Dr. McLean, Veitch's
Perfection, and G. F. Wilson, which may be termed a good
selection of Perfection. It is neither necessary nor is it desirable
to sow a very Urge number of different varieties ot Peas, but it
is well to sow good early and good late sorts together, so that
when the early varieties are about over the late sorts will be
comicg in. Celery ought not to be neglected at this season.
Those who sow in frames must be careful not to subject the
plants to sudden changes. Such weather as the present is a
good time to turn the plants out in the open air if this has not
already been done.

H.ARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

The anxious cultivator will pay frequent visits to his wall
trees this month, and where fruit has suffered from frosts the
effect is now apparent. Apricots which were set before the
Eevero frosts occurred and have been protected since are now safe,
and the fruit must be thinned out where necessary. It is bad
policy to allow the fruit to swell to a considerable size and then
remove it. As soon as it can be seen that the fruit is set very
nearly all that is not wanted should be removed, leaving a small
margin in case ot accidents. Peaches and Nectarines flower
later and do not require to be thinned out so soon as Apricots ;
but the trees are subject to the attacks of aphis, which the
.■Vpricot is not, and if any leaves are curled it is a sure sign o£
the presence of this pest. The insects ought to be destroyed
before the leaves are much curled, as when they are in that
state the water does not reach them. Syringing three or
four times with soapy water will destroy the insects if they are
taken in an early stage, but one does sometimes see trees so
much neglected tbat half or three parts of the le.ives are curled.
When this is the case it is almost impossible to reach the insects
by syringing. The trees may be fumigated if coverings are
nailed close to the top of the wall and are allowed to hang over

390

JOUBNAL OP HORTIOOLTDBE AND COTTAGE GAKDENE8.

[ May 21, 1877.

the treea to the ground. If the aiiparatua used to fumigate is
placed nnder the covering daring a calm night the smoke hangs
abont the treea for a very long time. Ked spider does not
usually attack the leaves until the hot weather sets-in in June.
The best way to keep this peat in check is to syringe freely
about 5 or 6 p.m. on every hot dry day. A good garden engine
is the beat for thia purpose, as it throws the water with more
force than a syringe does.

PINE HOUSES.

A few Cayennes and Queens are ripening-off in the earliest
fruiting house. The temperature is still 70° at night, but it is
not necessary to maintain so high a temperature as this, and
perhaps the flavour of the fruit is better if the minimiim range
is 5° lower. A steady bottom heat of 85° or 90° is very essential
to success, and with the modern appliances of hot-water pipes
this can easily be managed. Our plan is to plunge the pots
in a shallow bed of spent tan from a foot to 18 inches deep,
and under which there is a range of 3-incb hot-water pipes.
We find it answers best to raise and maintain the heat in the
bed principally from the pipes. The best material to plunge
the pota in is tan, and our beds are seldom turned over unless
at the time of repotting, when the extra amount of bottom heat
caused by fermentation promotes a more speedy root-action.
We have not shaded any of the Pine plants as yet, and would
rather not do so, but it is sometimes desirable to place a slight
covering of tiffany over the fruiting plants to prevent scalding
of the fruit. On one occasion we were anxious to accelerate the
ripening of some Smooth-leaved Cayennes, and kept-up a high
temperature as well as allowed the full force of the sun's rays
upon them, and the result was that the fruit was injured and
decay set in before it was fully coloured. Any plants which
have not started into fruit with the others, and which do not
yet show aigns of doing so, ought not to be allowed to remain in
the same pots. The quickest way to dispose of them is to cut the
plant off close to the surface of the soil, remove about six of the
under leaves and then repot in fresh soil, using 9 or 10 inch
pots according to the strength of the plants ; plunge the pots in
a bottom heat of about 100°, and fresh roots will speedily be
formed. Indeed, it will be seen that there are a number of
roots ready to start into active growth close to the stem of the
plants at the time it is cut off.' We have also tried the plan of
shaking nearly all the soil from the roots of the plants and
repotting again with nearly the whole of them attached, but
this plan does not answer so well as boldly cutting the plants
ofi. The fruit ought not to be allowed to remain on the plants
in a very warm house until they are quite ripe. Perhaps the
best plan is to remove the plants with the fruit on them to a
better ventilated and cooler place. We find the fruit keeps
from two to four weeks if it is removed from the plant and
placed in a room where it is not exposed to a too free circulation
of air ; or the whole plant may be placed in the fruit-room
with the fruit upon it. Queens intended to fruit very early
next year should now be placed in their fruiting pots. A batch
of our own will be potted as soon as we can find room for the
plants. At present the house is full of plants with fruit in
various stages of ripeness; still, if tho plants which are now in
7-inch pots are not potted soon they will be much injured. We
shall pot them in 10 and 11-inch pots, using good turfy loam,
crushed bones, a little decayed manure, and a few lumps of
charcoal in each pot.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.

We have been potting-on cuttings of plants which were struck
early in the year, such as Bouvardias, Thyrsacanthua rufilans,
and all other free-growing subjects that it is best to propagate
annually. To grow these plants well they ought to be carefully
attended to, and be placed where they are pretty freely ex-
posed to light and air, but not to be in the full l)laze of a scorch-
ing sun. One very often sees such plants placed in a position
under larger specimens, and very much neglected in other re-
spects, so that good plants can never be formed ; but it is cer-
tain that if space and time cannot be afforded for them it is
better not to cultivate such plants at all. There are so many
now plants beiug introduced, and people are anxious to obtain
what is good amongst them even if their houBea are already
fully stocked; but every plant cannot have justice done to
it under such circumstances, consequently the weakest goes to
the wall. Stove plants never ought to be crowded together, as
the growths are not only weakened but they also become a prey
to insect pests. There are some stove plants of recent intro-
duction, especially "foliage" plants, that caundt be aaid to be
acquisitions, and it would perhaps have been as well if they
had not been introduced from their native wilds, as for the time
at least they usurp a place that ought to be occupied with better,
though perhaps older, plants. All flowering plants, such as
Stephauotis floribunda, Clerodendrou Balfourii, Bougainvillea
glabra, Ixoraa, AUamandas, &c., require considerable attention
to keep them clean, and those of a climbing habit ought to have
the growing ahoota trained into position before they become
entangled with each other.

Orohida in many instances have started into growth, and thia

must be encouraged if root-action has also commenced by re-
potting the plants if necessary. Orchids are very frequently
overpotted, and if specimen plants are in good health it is just
as well not to shift into other pots until those in which they
are growing are pretty well filled with roots. As a general
rule specimen plants of Cattleyas, Lasliaa, Dendrobiums, Ly-
caste, &c., are potted once in two years. If a plant shows signs
of diminished vigour or becomes otherwise unhealthy it is the
best plan to repot it when the roots start into growth, even
if it has been repotted within a less period than just named.
The compost may not be suitable, and the roots have thereby
Buffered injury; in that case it is best to clear off the old soil
and repot in fresh material in a smaller pot.

FLOWEE GAEDEN.

We have been very busy during the last week putting out the
bedding plants. It is a great advantage to be able to get them out
during a dull period and when the ground is pretty moist. When
it is necessary to plant out during hot dry weather the water-
pot has to be brought into requisition, sometimes before and
always after the plants are planted, entailing a vast amount of
extra labour with less satisfactory results. The plants ought to
be planted carefully. The object of some is to plant as many as
possible in a given time, but it is well to see that they are
sufficiently firm and planted at a uniform depth. We plant the
roots in the ground rather deeper than they were growing
previously in the pots or boxes. A very large proportion of our
plants this year were in boxes, and when the plants are planted
in dull weather they do not suffer from the effects of removal.
— J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUE EECEIVED.

Messrs. F. & A. Smith, The Nurseries, Park Road, Dalwioh,
London, S.B. — Catalogue of Stove, Greenhouse, and Bedding
Plants.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should ba directed either to " The
Editors," or to " The Publisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Address {Major M.). — Your letter has been forwarded.

Cats and NEMopHrLA (R. J. H.).—'We have received similar complaints
from other growers of cats destroyiag Nemophila. We do not think that
any dressing of the seeds as you suggest -would save the plants from injury.

Jersey Potatoes (H. C, South Hants). — Many, including the ripest o(
those jou refer to, are grown in frames and turf pits for supplying the
markets early in the season.

Fernery Imperfect (C. W., Elstree). — Tho pockets for Ferns — com-
posed of clinkers and cemented to the wall, and which break off when
touched — can only he reu^edied by using stronger cement from a newly
opened cask. The cement you have nsed we think had been too long ex-
posed to tho air, and was what builders term " dead."

Seedling Pansy {Ht-artsease). — The orange colour is extremely rich.
The flower was much crushed in transit, which prevents oar judging as to its
form, but we think the variety worthy of being jueserved.

Phacelias [E. B.). — They are hardy plants, flourishing in ordinary garden
soil. There are several species, some being aunual and others pereuniaL
Probably Mr. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, or Mr. Parker, Exotic
Nurseries, Tooting, could assist you in obtaining what you require.

Hard Water IE. 0.). — Tho Caterham water being impregnated with cal-
careous salts, owing to its coming through the chalk stratum, is not good for
watering plants. Boiling the water, or long exposure in an open tank before
applying it to them, would cause much of the cftlcateous salts to subside.
How much waters differ is told by chemical analysis, but we will only quote
three instance:!: — The Thames water is about ton times, and Trent water
nearly twenty-six times harder than Dee water.

Insect on Koses iT. W. S.). — It is Otiorynchus notatus. Ai-e there not
some Fir trees near from which it may have come? It is a Fir tree speoieH.
No remedy against its attacks has yet been discovered.

Exhibiting and Watering Roses {.4 }yould-be Exhibitor). — A trass
means the shoot as oat off from the Rose, and may have two or three blooms
on it. Single blooms are simply what the term implies. I would certainly
not water as you propose at mid-day. If it cannot be done at a better time
it had better be left alone. Cannot you choose dull days for watering ? After
the buds inserted last year have started they are apt to be blown out by high
winds, and so should be tied up to prevent it. — D., Deal.

Carpet Bedding (Old Reatlrr). — A book containing designs for carpet
bedding and modes of planting them will, we believe, shortly be published.
You will hud many designs if you refer to the back numbers of this Journal.

Hydrangeas not Flowering (Idevi). — The variegated Hydrangea flowers
when healthy quite as freely as the green one. It is impossible for us to tell
why yuur plants have not flowered without knowing something of their state
and the conditions under which they are growing — or dying.

Design for Flower Garden fA Reader).— The design is suitable for
the ground. We doubt if the mixed Godetias will be satisfactory, and should
prefer the two circular beds being alike. Convolvulns minor is a good bedding
annual, but not a day must be lost in Bowing the seed, or the plants will be
late in flowering. Phlox Drammondii is in some districts and during some
seasons uncertain. As the central bed is large we should plant Stocks and
Asters about 18 inches apart with the Phlox; you would then be the more
certain of a display over a long period, as well as have greater variety. The

May 24, 1877. ]

journaIj of hoetioolture and cottage gardener.

391

Stocka might be planted much more thickly, as you say yin have "any
quantity " c-f plants, so that yoa could weed out the singles without causing
unsightly blanks. Some of the doubles you could also draw out if you per-
ceived them inter/eriD<j with the Pblose?. The Asters will continue flower-
ing after the Stocka have faded. The Geraniums are correctly nrranKed.
The Bhodanthes we should mis with the Convolvulus, for the pJauts oi the
former being already established would dower some time before the latter,
the seed of which we presume is not yet sown.

Plants for Back Wall of Vinery and Greenhouse (Paddh').--'Yon
do not say whether the vinery and greenhouse are combined or whether you
have two structures. If one house, plant Camellias and afford temporary
shade in summer until the Vines reach the top of the house; or you may
defer the planting of the Camellias until the Vines cover the roof, having
Tomatoes agaiubt the wall, or Cacumbers grown in pots would do fairly in
the summer. If two structures we should plant the vicerv with Camellias,
and have against the bai^k wall of the greenhouse Luculiagratiesima, Habro-
thamnus fascicularis or its better form H. Newelli, and Lapageria rosea.

Mulching Strawberries (Idevi).—ThQ surface must not be interfered
with 60 as to disturb the roots, and after rain or a good watering the mulch
you propose of short dung may be given, but you will need to place some
fresh material over it to keep the fruit clean. We know of nothiug better
than chopped straw, though ordinary straw and even long litter answer well.

Photection foe Outside Vine Border (!'. F. F.).— The border being
well drained, and economy more considered than appearance, we should not
trouble about protecting the border with anything besides the stable litter cf
which you have plenty, not putting it on so thickly as to heat, but usiug the
moat littery portions only, 9-inch to 12-inch thiokuess of which is ample.
Boards and waterproof canvas coverings are necessary to keep the borders
dry when late Grapes are hauging. Such coverings are useful for other
bor'^ers in maintaining a higher temperature of the soil and preventing its
becoming sodden ; but only in a few instances are shutters, &c., indispensable.

Bones for Vine Border (A. H.).— Your border being 25 feet by 10 feet
and 2k feet deep (and it ought not to be less) will require about 23 cubic
yards of compost, which with bones added at the rate of one part in ten
would require forty-eight bushels of half-inch hones; but bores, like lime,
having a tendeocy to descend, we should only use half the quantity in making
the border, and apply the remainder to the surface after the Vines c'>me into
bearing. This will be at the rate of one part bones to twenty of soil.

Bandy Garden Paths iS, Y.). — Gravel not being procurable and expense
an object prevents our advising asphalt. We know of nothing that will aid
you except taking equal quantities of ashes from boiler furnaces and old
mortar rubbish, mixmg well together, sifting through a three-quarter-inch
sieve, placing half an inch upon the paths in wet weather, and rolling well
down. The paths would not only be improved for walking upon in moist
weather, hut the sand of which you complain would be prevented blowing in

dry \

It her.

Cucchber Plants Unhealthy (Regular Reader). — The leaf sent pre-
sents no appearance of having been infested with insects, or to have suffered
from any fungoid attack. It appears to have been slightly scalded, a result
of the long-continued dull weather being followed by bright bud. A sliKbt
shade lor a few days, accompanied by more frequent sprinklings during
sunny days, would probably save the foliage. Admit air more freely, yet
avoiding cold draughts.

Plants for Rockwohk in Partial Shade (S. .V.).— Under the drip of
the trees we should have hardy Ferns, of which we name a few:— Blechnum
Spicant. B. Spicant imbricata, Lastr^a dilatata, L. dilatata cristata, L. FilLx-
mas, L. Filis-mas cristata, Athyrium Filix-fcemina, A. Filix ftemina vars.
plumo^um, ramosum. cTymbiferum, aputeforme, cristatum. and Goringia-
num pictum; Polypodium vulgare and var. cambricum ; Polypodium Dryop-
teris, P. Phegopteris, Pulystichumaculeatum, P. angulareand vara, cristatum
and proliferum, with itssub-var. WoUastoni; Scolopendrium vulgare and vars.
corymbifemm, ramo-cristatum, maltifidum, and laceratum. At the base in
damp grnund you may plant Osmunda regalia and Onoclea sensibilis. Plants
for the leis shaded parts may be Adonis vemalis, Ajuga orientalis, Anemone
apennina, A. nemorosa and var. plena, A. ranunculoides, Arabis albida,
Aubrietia deltoidea, Convallaria majalie, C. Polygonatum, Cyclamen coum,
C. europffium. C. hederaefolium, Helleborus niger, Hepatica angulosa, H. tri-
loba Tare., Hypericum cummularium, Meconopsis cambrica, Myosotis disaiti-
flora, M. t.ylvatica, Ompnalodes verna, Primula acauUa vara., Pulmonaria
oflBcinalia, sJoiifraga umbrosa, S. umbrosa elegantissima, Trollius europiEus,
and ViolA cucullata.

Plants for Greenhouse lldem). — Acacia armata, A. Riceana. Ca-
meUia in vara., Chorozema cordatum splendens, Boroaia megastigma. Citrus
japonica, Correa Brilliant, Cytisus racemoBUs elegans, Kalosanthea coccinea
Buperba, Libonia tloribunda, Pimelea decussata, Pohgala Dalmaiaiana, Rho-
dodendron jasminiflorum, Rhynchospetraum jasmiiioides, Statice profusa,
and Vallota purpurea. We presume you have Pelargoniums, Fuuhsias,
Cyclamen persicum vars.. Cinerarias, Calceclariaa, and Primula?. Azaleas
will succeed in a house from which frost is excluded.

Names of Plants lEmily Oldham).— Itia Aponogeton distacbycn, a native
of the Cape of Good Hope, and it hos no doubt been planted in the pond you
refer to. (Somerset). — 2, Cactus Akermanni ; 3, Papaver nudicaule; 4. Baxi-
fraga flarmentoea ; 5, Arabis albida ; 6, Erodium moschatum. ( W. M. B.).—
1, resembles Magnolia grandiHora, but the leaf sent is imperfect; 2, Veronica
Blue Gem; 3, Polemonlum cceruleum variegatum ; 4, Sedum azoiileum
variegatum. (Q. O. S.;.— Epimediuni macranthum. (A. H. 8.).—\, Stan-
bopea ebnrnea; 2, Dendrobium Bensonai; 3, Epidendrnm aromaticum;
4, Gongcra maculata.

POULTEY, BEE, ATO PIGEON OflKONIOLE.

POULTRY AND BIRD NEWS.
We hear of birds nestiDg in peculiar places. We have found
a nest in an inverted flower pot, and only this year we had a
Wren which flew in throngh a cellar window which was gene-
rally open, and bnilt and laid among some wine bottles, and
now we hear of two ladies in Staffordshire finding a Kobin's
nest with seven young birds in an old shoe. The shoe was lying

by the roadside, and we wonder it had never been picked up
before by some j>as6er-by.

Id a wood in Wiltshire last year a pair of Golden Orioles
were seen several times. We hear that the female bird was
seen again yesterday. In the same county too, near Saveruake,
a fine male specimen of the Hoopoe was shot a week or two
back, and is being set-up in Devizes.

It is with much regret that we hear the Royal Counties Asso-
ciation do not intend to hold their meeticg this year. We have
followed them from Windsor to Southampton, from thence to
Reading, from Reading to Portsmouth, from there to Abingdon ;
and now this season we bad once more hoped to meet Mr,
Downs and his associates at Southampton, but the outbreak of
the cattle plague has frightened them, and the Show is post-
poned for another year.

Mr. Kitchen has resigned the secretaryship of the Leghorn
Club, and his place has been filled by Mr. Bradbury. The Club
has been vfry energetic, and certainly the breed has gained in
popularity. We hope the cloak of Mr. Kitchen with his untiring
zeal will fall on the new Secretary.

We are told that the breed of fowls called Andalusians did
not come from Spain, but from the island of Santa Lucia, lying
between Honduras and England. We know, however, of a lady
who imported from Malta some eggs which were laid by some
common fowls in that island, which when they hatched they
proved to be extremely good Andalusians. Santa Lucians, their
great supporter in England sa5S,they should have been termed,
but the word was corrupted into Andalusians from the similar
sound in pronunciation.

We are very sorry to announce that the prize money at the
late Bournemouth Poultry Show has not been paid. The Show
was held in the first week of March, and we are now very near
to the corresponding week in June. We hear that the Secretary
does not reply to any letters or applications for payment, and
further learn that several winning exbibitors have amalgamated
to prosecute.

Most probably all fanciers have at times experienced the
annoyance of finding some valuable egg cracked when it was
required for incubation. We are told that such cracks can be
mended by painting them with coaguiiue cement aLd then ap-
plying some plaster of Paris. We have tried the edgings off a
sheet of stamps, but never found this satisfactory ; the other
remedy has, however, we learn by a contemporary, been used
with success.

In many places eggs continue very scarce and dear. We know
of a town about thirty miles from London where cooking eggs
are only five for 6(i., and fresh eggs even now Is. Sd. a dozen.
On the other hand, in Wiltshire aud Dorsetshire we have within
the past few days bought fins newly laid eggs at Is. a score.
The importation of eggs into England continues on a great scale.
At Littlehampton alone within oue week two vessels brought in
three million of eggs. A friend of ours the other day bought half
a dozen of French-imported eggs aud put them under a hen,
and hatched five out of the half dozeu ; they consequently can-
not be very stale when they are dispatched. When writing on
the sul'ject of eggs we may state that a hen belonging to a
gentleman in Scotland laid a "pair of eggs" a few days ago.
They were attached to each other by a small cord of some skinny
substance about an inch in length. In other respects the cgga
were perfect. A chemist in France has lately tested the com-
parative value between a Duck's egg and a hen's. The results
showed that the eggs of the Duck are much the richest, and also
further experiments and calculations proved that the Ducks
were the most prolific layers. We often when selling large eggs
or buying small ones look fnrward to the time when eggs may
be sold hy weight. Many tf the hens in our farmyards at the
present day have so much degenerated that not only are they
bad layers, but their eggs are not of the size of a Bantam, while
the fowls' appetites remain as hearty as ever.

It is suggested by some influential Pigeon fanciers that com-
mittees in framing new schi-dules should form classes for Owl
hens, which have as a rule but a poor chance of success against
cocks, and alqo that there should be classes for Peak and Shell-
crested Turbits. We can imagine at a good show these classes
would be well supported, and we should like to see the Crystal
Palace and Oxford give them a trial. — W.

BEDLINGTON POULTRY SHOW.

The thirteenth annual Exhibition of this Society was held at
Bedlington on the 21st and 2'2nd inst., when the following prizes
were awarded : —

POnLTRV.-DoRKmns.— 1. W. Swann. 2, M. S. BuBton. 3, J. T. Prond.
Cochins —Buff or Cinnamon.— \. 2, and 3, Q. Proctor. Brahmas.— Darfc— 1, J.
Andern.jn 2. S Teaadale. 3, M. Mastermao. Spanish.— 1, T. Newlnnds. 2.
T. & R Miller. S, K. Shield. Polish. -1, H. A. Clark. 2, J. ■!•. Proud. 8, R.
Farnons. Bars-dooh.-I, G. Robinaon. 2, R. S. Lamb. 8, Mrs. Atkinson.
Game— yinv varietu.—Cock.—l, J. A. Nelson. 2, A. PattiBOn. 8, G. Carter.
a«-l J.A. Nelson. 2, W. Vounghusband. 3, W. Tillotson. Blaek-breaeted

JOUBNAIi OP HORTIODLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 21, 1877.

ami other Eeis.-l. G. Carter. 2, G. Holmes & Destner. 3, G. Ridley, vhc
J.A.Nelson. Duckuings and other Grei/s -1, G. Holmes i Destner 2, J. A.
NeUon .S.J.WUson, ^nj, oiher Mr,e(!,.-1,G. Carter. 2 Rowell & WaKSOt.
8 H. A. Clark. HAMBURaHS.-GoMcitspaiwJpii.-l, R. Keenlevside. 2 and 3, G.
SolmlsTDestner. Sii-er-spaiwied.-l and 2, G. Ho mes i: Destner S, G.
fideraon. aoldea-pencilled.-l. T. Dodda. 2, R. Walton. 3, H aaunders.
Silver-pencilled.-l anii, J. Clow. Anv other Variety emept Bantjms.-
l.Rev.J.G.Milner. 2. R. Hawkins. S. H. A. Clark. BANTiMS.-Coc)c.-l and
2 W.Harrison. 3, T. Dowell. j,hc,G. Alderson.G. Ridley, J. A. Nelson, Ben.
-1 F Farr. 2, J. A. Nelson. 3. G. Alderson. Game. Black-iremted and other
Eciis.-l. H. Sharp. 2, T. DoweU. 3, J. A. Nelson. 4?i!/ otder Darieli/.— 1. l.
Dowelll 2, W. Gray. 3, E. Elliott, vhc.1. Young. T. Birkley. Any other
«an>(!/™«piGame.-l,G. Sanderson. 2, R.H Aahton 3,J.Moater. Docks.
—Auleihnn—\ T E. Gibson. 2, B. Snell. Eouen.—l, J. A. Nelson. 2. Rev.
J. G MilSl:. 3. R. S. Lamb ^ny other variety.-i and 2, Rev^ J. G. Milner.
S, R. H. Aahton. Selling CLisSES.-Coc* or Drake.-h J. Darning. 2, J.
Moater. 3, Miss Cotes, vhc, G. Carter, W. Davison. Hen or Duek.—l, K.
^COTTAGER^k' Ci;iSSEs''-G°rMl:-Co.S.-l, W. Davison. 2, J. Yonng. 3,W.
Hetherington. vhe. A. Hay. H'.n.-i, J.Jouug BiiiBUHatla.-Coek -\^
BlackburS. 2, D. Cheyne. S.J.Wilson. Hen -3. R. Blackbarn_.3, J.Morton
Am? ViBiETV EXCEPT BiSTAMS.— Cocfc. -1. R- Parsons. 2, J. WUson. Hen .
-1. R. Parsons. 2, W. S. BeU. 3, G. Sanderson- Bantams.-CocJ:.-1. J.
Short. 2, G. Dowie. 3, T. Birkley. Jlen.-l, G. Bell. 2, J. Pattison. 3, Miss

PIGEONS.— OARBIEBS.-Cock or Hen.-l. E. Beckwith. 2. Wilson & Orange.

8, J. Kendall. vhe,E. Beckwith, J. Kendall. Toiiblebs -.Sftort^/aced—Coc*

r Hcn.-l and S, E. Beckwith. 2, T. Horsman. ]un. iifce, JI. Yardley. Any

, , _ec!iwun. 2, i. norsmau. juu. iMt,., ci. iuiui^j. ....y

.„.,. -CocJ: or aeil -J, J. Tait. a.H.Yardley. S.N.Frazer. Pooterb,

■1 and I'fcc. E. Beckwith- 2, J. Kendall. 3, R H. Blacklock. Hen.-

- - ' and 3, E. Beckwith. vhe. H. Simpson, J. Kendall.

other ,

—Cock. . ......

1, Wilson & Orange

DEAOOOSS.-Coct or Hen.-l and 2, R. Woods, s. W. Smith, uhe, J. Kendall.
J. G. Patterson. R. Woods. NoNS.-Cocfc or Hen.-l, J. Young. 2, W. J.
Warhurst. 3, A. Hall. OWLS.-Cocle or Hen.-l and 2, G. Alderson. 3, J.
Johnson, iun. ToBBiTS.-Cocfc or Hen -1. G. Alderson. 2, T.S. Stephenson.
8. R. Woods, vhe, N. Frazer. Babbs.-CocJc or Hen.-l and 3. E. Beckwith.
2! H. Yardley. vhe. J. Kendall. JiOOBiNs.-Cocic or Hen.-l, G. Alderson.
2 and vhe, J. Young. 3, E. Beckwith. Fantails.-Coc): or Hen.-l and 3, W. 0.
■Warhurst. 2, J. F. Loversidge. vdc, E. Beckwith. MAOPiES^Coc/tor uen.—

1. R. Woods. 2 and 3, Wilson & Orange. Dlic, E - Beckwith. Wilson S Orange.
ANTWERPa.-Coefc or Hen.-l and 2. H. Yardley. 3. B. Patliaon. Asv otheb
VARiETY.-Coci or Hen.-l, J. Kendall. 2, 3. and Extra 3. E. Beckwith. vhe.
H. Yardley, J. Kendall. Sealing Class.— 1, Wilson Si Orange. 2, J. Chappellow.
B, M.Green. Kfcc, E. Beckwith. ^„,i. „,

CAGE BIRDS.— Canaries.— NoKwioa.—reHoiu or Tellowmarked.—Coekor
Hen.—l, Miaa Robson. 2, J. Robson. vhe, J. Spence. Buff or Buff-marked.-
Coc/£ or Hen.-1, J. Robson. 2, R. C. Jobling. ii/ic, D. Lunam. crested.—
Yellow or Tellow-marked.-Oock or Ben -1, J. Ijeach. 2,T. Darling. Bii-^or
Buff-marked.— Coek or Cock.-l. J. Leach. 2, J. R"bson Glasgow Dons.-
Co'ck or Hen -2. T. Darling. Lizards. -Cocfc or Hen.-l an.1 2, Stevens and
Tenniswood. Moles —Goldfinch, yellow marked.— Coek or Hen.—l, J. Smith.

2, W. Burniston. Buff-marked.— Cock: or Ben -1, J. Robson. 2, Miss Robson.
the, Stevens ,4 Tenniswood. Any other variety. -Cock or Hen.—l,^. bpenc~

3, Miss Robson. vhe, Stevens & Tea — -
Marshall. 2, J. Leach, vhe, O. Peeraon
2. D. Lunam. vhe. J. Lofthouii
Tenniswood. 2, J. Bell. Singing
I.J.Thompson. 2, J. Lotthouse.
—Cock or Ben.—l, E. McKenzie.

Hen.— 1, J. Smith. 2, R. C. Joblin„ -

RABBITS— LONG-BAKED-l, J. Handalipi

LiM

■Cock or Ben.—l, T.

-Cocfc.— 1. J. Smith.

—Cock —1, Stevens

.—Any other variety.— Coek or Hen.—
Any iiTHEB Variety except Singing Birds.
2, J. H. .Atkinson. Selling Class.— Cock or
- vhe, J. Robson, J. Spence.

1 2, J. s. Kohinson. vhe, M.

.„„.,..^ ANY other Variety.— I and

.„, i.. ^. .j.i«=. u ., "... J, . I. H. Roberts.

Judges.— Pom Kr;/ : Mr. J. Dixon. Pigeons, Caje Birds, d-c. :
Mr. B. Hutton.

BULLFINCHES AND SPARROWS.

Although it so hippeni that Mr. Haie was aHswered, or
nearly so, last week by "P. G." in an excellent article entitled
"Oar Garden Friend.s and FoeB," still I must ask for space to
give a further reply. My object in the series of papers nublished
nnder the title of " Oar Duty to Oar Four-footed and Feathered
Keighbours " is to find out what our duty is, putting aside mere
aentiment on the one hand, and abhorring and repressing cruelty
on the other. Mr. Huie defends the Bullfinch, but we must
bear in mind the fact that he admits that he has no BuUfiuches
within twenty miles of him ! while he makes a vigorous attack
on the Sparrows, which abound near Glasgow. Let us examine
the matter. It is .just town troubles against country troubles.

I have three noblemen's parks and many gentlemen's in this
neighbourhood. Game is preserved very strictly; every Hawk
has been shot down, and Hawks' food, small birds, have greatly
increased. A fox cover, into which no one dare enter, is within
half a mile of me, and in which birds build, and thick shrub-
beries, not mine, adjoin my garden. BuUfiuches superabound.
I have this year lost' the chief part of the gooseberry crop, and
nearly all the plums and medlars. The season is late, and the
apple buds have been attacked too, the Bullfinches not having
gone back yet to the woods. I have myself proved to a certainty
that this fruit-ruin is from the BaUfluches alone. Next year I
intend to offer so much a held for the birds. There is no fear
of the Bullfinch being extormiuated, for he places his nest too
high and too craftily to be easily got at. I have taken as a boy
many nests, having been an egg-collector and bird-fancier, but I
never could take the nest of a BuUfiLioh. It is with us a positive
necessity to shoot down this most destructive bird.

In regard to Sparrows they do little harm t ) us in the country,
but the town Sparrow is another bird quite, and I have no doubt
that my friend Mr. Huie, in his pretty villa just outside Glas-
gow, the biggest city in the United Kingdom save London, suffers
much. I look upon the town Sparrow as being as difl'erent to
the country bird as the poor dirty town child is to the country
child. It is the city Arab and the village boy. Even Buffon
found no words in favour of the town Sparrow ; he is a roguish,
quarrelsome, dirty, mischievous rascal ; unp'.easing to the eye,
and his noise hateful to the ear— but I do not class him among I

the foes to the country garden. Would that I could say a word
in favour of the Bullfinch. I unite in myself the two loves— a
love of gardening and a love of birds; an oruithologist and
bird-fancier all my life, and a lover of horticulture as well, so
that I feel naturally inclined to hold the scales evenly. Some-
times gardeners seem to hate aU birds and ruthlessly destroy
all aye, and animals too when able. Then the sentimental
ornithologist will let valuable food go to ruin so that he may see
plenty of birds. Let us do our duty. Times are too expensive
for food to be lost to man's use and benefit; let ua hold the
balance evenly. When I can defend a bird I will, a,nd with
pleasure; but in parts of England, such as the part I live in, J.
regret that I must put on the black cap and condemn the liuii-
finch to death. I do not know any other case so bad as his.

Tomtits injure the pea crop I fear and believe, but they do some
good on the other hand; but the Bullfinch only does harm, or

harm quite out of proportion to any good, so that I cannot, un-
fortunately, plead any "extenuating circumstances. Blaot-
birds and Thrushes do some good. All the soft-billed birds are

gardeners' friends, but "pick-a-bud" Bully, with his terribly
shaped beak, only does harm. And how he enjoys the misohiet !

how his bright full eye twinkles under his velvet cap ! bo in
spite of Thomas Edward, who was a naturalist only, not orni-
thologist and gardener, I must condemn him.— Wiltshire

Eectob.

MORTALITY IN CANARIES.

Judging from the detailed particulars in your letter ("E. S-,
Chisivick,") you have spared no pains in endeavouring to provide
suitable habitations, accompanied with all requisites iii the shape
of food, &c., for your Canaries. With all the care bestowed sf.iU
your pets die off— eight deaths occurring within six weeks Hia
the mortality happened to tender young birds we might have
concluded that some disease through an over-generous diet naa
laid them prostrate ; bat whan you inform us that six ot them
' were last year's stock, and the marked yello v ( orwarded to ua
with the buff hen), a three-year-old, the whole of them stated to
be " in perfect health all the winter," there must be soma aerioua
oanse of death more than you may imagine. , = -kt -1

We have examined the two packets of seeds encl03ed. INO. I
packet contained " seed used until todiy " (May IGth), and con-
sisted of Canary and rape of about equal proportions. Kemarks :
Canary seed of fine quality, rape ot the large kind more adapted
for agricultural use than for Canaries, owing to the drastic and
irritating effect it has upon the system when given in abundant
proportions without first having been scalded. No. 2 packet,
"seed just purchased," contained Cinary, hemp (small, which
is best), ilax, millet, rape, and groats. Remarks : a capit il mix-
ture, and very suitable for Canaries all the year round, the
rape seed being in proportion of about ono-fixth, and apparently
of various sorts, some much resembling that known by the uama
of German summer rape, which is small and not near bo black
in appearance. There being so much of the "make-up in
rape seed for Canaries we think it would be advisable to pur-
chase the rape separate, so that it could be scalded and dried
before mixing. We have mostly adopted this plan.

Bespectiug the two dead Canaries sent to us we will farst con-
aider the case of the light-coloured or buff hen. Had she been
e-'e-bound si"n3 more evident would have been apparent, btill
she was in a very forward condition for going on breeding, over
which sickness some hens are much worse than others. baoQ
mi^ht have been the case with the buff hen in question, and to
add to her sickness and weakness there was sufficient proof to
convince us upon examination that the hen had been weakened
and infested with vermin (red mites) to judge from the feathers,
which are soiled with hundreds of dimiaative black and grey
spots upon the underneath part of the webbing of the wings one
of which we have preserved. Canary vermin— whether intest-
ing the birds (mo.Hly the qaiU ends of th^ wings . nests, or
caSes— always leave traces of their whereabouts, loung birda
in nests arc mostly troubled uuderneith their wings and inside
the ears, in which the vermin may frequently be found secreted
when the birds are very young and before becoming leathered.
Upon further examining the hen it was found that numerous
feathers down the saddle to the tail wore only in a part-grown
state. This would further add to the weakness of the hen.

As to the yellow-marked bird general appearances betokened
a healthy state of body, without the least sign of organic disease
bavin" prevailed. There were no traces whatever upon its winga
of having b^en pestered with the red bug. which leads as to
think otherwise than we might have done, still you may examine
your breeding cage and see if there are a."? mites lurking in the
crevices ; if so, a little tarpentine will qmokly tell its tale. Why
one bird should be so soiled in the wing feathers and not bo m
the other instance may be owing to the buff hen lia^mg been
introduced amongst your birds only the Wednesday before its

O'ur'o inclusion is that it is just pisaible the acid in the
mxterial you say you had washed the breeding cage with may
have had something to do iu bringing about the mortaUty.

May 24, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

393

Ton say the last deaths have taken place in the identical breed-
ing cage in which others have previonsly died. We advise yon
not to place any more birds in the cage until it has undergone a
thorough scmbbing with hot soap and soda suds, and afterwards
scalded with hot water.

If No. 1 packet of seed be of the same kind as that used all
the winter upon which the birds fed and were kept in such good
health, it is natural to conclude that the cause of the deaths
must not be attributed to the seed, unless some of that seed
became impregn.ited with the acid used for cleaning the breed-
ing cage. — Geo. J. B.^knesby.

CRUDE AND PERFECT HONEY.

Mr. Pettigrew, in reply to my letter concerning the manner
and place in which bees discharge their burdens of honey when
returning from the field, has endorsed my remarks upon that
subject, and to my mind contradicted his previous statements.
He cannot but see a discrepancy in the following passages
quoted from his letters of March 22Qd and April 26th respec-
tively. It had been stated by "Renfrewshire Bee-keeper"
that bees carry the nectar from the tiowers right up, without
any intermediate resting place, to the super or uppermost
portion of the combs, and hurry off for more. This is all I
sought to prove in my former letter. Now for Mr. Pettigrew's
own words in reply to "Renfrewshire Bee-keeper," written
at the former dat). " This is not correct, for bees in rcturniag
from the fields first drop their pollen and honey in the cells in
the centre of their hives, sometimes in queen cells, and after-
wards convert it into honey, carry it alcft, and there store it
up." What does he say at the later date in reply to my letter ?
" Whether the crude honey goes into nadirs or supers by the
front or side entrances it is afterwards conrerted by the" bees
into honey proper." In the first statement Mr. Pettigrew dis-
tinctly says that the honey is not carried direct to supers, in
the second he allows that this is the case. As to the theory of
the conversion of crude honey into "honey proper," my remark's
wers neither pro nor contra. I have so far read nothing to
prove^ this theory, nor do I believe that anyone has collected
snfBcient data whereby to disprove it. "B. & W." has pointed
ont some discrepancies in the reproduction of " A Paper read
before the Missouri Valley Association," which doubtless many
readers besides myself had noticed, and I quite agree with bim
that " all these matters have to be carefully investigated before
we can form any definite conclusion as to the making of honey
by bees."

Mr. Pettigrew asks, "Were the supers of 'P. H. P.' without
pollen in their cells?" Excepting in perhaps a dozen cells at
the base of the Lee's super, where the bees had connected
the combs of the super with those of the stock hive, there was
not a vestige of pollen in the seven supers. Mr. Pettigrew
asks, " What did the bees do with their pollen ?" They carried
what pollen was gathered during the copious flow of honey into
the stock hive. It was a rare occurrence to see a pollen-laden
bee pass through the super entrances. There was a glut of
honey when these supers were being filled. By far the greater
number of the workers brought home honey, and nothing but
honey, for many days. Do bees indiscriminately fill up their
cells with pollen and honey ? Cannot white comb filled with
pure honey be cut from the outer parts of skeps after a bountiful
harvest? Mr. Pettigrew has often said they can, and I can in
this matter endorse his statement. I could show him bar frame
hives now with four or five frames at the ends of each, filled
with the purest virgin comb and honey. Of these I daily unseal
a portion, and hope soon to see them disfigured (?) with brood
and pollen. I make these statements to show that bees do not
indiscriminately fill their combs with honey and pollen, and so
to my great advantage they stored honey, not honey and pollen,
in my supers. Had I followed Mr. Pettigrew's advice in this
case and allowed no bees to enter these supers excepting through
the hive, I should have had few supers filled. Tbe heat and
confusion engendered by thousands of bees attempting to crowd
backwards and forwards through a 3-inch hole at the top of a
straw skep must have rendered swarming a constant occurrence.
I say in this case, and thus is added another thread to the
already strong cord which must pull the straw skep down and
place the bar-frame hive on the floor board. Is there not always
danger of the queen mounting into supers and spoiling them
when a free entrance is ctTered her. as in the case of a hole in
the crown of a skep ? So arrange perforated zinc, wires, shts in
a board, that only workers can pass through, then so few bees
can enter the super at the time that in snltry weather they must
either be idle or swarm. On the other hand, give the bees a
roomy bar-frame hive, and when ripe for anpering a sheet of
zinc with 5-21th6-of-an-inch perforations, covering the whole of
the top of the hive, and they have snch free ingress and egress
to and from the super that the chances of swarming are reduced
to a minimum, and should bees attempt to enter with pollen it
it rubbed from their legs, while drones and queen are shut out.
Therefore I say that in the case in question I was right in my

management. Supers over bar-frame hives were very differently
arranged. Mr. Pettigrew entirely ignores the point which my
last letter brought to his notice. The introduction or non-
introduction of pollen into supers was not the bone of conten-
tion. This I consider a " quibble," but he calls it " an important
question in the discussion." — P. H. P.

THE STEWARTON HIVE.

A Lapy Correspondent (" E. H.") writes that she has "just
obtained a Stewarton hive from Mr. James Allen, whose name
was given in your Journal. I am rather at a loss how to manage
it in some points and shall be glad of any hints. The bars are
some of them screwed down and some nailed fast, two on each
side. I suppose I cannot get these out either to put comb in or
to examine them at any time ? Are there any directions iJub-
lished for the management of the Stewarton hive ?"

As doubtless some of your readers will, like this correspon-
dent, find considerable diificulty in understanding the working
of the Stewarton hive at first, I shall here notice the construc-
tion of the hive and the way in which it is managed by the
"Renfrewshire Beekeeper." The hive itself as it comes
from Stewarton appears to the eyes of those unacquainted with
it to be a very incomplete instrument, curious and difficult to
understand. There are three breeding boxes G inches deep each,
and two honey boxes 4 inches deep. All these put together
constitute the hive. All the boxes have cross bars at their tops.
Though octagonal in shape, the reader will form a pretty accu-
rate idea of the appearance of a Stewarton hive if he pile up a
lot of riddle rims, 14 inches wide, one on the other, till they are
;I0 inches high. Having neither crown nor floor board it does
appear very incomplete, but really it is not so, although a floor
and a flight board must be found for it. A bundle of slides and
pegs are furnished and sent with every hive, which, properly
used, make the Stewarton complete and workable. The slides run
in grooves and fill the spaces between the bars. Its size is doubt-
less its best property and greatest recommendation, for a hive
of any shape containing between 4000 and .5000 cubic inches of
space is capable of doing much work. Its next best property
is this, that it can easily be enlarged by either nadirs or supers :
indeed the principle of the Stewarton hive is its capability of
enlargement at both top and bottom. What the common bar-
frame hive lacks in this particular the Stewarton possesses,
which gives it a very great advantage over the former. The
price of the hive at Stewarton is, I have been told, 25s. and 27s.
each, and the carriage to Manchester is 3s. per hive. A floor-
board here costs about 2s., so that a Stewarton complete costs
about 30s. A friend of mine asked Mr. Allen to make one for
him 16 inches wide, for which he paid 5s. extra.

A Stewarton hive can easily be copied by any carpenter;
indeed cottagers may have cheap hives to bo managed on the
Stewarton principle by making them from empty grocers' boxes.
By knocking their bottoms out and fitting cross bars in them
after the manner of the Stewarton, hives of equal capacity and
power may be made for Is. or 2s. each. Any handy bee-keeper
may easily make square Stewartons from cheap boxes, and if
he can brty riddle rims as we can in Manchester at 6s. per dozen
he may make round Stewartons too. These things are men-
tioned here in the interest of working people.

I now come to notice the mode of managing the Stewarton
which is practised and recommended by the " Renfrewshire
Bee-keeper, " who is a very high authority and an able manager
of the Stewarton system. In this Journal and elsewhere he has
explained pretty fully the improvements he has made in the
construction of the Stewarton and how he works the hive. I
will quote his explanation from Mr. Hunter's work, page 59.

"The general mode of manipulating the Stewarton hive is to
lasb a couple of the breeding boxes together with cords. After
the bars of the boxes have been duly furnished with comb or
embossed wax sheet, run in the sliding door of the upper and
withdraw all the slides of the lower compartments, then close
the openings with the little pegs accompanying the boxes, thus
giving free communication between the two boxes and making
them one to all intents and purposes. The bees may then be
introduced— a prime swarm of course. Some eight or ten days
thcreiifier a second prime swarm, if procurable, is hived in the
third breeding box and at once set down close to the earlier ore,
and at dusk the last-named or first swarm in the two boxes is
placed on it. The lower of the two first boxes, now the central
one, has its door run in or closed, and the slides of the lowest
are removed and the pegs put in as before. Should the evening
prove chilly a whifl of traoke may be administered to both.

"The morning light reveals usually nothing but the surplus
queen dead on the floorboard. The lowest box is then removed
and the entrance to the second again opened. Should any bees
be clustering in the lowest, the removal of it can be postponed
till the middle of the following day, when many workers will
be abroad. The object of removing the third box is to restrict
space, so that the combined swarms may all the sooner com-
plete comb-building below and be thankf nl to press up into the

JOUENAIi OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( May 24, 1877.

super which has been placed thereon, fitted with guide combs.
Communication between stock and super is afforded by with-
drawing the outer slide only on either side. Should the weather
be favourable and honey abound the bees take to at once ; if not
it is better to run in the slides again and wait for a day or two,
thea make a fresh trial, as it is a curious fict that bees often
will swarm rather than accept a super open to them which they
have previously rejected. A few days after the bees have taken
possession white comb appears at the windows ; then, and not
til] then, the third breeding-box is placed as a nadir underneath
all, its slides withdrawn and pegged as at the union, and the
doorway to the central box closed once more.

" The colony may now be said to be fairly under weigh, and
should favourable honey-gathering weather coutinne a second
honey box may be placed on the first, and all the slides of the
first super withdrawn. To induce the bees all the more readily
to take to the supers I have found it a considerable advantage
to run a slip of gummed paper round the junctures. If the
super be taken to, or if honey be plentiful, a second slide on
either side of the top box may be withdrawn, at first either
partially or wholly. This is a nice operation dependant on the
flow of honey, and the bee-master must exercise his discretion,
BO as, if possible, to prevent the incursions of the queen into
the super. The plan of admitting only the honey-gatherers of
[at] the ends of the combs to the supers to the exclusion of the
queen, nurses and pollen-collectors of the centre, is a most valu-
able feature of the Stewarton hive. A third and other super may
be still called for, putting the additional super accommodation
always uppermost; and in exceptional cases even additional
breeding space by nadiriug at the bottom may be requisite,
although a strong colony was lately worked with but IS inches
[deep] of breeding space while filling seven honey boxes in
various stages of progress. To get bees to take to the supers at
first and to work them steadily through the vicissitudes of tem-
perature it is indispensable to cover and wrap them well up
with some warm woollen stuff. I generally use old crumb
cloths for this purpose, four plies thick, and I need not add that
as the Stewarton hive is made of wood only five-eighths of an
inch thick it must have the protection of a bee house or shed
from the direct raya of the sun, or better still an outer octagon
case with a nicely bevelled roof.

"As soon as the lowest super is seen sealed at the windows
the attachments between it and the stock below and the super
above it are severed with a thin wire, so that it can be removed,
letting the one above it take its place, and so on till the end of
the season. When all are removed, the slides re-introduced,
then as cold weather sots and the lowest breeding box vacated it
too is better taken away, the slides replaced, the mouth wrapped
up with paper to exclude moth and dust, and suspended in any
cool dry garret till required the next season."

This is a very accurate and intelligible description of the way
of working the Stewarton hive, and is a valuable literary contri-
bution to the science of apiculture. With this description and
a Stewarton hive before him no bee-keeper can be greatly
puzzled to know how to proceed. The hive in question can be
worked on the non-swarming system the second year, and two
swarms could be hived in it together at first instead of wast-
ing t»n days for the second swarm, as suggested above. The
object aimed at is to get the breeding boxes full of combs, and
Bupering to commence as soon as possible. The lady who puts
the questions may cut some gaideoomb from stock hives in her
a. — A. Pettigrew.

APIARIAN PROSPECTS.

We are now past the middle of May, and can form some idea
as to the probable character of the season from our point of
view as apiarians. And what is the prospect before us? I con-
fess that it looks to me gloomy enough. I am still feeding the
majority of my hives, and can see but faint traces of honey
collected in the strongest of them. There seems, in fact, to be
no honey in the flowers; and, indeed, who could expect it with
the ground soddened with perpetual rains and cold aa it is,
owing to the remarkable absence of sunshine 1 Unless a very
extraordinary change in the weather takes place I fear we shall
have to reckon the year 1877 as a disastrous one.

During the long-continued cold weather of this spring, rang-
ing from February to May (on and off), breeding seems to
have entirely ceased in some of my hives. One hive that was
vigorously carrying in pollen in February died of cold a fort-
night ago. On examining it not a dozen oells of young brood

could be found. There was food, but too far off to benefit the

bees, who must have risked their lives to fetch it.
Is my case an exceptionably bad one ? and is this great

Somersetshire plain a peculiarly unenviable one tor an earnest

bee-keeper to live in ?— B. & W.

8th of l\Iay, and placed a glass on the hive. On the 9th of May
another good swarm was hived, and the bees seem in a thriv-
ing state. They have not been fad throughout the season. On
the 17th inst. one secoud swarm was hived from the hive that
swarmed on the 8th, and they all appear to be very busy, though
the weather is cold. Mr. Maoe of Guunersbury informs us that
he had a good swarm on the 15th of May from one of Mr.
Cheshire's hives. The parent hive has not had any food all the
winter. Mr. Mace asks, " Being so near Loudon, is not this a
success ?"

OOR LETTER BOX.

Feeding Parrots (S. C. (?.).— Hempseed is good for ParrotB if given
spariDtjly. They shonid have rapa. and at times canary seed. Sugar and
cake are both very bid feeding. Bipi fruit is good for them; when that can-
not be had watercressea are good. Bread and milk make good food. When
moulting, especially if the weather be unfavourable, the red capaioam may
be given with advantage.

Hedgehogs (J. S.). — No one ever deteoted them sucking a cow. That
they may lap up the milk shed from a cow in the field Is probable if they
happened to be cIobb by when it was shed.

aiETEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camdem Square, London,

Lat. oV 32' \T N. ; L Jug. 0^ 3' 0 ' W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 A.M.

In the Day.

4?.B

o^

O-a

Shade Tem.

Radiation

.g

sS'oS

ter.

i-3

til

peratare.

Temperature.

K

May.

In

On

Dry.

Wet.
lieK.

deg.

Max.

deg.

Min.
deg.

sun.

grass,
dog.

deg.

In.

so 092

66.0

51.3

50.O

62.8

111.3

29.860

52.2

50.3

s.

510

56.7

51.6

66.5

49.7

0.174

58 1

51.9

N.V7.

50.0

63 4

45.0

U5.7

40 8

0.100

Sat, 19

51.6

49.2

W.

50.3

68.8

46.0

110.1

42.3

0.276

Suu.2j

47.0

45.9

N.

51.1

65 8

45.6

93.4

42 4

—

11 .

30.175

51.2

48.0

N.

49.5

68.0

44 6

100.1

41.4

0.160

Ta

30.184

48.3
52.0

43 9
48.9

N.

49.5
60.1

53.6
68.4

43.6
45.4

77.1

45.1
42.6

—

Means

3).021

96.

0.979

REMARKS,

16fch. — Very hoe till 11 a.m., than alternately fine or showery; heavy shower

about 4 P.M. and nlight showers after.
17th.— ihowery till the G^eniag, starlight night.
18th.— Very fine early, fine all day, bat rather less so than in the morning;

a white butterfly seen.
19th.— Rainy morninsr, heavy rain with thunder about 2 p.m.; rather fine at

times in the afternoon, but a wet evening.
20th.— Rain in the early morning, a damp cold day.
21at.— Grey and rainy in the morning, rather bright in the forenoon, and fair

all the day and night.
22nd.— Another dull, cold, wintery-looking day; the ground being at nigbt

warmer than the air, and the sky overcast, the grass thermometer is

higher than that in the shade.
Temperature very similar to that of the previous week, and the little differ-
ence which does exist is the reverse of that which would be espected, for this
week is even colder than last. — G. J. Sraioss.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— MiY 23.
We have scarcely any alteration to quote, business being interrupted by
the holiday. One of the largest consignments of St. Michaels Pinea roftohed
us last week. Over three thousand arrived in good conditioa.

Eablt Swarjis. — A Kentiah correspondent states that she was I
earlier than Mr. Cattlin, for she hived a epleudid swarm on the |

Apples

Apricots

. J sieve
..dozen
bushel

i do.
dozen

3
1
0
0
0
S
0

1

0
4
6
6

3
3

1
1
0
0

1

0

1
1
a
1
a

0

1

0
0
0

1

0

d. s.
6 to 7
6 3
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 20
0 0
0 1
6 1
0 12
0 10
0 12
VK
d. s.
0to6
0 6
6 2
6 3
9 1
0 0

0 a

6 0
0 2
6 9
0 4

6 a

0 4
6 1

0 a

8 0

6 0
2 0
0 2
4 0

FB
d.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
6
0
0
0

d.
0
0
6

6

0
0
8
0

0
0

6

0

6

0

OIT.
Nectarines

dozen

f 100

dozen

, dozen

. dozen

s. d.
0 0
8 0
15 0
0 0

0 0

1 0
0 0
0 0

0 0
0 6
6 0
0 0

B. d.

1 6t

0 a

0 0
0 4

2 0
0 0
0 0

a 6

8 0

0 6

1 0
0 6

0 9

1 0
0 0
0 3

9 6
0 4
0 9
0 0

B.d.

OO 0
12 0

SO 0

Curranta

Black

Figs

Pears, kitchen...
dessert

0 0
0 0

S 0

Plums

. bushel

n n

lb.

. quat»
.... lb.

0 0

ftooaeberrie'a " "

Grapes, hothouse

1 n

. bushel
••«► 100

..pottle
punnet
bushel
. . quart
bunches
. dozen
, quart
. bushel

do.

.... lb.

8 n

n 11

Artichokes

Asparagus

Beans, Kidney...

Beet, Red

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Carrots.

New

Capsicums

Cauliflower

. dozen

..«► 103
..t*10,)
.. dozen
bundle

. dozen
. bunch
.... do.
. tHOJ
. dozen
bundle
bunches
.. each
. dozen
. bunch

Mushrooms

Mustard & Cress

B. d

oa 0
0 «
0 0

pickling

Parsley.... doz.

0 6
0 0

n t

Potatoes

Kidney

4 6

5 0
1 6

Radishes., doz

Rhubarb

Salsaty

Scorzonera

Seakale

bunches

. bundle

bundle

bundle

. basket

1 S
I 0

Ooleworta.. doz.
Cucumbers

1 U
0 0

n 0

II t

Spinach

bushel

4 C

. bunch
. do;:en
., bunch

0 (

do.

9 (

Leeks

Vegetable Marrows

0 0

JOURNAL OP HOETICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

395

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day

Day

of

ot

Month Week.

Rl

Th

1

F

2

S

3

Sun

4

M

5

To

ti

W

MAI SI— JUNE 6, 1877.

Average

Temperature Dear

London.

Clock
before
San.

noya! Society at 8.30 p.m.
Bojal Institation at S r.^.

1 Sunday after Trinity.

Eoyal Horticnltaral Society — Fniit and Floral Com-
Koyal Microscopical Society atS r.M. [mitteea at 11 a.m.

Me&n,
57.1
57.2
67.0
56 8
66.9
68.9

S 51
8 50
S 49

8 20

9 83
10 44
U 65

From observations taken near London daring forty-three years, tho average day temperatore of the week is 69.4^ ; and its night temperatnre

A PLEA FOR THE ORCHARD HOUSE.

STATEMENT of Mr. T. F. Rivers was re-
cently quoted in the Times to the effect that
the damage caused by the May frosts this
year amounts to a national calamity. Good
reason had the esteemed author of the
"Orchard House" to call public attention to
the use of glass houses for insuring a crop.
Some cynical people may say, "Ah! nothing
like leather ! " but I entirely endorse the re-
commendation of our friend, which I believe
to be entirely disinterested. For some reason or other
I suspect that the popularity of orchard houses has been
somewhat on the wane. Tho frequent failures of amateurs
(resulting from inattention to the commonest rules for
orchard-house culture) have engendered distrust. Now,
it will never do to suppose that the mere erection of either
a poor man's house" or a crystal palace of Paxtonian
dimensions will insure a crop of fruit.

An orchard house does not require a profundity of
knowledge, but it does want incessant cai-e, and especially
(as you hint in your issue of the 10th inst.) at the time
" when the aphis pest periodically visits us with the
advent of the young leaves." More utter ruin, I believe,
is caused by this than any other destructive influence, or
rather let me say by the apathetic toleration of this pre-
ventable mischief. It steals such a sudden march upon
the unwary, it spreads with such amazing rapidity, that
many a good easy-going man is hardly aware of the pest
until irreparable injurj' is done. I go into my friend's
expensive orchard house, and when I see the sickly ap-
pearance of the trees and that curled aspect of the leaves
which tells a tale of myriads of deso'ating insects, I say.
There is not one moment to be lost. Bring out your
fumigating paper that requires no blowing, and give the
green fly a double — aye and a treble dose of it ; it may
cause some of the leaves to fall, but you cannot help that,
you must choose the lesser evil of the two ; and even
after fumigation make up your mind to look over every
leaf to destroy any aphides which may have escaped or
were yet unborn until the time for syringing and pinching
begins.

It would be interesting to have a record of the expe-
rience of those who have orchard houses during the late
rather trying season. Having waged a persistent and
successful battle with the fly I can now begin to count
my gains. In a house 104 feet by 14 1 have 1600 Peaches

• The poor tcau's house referred to in described as follows ou
page Gs of " My Garden " by the late Mr. A. Smee : — " Another
glaaa structare exists at my garden which is nothlDg more than a
large frame so constrncted that the gardener can pet in and walk
along- Wo call it the poor man's house, because it is erected so
cheaply and answers so efi&ciently. To construct a poor man's
house a hole is soak in the ground 2\ feet wide and 2! feet deep,
and the eaitli so removed is placed at the back of the house. A
single glass roof is fastened over the sunk part, and ventilation
is provided by aboard hung upon a binge at the back. Vines
are planted, which yield abundance of the highest-flavoured
Grapes."

No. S4I -Vol. XXXn.. K2W SeeizSi

and Nectarines after two or three bold thinnings. This
is by no means a large number in proportion to the
space, but as Mercutio says, " 'Tis enough." The fact is,
that owing, I think, to the weather having been too cold
for the welcome incursions of bees (and I am fortunate
in having next door an apiarian who takes first-class
prizes at the Crystal Palace), the setting of the fruit has
been capricious. The performance of some trees has
belied then- promise. On some every blossom has set,
on others not one. On a favourite tree a particular
branch shows abundance of fruit, while the rest, though
equally healthy, are like Mother Hubbard's cupboard —
bare.

The imposing feature in my house is the row of luxu-
riant cordons on a back wall 12 feet high, according to
Mr. Brcbaut's plan, except that not all the oblique trees
are triple cordons. I prefer the French single cordon ;
it is more manageable, and if any tree fails its place is
more readily supplied. I defy any scornful gardener
who hates trouble to call these "toy trees" forsooth!
some having as many as 1.50 fruits on them as large as
Walnuts, and with shoots that have already been pinched
to three or four leaves as large as those of the Laurel.
I have two rows of trees in pots. In the front row every
tree has a fair supply of fruit ; in the back two-thirds of
the trees have a nil return, but they are younger trees,
and they will be all the better another year for their
present sterility.

I may mention that all my warming apparatus consists
of three lamp stoves, only used on cold nights when the
blossom might otherwise be injured by the frost ; also this
fact, that the leaves of two of my cordon trees appearing
yellowish, my brother, a man who eats Toadstools and
is of decidedly chemical propensities, asked, " Why don't
you dose them with a little muriatic acid'?'' So, expect-
ing either to kill or cure, I put about a table-spoonful of
that strong poison into a pail of water and soused the
roots of the trees affected, and their leaves now show
as deep a green as those of the best.

" Prospero. But are they, Ariel, safe ?

Ariel. Not a hair perish'd ;

On their sustaining garments not a blemish.

But fresher than before."
— H. 'W. Hodgson.

A CHAT ABOUT ROSES.

In your issue of May 17th I see a complaint about the
dearth of information respecting Queen Kosa, and asking,
among other causes, if the " love is growing cold ;'" or if
there is " nothing to write about ?" Answering for myself,
to the former query I say, Warmer than ever. To the ^
latter, I'lenty to say, but no inclination to write, more '
especially after being so unamiably " blown upon " after
the last general election of Hoses. The columns of " our
.Journal" are open to the contributions of the humblest
rosarian without being satirieed anonymously.

Now to my purpose. I have long thought that many of
the complaints about certain old favourite Roses not doing

No. HOC— Vol. LVII.. Old Series.

396

JOUKNAIj of HORTIODIiTOKE AND COTTAGE QABDENEB.

; May 81, 1877.

80 well, thongb in the e&me hands and nnder the same treat-
ment, may arise from the insertion of bad bads to begin
with. If in animals the blood runs out, and in budding fruit
by constant budding the strain becomes weak, why should it
not do BO in Rosea ? How many millions of buda have been
put in ; how many stocks raised from the far-back original
Eoee ? Do not they deteriorate from continual budding ? My
neighbour, Mr. W. Fletcher, one of the largest and most suc-
oessfpl Rose-growers in Surrey, is of opinion that some do.
For instance, Charles Lefebvre, Celine Forestier, and Geant
des Batailles are not nearly so good as they were years back.
I do hope that I may be mistaken, and that it is because newer
and better varieties put the old Roses iu the shade and crowd
them out of the catalogue.

I fancy amateurs, as a rule, do not out-back their Koses
hard enough or thin them out sufficiently. I have seen many
plants like mops. If half the wood had been taken out and a
few strong young shoots left, they would throw much finer
blooms. I have nearly decapitated a few old Roses ; so hard
did I cut them that I was told by a friend that I had done for
them. Now they are throwing out vigorous shoots. Roses
should be lifted every four or five years, the roots pruned, and
some fresh soil, with a good mixture of cow and pig manure,
put in with them.

My soil is a very stiff clay, so stiff that it has to be cut out
in large square blocks turned up edgeways for the sun and air
to act upon, when it may be broken up for use. In summer
it is mulched heavily to prevent cracking and being as hard
as pavement. It suits Briars most admirably, very few die ;
nearly all the buds inserted last season have succeeded. The
soil will not suit Manetti or own-root Roses.

In my rosery in Kent I had, protected with Bracken, out all
the winter a few years back. Cloth of Gold, Triomphe de
Rennes, Rubens, Marie Van Houtte, Augnste Vacher, Belle
Lyonnaise, Belle Maconnaise, La Boule d'Or, Bougere, Cathe-
rine Mermet, Comte Taverna, David Pradel, Elise Sauvage,
Jaune d'Or, La Sylphide, Louisa de Savoie, Madame Camille,
Madame Dr. Tutte, Madame do St. Joseph, Madame Marie
Amand, Madame C. Berthod, Paotolus, Pauline Laboutc,
Socrate, Sombreuil, Souvenir d'un Ami, Souvenir d'Elise, Duo
de Magenta, Madame Caroline Kuster, Marie Ducher, Monsieur
Fartado, and Unique. Two or three weak plants I lost. The
above grew most vigorously the next summer, quite altering
my opinion that Tea Roses are so very tender and require so
much coddling during the winter. La Boule d'Or and Reiue
du Portugal had huge tight buds, but never opened-out iu the
open air.

On looking over my Briar stocks (by the way, is it Briar or
Brier?), I find a few black sheep. The old hard brown stocks
throw the beat shoots. Orange fungus is showing itself. There
is nothing for it but stamping it out — i.e., destroying the stock
it is on. — Gboboe W. Jessop.

VINE MANAGEMENT.— No. 1.

On page 285 notes have been published relative to Vines
which have produced heavy crops of Grapes for thirty years,
and which are still improving in vigour. As these Vines have
been grown in the simplest possible manner and have produced
Grapes such as are iu general demand for ordinary dessert
purposes, and as the majority of growers desire similar produce
— that is, a maximum quantity of useful table Grapes with a
minimum expenditure in the way of preparation and manage-
ment— the system which has been adopted, plain as it is, or
rather on account of itj plainness, may be described as possibly
affording hints of guidance to some amateur cultivators. How
inexpensively the Grapes have been grown may be gathered
from the fact that no bones have been used in the borders and
no hot-water pipes employed for heating the houses.

Prunino. — The Vines have been pruned on the short-spur
system generally, yet in con junction with a modification of
the " long rod " mode of training. That ia, so long as close
pruning produced satisfactory crops it was adopted, but imme-
diately signs of exhaustion were apparent young shoots were
tied-in much after the manner adopted in the pruning and
laying-in the young shoots of Peach trees. When this system
has been adopted with a Vine a young shoot has also been
selected and trained from the bottom to form a future main
rod. This primary shoot has had the best position possible
assigned it to render its growth satisfactory. At each winter
pruning the new rod has been shortened to a length of 3 to
5 feet according to its strength and the condition of the Vino

generally, and when the new rod has reached the top of the
rafter the old one has been cut away ; but iu the meantime
the spurs on the old Vine had been removed and the buda
rubbed off in proportion as space and light were required for
the new rod and foliage, the lower portion of the old rod being
eventually denuded of all growing parts, so that when it has
been finally removed only the top portion of, say, 3 or 4 feet
has contained any young wood. Thus have the Vines been
renewed one after another as required, and without a blank in
the crop ever occurring.

Disbudding. — In this mode of renovating Vines special at-
tention must be, and has been, paid to disbudding. The
results of a faltering hesitancy (which is ao common) in re-
moving superfluous buds in spring inevitably leads to over-
crowding of the foliage during the summer, to all sorts of Vine
ailments and unsatisfactory crops of Grapes. This matter waa
prominently alluded to on page 263 by " A Kitchen .Gab-
DENER," who, I happen to know, has had such high training
as a Vine-grower that falls to the lot of few men. He could
not have directed attention to a more important phase in Grape
culture than that of disbudding, nor at a more seasonable
time. There are scarcely any Vines that do not push from
three to five times the number of shoots in spring more than a
good cultivator would permit to remain. The removal of super-
fluous shoots may be gradual, extending over two or three
weeks, but those eventually remaining must be so thinly dis-
posed that every leaf can expand freely and receive the light
directly on every part of its surface. That has been the plan
adopted with the Vines in question.

The measurable distances for leaving the shoots depends on
circumstances. If the foliage of the Vines is medium-sized —
say averaging 8 or 9 inches in diameter — and a large number
of moderate-sized bunches is the object in view, the shoots
may be trained about 15 inches apart ; but if the Vines are
very luxuriant, and the foliage is likely to expand to a foot in
diameter, and a limited number of large bunches are coveted,
then the lateral shoots should not be much nearer than 2 feet
from each other. They may be stopped at one, two, or three
leaves beyond the bunch according to space. The more foliage
a Vine produces the better it is, provided every leaf has light.
More failures in Vine-growing occur from overcrowding or
mismanagement of the foliage than from any other cause.
Plant a Vine in any good ordinary garden soil and it will grow
freely; cover it with glass, and provide a correct system of
management, and good Grapes- will follow ; but no elaborate
border — indeed nothing — can compensate for tangled shoots
and shaded leaves.

I have arrived at those conclusions after a tolerably fair
share of practice, supplemented with much observation. I
think I have seen the best and the worst examples of Grape
culture in Britain, and while I have often found splendid crops
on Vines growing in unprepared borders — I mean the natural
soil with manurial additions — I have never seen good Grapes
on Vines when the foliage has been overcrowded, even when
the roots have been provided with a dainty and really excellent
compost of turfy loam, bones, &a.

Cleanliness. — Another matter of considerable moment
which has been duly attended to in the continuously fruitful
thirty-year-old Vinea and still " improving " baa been that of
cleanliness. Without perfect cleanliness of the foliage there
cannot be good health. There must not only be freedom
from insects, especially red spider, but freedom from diity in-
crustations. As previously stated, red spider has never given
any trouble, neither does it cause any anxiety now, for the
atmospherical use of guano keeps the pest outside the houses.
As to unclean foliage in other respects it frequently arises
from two very opposite causes — namely, " raising a dust " in
the houses by sweeping ; and regularly syringing with water
apparently clean, yet leaving a deposit behind it. Someone
has truthfully said thnt " great results from little causes
spring ;" this applies to bad as well as to good issues. It is a
little matter, perhaps, to sweep the paths and stages of a
vinery half a dozen times each week, especially when the
work is done, as is often the case, by a " little " boy, who
each time only raises a "little" dust. The greatness of the
danger here lies in the smallness of its parts : separated, they
are trifles; united, an evil is created of no small magnitude.
Let all gardeners — all men — beware of the insidioua, almost
impalpable atoms of evil, and many a great danger will be
averted. I am quite certain that when I was a " little garden-
ing boy" I did about as much injury to the Vines by care-
lessly " sweeping out the houses " as the gardener did good by

May 31, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENBB.

397

Byringing the Vines. In that case both the praotioea as then
performed were wrong. It ia obvious the dust mast have been
injarioas, and not much less so were the twice-daily squirtinga,
for the water at that time left the foliage of the Vines before
the end of the season as " white as a miller's hat." So long
as that practice lasted good crops of Grapes were never seen
in those vineries.

The floors and stages of a vinery during the growing season
ought never to be in such a state that any "little boy," how-
ever much he may try to do so, can raise even a "little " dust
daUy with the aid of a housemaid's broom. Water should be
nsed sufficiently freely that no dust accumulates, then none
can rise to soil the foliage. Syringing then becomes a super-
flnity — that is, as ordinarily applied to the under surfaces of
the leaves, a little water, perhaps, " settling on" the surfaces,
leaving its sediment marks behind it. In the vineries alluded
to dust is never permitted to form, and the regular moisture
preventing it is immediately conducive to the health of the
Vines. This is quite compatible with allowing the paths to
become quite dry at least once a day, and when the broom is
antside the houses.

I think I have stated that the Vines are never syringed, but
they have always had periodical " washings " during the
season — very different from ordinary syringings. Notwith-
standing that dust is not permitted to form in the house,
sooty particles will in time settle on the foliage. The syringe
is then brought into requisition in a thorough manner, not,
however, guiding the water to the under sides of the leaves
where the particles are not, but directing it with force as much
as possible between the leaves, striking the glass, whence it
falls in volumes on the leaves, rinfing them thoroughly and
leaving them clean. I cannot say how many years I have
practised that mode of "washing," but long enough to prove
it good, and it was adopted " long before my time " by some
of the best Grape-growers in their generation. When the
syringing is judiciously done the falling water trickling from
leaf to leaf and amongst the berries does not in the slightest
manner impair the bloom. Like a drenching shower in nature
it cleanses and refreshes, and is all the more potent by its
thoroughness and comparative infrequency. — J. Wkight.

CULTURE OF NEPENTHES.

Yon published last week a most excellent illustration of the
exceedingly rare, and beautiful as rare. Nepenthes sanguinea.
The plant is very scarce in its native country, which is Java —
80 scarce that if a collector could find a dozen or two plants of
it, it would be a prize indeed. A plant such as that figured
would be worth sixty guineas in the trade. There are other
species of the family more easily obtained, and, in their way, of
equal beauty, and to these I will now refer.

N. RalUesiana should stand high on the list; it is a native
of the hottest districts of the world, being found principally
in Borneo and Singapore. The plant grows rapidly, and the
pitchers, though not quite so brilliant in colour as those of
N. sanguinea, are larger and prettily marked with purplish red.
A full-grown specimen will hold a pint of water. Nearly
allied to it, if not a variety of the species, is N. Hookeriana ;
the formation of the pitchers, their colour, and also the habit
of the plants, are very similar. '

N. distillatoria U one of the most free-growing of the species,
and has been grown in this country much longer than any
other species; it was received from China in 178!(. I saw this
species growing at Drumlanrig under the care of Mr. D. Thom-
son with the largest pitchers I have ever seen. The plants
were trained to the rafters of the house and had grown to the
length of at least 1.5 feet, and they had a very novel and dis-
tinct effect. Others of the species were treated in the same
way and had given equally good results. N. ampullacea is also
a desirable species of free growth, and is also adapted for train-
ing to the rafters.

There are also some very handsome varieties which have
been raised in the nurseries of Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea, in
the first place by Mr. Dominy and latterly by Mr. Seden.
N. Djminii is one of the earliest results, and this variety
crossed with N. Hookeriana gave N. Chelaoni; this is what
onr florist friends wonld call a good "offer." It has pitchers,
"the shape of a broad flask somewhat dilated and flattened
below, with ciliated wings, rather broad, and forming a very
handsome appendage ; the margin ia broad, and the lid smaller
than the mouth." The pitchers are high-coloured like
N. Hookeriana. N. intermedia is another Chelsonian novelty

raised from N. Rafllesiana, and partakes of the character of
that fine sort. If we add N. Sedeni the above list contains
nearly all the desirable species and varieties, and no plants
are easier of cultivation if they receive suflicient heat and
moisture.

They grow equally well in pots or in baskets suspended from
the roof of the house. If grown in pots these should be filled
half full with clean potsherds, and over the drainage place
about half an inch of clean sphagnum ; then the compost,
which ought — indeed must — consist of the best fibrous peat
and sphagnum in equal parts, with a few bits of charcoal and
potsherds mixed with it ; and in potting great care must be
taken not to injure the small roots, as, if they are much
broken, the plant suffers severely.

Nepenthes are propagated very freely from seeds, but as the
plant is dicecious the seeds cannot be obtained unless the male
and female are in flower at the same time, which does not often
happen in small collections. Bat they may also be propagated
from cuttings, and this is about the only way available to
private growers. I strike the cuttings in small pots, placing
them in a shady part of the etove ; they take two or three
months to form roots in that way.

Except for about three months in the year the night tempe-
rature should not be lower than 70", in winter 05°, and when the
plants are in free growth they take a verj large quantity of
tepid water both on the leaves and at the roots. — J. Douglas.

IN FLORA'S LONDON DOMAIN.

Within the length and breadth of our great metropolis Flora
may be seen under many aspects — growing under an cmharras
de riclu'sses in the mansions of the west, and anon struggling
through a feeble sickly existence in some miserable attic at the
east. Bat however treated, with skirts all decked with many-
coloured blooms or draggling through the mire of some 12 feet
square of back yard, Flora must still be wooed to remain with
us, to give to the weary worker for daily bread a glimpse of
the dainty surroundings which Nature keeps to spread paths
of pleasantness for those who labour in her fields.

Of the possibilities and impossibilities of floriculture in
London much has been said, but only those who try to put
details in practice know half the diflieulties of the situation.
Much is of coarse done, and more might be accomplished
before we should attain to that Utopian state of horticulture
foreshadowed many years ago by a writer in " Once a Week."
In the roseate amokeless atmosphere of his imagination house-
top gardens were to form the recreative pleasures of future
householders, and the happy hunting grounds in which cha-
perons might seek eligible itartis. At present we have not
attained to that desirable state of pure air which would make
such resorts pleasant ; nor, in spite of the improvement in
horticultural buildings and the tax off glass, have we attained
to rooting in our dwellings with conservatories. Drawing the
reins of our imagination, and dismissing housetop gardens
under the above aspects as at present beyond our province, it
may not be uninstructive to look on to the roofs of certain
dwellings and peer into back yards and similar localities, ob-
serving each spot where we may trace Flora's steps and search-
ing out fresh nooks in which she might with advantage aet
her foot.

Following in the wake of Captain Cattle, when I find any-
thing fresh I make a note of it ; and a noteworthy example of
gardening under difficulties I saw last summer within sound
of Bow bolls — in fact not many hundred yards away from the
arcadian precincts of St. Giles's. In this spot the right man
had evidently fallen upon the right place, the capabilities of
which he had developed to the utmost. The spot was the
leads outaide the upper — nay, the very uppermost storey of a
model lodging house. Within this limited area there was a
garden— a veritable garden, with bright fresh green foliage and
many brilliant flowers, such as do not disdain to bloom even
in uncongenial quarters. The moat oanspicuous plants in this
garden overhead were giant Sunflowers, which roared their
large round yellow heads as proudly beneath a London sky as
though they were growing by aome far-away country cottage;
and from thia fact I received unanawerable confirmation of my
own suggestion, that for town growth the Sunflower ia a most
suitable subject. In the first jlace it has enormous capabilitisa
for absorbing moisture, and the most depressing of English
summers with its average downpour would only make it grow
the finer. Should an exceptional season arrive the yard or
garden in which Sunflowers are growing may form a fountain

398

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

[ May SI, 1877.

of refreshment to all the apartments round. No amount of

water can injure its absorbent foliage, and an;^ quantity poured
over its broad leaves and around its roots will but serve to
increase the size of its really tine tropical foliage. The dimen-
sions to which these plants are capable of attaining is known
to but few beyond the fraternity of gardeners. "Were it not
so I feel sure so many dingy barren places would not be found
about the homes of town dwellers. Nor is it absolutely neces-
sary to have a garden in which to grow Sunflowers, or, indeed,
other plants. Large pots, or, better still, tubs or zinc pails
painted a dark reddish brown, form capital receptacles for
plants ; and in these they may be placed in balconies and areas,
and a good show be made at little cost.

In town gardens it is as well not to attempt too much. Our
model lodger already alluded to had kept the happy mean.
Beyond the Sunflowers he had a goodly display of Indian Corn,
not stunted specimens but fair-sized plants, the form and
colour of the leaves of which presented an excellent contrast to
those of the Sunflowers. Creeping Jenny there was in plenty,
hanging in rich flower-covered festoons from the windows, and
covering the sides of suspended rustic baskets. As a contrast,
a few scarlet Geraniums had been induced to bloom; and
these, again, were relieved by some dark blue Lobelia, while
sweetness of perfume was represented by Stocks and Mig-
nonette. Those who have real gardens with sunny skies above
their heads, and numberless flowers at their feet, may not
think much of these things ; but look upon the picture I have
already drawn and then upon this : A similar fiat square out-
side a dwelling; instead of festoons of Creeping Jenny, dirty
dishcloths hung out to dry, broken pots and pans instead of
pots of plants, while the sweet scent of the Mignonette is
replaced by old bones and other decaying matter; whereas if
the very meanest of Flora's train were introduced into spots
like this, foul rags and uncleanly squalor would rapidly make
way before pleasantness, freshness, and beauty. — T. S. J.

NOTES FEOM MY GABDEN IN 1876.— No. G.

RANDNCnLTJS.

Amongst the florist flowers, over the decline of which in the
south of England I as an old florist have had to mourn, is the
Persian Ranunculus. In former years there were many who
graw and exhibited it, and now it is almost an unknown flower.
In my early days there was a quaint old grower, who used to
live at Farnham, who grew them well and had most of the
good old Dutch varieties. He has long since gone ; and as I
intimated some little time ago, Mr. Carey Tyso, who has alone
maintained its culture as a grower for sale, has given them up,
and I verily believe I am left alone in my glory. And yet
what a lovely flower it is ! Where is there such perfect sym-
metry or greater variety of colour — so perfect that no dresser
however expert would for a moment dare to improve on it?
And yet I can readily understand why its culture has been so
much given up, for it involves an immense deal of trouble : the
planting has to be made at an unkindly time of the year —
about February 12th — one is apt to get " finger cold," and
the roots are so small that it is necessary to be wide awake ;
then you must manage to plant them at the proper depth,
IJ inch, or they will not form good roots for another season ;
then, unless you shade and a hot sun makes its appearance,
they are quickly out of bloom. Moreover, they must be taken
up before they have a chance of starting afresh, for if they do
they are done for. And then each variety has to be kept
separate ; and where a collection involves, as mine does, three
hundred and upwards, that is no small trouble in itself. But
the flower was one of my earliest favourites, and until I am
oompalled to do so I hope to continue to grow it. But unless
to an amateur who really loves the flower such trouble as this
is intolerable. Gardeners would find it simply impossible to
give the time and attention it requires.

I do not know how it is, but it is impossible to obtain from
Holland the old varieties for which the Dutch used to be
famous. I have had during the past few years more than once
collections through some of our bulb importers, but they were
quite worthless— pretty enough as border flowers, but in no
way to be compared to the sorts to which I allude; while in
all edged and spotted flowers the varieties raised by Messrs.
Lightbody, Tyso and others are, I think, improvements on the
Dutch sorts, especially in the matter of freedom of flowering ;
the selfe of the older growers seem to be unequalled.

My bloom in ISTC, was one of the best I have had for some
years, and certainly I enjoyed it more ; for instead of putting

a low covering over the two beds as I had previously done I
erected over them my Gladiolus shading, and thus was enabled
to walk under it instead of having to stoop down and examine,
and as one gets older I find these little matters come to be a
consideration. It were useless to Bay what sorts were finest
or to give a list of varieties to be recommended, for I do not
know where any are to be procured unless Mr. Tyso did not
sell all his stock as he wished.

CARNATIONS AND PIC0TEE3.

Here, alas ! I have to speak only of disaster and disappoint-
ment. I was obliged to be away about the time of blooming
and so saw but little of them ; and as the person who has
generally layered them for me could not do so I had to entrust
it to a novice, and the result was that the greater portion of
them never struck at all. Having, too, owing to other oircnm-
stanoes been obliged to curtail some of my cultures, and look-
ing to the fact that I was generally much away at the time of
blooming, I have this year given up growing them in pots, and
have only one bed of them. I should not perhaps have alluded
to them at all but that I wish to say a few words concerning
dressing, etc. I have read or heard nothing that induces me
one whit to give way in the opinion that I expressed that the
style in which they are exhibited is misleading. I think it is
quite right that whatever is exhibited — fruit, flower, or vege-
table— should be exhibited to the best advantage ; and hence
to arrange the truss of an Auricula, to flatten a Pansy, to show
the bells of a Hyacinth, to disbud a Rose tree, thin out a
Peach, or highly stimulate a Celery trench, come in my mind
within the bounds of legitimate aid ; but it ie in my judgment
an entirely different thing to mutilate a flower by taking out
any number of petals, and to make a grower as dependant on
his powers of dressing as on the excellence of his culture. I
was the other day talking to a very eminent florist, a lover but
not an exhibitor of the Carnation. This subject came up in
the course of conversation. He thought dressing was allow-
able, but then he meant simply the arranging of the petals;
and when I spoke of the taking-out of the petals he shook his
head and said, " Oh no ! that is a different thing." I visited
one of our greatest northern florists last year and said to him,
" What number of petals do you consider a Picotee or Carna-
tion ought to have ?" His reply was, " Twenty-one or twenty-
two." I took one flower to pieces on my return and counted
forty-seven. " Do you," again I aeked, " think there is any
difference between the taste in the north and south ?" " Well,"
was his reply, " we don't care much for your flowers when
they come north, so many of them are mops ; but you seem
to like our flowers when they go south. 'Two flowers came
north here with first-class certificates from the Eoyal Horti-
cultural Society which I just threw on the rubbish heap."

I have thus said my last say on this subject, and shall take
no notice of any criticisms that may be made. I am conscious
(and in this instance I hope I know myself) of only one motive
— the advancement of flowers I have ever prized. It will be
remembered by some that when George Glenny, to whom all
modern florists owe more than can well be expressed, once
drew a circle and told raisers of Pansies and Geraniums that
was a perfect flower and they must strive after that, what
scorn and derision he met with even from those who were at
the very time engaged in raising them, and yet we have seen
his standard reached ; so although I (only following him at a
very humble distance) venture to hope that such raisers as
Ben Simonite will present us with flowers which will require
but the arrangement of their petals, and that a stand of twenty-
four blooms will not require days to make it presentable on
an exhibition table. Some such flowers we have already, and
I see no reason why in every class their number may not be
greatly increased.

Since writing the above I have seen Mr. Llewelyn's letter on
the Auricula blight, and would like to say tbat my losfes fell
mainly on my earlier plants and that I have now a good stage
in bloom, thus leading me to hope that the mischief has abated.
Undoubtedly my loss was mainly owing to the fact that I had
never heard of or seen any reference to it until the notice in
the Journal. Had I been aware of it in the autumn I might
have saved a large number of my plants. — D., Deal.

ANTHUEIUM SEEDS POISONOUS.

Allow me to supplement my letter on the above subject by

stating that on taking up the covering of the pipes outside the

Orchid house to discover if possible whether any more rats

May 31, 1877. J

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

399

were there, I found five others all dead, and emelling most
offensively. These were all within 4 feet of the Antharinm
seeds, and I think there can be no doubt now as to the cause
of their death. — T. M. Shuttlewoeth, F.R.H S.

TRIFLES AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES.

" The very law which moulds a tear
And bids it trickle from its source.
That law preserver this earth a sphere,
And guides the planets iu their course."

That law was suggested to its discoverer by observing the
fall of an Apple. Botany became the study of a life from the
discovery of a Wood Anemone in flower. A greenhouse was
robbed and the thief was revealed by the pane of window
glass being broken from the within side. The Fuchsia was
introduced by the casual observation that a strange flower had
been seen at Wapping. The story will bear re-telling. Mr.
Lee, nurseryman, Hammersmith, was told of a flower coloured
crimson with a fold like purple ribbon in its centre. He
hastened to Wapping, found the plant, and for eight guineas
induced the owner to sell it, though the wi.^^hed to keep it be-
cause " brought from the West Indies " by her husband. Mr.
Lee propagated it rapidly from cuttings, and in the following
year sold three hundred rooted plants for as many guineas.
A heavy flagstone that became loose despite repeated resetting
was found to be dieplaced by a fungus beneath it. The Dutch
Rush (Equisetum hyemale) is largely imported because thcs
flint in its bark polishes brass and ivory efficiently. We know
an instance where ague was cured by the use of the bark of
the White Willow (Salix alba). Quinine was not obtainable,
but one of the party knew suffijieutly of vegetable chemistry to
tell that the Willow contains salicine, which closely resembles
quinine as a tonic and astringent. — G.

THE EFFECT OF FROST ON FRUIT BLOSSOM.

Whes visiting a garden recently, in which were many fruit
trees, the gardener was deploring the state of the Peaches,
Apricots, and Plums, nearly all the blossoms of which appeared
to be killed ; but the Apple blossom was expanding freely after
having been exposed, previously to its opening, to three nights
of frost, on which 9', 10', and 11' were respectively registered.
The late Pear blossom was also expanding, and much of the
recently set fruit was apparently uninjured. A fair crop of
Pears was therefore being relied on, and a full crop of Apples.
Having paid some attention to the effects of frost on fruit
blossom in previous years I urged closer examination of the
blossoms in question, which were so beautiful to the eye but
yet so deceptive. Oa dissecting quite a hundred of the more
promising, only one was found to be sound at the core, and
instead of the large crops of fruit anticipated there will be
scarcely any fruit to gather from the trees which we examined.

A few years ago the effect of frost on fruit blossoms was made
very plain in the columns of the Journal of HorticultiirL' by
one whom all who know him admit to be one of the most
experienced and practical of cultivators. The remarks and
figures submitted by " AacHAMBiDD " are particularly appro-
priate to the present season, and will afford aid to many who
are desirous of ascertaining the real position of their fruit
trees. They are as follows : —

The effects of frost are in many instances very plainly pre-
sented to us, when, as with the Potatoes and the young shoots
of the Walnut, the leaves, ttc, are blackened and destroyed,
or, as with the Gooseberries, when the berries are seen to be
blistered and discoloured, and within a day or so fall from
the tree. And, again, its effects upon stone fruit — Apricots,
Peaches, Cherries, and Plums, are also plainly shown and
pretty generally understood. The injury may be committed
first on the style or pistil, yet it soon descends to the ovary,
and the whole fruit is rapidly blackened and seen to be dead.
One second's observation will show this — just merely opening
the scales of the calyx, splitting the flower, or what covers the
yonng fruit, when it is at once Been.

In the case of the .\pple and Pear the injury which is effected
through frost is not so very apparent, and very eonfused ideas
seem to be held by many regarding it. I have found, indeed,
that many gardeners, otherwise well informed, have no idea
whatever as to its immediate effect, or whether their blossoms
or young fruits are injured or not until they can be pulled off
easily, or they fall from the tree. As this does not happen
frequently until some weeks after the injury, all traces of the

true cause, and there are several others which would cause
them to fall, are therefore lost sight of.

The flowers of the Apple whilst they are in their full beauty,
as shown by fig. 53, indeed, sometimes whilst yet unexpanded,
may be killed, and yet show no outward signs to the general
observer.

The accompanying fig. 53 represents a healthy and perfect

example of the blossom of the Apple, showing it in its perfect
and uninjured state. The style, as will be observed, is in this
example in its natural healthy pale green colour.

Fig. 5i represents Apple blossom at the same stage, and in

Fig. 54.

the same condition in every part but one. The style, it is to
be observed, is in this instance black, and the thin black threads
extend from its point right to the ovary or embryo fruit at the
bottom. That flower is killed by frost, and yet the flower
itself, the beautiful petals and the little stamens in the centre,
are as lovely as ever. The fruit, however, which was to have
been, is gone. It is dead.

By examining the blossoms as suggested above a tolerably
correct estimate may be formed as to the real injury that the
frost has committed on Apples. The examination it is to be
feared will in very many instances reveal what is not pleasant
to anticipate — namely, prospective barrenness on trees laden
with beautiful blossoms — outwardly healthy yet deceptive —
sterile. — W.

OUR GARDEN FRIENDS AND FOES.— No. 2.

On returning to this subject I observe that " A Maeeet
Gakdener" says the greentinch is one of the birds which
denude fruit trees and bushes of their buds. I never before
knew this bird to be accused of this delinquency, neither do I
believe it to be guilty. In common with the chaffinch and the

400

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTDRE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ May SI, 1877.

linnet it will take extraordinary liberties with seed beds of
all the varieties of the Braesioa tribe of plants, and will also
pull np young Lettnoes, &c. ; bat if the seeds a few honra
before being sown have been slightly wetted and dasted with
red lead neither finch nor linnet will interfere with them.
They are also very troublesome where seeds of any plants of
the Brassica family are becoming ripe, when they can hardly
be kept away from them ; even nets will frequently fail to pro-
tect Buoh seed from their ravages. Altogether the greenfinch
can hardly be considered as a garden friend.

There is a finch, however, which deserves to come under the
denomination of a garden friend, and certainly the most beauti-
ful of all English songbirds — viz., the goldfinch. He does not,
however, greatly frequent the garden, unless it be in cases
where weeds of various kinds are allowed to run to seed, which
it is needless to say is not in accordance with good gardening ;
but whenever this ia allowed to take place the goldfinch is
almost sure to put in an appearance, yet he seldom or never
interferes with seed beds of any kind, nor has he ever been
known to pick buds from fruit trees. The hawfinch is a very
handsome and somewhat rare and remarkably shy bird. He
is fond of Green Peas, and he will also occasionally extract the
Btonea from ripe Cherries, which he readily cracks with his
powerful bill for the sake of the kernel. Being far from
numerous, however, they seldom do much harm in the garden.

The fruit-eating propensities of the blackbird and the thrush
are unfortunately too well known, but they are at the same
time great consumers of insects of various kinds, and must
consequently be of considerable service in gardens, which they |
generally very much frequent. Their song ia admitted to be
delightful, and ought to be allowed to atone for many of their
oSences. In woodland districts, however, they are found to
increase so rapidly that, as in the case of the house sparrow,
it is found to be quite necessary to reduce to some extent their
numbers ; but it would hardly be fair to class them as garden
enemies.

The starling may, I think, be justly regarded as a garden
friend. He consumes large quantities of various kinds of
caterpillars and other insects. He will sometimes, it ia true,
during very dry seasons help himself to a few ripe Strawberries
or Cherries, but I have never even in this respect known him
to do much harm.

The blackcap, and the whitethroat or wallbird, live chiefly on
insect food, but they are nevertheless very troublesome during
the fruit season, particularly as regards the Easpberry crop,
picking at the ripe or ripening fruit, generally spoiling more
than they eat, and they almost refuse to be driven away. It is
possible, however, that the good they do in the destruction of
insects may more than cover the evil resulting from their
depredations.

The robin is a privileged bird, and the rudest bird-nesting
boy would hardly think of injuring him. He feeds mostly on
insects, but when the Bed and White Currants are ripe he helps
himself to a few with the air of one who considers himself
perfectly welcome to do so. Daring winterly weather he does
not object to shelter himself in a house of ripe Grapes, the
quality of which he will speedily endeavour to ascertain. In
this way he inflicts considerable ii-jury, as the berries so
picked at once commence to mould and decay, and this decay
spreads rapidly and soon affects the entire bunch, so that it is
quite necessary to drive him from the structure, which he
will leave with evident reluctance.

The hedge sparrow, wagtail, nightingale, wryneck, and the
wren are all frequenters of the garden, and are all strictly
insectivorous, perfectly harmless, and effecting much benefit
by their consumption of various injurious insects. They
should all be strictly preserved and encouraged as much as
pofsible.

The rodenta likely to frequent, or rather infest a walled-in
garden, are few in number, consisting of the rat, the mouse,
the mole, and the squirrel. The hedgehog is considered to be
neeful in gardens, and he is certainly quite harmless; but if
he is desired to be there he must be introduced, as he is unable
to either scale or undermine a garden wall. His food princi-
pally consists of beetles of varione kinds, molluscs, &c., and
he ia strongly suspected, perhaps not unjustly, of eating the
eggs of the Pheasant and the Partridge when they come in his
way, which I believe to be the utmost extent of bis offendings,
and on this account he is mercilessly destroyed by game pre-
servera wherever he ia found,

Aa regarda the rat nothing can certainly be said in his
favour. He is troublesome, mischievous, and wantonly de-

structive. He appears to be perfectly aware that the hand of
everyone is against him, and he retaliates as best he can. The
mouse is only in degree less objectionable, and both may, in
the full sense of the word, be considered as garden enemies.

On pasture land, and on the farm generally, the mole is
considered by some to be rather beneficial than otherwise ; but
his presence under any circumstances cannot be tolerated in
the garden.

With regard to the cquirrel, " Wiltshiee Eector" says he
lives on Beech mast. I only wish he did. He may do so some-
times when be cannot find what he likes much better — viz.,
Filberts, Cob Nuts, Walnuts, etc., and daring the season an
occasional Peach, Apricot, or Plum. He eats the fruit with
great apparent relish, and then he cracks the stone and eats
the kernel. I do not blame him for the latter part of the
process, as in seasons when fruit is scarce nothing should be
wasted. But he also bites the leading shoots from the finest
and most rare Conifers, and does great mischief among plant-
ations of young trees of all sorts. He is altogether a very sad
rogue, and it ia diflicult to find a word to say in his favour.

A custom prevails at funerals among the Dutch settlers in
Natal for some one of the deceased's friends to make a short
oration at his open grave, recording his virtues and the good
deeds, it any, performed by him during hie earthly sojourn.
It happened, however, that an individual died who was not
considered to have been possessed of any virtues whatever,
and had never performed any good deeds. Consequently in
his case the melancholy obsequiea were nearly being completed
in silence, when one of his countrymen raising his voice aaid
in solemn tones, " H'm was a berry good smoker." And aa
regards the squirrel it may be said he is a merry, active, little
fellow with a beautiful tail, and he is without doubt a splendid
jumper.

I will close with a word or two regarding a true garden
friend, which, notwithstanding, not unfrequently meets with
cruel treatment — for no other reason that I am aware of than
because his exterior (notwithstanding the charm of a pair of
brilliant eyes), is not considered ornamental. I allude to the
toad, the good services of which in Melon and Cucumber pits,
Orchid houses, &c., cultivators are, generally speaking, well
aware, one or two toads being generally fouud to speedily free
such structures from woodlice, ants, earwigs, spiders, &e. — P. G.

Vabious opinions have been expressed in the Journal of late
with regard to the damage done in gardens by bullfinches and
tomtits, but no notice aeema to have been taken of another
bird, the bluecap or willow-biter, which in thia district is much
more numerous than either of the other birds, and is thought
to do an immense amount of damage amongst the fruit buds,
more especially the buds of the Gooseberry. I should be glad
to learn whether the same ia the case elsewhere.— E. C,
Oakham.

i;This ia the blnetit, which in aome districts is called the
willow-biter, and in others " billy-biter." It is essentially an
insectivorous bird, although it occasionally commits injury to
fruit buds. llr. Weir has observed that a pair of these birds
fed their youug 475 times in seventeen hours, working inoea-
aantly from half-past 3 a m. to half-past S p.m. They appeared
to feed them solely with caterpillars. — Eds.]

JOTTINGS ON KOSES IN POTS.
While "Wtld Savage" is bemoaning the scarceness of
Rose controversy in the Journal, we in the neighbourhood of
London have been feasting ourselves on the most glorious
eights of Eoees imaginable. If "Wtld Savage" could have
been present, or was present, he would have exclaimed, instead
of " love is growing cold," that it waxeth stronger than ever.
The eighteen Eoses staged at the Crystal Palace by the
champion growers — Messrs. Turner of Slough and Paul and
Son of Cheshunt — were indeed a feast in themselves, while at
the Royal Botanic Show, only just four days afterwards, the
same exhibitors brought thirty of these tremendoua bushes in
greater perfection than ever. The Paul Perraa and Edward
Morren of Mr. Turner were perfection. Edward Morren haa
never before been shown by any grower in tuch a high state
of excellence. No savage ever trained such a plant. Every
one of the hundred or more perfectly expanded flowers on this
bush would have done credit to any si and of twenty-four out
blooms. Mr. Paul's Madame de St. Joseph at the Crystal
Palace was indeed grand, as also were his bushes of the slower-
growing dark Eoses Alfred Colomb, Marie Baumann, Horace

Msy 31, 1877. ]

JODRNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND OOTTAQB GARDENER.

401

Ternet, Dr. Andry, and Madame Victor Verdier. I think I am
safe in saying that the whole of the forty-eight large bnehee
Btaged at the Crystal Palace and Regent's Park each measured
from 5 to 7 feet high and as many throngh, trained aa some-
what fiat-shape pyramids, and each individual bush had from
100 to 250 flowers — not "miserable starvelings," but grand
blooms, perfect in shape and of great substance, with very
healthy vigorous foliage trained down to the rims of the pots.

These Roses it need scarcely be said were the admiration of
everyone, and is it possible that any person after being present
St such a glorious feast can but be fired with the zeal and
determination to go and do likewise? But of these large and
beautiful specimens I intend saying but little, for it must be
the work of years of laborious attention and painstaking love
to attain such size and perfection, and it is only within the
reach of a few to possess such giants. My object is rather to
refer to the admirable examples of Roses grown in 8 or 9-inch
pots as exhibited at the above-named shows, for snoh plants
are within the reach of everyone possessing a glass structure,
and who can command a little patience and bestow on them
the requisite attention.

The classes offered by the metropolitan societies for twenty
Eoses in 8 or 9-inoh pots are always highly interesting, as it is
in these classes the rosarian can often find the greatest per-
fection of quality. They represent young, fresh, and vigorous
plants, and when such is the case good blooms must necessarily
follow, and it is also in these classes where the greatest variety
of sorts are to be found, and the rosarian can also find some
kinds which if he cultivates them out of doors can only expect
to have good in occasional and exceptional seasons. Monsieur
Lacharme would, I am sure, have gone into ecstasies had he
Been the perfection in which Mr. Turner exhibited Madame
Lacharme at the Crystal Palace. It was growing in a 9-inch pot,
and had from twenty to thirty perfectly expanded blooms with
great dehcacy of colour and as fresh as the morning dew. No
writer to the .Journal who has seen the plant alluded to will ever
wield his pen to say an unkind word against that fair lady again.

I had written so far before the Journal of the 24th came to
hand, and as " W. S. P." wishes me to return to the subject
of Roses in pots again, I will carry on my jottings. That
"globular ecclesiastic" has been very conspicuous in more
than one place this year. Mr. Turner showed it well at the
Palace and finer still at the Park, and it surprised me to see
how large it had grown, as I had been told it was a bad grower.
It is in all respects a good Rose and very sweetly scented, but
mnst, in my opinion, give place to Eoyal Standard, which is
a larger Rose and even more globular than the Rev. J. B. M.
Camm. I hope the horticnltural societies will retain the class
for new Roses, for it was in that class at the Park that the
public could see that "wonderful" Triomphe de France, the
winner of the prize medal at the Lyons Rose Congress. Here
is my opinion of it : A coarser Rose baa never been sent out
during the last half century; it is of the same flatness as
Baronne Prevost, Charles Lawson, Juno, and others of that
class ; but a friend of mine, who has grown Roses for many
years, says it is the old Prince Luon. It resembles a. Turk's
oap of very large size, and it will surprise me if " Wyld
Sataoe " or anyone else over sets it up in their first-prize box
of twenty-four blooms. Of other new Roses shown at the
spring meetings two or three have certainly come well to the
front. The Duchesse de Vallombrosa, a very pleasing pink;
and a very fine dark Rose named Margaret Brassao. If Mar-
garet Brassac, as shown by Mr. Paul, retains the substance
and colour under outdoor culture it will ontstiip Charles Le-
febvre, and that is saying a great deal. — J. W. Moobuah.

AUBICULAS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW.

We have received a long communication from Mr. Dodwell
which is occupied chiefly in discussing the merits of a warm
or a cool temperature in which to grow the Auricula. As this
was not the subject to which our correspondent referred last
week, we cannot find room to give publicity to it. As to the
difference in the numbers of exhibitors at the Auricula Show,
which is the question at issue between " D., Deal," and Mr. Dod-
well, the following is the statement of the latter; — " Twelve
competed ; from Middlesex two, Somerset two, Torkshire two,
with one each from Bucks, Essex, Norfolk, Cheshire, Rutland,
and Leicestershire. Of these gentlemen nine contributed
Auriculas, and awards were made to eight, as a reference to
your report wiU show — a report, I presume to say, you should
have studied before launching such a charge against me ; four

contributed Polyanthuses (two having also Auriculas), and
one miscellaneous."

Whether "D., Deal" has made a mistake of two in the
number of exhibitors is a matter of so little importance that
there is no need to occupy valuable space in discussing it.
There is one remark in Mr. Dodwell's communication which
we must notice, as it easts a reflection on ourselves. He
charges us with altering the sense of the introductory remarks
to his communication, and says, " I used no phrase of brotherly
love." We can assure Mr. Dodwell that he did make use of
that expression, and his original communication is still in
existence for him to see it if he pleases. We must therefore
decline to insert communications from one who is so un-
guarded in his statements as Mr. Dodwell appears to be. — Eds.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS— HONETFLOWER.

Hill the Honeyflower of the Cape been an expensive exotic and
required very careful treatment, in all probability it would have
been much more frequently met with. Being natives of the
Cape the Honej flowers are supposed to require the protection
of a greenhouse or pit, but that is not the case with the subject
of these notes. With me Melianthus major braves the winter,
and though the stems partially die down, it branches freely
from the collar and sends up shoots from beneath the surface.
Wben fully developed the foliage is magnificent, and it is a
splendid object as a single specimen on the lawn and for sub-
tropical decoration where large robust plants are required.
M. major ought to occupy a very prominent position, it being
a capital plant for trellis and wall, and it fills up a gap for
indoor decoration where fiue-foliaged plants are in demand.
It delights in a deep, rich, free compost, and the ground
intended for it to grow in should be broken up fully 2 feet
deep, and some good sandy loam and peat in equal quantities,
leaf soil and grit, or charcoal dust, well incorporated with
it before planting. The plants require much support, and
should be attended to with water in a dry time ; thorough
drainage must be afforded them. They are of strong habit
and require staking to prevent the wind from blowing them
about. A group of them in an open space in the shrubbery
when fully developed produces a good effect. In the herbaceous
border as a back-row plant Melianthus major has few equals.
Perhaps when better known we shall see it occupying places in
our wildernesses and other places, the large, glaucous, pinnate
foliage, and brown-coloured flowers having a grand effect. I
have not known it ripen seed here, and it is increased by
cuttings of the young shoots in sandy loam and peat in a cool
pit or frame.— Veritas.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

We have received the schedule of the Great Summer Show
OF THE Royal HoRTicnLTUBAi, Society, which is to be held
under the large tent at South Kensington on the 19 th of
June. It comprises forty-nine classes, and from the kind of
plants that will be exhibited it will be a splendid Exhibition.
The Pelargonium Society will hold their Exhibition at the
same place on the same day, and Mr. Bull's cups will be com-
peted for on the occasion.

The Centennial Meeting of the Bath and West of

England Society, commencing at Bath on Monday the 4th of
June and extending over the four following days, will not only
be of special interest as marking an important epoch in the
history of the Society, but promises to surpass any of its pre-
decessors in magnitude. The Show yard, more than 40 acres
in extent, is situated on the Wells Road, about three-quarters
of a mile distant from the Great Western Railway station, and
the view of the city and neighbourhood on the way to the
Show yard is one of the most varied and interesting to be
obtained in any part of England. The horticultural tent will
contain an nnueually fine display of plants and flowers, con-
tributed by some of the most successful growers in the western
and midland counties ; and the arts department, in addition to
a fine display of Honiton lace, will be enriched by a local loan
collection of pictures and articles of virti'i, of which in the
neighbourhood of Bath there are many tine collections.

The Reading Spring Snow which was held on the 24th

inst. was a successful one, mauy excellent collections of plants
having been staged, and creditable fruit and vegetables. In
the class for twelve stove and greenhouse plants the prizes
went to Mr. Mearing, gardener to W. Whitley, Esq., Guildford ;
Mr. Lees, gardener to Mrs. Marslaud.Erleigla; and Mr. Mould,

402

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 31, 1877.

Peweey, in the order named. For six plants, Mr. Parham,
gardener to G. May, Esq., was placed first, and Mr. C. Higgs,
Caversham Park, second. In the Orchid classes, Mr. Baskett,
gardener to W. J. Palmer, Esq., and Mr. Butcher, gardener to
G. Palmer, Esq., were sucoessful. For a group of plants arranged
for effect the prizes went to Mr. Parham, Mr. Baskett, and
Mr. Lees. The principal prize for Show Pelargoniums was
won by Mr. Ashby, gardener to W. Fanning, Esq. : and Fancies
by Mr. Baskett, who was successful also for Fuchsias and
Gloxinias. Mr. Higg had the chief prizes for Azaleas, Calceo-
larias, and variegated plants. For table decorative plants Mr.
Parham and Mr. Kugman were successful. Mr. J. Mcllwick,
gardener to Madame Vander Weyer, was first with black
Grapes, and Mr. Ashby second ; and for white Grapes, Mr.
Tegg, gardener to J. Walter, Esq., M.P., Bearwood, was first;
and Mr. Wells second. Mr. Bridgeman, gardener to T. Somers
Cocks, Esq., had the best dish of Strawberries, and Mr. Ashby
and Mr. Tegg were successful with Peaches. Table deco-
rations, bouquets, and cut flowers, including a fine collection of
Marijchal Niel Eoees from Mr. Mayo, Oxford, were exhibited.
A considerable number of visitors attended the Show, many
of whom also inspected the collection of Calceolarias of Messrs.
Sutton & Sons, which we are informed are in extremely fine
condition.

The first consignment of new Potatoes were sent from

the Seilly Islands to London on the 25th of May. They were
sold to the retailers at from 10s. to 12s. per cwt.

"A Visitor" writes to us that a distinct and rare

CffiLOGYNE (C. corymbosa) is now flowering in Mr. Bull's
collection. The flower is white with a golden yellow lip,
singularly barred with bronzy crimson, and is both curious
and beautiful. A fine variety of Oncidium crispum, appro-
priately named 0. c. puuctatum, also attracts notice from its
distinctly spotted flowers. Chysis bractesoens, Dendrobium
concolor, and several others are also in beauty. The wonder-
ful display of Odontoglossum vexillarium, referred to by our
correspondent, has been previously noticed.

. Mr. Peter Grieve of Culford writes to us, " There is

a little error in the first part of my paper on garden friends
and foes, for which I am to blame — viz., ' feathered justice.' It
should have been ' JEDBDHaH,iosTicE,' a very familiar old Scotch
proverb, referring to the rude times of early border history.
Jedburgh is in the district pronounced Jethard, or something
like that, hence the little error."

The fine double white Az.ilea indica imeeicata, which

was first exhibited at Brussels last year and received high
honours, is now flowering in the nurseries of Messrs. Veitch
of Chelsea. Many of the flowers are quite as double as Gar-
denias, and almost as pure, while a few are flaked with pink,
and occasionally a flower entirely pink is produced. The
plants are quite small, yet are quite covered with flowers, and
the variety also appears to be a free grower. It is a first-
class novelty. Azalea grandis is also noticeable by its exceed-
ingly large crimson flowers; while the distinct and fine Souve-
nir du Prince Albert continues, and worthily, increasing in
popularity. Many Orchids are now in flower in this nursery,
including Dendrobium Biymerianum with its wonderful golden
moss-like lip, and the rare Cattleya Skinueri alba.

" A Lady Gardener " writes to us as follows on tlant-

ING Geranium reus — " Last year in planting an oval bed with
Amy Hogg Geranium by accident another kind of a much
paler pink was mixed with Amy Hogg. Fortunately the mis-
take was discovered too late to be rectified. The result was a
most lovely effect of colour in two shades of pink. The bed
was a mass of flower, and the blending of the two pinks re-
minded one of an Azalea in full bloom. Even one gardener,
a most bigoted follower of the bedding-out system with its
orthodox arrangement of colours, was quite reconciled to the
mistake. This year all our beds are being arranged on the
two-or-more-ehades-of-colour plan — scarlet and pale salmon
red, deep and pale pink, pale pink and white with pink eye, etc.,
the plants put in irregularly to avoid all formality. I am sure
anyone who tried this plan would at once see the improvement
on the masses of hard scarlet and pink so dazzling to the eye
in bright sunshine. A person with an eye for colour could
suggest many combinations of shades."

A roBRESfONDENT Writes to us as follows on the hardi-
ness of New Zealand l'i>Ac.i:Nis: — " It may interest some of
your readers to know that one of two large Dracienas, known
as 'New Zealand Cabbage Palms,' which were turned out of
their tabs into the open ground last autumn at Aimer Rectoiy,

Blandford, is now coming into blossom. At present it looks
like the flower of a huge Carex. The plants were raised from
seed about ten years ago sent from New Zealand." The New
Zealand Cordylines will no doubt survive ordinary mild winters
in the south of England, and the partial check which they
receive to their growth is likely to accelerate their flowering.
The Cabbage Palm is probably a popular antipodal name. The
true Cabbage Palm is Areca oleracea, a native of the West Indies.
The tree grows 170 to 200 feet in height, the " Cabbage" being
its terminal bud. It is boiled and eaten with meat, and is
considered not only a luxurious but an extravagant dish, seeing
that the removal of the terminal bud involves the destruction
of the tree.

The " Morning Intelligencer," dated June 3rd, 1780,

states that two days previously " A teck or Green Peas was
sold in Covent Garden Market for Gd., agreeable to an ancient
custom, the charter being held by the circumstance of selling
at that price on the Ist of Jane." Is the custom still
observed ?

Owing to the wanton destruction of flowers, shrubs,

etc., by a pleasure party who visited Lord Stamford's, Enville
Gardens, during the past week, his lordship has ordered them
to be closed to the public. A number of persons who were
found committing the damage were turned out of the grounds
at once.

We regret to place on record in these pages the death

of one who during his lifetime was one of our earliest con-
tributors. Mr. James Barnes died at Bicton on the 23rd inst.
aged seventy-one years. It is more than thirty years since
Mr. Barnes commenced his communications to this Journal.
Hie articles were a reflex of the man — pointed and practical,
and could never mislead. Mr. Barnes was a man of great
perseverance. He was both a great reader and worker ;
earnest in acquiring information by observation and by ex-
periment. He was equally willing to impart it to others, and
the vigour of his personal teaching will not soon be forgotten
by many whom he aided to train as good gardeners ; and his
writings were always read, because they were admitted to be
sound. Mr. Barnes was of a " gardening family." His father
was a gardener, and brought up five sons to " the craft."
Mr. James Barnes had great experience in commercial horti-
culture, having held important appointments at Chelsea and
Bermondsey in large plant and vegetable-growing establish-
ments there. He paid great attention to crossing Cucumbers,
and he raised many improved varieties. During his long en-
gagement at Bicton he was successful in every department.
Pines he grew of unusual excellence, and Conifers and shrubs
received a large share of his attention, and he was the raiser
of CoUetia bictonensis. He took great interest in promoting
a taste for gardening amongst cottagers, and was amongst the
first to assist in establishing exhibitions of their produce.
He was in fact indefatigable in his calling, and was generally
designated as a " fine old British gardener."

A LADY writing to us on bullfinches and fruit buds,

asks if the late very mild winters have not promoted the
increase of insects which the birds search for in the buds of
fruit trees, and further remarks that forty years ago when the
winters were severe little was heard of tho dcstruotiveness of
birds, and our trees were loaded with fruit. But bullfinches
must have existed then as now. Many buds which our corre-
spondent has examined this spring have decayed in the centre,
which she suggests is the effect of insects. Severe frost, it
must be remembered, has the same effect on fruit buds. A
Sussex correspondent also states that a bullfinch kept in a
cage prefers as food " spiders, all sorts of smooth caterpillars,
and the green fly on fruit tree leaves ; he also eats leaf buds,
but when given a bough he always chose a blighted bud first.
If gardeners would protect their fruit when ripening, the good
our little birds do in spring would counteract the harm they
do in summer. As for the titmouse (tomtit) they are the
only birds I know that will clear the hairy caterpillar off Goose-
berry bushes."

We regret to announce the death of Mr. Henrt

Merryweather, which occurred at The Nurseries, Southwell,
ou the 17th inst. Mr. Merryweather was a man of great
experience, and he was held in much esteem in the neighbour-
hood. Mr. Merryweather was seventy-four years of age, and
is succeeded by his son, the eminent rosarian.

The Irisli Farmers' Gazette, in recently alluding to the

HARDINESS OF Cyrtantheba maonifica, states that a plant of

Miy 31, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

403

it has been growing for years in the open border in front of one
of the houses in the College Botanic Gardens at Dublin with-
out the slightest protection. Each year it grows into a well-
finished eymmetrioal specimen, bnt fails to perfect its blooms
before the autamn. The circumstance is snggestive of turning
out young plants into the open ground for the summer months,
and then lifting and potting them for flowering indoors. It is
a native of Brazil, and is usually cultivated as a stove plant.

We have been asked if it is true that in Switzerland the

law compels every newly married couple to plant six trees
immediately after the marriage ceremony, and two on the birth
of each child ? Wo cannot answer the question, and refer it
to our Swiss correspondent " A. W." for solution. In the
meantime we doubt the veracity of the report.

Mk. Ernest Bergman of Paris writes to us to say that

he heard the cuckoo at Ferrieres on the 9th of April.

THE CAMPANULA, OR BELLFLOWEE.

Whether the plants be employed in the decoration of beds
or borders, greenhouses, halls, or windows, this genus is one
of the most useful. The flowers are usually blue or white, and
are generally produced from June to September. The plants
are mostly found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and
North America.

Amongst annuals C. Speculum (Venus's Looking-glass) and
C. Lorei, and its variety C. Lorei alba, are the best, growing
from G inches to 1 foot in height, and if sown in patches at
the front of a border, or in lines round the margin of a bed,
they are very attractive ; but on dry soils, and if the weather
is very hot, their duration is very brief, the flowers seldom
lasting good more than three weeks. The seed should be sown
in early spring, scattering it thinly and covering veiy lightly,
for the seed of all the species is very small, so that if a thick
covering of soil be placed over it, it will be a long time in
germinating, and possibly may not germinate at all. If a few
pots of C. Speculum are sown at the same time and placed
in a cold frame, and the seedlings thinned out so as to leave
eight or nine plants in a G-inch pot, a pleasing change will be
afforded for mixing with other subjects in a conservatory. Seed
may also be sown in September for spring flowering.

The well-known Canterbury Bell (C. Medium) is a biennial,
and should be sown outdoors in May or June. The soil should
be prepared by soaking it with water twelve hours previous
to sowing the seed. When the plants are large enough for
handling transplant them into beds 4 feet wide and G inches
between each plant, there to remain until the autumn, when
they may be transferred to their flowering stations in the
mixed flower border or where wanted ; or if the planting be
delayed at this time it may be done in March. About five
plants in a group look very well. There is an improved form of
the old Canterbury Cell (C. Medium calycanthema and C. Me-
dium calycanthema alba), the calyx being coloured the same as
the corolla. These are quite hardy, and should be grown by
all who wish to grow Campanulas. As pot plants there are
few things to surpass them, and the flowers of this variety last
well when cut. The best plan is to pot as many plants as
are required in Septtmbtr, the largest-sized plants into 8-iuch
pots, and the smaller into G-inch, and give them the protection
of a cold frame durirg the winter months. They will come into
bloom a fortnight or so earlier than those in the borders, the
larger plants making handsome specimens of pyramidal form
2 feet in height. The smaller will be useful as table plants,
and when throwing up their flower spikes liberal waterings
with manure water will greatly improve them. This is one of
the finest Campanulas grown.

Amongst perennials, of which there are a very largo number,
I shall only name such as I know to be good, some being very
dwarf and having a procumbent habit, and others growing
more erect, 1, 2, and 3 feet in height. The size and shape of
their bells also vary from the fine and handsome bells of C. Van
Houttei to the small ones of that dwarf species pusilla alba.
The Chimney Campanula (C. pyramidalis) is an old and
well-known plant, its erect style of growth, if on a rockery,
forming a very striking contrast with Seduma, Saxifrages,
and other plants. In some parts of the country this Cam-
panula is grown in pots by cottagers with some rivalry. Each
tries to fxool his neighbour in producing the tallest and most
handsome spikes, attending them with the greatest care, some
of the spikes of bloom being 4 and 5 feet in height, and when
at their best, about the end of July or August, a few of these

plants in front gardens or on window sills are very attractive,
and will find very few equals. The mode of propagation is
by cuttings, which are produced round the base of the plant
when in bloom, inserting four or five round a 5-inoh pot,
placing in a shady spot, and keeping them moist till rooted,
then dividing and potting into their blooming pots, usually
G, 7, or 8-inch, according to their strength, and placed in the
open nir. The main point to ensure a good spike the succeed-
ing lummer is to have a good crown of leaves to the plant
before winter sets in. They are left outdoors all the winter
months except when frosty, when they are brought indoors,
to go out again on the return of better weather. The soil is
similar to that used for potting Geraniums or Fuchsias.

Another old favourite for window decoration is C. garganica,
a trailiug kind with pale blue flowers, very suitable for fus-
pcnding in a window or as a b?.skct plant. I have found that
by potting it in soil composed with half peat the growth is
less straggling and the flowers are of a deeper blue. It is
usually increased by cuttings or division. C. carpatica (blue)
and C. carpitica alba make effective bedding plants, and
clumps of them in mixed borders are very telling, growing
from ',) inches to 2 feet in height according to the quality of
the soil. If seed be gathered as soon as ripe and sown it will
germinate freely and afford blooming plants the next summer;
but division in spring is the best mode of increase when a
sufficient stock of it is obtained.

One of the finest of herbaceous perennials is C. Van Honttei,
either for pots for exhibition or for borders. Its large dark
blue bells are very handsome. The Peach-leaved (C. persici-
folia) and its varieties are also good. C. coronata, C. coronata
alba, C. glomerata, C. latifolia, C. lactiflora, C. nitida alba,
C. grandiflora, C. pubescens, and C. aggregata, are all worthy
of a place in the garden, and will flourish well in the open;
but if planted near or under large trees the growth will be
very poor. When the flower spikes are rising a few neat
stakes should bs put to those that require support, for rough
winds will blow them about and damage them, and if the
weather should prove very dry a few good waterings will be
beneficial to them in prolonging their season of bloom, and a
supply of blue and white flowers at any time is very desirable.

There are a few more species that are worth special atten-
tion, their dwarf growth being very suitable for an open
rockery or for pots. C. pusilla and C. pusilla alba are perfect
gems, only attaining a few inches in height, but a profusion of
bloom. C. Cymbalaria, C. fragilis, and C. muralis are of a
procumbent habit. If in pots they flower freely, growing over
the pots, hanging down, and completely hiding them ; but to
grow them well they must have no coddling. Protection of a
cold frame in hard weather, dividing and repotting in good
loam and leaf soil in February, and plenty of water when re-
quired, especially when in bloom, is all they want.

There is another species that is often trodden under foot on
commons and waste lands in Britain, growing in foUtary
patches, and throwing up its humble spike in July or August,
often when all the grass and other horboge near it is burnt np
with drought, and that is the Harebell (G. rotundifolia). If
a few bits of this plant are taken up when in flower, potted,
and taken care of, it is surprising what a beautiful object is
produced. If grown-on with liberal treatment in 8-inch pots,
masses laden with hundreds of bells will be produced from
July to the end of September. A few twigs placed round the
edges of the pot help to keep the stems erect. It is usually
in a wild state about G inches in height, but under cultiva-
tion it grew 2 feet in height. There aro many other species
of this fine genus of plants, but all the above-named are
good. — A. Hakdinq.

BULLFINCHES AND SQUIRRELS.
I CAN fully corroborate the opinion that bullfinches are most
mischievous in a garden. Will some of your readers tell me
the best mode of trapping them, dead or alive ? I object to
the use of a gun, because the shot often damages trees and
plants. Squirrels are arrant and cunning thieves in a garden.
I have known them to show great ingenuity and tact to get at
wall fruit, carefully avoiding traps on walls and in their track,
and then reaching the fruit by stretching their arms through
the net. A gardener told me that he could not have believed
that they could reach so far if ho had not seen them in the
net of doing what he suspected some boys to be guilty of. I
know by experience that they do great damage to Larch and
other young trees, and I also know by experience that squirrels

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ May 31, 1817.

are uncommonly good when roasted. Hedgehogs may be useful
in a garden, but I have twice oanght them polishing ofi wounded
partridges under a bush. — G. 0. S.

NEW CEOTONS.
Few ornamental-foliaged plants are more valuable for deco-
rative pnrpoEeB than Crotone. Their brilliant colours make

them attractive at all seasons of the year, and their elegant
habits render them as appropriate for stove and dinner-table
decoration as they are effeetivo for exhibition purposes. The
dissimilarity in Crotous is very striking. The foliage of some
is bold, smooth, and commanding, while of others it is slender,
tortuous, and elegant. The leaves of some sorts are simple,
while those of others are lobed, and a few are interrupted,
the blade being undeveloped for a certain distance and then

Fig. 55. — Choton earl of deeby.

expanding, so that it appears like two leaves connected by
a string or slender filament, imparting to them a grotesque
appearance. Nature appears to play strange freaks with
Crotons, and there is not much fear that, however rapidly new
varieties are forthcoming, there will be any lack of distinctness,
as is the case with Tricolor Pelargoniums and a few other
genera of plants. As showing the distinct character of some
of the newer Crotons, and also in some measure their varied
colouration, the figures of two which we have frequently seen
exhibited, and which are being distributed this year from
(.'lielaea and HoUoway, are submitted with the descriptions of
them as given by their introducers. Both these Crotons may
be regarded as first-class decorative plants and well worthy of
notice. Both of them colour well when in quite a small state,
and they appear to be free and healthy growers.
Croton Earl of Derby (which is a fine companion plant to

C. Disraeli), is described by Messrs. Veitoh as a "splendid
novelty, with leaves of the C. Disraeli form, very highly
coloured, and quite distinct from every other Croton of its
cla9s. It was received from A. H. C. Maoafee, Esq., of Sydney,
New South Wales. The stem during its earlier growth is of a
remarkably bright yellow ; the petioles, and midribs of the three-
lobed leaves springing from it are of the same rich colour,
which also spreads over the greater part of the lamina or blades,
the extremity of each lobe being green. As the plant increases
in age the colour deepens, and finally becomes suffused with
red. Thus the ensemble of the plant presents a centre of bright
yellow of almost golden hue, with the later growth of a little
lighter shade, and the older growth changing to red, relieved
by the cheerful green tint of the extremities of the leaves. The
habit of the plant is erect ; the foliage is of even growth, and
gives a symmetrical outline to the whole. It received a first-

May 31, 1S77. ]

JOUBNAL OF aORTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

405

olasa certificate from the Eoyal Horticultural Society, and a
certificate of merit from tlie Eoyal Botanic Society on the
same day."

Crofoa Queen Victoria is stated by Mr. B. S. Williams , who
is sending it ont, as " the first hybrid Crotou that has been
raised in this country. It is the result of a cross between
G. Weiamanni and C. interruptum. It far exceeds in beauty

is of medium growth and free branching habit, a most desir-
able feature in the formation of good specimens ; the leaves
when well matured are from 9 to 12 inches long, and about
2 inches broad, oblong lanceolate ; the ground colour of the
leaf is rich golden yellow, beautifully mottled with green ; the
midrib and the primary veins are of a rich magenta colour,
changing with age to a vivid crimson. The margin of the

any of the imported species offered up to the present time. It ' leaf is unevenly banded with carmine, often extending as far

56.— Croton qoeen viciosi

as the midrib, and so harmonising with the rich yellow as to
produce a gorgeous effect. It has received a first-class cer-
tificate."

Some remarks on the oultivation of Crotons will be foand in
another column.

BLACK. THREAD as a PROTECTION from BIRDS.
I HAVE in the past been one of those who have langhed,
almost sneered, at the idea so confidently set forth by others,
that a single line of black thread strung along a row of Peas,
or crosswise over a bed of seed, say Radishes, Lnttiiops, or
Broccoli, would prevent birds from committing depredations
on the young Peas or seedlings; bat though I have langhed I
have often tried it and found it right, but I have never tried it

so thoroughly or perseveringly, nor with so good results, as
this season. As soon as my Peas were sown, or certainly
just before they were ready to make their appearance, I had
them strung their whole length with only one line of black
thread. To particularise the operation I may say that I cut
pieces of split lath 9 or 10 inches long and stuck them into
the ground 'i or G inches deep the length of the row, 2 yards
apart in quincunx fashion — that i», I put one at the top of the
row in the middle, then stepped 2 yards and put one on the
right-hand «ide, stepped 2 yards more and put one on the
lefthnnd side, and so on to the end; then with a bobbin of
Kooj strong black thread I fastened it to the top peg (half an
inch down from the top say), and then strung it to the next,
wrapping it round once or twice, and in that way proceeded to
the bottom, and by means of this protection I have eight rows

406

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTrAGB GARDENER.

[ May 3t, 1877.

of Peas tbat are a delight to look at. If I had not done it
(no guu being allowed to bo fired in the garden) I certainly
should not have Peae in the good and healthy state they are
now. So, then, instead of being an infidel I am now a trae
believer in the merits of black cotton as a protection from the
ravages of birds. — X.

Perhaps the following mode of protecting Peas may be of
interest to some of your readers who, like me, are troubled with
sparrows. As soon as the Peas are visible I insert two short
sticks at each end of the row of Peas, and from these I run
two lengths of black thread 2 or 3 inches from the ground, so
that the birds cannot touch the Peas without coming in contact
with the black thread. I have at the present nineteen rows
of Peas, and I do not think a single Pea has been touched,
whereas before I tried the above method I mostly lost one-third
of the crop. I have aUo fouud black tbread equally useful in
protecting young Lettuces in early spring.— W. G.

ORLEANS CLUB FLOWEB SHOW,

Twickenham, May 25th and 26th.

The plants were staged in two large marquees in a meadow
adjoining the banks of the Thames. The interior of the mar-
quees presented a very pleasing appearance, for banks and
mounds had been raised for the plants, and much taste was
displayed by Mr. T. EoUisson in the arrangement of the col-
lections.

Boses in pots first claim our attention. The renowned cham-
pion growers agdin exhibited their masterpieces of culture.
The meeting between these rival champions ia brought to a
close, or nearly bo, for this season, and Mr. Turner of Slough
has in the majority of cases proved himself the victor ; but to
Messrs. Paul & Soas of Cheshuut much praise is due for the
persevering manner displayed to the last, for on every occasion
they have run Mr. Turner very closely ; but on this occasion
they clearly turned the tables on their formidable but friendly
rival, and Messrs. Paul were placed first and Mr. Turner second
for ten lar^e Roses. The Juno in the first-prize collection was
perfection and worthy to be classed as one of the best of the
season, being a fit companion with Mr. Turner's Paul Perras
and Edward Morren shown at Regent's Park. The competition
in the class for twenty Roses in 8 inch pots lay between Messrs.
Paul & Sou and Mr. J. W. Moorman, gardener to the Misses
Christy, Coombe Bank, and the prizes were awarded in the
order named, both collections being very good. For eight Roses
in not less than li-inch pots (amateurs) Mr. Moorman was first
with good plants of Charles Lawson, Paul Verdier, Victor
Verdier, Celine Forestier, Edward Morren, Paul Perras, Beauty
of Waltham, and Marguerite de St. Amand ; Mr. KIlis, gardener
to J. Galsworthy, Esq., Coombe Leigh, being placed second.

lu the nurserymen's class for nine stove and greenhouse plants
Messrs. Jackson Sc Sons were the only exhibitors, and weie
worthily awarded the first prize. In the amateurs' class for six
stove and greenhouse plants Mr. Child, gardener to Mrs. Torr,
Garhra'-;d Hall, Ewell, was placed first. Mr. Legg, gardener to
T. S. Ralli, Esq., Clapham Park, was second ; and Mr. Ellis
third. They all staged qood collections. Mr. W. Bates, gardener
to W. H. jPunchard, Esq., Poulett Lodge, Twickenham, and
Mr. Child shared the honours for ten Orchids. Mr. Bates's
first-prize collection contained two splendid plants of Cattleyas,
C. Warueridelicataand C. Warneri splendens. Mr. Child's were
also very good. In the corresponding class for nurserymen
Messrs. Jackson & Sons were the only exhibitors, and were
awarded the first prize.

Oruamental-foliaged plants were admirably exhibited, Mr,
Legg outstripping all competitors. Mr. Ley, Croydon, was
second ; and Mr. Cornhill, gardener to S. Virtue, Esq., Oatlands
Park, Walton-on-Thames, third.

Azaleas were both numerous and excellent. In the amateurs'
class for eight large plants Mr. Child won the premier honours
with grand plants. Mr. Smith, gardener to A. Cooper, Esq.,
Twickenham, was placed second, the other prizctakers for Azaleas
being Mr. Ratty, gardener to R. Thornton, Esq., Sydenham, Mr.
Turner, and Messrs. Jackson & Sons. Heaths were not largely
represented, bat they were very good ; Messrs. Jackson & Sons
and Mr. Legg sharing the honours.

The Pelargoniums as shown by Mr. Turner and Mr. James,
gardener to F. Watson, Esq., Redleea, Isleworth, were very good
indeed. In the class for twelve show varieties Mr. Turner was
placed first and Mr. James second ; and for fancies Jtr. James
turned the tables and was a good flr.st, staging the best fancies
we have seen thiii year. Tho varieties were East Lynn, Acme,
Princess Teek, Ellen Beck, Reino ilea Fantiisiies, Tho Shah,
Fanny Gair, and .Mrs. Hart. Mr. Dean staged a group of hardy
perennials, for which a first prize was awarded. For twelve
plants suitable for diuuer-tablo decoration there were eight com-
petitors. Mr. Wills of South Kensington was placed first, Mr.

W. Bates second, and Messrs. Hooper it Co., Covent Garden,
third. For six Ferns Mr. Ley was awarded first, Mr. Smith
second, and Mr. Wells, gardener to the Hon. J. C. Vivian, Rich-
mond, third. DraciEuaa were well represented. Mr. Ball,
Chelsea, was placed first, and Mr. Legg second for splendid col-
lections. Caladiums were exhibited by Mr. B. Morrell, gardener
to J. S. Rntter, Esq., and Mr. Cornhill, who were placed in the
order named.

Messrs. Bull and Wills shared the honours in the order named
for new and rare plants of 1875-76-77. Extra prizes were also
awarded to the same exhibitors for ornamental groups; to
Mr. Wimsett of King's Road, Chelsea, for a picturesque group,
which occupied the centre mound in the large tent; and to
Messrs. Webber & Sons for two dozen splendid Peaches, very
fine St. Michael Pines, and large baskets of Madresfield Court
and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes. Extra prizes were also
awarded to Messrs. Dean, Bates, Wills, Ley, James, East, Dick
Badclyffe, Jlott (for bouquets), and to Mr. Mayo and Messrs.
W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, for cut blooms of Rosea.

STRAWBERRY SIR HARRY.

I HAVE forced many Strawberry plants annually for some
years, and have tried some of the best sorts against Sir Harry,
but they never did so well as that great cropper. Sir Harry
bears heat, sets well, and yields continuously large fruit, which
weigh well. It ia not an early sort, but comes in about ten
days after Keens' Seedling and President.

In preparing Strawberry plants for forcing tho mode of lay-
ing early runners in small pots as practised in gentlemen's
gardens is probably the best, but in some market gardens this
mode is considered too expensive on account of the labour and
time involved in carrying it out. In a market garden in this
neighbourhood in which two thousand plants are forced annu-
ally, from which unusually heavy crops are obtained, a different
plan is adopted. The first runners (from the mother plants)
are placed so tbat they can root and grow in the soil till about
the end of July, when they are cwefully lifted with large balls
and potted in 7-inch pots, placed in a sunny spot, where they
remain till the end of October, are then wintered and thas pre-
pared for forcing. For five years I have been a witness of the
results of this practice. Very strong plants with good crowns
are producad, and heavy crops of fruit are obtained from them.
Sir Harry is a favourite sort at this place as a sacond early
variety. — A. P.

SPRING GARDENS.

Spring flowers are now well to the front, and I am the more
pleased, for they do us service for many years, as after flower-
ing they are easily removed to the reserve ground until wanted
in the autumn. It has been said that we are slow to chronicle
failures ; it is not pleasant to do so, but is much more agree-
able to Bay we have succeeded. I have jotted down a few plants
which have done well this spring and others which have not
succeeded, and have learnt a lesson from the failures. First of
all we had a fine display of Aconites from Christmas onward,
with Snowdrops and Christmas Roses in abundance. These
never fail. Hepaticas are charming plants for the spring, and
have given great satisfaction. Palmonarias are fine now, as
also are Golden Feather, Cheiranthns alpinns, C. Marshalli,
and C. oohroleucus. Iberis sempervirens is a mass of white,
ahd Ajuga purpurea in contrast is very effective. Musoari
botryoides in masses is very attractive at this season. Lamium
maculatum is admired : this is an excellent plant for covering
an unsightly bank. A bed of Golden Thyme just now is grand,
and Daisies and Epimediums in variety are in full beauty.
Sanguinaria canadensis is a gem for the spring garden when
grown in pots and plunged. Soillas bifoUa, siberioa, and
amcrna are very fine. The old Honesty (of which there is too
little) makes a grand bed in spring. Fumitories and Cory-
dalises are fine, especially Corydalis nobilis, C. albitlora, and
C. bnlbosa.

Anemones single and double have done us good service,
but A. fnlgens is the brightest of ail. A. nemorosa plena is
fine for spring and has a prominent place, so has apennina.
Arabises are amongst the most effective of winter and spring
bedders, and should be in all gardens. Dog's-tooth Violets
are effective. Myosotis rnpicola is excellent, and Veronica
speciosa is a charming little plant — a carpet of white with a
tinge of blue. Double Primroses in their many shades of
colours and Polyanthuses have done well, and are now fine, as
nlr-o aro Auriculas. Phloxes verna, Nelsoni, subulata, and
Irondosa are among the ohoicost of our spring flowers. They

May 31, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

407

are not half bo much grown as they ought to be, forming as
they do sheets of beautiful flowers. Pansies, of which we need
a good share, are now effective, especially Great Eastern,
Cliveden Blue, Enchantres?, Lothair; and Violas cornuta and
Perfection. Sedum acre aureum is a telling plant for edging at
this season. Allium paradoxam and Leucojum vernum are fine
spring flowers, and Aubrietiaa in their various colours are
indispensable.

My failures are among the hardy annuals. Alyssnm mariti-
mnm is miserable, Saponariacalabrica little better; Silene com-
paota. White Candytuft, and some of the Wallflowers " have
proved fickle and inconstant." — Onward.

THE DOUBLE-FLOWERING CHERRY.

We have no more beautiful flowering tree in our garden than
the double-flowering Cherry — one specimen in particular. It
covers a circle of ground 12 yards in diameter, and at the
present time is profusely covered with its beautiful white
flowers. It would be impossible to place a finger anywhere
along the branches and not touch a flower. There is only one
drawback to its general acceptance, and that is its flat habit of
growth. As a rule the branches grow out almost horizontally,
leaving the centre of the tree hollow and flat; and this is a
form of growth neither graceful nor pleasing in a tree. A tree
should be an object of beauty at all times, even when leafless ;
bnt the flat mode of growth of this Cherry robs it of this ele-
ment of beauty. Notwithstanding that, planters would do
well to make a note of it, and not neglect to add a few trees of
it when making up a collection of ornamental trees. — X.

CROTONS AND DRAC^NAS.

The following paper has been read at the Darlington Gar-
deners' Institute by Mr. Calvert of Woodburu : —

In consequence of the great and increasing popularity of
these two classes of plants, both for house decoration and ex-
hibition purposes, I think a few remarks on the more modern
varieties and their cultivation will not be out of place. The
old varieties of both are deservedly held in great esteem by all
growers, but I think the palm is due to those of later intro-
duction. All the Crotons and the majority of the Dracaenas
require a stove temperature, which should be 75° at night and
80° by day, with sun 85' during summer months ; in winter
70° at night and 75' by day; but if the weather is severe in
winter the temperature should be allowed to fall to (i5° at
night and 70" by day. The soil for potting should consist of
one-half good turfy loam, the other half equal parts of peat
and leaf soil, with a sprinkling of silver sand. If well-decayed
dung in a dryish state is procurable a little may be added. In
giving large shifts a fewhandfuls of crocks and charcoal should
be used amongst the soil, and artificial manures may also be
used with advantage. The loam and peat should be carefully
pulled to pieces by the hands, and the leaf soil used in a rough
state. The above-mentioned soil will suit both Crotons and
Dracjenas.

The Croton is propagated by seed and cuttings, the last-
named plan being mostly adopted. In selecting cuttings
choose the strongest and best-coloured about <1 inches long,
out off two or three of the lower leaves, and place in the centre
of a 3-ineh pot. Plunge them into a bottom heat of 85° in a
propagating pit, and they will root freely. Cuttings may be
taken at any time of the year. After the cuttings are well
rooted give them a shift into 6-ineh pots, and remove them
into the stove. Arrange the plants so that they get every ray
of light and sunshine, giving no heed to bottom heat, as I do
not think it is of any consequence. After the plants are fairly
Btaited into growth keep shifting and staking. As the roots
reach the sides of the pots do not allow them to become
" matted," as it retards their growth, and I do not think it in
any way assists to develope their variegation. The varieties
of the Croton are very numerous, and some of them, in my
estimation, almost useless. My selection of six varieties would
comprise Johannis, Veitchii, Ilookeri, Majesticum, Weismauni,
and Queen Victoria. The last-named is a new one being sent
out by Mr. Williams, and from what I have seen of it I have
every reason to believe that it will gain as high a place among
Crotons as Queen Victoria has gained among her subjects.
Special care must be taken in arranging the plants, as I am
fully convinced that it is the want of light which causes so
many badly-coloured Crotons. The plants ought never to be
shaded.

The Dracfena is propagated by seed and cuttings, the latter
plan being mostly preferred. The cuttings will root if treated
the same as advised for Crotons. The stem and strong roots
also root freely if they are cut into pieces about half an inch
long and placed in a shallow pan, covering lightly with soil.
Plunge the pans into bottom heat, and water lightly until the
tops appear. If specimen plants get " leggy " they may be
propagated by "ringing," which is done by splitting a pot in
halves and placing round the stem where it is wanted to root.
The stem should be out through the centre, and a wedge-
shaped piece of charcoal inserted to keep it open. The pot
should be securely fastened, which may be done by placing a
stake on each side and tying together with string. After the
pot is safely fixed place a tew pieces of crock in the bottom,
and fill up with turfy loam and peat, adding a sprinkling of
silver sand. The plants should stand in the stove, where at
first they present an unsightly appearance ; but it will be fully
compensated for by the symmetrical and well-coloured heads,
which root in about six weeks. I sometimes cut the stem
half way through, and I think they root quicker when they
are so cut. After the cuttings are well rooted give a liberal
shift, using the compost previously advised. If specimen plants
are wanted keep shifting as the roots reach the sides of the
pot, and give liberal shifts. If a number of plants are wanted
for decorative purposes, and suflioient room cannot be found
in the stove, they may be placed in a pit, with a flow and
return pipe in it, for the summer months, and returned to the
stove to fill up gaps left by Caladiums, etc. Dracaenas Cooperi,
terminalis, excelsa, Shepherdi, stricta, gracilis, and Guilfoylei
are amongst the best for decorative purposes. The exhibition
sorts are very numerous. Baptisti, youagi,amabili8, Shepherdi,
metallica, and excelsa have held the foremost places, but I
expect to see them eclipsed by Mr. Wills's new varieties.

The stove varieties of the Dracaena will require shading from
the direct rays of the sun during the summer months, or the
leaves will get burnt, which spoils the appearance of the plant ;
the shading ought only to be used when there is danger of
burning, as the plants colour in proportion to the amount of
light they receive. The syringe should be used freely, or red
spider will soon make an inroad on both Crotons and Dracaenas,
and it will disfigure them beyond reparation. The single jet
should be used on the syringe, and the stream broken by
placing the forefinger over it ; carefully wet all the under side
of the foliage, as that (in most cases) is the home of the red
spider, and if he is repeatedly wetted he will soon change his
residence. Thrips, scale, and mealy bug sometimes attack
them, and they should be removed with the sponge and soap
water.

The greenhouse varieties of Dracienas are not very numerous.
Australis, Veitchii, lineata, and cougesta are amongst the best.
They are very useful during the winter months for indoor and
conservatory decoration, and in the summer they may be used
for subtropical bedding. If used for subtropical bedding they
should be plunged iu their pots, carefully hiding them ; and I do
not think there is anything to be found which makes a better
centre plant or single specimen than a good Draceena australis.

PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUITS,

Eestretia antennsfera. Nat. ord., Orchidaceoe. Linn.,
Gynandria Diandria. — Flowers yellow, thickly spotted with
crimson. " R. antennifera was discovered by Humboldt on
the trunks of trees near Pasto, at an elevation of 'JOOO feet
(French), and it has since been found by several travellers
in different localities in New Grenada, between fJOOO and
10,500 feet, and in Venezuela. The plant flowered in the cool
Orchid house at Kew in January of the present year." — (Bot.
Mag., t. i;288 )

Callipdrdbia subedestata. Nat. ord., Amaryllidacc£6.
Linn., Hexandria Monogynia. — "This is a plant which has
been in English gardens for many years, and in the absence
of llowers has passed for Eucharia Candida. Lately it has
flowered at several places almost simultaneously, and it turns
out to be no Eucharis at all, but a near neighbour of the
Calliphruria Hartwegiana which was rgured in the "Botanical
Magazine" last year (tab. (5259). The present plant, however,
differs materially from C. Hartwegiana iu the filaments, in
which the toothing is sometimes entirely wanting, so that for
the boDanioal systematist it forms an awkward connecting link
between the tribes Amaryilideie and Paucratieic. The Eucharis
Candida, which was distributed by Jlr. William Bull in 187G,
and which was figured in his catalogue for that year, is the

408

JOURNAL OP HORTIODLTURE AND COTTAGE QABUENEB.

[ May 31, 1877.

true plant so called by Planobon. The present plate was
made from a specimen sent by Mr. G. E. Sheath, which
flowered in the garden of M. H. Beaufoy, Esq., at South
Lambeth in December, 1S7 6. "—{Ibid., t. 6289.)

EoNDELETiA Backhousii. Wa(. or(i., RubiaceiB. Lmn.,Pent-
andriaMonogynia.— Flowers pink. "This charming plant was
received from Messrs. Backhouse of Tork about the year 1800,
without locaUty or name, and has been cultivated ever since
in the Palm house at Kew, where it flowers freely annually
in autumn, but does not fruit. Named in compliment to its
introducers, Messrs. Backhouse of York, who can give no in-
formation as to its origin, but suppose that it was obtained
from their continental correspondent." — [Ibid., t. 6290.)

Gladiolus ochroleucds. Nat. ord., Iridaceje. Linn., Tri-
andria Monogynia. — " The present plant was discovered by
the Rev. E. Baur in Transkeian Kaffraria, and was first sent
to the Kew herbarium by our indefatigable correspondent Mr.
McOwan in 1874. Mr. Baur describes it as growing in grassy
places at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, and flower-
ing in March. We owe the iiitroduction of it in a living state
to Mr. Bull, who imported it from the Transvaal territory and
flowered it last autumn." — {Ibid., t. C291).

Agave (LiTTcEA) Sabtobii. A'at. orii., Amaryllidaoeaa. Linn.,
Hexandria Monogynia. — Flowers yellow. " It was first intro-
duced to the Berlin botanic garden by Dr. Eohrbach about
1850, and has since been received from the district of Orizaba,
in Mexico. Oar first notice of its flowering is by Dr. Schnitts-
pahn in 1857 in the ' Zoitsohrift des Gartenbauvercines zn
Darmstadt.'"— (Ifciii., t. 6292.)

Peaes— JjrtirnJ Cecilc and Beurre de Jonghe. — " Two little-
known winter Pears, of excellent quality — so good indeed, that
they may with propriety be added to any collection in which
they do not already exist. Amiral Cecile (Boisbunel). — This
fine Pear, which is of Continental origin, and is comparatively
new, fruited for the first time some five years ago in the
gardens of the Eoyal Horticultural Society at Chiswiok, where
it is much esteemed. It begins to ripen shortly after Christ-
mas, and continues in use until the end of January. For a
Pear ripening at that season there are few to equal it, the flesh
being as melting and juicy as any Pear in the month of October,
and of an exceedingly rich and luscious character. It may be
thus described: — Fruit rather below medium size, roundish or
oblate, a good deal flattened at the eye, which is wide and
open. The skin is dull green, changing to a reddish-lemon
colour as it ripens, with patches of russet round the eye and
stalk. The stalk is short ; the flesh is very buttery and melt-
ing, slightly tinged with pink, extremely rich and luscious.
The tree forms naturally a handsome pyramid ; it succeeds
well on the Quince, and is an abundant bearer. Beurre de
Jonghf (Gambler). — This is another comparatively new Pear,
dedicated to M. de Jonghe of Brussels : a late one also, and
one of very great excellence. The Rev. G. Kemp first sub-
mitted examples of it to the Fruit Committee in 1875, when it
was unanimously awarded a first-class certificate. It is a Pear
that seems well suited to the climate of this country, which
very many of the Belgian Pears are not. The fruit is of
medium size, of a true pyriform shape, very regular and even,
tapering to the stalk, which is short and fleshy, inserted a little
on one side, and always having the appearance of having been
broken off. The eye is small and open^nearly level with the
surface of the fruit. The flesh is greenish yellow, very buttery
and melting, with a fine rich flavour, and slightly perfumed.
This fine Pear ripens during the month of January, and is
equal in flavour to the best of the earlier varieties. It ia a
valuable acquisition, and ought to be in every collection." —
(Florist and Pomolor/ist, 3 8., X. 61.)

Apple— IF/nfc Winter C(;h>iHe.^"Wehavein this one of the
handsomest and best of Apples — one, moreover, which can be
depended on as a valuable dessert fruit in the winter season,
since it may be placed on the table in good condition from
about Christmas until Easter. There is a peculiar delicacy
in the tender melting flesh and grateful aromatic lemon flavour,
almost making one fancy while eating a fruit which has just
arrived at a fit condition, that he is taking a lemon ice while
snifiing the flowers of Magnolia grandiflora.

" This Apple is very successfully cultivated at Treutham by
Mr. Stevens. It is grown in pots, which are stood at intervals
along the long ranges of Peach oases, which cover so large a
proportion of the garden wall at that place. They have, there-
fore, virtually orchard-house treatment, and well they repay
all the advantages which are accorded to them. One of these
pot-grown trees was produced a few weeks since at South Ken-

sington, showing the crop it had matured last season, and as
an example of sucoessfiil management was voted a cultural
commendation. The fruit is of large size, with broad unequal
ribs extending from base to apex, where they terminate in
prominent ridges. The skin ia of a pale delicate yellow hue,
becoming when fully matured a bright golden yellow strewed
with brown dots. The eye is small and closed, with pointed
segments, set in a deep-ribbed basin ; the stalk is three-quar-
ters of an inch long, slender, inserted in a deep angular cavity
lined with russet. The flesh is yellowish white, very tender
and delicate, full of juice, with a lively aromatic flavouring of
lemons. It ia not only an excellent dessert fruit, but ia also
adapted for all culinary purposes. This variety is much re-
commended as a cordon on the French Paradise stock, for
which and for pot culture it seems better adapted than to be
grown as a standard tree." — {Flor. and Pom., 3 a., x. 73.)

TABLE DECORATION.

Thebe is no better way for growing Lycopod for table deco-
ration in winter than placing it in the open air in a sheltered
place — no matter about the sun shining on it provided it is
kept thoroughly moist, and growing in a moist sheltered
position. In the open air it forms a dense, stiff, dark green
cushion which will in winter stand a deal of hard usage. We
have found it stand four winters in the open air without pro-
tection, except the shelter of some evergreen shrubs amongst
which it was growing. Plenty of this Lycopod may, therefore,
be grown with little trouble in pots, pane, boxes, troughs, or
planted out ; if planted out it lifts easily in dense patches
without feeling the disturbance. We have found small shallow
troughs of wood very handy for getting it up in quantity, with
a thin mass of confined roots, easily applied to the carrying-
out of any idea. Long narrow strips of troughs about 2 inches
wide by 1 inch deep, when filled with a little rich soil and
planted thickly with the Lycopod and grown into a compact
green mass, answer well for wavy lines on the table ; the moss
can be turned out of the little troughs and placed on the table-
cloth roots downwards ; of course the strips of moss can be
bent into any shape desirable, surrounding the base of cande-
labra or other ornaments, and will form the base in which to
insert flowers or sprays of Fern. Or troughs made of tin, of
any conceivable shape, IJ inch by J inch, may have the Lyco-
pod grown in them, to remain and to form a groundwork for
cut flowers of all sorts ; the dark green Lycopod harmonises
with any colour. These tin troughs are best made in straight
pieces, right angle pieces, or arcs of circles of various sizes;
indeed there is no end to the extravageut devices which are
and may be made with those things in variety ; which, after
all, are toys and bordering on the ridiculous, but which are
serious trifles to the gardener when the consumption and
waste of flowers are taken into account.

The filling of vases or shallow glasses with cut flowers for
table decoration is often a puzzle to some, even supposing the
flowers are plentiful. Given a shallow dish and a certain
amount of oomeatable flowers, how to begin ? It is in this, as
in bouquet-making, or anything else ; first conceive an outline
of a plan in imagination to work by, and the thing becomes
easy. Bold flowers are always the best for table decoration :
such as Lilies in summer, or Amaryllis, Poinsettias in winter,
Camellia elegans or forced Tulips ; a few of those to fqrm the
skeleton of the plan gives a base from which to work at once,
inserting them widely apart, filling up with sprays of minor
flowers. Ferns, and Grasses. Smaller flowers of Camellias,
such as variabilis, make good margins for a basket of flowers ;
or Euphorbia jacquiniieflora. And few things, common or
choice, can match the Fuchsia when to be had. Rhododen-
drons are stiff in the solid truss as cut flowers, but when broken
up into single pips they make neat margins for cups of flowers
or epergnes, or when wired or tied on pieces of Privet or other
twigs with a bit of Fern, the single flowers of the Rhododen-
dron are very workable and telling. In making up any com-
position of flowers for the dinner-table stiffness should be
avoided. The Chinese Primula always looks well with candle-
light, and it must be tied on twigs of some sort to make it
stand up ; the same applies to many other common things,
such as Tulips, Gesueras, Gloxinia flowers. In making up
dishes of flowers from day to day, of whatever shape, for table
decoration, there is no better medium in which to insert the
flowers than pure white wet sand ; the colour is not offensive
when used in glass, is always clean, and it is suflioiently stiff
to hold the stalks of flowers in position.

Maj 31, 1877. )

JOURNAL OP HORTIOOLTDRE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

409

When water ia uaed it is difficult to carry out a tasteful
arrangement without some stiff base being iirst inserted into
the water, such as sprigs of some evergreens, as Laurnstinns
or Sweet Bay. Common moss is a clumsy material in practice
for a base, however much in theory it may have to recommend
it, and its use is often insisted on by employers. Wet sand
can be trimmed into any form of surface, flat, globular, or
pyramidal to suit any dish, and the building-up of a graceful
and showy decoration with suitable flowers is easy. In carry-
ing out varieties of decorations night after night a general
plan should be conceived for each occasion, and to work with
the style of plate to be used ; for instance, light-coloured grace-
ful things might be used together for variety, such as Centaurea
gymnocarpa well grown as standards ; Pandanus Veitchii or
P. javanicus variegatua, Cyperus alternifolius var., with which
might be associated tall slender glasses of out flowers lightly
and gracefully done with light material.

Again, there is such a variety among Dracaanas that they
will give an effective change by themselves. The long linear
leaves of indivisa, the striped Guilfoylei, the striped and digni-
fied D. regina, and the many varieties of red-leaved sorts, are
all specially adapted for the table.

Among Palms alone variety is endless, and almost all are
enitable ; different shades of colour and habits exist among
Arecas alone, also among the Chamaedoreas, Thrinax, and the
Cocoa family.

Small healthy seedling Ferns in thumb pots are indispensable
for working into detail, such as tracery on the table-cloth, im-
bedded in scrolls of Lycopod, as alluded to before, or to work
into little pyramids at salient points, or for surrounding the
bases of vases or other ornamenta, or for inserting into little
cups or glasses to be distributed for variety about the table.
These, alternating with similar cups or glasses, filled with cut
flowers, have a neat and tasteful effect round the table near
the margin, under the eye. Large Perns are not, as a rule,
very workable for table decoration, unless of the Tree Pern
section. The most of these when young are admirable, such
as the Cyatheas, AlsophUa australis, and the tender-stemmed
Lomarias, and Dioksonia squarrosa in the young state. — The
Squibe's Gakdeneb (in The Gardener).

NOVELTIES IN THE BOYAL GARDENS, KEW.

An interesting selection of tuberous Aroideas is flowering
in the Heath and Mesembryanthemum house at Kew. The
newest of these is Proteinophallus Eivieri, better known under
the generic name Amorphophallus, but from which it differs
in many important particulars, possessing, however, the same
kind of leaf. It is supposed to be quite hardy, though in any
case it is very desirable for subtropical gardens, a use to which
it should be applied if obtainable even in small quantity. The
several species of Amorphophallus, from their highly tropical
appearance, oonld also be need with great effect. The petiole
of Proteinophallus Bivieri grows quite erect and reaches a
height of 18 inches, supporting a much-divided circular blade
2 feet in diameter. The flowering stem reaches a height of
nearly 3 feet. The epathe forms a convolute tube, spreading
above into an orbicular limb, which may grow to a circum-
ference of nearly 4 feet ; its colour ia a dull livid purplo with
green Inatre. Above this the somewhat cylindrical appendix
of the spadix is extended considerably, and is of the same
peculiar tint.

AriEioma specioaum is one of the most ornamental of its
genns, partly from the deep purple epathe with white linea,
but also from the dark green leaves which are margined with
blood red, a feature by which it is easily known. The spadix
is provided with a wonderful flexuons tail, which trails on the
ground ; by its means it is supposed that wingless insects
reach the flowers and so bring about their fertilisation. It is
nearly if not quite hardy, and may be grown in a cold frame.
Another pretty species is A. concinnnm, having a pale green
spathe marked with white lines, and leaves with narrow seg-
ments which radiate in all directions. Of leas interest than
these is A. helleborifolinm. As one of the group we notice the
new yellow- flowered Pelargonium oblongitum, which, though
distributed for hybridising purpoEos, does not seem yet to have
given any result.

A fine specimen of Aponogeton distachyon grown in an
inverted bell-plaas is just passing its best. According to an
article in the " Rnvue Horticole " by M. Carrie-re, it is possible
to cultivate this plant successfully as an ordinary pot plant
without immersion in water. A trial of this method has not

given very satisfactory results either in appearance or vigorous
growth. The leaves float under natural circumstances, but in
this case require support as well as the flower stems, so that
the characteristic effect of the plant is almost entirely lost.

The peculiar flowers of Heterotropa asaroides may now be
seen. They sit on the surface of the soil, are in shape like an
urn, equal a walnut in size, and are of a strange black-purple
colour. The leaves afford an instance of plant-mimicry by
taking the form and general appearance of Cyclamen.

The true Eucharia Candida is flowering in the Begonia house,
and is truly an elegant plant ; it is apparently also very flori-
ferous. About nine flowers are borne in an umbel : they are
smaller than those of E. grandiflora, but with pure white
colour and gracefully recurved segments are equally beautiful.
That usually grown under this name is Calliphruria subedentata,
which rarely blooms and is much less beautiful. Torenia
Fournieri is a recent and extremely pretty addition to English
gardens. It much resembles T. asiatica. The flowers are
smaller but have the addition of a golden blotch, and it has
the advantage of a more shrubby habit.

In the Victoria house are two fine young plants of Castilloa
elastica, the Caoutchouc Tree of Central America. This plant
is of great interest from its peculiarity of detaching the lateral
branches from the main stem at the point of insertion, which
detachment takes place in order from below upwards as height
increases. They are separated in the same way as a leaf, and
the fall is apparently governed by the same conditions. In
due time the fruiting branches are produced, which are not
deciduous. In some other plants, as in Phyllanthus, tho
flowering branches are deciduous, and so closely resemble
leaves as to have been described as such.

Among the Orchids are several of rare interest and beauty.
Exquisite in colour, almost without rival, is Phalsenopsis Liid-
demanniana. Dendrobinm barbatulum is a pure white and,
until recently, very rare species. The fine varieties of Cattleya
MoasiiB which before have excited attention are again coming
into flower. Ccelogyne ochracea ia a rare though very select
species ; the flowers are of moderate size, pure white, with a
golden blotch on the lip edged with orange. A small plant of
Masdevallia Veitchii is extremely well flowered, having seven
strong spikes. M. Peristeria has peculiar orange flowers with
brown spots. M. ionocharis is one of the prettiest of the
small kinds. The sepals form a campanulate tube, pure white
except near the bottom, where blotched with -rosy lilac; the
tails are pale yellow.

In the Conservatory may often be found many effective
plants wtich are rarely, if ever in some cases, used for pur-
poses of decoration. Veronica Hulbeana is extremely beautiful
at the present time, and is quite distinct from any other in
cultivation. It bears a profusion of pale lavender flowers in
large panicles, and the stems though long are so flexible as
to form with a few ties the most perfect specimen. Arototis
grandiflora is a fine old shrub of Compositae, and bears im-
mense flowers in colour reaembling Gazania splendens.

Darlingtonia californica is just now of particular interest
from its flowering out of doors, where it has been for the last
two years, with only the protection of a bell-glass. It is in
one of the recesses at the rockwork, where it was placed when
quite a small plant, and has ever since grown with the best
health and vigour. It has now about fifteen leaves, the largest
of which is 7 inches long. The flower stem about equals it in
height. This plant has been grown in a pot plunged to the
level of the ground, and the bell glass has been so fitted that
while admitting a little air the internal moisture could not
dry up.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOB
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FKUIT GABDEN.

We have been looiiog over the fruit trees. Some kinds have
borne-up bravely, while from others all the blossom has dropped
ofl; and it has just struck aa that if correspondents would look
over their trees and send notes to the Journal of those which
have set their fruit beat under the influence of frost, they would
confer a great boon alike on gHrdeners and amateurs. For in-
stance, take a row of pyramid, bush, standard, or espalier trees
alike unprotected, and give the names, with the effect of the
frost upon them. At Loxford there arc four Cherry trees in a
row; first comes the old Kentish which has an abundant crop.
May Duke has none, Governor Wood baa set its fruit freely,
Black Eagle set very badly, and they were all in flower about
the same time. Cherries and Pears on the walls have set well.

410

JOURNAL OF HORTICUIiTDBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

t May 31, 1877.

Pears and Plums very badly. The weather is not at all favoar-
able to the setting of Apples which are now iu flower, bat we
hope if the nights do not become colder that a sufficient num-
ber will set, for a crop. Tho weather is still very cold with
east and north-east winds blowing.

It is now time to look over IVrtfs on tcalls. The shoots have
grown sufficiently to show which are the best bunches, and the
sooner superfluous growths are removed bo much the better lor
those that remain. We continually advocate thinning-out the
growths of all fruit trees sufficiently, and Vines on walls out of
doors are not exceptions to this rule. The best variety of out-
of-doors Grape is the Royal Muscadine, and it succeeds on even
low walls, bearing good crops of fruit ; but to succeed with it
the Vine mu6t be furnished with a few young growths from the
base annually, and the stronger the growth made by these so
much more freely will they produce fruit, and the bunches will
also be large in proportion to the strength of the canes. Weakly
growths from closely spurred-in old canes seldom produce any
fruit, and when this is the case the best plan is to cut them
down to the base at once. We have looked over a few of the
wall trees which are bearing little or no fruit, and find that they
are making much young wood; we stopped and removed all
lateral growths according to instructions previously given for
this work.

VINERIES.

Fruit is colouring very well in the earliest house. Black
Hamburghs usually colour best in dull weather and when the
fruit is pretty well shaded by the leaves. White Grapes require
opposite treatment, exposure to the sun causing the fruit to
take on that amber colour so much esteemed in well-grown speci-
mens. Much attention is required in the latest houses where
the Vines have started without artificial heat. In one house
the fruit is set, and iu another the blnasoms are opening. The
temperature ought not to fall below 7U° at night in the Muscat
house, and 05° in that devoted to those sorts requiring the heat
of a Hamburgh house. Tying down and stopping the lateral
growths must be continued as they require it. One seldom sees
the growths trained as ihey ought to be — that is, regularly over
the surface of the trellis, and all at one angle from the main rod.
Every growth ought also to be trained under the wires. It re-
quires some care to do this, but it can usually be done. Stop
the growths when it is necessary, taking out the tips of the
shoots an inch or two in length.

After the fruit is set in any house the shoots will have grown
sufficiently to be inarched, if it is intended to do this. We have
inarched Gros Colman on the Muscat of Alexandria by way of
esperiment. The Muscat is a good stock for many differ.^nt
sorts of Vines, and we fancy that it will do well for this variety
especially to iitprove the flavour. We have heard it stated
several times that it matters not what stock is used, as the roots
are just what the leaves make them ; this opinion we cannot
endorse, as it has again and again been proved that the roots
have considerable influence on the stock. Gros Guillaume
(Barbarossa so called) is a bad stock. Lady Downe's is not a
good stock either for some sorts of Vines. We prefer Black
Hamburgh and Muscat to any other. When the growths are of
the same thickness a slice ought to be cut from each to the
centre of the pith, and when the two are fastened closely
together the union is often so perfect that it is difficult to find
the place after two or three years' growth. The union is never
so perfect when the wood is brown and hard before the opera-
tion is performed. -Vfter a period of dull cold weather Vines
often suffer with a sudden change to warm sunny days. The
ventilators ought to be freely opened to prevent the scalding of
the leaves, and the check to growth sometimes bringa quantities
of red spider.

CUCUMBERS AND MELONS.

The value of heated structures for these has been fully
proved this season. Xotwithstanding the cold both Melons and
Cucumbers have done well in heated houses, but they grew very
slowly in frames, where they could only be induced to progress
freely by supplying fresh linings as the others became cold.
This may still be done by merely turning the old linings over
and adding fresh stable manure or leaves to it. Overwatering
is to be avoided. Plants in frames are not likely to become too
dry, as they are when the heat is kept up from hot-water pipes.
While the weather continues so cold and damp it is not safe to
water the plants at night; better do it in the forenoon, closing
the frames early, say about three or towards four o'clock, as the
sun may be shiniUK or not, and covering the glass with mats to
retain the heat. We pinch and train the growths on Cucumber
and Melon plants in frames, and in houses very much in the
same way as is done with Vines, and it is equally important to
pinch early to prevent overgrowth. Melons traiued to trellises
innst have the fruit supported in some way before it is nearly
ripe, else it will drop on to the ground and may be injured.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

There is a difficulty at this season to find room for all the
occupants of the greenhouse, and those who grow a little of
almoat everything in a small space have their inventive energies

sorely taxed to do justice to all their plants. Plants do not
look well if they are not placed so close to each other that the
stage underneath does not show conspicuously through amongst
the flowers and foliage ; and, again, many Cape and New Holland
plants ought not to be shaded from the sun unless it shines un-
usually fierce. But what becomes of Azaleas, Pelargoniums, &e.,
that are in flower if they are subjected to the same treatment?
To grow hardwooded plants well there ought to he a special
house for them when they are removed from the show house
and also before the flowers open, and if possible it ought to be
in two compartments, as some species require much more air
and less heat than others. As the flowers of Azaleas, Heaths,
and other plants of this nature fade they ought to be removed
at once, as nothing is so untidy as decaying flowers, nor so in-
jurious to the plants as to let them remain on after they have
faded. We have been tying and training different species of
hardwooded plants, and looking over them carefully to detect
any trace of red spider or mildew ; both are very troublesome.
Amongst greenhouse plants in flower at the present time may
be named Hedaroma tulipifera and Pimelea spectabilis. Hovea
Celsii is just over, but its peculiar deep blue flowers are con-
tinued by those of Statioe profasa and S. Holfordi. Ericas of
sorts are extremely elegant, and the flowers of many of the
species, including such as E. ventrioosa magnifica, E. v. Both-
welliana, E. v. grandiflora, E. v. rubra, and E. Cavendiahiana —
always such a conspicuous object at flower shows — are very
useful for cutting, the small sprays being charming when placed
in small glass vases. There ia quite a wealth of flowers of this
class just now, but we will only name three more — viz., Boronia
elatior. This flue species we feel inclined to place at the top of
the list; its deep rose flowers are elegantly placed on slender
stalks, and are very pretty amongst the finely divided leaves.
B. pinnata is an old favourite not so much known as it ought to
be, and is one of the best. B. serrulata makes a very neat com-
pact bush, and is quite worthy of being named with the other
two. All the three species are well adapted for exhibition and
are beautiful in the greenhouse. As we write this the weather
is much warmer, and more air can be left on the greenhouses at
night. Except tying-in a few plants and re-arranging others on
the stage we have not done much other work in this department
this week.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

Tulips are in full flower with us, indeed many blooms remain
open at night, a sign that the petals will soon drop. I'^xoept
shading from the sun and protecting from frosts at night no
other attention is required. Pinks will be the next to flower,
and sticks must be placed to the spindles as soon as possible.
The beds ought to have been mulched with decayed manure, but
it has been neglected. Carnations and Picotees are doing very
well, as until the middle of May the pots were protected with glass
lights. With fine weather they will grow apace, and the flower
stalks will require fastening to the sticks as the plants advance
in growth. We have finished potting the Auriculas, both show
varieties and Alpines. All such work ought to be done in good
time ; we seldom have any to do after May. Good turfy loam
about four parts, leaf soil one part, and a little cow manure
was the potting material used. No plants are potted into pots
larger than 5 inches in diameter. The pots are well drained,
and the compost is pressed in firmly with the fingers. A recent
writer in the Journal (Mr. Bullock) has given very good in-
structions for potting Auriculas. — J. Douglas.

TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED.
Ewing & Co., Royal Norfolk Noraeriea, Newmarket, Norwich.
— Descriptive List of Clematises.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to " The Pablisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.
EoSES (r. S.).— Tho lime iiliicod on the Burtace of the soil for the pur-
pose you name will not iojure the Roses, but we should oocaaionally use Boot
matead of lime, which would be beneticial to them.

Beauty of Glszenwood Rose (C. H.).— The bloom sent is Fortune's
Yellow, which occasionally produces flowers flaked with rose. Disappoint-
ment would not have been caused had not the Rose been sent out under
another name. It is a distinct and attractive Rose.

Adiantdm farleyense (T. R. M. -E.).— The frond sent is very atttactiTei
and in exoelleut health. Has the plant received peculiar treatment 7

May 81, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Roses Dyikg (J. S. 0. il.).— Probably the roots became dry duringr removal,
and you did not prune the heads sufficiently closely. You cannot do more
than'keep the e^^U moist and remove all suckers and Briar bude as they appear
on the stems. I( the wood is not shrivelled do not destroy the bushes.

Rose NOT Opening (E. S.).— We thiak alack of vigour is the cause of the
flowers of your Dachesse de Cavlua Rose not expanding. Tbe stem of the bud
sent is certainly weak and uuhealthy. "We think if you give more generous
treatment some of the later blooms will expand. Perhaps you did not prune
Bof&ciently close.

Roses Blighted (J. S.).— The loives appear to have been injured by the
cold dull weather, in addition to which there are traces of black fungus.
Give the trees a thoroagh syringing with soot water— one peck of soot to
thirty gallons of water, fctirriug well up and adding 2 ozs. of soft soap to every
gallon. Strain before use, bo that nuy particles of dirt may not clog the
eyringe or engine. In addition to that afford liquid manure to the roots, and
if given a few degrees higher in temperature than that of the boU all the
better, yet not exceeding 10^ higher.

Rabbits in a Gabden {Old Siihscribtr).— The only remedy against the
ravages of the rabbits is to fence the side that is open with wire netting
2 feet 6 inches high. Unless the space is very great the expense will not
be much.

Management of Cannas [M. B.).— If the roots of your plants are fresh we
Bhould plant them out in June even if but little top growth was made. They
are not increased from cuttings but from seeds, soaking them in warm
water for twenty-four hours, and then suwing in brisk heat early in the
spring, growing the plants under glass for a time until they are large enough
to be planted out when the weather is suitable. In the autumn they should
be potted and kept moist until the foliage decays, then withholding water,
bat not permitting the soil to become dust-dry, placing them so as to be
secure from frost. Many Cannaa in the London parkin are left in the ground
all the winter, covering' the surface thickly with mauore. Thus managed
they grow luxuriantly year after year. If your plants are dead (which we
doubt) you had better sow some seed without any delay.

Cabnations. Picotees. and Pinks (C. B.).— The Carnation has the marks
on its petals from the centre to the edge, and through the edge in flakes or
stripes of colour. The Picotee has its coloured mark only on the outer edge
of its petals. A Pink is altogether a smaller flower and plant. The centre
of each petal should be white surrounded with a coloured lacing, and beyond
this lacing a clear smooth edge of white.

Arrangement of Flower Beds (Illiteracy). — We should prefer a dif-
ferent arrangement. Let the four corner circular beds remain, and between
ihem and of the same width form four oblong beds with semicircular end^,
and in the centre form a larger round bed. This simple arrangcoient would
be much more in keeping with the architecture of the houee than the design
you have submitted to us, and the five round and four oblong beds could be
effectively planted. Do not crowd the beds too much, but allow plenty of
lawn between them.

Planting Asparagus and Seakale (West Coast). — You may now dig up
portions of the roots of Seakale and cut them into sets and plant them as
recently described in the Journal, but we should not advise yon to destroy your
old plantation so late in the season. Tou can obtain nets without destroying
or seriously iDJoring the old plants. Asparagus should be transplanted just
when growth is commencing in the spriog. It is generally too forward now
except in very late districts. The roots must not become dry during their
removal. Your other inquiry will be answered next week.

iNETRrMENTS FOR DRESSING FLOWERS (R. J. L. H.).— Mr. Rudd states
that they can be procured from Mr. B. Simonite, Rough Bank, Shelheld, whose
instruments are the best ho has seen for the purpose.

Adder's-tongce {Co«8(aH( ilfat/cr).— The botanical name is Ophioglossum
vulgatum.

PsECDO Acacias (C. D. IT.).— The two trees are the same. Ask your
seedsman to sand what you require. If he has not the seed in stock he will
procure it for you.

Propagating Coledses (S. J. TT.).— Cuttings strike readily at any period
of the year when they can be obtained, placing them in a propagating house
or hotbed, such as a Cucumbtr frame, where there is a bottom heat of 80^
to 90^ and a top heat of not less than 70°. Tliey require to be inserted in
light sandy soil, kept moist, and shaded for about a week until roots are
emitted. There cannot he a better time than the present for inserting the
cuttings.

Vine Leaves Scorched (J. A. H.). — We cannot perceive any signs of
fungus, but we should as a precautionary measure advise you to keep the
fttmospbere of the house a little drier, especially as you do not employ fire
heat. Had you used less moisture and perhaps more air the leaves of the
Vines would not have been bo sncculeat and prone to scorch. A sudden out-
burst of sun after a term of dull weather has promoted escessivo transpira-
tion— that is, the foliage of the Vines has given off moisture disproportiouate
to the supply by the roots. This implies also deficient root-action, which is
literally the root of the evil of which yon complain. As the temperature of
the soil increases new rootj will form with increased freedom; and io the
meantiire, if the scorching continues, sprinkle a little thin limewash on the
glasa with the syringe until the foliage can endure the full sun. Examine
the roots and see if they are healthy; if they are not working freely in the
soil we should renew it immediately after the crop has been cut in the
antomn.

Plants Failing (A Yorkshire 7^■a'^?^).— Deficient heat and fumes from
the newly-painted pipes are probably the cause of the failures.

Malformed Tulips IF. Frofhhnm).—lt is a most unusual occurrence that
many of your bulbs should producQ five flowers and that four of them
should be on one stalk 1 Yuu ask, What is the cauie and what the remedy ?
Probably a too rich soil is tho cause — we cannot suggest any other; if so,
place the manure at least 6 inches below the ground, and plant your bulbs in
ttirfy loam without any manure.

Orchids for Cool Greenhouse (J. D.).— What are usually termed cool
Orchids are Masdevallias. Odontoglortsuma, &c., from the Andes of Peru and
the mountainous districts of New Grenada, but they require a temperature
of 45= to 5tr^ and will not do for a cool greenhouse. You must grow Cypri-
pediums acanle, Calceolus, pubescens, and spectabile ; Disa graudiflora, Orchis
foUosa, and a few other sorts. These are sure to do well.

Allamanda nodilis not Flowering (Eight-yfnr.H Subscriber).— The best
treatment is to cat the plants back in the spring and grow them on in a

temperature of 70° at night at this time of the year. Pinch the growths
once or twice during the season. Your plant may yet flower in August if you
give it a sufficiently high temperature.

Selection of Begonias (Idem).— B. BoliviensiB, B. Chelsoni. B. Digs-
welliensis, B, fuchsioides, B. intermedia, B. nitida, and B. Wettoniensis.

Planting Flower Beds (P(irrtf;o«l.— With the exception of btatiug that
you have Perillas and variegated Grass you name no other plants. The
Perillu we think will be too sombre in the position you assign for it. It
would be relieved by yellow Calceolarias. Golden Feather, or white Stocks
and Asters, all of which would do well in a cool and partially shaded position,
so also would dwarf Ageratums.

Calceolarias Dving (Constant Su^scrifccr).— Deficient root-action is the
principal cause of your plants dying. The soil is not good enough, or water-
ing has not been regular and sufficient. They are probably also attacked by
insects. Calceolarias require a cool moist atmosphere to preserve them in a
healthy state. The fruit sent is the small Pear-shaped Gourd, and is very
ornamental.

Rhododendrons and Roses Injured (M. B.).— Wedo not think that mice
have committed the injury. An insect is the culprit; probably a weevil of
some kind.

Destroying Earth Nuts (In a Fix)."Since the bank is so large and the
plants of Bunium fioxuosum are so numerous, we can only advise your mow-
ing off the tops as soon as you perceive them. If this is done frequently the
roots will decay ; at any rate if the pUnts are prevented flowering the hoys
will not be attracted by them and destroy the turf by searching for the
roots.

Doublf. Polyanthus (IT. i)/. B.).— The flowers sent to uh were so much
dried that we could not judge of their merits. They appear to be very double.
Preserve the variety, and send us fresh flowers another year.

Statice Holfobdi (J. H. B.).— Tho plants are suffering in consequence
of the atmosphere being too close and moist. Avoid having the fohage wet
when the sun's rays fall powerfully upon the plants. Statices require a light
airy position, and s^hould be carefully wat'red, avoidmg making the soil
sodden, and yet giving a good supply when the plants are in free growth.
They should be potted when fresh growth takes place, having been kept
rather dry over the winter. A compost of three parts of hght fibrous loam,
one part of tuify peat, half a part of leaf soil, and a half part in equal pro-
portions of silver sand, pieces of charcoal, and old dry cow dung, well incor-
porated and used rather rough, potting firmly, and providing good drainage,
wilh a light well-ventilated position in a greenhouse, will grow the plants well.

Lily of the Valley Overcrowded (R. G.).— We should supply the
plants with liquid manure liberally during dry weather, and in November
thin out the plants, selecting such as have good crowns for forcing. They
may be placed in pots or pans about an inch apart, be plunged overhead in
ashes, aad forced as required. We should thin the plants in the bed. leaving
clumps abaut 6 inches across, leaving space of that width all around them, and
manure well. The plants removed may be planted out in well-manured beds
1 foot apart every way, in little clumps of about 6 inches in diameter, the
crowns being three-quarters to an inch apart. Mulch the beds after planting
about an inch deep with soma thoroughly decayed manure or leaf soil. In
planting thecrowos should be just level with the surface. After being planted
two years the clumps will be in good order for lifting for forcmg.

Dedtzia not Thriving (G. 3/.).— The plant would be best planted out in
good rich Ught soil in an open yet sheltered position, and this we should do
at once, cutting the plant down to within a few inches of the soil ; or if you
wish to keep it in a pot you may shift it at once into a pot a size larger,
using a compost of light turfy loam enriched with a fourth of well-docayed
manure or leaf soil, and place it outdoors in a sheltered situation on ashes.
It would, however, be best to plant out so weakly a plant.

IxiA AND Leaves Scorched {R. K. P.).— From the atmosphere being
kept close and moist we should attribute the injury to the foliage. More air
and freer watering at the roots would probably afford a remedy with a light
position. The plants should not have the sun's rays fall powerfully upon
them whilst wet.

Applying Arsenic to Gravel Walks (H. ^.).— It would bo dangerous
to use arsenic upon gravel walks to which fowls have access. We have no
experience of carbolic acid for destroying weeds.

Culture of Calla (Richardia) -ethigpica (J. H.).— It is quite right to
water them very freely during growth— liberally, in fact, with liquid manure ;
but a better plan would be to form trenches, as for Celery, in a position
sheltered from winds, manuring well. We shouldbardou the plants off. divide
them, and plant out. watering them very freely in dry weather, taking up and
potting them in late September, and they will afterwards flower freely.

Crystals of Ammonia for Geraniums (Bucfcs).— We have little experience
of these, and what we have is not satisfactory. Perhaps your frieud would
let out the secret of which we know no one in gardening can keep excepl at a
disadvantage. Moat secrets of the kind are myths.

Management of Beqonias (Ificm).— Continue the seedliugs in heat until
they can fairly be handled, then put them off singly in 8-inch pots, returning
them to heat, and continuing therein until well established, after which
remove to the greenhouse, shifting into larger pots as required. The heated
frame by a paraffin lamp we should be glad to have particulars of ; if with a
section, and cost of oil all the better. Have patience with the bulbs ot
Begonia Frcebelli, they will start into growth early next month. The best
mode of preeerving tubers of Begonias is to keep them in dry sdud m a box in a
position safe from frost. The small seedling had not formed tubers, aud the
older bulbs had not had water gradually withheld so as to ripen them.

Sowing Primulas and Calceolarias (Wcm).— The Primula seed should be
sown at once in a pot or pan well drained, using a compost of loam two parts,
with a third of old cow dung, well decayed manure, or leaf moil, just covermg
the seed with fine soil, placing in a frame, aud shading from bright sun. If
the frame be heated the seed will germinate sooner and more surely, and
when the seedlings have one rough leaf aud show the second pot them off
singly in small potis, or prick them off in pans 1 inch to li inch apart, placing
in a cold frame kept close and shaded from sun until established, then admit
air moderately, shading from bright sun. If pricked off lift gently when the
plants meet and pot off singly. When they fill the pots with roots sbift into
6or7-inoh pots, returniog them to the frame, giving air moderately, aud
shading slightly, watering as mav be required. lu October bnfore frost
remove them to a light airy position in the greenhouse. The Calceolaria
seed should be sown the first week in July in a pau watered before sowing,

JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

the seed to be Rcattered on the snrface and not covered with soil, bat sprinkled
with silver sand. Place in a cold frame, and keep shaded until the seedliDga
appear, taking care that the soil does not become dry. Prick off in pans when
tho plants can be handled, keeping in a cold fiame rather close and shaded,
and lifting carefully pot off Kingly in 3-inch pots, returning to the frame,
where they may remain until frost, when they should be moved to a frreen-
honse, shifting into larger pots as required. Water go as to keep the soil
moist. What they want is moisture but not a sodden soil, coolness but safety
from frost, and free ventilation. Three parts loam, and a part old cow dung
or well-decayed manure, with a sixth of sand will grow them well.

Steat\-berry Flowers Blind {D. C.).— The flowers are " bliDd," having
been injured by frost or the lon^-continaed dull cold weather, it not unfre-
qnently arising from the imperfect ripening of the crowns the previous
autumn. Yours, however, are blackened by cold. The kind is free and good.

Removing Runners from Strawberry Plants (F. A. F.).—U yon do
not wish for an increase of plants remove the runners as they show; but if
young plants are wanted for planting,' pe^ the first runners, and when they
are well rooted take theiu up and plant, afterwards removing all runners as
they appear.

Bending the Stems of Onions {Idem).— "We could not say when this
should be done without seeing the plants. It thick in the neck it requires to
be done earlier than wht n the neck is small.

Scale on Vines (E/m).— You must act promptly, yet carefully, patiently,
and perseveringly in removing the scale, or your crop will be ruined. Go
over the Vines and remove with the hands or a piece of stick all of such
clusters of insects as you have forwarded to us. Have at the same time a
solution of soft soap of a strength of 2 or 3 ozs. of soap to a gallon of water,
adding to it a little tobacco water, about a pint to each gallon, and with a
spoDge wash thoroughly the stems and leaves where the insects are apparent,
and from which you have previously moved what you have been able of them.
Yon cannot remove all, for underneath the old scales are a progeny of young,
which you cannot probably pee, and which will run in all directions when the
masses are moved; that is why yoa must have the solution ready and apply
it promptly when the insects are disturbed. Gishuret coaapound will
answer as well as soft soap, using the solution when nearly as hot as the
hand can bear immersion in it. The remedy we propose may be a alow one,
but a cr p of Grapes is worth more than a day or two's labour. Neither
fumigating nor eyringirjg will be of any service in your case. By removing
the insects and sponging the Vines you can avoid injuring the bunches. The
solution will not injure the foliage nor seriously discolor it if applied when
warm. We should not syringe the Vines afterwards with clean water, but
would lather leave the foliage, &c., as distasteful to the insects as possible.
At the winter's pruning you must brush the Vines and every portion of the
vinery with a hot solution of thrice the tttrength named, and you may thus
eradicate the pest. The "Vine Manual" will suit you; it can be had post
free from our office for 2j. 8d.

Insects on Peach Trees (W^m).— Remove all the leaves similar to those
you have sent us, and svringe the trees with the solution advised for the
Vines, applying it at a temperature of 100". The trees should be syringed
every afternoon when the sun is declining, yet soon enough for the foliage to
dry partially before nightfall. You must kill the insects, or they will speedily
kill your trees.

Raising Aubrietias (M.'m).— We should sow seed at once in light soil in
pans or boxes, keeping regularlv moist and in a close frame until the seedlings
appear, then gradually admitting more light and air to enable them to become
sturdy, when they may be transplanted in the open ground, shading them for
a time and watering them as required. We have raised many thousands of
Anbrietias in this way, which have made good plants during the season, and
have flowered freely during the following spring. There must bo now no
delay in sowing and no subsequent neglect, or the plants will not attain to a
flowering size during the aeasun.

Names of Plants.— Some of these replies have been unavoidably delayed.
(F. PecD.—ltis tuberosa. (Young Gardener).— I, ViAygAla. oppositifolia ; 2,
Heliolropium peruvianom. {A. B.).— A species of Santolina. {Constant
Reader).~l, Andromeda calyculata; 2, An Adiantnm, but the specimen is in-
sufficient. (OMSu&scritcr).— I, DaTaIlia{?j; 2, Polypodium cambricum ; 8,
Pteris cretica ; 4, P. eerrulata. (Jfiti-Sussea;*.— l.Lithosperuium prostratum ;
2, Festuca ovina ca?rulea ; 3. Iris ftetidissima fol. var. ; 4, Frond t m young for
identification ; 5, Cyrtomium falcatum ; 6, Asplenium viviparum. The Auricula
is a very good border variety. (E'ght-years Subscribcr).~A. large-flowering
variety of Odontoglossum citrnsmnm. (IF. IF. X).— The Pern from Covent
Garden is Adiantam pedatum. The other one we cannot name from the
fragment sent without spores. (O., Diss).— I, Phlor frondosa; 2, Aubrietia
purpurea; 8, Saxifraga Gmelini. {Student, flarf/ou').— No. 1, Fagua syl-
vatica, the Beech tree; 2, Fedia cariuata; 8, Carpinus Eetulus, the Horn-
beam ; 4,Cy8topterisfrftgilis. (S. M. IF.).— Pernettvaangustifolia. (J. C. M.).

— Adiantum trapezifo;

{R. A. P.). — Ceanothus azureus.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEOK OHEOUIOLE.

BANBURY POULTRY SHOW.

The entries here were very good. Mr. Herrieff is a good
fancier and knows how to plesae fanciers, auci he had a valuable
coadjutor in the Pigeon department ia Mr. J. W. Kdge of Bir-
mingham. We anticipate a great run of auocesa for this Show
in future. The Judge was Mr. Hewitt, who apparently gave
every satisfaction. The owner of pen No. 8, however, we can
well imagine was not of the satisfied party, for his pea was dis-
qualified, and rightly so too. Truly he must have been a
novice in the fancy to think of bribing Mr. Hewitt, for we
learn he offered this worthy .Judgn hHlf the value if ho would
give his bird the cup. This exhibitor in his embryo form had
better keep in it, as he will not meet, we imagine, a cordial
reception in future at other shows.

Dorkings opened tho citalogue, the first prize going to Mr.
Allen's new purchase from Mr. Woodgate. He is a fine cock
with good feet and much boue, the bird which won first for his
late owner at Bournemouth. The other noticed birds, too, were

all good here. In hens Mr. Allen's pen was empty, but it was a
wonderful class, and thirteen pens won cards from the Judge.
The first hen was a fine-framed bird and gnod in colour, but two
or three mora were closely pressing her ia quality. The next
Dorking class was very good, aad the heas, too, were excellent,
the winner very bright in colour and neat in feet. The Cochins
were four well-filled classes, and Mr. Darby's birds were well
shown and in good feather. These were imoiense classes, and
though some birds were looking a little the worse for wear,
they were, nevertheless, a good and well-judged lot. Bralimas
mastered very fairly. The first Dark hen was a well-pencilled
bird, and so was pen 181 (Pritchiird). The cup went to Mr.
Smith's fine old Dark cock looking fresh and well. Light hens
were capital, all the three prize birds being of much merit. Of
the Game a Brown Red cock of good style won the cup. Mr.
Matthews sent a good team. He had a capital Dackwing hen
which took first, as, too, was the cock in the former class, which
was especially good in colour and head. The Haniburghs
produced a neat collection, though they were not so numerous
as some other classes were. The cup went to good Gold-spangles.
There were eleven pens and these of good quality. One bird
was entered in the wrong class, being really due in the next
one. The first Golden-pencilled hen was good in pencilling,
and very neat altogether. In Silver-pencils only five pens ap-
peared in the catalogue, two of which were in the wrong class
again, so no third was given. The cup pen of Spanish were
excellent, the faces being large and white, and the birds gene-
rally well shown. Houdans brought fourteen pens, and the
quality was better than we have seen of late. In the other
French class large Crovea were first, and fine La Flcche second.
Pen 380 (Burnell), contained a good hen, as did 377 (Feast).
Polands came well to the front, all colours being well repre-
sented. Splendid Silvers won first, the hen a marvellously
good bird. A grand pen of White-crested Blacks were second,
closely pressing we should think on the first pen, as the hen
was of beautiful shape and colour with a good globular crest.
Third went to very fine Golds. 388 (Hinton), were good Silvers,
and 393 (Darby), very excelleat Blacks. The Leghorns were
only mediocre in quantity and quality. Only ten pens appeared
for the six prizes, though eigijt of them were noticed. Very
many white birds have by now lost much of their purity of
colour, and the ears too seem still very far from perfect. The
Any variety class was a most intereatiog collection. Black
Haniburghs of fine quality wou first, very fair Malays second,
and Audalusians third. Fourtfen pens were noticed, which
contained some good Black Hamburghs, Minorcas, Malays, and
some "Langshans." Biintams were a pretty little lot, the cup
Laced being a very beautiful pair. In the next class smart
Blacks were first, and White-booted second. Mr. Entwisle sent
two pairs of Black Reds in good feather.

Aylesbury Ducks were not numerous, but the three winning
pens were well up to the mark. In the Variety Waterfowl
class a pair of fine Pekins won first, and fancy Ducks second
and third, but every pea in the class won a card, and the quality
was generally good. Tho four pens of Geese were highly credit-
able, and Mrs. Wyke's Turkeij hens were of large appearance
and in good feather; they were both Cambridge, as too was the
first cock, and from the same yard we believe. There were
573 pens in this departmeut of tlie Show so far, which gives an
average in the forty-one classes of fourteen per class, which is
extremely good we consider fur the time of the year.

In the Pigeons many classes were superb. It would be really
invidious to select individual birds where so many were of ex-
ceeding merit. Carrier cocks were especially good, and to the
first-prize bird went the cap for the best pen in the Show. He
was a grand bird, fine in head and wattle and quite deserving
of his high honours. Mr. Falton brought down a grand team
and did well with them. Turbits were a most excellent lot.
Owls, too, were a grand class, and we were surprised to find so
large a collection of the English type. Antwerps and Dragoons
were excellent, and the classes by their magnitude made the
Judge's work arduous. In the Variety class, which was of great
merit, a splendid Trumpeter was first and deservedly so, while
two good Magpies were second aud third. The awards in
this class, which was of great beauty, were exceedingly well
selected. Magpies and Truuipeters of the new type being espe-
cially well represented. We furnish the awards below and hope
they are correct, but as many were taken from the cards on the
pens we will not be responsible for all of them.

POULTRY.— DOBKINGS.-Colourprf. cxceiil SilBer-Orei/^-Cock.-l. _H. Allen.

3, Rev. H. R. Peel, vhc, F. Parlett, J
1 and Cup, S. Salter. 2 T. C. Buruell
W. H. Denison 3, Dr. E. V. Snell

opple.

3. L. Wren. Hen.—l. T. C. Biimell. z,
omss.~B»jTor C?«namoft.— Cocfc.— 1,A.
Darby. 2, H. Tomlinson. 8. C. N. Slickinim. Ben.-l and Cup. A. Darby. 2,
C. .M. StickinKa. 3, Mrs A. Tindal. Aiiyvarieti/.-Cock.—\,A.Diiby. a, R J.
Wood. 3. J. Bloodworth. vhc, R. P. Peroival. Hen.—l, Mrs. A. Tindjl. 2 and
.■!. R. J. Wood. I'lic, K P. Percival. BaanMiS.— Dort.— Coct.-^landCup.J. F.
Smith. 2. H. Lingwood. S,L. " " ' . ~ ™

1, E(?T. J. D. Peake. 2. T.

Dean. Liglit.—Cock.—l, J. F. Smith.

outli. vhc, J. Birch, jnn. Hrn.—l, M.

riu.lal. vlic. P. Hamea, J. Birch, jun.

..—Black Ited.—Cock.-l, 3. Walter. 2. R. J. Pratt. 3. S. Matthew.

Extra 3, M. Potter. Ben.—l, K. J. Pratt. 2, Hon. and Rev. Dutton. 3, J. Col-

Agpden. 3, .T. F. Smith. Extra 3.
2, R. P. Percival. 8, Onunteaa of I
" ■ 2, R. E. Hprsfall. 3, Mrs

May 31, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

413

Matthew. 2. C. W. Laiton. S. W. C. PhUUps. Hfii —1, S. Matthew. 2, E.
Winwood 3, W. Jonea. H*aiBDBGH9.— (fuWtfH-^jjanflZcd - 1 and Cup,— Blake-
man. 2, J. Jackson. S.T.Love. ti»ic, J. Long. aolden-pencilled.—l.W.Ti.
Tickner. 2. J. T. K Castell. 3. H. K. Hohson. vhc, Dr. K. V. Snell. Silver-
spangled— l.H.PickJea. 2, B. Kawnsley. S.J.Long. Silver-pencilled— 1,Dt.
E.V. Snell. 2. H. Pickles. Spanish.— 1 and Cnp, D. M. Mills. 2, J.Powell. 3.
W. R. BtUl. HoDDANS.—L Dr. E. V. Snell. 2, M.Hall. 3, S. W. Thomas, vhc,
G. D. Harrison. Crkve-Cceur and Li Fleche.- I, M. Hall. 2, H. Stephens.
8. Robinson & Mvers. vhc, H. Feaat, E. Burrell. Polands.— 1, Countess of
Dartmouth. 2, t. Norwood. S. E. Burrell. vlic, A. & W. H. Silvester.
Lkghorns.— Broic7i.— 1, Messrs. Bradbury. 2 and 3. A. Kitchen. Wlute —1,
Mrs. W. P. HuKbes. 2, Messrs. Fowler. 3, A. Kitchin. Any Distinct
VABtExr — 1, B. Rawnsley. 2, E. Greenhill. 3, W. "Wildey. iflie, H. Pickles, J.

Bantams— Cock.— 1, C. W. Laxton. 2. Rev. H R. Peel. 3. W. NichoUs. Bent
or PulUts.—l, J. T. Parker. 2, H. Blower. 3, J. Buckmaster. Extra 3. H.
Yardley. vhc, G. E. Meredith. Bantams.— I, E. Pritchard. 2. C. F. Copeman.
8. M. Leno. DocKs.-^!/!es6ur!/.— I, Messrs. Fowler. 2, J. Hedges. S. Dr. E.
V. SneU. tiJic, Messrs. fowler, T. Sear. Bouen.—l and vhc. Dr. E. V. Snell.
2, S. Slatter. 3, C. L. Boyce. Any other variety or Ornamental Waterfoivl.-l,

PIGEONS.— Carriers.— Blaci or Du«.—Cocfc.— 1,2, and Cup. J. Ecroyd. 3, R.
FoltoD. Hen.—l and 3. R. Fulton. 2. J. Ecroyd. Any other colour.— Cock or
Ben.—l and 2. R. Fulton. 3, J. Baker. Footers.— ^ni/ colour except White.—
CocJc.— 1 and Cup, J. Baker. 2 and 3. R. Fulton. Hen.— 1 and 3, J. Baker. 2. R.
Full..n. rniiij.-Coct or Hen.— l.L. Watkins. 2 and S, J. Baker. Barbs.-
Cocfc or Hen.— 1, R. Fulton. 2. P. H. Jones. S.J.Baker. Jacobins.— Cocfc or
Sen —I, 2, and Cup, J. Baker. 3, S. Salter. Fantailb.— Cock or Ben.— I and 2,
W. Dawson. S, J. Kaker. Tdbbits.- Coet or Ben —I and 2, J. Ecroyd. S, R.
Fnllon. vhc, R. Fulton, S Salter. Ovi,s— English.— Cock or Ben.—l, J.
Ecroyd. 2, J. Barnes. 3 J. Lewer. uftc. J. Ecroyd. Foreign.-Cock or Ben —
1. J. Baker. 2 and 3. R. Fulton. Tdmblehs.- Lono-faced.— Cocfc or Hen.—l, R.
Woods. 2, W. B Gibbins. S, I. W. Edge. Short-faced— Cock or Hen.— 1, Cup,
and Extra 2, J. Ecroyd. 2and3,J. Baker. Draooons.— Bine or Silver.— Cock
or Ben.—l, 3, 8, and Cup, R. Woods. Any other colour.— Cock or Hen.— 1,W. S.
Powell. 2 and 3, R. Woods. ASTWEnp3.-Lonj7/aced— Cocfc or Hen —1, B.
Rawnsley. 2, T. W. Cockbill. 8. W. E. Wills. Shortjaced —Cock or Ben.—
1, H. Yardley. 2, J. Mantel. 3, J. Kendrick, jun. BoviiuiJ, Red or Blue
Chequers.— Cock or Hen.-l and 2, J. W. Barker. 3, G. H. Billett. Boming,
Any other colour.— Cock or Een.-l.yi.'E.VihU. 2, J. W Barker. 8, J. Hill.
Any otbes Variety.- 1, R. Fulton. 2 and 3. S. Salter. Selling Classes.—
Sin<;(« Bird.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, T. Wheeler. 3, J. Mantel, vhc, J. Baker.
Pair.— 1, J. Mantel, 2, H. Yardley. 8, J. Baker.

TAVISTOCK POULTKY SHOW. '

This ExhibitioD, which is part of the Devon County agrionl-
tural meeting, was this year a great Buccess, and the nnmeroas
visitors seemed thoronghly to enjoy the poultry department.
We would suggest that on another occasion the entries should
not close quite so early, for at this season of the year adult
birds so soon become hors de combat from breeding and early
moults that their owners often object to entering them long
before a show. The Rev. G. F. Hodson made the awards, which
the exhibitors mostly seemed well satisfied with.

The old English Game fowl opened the catalogne, and half
a dozen of the cocks won a notice from the Judge. A fair
Brown Red was first, while a Black Red, only fair in colour,
was second. In the next class, which was for pairs. Brown
Beds again mustered the strongest, but none of them were
superior ; while in the next class a pair of Duckwings took first,
which was the only prize awarded. The next class were the
west country Malays, but here termed Indian Game, that title
making a class very unsatisfactory to exhibitor, judge, and visi-
tor. Dorkings were otjly few, but the quality was very fair, the
Coloured being the most numerous. The second hen was shapely,
and apparently good in bone. In Cochins Buffs and Whites
were classified together. There were only seven pens, and of
them two were disqualified by the Judge. Dr. Snell's pen looked
well, and Mr. Darby sent a good heu. In Brahmas the first
Light hen was a good bird. Minorca! made an excellent class ;
Blacks won all the prizes, but the highly commended Whites
were fair. They are undoubtedly good egg-producers, and we
wonder are not more cultivated in other counties. Of the Ham,-
burghs the first Golden-pencils were capital, the hen being well
marked, and the cock in good feather. Silver-pencils were
better than they have generally been of late, and we saw one or
two remarkably neat Spangled hens. We should like to see
here a class for the Blacks; they are a grand race of layers,
and are most handsome. A very good pen of this breed won in
the Variety class, remarkable for their brilliant condition and
good shape. The whole of this latter class, however, was very
good, and the Judge noticed as many as fifteen pens. Second
went to good Sultans, and third to pretty Silkies. Among
Bantams a capital pen of Silver-laced were first, while among
the Game a neat pen of Piles won the same honours ; Reds
winning second. In Water/owl the Aylesburya only had three
pens for the three prizes, but they were all quite of average
merit. R>uens were a few more in number, and hero the Ducks
to ns seemed better than the drakes ; but the season may possibly
account for this.

The Pigeons were certainly not a brilliant collection, and the
entries in most classes were very sparse, only one award being
made in several classes. The first Barb was a well-made bird,
and the first Trumpeters were very fair; but we were much

surprised not to find better filled classes, especially among such
fashionable and popular breeds as Antwerpa and Dragoons.
About a third of the Pigeon prizes fell to Mr. Yardley, whose
birds much helped to improve this only moderate display.

BEDLINGTON POULTKY SHOW.

This Show (of which we gave a list of the winners last week),
was held in the grounds of Mr. Swann on the 2l8t and 22ud
inst. Two commodious marquees were provided for the poultry
and Pigeons, and every accommodation that could be desired.
The Show was continued two days, the Pigeons were packed
carefully in their baskets for the night. The entries were not
so large as we expected, no doubt on account of the Sunday
travelling required in such cases. Poultry numbered abont 170,
while the other sections— viz., Pigeons, Rabbits, and Cage Birds,
numbered about 220.

In poultry the larger varieties were best in quality, the Ham-
burghs being also very good, while the Oame classes comprised
a capital section, some of the best being shown in the cottagers'
section.

In Pigeons the Carriers headed the list, and this was an ex-
traordinary class, the winners by points being a very level lot,
and all Black cocks. The first, an old cock, very heavy and at
his best, the others younger but very good all round. Pouters
were, first and second Blues, and third White ; the first in fine
show trim, the second not so well up but good all round, the
third White was very showy. In hens was one of the best
Blues we have ever seen and easily first, although the second
Yellow was a very good one, and the third a White. In
Tumblers only the Short-faces were noteworthy, and these
were very good indeed. First an Almond cock, second a hen,
and third a capital-skuUed Agate. Dragoons a large class.
First a Blue, second a Yellow, and third a Silver. Nuns a mo-
derate lot; but in Owls were two splendid White Africans,
which were easily first and second, and third a poor Blue
English. Turbits, first a Blue good all round with capital head,
second Red, and third Silver. Barbs were very good, the first
a grand Black, second also Black, third a Yellow. Jacobins
were very fair, first a Yellow very long in feather, second Red,
and third a White. Fantails were a fair lot and in good condi-
tion. Magpies were a grand lot and mostly in nice order. First
Red, second YoUow, and third Black.

In Babbits Lops had seven entries. Firat a Fawn-aud-white
buck, 223 by 45; second a Fawu buck. A Tortoiseshell and a
Silver Fawn were very highly commended. The Variety class
was a capital entry, and almost every entry deserved a card.
First a most exquisite Himalayan doe, second a Silver-Grey
buck, and third an Angora, quite young, but good.

Of Cats there were nine, the best of all being a massive well-
barred Grey Tabby.

Cage Birds were not a heavy entry, although there were
about eighty in all. In Yellow Norwich first was a clear bird in
good bloom, the second a four-pointed bird, and in the Buff class
first was a four-pointed and second a clear; some others, good
in every other point, were too low in body and tail, and more of
the common Yorkshire type. The Mules were a grand lot,
several clear Gjldflnch Mules being shown; as also the Mules
in the Variety class, both of which were Linnets. The Linnet
i and Goldfinch classes were about as good as any in the Show,
1 the former birds being particularly well shown.

Mr. Dixon judged the poultry ; Mr. Hutton the rest of the Show.

I THE BRONZE TURKEY.

When America was first discovered the Turkey in its wild
state was met with throughout nearly every section of what is
now the United States. It is now rarely met with, save in the
unsettled portions of the west and south-west. When and^ by
whom it received its name, and why it was called " Turkey," is
one of those conundrums which has seemed to defy any satis-
factory solution. ., , „ ,

The Bronze Turkey is the product of the wild Turkey on
selected specimens of the common black domesticated variety.
Careful breeding and selection of the largest and finest birds
for breeding purposes has resulted in the formation of a breed
which attains immense size and retains the splendid plumage of
the wild progenitar.

The heaviest weight of which we have any knowledge was of
a gobbler which was purchased by a party of Berks County, Pa.,
Democrats, and sent as a Christmas dinner to Andrew Johnson
when he occupied the Presidential chair. We were at that time
breeding Bronze Turkeys, and had heard of this unusually heavy
bird from several sources; but on sending a party to try and
purchase him, we found we wore two weeks too late. Ue had
been purchased and disposed of as above stated. His weight
was G5 lbs. Since then we have seen gobblers in the show pen
which weighed 40 and even '15 lbs. The hens are also very
heavy in this variety, instances of 20 lbs. being not unfrequeut,
and we once owned a threo-y ear-old hen which weighed 2.34 lbs.

414

JOURNAIi OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

i May 31, 1877.

In breeding, too great care cannot be taken in selection of
the stjck — in fact, almost everything depends npon the parent
birds. Turkeys do not reach their fall size aad vigour until
their third year, and it is reasonable to conclude that the beat
raaults are to be obtained by breeding from fully matured speci-
meng. Experiments in breeding from three-year-old and from
yearling birds have almost invariably resulted iu a larger per-
centage raised and a greatly increased weight in favour of the
former. There is one diealvantage in breeding from very heavy
Toms — the liability of having the backs of the hens skinned and
torn. But this may be in great part avoided by penning the
gobblers up before the breeding season commences, and re-
ducing their weight. Turkeys are great reamers, and it is
almost impossible to have good success with them unless they
have their liberty and ample range. Early iu April the hen
begins to wander around, searching a secluJed place for her
nest. We found that old barrels turned down in a thicket,
under the side of a stone fence, or in a clump of broken rocks,
often provided the sought-for spot, and prevented the hen from
stealing her nest in some more hidden place. Never disturb
the hen when laying, or let her know you have found her neat,
for if she suexjects you she will quit the old nest and make
another.

The early-laid eggs had better be put under common hens,
letting the Turkey hen ait later in the season.

A few days before the birds hatch the hen should be dusted
with flowers of sulphur. When the chicks are twenty-four hours
old grease their heads with the following ointment : — 1 oz. mer-
curial ointment, 1 oz. pure lard, and \ oz. crude petroleum.

When hatched i^at the mother in a roomy coop facing the
south on the sod. Feed little at a time and often. Hard-boiled
eggs are good for the first two days, after which give card
in which mix onion tops or sives, chopped or cut fine with a
knife or scissors. When a week old add coarse Indian meal to
the feed well scalded. After three weeks give them cracked
corn, wheat, ttc., once a day or oftener. Keep fresh cool water
by them at all times.

The first three weekq is usually the critical time with the little
"Turks," and if kept dry and warm with abundance of insect
food within their range and reach, there will be little trouble in
raising them. It is not best to give the mother her liberty until
after this period, and even then it is well to limit her range for
another fortnight. They should be shut up at night and not let
out until the dew is off the grass, until they are six to eight
weeks old. — (-4me?*ica» Pet Stock Bulletin )

THE UNFAVOURABLE SPRING.

The spring months of the last few years have been very nn-
favourable for bees. " Thore is no difference now-a-days between
the weather of winter and that of spring," said a gentleman in
a railway carriage yesterday morning. The cold weather of
late years has continued throughout the spring months, which
has been very disappointing to bee-keepers. And what spring
season has been more disappointing and worse than the present
one ? For very many weeks we have had in this neighbourhood
cold north-easterly winds, which checked and often blighted
vegetation, driving the blossoms from the trees as soon as they
appeared. Honey-gathering has been out of the question. Bees
have been living on last year's stores or what has been given to
them artificially. Yesterday {May 25th) the wind veered round
to the west, when our bees for the first time this year gathered
honey enongh to supply their own wants fur the day. 1 daresay
it has been otherwise in the south of England. In ordinary
seasons swarming with us begins about the 10th of May. This
year it will be later, but after all we may have a year of honey.
It is well to look forward hopefully. The sycamore trees are in
full blossom, and the apple blossoms are not all gone. Rasp-
berry and brambleberry bo rich in honey are coming forward ;
so are field mustard (ketlock) and field beans, which yield honey
plentifully. Then we shall have white clover, the best of all
honey plants, which continues a long time in flower, also lime
trees and the heather of Grouseland. The first half of last
season — ■until the middle of June — was very discouraging to
young apiarians, afterwards their bees gathered considerable
stores of excellent honey. I am hopeful that 1877 will be better
than 1S7G.— A. P.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Colour of Fowls {W. F.).— In ailult poultry any part of the skin that,
can be seen is sure to be rei. Ic is rather an indication of health and
Btrensth than otherwise, bub we do not think it i^ quite so red as the comb
and gills. Hens at this time often become naked behind, tbey are always
red. So in the naliei parts of a Malay they are always very red Those
parts of a fowl's body that are most liable to be stripped of their feathers are
aleo thf; most exposoi and the roughest. ThiJ will account for the colour.
But age has a great deal to do with it. The older fowls get the coarser and
the more coloured doetj their flewh become.

Vermis on Fowls (C. B.).— Your description of the effects of fleia and
other parasites on vouuk chickens is graphic and true, but we have never
found their actioi,* so lart^ely on the appetite. Chickens Cannot be reared if
they are suffering from vermLa. The visitation may arise from being in a

damp place, where a dust bath is an impocsibility ; or from lack of tone and
condition, caused by improper or insuflioient feeding. The first may be
remediei by placing either road tirit or woid ashes in their haunts in per-
fectly dry places. They will dust themselves iq them. If you use road
grit it will be well to mis a handful or two of black sulphur with it. From
the time they begin to use the dust bath the cure has betjun. Another
remedy is to drop with the finger a drop of sweet oil on the poll of the head,
one under each wing, and one ou the back. Your food should consist of
bread and milk, boiled ej?g chopped fine, ookod meat chopped very fine,
crushed wheat. Give them beer to drink. Use no other foods. If they have
been kept indoors put tbem out. Wooden, stone, or brick floors are very
favourable to the growth of vermin. They form preserves for it. We have
no doubt either of these plans will rid you of your pests.

Canker in English Owl {New Suhsrrihrr). — Clear away the secretion on
the diseased parts, aad anoint by means of a camel-hair pencil with carbolic
acid one part to glycerine eight parts. This remedy can be apphed to either
ear, tbrDat, or mouth, but if to the mouth and throat one-half less of the acid.
There is a great doubt as to canker being contagious, but separate your bird
from therast for fear. Be most careful with the water vessels, and see that
they are clean, and also that no dung gets mised with the food of your birds.

Hive Dying in Ma? (Btmr).— We should judge that your bees have been
simply starved to death. We cau see or imagine no other caose for the hive
being in the condition described. Nor should we be surprised to hear that
many other bee-keepers have shared your ill experience. We lost one hivo
about a fcrtnight ago from the same cause, and should have lost several
others if we had not kept up a supply of food. Four of our stocks were fed
until May 25t.h, when the weather improved aud the feeding was discontinued.
Sach a season must be rare in the recollection of the oldest apiarian in
England. We advise you to feed at once any hives of which you stand in
doubt.

Bees (M. J. S.).— We only publish our manual ou beea— namely, " Bee-
keeping for the Many."

METEOROtiOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Caudem SqcABE, London.

Lat. 51-^ 32' 40" N. ; Long. D^ S' 0 ' W. ; Altitada, 111 feet.

DlTE.

9 1.51.

Is TI

IE DiY.

iSi*

0-6

3

Shade Tem-

Radiation

.a

sz,%-i

ter.

5 9

til

perature.

Temperatore,

«

May.

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

deg.

Mas.

deg.

Min.
deg.

Bon,

grass-
deg.

Inches

deg.

In.

42.8

48.4

5I.G

41.0

Th. 21

30.195

49.6

44.7

N.

43,1

66 5

42.2

109,4

41.8

—

Fri. 25

SU

47.9

N.E.

48.0

66.6

38.3

li7.1

—

Sat, 26

68 0

61.2

N.W.

61.1

68.0

48.7

105.8

46 6

—

Son.27

56 3

48.5

W.

62.0

66 4

43 9

115 8

0.17G

Mo. 28

58.4

5i.O

s.w.

53.6

C3.2

61.9

113 3

47.7

0.20S

Ta. 29

29.551

5o.4

117

497
43.1

s.w.

52 4
50.5

63.2
62.6

44.3
44.5

116.2

41,1

—

Means

29.925

•

110.6

0.S79

I at times, but not enongh to

warm the air.
24th. — A fine day. aud rather warmer; a very slight shower about 7 P-H.; fine

sunset and starlit ni^^ht.
25th.— A fine day, getting gradually warmer as tlje day advanced.
2Gth.— Slight haze about'9 A.M. bat fine war
27th.— Very flue all day, but the wind getti:

night ; very high at midnight.
28th.— Terrific wind in the early morning ;

during the day; unusually dark betwt

heavy rain for a short time; the wind having gradually subsided,

splendid rainbow lasting only a few minutes immediately after the

rain. [pleasant day.

29t.h. — Very bright morning; some very slight showers, but ou the whole a
Fine bright week, very windy on 28th. Range of temperature rather
greater than in previous week. — G. J. SvaioNS.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— MiY 30.

BDSINES3 Still keeps qniot, and prices have generally had a fall. Beat
Strawberries sell well. Outdoor TCgetables are in better sapply.

FRtJIT.

Apples....
Apricots..
Figs

s. d. B. d.
i sieve 3 eto7 o

doz. 16 3 0

doz. 3 0 20 0

s. d. 8. d.

Pears, kilohon doz. 0 0 0 0

Cob's *

Grapes, hothouse lb 2 6 10 6 | Strawberries lb. 3 0 12 0

Lemons ^^ 100 0 0 10 0 1 Walnuts bushel 5 0 8 Q

Kidney 5*- 100 1

Beet. Red dozen 1

Broccoli bundle u

Brussels Sprouts. .J sieve 0

Cabbage dozen 1

Carrots buDch 0

New do, 1

Capaicuuis •> lOJ 1

Cauhdower dozea 2

Celery bundle 1

Coleworts.. doz. bunches 2

Cucumbers each 0

Endive dozen 1

Fennel bunch 0

Garlic lb. 0

Herbs bunch 0

Lettuce dozen 1

Leeks bunch 0

Ouii

Parsley.... doz.bunchea

Faranips dozen

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

Kidney do.

New

Radishes., doz. bunches

RQubarb bundle

Salsaf y bundle

lb. 0 2 0 6

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spiuach..

He 1 0 0 0

do. 0 0 3 0

Vegetable Marrows o 0 0

JnDO 7, 1877. J

JOURKAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day I Day

of of

Month Week.

JUNE 7—13, 1877.

Average

Temperature near

London.

San Son
Rises. Sets.

Moon
Rities.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
San.

Day
of
Year.

1

Day.

Night.
46.5

Mean.

h. m.

h. m.

h. m.

h. m.

m g

7

Th 1 Royal Society at 8 p.m.

69.3

69.7

S 46

8 11

1 9

8 85

25

1 25

168

8

F 1 Qaeckett Microscopical Olub at 8 p.m.

70.6

8 12

1 23

4 66

26

1 14

159

9

S Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 P.M.

70.8

8 12

1 42

6 21

27

1 2

160

Son 2 Sr.voiv after Trinity.

69 6

8 13

2 9

7 45

28

0 60

161

11

M Boyal Oeographical Society at 8.30 p.m.

79.1

47.6

69.9

S 45

8 14

2 60

8 69

O

0 88

162

12

Td

71.4

46.1

68.8

8 14

3 48

9 66

1

0 26

163

13

W 1 Koyal Botanic Society— Second Sommer Show.

71.9

47.4

69.6

3 44

8 16

5 5

10 36

2

0 13

164

47.0

From obserrationa taken near London daring forty-three years

the average day temperature of the week is 70.8' ; and its night temperature

TOP-DEB SSING— FERTILISERS.

HEN we dig manure into tlie ground in
the autumn and winter we undoubtedly
convey to the soil the great bulk of the
nom-ishment required by the crops. Farm-
yard manure can never be dispensed with ;
it is the gardener's sheet anchor, and he
who has sufficient of it and uses it judi-
ciously is tolerably independent of further
manurial aids. Few, however, there are
who have as much manure as the heavy
nature of the cropping carried out demands ; and even
if there is saffieient of stable dung for digging into the
soil a supplementary dressing of guano, salt, soot, nitrate
of soda, or superphosphate of lime cannot fail to be
of great advantage in the spring and early summer,
when the crops are in growth, in bringing them more
quickly to m.aturity, and also in a great measure in pre-
venting them from injury by slugs, which are occasionally
so destractive.

" A good start is half the battle," is an old and true
saying, and I know of nothing to which it applies witli
greater force than to gardening matters. During a
tolerably long experience a few points have become fixed
on my mind as of great importance. In propagating I
always like to start with a good cutting, in seedling-
raising with bold fi-esh seed, and in general cultivation
with good well-worked and well-manured soil. These are
points which I cannot afford to ignore, and they are such
as I have generally been able to secure, and yet I have
not always succeeded as I have wished. I have had to
battle, like all gardeners, with something beyond my
control, and which has rendered my efforts in obtaining
a "good start" comparatively futile. I allude to the
weather. Seasons have occurred now and again when
with aU my care in selection, preparation, and stable
manm'e, the crops would not grow to my satisfaction, and
I have experienced unpleasant forebodings that at some
time or other a blank would occur iu the supply of flowers
or vegetables, and that at a time probably when the
weather may be of the most favourable cliaracter, making
it all the more difficult to convince others of the real
cause of the scarcity. Such a season is the present one.
Crops cannot grow with freedom, and they remain in a
aemi-standstill state a prey to birds by day and snails by
night. The season is an extraordinary one, and extra
measures become necessary to render it, as far as lies in
our power, a productive one. Fruits that have been
destroyed by fi-ost we cannot replace. Fertilisers can be
of no service in that department of our duties ; but in the
flower garden, and amongst the vegetable crops — however
well the ground may have been manured — they may be
of very great service.

I cannot conceive a garden, be the size of it what it
may, adequately furnished with proper ncoessaries if a
supply of some of the fertihsers above named are not
provided. A bag of guano or superphosphate of lime, a
bushel of nitrate of soda, and a heap of soot and salt.
No. SJ5 -Vol, XXXIL, Kew Seeizs,

cost little yet effect much in increasing the productions
of a garden. Many who have gardens, and enjoy them
too, are averse to purchasing any kind of " artificials."
But notwithstanding the term that is applied to them
there is much that is " real " in genuine samples of this
class of manures. If it were not so, hard-headed and, as
they are sometimes called, " close-fisted," agriculturists
would not invest in them so freely : yet it is pretty well
known that those who do so are the most successful of
cultivators, and the first to attain to the enviable position
of having " land of their own."

I was for some years in the service of a " gentleman
farmer" who like many others of his class enjoyed his
garden, without, however, going to any great expense in
furnishing it— at least that he was conscious of. His
j farm was his chief object, and I know that he thought
much less of expending i£1000 for " artificials " for it than
he did of paying a little bill of lO.s. for a few flower pots.
The foreman of that farm was fortunately an admirer of
flowers, and rejoiced in taking a prize for them and vege-
tables at the local show. 1, perhaps, did not do the thing
that was quite right in occasionally supplying him with
a few Daliiias and Asters, and perhaps au odd Cauliflower
to make up a brace ; and I never thought that he was
very wrong in permitting me to help myself to the fer-
tihsers. It was the master's manure for the master's
garden. Such flowers and vegetables as that garden
produced I have seldom seen. They were the terror of
the gardeners of the neighbourhood, and won at one show
alone thirty-five prizes in which the gardeners of one
duke, two earls, and at least a dozen squires competed.
Had I been as honest as perhaps I ought to have been I
should have " divided the spoil " with the foreman of the
farm, for it is certain the prizes would not have been won
without bis valuable aid in supplying the " dust," as we
termed the manures. Neither did we rob the farmer in the
end, for less, very much less, farmyard manure was used
in the garden after it had received a few liberal dressings
of guano, &c. The increased productiveness of the garden
also enhanced the pleasure of the owner. I know this to
be true, for when he accepted the silver cup won at one of
the shows I know what he said. He did not ask for the
cup; if only a "farmer" he was too much of a gentle-
man for that, but he was pleased to possess it when I
offered to him. The garden also added to the advantages
of the gardener, for with the prize money he bought a
wife, and she has proved a good one. I cannot therefore
think that either myself or the foreman did wrong in
using clandestinely the master's artificials.

It is wonderful how beneficial such manures are when
used in the right quantities and at the right time. The
right time to apply them is now, when the crops are
young and too many of them are stunted and brown.
The right manner of using them is by sprinkling them
on the surface of the ground when it rains, or immediately
before rain, and running the hoo through the surface as
soon as it has dried sutBciently to bo moved cleanly.
The crops then receive the full benefit of the manure,
and the "master" cannot smell it as he passes through
No. lia?.— Vol. LVII., Old Series.

416

JOUKNAL OP HOBTICUIiTDBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

[ June 7, 1877.

the garden. To apply such manures as guano, soot, and
nitrate of soda during dry windy weather is wasteful. The
most valuable properties of these fertilisers are volatile and
have a natural tendency to evaporate. They may come
down again sometimes {for nothing is lost), but they may
then not only be diluted but fall on other people's crops.
When you have them make sure of applying them to the crops
yon intend them for, and you make the more sure of that by
using them during rain.

■i* The quantity to be applied depends, of course, on the manure
used. If I had the choice of one fertiliser only I should select
genuine guano, and if my garden soil was heavy I should
require nothing to mix with it ; but if light and hot in its
nature I should covet some common salt. Guano alone, or
mixed with one-third of salt for dry soils, and spread over the
surface during damp weather at the rate of, say, 2 ozs. per
square yard, will increase the value of any crop to which it is
applied. To destroy slugs half the quantity, or less in dry
weather, will be found highly beneficial. Superphosphate of
lime is a safe and valuable fertiliser, and is suitable for
sprinkling amongst small seedling crops of flowers and vege-
tables which guano might injure. These two mixed together
are excellent for Potatoes, being quick in their action and
lasting in their effects. But the most prompt of all the ferti-
lisers is nitrate of soda. It will, if spread at the rate of 2 cwt.
per acre, change the appearance of a Grass or Wheat crop in a
few days, as it will that of any garden crop, especially of the
Brassica family ; it is a valuable stimulant for early Cabbages
and Cauliflowers, also for Celery, Lettuces, etc. : half an ounce,
or less, to the square yard is sufficient for these crops. Soot is
a real gardener's friend if he is not afraid of using it. It
consists of finely divided charcoal, and contains salts of ammo-
nia. It must not be mixed with quicklime, or those salts will
be decomposed, but it may be mixed with a small quantity of
salt with advantage for dry soils. I know of no crops to which
a liberal dressing of soot is applied that are not benefited
thereby. It is excellent for Onions. Salt alone is very useful
for dry soils on account of its great affinity for moisture. The
soil of Asparagus beds where it has been used freely are often
cool and moist in summer when the surrounding ground is hot
and dry — even dusty.

If a gardener has at his command any or all of the fertilisers
named, and uses them judiciously, he will not only be able to
increase the productiveness of the garden in his charge, but
will not require such large supplies of stable manure as would
otherwise be necessary to sustain the fertility of heavily cropped
ground.

An important advantage in the case of guano and soot is
their value for making liquid manure of the best quality. —
A Eetieed Gabdener.

FLOEISTS' FLOWERS EAISED FROM SEED.

Polyanthus. — The common Primrose (Primula acaulis), is
the original species. Polyanthus being a variety. It is indeed
astonishing what a great improvement is effected in the Prim-
rose by subjecting it to cultivation. The common Primrose
reproduces itself with astonishing uniformity in nature, yet if
we transplant some coloured varieties among them, or near, we
soon find the coloured on the increase, and what sight is finer
than a border of Primroses in spring ? The various colours —
primrose, white, lilac, and several shades of red up to deep
crimson, even almost black, form a very pleasing combination,
especially if backed with Auriculais and Polyanthuses.

Primulas and Polyanthuses thrive admirably in any position,
but prefer shade in summer. The finest border I ever saw
was about 3 feet wide, on two sides of a Quick hedge about
4 feet high and about 100 yards long. The east side of the
hedge was a sloping bank. It had been planted with common
and coloured Primroses. They had seeded, converting the
slope into a bank of incomparable beauty during spring, whilst
on the other (garden) side of the hedge — west, was a flat border
filled with Polyanthuses in great variety. Both borders were
beautiful, the remembrance of them still lingers in my mind as
one of the brightest eights of boyhood, and the Auriculas that
occupied the east border of the garden were a sight not to be
forgotten.

Why these reminiscences ? Because I have before me daily
a line of coloured Primroses and Polyauthuses in a border, or
rather forming a margin to a border of Laurels, and the eye
not only looks back but onward ; for how many borders are
cheerless in spring when there are materials at hand for render-

ing them beautiful ? It is truly astounding what a number of
seedlings spring-up about the old plants. To transplant them
when they can weU be handled in moist weather to the sides of
shrubbery and woodland walks is not much trouble, and the
charm they would impart would be more than compensating ;
besides, the insects would make their presence felt upon them,
causing them to show in their progeny a commingling of colour.
In this I am borne out by facts, for in the woods here are
myriads of Primroses, the whole landscape being strewed as it
were by the acre with them, not a specimen of which within
a quarter of a mile of the garden showing any trace of colour
except primrose, yet within that distance are to be found
specimens here and there of coloured Primroses, pale pink
suffused with yellow, and higher-coloured forms of the type.

Though the gold-laced Polyanthuses are very beautiful there
is no question but that the mottled flowers from their greater
variety are more effective for borders, they being more hardy,
less impatient of drought in summer and wet in winter. The
seed of all the Primulas germinates as soon as it is shed from
the pod if it come into contact with moist soil. The seedlings
usually form a rough leaf or two before winter, and are fit to
transplant in spring. Though March is a good time to sow
the seed, I am persuaded it is best sown as soon as it is ripe,
choosing a border of good loamy soil shaded from sun during
the hottest part of the day, and being careful to keep moist.
It is well if the situation be warm, having the protection of a
hedge or low wall, and having full sun in winter and spring.
At the latter time they may be transplanted to an east border
6 inches apart every way, afi'ording them water in dry weather.
They may either be left to flower where transplanted in the
first instance, or be moved with balls in August or September to
beds or borders. They will bloom to a certainty during the
coming spring, and a bed of them is no undesirable object any-
where.

The seed is, however, generally sown in March, in pans or
boxes well drained, and in a compost of yellow loam taken
from a pasture with its turf, and laid-up in a ridge for twelve
months, chopped-up fine, adding thereto equal parts of old
cow dung and leaf soil, the whole being well incorporated. An
admixture of sand may be given if the soil be deficient of that
substance. The surface should be made even and fine, and
the seed be scattered evenly, just covering it with very fine soil ;
the pans to be placed iu a gentle hotbed and close to the glass,
keeping them moist, and shading from bright sun. When
the seedlings appear admit air moderately, and when they
show the second leaves remove to a cold frame, and by the
end of May or early June they will be ready to transplant,
being nearly if not equal in size to those sown in August. A
border should be chosen for them shaded from the midday Bun.
The best shade is a deciduous hedge so that the plants will
have plenty of light iu winter and early spring, for, though shade
is desirable when they are in bloom, sunshine is needed for
bringing-out bright colour. If the plants are to be transplanted
in early autumn to their flowering quarters it will suffice if
the plants are put out 3 inches apart in the summer, but the
distance if strong plants are wanted should be (i inches. I
have often pricked the seedlings oS about 2 inches apart, and
transplanted them iu August to 0 inches. Either plan answers,
I only lift the plants carefully, firming the soil well about them,
' shading and watering until established. Though a shaded
position is desirable after April and in that month for stage
flowers, yet there is hardly a position in which the Polyanthus
will not thrive, the exceptions being a parched one in hot
weather and a gloomy one in winter and spring. All the
plants will flower the spring after sowing, or if sown in August
they will not flower until the second spring. The plants will,
however, be stronger.

In saving seed the best-formed Sowers and clearest and
brightest colours only should be selected for the purpose ; but
if any advance is to be made crossing must be resorted to, and
to effect which it is necessary to remove the anthers from the
seed-bearer, to effect which remove the corolla down to the
level of the stigma, being careful not to injure it — better not
touch it with the scissors. This should be done when the
flower is about half expanded. The stigma is in a fit state for
fertilisation when its summit is marked by a viscous exuda-
tion generally covering the entire surface ; the pollen being
powdery, then adheres to the etigma. It is well not to fertilise
more than two or three pips on a plant, which will give larger
sounder seed than if more pips were operated on. A pocket
len3 is necessary to examine the organs of reproduction. I
do not see why we should not have gold-laced Primroses, nor

June 7, 1877. i

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKB AND COTTAGE GARDKNER.

417

why the Primrose should not be raised to the rank of a florists'
flower. — G. Aeeey.

STKAWBERRY FOECING.— No. 1.

Although this subject has been pretty frequently written
npon, I consider it is yet far from being exhausted. The
Strawberry is such a popular fruit and so accommoJating in
its habits that amateurs may take up the forcing of it with
much certainty of success ; for their instruction especially I
will submit an account of my practice of raising the plants,
their growth and mode of forcing them.

First, then, in order to have the plants well prepared, they
should be obtained as early as possible. The earliest runners
can generally be secured by the last week in June or early in
July, according to the season. The best and most forward
should be selected, and they are generally those nearest to
the parent plant. A number of small pots — say small fiO's,
representing rather more plants than are required to be potted-
on — should be filled with soil, such as leaf soil and loam
mixed together, placing a little of the roughest of the compost
in the bottom, with fine on the top, but no crocks this time.
Each little plant is fastened on to the surface with a peg made
from an old birch broom. I think pegging is better than
laying a stone upon the pot to keep the plants in their places.
A stone is so easily displaced, whereas a peg is a fixture.
After layering is done frequent attention to watering will be
necessary in order to induce the runners to emit roots as
quickly as possible. In about a fortnight or three weeks an
examination should be made to see if they are rooting well,
and when the pots are fairly full of roots tho runners connect-
ing the old and yonng plants may be severed, but if cut too
soon the check tbo young plants receive from being suddenly
deprived of nourishment from the old plant causes them to
flag, and I have noticed from time to time that those which
Bufier in that way do not make such good crowns in the
limited time for their growth as do those that receive no
check. When first removed it is well to place them in a
shaded place for a few days and to water them regularly, and
after a week or a little more the plants will be ready for potting.
It must now be determined what number are to be forced early,
because I am in the habit of using smaller pots for those, such
as large 48'8, or what some call small 32's, potting the others
in large 32's. This brings me to the sort of soil to be used.

I like a firm soil, mostly good turfy loam, say two-thirds,
and the remainder decayed manure ; and if this has a little
lime and soot mixed with it, it kills all worms, and the soot
acts aa a manure also. The soil should be moderately dry,
the pots well drained, and the plants potted firmly. After
potting the plants should be arranged in beds for the con-
venience of watering and other necessary work, such as keep-
ing the runners cut off and weeds pulled out of the soil. A
layer of ashes forms a very good bottom upon which to place
the pots. The plants must not be allowed to root through
the bottom, to prevent which they must be moved occa-
sionally and re-arranged, and the ground be cleaned between
them. With this treatment the plants ought to form good
crowns by the autumn. I do not like to see double or treble
crowns, preferring plants with single, hard, and well-ripened
crowns. Towards tho autumn, when they have finished their
growth and while the crowns are forming, they will not
require so much water, but the Strawberry plant will not bear
to be kept dry at any time ; but at this stage they will need
more care in watering than is necessary earlier in the season.
As the plants grow they must have more space to allow the air
to circulate amongst them, and to prevent the foliage from
being drawn up. Worms do harm in the pots, and if they find
their way in, a watering with lime water occasionally will drive
them out ; they are apt, if suffered to remain, to sour the soil
and throw the plants into bad health. In watering during hot
days in snmmer take care that the leaves are not much wetted,
and occasionally the pots must be examined at the bottom to
make sure that the water passes through properly.

In November, when sharp frosts are expected, the plants
must be placed in close quarters, but I object to their being
banked up against a building and laid on their sides, for there
is then no means of keeping the soil moist, and if it once
becomes thoroaghly dry the plants are rained. I have seen
some hundreds of plants cast aside as useless, which I believe
was caused by their having been too dry. It is not natural for
the Strawberry to be dry, as witness them in the open ground ;
and when Strawberries are grown-on fast, as these must be,

the crowns are a long time in doing their work, and the roots
they have made must be kept in a fresh and healthy state.

The following is the method I adopt in preserving them : —
Choose a high or dry spot where the water will pass off freely,
and make up a bed of rough litter, or leaves if they can be
obtained, about C feet wide and 18 inches high ; plunge the pots
into this quite up to the rims, and be sure and make all as
firm as possible. The pots may go close together, so as not to
take up much room. This bed will become moist with the
rains, and it will be found that the plants will do without
water, because the pots will absorb the moisture from the
bed. Occasionally turn two or three out of the pots to
see if the roots are in a fresh and healthy state ; if so, all is
right. The sorts should be arranged in rotation as they are
wanted to be taken for forcing ; and if thought best, the first
batch to be forced may be placed in a cold frame instead of
being plunged outdoors for the short time they would have to
remain. Those outdoors will require some protection in frosty
weather. I use common fern or brake, because it is light ;
and sometimes rough litter, which is also light. A thin layer
is sufficient to keep off a sharp frost, and may remain on for a
few days at a time, but it should be renewed when showing
signs of decay. — T. Kecoed.

OLD ROSES.

Being, I trust, " civilised," — as I ought to be after so many
years of service in an exemplary family and associated with
the Rose — yet I cannot fully comprehend the purport of the
utterances of your correspondent, who I hope is more than
worthy of his name of " Wyld Savage." 1 think he is, for
when a savage asks to be clothed and fed there is hope of his
reclamation; it is when he "helps himself" and spurns the
aid of the '' white man," as children of nature often unfor-
tunately do, that his condition is to be regretted, and he
commands one's pity.

If I can read with sufficient clearness between the lines of
the letter on page 385 I perceive that your correspondent is a
" chief," and has been able to purchase such " lots of Boses "
that his " beds are full;" and I think, therefore, he can equally
afford to distribute them amongst the humbler members of his
tribe to aid in decorating the wigwams which may possibly be
found in his territory.

I do not advise any to purchase the old Rose trees of your
correspondent. I can recommend as worthy of cultivation
several old Roses when young and healthy plants of them can
be obtained, but buying old trees is another matter quite.

It is surprising how much good may be done by distributing
a few plants or flowers of any kind — the surplus of overstocked
gardens. I know of a clergyman whose stipend exceeds little,
if anything, my own moderate salary, who, conscious that he
cannot give that which many others are able to do, gives what
he can. He can strike Roses from cuttings and bud Briars,
raise quantities of Currant and Gooseberry trees, save flower
seeds and raise plants, and distribute them in his large parish.
The gifts are not great, but the providing of them affords
pleasure and congenial occupation to the giver, and wins for
him esteem that makes him " rich," not on " forty," but on
eighty " pounds a year."

Rather than advise "Wild Savage" to sell his old Rose
trees I would suggest that he makes new beds for new sorts. I
have not one word to say against new Roses, for I am conscious
of their great beauty, and I cannot say how many years a few
— just a few — of new Roses have been added to the collection
in my care, but the old Roses have not been destroyed. The
result is that the garden is " full of Roses," and by-aud-by
they will be sent by huge hamperfuls to ft^tss, festivals, and
hospitals. That mode of spreading the Rose (and is it not
worth the doing?) could not be carried out if the old " trees "
were destroyed and new " plants " alone cultivated.

We might as well, and with as much reason, destroy our old
Roses to make room for new as Mr. Turner might destroy that
glorious old Paul Perras which has won him such honours, and
Mr. Paul that gigantic Juno which was described in your re-
port of the Orleans Club Show as ■' perfection, and worthy of
being classed as one of the best of the season." When I
read of these marvellous Roses in pots and the admiration
which they evoke, I cannot see why similar splendid old Roses
and " trees " should be despised out of doors — in the garden.
Will " Wyld Savage " tell me why ? Hu has not done so yet.
He has replied in a pleasant bantering way, but has not what
we in Yorkshire term " tackled" the subject on its merits.

418

JOURNAL OP HOBTIOULTDBB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ Jtme 7, 1877.

When I am told that only a limited number of plants can be
grown and for a special purpose, then I can understand the
position ; but when old Eoses because they are old, and great
bushes because they are great, are considered as being un-
worthy of a place in the garden, then I have a right to ask for
a reason, and to ask also why the " champion growers " pre-
serve such old speoimena.

Our coachman says " it's time that ' Wyld Savage ' war
braaght to t' scratch an showed his mettle ; he's alius at it.
Can't ta giv him a wurd ?" To that I have nothing to add,
only — A Pakson's Gardener.

EOSES UNDER GLASS— DESTEOYING APHIDES.
During this spring I have made use of a simple and certain
remedy in relieving Kose shoots of this noisome pest. I have
forty-nine Boses in a house built on terraces with walks and
slopes. Forty-five of these Roses are of different sorts. I
have lately procured nineteen new climbing Koses from Mr.
Merryweather of Southwell, Notts. I never saw Boses grow so
well as in this new style of building. I measured a bloom of
MarCehal Niel the other day a\ inches in diameter. As you look
upon these terraces, the flowers on which are growing in great
profusion and splendour, the effect is charming. My plan for
eradicating the aphides, which can be applied equally well out
of doors, is to procure a rough woolly glove and dip the thumb
into Scotch snuff, and then give the thumb and fingers a
gentle twist round the shoot. Paralysis is instantaneous to
old and young aphides. — Observer.

THE EFFECT OF FEOST ON FEUIT BLOSSOM.

The effects of frost are not more deceptive on Apple than
on Pear blossom. Perhaps even the deception in the case of
the Pear is even greater than that represented in the Apple.
Apple blossom often retains its full beauty after the embryo
fruit has been killed, but the latter seldom makes any attempt
at swelling. When the petals fall the sterility of the blossom
is at once apparent. Pears, on the other band, swell to a
certain size when there is no possibility of their continuing
to form perfect fruit. Outwardly the embryo fruit may be
without blemish, and may increase in size as if it were sound,
when internally it is black — dead. This has been clearly
shown by " Aechamdaud " in the following figures : —

Fig. 57 represents a healthy and perfect example of the young

again seen, is black, and the injury may be traced to the centre
of the fruit, as shown at r., which is a transverse section of the
latter. Fruits like these, having black hearts, are also dead,
being killed by frost.

Fig. 57.

embryo fruit of the Pear as it exists in its uninjured state.
The style in this instance is still of the natural pale green
colour. A represents a cross or transverse section of the fruit
in its perfect state.

Fig. 58 represents a young embryo fruit of the Pear, also in
section, as at b, showing the effects of the frost after the fruits
bad been set and began swelling. The style here, aa will be

Fig. E8,

It is important to many that they should become cognisant
of the effects of frost on their fruit crops as early as possible,
and desirable that all should know of at least one reason why
" Pears fall in shoals " at this period of the year. — W.

UNHEALTHY CUCUMBEES.

I HAVE recently erected a span-roofed house for the growth
of Cucumbers in the winter as well as summer, heated with
4-inch pipes, a flow and return on each side for bottom heat,
and one row in the centre for atmospheric heat. The house
is 11 feet wide, and the same in height, ventilated on both
sides and the roof. There is a good boiler attached to it. I
planted-out the plants about the end of March ; they com-
menced growing vigorously, and continued to do so, showing
a quantity of fruit, from three to seven at a joint, which,
however, become spotted and drop off. A number of the leaves
are also spotted. The plants have plenty of root. I have
added fresh soil, yet whUe the plants grow strongly enough
the fruit and shoots decay. Can you account for it? I enclose
a specimen of the disease. — A. E. C.

[The above letter is a sample of several others of the same
nature which we have received. The diseased specimens were
forwarded to an eminent authority, who has replied as follows :

"It is no new disease, but unfortunately is too common,
and at present quite unmanageable. Many causes have been
assigned, such as the constitution of the plant having been
injured by high manuring, and the consequent produce of a
race peculiarly liable to disease. It has accordingly been re-
commended to procure seed from some quarter where the
disease has not appeared, but this has not proved effectual.
It would be easy to propose a theory resting on the fact that
myriads upon myriads of extremely minute globules, which
spin about with what is called the Brownian motion, are very
conspicuous on dissection ; but this, like some of the specula-
tions as to contagious diseases in man, arising from germs
specific to each, would at present be mere tbeoiy. As regards
the specimens sent a careful microscopic examination shows
that the velvety appearance which is so striking at the upper
part of the fruit arises from a multiplicity of minute glands.
These occasionally, as is the case in so many morbid develop-
ments, form a nidus for moulds such as Polyaotis, but which
have nothing to do with the disease as regards its cause.
And then as to the discs, which are pretty generally covered
with a mould, examination shows that it is merely a form of
Cladosporium herbarum, the universal accompaniment of decay
in every part of the world. The condition of the leaves

Jane 7, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

alone would eeem to show that the disease is constitutional,
and, if so, perfectly unmanageable. The appearance of such
pallid spots, quite free from chlorophyll and soon withering,
is one of the most common where a depraved constitution is
concerned. — M. J. B."

We believe that the present practice of intercrossing has a
great deal to do with causing this disease in the Cucumber.
Of late years this has been carried on to such an extent that
there is no wonder the constitution of the Cucumber has given
way to the disease. Almost every new variety brought before
the public, or exhibited before the Fruit Committee of the
Eoyal Horticultural Society, is represented as a cross be-
tween two, or at most three leading varieties, such as Tele-
graph, Blue Gown, and Marquis of Lome ; indeed, there is
rarely a new variety introduced that has not Telegraph as one
of its parents. — Eds. J. op H.]

WOODLAWN, DIDSBUBY, NBAE MANCHESTER.

THE RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH BROOME, ESQ.

Those southerners in whose minds Manchester is only as-
Booiated with cotton, smote, and dirt, would be very much
surprised if they were to visit the city and eee the nature of
its Bttrroundinge, for I know of no place where you will find
more pleasant villa residences or more beauty in its way than
are to be found in the outskirts leading to Didsbury, North-
enden, Whalley Range, etc. ; while as you drive along the
number of large conservatories and greenhouses evidence that
taste for horticulture in some of its highest branches for which
Manchester has long been famous. Nowhere are Orchids cul-
tivated with greater assiduity, while the character of the stove
and greenhouse plants exhibited shows what high-class culture
the possessors of these villa residences look for.

Amongst those who have long been noted for their love of
horticulture Mr. Joseph Broome has held a high place, while
to his indefatigable energy has been owing in good measure the
improved condition and prospects of the Mancheater Botanical
Society. I felt, therefore, that in visiting hie residence I should
see something worth looking at. Nor was I disappointed. It
is small doubtless, as most of these places are where land
is BO dear ; but it occupies four and a half acres of land
sloping down to the river Mersey, and of this space the most
has been made. I have never seen houses better filled, nor,
where there is such a variety of subjects to be looked after,
better cultivation than here ; but then they have the advantage
not only of the knowledge of its owner-, but also of the skill
and intelligence of Mr. Williams, a nephew of our celebrated
HoUoway grower : and so from first to last everything was in
that condition which it is ever a pleasure to witness.

The chief range of glass opens on to the house, while the
Tineriea and Pine pits are at a little distance at the sides, and
thus the owner can at all times stroll amongst his favourites.
A fine plant of Maruchal Niel occupies the small glass porch
which opens into the conservatory growing up overhead, from
whence its golden goblets were hanging down in abundance —
just that position in which they always looks best. On enter-
ing the conservatory the first plant that meets the eye is
Phorminm tenax variegatum, and most striking it is with
its clear well-defined variegation ; it is flanked by two fine
plants of Dracajna, while around were good specimens of
Yuccas filamentosa and qnadricolor, Roses, Camellias, &e.
Opening on to this is a small house containing healthy plants
of Gleichenia dichotoma, Paudanus Veitchii, Anthurium
Soherzerianum and the white variety Williamsi, which will
by-and-by make an effective plant. Opening on to this again
on the left hand is a house in which Orchids in bloom were
placed. Here were grand plants of Lielia purpurata, Vanda
tricolor filling the place with its delicious fragrance, Cypri-
pedium caudatum, Odontoglossum vexillarinm, 0. navium
majns, and various Dendrobes. On the other side there is
another small house of Odontoglossums, in which besides were
several very interesting plants of Masdevallia Veitchii in finer
colour than I think I have ever seen it, Masdevallia Harryana,
and a fine mass of the North American Cypripedium spectabile.
This has been lifted from the open border and was in the
finest possible vigour ; it is a grand addition to our hardy
flowers and is easy of cultivation. There were also some ex-
cellent specimens of various Drosera, a most interesting tribe
of plants. There is opening from this a large house con-
taining many moat attractive Palm^, Orchids, &a., such as
Cocos Weddelliana, Ai-rides Lobbii and Fieldingi, Cleroden-
dronBolfonrii, Dendrobiam Wardianom, Croton angnstifolium,

etc. Indeed there was hardly anything that seemed wanting,
and it was like visiting the houses of some first-class nursery-
man, so varied was the collection and so excellent the style
of cultivation. On coming out from the houses you enter on
the croquet lawn, or bowling green as it is more generally
called here ; while on the other side are some excellent ex-
amples of spring gardening, for Mr. Broome does not see the
advantage of having his beds empty for eight months in the
year. On the bank descending towards the river is an excellent
fernery containing many varieties of British Ferns, which
seem to do very well here ; and here at the side has been left
a piece of wild garden filled with the wild Hyacinth, Primroses,
etc., which were found here when the owner took it, and which
he has allowed to remain. How beautiful they are I What
can be more lovely than our banks around here filled with the
Hyacinths, Campions, and Stitchworts, and with the Ferns
peeping up through them all ? examples of bedding-out which
we in vain try to rival.

The vineries and Pine pita are at the side of the house, and
are, like the rest of the houses, filled to repletion. Inside
borders for Lancashire, says Mr. Williams, must be the rule,
and the Vines showed how thoroughly they liked the treat-
ment ; while every space was occupied with plants, Clematises,
Ivies for placing out on the lawn, a fine old plant of Vanda
teres, some fine Arauoarias, excelsa, elegans, and Napoleon
Baumann. There were some good Pines in the pits, and
I indeed with the exception of florists' flowers I know of nothing
I that was not represented and well represented here. That this
' is no exaggeration Mr. Broome proved by the position he took
at the great Manchester Show, obtaining first prizes for Palms
and second for eight Orchids, having against him such distin-
guished growers as Dr. Ainsworth, Mr. Wrigley, etc.

Like many Manchester men Mr. Broome is also a patron of
the fine arts. The cornice of his drawing-room contains por-
traits of Orchids beautifully painted by hand, and the walla
are covered with a choice selection of paintings both in water
colours and oil, examples of David Cox, Miss Thompson, and
other well-known artists being amongst them.

In giving these short notes I feel that I have very imper-
fectly described the riches of horticulture to be found in this
place, but I have tried to show what can be done ; and any
lover of plants visiting Manchester will be heartily welcomed
by the genial owner of Woodlawu to test for himself the esti-
mate I have formed of them. — D., Deal.

APEICOT FAILURE— PRUNING.

EvEKY week the gardening papers tell us of the disastrous
results of the frost, and we as gardeners ought to know this
fickle clime which we have to labour in, and so define such
rules that at least would save some of this king of preserving
fruit, and I believe if the following is acted upon the labour
will not be in vain. It is said by some if yon want Apricots
by the bushel you must prune on the long-spur system — that
is, spurs from 9 to 15 inches long should be the rule. True,
in some seasons you gather fruit by the bushel, but what
then of its quality ? I therefore wish to impress on Apricot
growers generally that but moderate quantity and the best of
quality can only be secured by keeping the spurs close to the
wall.

I have here 700 feet of south walling devoted to Apricots.
While almost everybody's crop in this locality is lost I have a
very fair promise of Apricots, and all sticking close to the
wall ; not a single fruit is left on the tips of the young spurs,
but all there are blackened, while, as I say, close up to the
wall we have a very good crop. My trees have been sheltered
with two thicknesses of netting kept from the trees by small
stakes, etc. For nine years past we have had six full crops
and a sprinkling the other years, so that I feel certain the
short-spur young-shoot system of pruning Apricots is the one

to adopt. — R. GiLBEET.

CAMPANULA PUSILLA ALBA.

Mr. HARDiNr,, in his able communication on page 403, has
written approvingly of this lovely Campanula. Your corre-
spondent alludes to C. pnsilla and C. pneilla alba as " perfect
gems." He is right. Both are beautiful, but the white
variety is, in my opinion, the more charming. The plant
only grows a few inches high, but the flowers are produced in
such profusion as to produce a perfect sheet of white, yet not
so closely woven to prevent the individuality of the " bells "

420

JOUENAL OP HOBTIGULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jano 7, 1877.

being seen. For an open place on a snnny rockery few plants
are more distinct and effective than this is, and for forming
marginal lines at the front of borders and round flower beds
not many plants can produce a better effect during the sum-
mer months. It is true the plants do not continue flowering
" until frost," yet their beauty is by no njcans transient, for,
like white flowers generally, they resist the tffects of a burning
BUn, and are as fresh under its inflnenceB as Daisies are in
spring. Where other than " bedding plants " are cherished,
and when flowers are appreciated in early summer as well as
in late autumn, then I urge the cultivation of this lovely Cam-
panula. Perhaps those having a email plant or see a few
straggling flowers open for the first time may be a little disap-
pointed ; but let it alone and permit it to spread, and then its
thousands of bells will compel admiration. It never rambles
nor becomes unsightly, and is one of the most manageable of
hardy alpine plants. It is increased by division, and flourishes
in any ordinary garden soil. The chief attention required
for preserving it in a healthy state is to prevent its becoming
overgrown by larger and more luxuriant plants. Afford it
pure air and sunshine, and it will reward with thousands of
lovely flowers. — Ajiateuk.

EXHIBITING FLOBISTS' FLOWEES.

I CAN tell " D., Deal," of two fine collections of the Eaunn-
culus which I saw quite recently, and where he can also enjoy
them. One collection is in the garden of Samuel Barlow, Esq.,
Stakehill, Chadderton ; and the other in the vicarage garden,
Kirkby Malzeard, Kipon. No doubt other florists prow collec-
tions if we were to visit their gardens ; but, as " D., Deal,"
Bays, though a pretty flower its bloom is soon over, and it is
troublesome to keep the sorts separate. In the north they do
not try to do this, but simply plant them out in mixture, the
different sorts being well known when in bloom. One reason
of this flower not being grown is that collections are not known
or seen by the public. Why does not " D., Deal," bring up
a etand to some of the meetings at Kensington and show them
to those who would appreciate them ? It is in that way that
florists' flowers are becoming so popular in the north. The
public rally round such men as the Eev. F. D. Horner, Mr.
Barlow, and others, who, instead of mourning about the decline
of florists' flowers and looking for something to turn up, work
away silently and steadily. What is the result ? There is at
Manchester an Auricula show, a Tulip, and also a Carnation
and Picotee show, held annually, well supported, and firmly
established.

I assure " D., Deal," that he is not correct in his estimates
of the extent of taste for florists' flowers. Why, not more
than six weeks or so ago he was writing of the decline of stage
Pelargoniums. Where is the decline ? They are in every
schedule one takes up if the show is held at the right time.
Veitch, Turner, Fraser have houses filled with them ; and
when one aeks, " What do yoii grow so many for ?" the reply
is, " We never have enough to supply our customers." They
are in almost every window, and every garden, and every
greenhouse.

I fancy " D., Deal," never dressed a Carnation or Picotee,
and the " eminent florist " must have not spoken advisedly.
Certainly neither of them understand dressing the flowers in
the sense that florists dress them. What harm can there be
in taking a bad petal out of a Carnation, especially if it had
forty-seven '.' A quarter of a hundred removed would improve
the flower, but no one would take out any but badly shaped
and badly marked petals. Such ought to be removed just as
they are removed from any flower of a similar character, such
as Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Ac., which removal is and has
always been done. I consider that to flatten a Pansy and to
show the bells of a Hyacinth, if I understand what " 'D.,Deal,"
means, is the very same as dressing a Carnation; but certainly
I do not think, as he does, that highly stimulating a Celery
trench is a practice like dressing a Carnation — that is, picking
a self petal out. Is it right to cut a pip from a Hyacinth and
wrong to pluck a self petal from a Carnation ?

He tells us he is conscious of only one motive, " the advance-
ment of florists' flowers." Then, I say, although his motive
is good the means used are bad and would result (but for the
pluck of others who love and value flowers as ardently as " D.,
Deal," does) in bringing about the catastrophe he dreaded.

George Glenny had his own ideas about florists' flowers, but
the comparison between him and " D., Deal," is not a happy
one. Every grower would like flowers that do not require to be

dressed ; some have reached that standard, and still there's
more to follow.

One question, Did " D., Deal," ever hear of a grower taking
days to dress a stand of twenty-four blooms ? I never
did. What does Mr. Ben. Simonite say to this, and ,Mr.
R. Rudd, and Mr. Bower, who can dress such a stand in a few
hours ? — J. Douglas.

BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND SOCIETY'S
SHOW.

The centenary celebration of the foundation of the Bath and
West of England Agricultural Society's Show is now being
held at Bath in one of those commanding positions overlook-
ing that beautiful city, and from which some of the most lovely
landscape scenery of the picturesque neighbourhood may be
seen to the greatest advantage. The portion of it which most
concerns us is the hnrtieultoral tent, which is again under the
stewardship of the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen. This de-
partment is always arranged with that taste for which Mr.
Bnscawen is so well known ; but on this occasion he seems to
have excelled, for every specimen — and they are mostly all
specimen plants — is so placed as to exhibit it in all its beauty
and with an eye to harmony of colouring, which makes the group-
ing extremely attractive. There is no competition, and con-
sequently there are no prizes at this Exhibition ; but the contri-
butors do not go unrewarded, for Mr. Boscawen has a fund at his
command which enables him to compensate in some measure
the exhibitors for the efforts they make, and according to the
merit and value of tbeir exhibitions. First among the number
of those is Mr. Pilgrim of Choltenham, who has contributed a
large number of his finest specimens. Among them we specially
remarked a very fine one of Phormium tenax variegatum, which
from its decided and bright variegation and long gracefully
drooping leaves is a better plant for a group than the more rigid-
growing P. Veifohii. There are also very handsome plants of
Croton longifolinm variegatum, Thriuax elegans, Cordylinc
anstralis in flower, a splendid specimen of Acrophyllnm venosum,
and a fine pot of Anlhnrium Scherzerianura, the flower of which
had in many instances a double spathe. Among the other con-
tributors were Sir William Miles, Sir William Marriott, W. E.
Brymer, Esq., W. H. Gore-Langton, Esq., H. W. Tugwell, Esq.,
Handel Cosham, Eeq., Col. Taylor, Mr. W. C. Drummond, &c.

The competition for Tea and Noisette Roses was not so great
as was expected, for the time being between the seasons very
few growers could enter, their plants being out of bloom; but
we are informed on going to press that Mr. Charles Turner of
Slough was successful in carrying oS the nurserymen's cup, and
Mr. Chard, gardener to Sir F. Bathurst of Clarendon Park,
Salisbury, that of the amateurs.

BOSES.

I WAS a little surprised to see Mr. Jessop's remark as to
unamiable criticisms of anonymous writers with regard to
the Rose election of 1876. I presume, as I was the first to
criticise the lists and results, that I am the person to whom
your correspondent alludes. As to the criticisms being un-
amiable, it is the first time that I have ever heard anything
I have written called by that name, and I do not think that
even Mr. Hinton will consider that they were so, but if he
does I cannot but offer him my apologies.

As to the charge of writing anonymously, I thought every-
one knew who your " Wtld Savage " was, but as apparently
Mr. Jessop does not, I had better sign my name in future.
The reason I adopted that pseudonym was because so many
people wrote to me privately, and the Editors request that no
one should do that to any of their correspondents, and, indeed,
it was partly in deference to their wish that I ceased to sign
my name.

Roses aro exceedingly backward, nor is this to be wondered
at considering the season. I for one shall be unable to show
Teas at Bath next week, and I cannot help thinking that most
of those who do exhibit will cut almost entirely from plants
grown under glass. I am indeed glad to hear from " D.,
Deal," whose letters on all subjects I for one take great in-
terest in reading, that our National Rose Society is doing so
well. My information was derived indirectly from his brother
Secretary. " D., Deal," says that the principal thing we shall
have to contend against at St. James's Hall is want of space.
I am afraid if this kind of weather is going to last that there
will be another, and that is want of light. I was at one of
Halle's pianoforte recitals on the Ist inst., and the room was in
semi-darkness under the galleries, and the light in the centre
of the room was far from being good. I know of no better ball

Jane 7, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

421

for Rosea than the Shire Hall at Hereford, bat there are no
galleries.

The date fixed tor the " National " will be an excellent one,
and prove the wisdom of Mr. Hole in recommending the first
week in Jaly.

What Roaes do the Royal Botanic Society hope to have on
the 13th of this month ■.' Will the Crystal Palace change their
day ? These are two qaestioas which I should much UUe to
see answered.— Jons B. II. Camm.

[We regret that other correspondents are obliged to suppress
their names to prevent letters being addressed to them. Ten
letters arrived at this office in one week addressed to " A
Pakson's Gardener." How many more would he have been
troubled with had his name and address been published ? — Eds.]

EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

June 5th.
FaniT CoMsnTTEE. — John Lee, Esq., in the chair. Carter's
Late Silver Head Broccoli was sent by Messrs. J. Carter & Co.,
High Holborn, but it was not white, and the Committee did
not consider it superior to other sorts. Mr. Gough, The Gardens,
Westwood Park, Bristol, also exhibited a uew Broccoli. The
heads were past their best, but considering the season it was
regarded as a useful variety, but was not thought worthy of a
certificate as shown. Mr. W. Howard, The Gardens, St. O^yth
Priory, Colchester, sent heads of a Broccoli named Model. It
was cousidered a distinct variety, but not an improvement on
sorts already in cultivation. A Cucumber, presumed to be new,
was sent by Mr. H. J. Barnes, gardener to Col. Taylor, Montrose,
Weston Park, Bath, but it was not an improvement on many
sorts already in existence. A cluster of Cucumbers was sent
from Mr. J. T. Creed, gardener to T. Swanwick, Esq , Chester-
field. One of them was slightly fasciated. A letter of thanks
was sent to the exhibitor. A. dish of Tomatoes— Hathaway's
Excelsior — was sent by Mr. Iggulden, gardener to R. B. Wiugfield
Baker, Esq., Orsett Hull, Essex. They were excellent examples
of skilful culture, and received a cultural commeudatiou. Mr.
Cadger, The Gardens, Tring Park, Herts, sent a very fine dish
of Strawberries. There seemed to be two sorts ; one of them
resembled Keens' SeedUng. A cultural commendation was
awarded. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborongh, Nor-
biton, sent two pots of Garibaldi Strawberry, but the impression
appeared to be that they were not different from Yicomtesse
Hericart de Thury. A letter of thanks was voted to Mr. Denning.
Mr. R. Gilbert, TUe Gardens, Burghley, Stamford, sent a Green-
fleshed Melon — a netted Victory of Baih. It was of very fine
flavour, but was not considered sufliciently distinct from Victory
of Bath. Mr. John Gardiner, The Gardens, Elsham Hall, sent
a Red-fleshed Melon — Duchess of Edinburgh, which had been
injured in transit and could not be adjudicated upon.

Florai. Committee. — W. B. KeUock, Esq., in the chair. This
was not a large meeting, but many choice plants were exhibited
in the conservatory. First-class certificates were awarded to
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Cattleya Skiuneri
alba, a very pure white and beautiful flower; to Mr. Turner,
Slough, for Pelargoniums Venus, Mrs. King, Eloquence, and
Virgin Queen; to Mr. Kinghoru for Gloxinia Paragon, very
fine; to Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, for a very neat
and pretty double Begonia named Gloire de Nancy. This is
the first double Begonia we have seen, and promises to iu-
angarate a new race which will be vtry useful for decorative
purposes. The flower is somewhat like a single pip of a good
doable Geranium. To Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn,
Esq., Loxford Hall, for two charming varieties of Aquilegias,
which were very much admired. These were named Aquilegia
hybrida californioa and A. hybrida crerulea. These are impor-
tant additions to the old bat pretty genus of Columbines. Mr.
Ollerhead, gardener to Sir H. W. Peek, was also awarded a first-
class certificate for Od'intoglossum Alexandrte var. roseum.

Messrs. Veitch i Suns staged some excellent Orchids; amongst
them were splendid plauts of OJontoglossum ujevium, Cattleya
MoBsiai, Cypripedium caudatnm, and thirteen species and varie-
ties of Masdevallias, which were very beautiful. A silver medal
was awarded for the group.

Mr. John Wills of South Kensington had a small but attractive
group, including a very large and good variety of Anthurium
Scherzerianum, and excellent examples of Odontoglossum Alex-
andric and C,i ■^'.vri Mossiae interspersed with Ferns, for which
a Bilver medal was awarded.

From the gardens of J. G. Hepburn, Esq. (Mr. J. Loveland,
gardener), Sidcup Place, Kent, came a group of over fifty Or-
chids, noticeable amongst which were two large plants of Vauda
Buavis ; a fine Anguloa Clowesii ; small but well-bloomed plants
of Oncidiums crispum, sessile, and flexaosum; Odoutoglossum
vexillarium and citrosmum, very fine ; Cattleyas Mendeli, lobata
and Moasiie ; Cypripediums oaudatum, BoezUi, and barbatam ;

and Dendrobiums DalhousiaUum, and nobile cerulescens, for
which a silver medal was deservedly awarded.

Mr. Ollerhead also exhibited excellent Orchids, including
several Masdevallias, Cypripediums niveum and barbatum,
Odontoglossums Alexandrse aud citrosmum, a very fine Cat-
tleya Mossios pallida, Oncidium ampliatum, LoeUa purpurea,
the curious Brassia Liwrenceana, Saccolabium retusum, Den-
drobium formosum giganteum, &c. A silver medal was also
awarded to this group.

Messrs. Barr & Sugden sent an extensive collection of Ixias
and Sparaxes, which were placed in a groundwork of Ferns, and
were very attractive. A bronze medal was awarded. Mr. Turner,
Slough, contributed a group of small plants of Pelargoniums,
several of which were certificated ; also a basket of Picotees.
A vote of thanks was awarded. Mr. Dean, Ealing, sent Giant
Brompton Stocks, Mimuluses, &c., and was awarded a vote of
thanks; and the Rev. A. Rawson, Bromley Common, Kent, ex-
hibited plants and cut blooms of Calochorti and Cyclobothras.
Mr. Kinghorn of the Sheen Nurseries, Richmond, contributed
several very well-grown Gloxinias, and received a vote of thanks.
Messrs. Osborne & Sons exhibited Pyrethrum aureum laoinatum ;
and Mr. E. Holmes, Lichfield, a very pretty Juniper. Votes of
thanks were awarded to Mr. Ollerhead for Actus gracillimus,
and to Mr. Iggulden, gardener to B. W. Baker, Esq., Orsett
Hall, Essex, for a basket of La France Roses.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

We are authorised to announce that their Royal Highnesses
the Prince and Princess of Wales have signified their inten-
tion of being present at the Great Sumhee Snow of the
Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensington on Tuesday,
the 113th inst. There is every reason to believe that the Show
will be an unusually fine and extensive one.

On Tuesday last, at the meeting of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, the Right Hon. Lord Aberdare, the President,
presented a number of medals to the successful exhibitors at
some ol the late shows, aud thanked them for the liberal way
iu which they had supported the Society during its recent
difficulties. He stated that there was now every prospect that,
these having been overcome, in another year the Council would
be in a position to offer prizes of a more substantial kind than
mere honorary awards.

We are pleased to gee by the announcement In the

London Gazette that Dr. Hooker, C.B., Director of the Royal
Gardens, Kew, has been appointed a Kuight Commander of
the order of the Star of India. We congratulate Sir Joseph
Hooker on this well-merited distinction.

We have received several letters relative to the depre-
dations OF BIRDS in gardens. From them we gather that the
bullfinch has scarcely any defenders, and the sparrow and
finches few, while the tomtit is credited with doing more good
by eating insects and caterpillars than harm by destroying
fruit buds. Our correspondent Mr. W. Thomson states that
with him the birds mentioned never touch a bud with a rising
barometer or iu settled weather ; but in wet weather or before
a storm with a falling barometer they are very voracious, and
render bushes useless in a very short time.

A committee has been formed, of which Mr. C. E.

Elliott of the Cdramio Court, Crystal Palace, is the Honorary
Secretary aud Treasurer, for the purpose of providing a suit-
able testimonial to Mr. Wilson, who during a period of
twenty-five years has been of such great service to exhibitors
at flower, poultry, and other shows which have been held at
the Palace. A testimonial in money is also proposed to be
given to Mr. James Mitchell on his retiring from the manage-
ment of the gardens at Newbyth (Sir David B.iird's, Bart.),
illness of a serious nature precluding the possibility of Mr.
Mitchell resuming his employment. Mr. R. P. Brotherstou,
Tyninghame, Prestonkirk, will be glad to receive donations.

• It has been decided by the Council of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society that a great provincial hobticultoral suow
will be held in June, 187S, at Preston in Lancashire, and we
are informed that the needful guarantees have been secured.
T. M. Shuttleworth, Esq., of Howiek House, Preston, has
undertaken the office of local Secretary, and under his inde-
fatigable management we have no doubt the Show will prove
a great success.

Referring to the law of planting trees in Switzer-
land on the occasion of marriage ceremonies and the birth of
children, our correspondent " A. W." states that it is " not a
law, but a custom, accompanied in some Cantons with great
festivities. In the Canton of Zurich vineyards are often en-
larged on these nuptial occasions. This custom is a very wise

422

JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTORB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 7, 1877.

and provident one, as the grassy slopes studded densely with
frnit trees testify."

Writing to na on the ikfluence of scion on stock,

" W. C. E." says, " Last year a graft of Golden Labnrnnm
was put on a common Labnrnnm. The graft died, but this
year nine or ten shoots have come lemon-coloured. In another
case the leaves of the stock are spotted with yellow."

We have received from Messrs. Dickson & Co., Water-
loo Place, Edinburgh, some flowers of douele Cinerakias
named Queen of Violets, Pink Perfection, Pilrig Beauty, and
The Prince. The flowers are perfectly double and very fine,
the two first-named being the most effective varieties which
have come under our notice.

A GENTLEMAN, " S. B.," who IS oue of the best cul-
tivators of Tulips, and who is entitled to speak with authority,
writes as follows on malformed Tulips, which were referred
to last week on page 411. " The case " (of four blooms being
produced by one stalk), "is clearly a case of overgrowth.
The bulbs have been grown in compost of too etimulating a
nature, and have probably been left in the ground too long,
which enables the new bulb to feed as long as any of the fibres
retain their vitality. A less stimulating growth and early
taking-up of the bulbs are the remedies for this. I should
recommend your correspondent to take-up his bulbs within a
week after they have done blooming. In this opinion the Kev.
F. D. Horner and Mr. Bentley quite coincide."

" The Fern World " is the title of a forthcoming work

by Mr. Francis George Heath, author of the " Fern Paradise."
Mr. Heath's new book, which is in the press and will be
published shortly by Messrs. Sampson, Low, Mareton & Co ,
in addition to numerous chapters on the structure, classifi-
cation, distribution, uses, and "lore" of Ferns, on general
Fern culture, " Fern hunting," Fern collecting, &e., will con-
tain descriptions of rambles through the combes and glens
of North Devon. Half of the work is devoted to the de-
scription, distribution, and culture of British Ferns, and the text
throughout will be illustrated by coloured lithographs of Fern
groups specially printed from nature, full-page engravings of
scenery, &a.

Singular Birds' Nests. — We recently noticed in the

gardens of S. Ealli, Esq., Cleveland House, Clapham Park, a
sight worthy of the pencil of Mr. Harrison Weir. During the
present year a robin built his nest in a specimen of Erica de-
pressa which was growing in the greenhouse, and there reared
its young, which left the nest the day before the plant was
taken to the Crystal Palace Show. The parent birds then
found access to the stove and built another nest on the surface
of the pot of a flowering specimen of Nepenthes Hookeriana.
In this nest eggs were laid, but just before they were hatched the
bird was found dead in the nest. The nest and eggs remain ;
and the Nepenthes, which has several pitchers, certainly loses
none of its attractiveness by the novel addition of the robin's
nest and eggs. Mr. Moorman has reported an instance of
what he terms the " ingenuity of a tomtit :" — " During the
latter part of the year 1875 a pot about 10 inches in diameter
was inverted in the orchard at Coombe Bank, where it re-
mained throughout the winter. On removing the pot in the
spring it was found to cover an ingeniously contrived nest.
The whole of the interior of the pot was beautifully padded
with moss, in the centre of which was a nest full of young
birds, the old birds entering through the hole in the top, or
what is really the bottom of the pot. The young birds flew
away, and during the past winter the pot was removed.
On Mr. Christy's return home after an absence of several
months he missed the pot, and being a great protector of small
birds he requested that the pot should be returned to the same
place. This was done early in May, and on the 28th of the
same month the tomtit had completed its nest in the same
manner as before, and had laid five eggs."

We recently noticed a fine plant of Ceanothus den-

TATUS flowering on the south wall of Sudbury House, Ham-
mersmith, the residence of J. T. Peacock, Esq. This is an
excellent evergreen flowering plant for a south wall, its blue
flowers being produced in great profusion, and are admirably
adapted for cutting for vase decoration. This Ceanothus strikes
readily from cuttings of the young shoots inserted in sand
and treated the same manner as Verbena cuttings. In some
petitions in the northern counties the Ceanothus requires the
protection of a mat during the winter. C. dentatus has smaller
foliage and more deeply coloured flowers than C. azureus, and
it also flowers earlier than that species. Mr. Peacock's unri-

valled collection of Cactuses is in splendid condition ; and hia
gardener, Mr. Croucher, is establishing a choice selection of
Orchids, many valuable sorts of which are now flowering. Mr.
Peacock's garden is in excellent order throughout.

After an almost unexampled term of cold weather,

which has rendered the present one of the most backward
seasons on record, a sudden change has occurred. Sunday
last was a brilliant day in London, and the day following was
quite sultry, the thermometer in the full sun registering 120".
Since then the heat has abated somewhat, the sun having
been more or less obscured by clouds. Bedding-out is in
"full swing" in the parks, and will not be completed before
July. Warm showers are much needed to assist the free
growth of the plants, or half the season will be over before
the beds are attractive.

We have received three letters from correspondents

stating that they have gone through the prize list of the
Crystal Palace Auricula Show, and found seven names of
prizewinners in the Auricula classes, and four more in the
Polyanthus class. They are as follows : — Auriculas — Rev. F. D.
Homer, Kirkby Malzeard, Kipon, Yorkshire; Mr. Douglas,
Loxford Hall, Ilford, Essex; Mr. Charles Turner, Slough,
Berks ; Mr. B. Simonite, Sheffield, Yorkshire ; Mr. Jones,
Carrow House, Norwich, Norfolk; Rev. Margetts, Lydington,
Uppingham, Rutland ; and Mr. Cooper, Timperley, Cheshire.
Polyanthuses — Mr. G. Smith, Edmonton ; Mr. E. Dean, Ealing ;
Mr. Catley, Bath; and Mr. Hooper, Bath. It is not necessary
to publish more on the subject.

We hear that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales

has given up Chiswick House, the lease having expired, and
that Mr. John Wills of South Kensington has been appointed
to supply the floral decorations at Marlborough House.

Klissoura in Bulgaria has long been celebrated for

the manufacture of attar of Roses. During the recent war-
fare the stills, called kezans, were all destroyed, but the con-
sequent distress of the natives has been relieved by Lady
Strangford by supplying them with 110 new kezans.

Artificial flowers, called barometers, are being now

exhibited in a number of Parisian opticians' shops. They are
coloured with a material composed of chloride of cobalt. When
exposed to sun and dry air the leaves become deep blue ; when
the air is saturated with moisture they become pinky. All
(he intermediate shades are easily observed.

As afiording an idea of horticultural industry in

America we are informed that $10,000,000 are invested in land.
greenhouses, and stock connected with the wholesale florists'
business in the vicinity of New York, where there are 45 acres
of hothouses. At Union Hill, New Jersey, there are about
20 acres under glass for the cultivation of flowers for the New
Y'ork market.

A PLEA FOR THE OKCHAED HOUSE— INSECTS.

Under the above heading Mr. Hodgson has contributed one
of the most pleasant and sensible articles that I have read for
many a day. Y'our correspondent uses a sledge-hammer kind
of argument in favour of orchard houses, and I am convinced
that it will require something very powerful to prove that
these structures, when rightly managed, are not of great value
in producing a supply of fruit in inclement seasons. Hitherto
this season we have heard little besides wailings on the con-
dition of the Peach crop ; but here we have one who is justly
jubilant over having 1600 Peaches and Nectarines in one
house, and that house heated by what ? — " three lamp stoves
only used on cold nights when the blossom might otherwise be
injured by the frost." Mr. Hodgson, I presume, is an amateur,
for few horny-handed gardeners can write so forcibly yet
elegantly as he has written on page 305, and few, I imagine,
can narrate better practice in fruit-culture. Were I given to
envy I should commence with envying both Mr. Hodgson's
attainments and his fruit; but I hope I am not, and I am
sure I shall be well satisfied if I can now and again be refreshed
after my daily labour by the perusal of an article similar to
the one referred to.

For same time past I have been silent on gardening matters.
I have been quietly working and watching, and had half
resolved to give my pen a longer rest, but, to use a gardener's
phrase, I am fairly " fetched out of my shell " by your accom-
plished correspondent. I have a lurking conviction that I am
the "scornful gardener" who named the cribbed and strmted
specimens, which so often forced theii uselessness upon me,

Juno 7, 1877. J

JOURNAIi OS HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

423

' toy trees." But I do not oftU " a cordon Peach tree with
150 fruits on it, and leaves as large as those of the Laurel," a
" toy tree." Snoh a tree demands a nobler name. Toy trees
there are in plenty, miserable distorted Apples and Pears
which are not worthy of the name of trees at all. It were well
if these pigmies had been called by their right names years
ago, and disappointment would have been spared to many
who have wasted time and space in attempting the cnltivatiou
of these crippled monstrosities.

Bat to the orchard house. These structures, like miniature
trees, have been abused, and like the trees have failed. When
rightly constructed and reasonably managed orchard houses
seldom fail. They are the best of all aids for securing crops
of such tender and delicious fruits as Peaches and Nectarines.
When these houses are well managed, even when no means of
artificially heating them are afforded, the trees in them are as
certain to bear as are Peaches on walls when protected with glass
and proper attention is given to them.

Many instances of both success and failure have come under
my notice in the cultivation of trees under glass. Some people
have a dread of unhealed orchard houses. Why ? Because they
are in a measure compelled to make them do that which they
ought not to be expected to do. Too often a gardener having
an orchard house is at his wit's end to find shelter for thousands
of bedding plants. These are placed in the house, and it is
kept close on their account at a time when that closeness is
prejudicial to the trees. Not many years ago I saw a fine wall
of Peaches ruined from that cause, and I have observed that
it is not at all uncommon to protect the trees too much during
the earliest days of spring when glass coverings are provided.
The object of growers of fruit in unhealed houses should be
to retard the opening of the blossom to the utmost period
possible, and then the crop is nearly always safe. My reason
for that assertion is, that a large unhealed house which has
heen " under my eye " for twenty years has never failed to
produce a bountiful supply of fruit.

Insects. — Another primary source of failure must be attri-
butable to insects. If these are allowed to gain the ascendancy
in the spring we have no right to expect fruit in the summer.
I dislike killing insects, and never do kill them if I can avoid it.
I kD0T7 of a less cruel and far more safe method than that.
Quassia water, soft soap, and soot water will prevent a tree
becoming weakly by insect ravages if — and here is the essence
of the mallei- — if the solution is applied in time. I never yet
knew a man who was " great" at killing insects who was a
great grower of either plants or fruit. Those who are really
successful do not wait to kill insects, they prevent them. Who-
ever caught any insects on Mr. .James's Calceolarias, Mr.
Turner's Pelargoniums, Mr. Paul's Roses, Mr. Hunter's Pines,
Mr. Lane's Vines, Mr. Miles's Cherries, and, I ask it boldly,
Mr. Hodgson's Peaches ? Such men have no time to lose in
killing insects. They fumigate and syringe just before instead
of just after the insects appear. I know nothing more import-
ant in gardening mailers than adopting timely measures for
the prevention of insects. It is far preftrable to kiUing them,
more easy, economical, and effectual. Retard the expanding
blossoms in unhealed orchard houses and prevent insects ap-
pearing, and it will be rare that " bad houses " and " bad
seasons " will be held hanging on the lips of a disappointed
man.

But when and how must prevention begin ? is a question I
will anticipate. I know something of the dispositions of
Journal readers by previous failures on my part to write plainly,
and having had to write to explain what I ought to have said
at the first. Pleasure is no doubt derived from your pages,
but useful practical information is your aim and mine — some-
thing not to " look at " merely, but to " work from." That is
the main object. I will therefore endeavour to make the sub-
ject of the prevention of insects in orchard houses sufficiently
plain to " work from."

We will presume the trees were made perfectly clean in
winter, not dirty with a daubing of clay, &o., but clean by
strong soft soap and water or " Gishurat," and that the sur-
face soil was renewed, and it was clean too. Now let spring
arrive. Watch for the first swelling of the buds. On the
very first signs of growth prepare the insect antidote, and not
only prepare it but apply it. Place a peck of soot in a coarse
sack and suspend it in a tub full of water, say thirty or forty
gallons. Let it remain for a week or ten days, then remove it
and throw in a few lumps of fresh quicklime. Skim off the
surface scum and a liquid will remain as " clear as sherry."
Throw in a few handfnls of quassia chips into a pot or copper

of water, say 3 or 4 ozs. of chips to a gallon, and boil for
twenty minutes. When cool mix the soot wine and the quassia
water and syringe the trees. Though they have no leaves and
no insects, never mind, syringe them and wait for the blossom
buds swelling, then syringe again. There will be no insects ;
never mind, syringe thoroughly just ae if the trees were in-
fested, and especially just before the blossoms expand, then
wait again. What for ? the blossoms setting. This may
occupy a fortnight or three weeks, but there will be no insects,
the preventive measures will have proved too powerful. After
the fruit is get apply the antidote weekly or as often as is re-
quired, in the meantime using clear water if you must follow
the old rule of syringing daily, which I do not believe in, and
your trees will be clean without having had to go through the
nuisance of killing insects.

I have more to say on orchard houses, but it will " keep ;"
the insect question, being the more urgent, has for the pre-
sent occupied my spare time and your space. — A. N. G.

ZINNIAS.

Zinnias are amongst the oldest of onr common garden
annuals, the first species having been introduced into Europe
more than a hundred years ago ; as long ago as we can recollect
anything about flowers the species Z. mnltiflora was generally
found in most gardens. The late Mr. Breck, in alluding to it,
said he first became acquainted with it seventy years ago. A
few years subsequent to the introduction of that species another
was found in Mexico, and was sent to Europe in 1796. This
wag the Z. elegans, a much more showy and handsome plant,
with larger flowers, but rather coarse in general appearance.
In 1818 still another species was added (Z. hybrida) ; this was
from South America, and produced brilliant scarlet flowers,
and from this and the other species numerous varieties were
raised, comprising all the various shades of scarlet, crimson,
purple, orange, yellow, and white. From the time of the
introduction of the first species until a very recent date all i

these varieties continued to be extensively cultivated without
any apparent change ; the same rather coarse, stiff, and formal
flower valued more for its novelty and variety than for any
real beauty. The flowers are all bright and very showy when
first expanded, but they soon begin to form seed, and the
central bundle of florets assume a dried appearance, while the
outer florets lose their colour and are anything but ornamental.
Such were the Zinnias some fifteen or twenty years ago, when
enthusiastio florists were on the look-out for varieties of every
kind, and carefully selected all the choicest flowers for the
purpose of continued improvement. A zealous French culti-
vator, in looking over his Zinnias, accidentally noticed a plant
which had a double row of petals, and with the enthusiasm of
the real lover of flowers, it occurred to him as a tendency to a
double blossom; he carefully sowed the seed, and another
year was well repaid by other flowers much more double, but
still far from perfect. He persevered, however, in selecting
and sowing the seed, and had his reward in the production of
a double Zinnia, not equal to those of the present day, but
very large, full, and beautiful. They are now grown almost
as perfect as the Dahlia, and of all the varied shades of the old
single varieties ; a splendid addition to our gardens.

Within a few years another species has been added to the
list. This is the Z. Haageana, of smaller and more delicate
habit than the old kind, with flowers of a brilliant orange
colour. This, as well as the Z. elegans, has been the special
object of improvement by the German florists, and several quite
distinct varieties originated. Of the old class there is a very
dwarf double-flowered variety, growing only 12 to 15 inches
high, and admirable for beds, where the others grow too tall.
Another variety is the Z. elegans tagetiflora, with partially
quilled, in the place of expanded, petals, not so showy as the
others, but with a very pretty effect among other sorts. In
fact, all these double Zinnias are not only very showy through-
out all the summer and autumn, but are very pretty for cutting
for table bouquets.

Their cultivation is simple. To have good plants in bloom
early the seeds may be sown in April or May in pots, in a
slight bottom heat, and as soon as large enough potted-off
singly or planted in boxes until the weather will answer for re-
moving them into the open garden. They look well in beds or
groups, and in this way form a showy mass, contrasting well
with similar beds of Asters. They are also fine as scattered
specimens in the border. The soil should be rich, as they are
free bloomers and require good treatment to secure free, large,

424

JODENAL OF HOBTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ Jane 7, 1877.

fall, doable flowers, ffo plants can be more safely trans-
planted, even when qaite large, than the Zinnias ; their stoat
npriRht growth withstands the eun better than most plants.
A Belpctiou of all the finest colours is a grand acijuisition to
e'verj fluwer garden. — {American Cultivator.)

THE WEST BRIGHTON NURSERIES,

CLIFTONVILLE.

VisiTOBS to Brighton daring the past foar or five years
have noticed with mnch pleasure the beautifal grass plots,
shrabs, and ornamental flower beds known as Queen's Gar-
dens. Where these gardens now exist only a year or two
since there was nothing bat shingle and the bare banks of the
eeaehore. Everyone who has been to Brighton knows the
force of the wind from the sontb, which prevents shrabs, li-o.,
from attaining any
great size anless pro-
tected by something
that will stand the
salt spray nnin j ared ,
consequently no one
need wonder at the
scarceness of vegeta-
tion at this fashion-
able watering place
— " London- by-the-
Sea."

There is one shrub
that appears invin-
cible— that is the
common Eaonymns.
It not only grows
and flourishes, bat
luxuriates in the salt
sea breeze, and it is
prinoipally to this
shrub that the reei-
dents of Queen's
Gardens are indebt-
ed for the lengthened
beanty and freshness
of the carpet bedding
so artistically ar-
ranged by Mr. W.
Miles, the principal
manager of the es-
tate and owner of the
nurseries known as
the West Brighton
Nurseries. To Mr.
Miles is the credit
due for the arrange-
ment of Queen's Gar-
dens and other gar-
dens on this estate,
once known as the
Stamford estate.

Qaeen's Gardens
are not large, only
covering a few acres,
but to plant and caise shrubs and flowers to grow where
nothing ever grew before deserves recording, apart from the
artistic carpet bedding, which is every year so well represented.
A bank was thrown up and a hedge of Tamarisk planted,
and in front of these are five or six rows of Euonymuses.
These are periodically trimmed into shape and kept dwarf.
In front of the Euonymuses on the level below are the flower
beds in a kind of alcove. You first come to a bed planted
with some geometrical design, and a little further on to an-
other, and BO on to the end of the gardens. These beds are
only separated from the mnin road by light iron fencing.

The nurseries of Mr. Miles consist of seven houses 100 feet
in length and about 14 feet wide, and five pits of the same
length, the whole built by Boulton & Paul of Norwich. They
are very Ught and useful houses, well adapted for the purposes
of growing such plants as Alternantheras and other plants
need in carpet bedding. How popular this style o( garden
decoration has become is instanced by the fact that Mr. Miles
grows at least 500,000 plants annually for furnishing carpet
beds. Numerous Palms, Dracainas, Ferns, A-c, are also grown
for furnishing purposes ; alBO some very fine AUamandas,

Fig. 69.— Carpet bed at bbiohton.

1, F.cheveria.

2, Sedam glanoum.

B, Mesembryanthemum cordifoliam variegatuni.

4, AJternanthera amcsna Hpeotabilia.

5, Antencaria tomentosa.

6, Pyretbium Golden Feather.

Bougainvilleas, Crotons, Draosenas, Tree and other Ferns,
which often carry off honours at the Brighton exhibitions.
Solanums, Poinsettias, Linums, Bouvardias, &a., are also
grown in great quantities for autumn and winter decoration.
Geraniums do better at Brighton than many other places.
The light, air, and sun suit both the show and scarlet sections
admirably. Of the latter Louis Venillot and Glow are found
the best for winter flowering, and produce an unfailing supply
of good trusses during the dull months of the year.

Mignonette is also largely and well grown here. Mr. Miles
has always been a lover of this sweet flower, and is the raiser
of a very robust and sweetly scented variety. The habit of
the plant is sturdy and branching, each plant producing from
12 to 18 spikes from 12 to 20 inches in length. The flowers
are nearly white, many of the pips being half an inch in
diameter. It is nndoubtedly a fine variety, but its vigour

is probably in some
measure due to su-
perior cultivation. It
is a cross between
Parson's Tree Mig-
nonette and the com-
mon variety, and
comes very true from
seed. I send you
some spikes of it,
which although con-
veyed in a close box
so perfumed the rail-
way carriage that
the passengers asked
if my little box con-
tained Violets.

I sabmit also a
design of one of Mr.
Miles's carpet beds,
and a suitable mode
of planting it, which
may be useful to
those intending to
indulge in this mode
of decoration, especi-
ally as it is during
the month of June
when beds of this
character are plant-
ed. The design is
graceful yeteffective,
and as it is composed
of circles or their
segments it can be
easOy transferred to
the ground. — M.

[The Mignonette
is the finest that
has come under our
notice. It is the
same variety that at-
tracted the attention
of Her Majesty the
Queen at the great
exhibition at South Kensington on May 2nd. — Ens.l

7, Alternauthera paronyohyoidea.

8, Mentha Pulegium gibraltarioum.

9, Lobelia pamilamagniUca.
30, Kleiuia repene.

11, Verouica incana

12, Sedum L^diam.

r Leucophyton Browni.

RIDDINGS HOUSE,

THE RESIDENCE OF J. HADEN OAKES, ESQ.
It matters little at what period of the year we visit the gardens
at Biddings House, for we are sure of a rich treat while there,
and to come avjay giatified with what we have seen. There
are upwards of a dozen fruit houses, many of them of large
dimensions, and nearly twice as many plant houses, besides
numerous pits and other appendages, all filled to overflowing
with choice collections of plants, many of them of recent intro-
duction, all free from insects and in excellent health. At
Biddings the visitor may look, and look again, " and still find
something new — something to please, and something to in-
struct." After a short ride on Whit-Tnesday afternoon from
Mansfield to Pye Bridge on the Erewash Valley line of railway
and a walk of a mile from the station through the village
of Biddings I found myself in company with Mr. J. Ward, who
soon introduced me to the numerous treasures under his ex-
tensive charge.

Jttaa 7, 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OP HOBTIOULTDBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

425

Near the entrance to the mansion there is a spaoiona oorridor
140 feet long, which opens into other houaea. It has a fine
ornamental exterior, and internally it is iitted no with great
elegance. The promenade is famished with Minton tiles,
and along each side there are recesses for flonrering and
foliage plants. Here are fine specimens of Aralia Sieboldi,
Begonias of the tuberous-rooted section, the best being Vesn-
vins, a very fine Chorozema varium, Grevillea robnsta, Bhodo-
dendrone, Taosonia Van-Volxemi trained to a large wire frame,
Bosea in pots in large profusion, Clerodendron Balfonrii, and
Bongainvillea glabra. The two latter plants quite enlivened
the oorridor with their glowing brightness, and though they
aie inmates of our stoves they appeared quite at home in their
cool situation. The first compartment leading out of the
corridor is the Orchid house. It contained a mixture of
Brazilian and Mexican Orchids, and was quite aglow with

plants in bloom. Of Cypripedinma there was a good assort-
ment, and I was fortunate to find so many of them in
dower. C. villosnm was one mass of colour, and vennstum,
barbatum, and others were well represented ; but for simple,
beauty C. niveum bears the palm — its waxy white flowers
marked with minute chocolate spots rising above its marbled
green leaves are very effective. Dendrobiums were strong in
numbers, and of those in flower I noticed D. lituiflorum,
D. cryatallinum, D. heterocarpum, D. nobile, D. Bensoniss;
and such as D. thyrsiflorum, D. chrysotoxum, D. speciosum,
and others were making excellent growths. Odontoglossnm
Koezlii is a great favourite ; it is a charming Orchid from
New Grenada, resembling the beautiful Odontoglossnm vexil-
larium. It had made three growths and contained nine blooms ;
and Odontoglossnm Phalanopsis had twenty-five blooms ex-
panded. There was a good plant of Oncidiam flexuosum.

Fig. eu.—liiDDiNas HOU

which is fine for cut flowers ; and 0. papilio, the Butterfly
Orchid, was quite attractive in its way. Calanthe vestita,
Vandas, and Cattleyas were all in strong force. In striking
contrast to the Orchids were a few fine-foliage stove plants for
table decoration, and a large plant of the brilliant Authurium
Scherzerianum, the finest of all stove plants, of easy culture,
and a most abundant bloomer. We next enter a greenhouse.
Down the centre is a bed planted with Camellias interspersed
with CaUas, Spiriea japonica, S. palmata. Calceolarias, Yuccas,
&c. Communicating with the corridor is the stove, 30 feet long,
furnished with a large bed in the centre for specimen plants,
and benches all round for half-specimens and such as are used
for dinner-table ornamentation. Of those that will probably
have to do duty in the exhibition tent during the season I
noticed fine examples of IxoraDixiana, I. Williamsi, I. coccinea
Buperba, Croton interruptum, C. anguatifolium, C. Johannis,
C. variegatum, AUamanda Hendersoni, A. Schottii, A. grandi-
flora, Dipladenia amabihs, Pandanus ornatus, and P. Veitohii.
Of plants for the dinner table there was a large assortment,
including many of the leading Dracienas, Crotons, and email
Pandannees.

Leaving this block of houses we came to another range,
80 feet long, in two compartments. The first is an orchard
house containing large standard Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums
planted down the centre. In front of these are smaller trees
in pots, and the back wall is clothed with Peaches and Necta-

rines. The standards and trees in pots are carrying heavy
crops, and those on the wall moderate crops. Some of the
Plums are quite loaded with fruit. The second compartment
also contains Peaches and Nectarines planted out as standards,
and others trained on the walls.

The Palm stove, which is also in two compartments, is 50 feet
long. Here are capital examples of the elegant Latania bor-
boniea, Seaforthiaelegans, Phcenixdactylifera, Arecalutesoens,
and Kentia Fosteriana ; also a mixed collection of stove plants,
including healthy examples of Eucharis amazonioa, Vincas,
Celosia pyramidalis, Begonias, Marantas, and the singular
Reidia glaucescens with its curious flowers depending from
the under side of the leaves. Near this house is a new pro-
pagating pit that Mr. Ward has just had erected. It is 30 feet
by 12, in two compartments ; a hot-water tank supplies the
bottom heat, and over thia is cocoa-nut fibre for plunging
in the pots. It is glazed without putty on the outside, and is
perfectly free from drip. Bound all the houses we have just
passed through there are pits of various depths, about i feet
wide, all famished with hot-water pipes. These pits are filled
with Pelargoniums, Zonal Geraniums, and a few greenhouse
plants, such as Erythrina Criata-galli and Statice profuaa.

We now pass to the opposite side of the mansion, and
enter the Fern house and conservatory, each 40 feet long
and 18 feet wide. The latter communicates with the man-
sion, and in the evening when Mr. Oakea entertains his friends

426

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 7, 1817.

at dinner he has an ingenioua way of lighting it with gas.
What In most honsea is a blank wall is here obscure glass,
placed about 2 feet from the wall and parallel with it ; a gas pipe
inns between the wall and the glass, studded with eighty jets,
and after dusk these are all lighted, and the reflection among
the Ferns and other plants has the appearance of very powerful
moonlight. The Ferns are in luxuriant health. Cibotinm spec-
tabile in a IG-inch pot has fronds 10 feet long by 3 feet wide;
Cyathea medullaris in an 18-inch pot has fronds 12 feet by 3 feet
wide ; Aleophila excelsa has fronds 7 feet long by 3 wide, a
noble plant; Cibotium princeps, fronds 7 feet by 3 ; and Dick-
sonia antarctica is in fine condition. There are also numerous
smaller plants deserving notice. Adiantum farleyense, the
king of the Adiantnms ; A. cuneatum, A. formosum, A. con-
cinnnm latum; Lomariagibba, GymnogrammaLancheana.Da-
vallia Mooreana, and many others are in admirable condition.

The next house we entered is the early vinery, and here we have
proof of Mr. Ward's skill as a fruit-grower. The first Grapes
were cut on the 26th of April, and at the same time there were
a few bunches still left of Lady Downe's preserved in bottles
of water. Mr. Ward had managed to " circle the year " with
Grapes. Nearly all the bunches were cut at the time of my
visit, but thone left were of a splendid colour and were perfect
in bloom. Under the Vines I observed a large assortment of
Camellias making their growth. The adjoining house is the
second vinery in order of forcing, and is planted entirely with
Madresfield Court, two-year-old Vines, each carrying three
bunches. In this house Epacrises and Azaleas were making
their growth. In an adjoining greenhouse I noticed Erioste-
mons, Correae, Nerinms, Khynchospermums, Abntilons, Val-
lotas, Statices, and Fnchsias. Near this is the Azalea house
60 feet long and 14 feet wide filled with Azaleas, which were
making their srowth. The pleasure grounds are not extensive ;
Hollies and Yews appear to grow with great luxuriance, and
are trained with as much care as Azaleas.
^We next crossed the village to what is called the fruit garden.
Here is another village of glass houses. The first, a small
Peach house 24 feet long by 14 feet wide, contains a Peach
and Nectarine tree, each carrying a heavy crop of fruit that
would be ripe by the end of May. The second house is of the
same size as the last, and contains the same number of trees,
the fruit to come in for succession. The trees are making
capital growth, and promise well for another season. The late
vinery is 80 feet long and 14 feet wide. The border is inside
the house, and there is no provision for the roots to go outside.
The sorts chiefly grown in this house are Black Alicante, Treb- '
biano, and Lady Downe's. It was from these Vines that
Grapes were preserved till new Grapes were ripe. The orchard
house is 80 feet long and 14 feet wide. Pears and Plums are
grown in pots, and Peaches and Nectarines on the back wall.
I have here to record a slight failure, for only a few of the
Pears were carrying any fruit. There is no heating apparatus
in the house, and Mr. Ward attributes the scarcity of fruit to
the wet autumn and tho want of sunshine ; the trees are in
excellent health. Passing out of this house we entered a vinery
130 feet long and 14 feet wide. The Grapes were all thinned.
The foliage is fine and the bunches regular, and will average
4 lbs. each. The syringe has never been used since the buds
were just breaking, but no trace of red spider is to be seen.
The roots are all inside, and during the growing season the
border has had repeated drenchings of tepid water diluted with
guano and sheep dung. The surface of the border is frequently
dusted over with guano previous to sprinkling it with water,
and to this practice Mr. Ward attributes his freedom from
red spider. On the back wall is a row of Vines in pots for
early forcing, partly to take the place of the early house
which is to be replanted. A few Figs in pots are well loaded
with fruit. The next house in order is a span-roofed green-
house, containing a choice collection of Heaths and other
greenhouse plants. All the Heaths are trained with the greatest
care, and every plant is in robust health. Among the Ericas I
noticed Erica Candolleana, E. jasminiflora alba, E. mutabilis,
E. Aitoniana, E. tnrgida, E. Parmentieriana rosea, E. tricolor,
and E. Spenceriana. Besides the Ericas there are some fine
Boronias, Aphelexes, and Dracophyllums.

Strawberries are forced in abundance, and for this purpose
a house is provided 70 foot long by 14 wide, in two divisions.
The first division was cleared out and planted with Cucumbers
and Melons. From this range Mr. Ward has three different
crops; first Strawberries, succeeded by Cucumbers and Melons,
and next French Beans, which continue to produce pods till
the house is required again for Strawberries. The Pine stove

is 60 feet by 16, with a path down the centre, and the Pines
plunged in beds on each side. They were in excellent
health, and gave promise of useful fruit. In proximity to
the above is a pit 40 feet by 18 for suecessional Pines, and so
constructed that all the plants are near the glass. They are
in 8 and 10-inch pots, and in capital health. I omitted to
mention when speaking of the greenhouse 70 feet by 20, that
it is surrounded by a useful pit heated by hot water. It is
serviceable during the early part of the winter for preserving
Strawberries and, when they are removed, for forcing Potatoes.
Mr. Ward, besides his extensive charge at Biddings House,
has the care of the gardens of C. Oakes, Esq., and there I saw
some excellent Peach houses and vineries. During his lengthy
career at Chatsworth he was well trained in fruit and plant
culture by Mr. Speed, and now he does honour to his excellent
master. Mr. Ward is also greatly aided by a liberal employer,
who is interested in everything connected with horticulture,
of which he is a great patron, as the extent and condition of
his gardens testify. — Q. R.

THE EXTIRPATION OP INJURIOUS INSECTS.

The following is abridged from an important paper read by
Mr. Andrew Murray at the Society of Arts on the 5th inst. : —

The great majority of vegetable-feeding insects do not feed
on all kinds of plants indiscriminately ; most of them are
restricted to one kind of plant, and if by cultivation of that
plant its numbers are enormously increased, so will naturally
be the number of the insects that feed upon it, while, if wo
should cease to grow that plant, the number of the insects
would correspondingly diminish. Thus, for instance, it a
district U almost entirely in pasture there will ba very few
Wheat-feeding insects in it, but if it is turned into a Wheat
country ihey will be in myriads. If these numbers reach
such a pitch as to deteriorate the crops the remedy is plain.
Change the rotation, and grow some other crop instead of
Wheat. Allow me to illustrate this by an actual example.
There is nothing like a real instance for bringing a fact home
to our minds. Last summer I spent the month of July at
Broadstairs. In my rambles about the place I was immediately
struck with the Wheat crops. At a little distance they looked
tall and strong, bat on examining the ears I found them only
three-quarters filled. The blade or leaf was throughout almost
entirely white and dry, and I have no doubt that if I had asked
any farmer what was the cause of the poor ears he would have
said drought, as shown by the bleached and dried-up leaves;
and if his assumption, that the bleaching of the leaves was dne
to drought, had been true his conclusion would have been quite
right. It was the deficient action of the leaf that stayed the
flow of nutriment to the ear. But although he would be quite
right in describing the deficiency of weight in the ear to the
failure of the leaf, he would in this instance have been wrong
in ascribing the failure of the leaf to drought. It was due to
the mining of the larva of a small fly named Agromyza gra-
minis, which lays its eggs under the skin of the leaf at its tip.
From thence the young larvje mine downwards, feeding on the
parenchyma of the leaf, leaving nothing behind them but the
empty husk, consisting of the upper and under walls of the leaf.

Now a change of crop, if carried out over a sufficiently wide
district, supplies an easy and effectual cure for the attacks of
this insect. Its habits lend themselves to such a remedy. It
feeds only on Wheat and a few allied pasture Grasses. The
insect is only an annual. If it could be banished for one year
it would be banished entirely, or until reintroduced. Now, if
there were a controlling authority in that district, what would
be easier than to say to the farmers, " Gentlemen, in the com-
mon interest yon will substitute Barley for Wheat in your next
year's rotation ?" The fly, deprived of its proper nidus, mnst
then cither lay its eggs in an unsuitable place where they will
perish, or have recourse to the pasture fields for Triticum
repens or other suitable Grasses. By this of course the fly
would not be exterminated, but its numbers would be so re-
duced as to render it comparatively harmless.

The next means of extirpation to which I shall advert is
burning the nidus, in which the insect, in whatever stage,
passes the winter, and I may take as my example the species of
ri small fly belonging to the genus Chlorops, some of which
attack Wheat, others Barley, others Rye, &c. The fly remains
about the ear for many weeks after it is thrashed, and may
be found in great numbers in winter in a semi-torpid state
ninong the chaff. Now is it not an intolerable abuse of the
privilege of doing what a man likea with bis own, that my

Jana 7, 1877. ]

JOORNAIi OF HOBTICOLTOaB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

427

neighbour ehoald be allowed, for the sake of email profit he
can make out of his ohafE heap, to preserve such a fooaa of in-
fection to destroy my future crops ? He should be compelled
to barn it. In Uke manner we want some one to compel the
burning of the heaps of couch-grass and weeds gathered from
foal laud instead of keeping them to rot into manure. These
are the focus and shelter-place of wireworms and other pests,
and contribute largely to their spread.

To the same class of remedies belongs the local treatment
which I have recommended for the Onion fly. The plants
attacked are readily distinguishable from those that have
escaped. The former are sickly, flaccid, and yellow ; the latter
firm, erect, and green, and those attacked can easily be picked
out and burned. Each plant attacked contains a nest of larvffi
in the stem or bulb. If these are destroyed the whole future
family is annihilated. The Carrot plants attacked by the
Carrot fly are equally easily distinguished and destroyed, but
it is not certain that the grubs in them keep always to the
same root. But both with them and similarly destructive in-
sects that infest the Cabbage and Turnip, a year's avoidance of
that crop throughout the district will relieve it from them.

Next comes the remedy, in the shape of some application
that is fatal to the insects. This is the plan adopted in
America for the destruction of the Colorado beetle, where
Paris green is dusted in powder or sprinkled in solution over
the larvfB on the Potato plants. It is the plan used by our
horticulturists to get rid of the red spider in their hothouses
where sulphur is the medium. Manufactured into Gishurst
compound or made up into some soapy solution sulphur is
also largely used by them to destroy green fly. Sulphur has
also been successfully used on a small scale against the Hop
fly, and might be advantageously used on a large scale. There
are various other supposed specifics (such as hellebore for the
Gooseberry caterpillar, Ac.) which are more or less in favour
with different individuals. As a remedy, however, such appU-
catious seem better adapted for individual protection than
combined stamping-out, although it would be foolish to forego
the advantage of ueiag them where they seem to meet the
requirements of any special case.

The picking and gathering of the individual caterpillars or
perfect insects is a remedy that has been tried largely on the
Continent, but without any marked success. For ordinary
crops it is much more clumsy than a change in the rotation,
and for crops which cannot be so dropped out of rotation, as
fruit or forest trees, it is almost impossible to collect the larvoe
efliciently. At the same time it is right to add that this
ecliettiUiKje or caterpillar-collecting can scarcely be said to have
ever (any more than any other plan) had a fair trial, it having
generally been conducted without regular system or combined
and simultaneous action over a wide extent of country.

There remains the last refuge of all invaded countries — •
namely, destroying the resources of the country before the in-
vaders, that they may perish for want of food. This can rarely
be necessary, but beyond doubt it will be the proper course to
follow should the Colorado beetle gain a footing in this country.
In that event the flrst that we shall hear of it will be that the
larva has appeared in some Potato patch near Cork or London-
derry, Liverpool or Glasgow. The instant this is perceived
the vines of the Potato field should be cut to the ground and
Paris green scattered over the field.

But that is not a course that can be adopted even in a case
of such urgency and importance, unless there is some central
motive power having the necessary authority to act, for the
notice that the Colorado beetle will give will be very short ;
the larval stage in which alone it can be successfully en-
countered only lasts about a fortnight, and, if no previous
preparations have been made, I leave anyone who knows the
slow grinding of our administrative mills to say what chance
there is of the larva having grown big enough to be noticed ;
of somebody having noticed it and reported it ; of the report
being considered and a course of action resolved on ; of officers
or agents being appointed to act ; of their providing the neces-
sary apparatus ; and of their reaching the spot and putting
them in operation — all within the short space of fourteen days.

COMPOSTS AND WATERING.

Under the above heading yon have published some remarks
on page 271 which practical cultivators will appreciate for their
soundness and common-sense character. Elaborate formulce
for composts were once regarded as of great importance. Even
now inatructiona as to the relative proportiona of particular

aoils for certain plants are eo precise as almost to lead to the
supposition that the soil is eaten by the plants. The soil, it is
well to remember, is not food but only a vessel for containing
it. Various soils contain different relative proportions of plant
nutriment, for there are rich soils and poor ; and plants, like
animals, differ in their alimentary requirements — hence the
different characters of soils as containing particular food be-
come necessary in plant cultivation.

For all practical purposes there are only two distinct kinds
of soil — namely, loam and peat. As a rule plants which are
evergreen in character and which have hair-like roots thrive
best in peat soil. Such plants are not robust growers, and do
not require strong food ; deciduous plants, being quicker growers
and greater soil-exhausters, require a richer larder — loam. To
a practised eye the nature of the plant and the character of
its roots are sufficient to indicate the proper soil for its re-
quirements. Some plants, such as evergreens of free growth,
like Camellias, succeed well in a mixture of peat and loam.
Peat alone, except it is very good, is not sufficiently sustaining
— the larder is too scantily furnished. Some free- growing
plants with very fine roots also flourish with a share of loam
in the peat, such as Achimeues and Gloxinias. All the plants
named will also grow well in all peat it it is good, and in all
loam if it is suitable ; but all peats are not good, and all loams
are not suitable, hence the mixing of the two soils becomes
necessary.

In plant cultivation as much depends on the condition of
the soil and its management as upon its nature. A good cul-
tivator can grow plants well in almost any kind of soil, whereas
an indifferent grower cannot grow them when he has soil at
his command exactly suitable were it well managed. The best
of soil can be rendered inert by incorrect management, and
poor soil can be made sustaining by skilful treatment. Much
excellent soil is ruined by slovenly or inefficient drainage and
careless watering ; while, on the other hand, soil poor or in-
different in its nature is rendered fertile by applications of
liquid manure.

There are scarcely any loams but which, with the aid of
manure in a solid or liquid form or both, will grow ordinary
softwooded decorative plants well, such as Fuchsias, Geraniums,
Balsams, Chrysanthemums, Cinerarias, and plants of a like
nature ; but to grow Heaths well good peat is indispensable.
The cultivator can increase the fertility of loam, but he can-
not make bad peat good, because the value of peat for such
plants consists in its mechanical as much as its chemical
nature. It is no use, therefore, purchasing good sorts of Heaths
unless good peat is provided to grow them in, and it is no use
purchasing good peat unless it is placed in the hands of one
competent to manage it.

Where one failure occurs in plant cultivation from unsuit-
able soil there are ten which arise from incorrect watering, and
nearly as many from insect ravages and general uncleanliness.
In the potting of plants it is natural for the manager to pay
particular attention to the suitability of the soil, also to the
drainage of the pots and to the manner of potting. The
soil may be of the best, and the plants may be potted in the
best manner ; he may have potted them himself, but he can-
not always water them, and all the good that has been done in
soil-selection, preparation, and application is undone in water-
ing if a competent and careful man is not in charge. A plant
that has taken years to grow may be ruined by a day's neglect.
I should be sorry to fall in with the vulgar error that young
men are necessarily careless, for I know that many of them,
are both attentive and skilful, and are valuable aids to the
responsible manager, but others again I know are not ao. It
were well if all young gardeners would reflect that not only
their own success depends upon their assiduity and care, but
that the reputation, character, and livelihood of others are
often in a great measure in their keeping. I think if that were
so fewer plants would be injured by careless watering, and
fewer complaints would be heard of " wrong sort of soil."—

A NOKTHEBN GaKDENBE.

METROPOLITAN TREES.
Never before was the importance of trees so fully reco gnised
as now, and especially in towns and their vicinity, where the
disposition to plant them is greater than ever it was before.
We need not wonder at this, for there are few objects in nature
having richer points of beauty than a well-grown tree. With-
out trees our parks and gardens would be flat and monot onous,
but with them the surface is made picturesque and the beauty

428

JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABUBNEK.

[ Juno 7, 18T7.

of other objects becomes enhanced. The infinite variety of
the forms of trees and their tints of light and shade evoke
feelings of admiration. In spring they give us the idea of
freshness and gaiety with softness and delicacy ; in summer
they afford shade and shelter ; and in autumn their variety of
rich glowing tints accord admirably with each other, and form
splendid masses of colour superior in depth and richness to
that of any other period of the year. It is astonishing how
much variety may be produced by the artistic disposition of
trees even in town gardens. In the London parks the Beech,
the Elm, the Lime, the Horse Chestnut, the British Oak, and
the common Ash are represented, also the Plane. The Plane
tree holds a distinguished place as a town tree, for it grows
freely almost anywhere, and its beauty is generally acknow-
ledged. There are other trees of a medium size equally suit-
able for metropolitan parks and gardens.

The Mountain Ash (Pyrus Aucuparia).— This, though one
of our smaller trees, is by no means unworthy of notice. The
foliage is light and graceful, and the colour a lively green.
The branches become elongated and bent down under the
weight of their verdure in spring and produce fragrant cream-
ooloured flowers, which as the autumn advances are succeeded
by bunches of ooral-red berries. It is a pleasing treu, and a
favourite around the metropolis.

The White Birch (Betula alba).— This is comparatively a
small tree, but it makes up in lightness and elegance for its
deficiency of size. It has been well characterised as the light,
airy, pendant Birch. As an ornamental tree in landscape
effect it cannot be surpassed. Coleridge awarded the palm of
beauty to it, calling it the most beautiful of forest trees — " The
Lady of the Wood."

Tlie Hornbeam (Carpinus). — This tree is better known as a
hedge shrub than as a timber tree, yet when allowed to grow
unmutilated it frequently attains a height of 50 feet. It very
much resembles the Beech in its appearance, although its
head is still closer and more round. It thrives in situations
where some other forest trees would dwindle away or make but
little progress. The leaves adhere to the branches long after
vegetation appears to have ceased, rendering this tree very
valuable as a shelter.

Tiie Sycamore (Acer). — This is a tree of but second-rate pre-
tensions, but in the Loudon parks it frequently equals in mag-
nitude trees of the first rank. Its foliage is thick, and affords
an impenetrable shade. Its spring tints are tender and glow-
ing, while the deep green of its summer hue harmonises with
its massive form, and the brown and reddish tints of the fading
leaves in autumn produce a beautiful effect. The bark fre-
quently peels off' in a manner similar to that of the Plane.

The Poplar (Populue). — There are several fine species of
this tree. The IJlaek or Italian Poplar (Populus nigra) attains
to a large size in a comparatively short space of time. The
foliage is of a pretty pale green, the leaves are smooth and
shining, and, as may be observed in Poplars generally, they
flutter with the gentlest breeze, thus producing ever-varying
shades of green sparkling in the sunbeams. It generally
possesses a fine stem and an ample head, and when planted in
an appropriate situation often appears very ornamental.

The Lomhardij Poplar (Populus fastigiata) is a tree of the
most rapid growth. It shoots up in a spire-like form, the stiff
appearance harmonising well with buildings, and its growth
not being impeded by the presence of smoke it is peculiarly
adapted for a town or city tree. This Poplar, from its tall and
slender growth, possesses a beauty perhaps peculiar to itself,
for when assailed by the wind it forms a waving line, gracefully
bending from the breeze.

2'he Afpen (Populus tremula) is an elegant tree, rather
slender for its height, and pleasing in outline. It has a clean
straight stem, the branches shooting out horizontally to form
the head. As the tree advances in growth the branches gradu-
ally assume a pendulous character. The leaves are of a fine
light green, and are in a constant tremulous motion. This
tree grows well in all soils except clay. The roots spread near
the surface.

The Acacia (Robinia) is an elegant and ornamental tree. It
must ever be admired on account of its light and delicate foli-
age and its fragrant flowers. Its pendant form, when arrived
at maturity, must cause it to be regarded as one of the first
ornaments of our parks and pleasure grounds.

The Tree of Heaven (Ailantus glandulosa). — This hand-
some tree is a native of China, but it bears our winter well. It
is a fast grower, and many specimens are to be met with in the
neighbourhood of London. Some beautiful examples can be

seen in Kensington Gardens from 30 to 40 feet high. Its fine
pinnated leaves and their rich green colour impart to it great
distinctness and beauty.

The Weeping Beech (Pagus sylvatiea pendula) is a tree of
great beauty. Unlike many weeping trees it grows upright,
its branches afterwards descending in all sorts of fantastic
shapes. No tree in Kensington Gardens elicits so many ex-
pressions of admiration, where its branches form a dense arch
over the long flower walk, and produce a striking effect. In
the same garden the Weeping Ash is noted for its regular
umbrella-like shape, and forms a beautiful head when grafted
sufficiently high.

Xlie Willow (Salix). — There are numerous varieties of this
tree. The Weeping Willow (Sahx Babylonica) is perhaps the
most ornamental, beautifying the margins of lakes and ponds
in parks and pleasure grounds by its graceful pendulous
branches. It grows to a large size and attains a considerable
age, and when appropriately planted and its branches dipping
into water the effect is highly picturesque.

Pine Trees (Finns).— Two of the most hardy and picturesque
of this genua are the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus Libani) and
the Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris), and these are very difficult
to cultivate in town gardens, but in a more congenial atmo-
sphere they form handsome trees.

The Deciduous Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a very orna-
mental tree, its graceful form and pleasing colour making it
highly appreciated. The leaves are, like the fronds of Ferns,
divided into narrow leaflets, which in autumn fade into a rich
tint before they drop off. It thrives fairly well in suburban

The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron Tulipif era). —This has been
recommended for a town tree, but the climate of London does
not appear to suit it, for where there is one good specimen
there are twenty bad.- Its branches die without any perceptible
cause. The foliage of this tree when healthy is certainly very
beautiful both in spring, summer, and autumn.

The Walnut (Juglaus) and the Spanish Chestnut (Castanea
vesca) have also had advocates for town planting. I object to
them for that purpose on account of their fruit, as it is almost
impossible to keep the boys from damaging the trees.

One great principle in forming beautiful trees or groups in
woods or parks, so that they shall ultimately be healthy and
picturesque, is never to plant too thickly. Trees for orna-
ment will not require to be pruned up to such a height as those
grown for timber. In growing trees for beauty it is neoessaiy
to avoid the mutilation so frequently inflicted by barbaric
pruning. A small pruning knife (with the exercise of fore-
sight and good taste) is all that is needed to form a beautiful
tree, provided it has room to grow and spread. In concluding
these remarks I would especially draw attention to the im-
portance of the proper preparation of che soil before planting ;
and efficient draining is also very important. — N. Cole.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Where trees abound and much damage has been done by the
late boisterous winds it will be necessary to gather up all pieces
of broken wood and give all lawns, paths, &o., a good sweeping.
Lawn grass grows faster now thau at any time during the
season, and requires mowing very frequently. Should any bents
prove too long for the mowing maciiiue they must be out off
with a scythe. An occasional run-over with this implement in
the early morniug while the dew is on the ground (for the bents
can be seen better then than during the heat of the day) keeps
all in proper order for the mowing machine during the rest of
the year. While the grass grows fast weeds have the same ad-
vantage, and must be kept from all beds and borders by fre-
quently hoeing and stirring them. Any shrubs which have
been newly planted must not be permitted to suffer by want of
water, a copious supply of which enables them to become the
sooner established in their new situations, and mulching whore
practicable should also be adopted. Hollies and many other
newly planted shrubs are none the worse for casting off a great
quantity of their foliage ; it is almost a certain sign that they
are forming roots and will do well.

Clematis, Roses, and other climbers on walls require attention
now. Kegulate their growths and prevent them from becoming
a tangled mass. Timely attention in this respect is especially
requisite with Clematises, the young growths of which soon
become matted together and cannot be separated without mnoh
injury being done. The late winds have done some damage to
Virginian Creepers, Ivy, &c., which must be fastened again in
their intended positions. A good washing either from a syringe
or garden engine will do much good to Roses on walls, helping
to keep off fly and other marauders. The Gloire de Dijon,

June 7, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOOLTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEil.

429

Devoniensis, and Marechal Nielarenow just coining into bloom.
One of our gayest and finest of Ro3es to bloom on a wall is Sir
Joseph Paxton. It always produces flowers in great profusion,
but is generally very much attacked by the worm in the bud.
Ceanotlinses in variety are very pretty for covering walls, and
now is a very good time to choose a selection for this purpose, as
the plants are just coming; into bloom. The pretty Ampelopsis
Veitchii is now showing its little red leaves, and ought to be in
every collection. We know of no plant that will take greater
hold of walls than this. Roses of all kinds, whether in bels
or borders, will also be benefited by a good washing from a
garden engine. Besides the common form of the worm that
generally curls in the leaves and eats into the buds, we have
foand on oar Roses a yellowish green caterpillar which has
made sad havoc among them. Hand-picking is the best mode
of eradicating them, thongh it is tedious work. Liquid manure
may now be beneficially applied to Roses if the weither is at
all dry, afterwards mulching the surface of the gronud over the
roots with manure.

Wo have been looking over our fmit orop3 and find the effects
of late frost only too apparent. Currants and Strawberries are
looking well and showing abundance of fruit, but Peaches,
Apricots, Plums, Pears, and Apples will be very scarce. The
trees were laden with blossom, and at one time abundant crops
were anticipated. Strawberries we have said are promising
abundantly, and must have something laid between the rows
and around the plants to prevent the fruit from becoming gritty
after heavy rains. This cannot be done too soou. Some persons
use the mowings of grass, and it is better than nothing, but it
harbours slugs, and in wet seasons tends to promote decay of
the fruit. The best of all coverings is undoubtedly clean chopped
straw; but if the cleanest of the litter from the stable be shaken
out and exposed to the weather it soon bleaches, and makes
very good material for placing between them, and is very little
inferior to new straw. Strawberries are gross feeders, and will
take any quantity of either clear or liquid manure water while
swelling their fruit.

In the kitchen gjrden weeds must be kept under. The hoe
cannot be used too freely, for moving the surface of the ground
is highly beneficial to all growing crops. Thin out Parsnips,
Carrots, and Onions as soon as the plants can bo conveniently
handled. Much injury is every year caused by delaying such
work unnecessarily. Potatoes, notwithstanding being cut down
by the frost, are looking fairly well, and will soon be ready for
being earthed up. This work, too, should be done as early as
possible. Peas are now in bloom, and we have stopped our
earliest in order to be able to gather as soon as possible. They
are two or three weeks later than last year. Draw the soil to
other advancingcrops, anci place sticks to them aa required. Both
Dwarf and Runner Beans are now through the grouud, and
will also require to have the soil drawn to' them, and' stout
sticks placed to the Runners unless they are pinched and
allowed to remain in the ground after the style adopted in
market gardens. Both plans have their advantages ; but we think
larger produce can be gathered from plants supported than
those which are not. In very dry weather no crops are more
benefited with water than Beans. Make other sowings of
small salads. Lettuce, Turnips, Ac, as required. Prick out
Celery from seed pans, &c., that stout and stosky plants may he
produced for planting in the trenches. — J. W. M.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN G.iEDE«.

Is rainy districts it must ba a matter of great difficulty to
keep the ground free from weeds. We neglect no favourable
opportunity to destroy them all through the spring months,
and still they come. At present the garden looks very tidy; bat
in parts where the surfaca has not been dug or trenched since
last summer or early autumn we noticed weeds, and had it hoed
over again at once. Whatever pressure of work there may be
in any department — and at this season the pressure is severe —
we still make a point of destroying every weed in the grounds.

We made up the last planting of Cauliflowers with some
spare plants. A few of the plants had been destroyed by rabbits
and other causes. We have not daring the last twelve years
ever been so late as we are now with all sorts of early vegetables.
The maia balk of the crops are nuking very good growths, and
thongh lite they will be abundant and of good quality, except
the early Potatoes, which, thongh slightly protected, have suf-
fered severely. Not only were the tops cut off by the frost,
but night after night the freezing process was repeated until
stem and leaf were utterly destroyed; when fine weather re-
tamed some of the varieties showed themselves to be pos-
sessed of much more recuperative force than others. As far as
our experience goes Fenn's Early Market is the most easily
injured and takes longest to recover, whilst Veitch's Improved
Aahleaf is the hardiest of the garden sorts. Nearly all the
garden varieties have now been eartbed-up, and ii the crop is

late we trust it will be tolerably good. Until now a sowing of
Lettuce has been made about once in two weeks, and from each
sowing a few are transplanted on rioh ground. Seeds of other
salads have been sown as they are required. Mustard, more
especially, has been much eaten by the fly or beetle. A good
preventive in the case of Turnips or the Brassica tribe is spent
hops from breweries or malt houses used fresh and strewed
thickly amongst the plants ; but this does not answer for salads,
and of these we find the best plan is to sow a little under glass
and often. The early Peas are in the blooming stage, and later
sowings have been earthed-up and had sticks placed to them.
We have noticed that many persona make the sticks from each
side meet closely together at the top in the form of a triangle.
It is better to place the sticks so that they are about as wide, or
a little wider, at the top than at the bottom. The rows should
not be less than 3^ feet apart; in some conditions of soil 4 feet
is better, as good crops cannot be expected if the haulm meets
in the rows. As Cabbage, Cauliflower, and other such vege-
tables are cut we pull the stems up by the roots and convey
them to the vegetable refuse heip. Where ground is plentiful
the old stumps of early Cibbages are useful for cutting from
after they have formed succulent young growths. Our ground
win be required for Celery.

ORCHiED HOUSE.

strawberries on the shelves are not doing so well this year as
we have had them. The cold winds and dull weather that con-
tinued through the whole of the flowering period have bad the
effect that mi.'ht have been expected, and the blossoms did not
set well. Some sorts have done better than others, and we
shall be enabled to note the results. It is certain that some
varieties of fruit trees have the blossoms much more hardy than
others, and probably Strawberries are the samo. It seems that
some of the recently introduced French varieties are the worst in
this respect. The plants have not required very abundant sup-
plies of water, but the growth is very strong, and when hot
weather sets in they will require much attention as regards
watering. Peach, Nectarine, Plum, and Pear trees iu pots have
had the growths stopped, longer or shorter, according to the
age and quantity of wood on the trees. It is necessary to avoid
forming a thicket of young wood ; better allow shoots to grow
oat farther, and instead of stopping two or even three times
it may be better to stop only once. The youug wood must be
well. exposed this year, and iu doing that the fruit will also re-
ceive the influence of light and heat, without which it would
be watery and flavourless. We had an attack of aphis as usual
at the time the trees were in flower. We do not like to fumi-
gate at that time, aa it might cause many of the blossoms to
drop ; afterwards the house was fumigated and the peat de-
stroyed. The trees at this aeasoo, especially those in pots, re-
qaire daily attention, as, if any of them show signs of distress
from want of water, and if this is permitted to occur two or
three timea on the same tree, it will not do well that season.
Also in regard to pinching the growths, it this is delayed say a
week longer than it ought to have been done, will throw the
trees back just that time or longer — that is, the lateral growths
will be later in starting and will have a shorter period to ripen
in and to mature the blossom buds. In such a season as this is,
no time ought to be lost.

Oranjei and Figs in Pols. — Orange trees in pots and bearing
fruit to ripen at Christmas now require a temperature of 65° or
70' at night. The fruit on our trees is as large as a walnut.
We had scale and other insect pests on them, but after all the
different specifics we can only eradicate the pests by washing
the leaves and branches with strong soapy water, taking care
not to allow it to settle thickly on the fruit, as this is more sus-
ceptible to injury than the thick leathery leaves. We water the
trees well, and manure water is of great use, or, what is better,
surface-dressings with a compost of pounded charcoal, guano,
and loam, the loam to be equal to both the other ingredients.
A handful of this laid on the surface of the pots is a good
stimulant. The trees require much water. If they suffer from
drought the fruit will be pithy aud the skin thick. We shall
add to our list the Silver or Prata Orange exhibited by Mr.
Rivers of Sawbridgeworth this year. It seems to be even
better and the fruit is larger than St. Michaels.

Figa now grow luxuriantly, and must also be aided with rich
surface-dressing. The trees muat be placed near the light, and
must not Buffer by want of water at the roots. Our Figs have
not had room, owing to the houses being filled with other plants.
It is almost better not to grow plants or tri'ss when justice
cannot be done them. The Fig seems to do better in pots than
almost any other fruit tree, but it must be repotted annually ;
and at the time of first stopping the young growths, which
ought to be at the fourth or fifth leaf, surface-dress with rich
manure and loam in about equal proportions. As the trees
advance in growth the young roots will bito greedily at this
rich dressing, and with marvellous rapidity they ramify through
it in every part. Red spider breeds very rapidly on the under
sides of the leaves, but syringing twice daily with clear rain
water warmed a little higher than the temperature of the house

430

JOURNAL OP HOHTIGULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER.

gives vigour and strength to the leaves and is death to the
acarus. The Fig ia not particular as to temperature, and if 00"
to 65" at night is about the best for them, a few degrees higher
or lower does not matter. As the fruit ripens syringing must
be entirely discontinued; and then is the time for spider, and if
the trees are not free from it in a few days every leaf will be
desiccated and drop off even before the fruit has time to be en-
tirely cleared off.

FLOWER GARDEN.

By the time this appears in print a large proportion of the
occupants of the flower garden will be planted-out. In an ordi-
nary season we should not only have had ours all planted-out
but the plants would have started into free growth. As it ia
there are yet fine beds full of Wallflowers, and one does not lilie
to pull them out until they have nearlv ceased flowering. This
week they will be destroyed, and the beds will be planted with the
summer-floweringplants. ZonalPelargoniums, Calceolarias, Lo-
belias, and other plants that are very hardy do not seem to start
into growth; the leaves look as if they felt the severe cold and
cutting winds. Those of Lobelia speciosa have changed from
bright green to bronze, and Calceolarias seem afllicted with the
*'curl." There is no use in uttering complaints when the cause is
beyond our control. All that can be done is ti keep the Dutch hoe
at work. All plants of dwarf spreading growth, such as Verbenas,
Heliotropes, Sec, should be pegged down if they have grown suf-
ficiently. The wind is very apt to twist such plants oat by
the roots if they are not fastened to the ground with pegs.
We shiU not plant the Alternantberas, Colenses, and Iresines
out until the weather is somewhat settled. The fierce galea
which we have had and are now experiencing cannot last much
longer. The lawn must be well swept to free it from stones or
any other substances likely to injure the mowing machine.
After the beds have all been made right for the time the mower
ought to be run over the grass, and the walks should also be
swept. An air of quiet and of perfect keeping should prevail in
the flower garden from this time forth. — J. Douglas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*^* All correspondence should be directed either to '* The
Editors," or to '* The Pabliaher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of tbe paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.

GrvTNG Notice (Siibscriher). — The question yoa pat would be better
answered by a Bolioitor.

Double Nasturtiums (J. U.).— The flowers are very fine indoad, perfectly
double and extremely bright in coloor. Wo have crrown a double Nasturtiam
very similar to youra, bat without seeing your plant or a flowering spray of it
showing the foliage and habit of ;:;rowth we cannot determine whether the
two are dissimilar. If it is really distinct we advise yoa to snbmit a plant to
the GxamiDation of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultoral Society.

Double Polyanthuses {W. M. B.).— The flawers are the best we have
seen. Grow a lev plants well, and exhibit them before the Floral Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society.

KosES (A Would-ht' Exhibitor).— First, it would with some judges dis-
qualify a truss to mutilate it as you propose. I would remark that it ia very
rarely indeed that a truss with more than one bloom on it looks well, and
it is only sometimes in the case of a Rood Tea or Noisette that more than one
are permitted to remaia* Second, I know of no way of meeting your difUcuIty
except, perhaps, you might got a slit at a joiut, and so layer your Rosea, but
it ia hardly worth the trouble. Third, aeedling Briars are stocks raised from
seed, not dug out of the hedge as ordinary Briara are. Thoy are dwarfs.
"Write to Mr. Prince, Oxford, about them.— D., Z)f(i^

LiLiuM cANDiDuai WITHERING (Caplu'ii C). — Considering that the
bulbs are healthy, and the plants until recently grew freely, we can only
attribute their extensive decay to ths frosts and cutting winds which have
latterly been prevalent. We recently saw some Lilies which had been pro-
tected from frost by some canvas coverings place! over them, bat the plants
were much injured by the frost winds affecting them below the coverings,
and a few clumps which were simply sheltered on the wind side and had no
coverings over them are now the most healthy. Mr. Mcintosh of Daneevan,
an extensive and succeaaful grower of Lilies, haa alao informed us that cold
high winds are more deatructive to Lilies than still, even if rather severe,
frosts, and in the future he intends affording his plants side shelter instead
of placing umbrellas over them.

Eucalyptus qlouulus {South Devon).~It the shade is at \iU dense we
think the Eucalyptus would not flouriah under trees. Besides the shade
baing injurious the soil near largo trees would probably be too dry for it.
If you have several plants you might plant them in various positions and
let us know the result. Do not plant them too soon, or before the weather ia
genial.

Fern Fsonds (H. L ).— The fronds sent are exceedingly healthy and fine.
We shall be Rlad to have details of your mode of culture.

Spir.ea (IIoTEiAl -lAPONici CoLTOBE {C. B. G.).— Divide the orowus, but
not too closelyt and plant them out now in rich light soil in the gardeoi

affording copious supplies of water throughout the aeaaon to induce lasnrianfc
foliage and bold crowns. A partially shaded place, but not under trees, ia
the best position to choo.^e. In the autumn the plants may be potted, and
they will flower freely in frames or a light window; in fa^t they will flower in
the ripen ground if you permit th^m to remain, for they are quite hardy.

Gooseberry Trees Barren (H. F. <7.1.— is your bushes grow luxuriantly
we think they are over-manured, and probably alao the growth is too thick.
Thin-out many of the ahoots, so that those remainiui^ can have light and air
to mature them. We should not stop all the shoots to within 2 inches as yoa
have been advised, but should remove many of them entirely. The side
growths of the permanent shoots you may pinch within 3 inches of the base,
but we should not stop the terminal shoots until they have grown a foot in
length or more. Your remedy lies in thinning out the shoots rather than in
stopping them, also in applying manure leas freely, or, perhaps, withholding
it entirely for a year or two, according to the condition of the bushes.

Sowing Seed of Snowdrops— Scarlet Anemones (G. M. W., Expter).
—Sow tbe seed as soon as it is ripe in drills 6 inches asunder, covering about
an inch deep with light sandy soil. Seed saved from a bed of scarlet Ane-
mones will not produce other than scarlet flowers, and even if saved from a
mixed bed the seed from scarlet flowers will produce many plants of the
same colour as the parents, while others may come dull red or crimson ; the
colours are preserved, however, with tolerable certainty.

Kidney Beans Injured (TT. H. ilf.).— The "insects," as you term them,
which are attacking your Kidney Beans are anake millipedes, of which there
are several species, the one your crops are infested with being, we think, Julns
terreatris. You cannot destroy them in the Beans without destroying the
crop; this, however, if the specimens sent are a fair sample, is already be-
yond recovery. This being so affords you room for experiment without in-
curring any farther loss, and we should like for yon to apply paraffin to the
Beans. If you can ddute it to a proper strength to destroy the millipedes
without injuring the Beana you will have made a valuable discovery. Apply
a little paraffin in Us pure state; use it also in different degrees of dilation,
and oblige as with the results. Gas lime dug into the ground during the
winter ia a good preventive of the pest.

Neottopteris nidus (J. C). — The young fronds developing imperfectly
snggesta their having been injured in the unfolded state, probably by slugs
or woodlice, which may be caught by examining the plant with the aid of a
lantern after dork. *' Ragged " fronds, however, are not nnlrequently a re-
sult of too dry an atmosphere, the temperature also fluctuating. We do not
employ a higher winter temperature than 55^ to 65" for our plants, it being
important that they have a good rest during the winter for tbe development
of strong fronds in the spring. We should muloh around the plant with
cocoa-nut refuse, and keep well supplied with water, sprinkling lightly over-
head three times a day, keeping perfectly clear from insects and predatory

Pelargonium Unhealthy (dmateur). — The leaf sent ia quite yellow, due,
we think, to a deflcieacy of water at tho roots. Aff ird weak liquid manure
twice a-weok, maintaining more moisture in the house, yet ventilating freoly
and shading from brigbt sun. There is no trace of insects, and only slight
indications of spot. Guano dinsolved at the rate of 1 oz. to a gallon of water
would be a suitable liquid manure.

CucuMDER Scabbed (Q. ^.).— It is a very common case of gangrene, and
arises in every instance that we have observed it from too rich and moist soil,
being most prevalent in dull cjld weather, the supply of sap being esceasive.
The maiutouance of a higher temperature by day and a ahghtly drier atmo-
sphere usually affords a remedy. The gangrene commonly prevails in very
vigorous plants, and these require more light and heat for the elaboration of
the sap than weaker plants. We use pure loam only for growing Cucumbers,
the top 3 inches taken with its torf and laid up for about six months, it being
light in texture rather than heavy. We find it easy to apply stimulants in a
liquid form or top-dressings of manure as may be required, which we think
better than mixing manure with the soil before planting.

Boiler and Piping (7. .Y. I.).— A flow and return 4-inoh pipe along the
front of the house and ooe end, or iji feet of 4-inch piping, will be sufficient to
maintain tbe house at a greenhouse temperature in the severest weather.
Only a small boiler would be required. We should have one that would not
require very frequent attention ; a 20-iuch saddle would answer. Consult
our advertising columns. A letter to the advertisers, stating what you
require, would bring you particulars both as regards siza and price.

Vine Shoots Forked (C. S.)— It is most common when the roots are very
active — a sign of vigour, and is not unfrequeut when the wood was not well
ripened. Encourage but oue of such shoots, cutting the other away at the
fork; or if tho shoot at the fork ba as lon^ as required stop it there, keeping
tho laterals stopped to one joiot, the shoots being kept so thin as to expose
the foliage fully to light and air. Upon this depends the development of the
eyes for future bearing, and the thorough ripening of the wood.

Large-flowered Wallflower (7(ifml.— A. Wallflower of a "beautiful
dark colour, very broad fleshy petals, fine bold eye, aud many blooms measur-
ing '2\ inches across," is certainly a strain woU worth taking some trouble
with, especially as it is a '■ result of many years' selection."

Grubs in Kitchen Garden (W. G.).— Tbe garden having been previously
old meadow land may be infested with the larvss of the Tipula or Daddy-
longlegs, also wireworm, We should apply nitrate of soda at the rate of
IJ owt. per acre, or 1 lb. per square rod (30\ square yarda). Soot would be a
capital application; one peck per square rod is a sufficient application. In
tho spring of nest year we should als5 apply lime at the rate of eighty to
a hundred bushels per acre.

Greenhouse Plants for Affobdimo Cot Flowers (J. D.).— Abutilon
Boule de Neige, Aloysia citriodora for spravs, Azalea iodica vars., Boronia
mogastigma, Bouvardias in variety, Tree Carnations in variety, Cyclamen
peraicum vara., Draoophyllum graoile.Epacris vora., Erica vara., Fuchsia vara.,
Lihonia floribunda, Myrtle for sprays. Lnculia gratis^ima, Camellia vara.,
Pimelea vara.. Plumbago capeusis. Primula aiuenais double vara., Rhododen-
dron jasminiflorum, Rbynchospermum jasminoidea, double Pelargoniums,
znnal Pelargoniuma, show Pelargoniums. Acacia armata, A. pulohella, A.
Riceana, Agapanthna nmbellataa ia fine for mixing, also Vallota purpurea,
Cineraria, Mignonette, Aponogeton diataohyon (an aiuatiol, Diosma capitata.
The blooms of Epiphyllum truncatum vara, are very useful, Lilium lanoi-
foUum vars., with Sohizoatylia ooccinea, and Tritonia aurea. The Sohizo*
stylia ia invaluable late in the season.

Cauliflower Plants Blind (Adam Niit).~-lt is naually attributed to a
sudden check, as that from heat to cold, or from moisture to drought ; but we
find an eqaal per-oeatage of *' blind " plants from seeds sown at different

June 7, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTDRE AND OOXXAGB GARDENER.

431

times, the seed beiDs from the same packet. la our opinion it is constitu
tional, and arises from closo breeding or a bad selection of plants (or Beedin g
Tbere is no remedy.

Mabket Gabdening (M. 6.). — We shonld not advise yoa to attempt learn-
ing market gardening from books, especially as you have had little experience.
The only thing likely to be of service is to enter the establishment of a yood
grower of market produce. Without practical knowledge book learning ia
not of much value. Hibberd's ** Profitable Gardening " may suit yoa.

Planting Straweerbies— Sobts for Light Soil (Wist CoafiO.— Plants
will not be procurable in tbe nurseries nntil July or early August, and not
then unless ;ou purchase mnners established in small pots, such as are
nsually potted at that time for forcing. These are layered runners, and are
mnch better than plants proctirable at a cheaper rate per hundred later on ;
in fact, if a crop be wanted the year following their planting the plants should
he planted not later than early August. The ground should be well and
deeply dug or trenched, adding manure liberally. Plant in rcws 2 feet apart,
and 18 to 2-4 inches from plant to plant in the rows, La Grosse Sucrie,
Keens' Seedling, Fresidunt, and Lucas. Sir Harry in some light soils is
saperior to Eeens' Seedling.

Conover'3 Colossal Asparagus (Idem), — It is superior to the ordinary
kinds, being larger, and attaining a size fit to cut sooner after planting.

Peach Trees Gummed (A.). — The shoots sent exhibit symptoms of gum
the wood being very weak but long-jointed. We should attribute it to a
badly drained border, the soil being very wfit and the subsoil unfavourable.
We also think the atmosphere of the bouse is kept too cloie and moist, as
some of the leaves are scorched. Give air earlier, and see to the roots at
the proper time. Lilting the trees is the only reioedy we have found against
gom, affording thorough drainage. Some trees which gammed severely have
recovered since we adopted that practice.

Planes in London {Platanus). — It is the Oriental Plane, Platanus orien-
talis acerifolia.

Names of Plants (E. T.). — Ceanothas thyrsitlorua. We cannot name
the Pansy, but it is a very fine one. (J. P.}.— Your specimen was too much
cruBhed for identification. We cannot name varieties of florists' flowers.
(Far North). — 1, Ribes alpinum ; 2, Lonicera tartarica; 3, Spir.-ea byperiei-
folia; 4, BocconiaJeddoensis. [Student, Hadlojc). — 1, Chenopodium Bonns-
Henricus; 2, Veronica agrestis; 3, Linaria Cymbalaria; 4, V '
5 , Sherardia arvensis. (Aimer). — Piptanthus nepalensii.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHEONIOLE.

BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND SOCIETY'S
POULTRY SHOW.

CENTENARY MEETING AT BATH.

Afteb a hnndred years this ABSociation returns to keep its
cenlenary birthday iu the city from whence it iirst arose, and
on the Wells road, about three-quarters of a mile from the Great
"Western Railway station, we find the wooden and canvas
erections with their varied assortment of live stock and goods.
The violent hurricane at the end of last week was very severe
at Bath, and at times great fears were entertained for the tents
and shedding, but only three erections fell, and the rest barely
stood the ordeal. At this meeting there is always something
interesting to see, some new invention — a turnip-cutter, a cucum-
ber-slicer, or a cherry-stoner, and these little " fads and fancies "
were all at work at Bath, for long rows of counters covered with
Buch endless articles in full work showed that the trade was as
brisk as ever. Concerning our own peculiar department there
were wire hurdles and netting, poultry troughs and all such ap-
pliances ; condiments, too, and food of many and divers sorts.
At Bristol, Taunton, Hereford, Plymouth, and Croydon we have
seen very much the same lot of exhibits, snd we even fancied we
recognised the same canvas walls and varied-coloured bunting
as in past years. Many faces we recognised once more among
the departments peculiar to their own loves. In tbe poultry
tent we found many of the same exhibitors, and probably some
of tbe same birds. They made 3;i9 pens on this occasion, and
the Pigeons eighty-eight — uo great display for the sixty-six
classes and the seventeen silver trophies ! But this Society
prefers " in smooth self-chosen ways to guide its wandering
feet," and while the schedule annually remains the same, and
the system of insisting that the birds be iu the show ground on
the Saturday before, while again the entries close so very long
before the Exhibition is held, we do not expect ever to see a
much larger show. We are sorry, and would urge all to try once
more to have these things altered ; but it must be taken in hand
at an early date, as the arrangements are generally made and the
flchedules drawn up soon after Christmas.

Bath is near Bristol, and Bristol is the stronghold of Spanish
fowls, so we expected to find a very good diaplay. We have
done so in past seasons, and the two classes which opened the
poultry catalogue were very creditable, but we have seen better.
The cup went to a very good cock, large iu face and generally
good ; while Miss E. Browne's hens were well shown and in
good feather. Dorkinga came well to the front. Mr. Cresswell
won both the cups, the one with a capital Silver-Grey cock clear
in colour but a little loose in comb ; the other cup he won with
a fine pair of White hens, one of them certainly the best we ever
saw. Mr. Boissier's were very neat in comb but rather small.
Jn Coloured cocks Mrs. Radcl'yffe's bird was in fine feather, but
for shape we preferred Mr. BurncU's. The Cochins were only
fair, The BuSs we thought well judged ; they were only a fair

lot. Partridge cocks, too, we did not think a great deal of, and
in hens there were only two pens, one of which won the cup.
Whites were better, but the cocks struck us as being small. We
preferred Mr. Tomlinson's, for the first-prize bird was rather
narrow or else very white. In hens we did not much like the
winners. One of them was shajjely, but they had ugly combs
and heads. Wo liked the second-prize birds very much, one
of them especially was very good indeed. Mrs. Holmes, too,
had one good birtf, and so had Mr. Tomlinson. Brahmas were
much out of feather. Mr. Smith's bird looked well and was
well in first. The Dark cup hens were also well pencilled aud
large. In Light Brahmas one of the first hens was excellent,
and so was the same owner's highly commended cock. Mr.
Breeze had a fair cockerel which as a chicken deserverl, we
thought, some mention. There was also a pair of pullets shown,
but they were but small and seemed too matured ever to make
birds of much use. The second Light Brahma cock was in good
feather, but too large in tail for our taste. I'olands were meagre
in entries. The first cock wag a Gold, rather small in crest, but
in peculiarly good feather and with very long hackles. Hens
only made two pens. The cup went to one pair, a moat splendid
pair of Silvers ; they were large in crest and in good feather,
being also well marked. In Iloudan cocks the first-prize bird,
though good in size, crest, and feet, poBsessed the most awkward
comb we have seen for a long time. The Eeoond prize went to
a specimen possessing a better comb, but otherwise of no great
merit. Mr. Thomas's bird had the best comb in the class.
Houdan hens looked rather seedy altogether and small compared
with the portly matrons to the sight of which the late Mr. Dring
accustomed us. The first-prize pair were moderately dark with
good globular crests aud were well matched. The second, of
the same type, were smaller. In Crt're cocks Mr. Feast secured
the cup with a well-shown specimen, his comb of the right kind.
Second prize went to a moderate bird good in colour. Creve
hens were five pairs in number. The first-prize pair fFeast)
good, but with too mnch white in their crests for our fancy ; the
second pair neat and good in coloar, but rather small.
(To be continued next toeek.)

WOEDS INTRODUCTORY.

" Will it live its hundred years ?" has been often the ques-
tion put disparagingly in regard to some book. " Will he live
his hundred years ?" has been often said of some writer. And
indeed a century is a terrible trial to fame. Many-praised,
known by all, famous a hundred years ago, now utterly un-
known; only the truly great live-on their century and over.
Well, our excellent Bath and West of England has lived its
trial one hundred years, and is stronger in capital and better
aud wider known than ever. It was a happy thought that the
centenary of what takes its name from " 'The Queen of the
West " should be held in Bath. The weather had been terrible
to us in the near neighbourhood, and many a time have I said,
" Oh, poorBath people ! they will have a double disappointment.
No Prince of Wales, and wet, and misery, and loss." All last
week rain in torrents, and storms reaching to hurricanes ; the
ground of the showyard soaked, engines and machines immove-
able in the mud. But Saturday fairly dry, Sunday gloriously
hot, sucking up moisture rapidly — too rapidly, said tlie croakers.
Old fogies said, " The glass rose too fast." But Monday came
and better weather still — heat, blessed bone-searching heat, so
welcome after that dear deluding May, the pretty month spoiled
by east wind, as I have seen a pretty face spoiled by a bad
temper. Lovely Monday weather, with heat and yet a breeze
going — just the thing, and no dust possible on the ground.
Cheer up, Bath ; your citizens will have a good and not dull
time. The (Jueen of the West has received her crown of sun-
shine. Tannton, Salisbury, and the rest of you, hide your dimi-
nished heads ; you have no view like that from Breeohin Cliff,
and no show has ever been so grand as to-day's.

In calm critical mood I reach the Pigeons — not brain-distracted
like a friend with me, who had his thoughts in the dog show
and with his dog wrongly entered. N.B. — Next year that show
will, I hope, be inside the grounds, a part of the whole. Dogs
aud horses should go together. One walk along the very short
row of Pigeons, and, too, several of them empty. I thought of
the critic's words on first seeing Edmund Kean, " Good enough
looking, hut pity there's so little of yon." Only eighty-eight
pens 1 This is a sad falling-off from what I remember eight,
ten, and fifteen years ago. Why, Bath and West of England
used to be the best summer Show for Pigeons, as it is the
pleasantest for everything.

Carriers. — These were a singularly strong class, eighteen
entries. Among the cocks the first-prize was a Dun (Yardley),
good in colour, in jaw, but upper beak and eye wattle not so
good. Second (Fulton) a Black, and which I preferred to the
first. Head very good, eye somewhat diamonded, but head
carried up grandly; neck thin, shoulders broad — indeed, a fine,
well-proportioned, true fancy English Carrier. No. 'MO (highly
commended) very much of the old Horseman type. The first
ben, first-and-cnp she was, good Black, a long beak, narrow

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ Jane 7, 1877.

Bkull, a thorough good bird— quite a gem. Second a Dun, a good
style of bird.

Pouters. — Sadly few cocks. First a Bine, second Black. Only
two bens, but such capital birds — worth a long walk to see.
They were first-and-cup birds in their classes at the Edinburgh
Show. Hero the Blue hen was placed first — a very graceful
creature; narrow in girth, good in style and limb, and well-
shaped globe, and showing well. The same words may be used
of the Yellow hen placed second, but equal to the first in merit.
She is the best Yellow hen in the fancy*

Bunts. — Three jiens ; as usual in value. No advance in this
class. Dragoons a capital class of ten pens, seven being noticed.
First excellent Silvers, second Yellows, but not matching in
colour; both Mr. Pearson's. An excellent pen of Yellows
(No. 370) had only a commendation, but will be when older much
better than the first.

Faiitails. — First and second of course Mr. Serjeantson's, the
former singularly beautiful, neat, small, and evidently Scotch.
383 a nice and very clean pen of Miss Mil ward's.

Trumpeters. — First Black Mottled and very good; second
Black and inferior, hen had a very poor rose. Barbs. — A good
class of seven. First-and-cup Yellows (P. H. Jones) ; 391 very
good Blacks; 389 also as good. Arcltangels.— Three pens, two
of them being empty, but the others a splendid pair in lustre,
and in all else save what never it seems can be, black tails.

Turbits.— Seven pens, two of them whole colours— i e., all
white, somewhat Owl-looking certainly. First capital pair of
Blue-shouldered, second Eed-shouldered ; 401, commended, very
good Blue-shouldered.

Tumblers (any variety).— First Almonds won, as they should,
principally by colour because Almonds ; second Red Agates, and
very pretty. 107, commended, a pair of very nice pleasant-
faced Yellow Mottles. 412, highly commended, a very pretty
pen of whole-coloured Reds. 404, Red Balds, which I humbly
think deserved a " commended," for both good for that difficult
variety, and the cock's head very good. 403 contained a lovely
Almond hen.

Nuns. — Where are good Nuns gone to? Auswer; The judges'
fault partly, as they never gave to or noticed Reds and Yellows.
Here the two pens were very indifferent, one diequahfied for
overpluoking. Ow^s.— Four entries. First Foreign Blu», hen
a beauty ; second white and nice. Jacohins.—'Poxir entries, and
three out of the four bitter bad and very dirty. First Beds and
nice close hoods; second White, hen one bull eye and very
long face. Ainj other Distinct Variett/.— Five pens, and three
of them empty. First, pair of Frillbacks, second a nice pair of
Swallows.

Mr. Harrison Weir acted as Judge. I learned that next year
all the Pigeons are to be shown as single birds. Right, of course,
in the high-class varieties ; but, says an eminent fancier, if none
in pairs no hens will be shown, and consequently none bred up
to points, for cocks always win in competition. This is well
worthy of consideration.— Wiltshike Rectok.

CEOWLE POULTRY SHOW.

The fourth annual Show was held at Crowle on the 29th ult.
Turner's pens were used, the Pigeons being placed above the
poultry. No protection was provided in the shape of tents or
marquees, and the day proving rather stormy, some of the birds
received a drenching. The entries were considerably less than
those of last year, but in many of the classes the quality was
very good.

Dorkings were very good, and the winners Dark Greys.
Cochins a fair lot, the only drawback a little mealiness in wings
and tail of the winning cook. Spanish won the cup for the
section, and this we considered well placed. Game were more
numerous, four classes and a cup being provided, the latter
being given to a single Brown Red stag, which, however, is very
narrow-chested and long in body, and not so good in breast
marking as the second, which was the cup bird at Otley, and
18 a Bubftantial fellow and the best of the three here placed;
the third being in our opinion the second best. Any other
variety cocks, first Pile, in all respects good ; second and third
Duckwmgs and well placed. Red hens a capital lot, first a
Brown Red of last year, a grand one in every respect; second
a Black Red pullet full of style and quality; and third a good
Brown Red. In Hens any other colour, first was a mistake, for
although good in quality it had a twisted comb ; the second also
a Duckwing, a hen, is perhaps at present unequalled ; third also
a smart Duckwing; and very highly commanded (Holmes and
Destner), also a good one. Game Bantams, single cocks, first a
grand old Black Red in splendid form; second a Brown Red;
f^? tbird Black Red. Single cocks, any other colour, first and
third Piles, and second Duckwings. Red hens were first and
second Brown Red, both good, the first securing also the cup;
third a smart Black Red. Pen 5 (Sugden), perhaps the best
1*^ tu- j*^ 0* tbe present day. Hens, any other colour, first
and third good Piles, and second Duckwings. The cup for
Mamburghs went to Gold-spaugles, the second and third being

Silvers in the same class, which was a mixed one. Pencils, first
Silvers, and second and third Gold. Three good pens. In the
Variety class first were Silver Polands, second Gold, and third
Black Hamburghs.

Pigeons with twenty three classes had 1G8 entries, many
excellent birds competing. Carriers. — First and third Black, and
second Dun. Three well-shown birds. Hens. — First Black,
young but good ; second and third Duns, older and better fiUed-
up. Pouters. — First a Blue cock in grand show ; second Black
equally good ; and third also Black. In hens was the gem of
the Show, which was rightly awarded the cup. This was a
Black grandly proportioned and in splendid show ; the second
also a Black, and third a Blue. Almond Tumblers a capital
class, not only in head but also in feather properties. Common
Tumblers a moderate class of six. Barbs a fair lot. Owls were,
first a Silver English, second White African, and third a Black
one. Turbits were a good class in Blues or Silvers, the winners
being Blue. Any other colour, first a hen. Jacobins were,
first and second Red, the cup for several classes going to
the first; the third a good Yellow. Fantails and Nuns poor
classes as regards entries. Magpies a good class of sis, a neat
Red being first. There were three classes of Dragoons ; the cup
for the last section was awarded to a Yellow hen, which we
recognise as one of the Leeds cup-winners. In Long-faced Ant-
werps only two birds put iu appearance, but these were very
gocid. In Short-faces first was a grand-coloured Red-chequer,
second a Strawberry-chequer but better in beak, and third a
Silver.

Cage Birds were not numerous, but were neatly arranged in a
tent, and these were well judged with one exception — viz., in
the Variety class a Cinnamon Norwich was placed first and a
Yellow Lizard second, the latter being by far the best of the
two.

Babbits and Cats had six classes with fifty-one entries in all.
Lops, first awell-known Sooty Fawn buck, the Epworth winner ;
second a Fawn buck, and third a Black-and-white doe. Hima-
layans were good, and of the three winners there was little to
choose; Silver-Greys, of the winners it was a matter of taste.
First was a very even buck, but open in fur and_ somewhat
mealy ; second and third much better and sharper in silvering
and closer in fur, but darker on the nose. Belgian Hares
were but a moderate lot, while the winners were well placed.
Angoras were good. The first was a large but very coarse-
furred one ; pen 4 (Taylor) was both a fair size and very fine in
fur, and should have had first position; the second almost equal
was rightly placed, as also the third.

POULTRY.— DoHKiNOs.— I, J. Stott. 2. J. Chester. 8,— Snell. Cochins.— 1,
W. Mitchell. 2, R. P. Percival. 3, — Snell. Spanish.- Onp and 1, J. Powell.
2. E Newbitt. Bi<iHMA8.-£i(l/i( or Dar*.-1, H. Beldon. 2 and 8, J. F. Smith.
Game.— Biacfc and other flcrfs.— Cock.- Cap, 1. and S. W. 4 H. Adams. 2, W. A.
F. Fenwick. vhc, 3. Fletcher. H. E. Martin, E.irl Laudan. Hen.— 1, H. E.
Martin. 2, Dr. Cameron. 3, — Snell. vhc, J. Fletcher. W. Seholefleld. Anp
other variety —Cock.— 1, J. F. Walton. 2. J. A. & H. H. Staveley. 8, H. E.
Martin, vhc, J. Fletcher. Hen.—l, H. E, Martin. 2, Dr. Cameron. 3. —
Snell. vlic, Holmes & Deatner, Game Bantams.— BldCt and other Beds —
Cock.— I, E. Walton. 2, A. S. Susdcn. 3, W. F, Entwisle. acre.— Cnp, 1. ana
2. W. F. Entwiale. 3, E, Walton, uftc, J. Fletcher. Any other variety.— Cock.
— 1. E. Walton. 2, w. F. Entwisle. 3. A. S. Sugden. Hen.—l, R. Newbitt. 2,
J. Fletcher. 3. E. Walton, vhc, — Phillips, W. F. Entivisle. BiNTAM8.-.iJ!D
variety except Oame.-i.-STten. 2. E. Walton. 3. H. Beldon. irftc, F. Bean-
land. Hamburghs.— Golden or Silver-spanoled.—C\xp and 1, H. Beldon. 2,
Fawcett & Anderton. 3 and vhc, J. Kawnslcy. Golden or Silver-penctlled.—l
and2. — Snell. 3, J. Rawnaley. dIw, H. K. Hobson. Fabmtaed Ckoss- 1,
Miss Maw. 2, Anty & Parkin. 3, G. Robinson. Any other Variett.— Coefc
or Hen.— I and S. H. Beldon. 2. G. W. Boothby. Sellino Class.— 1, J. WeUs.
2, J. B. Hepworth. 3. R. Newbitt. Dvcks.— Rouen or Aylesbury.— I nui 2,—
Snell. Any other variety.— \, 2, and 3, A. S W. F. Silvester.

PIGEONS— CABRiER8.—Coci.—l and 3. J. Ecroyd. 2 and vlu!, R. Falton.
Hen —1 and 3, R. Fulton. 2 and iiltc, J. Ecroyd. Pouters.- Cock.— 1 and 8, R.
Fulton. 2, C. Wroot. Hen.—l and Cup, C. Wroot. 2 and 3, R. Fulton. ToM-
BLERB.-Jimonrf.-l ana Cup, J. Ecroyd. 2. R. Fulton. 3, H. Yardley. vhc.a.
Yardley, J. Ecroyd. Short-faced.- .iny other variety— 1, J. Ecroyd. 2, R.
Fulton. 3. H. K. Tennev. Lona faced.— Any otiier variety.— Cock or Hen.~

1, R. Woods. 2, H. Yardley. 3. R. Fulton. Bk&m.-Cock or Ben.—l and vhc,
R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. 3, E. A. Thornton. Owls.- CocJ: or flen.-l and 2,
J. Ecroyd. 8. R, Fultnn. Tobbits.- Blue or Silver.— Cock or Hen.—l. J.
Ecroyd. 2. H. Y'ardley. 3, R. Fulton. Any otiiir colour.— Cock or Hen.—l, T. S.
Stephenson. 2. H. Beldon. 3, J. Ecroyd. cftc, R. Woods, R. Fnlton. Jacobins.
—Cock or Hen -1. Cup, and 3, R. Fulton. 2, T. Holt. Trumpeters.- Coca: or
Hen.—l and 2, R. Pulton. Fantails.- Cocfc or Hen.-l and 3, J. F. Lovcrsidge.

2, T. S. Stephenson. Nuns.— Cocfc or Hen.—l, H. Beldon. 3, — Mawson.
Maopies.— Cocfc or Hen.-l, R, Woods. 2, H. Beldon, 8, J. E. Crofts. Draoooss.
—Blue or Silver.-Cock or Ben.—l and 2. R. Woods. 8, A. Bird. Bed or Tellon:
—Cock or Hen.— 1 and Cup, H. Yardley. 2 and 8, R, Woods. Any other cohur.
—Cock or Hen.-l and 2. K. Woods. 3, H. Yardley. Antwebps.- Loni7-/ttced.—
Cocfc or Hen.— 1. B. Rawnsley. 2, A. Bew. Short-faeed.-CockorBen.-l and

3, W, F. Entwisle. 2, H. Yardley. Any other Variety.— Cocfc or Hen —1, A.
and W. H. Silvester. 2. E. Fulton, vlu, J. E. Crofts. Sellino Class.— 1, H.
Yardley. 2. H. Beldon. 3. J. Robertsha".

CAGE BIRDS.— NoawioH Canary.— rcllom.—l and 2. W. Smith. 3, T. G.
Kirby. .Inj) other coiour.—l and 2, W. Smith. 3, W. A. Wrcasel. Goldfinch.
— 1, S. Gravel. 2, T. Green. Grey Linnet,— 1, T. Kirk, 2, S. Gravel. 8, S.
Blackburn. Any other Varietv.-I and 2, T.Green. 3, G, Pearson. Foreign
Birds.- 1 and 2, E. A. Chapman.

RABBITS — Lop-eared.- Buck or Doe.— 1, A. Atkinson. 2, J. S. Robinson.
S, W. J. Milleth. l>(ic, J. Taylor. HuiALAVAN.-Buck or Dw.-l, D. Oldflold.
2, A, W. Whitehouse. 3, H, E. Gilbert Sllver-Gbey.— iiuck or Doe.— I, A.
Hudson. 2, W. Lumb. 3, S. Ball, vhc, 3. Kobertshaw. Belgian Hare.-
Buck or Doe.—], J. A, Netherooate. 2, A. Atkinson. 8, T, & E. J. Fell, vhc, —
Pilgrim. Angora.— Buck or Doe.— 1, D. OlJlield. 2, W. Lnmli. 3, J. W.
Baron, vhc, R. A. Boissier. H. Field.

CATS.-Enolisb,- 1, B. A, Brownlow. 2, H. Glew. 8. G. Hicks.
Judges. — Poultry and Pigeon : Mr. W. Cannon, Bradford;
Mr. J. Dixon, North Park, Clayton, Bradford; and Mr, F.

Jane 7, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

433

Sales, Crowle. Cage iJiV*.- Mr. E. Barber, Grimsby. Babbits
and Cats : Mr. J. Allisou, Sheffield.

MANAGEMENT OF A SITTING HEN.

BcRS out every nest-box, new or olil, before and after using.
The charred surface will not favour the Icrtgment of vermin. Fill
each nest-bottom with a freshly-cut sod slightly hollowed towards
the centre, covering with tine straw. Sprinkle nest and hen with
carbolic powder. Do not use too much sulphur ; in fact if car-
bolic powder is obtainable do not use it at all. Let your hen get
accustomed to the nest before trusting her with the eggs ; then
give the egga to her, quietly inserting them under her rather
than giving her to the eggs. " Make haste slowly." Do not
give her more than she can cover and care for well. Mark the
egga with ink, giving kind, if necessary, and date of sitting,
preserving a duplicate record in a book kept for the purpose.
Examine the nest daily. If an egg is broken, or even cracked,
remove it. If the remaining eggs have any trace of the disaster,
clean them from it by washing them carefully in tepid water.
The contents of an egg are alive or dead. If alive they must
have air. If the pores or air-ducts of the shell are closed the
contents die of suffocation. The grave is made and hermetically
sealed. It is onr plan to moisten the eggs and nests three times
during the last ten days of incubation when the nest is in a dry
warm situation, and the hen not permitted the freedom of out
of doors. We have found it done most easily and effectually by
a fine rose sprinkler, using tepid water. If a chick must be
helped from the shell give it aid in the form of warmth, and
warmth only. Insert the pipped or uupipped egg, if yon are
assured that it contains life, in warm water, being careful to
keep the opening of the pipped shell above the surface. It is
wonderful how quickly new life will be infused, and the little
bird gain strength to help itself. If in the course of hatching it
is necessary to examine the nest and its contents, remove the
hen, then the contents. Allow the hen to return to the nest,
then give chicks and eggs to her : she will carefully tuck them
away where they shall not be injured. Mark the chicks when
taken from the nest in a web of the foot either with one of
Scribner's st<jel punches, or with a darning needle filled with
course twisted silk, leavini^ the silk in the hole until it has
healed. Make record of the mark and its purpose. Do not feed
the chicks for the first twenty-four hours after hatching, then
give hard-boiled egg or bread and milk. The best brood of chicks
we ever saw were never fed with mixed or " artificial" feed of
any kind, but simply broken grains, coarse corn-meal, oat-meal,
and bird seeds were given. It was an experiment and a success.
Examine each chick's head for the long lice that are so often found
there. Kerosene oil is an excellent remedy, simply applying it
with the finger; the lice are exposed to view, and they generally
yield to the first application. Give 3'oung chicks every care and
attention. Do not let them be stunted by exposure to cold, damp-
ness, or by lack 01 food. Feed often, but not more at a time
than will be eaten up clean. Remember that chickens are early
asleep and early awake, and prepare food for them to find as
soon as they are out in the morning, at daylight, instead of
allowing then to chirp aronnd half starved for two or three
hours. If you can manage to give th^m a late evening feed they
will thrive under it. Anyone caring to make the experiment
will be astonished at the difference in the growth of chicks fed
early, often, and late, and that regularly, and those fed, as they
too frequently are, without any system — " when I happen to
think of it."

If the hens troable you with egg-eating file off the end of the
bill. An eighth of an inch will make it too tender to permit the
breaking of an egg-shell, and still not interfere with the daily
feeding. — (American Fanciers' Journal.)

THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT.

The Himalayan Rabbit is a native of China, and was at one
time known as the Chinese Rabbit. Gradually, however (it is
difficult to say why, unless it is due to the Chinese wars), the
name has died out, and it is now but rarely met with. In some
parts of the country the breed boasts of many names, but gene-
rally speaking Himalayan is the accepted one, notwithstanding
a wilful attempt ut such misnomers as Russian, Polish, and
even Patagonian.

The points of the Himalayan are exceedingly peculiar and
simple, and there is no variety that breeds so true to colour. The
body is of a snow-white tint, the fur being very short. It is
undoubtedly the shortest of any varitty, and it iii by no means
a bad imitation of ermine. The eye is bold and fall, and of a
light pink colour. The nose, ears, tai), and tips of the feet are of
a dark colour. We say "dark," because it is diflioult to name
anyone colour in particular. Were we to say that they are
black we should most certainly be presuming that exceptions
proved the rule, for but few specimens are to be met with of a
pure jet black. Of coarse, scarcity always enhances value, so
that a really good black specimen is good indeed. Dark brown

is generally considered good, the darker the better, and the
lighter the worse. The reason for thia is not only that it is a
law and settled among the fancy, but also because the contrast
between the light and dark is so much more striking. The
junction should be sudden without a separating line of light
brown. The extremities should be all of one shade, and not
some cf them black and others drab. Often are appearances
deceitful in this variety. Thus, when an animal is seen in a
reclining posture the richness of the colour of the points and
the purity of the white are commented on, and the animal
thought Al. But rouse the rester, and how bitter is the dis-
appointment. How often do light brown or drab feet meet the
eye, making the animal fit only for transportation to a butcher
or breeder ? It is important that all the points should be of one
colour, and all the feet should be shaded alike, not the two fore-
most dark and the two hindermoat light. It is not often that
the feet alongside vary much, although sometimes an animal
may be rendered almost worthless by one pale foot. The head
markinga will generally come right if the strain is good, but
it is not so with the feet. These ofttimes give much trouble
and even annoyance, as with the utmost care and attention
they will often persist in keeping a light grey colour, while
the other points are of the rich brown so much coveted and so
hardly obtained. The nose-marking should be regular and not
streaky, the colour meeting as suddenly as possible. The ears
are short and erect, sometimes standing rather more forward
than is the case with the common hutch Rabbit. This, far from
being a deformity, increases somewhat the beauty of the ap-
pearance. The ears must never approach to lop. In purchasing
a specimen of this breed never be persuaded that a drooping
ear is the result cf an accident, or overheat, or something of
that sort. Rather depend upon it that it is the eft'ect of a
cross, which, however dormant it may now appear, will un-
doubtedly re-appear in future generations. The legs should
be long and strong. These organs are not generally capable
of carrying much flesh, although the Himalayan generally is
a flesh-producing breed. The tail looks much prettier when
very dark. Altogether it will be seen that the snow-white body,
the pink eyes, and the black points combined, produce an
animal which is second to none for beauty in the numerous
category of Rabbit breeds and crosses. The general tendency
of the body is stumpy and very compact. They will put on
flesh with amazing rapidity, and will kee'p in condition with as
little, if not less, trouble and expense as any breed of Rabbit
extant.

The Himalayan is very prolific. About six will be average
number in each litter, and the doe is very quick in coming into
season again, so that the number of young depends almost
entirely upon the discretion of the breeder. Every doe will
rear as many as twenty healthy young ones every year, and
anyone who is not satisfied with such a number must be ex-
travagant in his expectations. The young are strong and hardy.
When born they are white, and remain that colour till two or
three months old, from which time to about eight months the
points gradually darken. They are usually perfect at about eight
or nine months, after which time it is by no means unusual for
them to fade a little.

In disposition the doe Himalayan is docile and gentle, and
easily taught to recognise its keeper. The buck, too, ia gene-
rally pretty quiet, although a rough customer is sometimes met
with. With care and discretion, and an .avoidance of teasing,
there will, however, be seldom any cause for complaint in this
direction.

Altogether the Himalayan ia a cleanly, handaome, and docile
Rabbit, and one that can easily be made to pay its way. Its
flesh, although it seems almost a libel to say anything about the
food properties of so pretty an animal, is very white and tender,
and competent judges assert it has the nicest flavour of any breed
extant. — Geta.

TEANSFEEBINQ BEES TO BAR-FEAMED HIVES.

A CORRESPONDENT writos as follows, and we give prominence
to his inquiry, as well as to the advice given, because doubtless
some others of our apiarian friends are desirous like himself of
transferring their bees to bar-framed hives. He says, "I have
three or four stocki in plain boxes without frames, and I wish
to transfsr them this season into ten frame hives, Abbott'a
standard. I have taken first swarms from some, and hope to
have one from each before I have yonr reply. I want to get a3
much value from the bees as I can this season, and what I wish
to know is whether it would be better for me to drive thern into
the new frame hives twenty-one days after the first swarm in
each case, or leave them in the boxes until tho season is over,
and give them supers to fill now."

The above letter having been forwarded to me, I reply that if
I were in our friend's circumstances I would ruake the transfer
at once — that is, at the end of three weeks from the issue of the
first .swarm; but I would drive first into an empty hive and see
whether I could not utilise the combs of the old hive, such of
them as were straight and in good condition. A little ingenuity

JOURNAL OF HORTICOLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

V7onId soon pat them into shape by nsing thin strips of lath
tacked across the bars, which conld easily be removed at
any time after the bees had secured the combs and made all
fast. I shonld be in no hurry to do this, waiting even till the
lollowing spring, when the usual examination of hives takes
place. Autumn transfers I object to, as much waste of honey
and bee life ordinarily takes place at a time when every life is
precious and breeding is drawing near its close for the season.
Now, in spring is the time for any such manipulation as is in
question. When the combs have been carefully arranged in
the bar-framed hive it should be gently placed on its permanent
stand, and the bees can be dashed out on the top of the bars,
which sboald be perfectly open and uncovered to receive them.
They will at onoe descend, and the cover can be put on after-
wards without the loss of a single bee.

If the bees are transferred now into the bar-framed hives thus
provided with comb but little honey must be expected from them
in supers this year; but neither could much be expected from
the untouched hive after it had given a prime swarm, unless one
could be sure that it would not send forth a cast or second
swarm. On the whole I think the gain will be about equal for
this year whichever plan is adopted. Next year, however, the
advantage of a spring transfer would be greatly in excess in
comparison with what would be gained if the transfer were to be
made in autumn. The stock would commence the year under
mnch-improved auspices. — B. & W.

LOSS OF STOCKS.

" Can any of your readers account for the death of two strong
stocks of bees? They were fed in March and had honey in
their combs in April, but now the bees are lying dead all round
the hives both inside and out. The combs are empty of honey,
though the hives were full of workers, drones, young bees, and
brood combs. Some of the workers found dead were covered
with pollen.— C. D."

The stocks thus described were lost by want of food. Many
other bee-keepers have lost stocks this spring from the same
cause. I may here say what has been said before, that one
cannot too strongly insist on attention being paid to the feeding
of bees in cold spring months. Not one bee-keeper in fifty has
an adequate idea of the quantity of food wanted daily by strong
hives. lu winter and early spring bees do not consume much
food, but as they increase in numbers and activity more food is
required. When hives become full of bees and brood and drones
are flying about their daily consumption is enormous. In a
large strong hive nearly ready for swarraiug there are probably
40,000 working bees, and as many cells full of brood. Here is a
large city full of inhabitants all wanting food. Such hives we
know rapidly decrease in weight during unfavourable weather,
when bees cannot go abroad for food or find it when they go.
The present season has been remarkable for cold easterly winds,
which are hurtful to vegetation and which hinder the flow of
honey into the flowers. With such winds bees may find pollen,
but not much if any honey. Young bees, prompted by their
instincts of industry, go abroad to work and find nothing but
pollen. In cold weather many of these may be found around
hives, having been chilled and starved to death. Sometimes
they alight on the flightboards and are unable to creep into
their hives. Our correspondents' bees that were covered with
pollen had lately been in the fields doing their best to gather
food for their communities, but were unable to find it. When
there is no brood in hives in times of famine the bees go off as
hunger swarms, never to return. The very name of hunger
swarms has a painful significance ; but when brood exists in
hives the bees never abandon them, and at last when the pinch
and pressure of hunger can bo no longer endured the bees let
their queens have the last sip of honey, then many of them
press their bodies into unoccupied cells and thus bury them-
selves before death. We all learn by experience, and often
grow wiser by misfortune. Many bee-keepers who have lost
hives by their own inattention have resolved that the like would
never happen again, and having carried their resolution out they
have become wise and successful apiarians. If some of our
readers would place their liives on some kind of weighing
machine or suspend tliem on steelyards, and let them remain
thus placed or suspended for a month, they would be interested,
and learn much by noticing the gains and losses every night and
morning. — A. Pettiorew.

OUE LETTEE BOX.

Reabino Chickens (Novice). — It is a generally received opinion that Juno
is a bad time for hatching chickens. A very old saying is —

" Chicks that are hatched whcu there's making ol hay
Will never grow up, but will waste away."
We cannot pretend to Hay whether thuy are eubjuct to hay fever, nor can wo
pretend to Bay whether hay has anything whatever to do with the chickeus;
but it ia more than likely while " the hay i8 about " the* chickens go to the wall
and mine tho close attention of which they stand in need. We hatch largely
all the year round. Wo think we have more trouble with June chickens than
with any others. Where thty have tho opportunity of running in high graas

they often suffer from cramp, but as soon aa tho grass is cut then tho
trouble ceases. May chickens are exceptionally strong, and give leas trouble
than aoy others. July chickens the same. If we had our choice we should
not chooeo to hatch our chickens in June, but if we had no choice wo would
not be deterred by sayings uor croakings.

Banbdrt Poultrv Show. — We are informed that Mr. W. Wykea waa placed
first in Class 40, Turkey cock.s, and not I>r. £. V. Saell as stated In the report
of the Show.

Management of Bees (E. M, M.). — Your questions require fuller anawers
than we can give them now, but all the information yon seek will be given
iu the Journal during the aeasou. Placing glasses on hives for honeycomb
does not always prevent swarming ; but as one of your Bwarma baa returned
and commenced filling a super, you may expect that it wilt fill the super and
storo-up honey enough to support the bees in the hive durin;^ the winter.
Indeed, hives that fill supers are generally too full of honey for keeping. If
a Kwurm issue again from the hive cast it back on the flightboard, so that
the process of filling the glass may not be stopped. In the autumn you may
take the honey from old stocks and unite their bees to the swarms of the
current season. About the end of August is the best time to take honey
from old hiveK and melt the was. Combs two years old, or have been used
by bees for two HeaHons, are quite eld enough.

Bee Hives IGardeiier.) — Your hive will probably answer as well as any.
The best time for the "turn-out" is three weeks after the first swarm. See
what we have said on this subject elsewhere. Perhaps you will have a cast
or second awarm before, but this will not matter if your stock is a strong
one, but you can generally prevent this by placing your first swarm iu its
new hive in the parent hive's place. Your bars of tho size you mention
should bo half an inch apart. Bees will go np just as well without turning
the hive upside down, provided there is a clear uninterrupted passage be-
tween every comb.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0= 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Datb.

9 A.M.

IH T

!B Day.

1877.

i%a

^■6

o^

Radiation

a

May

y^^s

ter.

£^

BO'S

perature.

Temperature.

a

In

On

June.

Dry.

deg.

Wet.

deg.

Max.
deg.

Min.

aun.

grass-
deg.

deg.

In.

We. SO

29 6S0

63.G

48.7

N.

519

61.6

43.9

112.5

Th. 31

S.E.

62.0

65.0

44.2

110.3

Fri. 1

29.413

54 8

52.8

S.W.

53.0

63.0

62.7

86.2

49.8

0.040

Sat. a

52.1

S.W.

62.3

69.4

61.8

71.3

—

Sun. 3

69.9

S.E.

62.4

81.0

46.2

1251

—

Mo. 4

29.767

62.1

57.2

S.

56.2

82.7

52.4

1240

Tu. 6

29.930

60,7
59.1

53.2
54.2

w.

58.0
63.7

68.8
69.2

63.7
49.3

120.8

48,3
44.2

—

Means

29.708

107.2

0.154

REMARKS.
SOth.— Rather dull ; frequent short showers till towards the evening, which

was fine and pleasant.
Slst.— Dull morning and forenoon ; showery afternoon, but fine evening.
June lat.— High wind in night and early morning; shower about 8 a.m.;
wind boisterous but not cold.
2nd. — Wind iu night and early morning; fine afternoon and evening.
Srd.— A very fine day, groat rise in the temperature, which reached Sl'^in

the shade.
4th.— Rather hazy early, but followed by a very fine day, even more warm
than its predecessor ; much cooler iu the evening ; wind high at night.
5th.— Another bright sunny day and very warm.
A very sudden and considerable rise of temperature on tho morning of
June Srd. At 9 p.m. on 2nd it was 56\ before sunrise it fell to 45'= {and on
tho grass to 39- ) ; by 9 a.m. on 3rd it was 70^, and reached 81= at 4 p.m.
~ ~ ' ■ • ■ of the 2nd and 3rd.— Q. J.

OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— June 6.
Business has been more active during the past week, and all classes of
goods have been readily cleared. Tho last few bright dayn have made a
marked improvement in hothouse goods, the supply keeping pace with the
extra demand. Large quantities of new Potatoes have arrived from the
Channel Islands, clearances being effected at lower rates.

Apples 4 sieve !

Apricots doz.

P'igs doz. :

Filberts lb. (

Cobs lb.

Grapea, hothouse lb '.

Lemons. V 100 I

t

Artichokes dozen 1

Asparagus ¥*" 100

Bouns. Kidney «*• 100

Beet, Red dozen

Broccoli bundle

Bnissels Sprouts. -J sieve i

Cabbage dozen

Carrots bunch

Now do.

CapHicuma ^103

Caulillower dozen

Celery bundle

Coleworte.. doz. bunches

Cucumbers each

Endive dozen

Fennel bunch

Garlic lb.

Ht'Tlis bunch

Jjettueo ilozen

Lccks bunch

Oranges Tf^ ICO

Peaches doz. ]

Pears, kitchen doz.

d. B. d.
0tol2 0
0 80 0

. lb. 3 0 12 0

TEQETABLEB.

Mushrooms pottle

Mustard & Cress punnet
Onions bushel

pickling qnart

Parsley.... doz. bunches

Parsnips dozen

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

Kidney do.

New lb.

Radishes., doz. bunches

Rhubarb bundle

Salsafy bundle

Soorzonera bundle

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spinach bushel

Turnips bunch

New do.

Vegetable Klarrows

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

JUNE 14—20, 1877.

AveraKS
Temperature

Loudon.

Day.

Night.

72.B

47 0

72.8

48.2

72.8

48.3

72,9

47.8

72.3

60.4

70.K

48.6

72.3

50.5

Sun

Moon

Moon

Moon's

Sets.

Riues.

Sots.

Age.

h. m.

h. m.

h. m.

Days.

8 16

6 34

11 3

S

8 16

8 7

11 22

4

8 17

9 85

11 38

5

8 17

H 2

11 51

6

8 18

0a25

morn

1)

S 18

1 47

0 S

8

8 18

3 9

0 10

9

Clock
before
San.

Mean.
60.3
59.9

3 Sunday after Trinity.

Sale of Orchids at West Leigh. Leicester.

Boyal Horticnltural Society — Great Summer Show.

Diss and Blackheath Show?.

3 44

8 44

3 44

3 44

From obseryationa taken near London daring forty.three years, the average day temperature of the week is 72,3^ ; and its night temperature

MUSHROOM CULTURE FOB THE MILLION.

■^m)^^yw. ■^^ ""^^ Mushrooms not more generally

^''^ ^rK'■l' cultivated? Not beeauee the process is

r fl^ , It / at all difficult, for it is very simple, but

L " ^ ' W probably because of its supposed difficulty.

" Mushrooms are very delicious," says my

amateur friend ; '• but then you know

,.; they are grown iu a structui-e specially

adapted to the purpose, fitted with slate

shelves, heated with hot-water piping, and

in point of fact are just a luxury for the

rich, esceptins when one can gather them in the fields in

autumn." Now this, as all gardeners know, is an entire

mistake ; and I am sure I shall be doing good service

and obtain the thanks of many ladies by showing how a

supply of this breakfast-table delicacy is within reach of

everyone having command of a little stable manure in

spiing, summer, and autumn, if not in winter.

I have to build a Mushroom house whenever time can
be spared, but meanwhile a supply is maintained by
making beds in all sorts of nooks and corners. Two beds
are now in fall bearing in what will one day be a con-
servatory stokery. Soil has just been placed upon a
succession bed made in a shed used for stoxung coke ;
other beds will follow in an open shed that is used as a
soil shed in winter; and if it is found necessary other
beds will be made in the open garden and kept covered
with straw. Some years ago 1 used to grow excellent
Mushrooms in a cellar beneath an old ruinous garden
cottage which unfortunately was infested with rats, who
after a time took a fancy to my Mushroom beds, burrow-
ing in them like so many rabbits, so that I had to acknow-
ledge myself beateu for once ; for it was in vain that we
organised grand rat hunts and made fresh beds, the de-
funct rats were promptly succeeded by a fresh batch
which made straight for the Mushroom beds with pro-
voking celerity. I allude to this to show that some
caution is called for when beds are made in old buildings.
Proceeding now to consider the few and simple details
of culture it may bo stated, as a general rule, that the
bed should be a yard wide and 2 feet high in the colder
months of the year, in order to retain heat in it sufficiently
long to bring the crop to perfection ; half that height
being ample in summer and early autumn. The length
of the bed may range from a yard upwards. If there is
any difficulty in obtaining enough manure, some loam or
ordinary garden soil may be mixed with it in the proportion
of one-fourth of soil to three-fourths of manure. I have
no objection to some straw among the manure, only in
that case special care is given to make the bed ijuite firm
by a little extra ramming and stamping. In making the
bed the dung is thrown-in in layers '•( inches thick, well
pressed together till the required height is reached. The
reason for making the bed so firm is that heat may be
generated quickly and that may not readily escape, which
would happen in a loose manure heap. In most instances
the spawn may be inserted when the bed is made, but if
the manure is very wet it may become so hot as to injure

Ko. e46,-VoL. XXXII , New Seeieb,

the spawn, and therefore it is well to exercise a little
caution and to wait a week, or longer if there is a sus-
picion of risk. The spawning is done by breaking up the
spawn cakes into pieces the size of a walnut, inserting
them in holes made with a dibble 2 or 3 inches deep and
the same distance apart in the surface of the bed, cover-
ing the surface immediatelj' afterwards with a couple of
inches of rich loam, pressing it gently down with the
back of a spade. Then if there be a steady heat in the
bed, very warm but not hot and burning, a full crop of
Mushrooms may be looked for in from five to six weeks
from the time of spawning, and a daily supply may be
gathered for about a month.

If the soil becomes dry a moderate soaking of tepid
water must be given, the condition of the soil always
being a safe guide as to the necessity for watering or
otherwise.

This slight sketch of a rough but very satisfactory
method of growing Mushrooms will, I hope, prompt the
many readers to turn to account such contrivances as
may be available ; for even if they have no shed or
cellar they may yet have an old packing case or two,
which would not only answer the purpose equally well,
but would present the novel aspect of a portable Mush-
room bed. — Edward Luckhurst.

IXIAS.

This beautiful family of bulbous plants is now com-
mencing to bloom and to dazzle the eye with gorgeous
and various colours. I know of no genus of bulbs that
has such a variety of colours ; it contains all the most
telling — viz., yellow, red, scarlet, rose, white, blue, and
even green ; nearly all the intermediate shades both
brilliant and soft are also strongly represented.

The best time for seeing a collection of Ixias in bloom
is a warm sunny day, when they are well expanded ; the
sight then, looking on a bed of this lovely Cape bulb, is,
as I have already stated, simply dazzling, and when once
seen never to be forgotten. I have often seen lovers of
flowers when suddenly catching sight of a bed struck with
the greatest admiration. It is pleasing to notice the great
strides that have been made during the last few years by
hybridising; so much so that in Loudon's "Encyclo-
paedia of Hants" twenty-two species are mentioned, of
which only two are now in prominent cultivation ; these
are crateroides and viridiflora. This, I think, shows
fairly well that the efforls of the hybridiser have been
crowned with success. The kinds of late introduction
are of much brighter colour, broader petal, larger flower,
and of a stronger constitution — in a word, far surpassing
the older varieties.

I will now detail their culture, which is extremely
simple, under four important headings — namely, situa-
tion, soil and manuring, planting, and protection.

SiTU.VTioN. — This is a point on which all future attain-
ments greatly depend. For the Ixia family a sunny,
warm, and naturally sheltered position is necessary ; the
stronger the sun strikes on them and the calmer the
No. 149e.— Vol. LVII., Old Sehies.

436

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 11, 1877.

weather the better they expand, and conBegnentl; become more
showy.

Son, AND Makuking. — ^The soil best suited to their require-
ments is a compost of light sandy loam, well-decayed manure,
and wood ashes thoroughly incorporated. At the appearance
of their flower spikes a casual watering with a weak solution
of guano or Standen's manure will prove beneficial.

Planting. — They should be planted 4 inches deep on raised
beds about 3 feet across, or in clumps on a south border, in
zigzag rows 2 inches apart, any time from the commencement
of October to the end of November, choosing a day when the
ground is in a good working condition. It is well to take the
bulbs up every year when dried oil, which will be about August.
By leaving them in the ground they commence growing earlier,
and are more liable to be injured by the late frosts.

Pbotection. — This is a portion of their culture which must
be very carefully attended to. The beds should be hooped
over, so that in the event of severe weather they may be
quickly covered with mats or any available material suitable
for covering, but by no means should this protection be allowed
to remain on longer than is absolutely necessary, or it will
cause the plants to blanch, and then it does not require much
of frost to injure them. This is but reasonable. 1 have from
time to time heard amateurs say, " Oh, it is no use my trying
to grow these beautiful Ixias. I am very sorry. I did all in my
power. I covered them with mats almost directly after plant-
ing ; they came up well. I took off the mats in AprU, and we
had rather a sharp frost from which they suffered severely.
They are really too tender for my garden." Now is there any-
thing to wonder at in their being "severely injured" under
such treatment as this ? The happy medium is what they
require — protection when protection is needed, and plenty of
air at all other times. In the northern counties it would be
advisable to grow them under a frame, but keep this also
thoroughly well ventilated, merely guarding against inclement
weather. I have often seen them when unprotected stand
several degrees of frost uninjured.

CuLTDBE IN Pots. — I know of no better practice than that re-
commended by your correspondent " J)., Deal," in the Journal
for January 13th, 1876, page 26, which I take the liberty of re-
peating, being guided by the old adage, " Leave well alone." —
" After potting them in the autumn place them in a cold frame,
and keep them there nntil the spring, then bring them into
the greenhouse for blooming." — H. C. Smith, jun., Caledonia
Nursery, Guernsey.

[Accompanying this communication were spikes of upwards
of fifty named varieties of Ixias, which for size and variety of
colour we have seldom seen equalled and never surpassed.
Many of the spikes contain upwards of twenty flowers, many
of which exceed 2 inches in diameter. They expand freely in
water and continue fresh for a long time, but they are beau-
tiful even in their unexpanded state, the stripes on the back
of the petals being very attractive. It is a splendid collection.
— Eds.I

LATE PEAS.

It is curious how almost every person places so much value
on early and so little on late vegetables. For instance : Why
should not a dish of fresh green Peas be as much relished in
the middle of November as they are the first week in June ?
Speaking personally, late Peas are far more required from me
than early Peas ; and one dish in November, or even at the
end of October, is more valued than six dishes in June or July,
and I fancy they would be quite as much appreciated by others
if they could have tbem. Some may think that late Peas will
be liable to be cut off by the frost before coming to maturity,
but there are just the same chances that they may escape, and
as a rule the weather until November is as fine as it is in
March and early in April. When the seed is sown properly
and in a selected place I never consider it thrown away or the
chance of a crop hopeless.

In order to make these notes as practical as possible I will
deal with Peas, which if sown from now onwards will come
into bearing from September until the end of the season. The
weather in June and July is often very dry — it may be so this
year. Peas never germinate very quickly or healthily in dry
Boil. For this reason means must be taken to sow them in a
cool moist soil. Sandy soils near the surface are never cool,
and heavy loam becomes hard and dry under a continuance
of drought, and to escape the evils that invariably attend such
a state of matters the seed should be sown in trenches. Select

the part where the row is to be, then dig-out a trench as for
Celery, 18 inches wide and about 1 foot deep. Make the
bottom level, and then spread decayed manure and leaves all
over it to the depth of 6 inches. Dig this in, and in doing bo be
very particular to mix the manure and the BoU well together,
and always keep the dung nearer the bottom than the top.
After digging-in the manure take a draw-hoe and make a
broad drill 3 inches deep along the centre of the trench. The
seed may then be sown and covered over. Previous to the
12th of May I sowed all my Peas on level ground, but then
and since I have sown them in trenches, and those put in on
that day are looking better so far than any which have come
through the ground this season. In very dry weather after
the Peas have been staked the trench may be fiUed-up on both
sides with dung as a mulching, and they can be very con-
veniently watered in the trench ; but it is seldom they need
this, as they do not readily become dry when treated in this
manner.

Three different sowings may be made at equal intervals in
June, and the last may be made in the second week in July.
Some recommend sowing early varieties for the latest crop. I
do not think these are the best. The Pea I prefer before all
others for late use is Ne Plus Ultra. It is a grand Pea. It
grows 5 feet high, produces pods in great abundance, and
seldom fails to fill them even in cold autumns, and it is very
hardy and not subject to mildew. Omega, one of Mr. Lax-
ton's productions, is also of some importance as a late Pea,
but it does not grow over 3 feet in height. Ne Plus Ultra
requires tall stakes, and the rows should not be closer, especi-
ally the latest, than 7 feet apart. Late Peas should always have
plenty of room between the rows, as it is a great advantage
to expose them to abundance of light and air. — Pkacticaust.

ANOTHER CHAT ABOUT ROSES—
DETERIORATION.

I QUITE agree with the writer of a very suggestive " Chat
about Roses" on page 87.5, that the love of the queen of
flowers is not dying out. Why ? The dullest observer, taking
a mere constitutional in almost any country enclosure called a
garden, would have the question answer itself. It could not
fail to be forced on his notice how the Rose is gradually ex-
tending the hem of its border, and gratefully, beyond all
flowers, repaying a hundredfold the care and love bestowed
upon it, even if that individual was not privileged, as I am, to
take an occasional peep over my neighbour's vast nursery
grounds and to hear him make the astounding statement with
justifiable pride, that directly or indirectly he last year supplied
gardens with a quarter of a million of Roses. Will the gentle
writer forgive me if I disagree in tolo from the reason he goes
on to give, explanatory and deprecatory, of such friendly chats
as his (although freely welcomed in our Journal), being so few
and far between ?

Such unfortunate reticence is solely owing in his opinion to
the fear of unamiable retort and anonymous satire. Now, as
a constant reader I confess never to have once seen this com-
plaint substantiated. No, I look for the reason from an en-
tirely different source, and find it (as a very integral part of
my own imperfect humanity) in the dread of trouble in the
effort required to make up one's mind, the vice 2}ar excellence
of the present age with men of culture, even in the case of
those who stoutly ride their hobbies, as all leal snccessfnl
rosarians must do.

I will now notice another complaint of your correspondent.
He says he has often heard remarks made about certain old
favourite Roses degenerating, and pertinently asks, " May not
this arise from the insertion of bad buds to begin with?" On
this point I do not suppose there would be any difference
of opinion; but on a kindred subject — i.e., whether Roses do
not deteriorate from continual budding, the answer would,
from my point of view at least, stUl be in the affirmative,
though from what reasons may not be quite so self-evident.
As a matter of fact, H.P.'s Charles Lefebvre, John Hopper
(with their marvellous constitutions), GOivnt des Batailles, &a.,
are not such grand flowers as they were years back, and if not,
why not ? In the forcible logic of Jack Bunsby to Capt. Cuttle,
" The bearings of this observation lays in the application."
My application is this : — Assuming « la Darwin as a principle
that cross fertilisation between the individuals of a species is
the standard law of nature, and practically, with very few ex-
ceptions, is universal; so it may infereutially be laid down

Jane IJ, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICUIiTURE AND OOTTAGB GARDENER.

437

that no hermaphrodite species conld continue to exist beyoDtl
a certain time. Now, a series of plants propagated by bnds or
scions must have a weaker hold on life than a series pro-
pagated by seed, inasmuch as the former — ;' c, bndding or
grafting, is the closest possible kind of in-and-iu breeding,
and consequently such modes of propagation must be ex-
pected in the very nature of things to deteriorate and gradually
to wear out. If this be true we ought not to wonder if our
most vigorous Roses fail to sustain their pristine character as
varieties in the foremost rank of excellence ; and although
doubtless much may be done in the way of rejuvenation by
propagating from cuttings, or as is done with success more or
less partial in the case of fruit trees by obtaining buds or scions
from root-suckers, nevertheless I have yet to be convinced that
Roses or any other non-sexually propagated varieties have
elements of permanence for more than an indefinitely restricted
period, though it may be impossible with our present know-
ledge to do more than hazard a guess as to its approximation.
— Hebefokdshire I^ICnjIBENT.

FEBNS.

For some time past I have been interested in notes made
now and again in the Journal upon Ferns and the soil used in
their cultivation. In one of the notes peat was supposed to
be overvalued for food for these charming plants. Such may
or may not be the case, but it is satisfactory to know that
these plants will accommodate themselves to other soils.
Daring the past few days I have visited several large ferneries
in Westmoreland, and witnessed Ferns thriving in such ad-
mirable manner that from their appearance the material in
which they were growing was to their liking. Aa the soil
mixtures commonly used varied considerably in three different
places I thought it might be interesting and useful to some of
your readers if they were recorded in your esteemed Journal.
In No. 1 fernery nearly all peat with a little garden soil was
used. No. 2 used a mixture of one-third peat, one-third loam,
and one-third leaf soil. No. 3, loam with a little leaf soil.
When these mixtures are required for pot use, silver or other
sharp sand is added to them, but not otherwise. 'Iii the fore-
going compounds Ferns (nearly all British) were growing in
fine form and splendid health ; but in my estimation the
Ferns growing in nearly all peat with garden soil were cleaner
and stronger in growth than those growing in the other two
mixtures. With regard to the use of liquid manure among
these plants, it is found that it causes them to grow coarser,
and, moreover, soon exhausts them. A little stable or cow
manure thoroughly decayed, when incorporated with the soil
in which they are growing, is beneficial.

One other thing was remarkable in the ten ferneries and
gardens visited, that exotics were noticeable by their absence,
while British Ferns were grown in thousands with the greatest
care; and it must be acknowledged that among our native
Ferns there are beauties of form and development which can-
not be found in the exotic Ferns commonly in cultivation in
this cot:ntry. In the pilgrimage several new and unnamed
varieties were met with ; some of them are undoubtedly im-
provements upon existing varieties, and will in time take high
positions as decorative plants. — Q. H. S.

HABDT SPRING AND AUTUMN-FLOWERING
PLANTS.

Speiso flowers are very beautiful. Helleborus niger is the
earliest I know; then Snowdrops, Eranthishyemalis, Crocuses,
Hepaticas, Sisyrinchiums grandiflorum and album, and Soillas
of sorts follow, and in close succession are Narcissus and
Primulas. The last-named are the finest of our spring flowers ;
they are not only rich in colour but are very fragrant.

Primula dentioulata is the earliest I have, and is rather
early for a cold spring. The finest I grow are P. ciliata,
ciliata purpurea, nivalis, and helvetica. Intermedia is very
much like cihata purpurea, but has a lighter eye and is more
fragrant than ciliata purpurea. The seedlings from inter-
media are not very distinct, and, in fact, one must look very
sharp to mark any difference. P. helvetica is free-growing,
free-blooming, and very hardy, and though not so rich in
colour as P. ciliata purpurea, &c., it is more useful for cut
flowers and is very fragrant. P. purpurea and P. puleherrima
are much alike and well worth attention. P. McMahon and
Mrs. Siddons are very showy free-flowering sorts. The doubles
of sorts are very beautiful, but apt to die in a hot summer

unless grown in a shady place. I have seen the fine velvet-
coloured variety blooming freely on the north side of a wall
quite out of the sun, and, in fact, they all do well in such
places. P.cortnsoide8amrcna,grandiflora, and alba are also very
pretty and useful for cut flowers. I have grown P. Parryii for
two years but it has never bloomed, and it does not seem to
increase rapidly, as I only raised two plants from it.

Some of the Narcissus family are very showy. N. pumilua
and pumilus minor are the earliest I know and bloom freely.
The best sorts I grow are Horsfieldii, a great beauty; Maxi-
mus and Maximus plenus. These are very showy, but Double
Campernell.is the prettiest double, and is a fine dwarf sort for
an early bed. N. moschatus plena is very good, and N. poeticus
and poeticus plena are extremely beautiful and bloom after
the others are over. N. triandrus and N. junoifolius are very
pretty, and N. pseudo-Narcissus var. moschatus is a very good
variety.

At the present time Phlox Nelsoni, Trillium grandiflorum,
Alyssum saxatile and montana are very showy ; Gentiana,
Dodecatheons elegans, Jcffreyi, and violacea are coming into
bloom. D. elegans is in my opinion the best of them ; though
not so rich in colour as splendens, it throws up fine spikes and
looks well when cut.

Some of the Saxifrages are in bloom. S. palmata is at-
tractive. S. coryophylla is very good, it blooms profusely and
keeps in bloom for nearly two months. S. Maweana is also
good. S. granulata plena when well grown is attractive.
S. oppositifolia grandiflora and oppositifolia pyrenaica are
beautiful, but are past long ago.

Summer-flowering hardy flowers are not so much cared for,
with a few exceptions such as Pinks, &<:. The bedding-out
plants eclipse all others during summer, but flowers that
bloom from September to the end of October are full of in-
terest, and amongst them the Anemone japonica and japonica
alba are very showy and useful for cutting, and many of the
perennial Asters are well worth growing. Some of them are
beautiful and fine for cutting. A. horizontalis is the best I
have seen, and A. longitolius formoeus is very good, also A. pul-
cherrimus, but there are a great many more good sorts. In
my opinion there is too little attention paid to hardy spring
and autumn-flowering plants, bedding-out plants having
thrown many hardy plants into the shade. Amongst hardy
new plants this year the Spirsea japonica variegata is beau-
tiful, and the Anthericum liliastrum major is an improve-
ment on the A. liliastrum, being larger in the blooms. —
J. Addison, Ormiston.

PEACH CROP ON OPEN WALLS.

Though this has been a very trying season for Peaches and
Nectarines I have a fair crop of them. Some of my trees
are loaded with fruit. Royal George, Grosse Mignonne, Belle
Bauce, and Noblesse are the hardiest and best with me this
year. Violette Hative, one of my old favourites, has lost its
place. Elruge and Pitmaston Orange Nectarines are the best
here this season. I beheve we are now suffering in our
general crop from the effects of last spring. Those trees that
suffered so much from blister did not obtain a good start, and
then the cold wet weather in August again checked the ripening
of the wood, which is requisite to enable them to brave the
cold winds and spring frosts. I became a little alarmed with
my trees in the autumn, though they have never failed to bring
me a good crop. Last year I gathered from May 16th to
October 9th (with the exception of July) bushels ; but to meet
another year like last made me tremble. When I mentioned
my fear to my employer he at once consented to cover our
Peach wall (300 feet) with glass, and as my object is to prolong
the season I have put a glass coping only 2 feet G inches, and
use my canvas blinds with pulleys in front, and defy the frost
and heavy rains. With a good Peach house and 120 feet of
glass-caeed wall I can keep a tucceseiou of good fruit from May
untU October.

I need not say anything respecting the management of my
trees, but covering walls with glass and the cost of doing so I
will treat of on a future occasion.— SAMUEii Jenks, Brambletye.

MANURE FOR ROSES.

The difiiculty of obtaining animal manure here is enormous,

and when procured is most expensive. None of the farmers

are allowed to sell, even if they are willing to do so, which few

are, and the only places where I can procure any are tho hotels

438

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 14, 1877.

at Lyme and Axminater, diatant about four mUea from me, so
that the expense is very great — indeed, every load of manure
costing me £1. At one time I never thought of expense with
regard to growing Roses, but now I am obliged to do bo, and
have to resort to various expedients so as to avoid the great
cost of buying manure from a distance.

Guano is the only other manure that I have tried except
night soil, and the first-named merely as a stimulating tonic
in the month of May. Artificial manures — such as bones,
bone dust, nitrate of soda, &a. — I have never tried ; but I have
noticed that many of the new Roses sent out by leading
nurserymen which I have bought for many years have bones
at the bottom of the pots, and the Rose roots seem to like the
attention, for they grow very strong among them. It occurs
to me, then, that bones might do for Mauetti Roses, and
although they may not equal in any way dung manure, yet
they might form a good substitute for it when the latter
is unattainable. Will any of your readers who have tried
artificial manures kindly give your readers the benefit of
their experience ?

I do not know how I may succeed this year at the shows,
but I am most anxious to know the result, as I am trying a
somewhat hazardous experiment. I have not manured at all
since the spring of last year. I am relying this year entirely
on surface-stirring, night soil in a liquid form, and guano.

The Crystal Pulaee Company has decided not to change the
date of their Rose Show, and I think wisely. It is always a
hazardous experiment changing a date, for in the crowded
fortnight or three weeks great shows are sure to clash if one of
them alters its fixtures ; besides, the Palace Show has always
been early, and has suited early soils. The Maidstone men
will rejoice in the date not being altered, and those of us who
are not able to show will be able to enjoy the feast of good
things without any anxiety as to our own exhibits. I wish,
however, the Palace would give a class for Teas for amateurs.
as they will be in full bloom on the '23rd. — Joes B. M. Camm.

GBOWING CUCUMBEBS IN PEAMES.

It is not many weeks since Mr. Luckhurst gave some excel-
lent hints on this matter, and therefore it might be considered
unnecessary to call attention to it again. I do not, however,
write to find fault with Mr. Luckhurst's teachings ; but on the
contrary, I know that euccess will attend his instructions.
I have been so successful with frame Cucumbers this spring
that I cannot help saying something about them; and besides,
I fancy my practice differs slightly in one or two points from
that which I have read in the Journal.

There is often more said about " making up the bed" than
on any other point in Cucumber culture. I admit this may be
badly done. For instance, " tramping the bed very firm " is
sometimes a mistake. I made up one bed to hold two two-
light frames in February. The manure was trampled very firm
to " hold the heat." We had many wet days a week or two
after this, and the manure became saturated and cold, and
owing to its being so firm it never dried or heated again. How-
ever, during the week or two the heat was strong we attained
our purpose, which was to strike a large number of cuttings.
The last week in March we removed the frames from this bed,
started at one end, and turned over the whole, and in doing
so we mixed much fresh leaves and stable litter with it. The
large heap was at once formed into a bed 24 feet long, 8 feet
wide, 2 feet high at the back, and 18 inches in front. When
this height was reached three two-light frames were set on,
which left a margin of 18 inches at each side. The bed was
then continued up outside the frames until it was level with the
top. This completed the making of the bed, which was not
so firmly trampled as the first one was. Before placing the
light on the frames, and immediately the bed was finished,
half a barrowload of half cow dung and half loam was put in
the centre of each sash in one of the frames, the other two
frames being intended for Melons.

About a week before commencing these operations I half filled
a G-inch pot with drainage, and the other half I filled up with
leaf soil and loam. Four seeds were then placed in this about
half an inch below the surface. The pot was then plunged in
a gentle bottom heat in a pit, and the seed being good the
plants soon appeared. By the time the soil in the hotbed
was at 70^ the plants were just showing their rough leaves.
Many would have potted them singly then and grown them
into large plants before planting them out ; but I did not do
this. I turned them out of the pot, took a little of the soil

with eich plant and planted them out in this state. The
result was that the plants with their small roots never felt the
change, and during the time they would in most cases have
been twisting their roots round a small pot they were sending
strong roots in all directions through the half barrowload of
soil and dung, and extending their leaves and shoots in pro-
portion. When the first fruit appeared two barrowloads of
the same rich mixture were added, and other two have been
added since. I do not place it in the frame to heat before
placing it against the roots, but I lay it at once against them,
and as quickly as possible water the whole with water heated
to about 8.5°. This warms the new soil, and settles it against
the old. Tepid water has always been used since at every
watering.

Two plants were planted close together under each light ;
one was trained to the back, the other to the front. They
grew straight up in the direction of the glass, a distance of
15 inches, but before they pressed against it their point was
taken out, and that caused them to throw out a number of
side shoots. Those soon showed fruit at the next joint to the
main stem, and at the next joint beyond this the point was
taken out, and this practice has been adhered to ever since,
keeping them always well pinched, and never allowing the
leaves to become so thick that the soil could not be seen
through the glass. The heat has been well sustained in the
bed, and we only added a fresh lluiug two days ago. The first
fruit was cut about eight weeks after sowing the seed, and the
quantity that has been cut these last two or three weeks, and
the quantity on them at present, is something enormous.
Some days we have cut as many as twelve straight handsome
fruit from 1.5 to 20 inches long out of the two lights. The
fruit does not come in weakly ones or twos, but in bunches of
tens and twelves together. Scores of small fruit have been
thinned off to prevent the plants from fruiting themselves to
death, and with the assistance of strong manure water they
seem pushing out more fruitful and vigorous than ever.

Air is admitted at the top of the frame when there is any
danger of the leaves scorching. They are seldom syringed,
but when they are watered it is done at " shuttiug-up time,"
and a healthy cleansing moisture rises about the leaves and
obscures the glass. It only remains to be told the variety I
am growing, and put it in large letters, as you will never have
the chance of printing a better one — Telegraph. — A Kitchen
Gabdener.

P.S — I have mentioned my practice at a time when many
amateurs and others have emptied their frames of bedding
plants, and will now be planting them with Cucumbers. The
system which I have adopted, and which has been successful
early in the season, will if carried out be the means of insur-
ing good crops of Cucumbers throughout the summer and
autumn months. — K. G.

AUBICULA CULTUBE— HOSPITAL TEEATMENT.
As you expressed regret that I had omitted in my last com-
munication to describe my hospital treatment for sick Auri-
culae, I will now supply the deficiency. As prevention is better
than cure a few words on that subject may not be out of place.
And first I would say that the plants, which had been removed
to the north wall, have been taken back to their stages ; for
although ray stock has stood under the north gable for more
than twelve months without protection of any kind and have
all bloomed well, I attribute that good fortune to the " high
cality" (locality), as an eloquent ploughman said the other
day; for Cannock Chase is said to be the highest tableland
in England. But although from uncontrollable circumstances
my plants have been behind the north wall so long, I would
nevertheless caution every grower to guard against too much
shade and continuous rains, as this treatment has been the
cause of the death of many Auriculas. The unsuspecting
cultivator views his soft-grown plants with satisfaction, when
he is only deluded by a false luxuriance. The Auricula is
never so sound and firm as when every watering is thoroughly
evaporated, I mean when the surface of the compost is reduced
to a dusty condition; and the hotter and more tempestuous the
weather the more strictly should this method of watering be
attended to— instead of increasing the drainage of a eiok plant
to increase the copious floods of water. I do not water the
delicate growers until dust is an inch deep at least, yet these
never flag. With yours, my friends, the case may be very
different, but you may initiate your plants into this treatment
by slow degrees with perfect safety. Let me plead for the

June 14, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

430

welfare of yonr pets, and connael yon from this time to begin
to withhold water, and let small healthy foliage be your
greatest pride, for the large and watery foliage is the effect of
luxuriance, which may result in disease. And this should
suggest the utility of silver sand ; yet washed sand of any kind
is better than a clog of sour compost, for that and inefficient
drainage, together with the lack of sun, have produced the so-
called epidemic which has so grievously contributed to cause
the scarcity of the rarer varieties which many growers like
myself would be glad to obtain at any price, and which may at
this time have been sufficiently plentiful to have encouraged
new cultivators like Mr. Weir and others, especially if the
dealers accompanied every sale by a short paper on the true
culture of the plant. I have wandered from the hospital
treatment, which is as follows : —

Provide a flower pot in size according to the size of yonr
invalid plants, for you must have them very near the drainage.
To prepare a pot for this purpose let it be thoroughly clean and
soft-baked, drill two holes at opposite sides at an inch from
the bottom of the pot. Cannot do it. Why not ? You need
nothing but an old file, a nail-passer, and a will. First file a
deep notch, then insert your nail-passer. I grow many of my
varieties — such as Taylor's Glory, George Lightbody, Eichard
Headly, &a. — in pots so prepared. Fill the pot nearly half
full of charcoal, remembering that the top layer is small ; on
this you may place a layer of cocoa-nut fibre to prevent the
drainage being choked with the soil ; but fibre is not good for
mixing with the soil, for in such compost the plants will cease
to have compact growth, and the pips will come crumpled and
deformed. Fibre is not the food of a soft-rooted plant, such
as the Auricula or Polyanthus, for we find by turning the
plants out of the pots that the roots are twisting around this
fibrous matter and around each other, groping as if in search of
mineral substance ; and it may be matter of astonishment to
the young grower to see how those fleshy roots will penetrate
a piece of sound charcoal or bleached bone, therefore let their
hospital food partake more of the mineral than the vegetable
— sandy loam, powdered charcoal, and silver sand in equal
portions, and all the better for a few small fragments of Bath
stone, sandstone, or soft brick, with a good surface of silver
sand, not less than a quarter of an inch deep. The sandy
loam should be of the purest and poorest that can be had from
an old snnny bank. When your pot is so charged, and filled
within an inch of the brim, water it and make it quite level ;
use a flat dibble (such as a knife), open a place at the rim of
tlie pot wherein to insert your patient, press it as close to the
pot as you can without violence, leave the surface still level,
and when your plant has given evidence of growth lift it
gently and turn the other side to the rim of the pot, for it is
that which induces new grovrth.

There may be those amongst my readers who would say that
I dwell upon unnecessary niceties, but such an one that loves
the Auricula can do all this and much more, and will keep up
ttie inquiry from youth to age, What more can I do for my
pets ? — S. W. Bullock, Brockton, Stajford.

AKEBIA QDINATA.

Tnis charming climbing plant has with me grown into great
beauty. It was planted among other climbers upon a south
wall about five years ago, presenting then and subsequently so
insignificant an appearaLCe that it was regarded as more curious
than ornamental ; but now it has grown to a large size and
shows its true character, presenting itself to our eyes in a
somewhat similar guise perchance to that under which it first
presented itself to its discoverer in .Japan, and we come to
understand something of its real value as a decorative plant,
and to see why it was considered worthy of introduction to
this country.

The wall upon which it is growing is 12 feet high. After
the slender flexile growth had reached the top it was not kept
pruned closely, but was allowed to form long streamers of
pendant branches, so as to break the formality of the flat wall
surface as well as to enable the plant to show its true character.
The not-inelegant foliage is stout in texture, dark green in
colour, and is attractive from the singular appearance of the
five oval-shaped lobes composing each leaf. Clustering among
the foliage at this season of the year are thousands of its
pretty flowers, which in their form and disposal are in singular
harmony with the foliage. They are borne in short yet taper-
ing clusters, each llower having three concave shell-like petals,
farming a quaint-looking triangle of a dull pink colour snfiueed

with lavender. To the botanist these flower oluslers present
an interesting study from the fact of every one of them having
two large female blooms, from the axils of which springs a
bunch of some two dozen male flowers very similar in form
but much smaller in size.

The plant is not one to attract the attention of lovers of
bright and striking colours, but to those who care for what is
curious and graceful I strongly recommend it, feeling certain
it will find favour with them. It is by the introduction of
plants of this type that we are able to render a garden really
interesting ; and it is to such plants as the Akebia that we
turn repeatedly, knowing that they are worthy of something
more than a passing glance. — Edward LncKnoKST.

KOSES IN HAMPSHIRE.

I AM an amateur gardener, and I observe weekly in your
valuable Journal sundry and various lucubrations about the
culture of Roses. I desire to add my mite to the information
afforded, premising that I am no self-conceited cultivator; as
Sir Isaac Newton said with regard to the exact sciences, only
a learner, " like a child picking up shells on the seashore."

I will first tell you of my experience this last winter, by-the-
by a moat extraordinary one as regards plant culture and tem-
perature. I keep a book entitled " Garden Memoranda," and
from this I extract — " 1876, December 8lh. — Cut numerous
buds of Gloire de Dijon, Devoniensis flowering, also Duke of
Edinburgh. December. — Cut Roses as follow : Gloire de Dijon,
Tnrenne, President Willermoz, Celine Forestier, Acidalie.

" 1877, January.^Cut Gloire de Dijon. February -ith.—
Cut good bloom of Gloire de Dijon from front of house, many
buds bursting. All the above from last year's wood. May Hith.
— Yellow Banksian Rose just commencing to bloom. May I'.Uh.
— Monthly Rose (Pink China), commencing to bloom. May
■25th. — -Cut Devoniensis and .Tohn Hopper in front of house.
May 28th. — Cut Gloire de Dijon, John Hopper, Devoniensis,
and Lord Clyde in front of house. June 8rd. — Charles Le-
febvre in bloom."

I may mention that the above Roses this year as well as
last were cut from trees planted in front of the house, south
aspect. I have a rosery in the open planted without any par-
ticular shelter 71 feet by 15, on which are planted 131 Roses,
principally Hybrid Perpetuals on Briar and Manetti stocks,
and generally they show a fine promise of bloom.

With regard to the usual aphis pest, I have to say that the
decoction recommended by Mr. Rivers of quassia chips and
soft soap has proved eminently successful. It is better than
the Scotch snuff recommended by one of your correspondents
lately, as it leaves the foliage entirely clean. — Constant

SUESCKIEEK.

FLOEICDLTDEE AND HORTICULTUBE
AT OKEFOBD FITZPAINE.

FLORicnLTURE — I only keep Roses (over two thousand) which
are in good condition, and I think they will be a grand display.
The weather for two years has been against them. "D.,D<<j;,"
has asked to come and review them. I shall be glad to see
Sir Henry's son, who is one of our greatest florists and a
worthy and valuable man. The Archbishop of Canterbury
gave him the living of Westwell, Kent, and removed him from
Deal, which finds him a "sobriquet."

HoBTicnLTUKE. — This I must divide into fruits and vegetables.

I'ruiu. — Cherries, Plums, Pears, Peaches, and Nectarines
will be failures, but not total failures. Apples, Strawberries,
Currants (red, black, and white), and Raspberries will be
grand. Gooseberries would have been good had not the bull-
finches made havoc of the buds. Soot is the best preventive.
As regards the Peaches and Nectarines, the foliage is first-
rate. Though they are so exposed their foliage is free from
blister. Mr. Francis Rivers says in the Journal of Horticul-
ture, "The cold orchard houses present a refreshing contrast
to the wall Poaches, which here look wretched with blistered
and starved leaves and an entire absence of fruit." I shall
have enough Peaches and Nectarines, but on the whole a poor
crop. There are eleven trees under glass, the Royal George
and Early Princess Louise — the best early Peach — being nicely
cropped. The Royal George is one of the best to have, being
such a good doer in critical seasons on a wall (south, east, or
west). I have 120 trees out of doors; of these twenty-seven
are Royal Georges.

VegetahUi. — 'SeBa (Ringleader, Princess of Prussia, and

440

JODBNAL OF HOBTICDLTDEB AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

( Jane 14, 1877.

British Queen) are splendid, sown February 15th. Potatoes
are exoelleDt, earthed-np and nniojared. They were planted
January 28th. Asparagus and Seakale weak, late, and injured
by the last two winters. I have repaired with fresh plants the
beds. Onions and Parsnips excellent. Carrots bad, and fresh
sown. Do not sow early ; Carrots are tender, and slugs are
partial to them. The bed of Salsafy, or Vegetable Oyster, is
excellent. Salsafy must be treated in the same way as Carrots.
Salsafy patties are as good as oyster patties ; I tasted them at
the Rev. John Brymer's, at Child Okeford. — W. F. Eabcltffe
(in the Slwrhorne Journal).

P.S. — I append a list of the Nectarines and Peaches grown here.

Nectarines. — They are all good; Lord Napier, Elrnge,Violette
HAtive, Downton, Rivera's White, Emmerton's White, Rivers's
Orange, Eivers's Pine Apple, Pitmaston Orange, and Prince of
Wales — ten sorts.

Peaches. — Early Louise, Early Beatrice, Early Rivers, Dr.
Hogg, Early Victoria, Early York, Early Alfred, Royal George,
Grosse Mignonne, Noblesse, Violette Hative, Bellegarde, Alex-
andre Noblesse, Early Silver, Early Ascot, Magdala, Marquis
of Downshire, Crimson Galande, Gregory's Late, Walburton
Admirable, Albatross, Eadcljffe, Golden Eagle, Golden Frog-
more, Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales, Lord Palmerstou,
Lady Palmerston, and Late Admirable.

American Peaches.— Snow Peach (white blossoms). Stump
the World, and Tippicanoe — thirty-two sorts. — W. F. R.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.

Jdne 13th.

On this occasion the Show — the second great exhibition of the
season — was both extensive and good. The Exhibition was
well arranged in the large tent and extended ' into the two
corridors, which were both nearly filled, one with fruit and
cut flowers, the othtr with miecellaneous collections of plants.
The large tent was not so striking as at the May Show, when
the Azaleas and Roses in pots produced such an imposing effect ;
but on this occasion the ornamental-foliflged plants were very
good, Pelargoniums excellent, and Orchids extremely rich —
one of the finest displays we have seeu for a long time. The
principal nurserymen — Messrs. Veitch, Williams, Bull, Wills,
RolliSBon, and Laing — arranged admirable miscellaneous collec-
tions of plants ; and Mr. OUerhead, gardener to Sir Henry Peek,
Bart., exhibited a capital group of Orchids.
PLANTS.

In the open class for twelve stove and greenhouse plants
Messrs. Jackson & Son, Ivingston, were placed first. They
staged amongst others good examples of Erica eximia suporha,
Bougainvillea glabra, and Cleroden(h'on Balfourii. Mr. D.
Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay, Esq., Knotts Green, Leyton,
was second with capital specimens. Mr. J. Child, gardener to
Mrs. Torr, Gaibrand Hall, Ewell, and Mr. Wheeler, gardener to
Sir F. Goldsmid, Regent's Park, were equal third. For six stove
aril greenhouse plants (amateurs) there were four competitors.
Mr. Child was awarded the first prize; Mr. Hiunell, gardener
to F. A. Davies, Eeq., Anglesea House, Surbiton, the second ;
and Mr. Legg, gardener to S. Ralli, Esq., Clapham, third, all
exhibiting good collections. For six stove and greenhouse
plants (nurserymen) Mr. B. S. Williams, HoUoway, was first ;
Messrs. Jackson second; and Mr. J. Peed, Roupell Park Nur-
series, Norwood, third. For twelve etove and greenhouse plants
in 12 inch pots Messrs. Jackson & Son, Mr. James Child, and
Mr. Wheeler were placed in the order named. In the classes for
nine and six Roses in pots Messrs. Paul & Sons, Cheshunt, were
the only exhibitors, and were deservedly awarded the first prize
in each class. For six Cape Heaths Messrs. Jackson & Son
were the only exhibitors in the nurserymen's class, and were
awarded the first prize. Mr. Legg, gardener to S. Ralli, Esq ,
Cleveland House, Clapham Park, had the first prize in the
amateurs' class with admirably grown plants; a third prize being
awarded to Mr. Wheeler. For six Palms (open) Mr. Ley was
first, Mr. Legg second, and Mr. Wheeler third. Dracfenas and
Cordylines were very conspicuous amongst the other foliage
plants, and the first { rize for twelve plants was awarded to Mr.
Bull, King's Road, Chelsea, who staged Dracnjnas Goldieana, ex-
celsa, Rex, Mooreana, triumphans, Shepherdi, Baptisti, princeps,
amabilis, Chelsoni, reginro, and ferrea variegata; Mr. Ley being
placed second ; the whole of the plants were in excellent con-
dition. For six fine-foliaged plants (amateurs) Mr. C. Rann,
fardener to J. Warren, Esq , and Mr. Legg were placed equal
r&t for grand collections. Mr. Donald was second, and Mr.
Child third. In the corresponling nurserymen's class Mr. B. S.
Williams was first, and Mr. Ley second. For six exotic Ferns
(nurserymen) Mr. Williams was first for grand examples of
Gleichenias rnpestris and speluncte, Dickeonia antarctica, a
Cyathea, Cibotinm princeps, and Aspleniuiu nidus. Mr. Ley
was second; and in the corresponding class for amateurs Mr.

C. Rann was first, Mr. Donald second, and Mr. Child third, all
showing large and well-grown plants.

Orchids were exhibited in large numbers, there being four
classes set apart in the schedule for them — two for amateurs and
two for nurserymen, in the whole of which there was keen com-
petition, and for many years past we have not witnessed a finer
display. Mr. Denning, gardener to Lord Londesborough,
Coombe Lane, Kingston, was first for twelve grand examples,
consisting of Odontoglossum vesillarium with eleven spikes
and nearly seventy charming flowers ; Vanda Denisoniana,
Cattleya Moseife, Odontoglossum cirrhosum, Cattleya Mendeli,
Lffilia cinnabarina, Odontoglossum Alexandra with five grand
spikes, a large Cattleya lobata, L.^elia purpnrata with twenty
flowers, AnguloaCloweai, Dendrobium Bensoni.TB, and Oncidium
crispum. Mr. J. C. Spyers, Orchid-grower to Sir Trevor Law-
rence, Bart., Burford Lodge, Dorking, was second with fine
plants of Cattleya Warneri, Odontoglossum Phalionopsis, Mas-
devallia Harryana violacea, Odontoglossum crispum, Dendro-
bium Devonianum, &c. Mr. Rutland, gardener to the Duke of
Richmond, Goodwood, Chichester, was third, an extra prize being
awarded to Mr. H. Heims, gardener to F. A. Philbrick, Esq.,
Regent's Park, for a good collection. In the class for six plants
Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., Loxford Hall, was
placed first, and had amongst others good examples of Dendro-
bium formoBum giganteum, Odontoglossum crispum (Blunti),
and Cattleya Mossias superba. Mr. Roberts, gardener to W. J.
Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, Fulham, was second ; and Mr.
Hill, gardener to R. Hanbury, Esq., Poles, Ware, third.

In the classes for nurserymen Mr. Williams secured first
honours for twelve plants with splendid examples of Caltleyas
MoBsiffl superba and lobata, Cypripediums biflorum, barbatum,
superbum, and niveum, and other choice sorts; Messrs. Jackson
and Son second with a good collection. Mr. Williams was also
first for six plants; Mr. Morse, Epsom, second; and Messrs.
Jackson & Son were third.

For nine Show Pelargoniums (open) Mr. James, gardener to
W. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth ; Mr. Turner, Slough ; and
Messrs. Dobson & Sons, Isleworth, exhibited good collections,
and the prizes were awarded in the order of their names ; and in
the class for six Show Pelargoniums (amateurs) Mr. James was
again first, closely run by Mr. King, gardener to E. Few, Esq.,
Eaher, who was second; and Mr. James Weir, gardener to Mrs.
Hodgson, Hanipstead, third. In the corresponding class for
nurserymen Mr. Turner and Messrs. Dobson & Son were
awarded the honours in the order named. Fancy Pelargoniums
were well exhibited both by amateurs and nurserymen, the
amateur growers outstripping the nurserymen. Mr. King was
firet with a very fresh collection, Mr. James second, and Mr.
Weir third in the amateurs' class. Mr. Turner was first, and
Messrs. Dobson i- Sons second in the class for nurserymen.
Mr. King's first-prize collection of Fancies consisted of Tor-
mentor, Roi des Fantasies, Mrs. Alfred Wigan, Formosa, Fanny
Gair, and Vivandieiij. For six Scarlet or Zonal Pelargoniums
(amateurs) Mr. Catlin, gardener to Mrs. Lermitte, Finchley, was
first with splendid plants 4 to 6 feet in diameter ; and Mr. King,
gardener to R. Few, Esq., Esher, second for fine well-bloomed
plants with good trusses. Mr. Burley, Brentwood, appeared to
be the only exhibitor in the nurserymen's class in this section.
Mr. James exhibited very fine Calceolarias; and Mr. Wills
several of his new Dracaenas in superb health and colour.
FEUIT.

There was not an extensive display, but some very good pro-
duce was staged. In the class for a collection of nine dishes of
fruit Mr. G. Miles, gardener to Lord Carington, Wycombe Abbey,
Bucko, was placed first. He atiiged excellent Black Hamburgh
and Foster's Seedling Grapes, very fine Violette Hative Peaches,
Elrnge Nectarines, and Black Circassian Cherries, Sir Charles
Napier Strawberries, Brown Turkey Figs, and a capital Cox's
Golden Gem Melon. Mr. W. Bones, gardener to D. Mcintosh,
Esq., Havering Park, Romford, was Mr. Miles's only competitor,
and was awarded the second prize. The collection included
two Melons, two dishes cf Strawberries, two of Peaches, and
Black and White Grapes.

Pine Apples were generally small, and only ten frnits were
exhibited. Mr. Akehurst, gardener to J. Copestake, Esq., The
Grove, Kentish Town, was pl.aced first for two medium-sized
well-ripened Queens with small crowns; Mr. Rutland, gardener
to the Duke of Richmond, Goodwood, Chichester, having the
second place in the same class. For single fruits (Queens) Mr.
Douglas, Loxforl Hall, was first with a perfectly ripened but
rather small fruit ; Mr. Rutland being placed second, and Mr.
Akehurst third. For single fruits of any other variety Mr.
Miles was thn only prizetaker, receiving a first award for a fair
example of Charlotte Rothschild.

Grapes, — These were generally of excellent table quality,
most of them being well finished, but a few were unripe.
For the best baskets of Black Grapes (weighing not less than
l'21bfl ) of any variety, Mr. Douglas, was placed first for ex-
cellent Black Hamburghs, remarkably regular in berry, ham-
mered, and highly finished. The second prize was awarded to

Jane 14, 1877. ]

JODBNAL OF HORTICULTUBK AND COTTAGE GABDENER.

411

Mr. P. S. Kay, Finchley, who also staged a capital basket ; Mr.
P. Edwards, gardener to Mrs. Tristram, Fowley, Liphook, H ants,
eecnriug the third prize with Black Hamburghs nearly if not
quite equal to those from Mr. Kay. Three others competed.
For baskets of white Gr.ipe3 the prizes went to Mr. Grimmett,
gardener to J. Wilmot, Esq., Pine House, Isleworth ; Mr.
Douglas, Loxford Hall; and Mr. Robins, gardener to B. D. Lee,
Esq., Hartwell House, Aylesbury, in the order named. Mr.
Grimmett's were Muscat of Alexandria, and were really superior
produce for the period of the year and the late, dull, and in-
clement weather. Mr. Douglas's appeared to be Cauon Hall
Muscat, and were splendid; Mr. Wilmot secured the first
honours, we presume, because his Grapes were a shade the
ripest, but all the coUections were good. lu the class for three
bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes there were five competitors.
Mr. Bones had the first prize for really well-finished bunches
imd fine berries; Mr. E. Sowerby, gardener to the Eurl of
Macclesfield, Shirburn Castle, Oson, the second; and Mr. J.
Bolton, gardener to W. Spottiawoode, Esq , Coombe Bank,
Sevenoaks, the third. For three bunches of any other Black
Grapes Mr. Bolton was first with very good and admirably
coloured bunches of Black Prince; J. XVilmot, Esq., being se-
cond with Madresfiekl Court not perfectly ripe ; and Mr. Holli-
day, gardener to J. Norris, Esq., Castle Hill, Bletchingley, third
with Black Prince. For three bunches of Muscats J. Wilmot,
Esq., was first with remarkably good produce; Mr. Edwards,
Fowley, being second with capital bunches, but not quite ripe ;
and Mr. Robins third with good bunches, but the berries were
a trifle irregular. For three bunches other than Muscats Mr.
Douglas was first with excellent Buckland Sweetwater, Mr.
Sowerby second with well-ripened Foster's Seedling, and Mr.
C. W. Alderson, Langley Lane, South Lambeth, third with
Buckland Sweetwater. These were stated to have been grown
within a mile and a half of Charing Cross, and considering that
circumstance they were highly creditable produce.

Melons. — Twelve fruits were exhibited. For two fruits— one
green and one scarlet flesh — Mr. Gilbert, gardener to the Marquis
of Exeter, Burghley Park, Stamford, secured first honours with
Victory of Bath and Excelsior, both being of splendid quality ;
Mr. Miles being second with Reid's Scarletflesh and Cox's
Golden Gem, and Mr. Holliday third with Golden Queen and
Scarlet Gem. p"or the heaviest and best shaped scarlet-fleshed
Melon Mr. Mortimer, gardener to Major Storer. Purley Park,
Beading, was first with Duke of Edinburgh, weighing 5 lbs.
4 0Z3. ; Mr. Gilbert being second with a fine fruit resembling
Excelsior; and Mr. Miles third with The Shah, also fine.

Peaches .ind Nect.\kines. — Six dishes of Peaches were exhi-
bited, Mr. Sjwerby winning with very fine Alexandra Noblesse ;
Mr. Cornhill, gardener to J. Virtue, Esq., Oatlands Park, being
second with well-coloured fruits of Royal George ; and Mr.
Eobins third with the same variety. Eight very good dishes of
Kectarines were exhibited. Mr. Holliday was placed first for
Violette H.'itive, Mr. Sowerby second with the same variety,
equal third honours goiu^ to Mr. Cornhill for Pitmaston Orange
and to Mr. Miles for Elruge.

Mr. Miles was the only exhibitor of Cherries. Black Cir-
cassian, good; Governor Wood and Elton, which quite merited
the first prizes which were awarded. Mr. Worthing, gardener
to A. Moss, Esq., was alone with Strawberries Premier and La
Grosse Sucree, and had the first prize.

In the miscellaneous class Mr. Woodbridge, gardener to the
Duke of Richmond, Sion House, was awarded a first prize for
very fine and highly perfumed fruit of Vanilla aromatica; Mr.
Douglas a second prize for large fmit of Tomatoes ; and Mr.
Roberts, gardener to W. J. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House,
Folham, for Vanillas.

CUT FLOWERS.

Several classes were provided for Roses, but the season was
too early and the display was consequently a poor one. Mr.
Chard, gardener to Sir F. Batharst, Bart., Clarendon Park,
Salisbury, was awarded a second prize in the class for twenty-
four varieties, single trusses, and a similar award in the class
for triplets. For twelve trusses of any yellow variety Mr.
Chard was placed first ; Mr. Bolton, gardener to W. Spottis-
Woode, Esq., second; and Mr. Soder, gardi-iier to O. Hanbury,
Esq., Weald H*ll, Brentwood, third, all for Man'chal Niel. For
twelve white Roses Mr. Chard won with Lamarque, Mr. Bolton
being placed second with larger blooms of the same variety.
For a basket of Roses of one variety Mr. Chard was first with
Marechal Niel; he also won with a basket of mixed varieties,
Mr. Soder being second. The baskets were 3 feet in diameter.

The collections of cut flowers of stove and greenhouse plants
and hardy herbaceous plants were splendid. For twenty-four
trusses of hardy herbaceous flowers Mr. Douglas was placed first
for a charming collection containing his new Aquilegia ca^rulea
hybrid*, very beautiful ; as were also A. ealifurnica hybrida,
A. chrysantha, and A. ca-rnlea. These were greatly admired.
Mr. Morse, Original Nursery, Epsom, had the sec'jnd prize
with a very good collection; and Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Sir
F. Goldsmid, and Mr. Roberts were placed eijual third.

For twelve trusses of stove and greenhouse plants Mr. Donglaa
was again first with a choice and rich collection, which included
half a dozen Orchids, Anthuriums, Heaths, Ixoras, &c. ; Mr.
Bolton was placed second ; Mr. Bones, gardener to D. Mcintosh,
Esq., third; an extra prize going to Mr. Morse.

In Class 4J, "A group of wild flowers from a definite area of
five miles radius from a parish church," brought out a remark-
able, extensive, and correctly named collection from Mr. J.
Green, Poles, Ware, Herts, in nearly sixty different kinds — a
most attractive and interesting collection which received and
richly merited the premier award. Mr. Chard had the second
prize, an extra prize going to Mr. Soder.

For twenty-four trusses of Pyrethrums Mr. Roberts had the
first prize, also a similar award for '• old-fashionsd plants."
Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Sons exhibited blooms of their fine
strain of Mimnluses; and Mr. Douglas a bright collection of
Pansies.

First certificates were awarded to Mr. J. Douglas for Aquilegia
cforulea hybrida and A. californica; to the Rev. A. Mathews,
Gumley, Leicester, for Pelargonium Bertie ; to E. G. Henderson
and Son, Maida Vale, for Pelargonium Venus, also for seedling
Mimuluses ; to Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, for Viola Freedom ;
to Mr. Turner, Slough, for Pelargoniums Mrs. Pope, Henry
King, and Toby ; and to Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for
Rhododendron Maiden's Blush and Azalea indica imbricata.

Botanical certificates were awarded to Messrs. Veitch for
Acalypha Macafeeaua, Crotons reginiTJ and hybridua, Gyrano-
gramma Milleri, Anthurium Warocquianum and A. Veitchii,
and Liparis elegantissimus. Mr. Bull had a certificate for Be-
gonia Gloire de Nancy, and a botanical certificate for Odonto-
glossum vexillarium rosenm and Cyoaa media latissima.

BELVOIK YELLOW WALLFLOWER.

There is a departure from the original form in this, at one
time, pretty constant Wallflower, which seems only to increase
with time. During the last two seasons I have noticed that
there was a much larger per-oentage of "rogues" amongst
them than I at all relished, and this year I think they are
more numerous still. When this is the case disappointment
follows, for the gardener has depended upon their honesty to
fill up an important part in one of his floral designs.

This year I have a line utterly spoiled by these " rogues."
Their disorderly habits and dissipated colour have quite
marred what would otherwise have been a beautiful picture.
Aa a rule Belvoir Yellow has come quite true from seed, plants
dwarf in habit and symmetrical as if every plant had been
turned out of a mould ; but this year, though I had my packet
of seed from a first-class house, my plants are as irregular and
as undisciplined as Falatafl's famous recruits. It appears to me
that, in order to have this Wallflower true, we shall be obliged
to propagate it from cuttings, which is much to be regretted,
as it will crowd the now overful hands of the flower gardener.

I send you three varieties taken out of my border. No. 1 is
what I consider the original variety, dwarf in habit, with short
close-set foliage and golden yellow flowers. No. 2 is loose in
habit, with sulphur yellow flowers ; and No. 3 looser and more
irregular in habit and growth, and with a red tinge of colour
in the yellow flowers. This ia my experience. Is it a general
experience? I think I have heard murmurs aomething like
this in other quarters. — X.

[No. 1 is richly coloured, highly perfumed, and has green
buds ; it is a valuable variety. No. 2 ia bright and clear in
colour, but has brownish flower buds ; it ia not eo attractive
as No. 1, and is not so sweet. No. 3 is a sad " rogue," and not
worthy of a place in the garden. — Ens.]

SOUTH ESSEX HORTICULTDRAL SOCIETY'S
SHOW.— June 7th.

This is one of the oldest-established societies in the neigh-
bourhood of London, the first Exhibition having been held in
1851'). J. G. Barclay, Esq., is President, and the Exhibition ia
held in his grounds at Koott's Green. It was thought by some
that the Show would not be so good as usual this year owing to
the fine collection of plants of the late Mr. F. G. Wilkins having
been dispersed, yet it was one of the best Shows which have
been held under the auspices of this Society. Three new ex-
hibitors of plants put in an appearance, and the exhibits were
generally good. , „ . , , . ,

Stove and greenhouse flowering plants were in very good con-
dition. Mr. D. Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay, Esq , was first
in the class for eight, and Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to F. Whit-
boarn, Esq., Loxford Hall, Ilford, first in the class for four,
Aphelexis macrantha, Slatice profusa,BougaiuvilIoa glabra, and
Hedaroma tuUpifera being very well shown. lu Heaths Mr.

442

JODRNAli OF HOKTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

[ Jane 14, 1877.

Donald was first, but they were not so fine as they are nsnally
ehowD.

Orchids were shown more numerously than usual, some good
collections being exhibited. Mr. Douglas was first for six ; Mr.
Men-ett, gardener to R. B. Ashby, Esq., taking the same position
for three. In the collections were fine specimens of Masdevallia
Harryann, Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, the Fox-brush Al.-rides,
Cattleya Mendelii, and a Dendrobium Pierardi with three spikes
4 feet in length.

Mr. Donald was first for six Ferns, and Mr. Donglaa first tor
four, very fine specimens being exhibited in each of the classes.
Davallia Mooreaua, Dicksonia squarrosa, and D. antarctica were
very fine. Mr. Donald showed some excellent fancy Pelar-
goniums and gained the first prize. He also gained a first prize
for Fuchsias. They were trained to single stems, and the shoots
were hanging down in a graceful manner and were well fur-
nished with fine flowers. Mr. Lane, gardener to Gen. Fytche,
Pyrgo Park, Romford, was first for six foliage plants. Anthu-
rium crystallinum, Sarracenia flava major, and Cocos Wed-
delliana were very fine. Calceolarias made a very effective
display. Mr. T. Foster, gardener to R. Johnson, Esq., Waltham-
stow, had the best six ; they were very well flowered and neatly
trained. Mr. Douglas had the best six Palms, and Mr. Pierce,
gardener to Miss Barclay, Walthamstow, the best Coleuses.

Mr. B. S. Williams of HoUoway exhibited a fine group of stove
and greenhouse plants, including some new species — Hydrangea
Thomas Hogg, Odontoglossum njevinm majus, Harrison's new
Musk, Bertolonia Van Houttei, &c.

Mr. Douglas had the best white Grapes, and Mr. Bones,
Havering, the best black. Mr. Eraser of the Lea Bridge Boad
Nurseries contributed new French Pelargoniums and a basket
of Gloxinias. The dinner-table designs were better than usual.
Mrs. Abbott of Wanatead had the best three in the ladies' class,
and Mr. Soder, gardener to O. Hanbury, Esq., the best in the
gardeners' class. Mr. Monk, gardener to W. Fowler, Esq.,
Leytonstone, had a first prize for a hand bouquet, also for three
button-hole bouquets.

CULTIVATED MEADOW-SWEET.

I SEND for publication in the Journal of Horticulture the
following copy of a letter which I have received from John
Ferme, Esq., an East Lothian eminent veteran horticulturist.
— William Goreie.

" One day, more than a twelvemonth ago, when you paid me
a visit, on noticing the Spirrea (Hoteia) japonica in bloom,
you observed that if the common Meadow-sweet, or Queen of
the Meadow (Spir.'ea Ulmaria), was treated in a similar man-
ner it would form a very desirable addition to that class of
Bpring-flowering plants. Proceeding on your hint, I took up
Bome roots of it from a ditch, which having been forced in a
greenhouse, are now in full bloom in my lobby, where they are
both ornamental and give forth a delightful fragrance. —
John Fehme, Haddinijlon."

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

We have received the schedule of the Geeat Summer Exhi-
bition which is to be held at South Kensington on the 10th
inst., on the occasion of the visit of H.K.H. the Prince and
Princess of Wales. It is well arranged, classes being pro-
vided for all kinds of plants in season, also for fruit and vege-
tables. There are twenty-four classes for amateurs and as
many for nurserymen and the trade. Gold, silver-gilt, silver,
and bronze medals are provided, or money value in lieu thereof
will be given if desired, and twelve silver cups besides good
money prizes are offered by Mr. William Bull. The Show will
be held in the large tent. The annual Exhibition of the
Pelargonium Society will also be hold at the same time. A
very extensive display is anticipated. The medaU awarded at
the Exhibition of May 2nd, on the occasion of the Queen's
visit, will be presented on June i9th.

At a General Meeting of the Royal Horticultural So-
ciety held on the 5th inst., the following candidates were duly
elected Fellows or tue Society — viz., E. S. Culbertson, Mrs.
Danney, Miss Davenport, Countess de Salie, Charles T. Deltier,
Colonel Fielden, Mrs. Godman, E. G. Johnson, Major Charles
Milligan, Sir William Muir, K.C.S.I., Stephen Soames. A list
of eight guinea members elected by the Council was also an-
nounced ; and the Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle-
on-Tyne Horticultural Society, Leeds Horticultural Society,
Wbitwick Horticultural Society, and Weston-super-Mare and
East Somerset Horticultural Society were admitted into
nnion.

A Committee Meeting of the National Eose Society

has been held at the rooms of the Horticultural Club, when the
arrangements were completed for the grand Show to be held
on the 4th of July. Judges were appointed and all details
settled, and strong anticipations of a very successful meeting
were entertained. Forms of entry will be distributed this week ;
and if the present fine weather continues Roses will be in good
bloom by the day of the Show.

We have received from Messrs. James Garaway & Co.,

The Nurseries, Clifton, Bristol, a spike of Mignonette which
is very robust and highly fragrant. It resembles Mr. Miles's
variety in having very large and nearly white flowers. It is
very good.

The last meeting of the Hoeticultokal Cltib was the

most numerously attended of any that have yet been held,
and had the additional feature of the presence of some foreign
horticulturists. A most pleasant evening was spent, and much
interesting information elicited. Messrs. Alfred Weeks of
Chelsea and J. Ashby of Bagshot were elected members.

Lord Ilchestek's garden at Abbotsbury, is, we are

informed, now gay with a wonderful display of flowerikg
SHRUBS, of which there is a great collection. There is also a
swannery consisting of 1200 old swans and 700 cygnets. The
place is beautifully situated and well sheltered.

An eminent florist has written as follows on Eanoncu-

luses and Carnations :—" I do not plant my Ranunculuses
till well towards Auricula bloom. This year I planted them
towards the end of April, and they are now very fine. It is
the long stagnation in cold soil that is so injurious to the fine
sorts ; I plant therefore when the soil is warmed enough to send
them on at once. If the tubers are wetted overnight before
planting they will not be found so very small and brittle.
In regard to Carnations and Piootees twenty-five petals are
quite enough if they are petals, but I doubt if the area of forty-
seven petals in one case would equal twenty in another. I do
not think that twenty petals of some of the southern flowers
would half fill a pod, but that is the fault of the strappiness of
the petals. I think that repeating exploded and crude notions
of florist flowers does our favourites no good. It is not that
such reiterations shake the florists, but the unenlightened
public and young growers are thereby perplexed if they see
this variance, and misled if they do not."

■ ■ We have received further letters in reference to the

Crystal Palace Aoricdla Show, but it would serve no useful pur-
pose to publish them. When " D., Deal," said " seven exhibi-
tors competed " he of course alluded exclusively to Auriculas.
He subsequently mentioned Polyanthuses in his critique on page
332, but the " seven exhibitors" obviously referred to Auriculas
only, and every letter which we have received (except those
from Mr. Dodwell) proves that the matter was so understood.
When Mr. Dodwell retorted that he " paid prize money to
eleven," that was misleading as applied to Auriculas. That it
was intentionally misleading no one has suggested. Mr. Dod-
well included Polyanthuses, and to these the numbers, as the
public understood the question, did not apply. It was simply
a mistake. Mr. Dodwell has subsequently proved on page 401
that "awards were made" to eight exhibitors of Auriculas
(Mr. Dean not having received " prize money," but a certifi-
cate), and four to Polyanthuses. In that he is correct ; so that
the total number of exhibitors to whom awards were made
were twelve instead of eleven, and the number of exhibitors of
Auriculas were eight instead of seven. Therefore the formid-
able mistake has been made of erring as to one exhibitor ! Is
it not a trivial matter to dispute about ?

We record the death, which we regret to hear of, of

the Right Hon. R. A. C. Niseet-Hamilton, because he was a
patron and promoter of horticulture. His garden at Archer-
field enabled Mr. David Thomson to carry out the practice
which he has detailed in his handy book of the flower garden.
Fruit culture, both by Mr. Thomson and subsequently by Mr.
Kettles, was also well and extensively engaged in at Archer-
field. At Bloxholm Hall, Mr. Hamilton's Lincolnshire resi-
dence, Mr. Lumsden has long been celebrated for high-class
vegetable and hardy fruit culture. Both these places have
been figured in these columns, and we have had the best
means of knowing how anxious Mr. Hamilton was that his
gardens should be well kept, and to that end he engaged good
men and provided them with the means of doing credit to
themselves and the craft which they represented.

" An Amateur" writes as follows from Clifton, near

Jane U, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

443

Bristol : — " I have a small garden sloping to the south and
mnch sheltered from north and east winds. Last spring I
sowed some seed of Eucalittos globulus, and in August I
planted-out the plant in a warm corner under a south wall.
It has stood this winter well. A shelter was placed over it
during the late frosts, but in the frost in November it had no
shelter whatever. Many of your correspondents write and
give their experience, but do not give the name of the place
they write from ; so one cannot gain much from their expe-
rience when there is no clue as to whether their letters are
from Yorkshire or Cornwall."

" Botanical Tables for the Use of Junior Students,

by Arabella B. Baekley," is a useful litde compendium.

WINTERING ALTEENANTHERAS.

JuDGiNo from the loud lamentations made by gardeners
hrongh the columns of the Journal of Hortindlitrc and the
other gardening papers this spring, many of them have lost
all, or a good part, of their stock of this most valuable of our
foliage summer bedders. Having been successful in keeping
a fair stock of plants through one or two winters, I may
perhaps usefully describe how I have managed.

I only grow one sort — maguifioa, and my first attempts at
preserving a stock through the winter in the orthodox way of
keeping them — that is, cuttings struck in autumn and kept in
their pots in the Cucumber or other hothouse until the spring,
then placed in bottom heat to make them shoot out, and so
make cuttings, and thus be propagated, was a comparative
failure. Well, I lost so many that it pains me now to think
of it ; but fortune smiled and came to me in a way I did not
expect. One autumn the frost came upon me suddenly. I had
a less quantity of cuttings struck than usual. There was
nothing for it but taking up the old plants. I did so, and
casting about for an asylum for them, as they were being
forced ont of the ground in this hot haste, I bethought me
of the (at that time) unused propagating box at the hot end of
my warm fernery. I placed them there in lines in the soil of
the bed as thick as I could pack them, and from a pressure of
work I could not attend to them for some time. When I did
notice them I saw that they were comfortable and enjoying
themselves, so I let them remain. As winter came on they
began to look rather shabby but not unhealthy, so I let them
ttiU remain. As soon as they began to (|uicken into growth
in the new year, assisted thereby by a little extra fire heat, I
had them all taken up and split into small pieces, pricked uut
into toil in cutting boxes, and placed in the Cucumber house.
They struck every one, and a finer batch of Alternantheras I
never saw, so that now I never strike cuttings in autumn, but
I secure all the old plants before frost damages them, and pack
them away in the propagating box aforesaid, split them up in
the new year, and put out into boxes, and they are no more
trouble. I record this manner of keeping them now that those
who like may make a note of it and try the plan when the
proper time comes for them to do so. — X.

RHODODENDRONS AT DUNEEVAN.

Having a vivid recollection of the extreme beauty of Mr.
Mcintosh's Rhododendrons last year, I visited Duneevan this
year almost with an impression that I shoald be disappointed.
No love, it is said, can equal the first love, and no sight can be
so imposing as the first. I thought also of the long-continued
deluge of the past winter and the protracted cold of the suc-
ceeding spring, and felt that the effects of such weather would
be visible on the Rhododendrons. I shall never again visit
this charming garden with other than sanguine expectations,
for in spite of the weather and of the great display of last year
I found the garden aa beautiful and as enjoyable as ever. The
view from the bold natural terrace to the lawn below — inter-
spersed as it is with stately Conifers and specimen deciduous
trees, with here and there a splendid standard Rhododendron,
and all around bold clamps containing thousands of these
gorgeous shrubs in all the finest varieties of the day, with the
bright broad stream (the Broadwater) glimmering through the
vistas of foliage and flowers — is one not soon to be forgotten.
Mr. Mcintosh's garden has, by its iutriuaic beauty and perfect
keeping, forced itself into fame, and now its owner is paying
the penalty of its great attractions by having to spend much
of his time in the pleasurable occupation of conducting round
the visitors who come to inspect and admire.

The Rhododendrons are planted in large beds. Towering

from amongst them are a few specimen Hollies and standard
Variegated Maples. Near the margins of the beds and at
regular intervals are standard Roses in exuberant health, and
between the Roses are clamps of the Gold-rayed Japan Lilies
— Lilium auratnm. These have been referred to before and
will be heard of again, and it can only be said now that,
although they have been checked by the frost, the stem of
one of them is 4 inches in diameter.

In enumerating a few of the more striking varieties of this
unique collection of Rhododendrons they may be referred to as
they are grouped, for Mr. Mcintosh has given personal attention
to their arrangement, and to the tasteful way in which the
colours have been mixed is due in no small measure the pre-
sent imposing effect of the whole. Many of the more choice
varieties are planted in pairs or triplets, the interspaces con-
taining other colours, which heighten the effect of the more
commanding sorts. For instance : we find a triplet of James
Bateman, clear rosy scarlet ; Parity, white, yellow blotch ; and
Nero, dark rosy purple, heavily spotted. Then we find Purity
associated with the rich crimson scarlet of John Waterer. We
find Charles Dickens, dark crimson scarlet, supporting the
lovely Mrs. John Clutton. Another pair of undeniable beauty
is Lady E. Cathcart, rosy scarlet finely spotted ; and Perfection,
blush and yellow, and worthy of its name. Stella, pale rose,
chocolate blotch. Album elegans, and Purpureum elegans, one
of the best of the purples, constitute a fine trio. Such is the
manner in which they are arranged ; but as space precludes
the many groups being particularised, only a few more of the
leading varieties — the choicest of the choice — can be noted.
These are The Queen, white, a majestic flower; and nearly
equally good, indeed very similar, is Exquisite. Mrs. Holford,
rich salmon, is in grand condition, it is qnite one of the fore-
most. Madame Carvalho, white, is equal if not superior to
The Queen ; and Miss Owen, blueh, maroon spot, is extremely
chaste. Another grand white with yellow blotch is Mrs.
Thomas Agnew ; while Mrs. William Agnew, white, shaded
with pink, is one of the most striking in the collection. Of
the same type is Gloriosum, truly a glorious flower, white,
flushed with rose. Cyaneum is a fine purple flower ; and Kate
Waterer, rosy pink, is unsurpassed by any of that colour.
Ellen Waterer, white and scarlet, is lovely thongh small ; and
Frederick and John Waterer are equally sterling varieties. A
few more, as good perhaps as any which are mentioned, are
Lady Armstrong, Mrs. Joseph Shuttleworth, James Mcintosh,
Mrs. Russell Sturges, Crown Prince, Pelopidas, Mrs. Thomas
Longman, Agamemnon, Iron Duke, Duchess of Mecklenburgh
Strelitz. Lord Eversley, John Walter, Princess Mary of Cam-
bridge, Countess Granville, Raphael, and Titian. The finest
standards are John Waterer, one of the richest of all ; Archi-
medes, Scipio, and Joseph Whitworth. These are on stems
about "i feet high with heads .5 feet in diameter, and average
more than a hundred trusses on each. The varieties men-
tioned may be regarded as amongst the best in cultivation,
and as seen at Duneevan — for there are many specimens of
each variety— the effect is magnificent. The beauty of the
flowers is enhanced by the high keeping of the lawn, for not a
blade of grass is out of place nor a Daisy is to be seen.

Mr. Mcintosh has recently added considerably to his garden
by the erection of a splendid range of glass by Mr. Gray of
Chelsea. This range is liO feet long, and consists of three
vineries. Peach house, and Lily house. Another range nearly
of the same length of half span-roofed forcing pits is also quite
new. In these pits are Cucumbers, Melons, French Beans,
Ac, Tender and True Cucumber being in such condition as
would gladden the eyes of its raiser Mr. Douglas. Amongst
the Melons, which include all the newest sorts, Eastnor Castle,
green flesh, is the earliest and best setter. The Melons are
grown and trained like Vines — that is, each plant has only
one main stem. The crop is a very fine one.

There is a good collection of pyramid Apple and Pear trees,
but little or no fruit, owing to the severity of the frosts ; but
bush fruit is fairly plentiful, and Strawberries are highly
promising.

Duneevan is owned by a gentleman who is an ardent horti-
culturist and possesses both practical knowledge and good
taste, and he is aided by a skilful and industrious gardener in
Mr. Taylor : hence it is that there is so much in the garden
worth seeing, and whoever visits Duneevan now will not be
disappointed. It is a mile and a half from Walton station on
the London and South-Western railway.

N.B.— Do not take dogs, for the small birds at Duneevan
are ss tame as poultry ; thrushes feed at the feet of their

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDEB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

r Jane 14, 1877.

protector, and finches and other birds follow him from place to
place when visitors are not too numerous. — J. W.

ABUTILONS AND THEIK CULTUEE.
Like 'many other greenhouse plants Abntilons have made
great strides of late years in the improved quality of their
flowers, and still greater in the dwarf habits of the plants.
Abntilons are natives of Brazil, therefore require a greenhouse
temperature ; and the soil which is most sucoesBful for their

growth is half of tnrfy loam and half of well-decayed leaf soil
with a good sprinkling of silver sand, the whole to be well
mixed together. The plants are propagated by seed and from
cuttings : the last is the better plan. Select a cutting about
6 inches long ; make a clean cut below the axil of the leaf, but
do not remove the lower leaves unless they are in contact with
the soil, for it is important to have the foliage cover the pot
aa much as possible, and likewise on account of the flowers
which will then be produced from the axils of the lower leaves.
Insert each cutting in a thumb-pot which has been filled with

Fig. 61.— Aedtilon Bos.T;rLoRu?i.

sandy soil, and place in a Cucumber frame or pit where a little
bottom heat is provided. Keep moist and close for a few days,
and shade from the sun to prevent flagging. When the roots
are seen through the bottom of the pot give a shift into a
CO-pot, for no plant for decorative purposes should have large
shifts, or the flowering pots are too large for vases. Next shift
into a small 48-pot and then the plants will commence bloom-
ing profusely, each having from twelve to twenty flowers, the
plants being only B inches to a foot in height. If the plants
are kept iu those small flowering pots a little weak manure
water will be beneficial. Abutilons are valuable for affording
cut floweru during the winter. Those who have bouquets to
make have only toi take the pistil out of such varieties as Boule
de Neige, and the pure white flowers are the more acceptable.

The best Abutilons of recent years are Bosfc&orum and
Prince of Orange, which Mr. B. S. Williams has sent out this
year, and which have been so greatly admired at the shows.
The former has rose-coloured flowers and is very distinct, and
the latter is orange-red, the plants being of dwarf habit and
free- flowering. Add to these Boule de Neige, pure white;
Darwinii, reddish orange, dwarf and free ; striatum, orange
and purple ; and ignea, purple. The two last-named are strong
growers and do well in a greenhouse and conservatory as stan-
dards. The above are eix of the most useful varieciea on
account of their good foliage and handsome flowers, and are
particularly suitable for decorative purposes ; while A. marmo-
ratum and A. Thompsoni are eiJeetive fine-foliaged plants, the
latter being suitable for flower-garden decoration during the

JOUBNAL OP HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEll.

445

Bummer. A. HoEfeflornm is the result a cross between A. Dar-
winii and A. Boale de Keige, and is a very distinct and effective
variety — dwarf in habit and new in colour. — 1>. L.

KOSES.

" I HOPE anyone who reads these notes will compare thorn
with his own experience, and let us know through the Eoae
Journal how these Eoees grow with them." So wrote " Wyld
Savage" in last week's Journal, and it is in the hope of giving
and receiving some little Rose information that I take up my
pen.

But let me ask, What has Gloire de Dijon done that he is to
be left out of the list ? My experience says that this, and not
Marie Van Hontte, is the hardiest and most continuous flower-
ing of all the Teas or Noisettes. Next in order come Maruchal
Niel and Devoniensis, but I am afraid all others mast be
classed as " Wyld Savage " classes his secondary list — viz., as
varieties that may chance to give us a fair bloom, but more
often do not.

May I ask for the opinion of your correspondent as to the
habit of growth of Hybrid Perpetual Doke of Edinburgh '.' In
the summer of 187iJ I had a cutting of it given me, and in-
serted a bud which last summer sent up three healthy stout
shoots about '2 feet lung, and the blooms were splendid, but
this spring the growths of the same tree and two buds inserted
last summer are the most wretched puny-looking things I have
ever seen. How is this ''

Hoping that other Rose-growers, and especially young ones,
will be encouraged to send ua their experience, I beg to sign
myself — A Two-ieabs Kose-gkowek.

P.S. — One of the most important items in Rose-growing
experience is soil and situation. My soil is a sort of non-
descript garden mould, and my Kituatiou about two miles
north of ou* " royal observatory," Camden Square.

VENIDIUM CALENDDLA.CEUM.

To the long list of ornamental annuals contributed to our
gardens by the extensive natural order of Composite plants the
Venidinm oalendulaceum proves, says Mr. Thompson in the
" English Flower Garden," to be a not unimportant addition,
and, perhaps, among the recently introduced species few will
be found of a more showy character.

Its specific name is so far appropriate that some readers
may suspect it to be an old acquaintance under a new designa-
tion ; but although it certainly lesemlles in colour and form
some of the Marigolds, botanically it is sufliciently distinct.
In the Calendulas, of which the common Marigold may be
taken as a type, the involucre surrounding the flower head is
composed of many narrow, pointed, erect leaflets, nearly equal
in size, and arranged in one series. In the genus Yenidium
the scales of the involucre are of two kinds : those composing
the innermost series immediately next the florets of the ray
are of an oval form, with a thin transparent colourless margin ;
external to these are several rows of imbricated scales of a
narrower form and covered with shaggy hairs, especially at the
tip, which is reflexed.

The seed is also of a difl'erent structure to that of the Calen-
dulas, as the accompanying figure will show. The Venidiums
are more closely allied to the old genus Arctotis, with which
some of them were formerly incorporated ; but in Arctotis the
seeds are famished with a chaDy pappus, an appendage which
appears to be wanting in Yenidium.

The present species is a dwarf annual plant, not often ex-
ceeding, even when in flower, 5 or flinches in height; the
radical leaves are of a broadly ovate almost orbicular form,
with a sinuate margin, and long footstalks more or less winged
at their edge ; the whole leaf, but especially its margin, nerves,
and petiole, being clothed with long white, clammy, spreading
hairs. The leaves at the base of the flower stalk are of a
similar form, but rather narrower, and have their petioles more
winged ; those higher up are sessile, becoming more pointed
as they approach the flower.

The blossoms are produced singly on terminal pednncles, of
which each plant yields a considerable number. As those which
spring directly from the root fade, others are developed from
the axils of the stem leaves.

The oiroamference of the flower head is composed of abont
fifteen to twenty strap-shaped florets, arranged in a single
series and of a fine light orange colour ; they bear no stamens,
but only a short style terminated by a stigma, divided into

two broad black lobes. The florets of the disc, or central por-
tion of the flower, are tubular, and contain both stamens and
style. Before the tubes open the disc is green, but as they
expand it assumes a blackish purple tint, which is due to the
black tips of the segments of the florets. The character of
the scales of the involucre has already been explained, as well
as the absence of the pappus, so peculiar to most Composite
plants. The receptacle on which the florets are seated is
slightly pitted, but otherwise quite smooth, or naked as it is
termed in botanical parlance. When fully expanded the
flowers are about 1§ inch in diameter. They will open in
diffused light, but usually close about two o'clock — a cu:oum-
stance which their showy character leads us to regret.

Fig. fi;^.— VeLidium calenjulare

Yenidium calendulacentii requires the treatment of most
other half-hardy annuals, such as Zinnias, Stocks, Asters, &e.
There are several other species, chiefly of perennial duration.
All of them, as well as the present plant, are natives of the
Cape of Good Hope.

ON DWARFING CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

As some correspondents have asked for information on this
subject, we publish the following practical article from ",The
Gardener;" —

The great objection to the Chrysanthemum when grown in
pots and allowed its natural bent is, that it is apt to become
leggy and too tall for any purpose except the decoration of
large houses, entrance-halls, staircases, and such-like roomy
places. Those who have plenty of time and a taste for tor-
turing plants out of their natural habit get over this objection
by following the plan adopted by the growers for exhibition.
They tie their plants into any shape they please ; mushrooms,
spheres, half-spheres, pyramids, or standards, or any form
except the one natural to the plant, which is rather straggling
and ungainly. Whatever may be' thought of the result of this
process when it is fully realised in all its precise formality, as
regards its fitness for general decorative purposes, there can
be no doubt but that it is the thing that carries the day at ex-
hibitions. He would be bolder than wise that could venture
to one of the great Chrysanthemum thows with a set of plants
grown and staged after nature, to compete with those trained
according to the fashion of the present time. The judges
would look at hia exhibit only to condemn it, and perhaps

416

JOURNAL OP HORTICDLTUBE AND COTTAGE OABDENEE.

I JuM U, 1877.

rightly too; for it cinnot be denied that the style in favour at
shows is the best that can be conceived for showing the floral
effect of snch a leggy plant as the Chrysanthemum oS to the
best advantage. I do not acimire the fashion except in so far
as it is a clever expedient to attain a desirable end— viz., the
dwarfing of a natural ungainly plant in such a manner as to
render it better adapted to some purposes of decoration, for
which its habit otherwise is totally unfit when it is grown to
anything like its natural size. But the majority of gardeners,
whether they may admire the result of tying into rigid and
geometric forms or not, -will be precluded from indulging in
the taste by its being far too tedious and time-oonanming to
be attainable. Those only who have practised the art can
conceive of the trouble and labour of growing and training
Chrysanthemums for exhibition, and few employers would be
disposed to allow the labour necessary to grow and train them
as they are done for this purpose ; so that the enthusiast who
aims at high honours at the shows must make up his mind to
sacrifice much of his leisure time to his object. But while the
Chrysanthemum may be manipulated so as to assume almost
any shape, and can be lowered in stature so as to bring the
whole of the flowers under the eye when the plants are placed
on an ordinary greenhouse or conservatory stage, something
more is desirable than the attainment of this by the process of
tying-in or down. This is only requisite in the case of large
specimen plants ; and as these can only be grown in pots that
are too large for many of the necessities of table and room
decoration, something neater, less bulky, and handy is a de-
sideratum that can only be attained by another and decidedly
more scientific way.

The practice of striking cuttings throughout the summer
months, and of layering the flowerirg stems after they have
commenced breaking to form the flower heads, if carefully and
skilfully done, enables the gardener to have flowering plants
in autumn and winter of the most compact and handy sizes,
varying from G to 18 inches in height. I have never practised
the layering method, and shall not, therefore, venture to ex-
press an opinion on its merits as compared with those of the
method of striking cuttings of the extremities of the flowering
stems at different periods throughout the summer and autumn
months ; but I am perfectly satisfied that the usefulness of
the Chrysanthemum may be greatly enhanced by the general
adoption of either plan. Its season may be prolonged, and it
can be adapted to a variety of purposes for which when grown
in the ordinary way it is unsuitable.

In order to succeed perfectly with the dwarfing of the Chry-
santhemum by means of striking the tops of the stems after
they have advanced nearly or quite to the branching stage
preparatory to setting the flower heads, two considerations
are of the utmost importance. The first consideration is to
have the plants in a very vigorous state, well fed, and growing
freely ; and the second is to be prepared with a sweet mild
hotbed in which to strike the cuttings. To grow plants that
will flower freely at the height of about 18 inches or 2 feet
a batch of cuttings may be put-in in the latter end of May or
the beginning of June ; but this is an entirely different thing
to that which is obtained by striking cuttings off the ex-
tremities of the flowering stems two months later in the season.
The cuttings for the former may be taken at pleasure either
from the extremities of the growing stems or from suckers
proceeding from the base of stems, or from the roots ; but in
the latter it is essential that they ba taken from the tops, and
also that there should be some determination towards flower-
ing in the plants before they are taken. Whether the cuttings
should be grown singly in pots or several together is a con-
sideration to be determined chiefly by the period at which
they are put in. If they are inserted in July (and two batches,
one in the first week and another in the third week, may be
put in then), they are better done singly; but if done later
than this it is better to put several cuttings together in one
pot, the cutting pot being chosen as small as possible in order
that when struck the plants may receive a good shift into a
compost of concentrated richness. The cuttings require to be
propagated in the ordinary way, choosing always the strongest.
Not a leaf should be removed from the base that can be re-
tained in preparing them for insertion in the soil. A good
many more cuttings than may be wanted to grow-on should be
put-in in each batch ; all do not turn out equally promising,
and only the best or most vigorous should begrown-on. They
root quickly, and while they will not bear being kept very close
while they are callusing and forming roots, neither will they
endure much ventilation or any exposure to sunlight. When

rooted gradually inure them to more air and light ; but as a
good deal of the success depends on the management at this
stage, it is requisite to be very careful not to begin hardening-
ofl too early. There should be no time lost in potting them
on aftpr they are well rooted, and it is better done before they
are fully hardened off, because they will more freely strike into
the new soil while being kept a little close than after they are
placed in a fuller exposure to light and air. The compost
should be very rich, but at the same time open and light.
It matters little of what it is composed if it ia highly nutritive
and, at the same time, sweet and porous.

In the case of the July batches two shifts from the cutting
pot may be necessary if the first shift is a small one ; but it is
better, I think, to give only one shift, deciding first what
size of pots are best for the object in view. Those of S^-inoh
and 6J-inch diameter will be found quite sufficient to develope
well-furnished and well-flowered plants in from the July and
August batches, but those struck in June will require more
pot room. Close attention will be required in watering the
plants, especially after they have filled their pots with roots,
and liquid manure may be frequently applied with great
bsnefit. Till the beginning of September they should not be
placed in the full blaze of the midday sun, nor should they
be shaded from it by any artificial means ; but if placed where
they may have the morning and afternoon sun they will escape
the liability to scorching at both root and top which would
otherwise occur, no matter how well they are attended to in
regard to watering. But from September till the time they
are taken indoors they should be freely exposed to light and
sheltered from heavy and continuous rains. — W. S.

PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY.

FoBTv-FivE years ago when the history of " blights " was
indeed dark — notwithstanding the labours of those giants of
entomology Kirby and Spence — "Ecsticus" wrote: — "I main-
tain that there can hardly be a greater service performed to
horti- and agri-culturists than by pointing out to them the
nature and habits of their insect enemies." Since then the
honoured names of Curtis, Newman, Westwood, and Murray
stand forward amongst those who have done, or are doing, good
service to the country by directing attention to the histories
and remedies of the insect pests which yearly cause it a heavy
loss ; but still the subject requires to be more borne out by the
public at large, for the words of Edward Newman remain aa
true as when he wrote them. Agriculturists know only too
well the difliculties and losses, but it is only occasionally they
have the time and special knowledge requisite to work out the
observations how best to meet them ; and entomologists, though
acquainted with the history of the insects themselves, are often
unacquainted practically with the working of the prescribed
remedies, which are necessarily not adapted for the exigencies
of each special case. To do good both must work together.
Unless the cause of disease is known prevention is impossible
and cure impracticable, and, besides the history of the insect,
we need returns of the amount of its presence or absence under
various circumstances to know which is the predisposing or
counteracting one.

" The progress of every science depends upon the discovery
of facts, which may be called scientific practice, and upon
the conclusions deduced from them — that is, on theory and
practice. They may be compared to the army and diplomacy
in statecraft. Diplomacy wages no actual warfare, but is not
seldom the cause of it : and the soldiers have to make experi-
ment after experiment, to marshal facts against facts, until it
appears which side is the stronger." So writea Professor Max
von Pettenkofer in the current number of the ' Contemporary
Review ;' and with that axiom in view, our aim now is to de-
velope and weld together the soldiers and diplomatists of agri-
cultural entomology. With this view a pamphlet has recently
been printed, accompanied by ruled and columned sheets for
the purpose of recording monthly observations on certain
selected insects, for the most part remarkable for the injury
they cause to our common crops. For convenience of observers
the sheets are accompanied by short but popular descriptions
and dearly-drawn figures of the insect pests, which it is hoped
may save all difficulties in ascertaining what insect is intended,
and guard against consequent errors. Thus it is now hoped
to obtain a general series of observations through the country,
which, if followed up even partially, cannot fail to be of ser-
vice ; their object ia to arrive at cause and effect as influenced
by various conditions of locality, weather, soil, and more espe-

Jane 14, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

447

cially caltivatioD, with a view to the suggestion of remedies,
prevention of insect attack, or limitation of injary. The dis-
tribution of these papers is somewhat of an experiment, but
similar observations taken and recorded by members of the
Meteorological Society have not been without benefit ; and it
is hoped that agriculturists, horticulturists, and field natural-
ists will each lend their best support as the object is a worthj
one. If reliable information can only be obtained from compe-
tent observers (which on the prepared forms would cost them
but a few minutes' occasional labour), it is intended to digest
it into a report primarily for the benefit of the observers, and
which could not fail to be of great value to the country at
large. Few but those scientifically or practically concerned
know the heavy money losses constantly going on from insect
causes in the crops ; but it is only by co-operation in observa-
tion that the root of the evil can be thoroughly reached.
Further information may be obtained of the Rev. T. A. Pres-
ton, Marlborough, Wilts ; or of Edward A. Fitch, Maldon,
Essex." — (Entomologist.)

CHAPTEBS ON INSECTS FOE GAEDENEKS.

No. 18.

The modern philosopher who can explain every natural
phenomenon beautifully if you will only grant his theory
that, time enough being given, the oyster of one era can
develope into the man of a later era, accepts the circumstance
that insects of one order sometimes closely resemble those
of a different order, and fits together theory and fact, to his
own satisfaction at least. What his idea about it is need
not concern us here ; but it is singular that certain of the
moths which follow the Hawk Moth group so closely approach
in size and in form the various species of flies that at a little
distance off even a naturalist might be deceived. We who
lecognise in this and similar instances the hand of a Creator
operating, not from caprice but wisely — if we do not see the
reason for such resemblances in all cases, may yet be satisfied
that they are not merely accidental. Many birds feed both
on moths and on flies, probably they give the preference to
the latter ; yet it may partially account for the scarcity of
some species in the Clearwing family of mothe, that just when
they come out on the wiug sundry flies rather like them are
abroad, and followed up by bird enemies. But the resemblance
may also be occasionally protective, for I have seen a gardener
running about in the June sun, armed with scissors-net, in
chase of Currant Clearwings, much baulked by his frequent
captures of the flies which he swept off the leaves where they
settled in proximity to the moths.

In the little group of Sesidce, then, we have moths which
are as fond of the sunshine as are the butterflies, though they
may also be observed hovering over blossoms in the dusk of
evening. To one or two species, however, honey olfers no
attractions ; and though they must nee their wings at times,
either from their stealthy mode of flight or their similarity to
the Diptera, little is known about their ai/rial performances.
But what Newman says of the majority is quite true : in their
movements they are indeed " elegant, graceful, and fairy-like."
Though the long legs are like those of flies, the long thickened
antennie when inspected at once suggest the kinship of the
species to such huge moths as the Privet Hawk for instance.
The transparent and narrow wings have little colouring, but
the body has a variable number of bright belts and a fan-like
tuft at the tail, which is expanded when the insect is on the
wing. Beauty, however, is no characteristic of the caterpillars
of the Clearwings, their resemblance to the maggots being
marked ; and though they possess feet they seem helpless in
crawling, their mode of life being that of a miner, and their
dexterity in wriggling up and down the galleries they make in
Btems or twigs is considerable. Thus hidden from view these
caterpillars can do some damage to plants while the cause
remains undiscovered, for, as a general rule, the habitation of
one of these larva; continues in a living if not in a thriving
state until the creature no longer requires it. The language
used by Mr. Wood in referenco to the Clearwings is assuredly
exaggerated, for he declares they rank amongst our worst foes,
and that, supposing them a little more numerous, they would
be as much dreaded as the wireworm and Turnip fly. But
which is the most troublesome species of all the Seaid:i; '.'
Undoubtedly S. tipuliformis ; yet from a continued series of
observations on the habits of this species I am enabled to state
that if it kills Currant bushes it does. so very slowly, nor does
it materially interfere with the productiveness of the bushes

in ordinary seasons. Moreover, the insect is not by any means
generally distributed, though when it has once appeared in a
locality it usually manages to keep up a succession, despite
the gardener's watchfulness. Cutting off twigs or branches
that appear dead does not much affect the caterpillar of this
Clearwing, because it is not easy to track the caterpillar from
the old mines to those it has subsequently bored. The growth
of the caterpillar is slow, as is the case with other pith-feeders,
the life being, as I think, extended over two seasons, but there
is always an annual flight of the perfect insect.

Resembling this species in its yellow-banded body, yet dis-
tinguishable by the lighter hue of the legs, is the Yellow-legged
Clearwing (S. cynipitormis), which draws every June a small
party of eager-eyed entomologists to an investigation of the Elm
and Oak trees in Hyde Park, where the species has regularly oc-
curred for many years. It is found also in a few other places,
especially on the coast. The caterpillar leads a somewhat
different life from that of S. tipuliformis, for it forms galleries
on the trunks of the trees just under the bark, on the surface
of the wood, and it resides, as I imagine, at its earliest period
in the bark. No injury seems to be attributable to its influ-
ence, as the caterpillars are not crowded into a small space
on the tree, and young trees are rarely visited by the moth.
More can be alleged against the character of S. myopjeformis,
one of the three species of Clearwings having a red belt en-
circling the body. In some of the orchards at Fulham and
Putney it is (or was) pretty common, feeding in the wood of
both the Apple and Pear, giving preference to the branches,
though now and then piercing a line of galleries in the trunk,
where a number of the caterpillars have been observed burrow-
ing in close order. The fall of some branches in a gust of
wind must be ascribed to the work of this Clearwing ; but so
far as I am aware instances of its killing trees are uncommon,
nor does it appreciably interfere with the production of fruit
in the orchards it frequents, and beside such a species as the
Little Ermine Moth it is but an insignificant foe. Possibly,
since the Red-belted Clearwing is found in two districts of
Surrey and Middlesex adjacent to each other, the slight-looking
moth is equal to the bold feat of flying across the Thames.

The Large Red-belted (S. Culiciformis) is a wood insect, the
moth depositing its eggs on Birch stumps, though it will attack
growing trees : it is similar in habit to its brethren. Also
red-banded as well as red-tipped is the Red-tipped Clearwing
(S. FormicEformis), not uncommon near London amongst the
Osier beds on the upper Thames. The moth is abroad at
midsummer. The caterpillar lies hidden in the pith of various
species of Salix, liking best small twigs. Though it has been
reported as prolific enough to be injurious to the Osiers in
some years, I have never heard of an authenticated instance
of recent date. In point of fact none of the Clearwings are
particularly prolific, and one or two species have been less
common than formerly. Passing several rare and local species
we come to the couple of Hornet Clearwings (S. Bombyciformis
and Apiformis). The latter, which is the more frequent of
the two, has so close a resemblance to a hornet that each
summer it alarms a number of nervous people ; it is also able
to produce a humming sound. But it is quite harmless, nor
does the caterpillar do very material damage to the Poplar,
though it sometimes attacks saplings, feeding unseen for nearly
two years. S. Bombyciformis in the larval condition resides
within the branches of Sallow or shoots of the Osier.

In the family Zeuzeridaj there are only three British species,
two of these being important from the destructive effects they
produce upon trees. The large Goat Moth caterpillar (Zyleutes
CoBsus), is often to be seen at the heart of some Willow or
Poplar, which has on account of its unpromising condition
been doomed to the axe, and occasionally at early morn a
caterpillar may be seen taking an excursion from one tree to
another. Despite its size, the Brown-winged Moth is seldom
noticed, though it rests on trunks of trees in the daytime, for
its colour harmonises with the grey or brown of the bark.
Every female killed before oviposition has taken place is a
gain in a park or plantation, as thereby hundreds of larva3 are
stifled ere birth, and as the caterpillar life lasts two or three
years, the quantity of wood a single individual can devour or
damage is considerable, though it will seldom happen that one
caterpillar can effect the ruin of a tree. And under all cir-
cumstances it should be remembered that the mischief done is
not solely traceable to the jaws of the caterpillar of the Goat,
for the air-holes it pierces as it grows large admit rain and
frost to the heart of a tree. The disused mines of the Goat
caterpillar are, besides taken possession of by other insects,

448

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAUDENEK.

[ Jane 14, 1877

notably by the larvse of a beetle called Soolytna destructor,
which is often reputed to be the destroyer of Elms, when it is
only the finisher of a mischievous work done by the far larger
Lepidopterons larva just named. In certain states of the
weather the peculiar smell that suggested the name of Goat
may be perceived some short distance from the trees haunted
by the caterpillars. Many wonderful narratives have been
published descriptive of the muscular force that the Goat cater-
pillar is endued with, and after the accounts of its biting a hole
through a sheet of lead, and upheaving a tumbler on whish
rested a book weighing several pounds, we are prepared to
credit it with any feat. The horny flattened head at once
suggests great strength, and its movements are aided by a
horny plate on the next segment, while each succeeding seg-
ment has a formidable array of mascles.

The Leopard Moth (Zeuzera iEaculi), less in size than
Z. Cossns, is too well known as an enemy of trees, attacking
the branches as well as the trunks when a larva, and in our
London suburbs it has wrought the ruin of many an Elm,
Horse Chestnut, and Laburnum. I have also seen more than
one Acacia killed by it; and the late Edward Newman, long ere
his decease, was convinced that the opinion he once expressed
in print, that the Leopard did not destroy fruit trees, was an
erroneous one. In some districts of Kent and elsewhere the
iarvse have wrought sad havoc amongst young Ash trees grown
for use as hop-poles. But it does seem, as stated by Newman,
that in various instances Pear and Apple trees which are
infected exhibit a kind of spasmodic activity, and for a time
bear more fruit. An array of black spots on the back enables
as to distinguish the caterpillar of Z. iEsculi from the livid-
coloured Z. Cossns, in other respects excepting size they re-
semble each other.

In the family of Hepialida;, the moths of which have peculiar
ehort and simple antennie, we have root-eating Iarvse, but
they principally attack plants in hedges and waste places. One
cf the species, popularly called the Ghost Moth (Hepialus
Humuli), has been named from the Hop, although the cater-
pillar has been unearthed from the roots of the Dead Nettles
and allied species. Another, the Common Swift (H. lupulinus),
is often seen near gardens flying in a dashing manner, as do
all the five species. — C.

Apples. — About 230,000 barrels of Apples were last year
shipped to Europe from the United States. More than half
of this quantity went to England, which annually imports
5f30,000,000 worth of fruits, and yet, says an American con-
temporary, the British grower has a decided advantage in pro-
ducing most of the varieties on his own soil. The hint might
well be taken by English landowners.

HANGING BASKETS.

Few objects add more to the adornment of a pleasant win-
dow, or the decoration of the parlour or drawing room, than
hanging baskets tastefully filled with haudsome-foliaged and
flowering plants ; but though now more frequently seen than
formerly, they are still far from being as generally sought after
as their real beauty demands. A very good position can often
be found for them when there is no good convenience for plants
in pots ; and even where there are, one large and beautifully
arranged basket, when taken care of, is far more satisfactory
than a window full of inferior-looking plants. Indeed, it is
only under the favourable conditions of a swing window and
moderately heated rooms, without the use of too much gas,
that plants in small pots can be kept for any length of time in
a vigorous and healthy state. Baskets, however, in conse-
quence of the larger bulk of soil, are not subjected to the same
alternation of dryness and moisture, and admit of the use of
plants which withstand more neglect than when growing singly
in pots. As decorative objects, both from the position they
occupy as well as their variety and masses of foliage, or foliage
and flowers, hanging baskets may be considered among the
most attractive and beautiful.

Baskets are made of different forms and of various materials,
euch as wire, terra-cotta, and wood. The wire baskets are very
beautiful when properly filled, but unless of tolerable size they
dry up quickly and require extra time and attention. Terra-
cotta baskets are very neat and ornamental, and some of the
patterns representing logs of wood quite natural and pretty,
but they are not so well adapted for mixed plants as for a single
plant of some vigorous-growing kind which will soon cover
with its trailing stems. For general purposes the rustic baskets

form the best floral adornment ; and the plants which are best
adapted for this purpose seem to like the rough interior, creep-
ing, rambling, aud trailing over it in a free and natural way as
they do in their native woods. When wire baskets are selected
they should be lined with a thick layer of moss over the sides
aud bottom, to prevent the soil from working through.

Soil and Drainage. — The first requisites are a suitable soil
and good drainage. Generally the latter is neglected or not
considered necessary, and the consequence is that unless the
watering is done by tolerably skilful hands the soil becomes
waterlogged, sour, and cold, and speedily the plants show the
effects of this. When, however, there is some drainage, water
may be given more freely and without the same danger to the
health and vigour of the plants. A email hole is sufficient to
allow superfluous moisture to pass oft'. The compost should be
a mixture of good, fresh, loamy soil, and very old decayed
manure or leaf soil, with a small quantity of sand.

Selection of Plants. — This, of course, will depend very
much upon the taste of the planter, the position which the
basket is to occupy, whether shady or sunny, and the tempera-
ture where it will be kept, especially in winter ; for some plants
which are admirable for summer are unsuitable for winter.
With the exception of one or two plants for the centre, which
should be of erect habit, the others should be mostly those of
branching, rambling, or trailing growth. Strictly speaking,
very few handsome-flowering plants of difficult culture should
be planted ; the aim should be to have a good combination of
beautiful foliage contrasting in colour, and only a few flowering
plants. Our collections contain variety enough, but adaptation
to the position is what is most important. For the central
plant a Dracaiua with its crimson-purple or bronzy foliage is
distinct and very showy, or one of the small half-hardy Palms,
or a Croton with its green and gold-blotched leaves. For the
fiUing-up, the following may be named as well adapted to the
purpose, and, tastefully arranged, form very ornamental groups
— the old and always pretty variegated Periwinkle ; Cobcea
scandens, a free-growing and handsome runner ; Maurandyas,
white, red, or blue; the old Cineraria maritima, or Dusty
Miller, with its silvery leaves, is still effective because it
flourishes where other silver-leaved plants often fail; Abutilon
Thompsonii.with gold spotted leaves; Centaurea gymnocarpa,
and the handsome variegated Iris. For the outer edge of the
basket, the tiny Othonna crassifolia, with slender stems and
yellow blossoms ; the variegated Sedum.and theTradescantias,
two or three varieties ; the dwarf Maranta ; the Colosseum Ivy
(Linaria) ; the variegated and green Saxifrage or Strawberry
Geranium ; and among Ferns, which must not be omitted, the
silver-leaved Pteris, Adiantums cuneatum and pubescens and
Pleris tremula, as well as the taller and rapid-growing Nephro-
dium exaltatum, which thrives in sun or shade. For trimming
around or up the handles nothing is better or more pleasing
than the common Ivy, or the German Ivy.

One thing should not be forgotten — not to select too large
plants ; for if large, so much soil has to be removed that the
plants suffer materially. It is better to choose rather small
specimens, which will leave room to fill up with good soil, in
which the roots soon take hold, aud the plants all grow up to-
gether, forming a mass of foliage which appears more natural
and beautiful than when the larger plants crowd out and nearly
destroy the smaller before they get well established. After all,
with a list of the right kinds to select from, the fine effect of
the basket will depend much upon the taste in arrangement.

Case of Baskets. — Watering is principally essential to ensure
a beautiful hanging basket. The soil may be right, the drain-
age good, and the plants properly planted, but neglect in
watering will soon spoil all the labour. They should never be
allowed to get too dry, neither should they be constantly wet.
Experience is the only sure guide. Wire baskets filled with
moss require the most attention, and need occasionally to be
wholly immersed in water, so as to wet them through. All
baskets maybe sprinkled every day, and at least once a month.
Plants with large fohage should be gently washed with a
soft sponge. It is a good rule to let the basket occasionally
get rather dry, and then to give a thorough soaking. This
aerates the soil and gives greater vigour to the plants. If the
position in the window is too hot and sunny a newspaper
thrown over the plants will benefit them, especially before they
are well established. If we could be sure of proper caution in
its use, where the plants appear to have exhausted the soil we
would advise one or two waterings with liquid manure, quite
weak; but so many failures have been made that it ie rather
unsafe to dabble with ammonia, guano, and other fertilisers.

June 14, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

449

It is only where the plants are well eBtabllshed and growing
vigorously that fertilisers should be given ; to attercpt to force
the plants into growth is snre to result in failure. Ocoa-
fiionally go over and pick off all dead or decaying leaves,
and destroy any insects which may be disfiguring the plants.
— {American Cultivator.)

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WOBK FOB
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT O.UiDEN.

Now that high drying wituls have succeeded the long-con-
tinued cold and wet weather it will be well to look to fruit trees
which were planted last season, and especially to such of them as
were planted late in the spring. If previous instructions have
been attended to, the trees will have been secured to stout sticks
to prevent their being shaken by the wind. It will be well to see
that the fastenings are secure, and if the bads do not break
freely let the trees be syringed twice a-day — in the morning
about six, and at about the same hour in the evening. If the
soil around the roots is dry let it be well watered, and the
mulching of short manure that was recommended to be placed
over the roots will serve to retain the moisture.

Horizontal-trained trees on I he walls have made much healthy
growth ; this has been cut back to within two or three eyes of
the base of the growths, and the yonug wood on such trees
which have not filled the space allotted to them has been care-
fully secured to the wall. It is usual to train the leading growth
of such trees in a vertical position, and if the growth is allowed
to grow to the ecil of the season it may run-up about C feet.
Instead of this, stop the leader when it has grown about
12 inches, back to 9 inches, when it will start again and also
throw-out lateral growths. Let the leader be again trained
upright, and the two lateral growths horizontally ; in this way
the wall will be much more quickly furnished than if the lead-
ing shoot had not been stopped.

The Strawberry beds ought now to be well watered and
mulched with manure. We hope that the blossoms will set
well on the plants out of doors to compensate us for those in
the orchard houEe, which have set very badly indeed. They
happened to be in flower just at the time that the dull cold
weather and severe frosts at night set in, and as it was not con-
venient to heat the house, the result was that we have scarcely
ever had such a bad set of fruit. The plants out of doors are
crowded with blossoms. All that is wanted now is some
tropical weather to carry the fruit to perfection. To have pro-
duce of the very best quality it is necessary to thin the fruit
out, and some clean straw must either be placed utider it as it
begins to ripen, or small branchlets from the ends of Pea sticks
must be stuck round the plants to support the trusses. The
fruit always ripens best in that way in a dull cold season, and
being raised above the ground is much more readily protected
from wet.

It is a good plan to look over Gooseberry and Currant bushes
and to thin-out any supeiflnoas growths. It is quite as neces-
sary to do this as it is to thin-out and train the young wood on
wall trees ; air and light are more freely admitted to the fruit,
and the wood having more space is stronger and better ripened.
We have kept the Dutch hoe at work amongst Raspberry bushes.
Strawberries, herders of dwarf and pyraojid trees, and all open
spaces where there might have been .any weeds. If the dry
weather continues we shall mulch and water when necestary.

PINE HOUSES.

Unless it is necessary to hasten the ripening of the fruit it
is quite as well not to use much artificial heat from the hot-
water pipes. Nothing is gained by it when the weather is warm ;
indeed, it is a question whether the plants are not injured
thereby. Of course there ought not to be any insect pests on
the plants, bnt if there should be they will spread much more
rapidly in an atmosphere artificially heated than they will in
one where artificial heat is reduced as much as possible or alto-
gether. The house onght not to be shut np close if there is any
fruit ripe or nearly so, but if no fruit is swelUng-off the house
may be closed at four in the afternoon, or earlier or later as the
sun may act upon it. All plants not potted into their fruiting
pots and intended to ripen early next season should be attended
to at once. It is well to have the fruiting pots thoroughly filled
with roots by September, so that the plants may enjoy com-
parative quiet for two or three months. It is not possible to be
regularly and completely snccessfal in the culture of any fruits
unless a rest cf this length can be provided. Strong suckers put
in now and grown-on without any check would make good fruit-
ing plants for next season, but they are not as a rule adapted
for very early forcing.

PEACn HOUSE.

The earliest trees will now be producing fruit for the dessert.
It has been rather a difljcult season for furcing Peaches, but the
earliest houses have done pretty well, as at the time the trees
were in blossom the weather was not nnfavourable to the setting

of the fruit, and, this over, all the rest is easy enough. A net
ought to be fixed under the trees in some way to catob the fruit
and prevent its being bruised. It is not a bad plan to look over the
houses daily and carefully gather all fruit that will part readily
from the trees. It requires a little experience to do this, but
those who are accustomed to it can tell which fruit are ripe and
may be most readily gathered without injury. No fruit is easier
injured, and if it is bruised in the least it rapidly decays. It
ought to be laid carefully in a fiat basket on a sheet of cotton
wadding and tissue paper, and no more handling should be
allowed until it is to be used. Peaches and Nectarines gathered
just before they are ripe and removed to an ice house will keep
for a considerable time. They will also retain their freshness in
a cool room behind a north wall, and the more equable the tem-
perature can be kept the better. The fruiting house should have
the ventilators quite open night and day, and no moisture is
needed from evaporation. As soon as all the fruit is gathered
give the trees a thorough watering over the leaves with the
garden engine. In later houses, where fruit is swelling freely
afts r stoning, syringe freely with tepid water night and morn-
ing, and shut up as early in the afternoon as possible ; if the
temperature rises to 90° it will do no harm. Of courte when
the fruit approaches the ripening stage less heat is desirable,
and the syringing must be discontinued.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

We alluded a week or two ago to the difiiculty of doing equal
justice to plants in flower and those which have ceased flower-
ing and are making their growth. This is more apparent at
this season than at any other. Many hardwooded plants are
injured if they are placed out ef doors at this season of the year ;
and what they require is a light well-ventilated position pro-
tected alike from hurricanes of wind and heavy rain. A canvas
structure will not answer, as it is too dark and draws the plants.
Where there is a house specially for such plants no diffictdty
arises. In our case we have not such a house, but we have a
few frame lights available, and these have been utilised by
erecting a light framework and placing the plants under the
lights. They are protected from rain, and if a high wind should
arise some shading material will be nailed on to the exposed
side. Heaths, Epacriees, Hedaromas, Aphelexes, &c., have been
placed out under the lights, and they will receive that treatment
best adapted to their several requirements. Of course all plants
which are in flower are kept in the greenhouse until the flowers
fade, when they are also removed out under the glass lights.
During the present drying weather flowers rapidly fade, and the
house does not look well unless they are removed at once.

It is usual to insert cuttings of stage Pelargoniums when,
the flowering period is over, but there are always some short-
jointed cuttings to be had early in June, and if these are taken
off at once and each cutting planted singly in a small pot, they
speedily form roots and make very fine plants by the autumn.
Each of such plants if managed well in the way of stopping and
potting will produce from a dozen to a score of good trusses of
flowers in C and 7-inch pots. Lapageria rosea and L. alba are
now making very rapid and good growth. The best treatment
for the summer months is to keep the plants in a cool house
and syringe freely once or twice a-day. The growths must be
carefully trained as they advance, else they twine and in-
terlace each other in a way that makes it difficult to untwine
them again without breaking-off many of the leaves. Azaleas
which have finished flowering have had all the seed-pods re-
moved, and the plants have been placed in a house where they
can enjoy a stove temperature and be freely syringed. Any
strong growths that seem inclined to rob the others of their
proper share of nourishment are stopped, and plants that require
repotting are attended to at once.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

The National Tulip Show was held on the 5th, and the North-
ern Counties Show on the 8th. As far as we can hear most
of the principal growers were not able to show their best blooms
owing to the lateness of the season. It was not so with us, as
every one of the blooms are over, and the seed vessels h^ve
been removed to prevent their doing any injury to the bulbs.

Pinks come next in order, and they ought to be at their best
at the date of the next great} show at South Kensington, but we
doubt if a dozen flowers will be out on at least 150 plants ; they
are quite two weeks behind, but are looking remarkably well.
The beds are mulched, and are watered as they require it.

.Vnrioulas are now in ordinary garden frames behind a north
wall. This is the best position for them in all gardens south of
tho Trout. In the north of England and in Scotland, if the
back of the frames are turned to the north it may bo suflicient.
The flower stalks of Carnations and Picotees aro fastened to
sticks as they increase in growth. The plants must not suffer
for water at this season, else the blooms will not be good. —

J. DOUOLAS.

TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED.

.1. Linden, 52, Rue de Chaume, Ghent, Belgium. — Illustrated
Catalogue of New and Bare Plants.

JOURNAL OF HOHTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
* * All correspondence should be directed either to "The
* Editors," or to *' The Pabliaher," Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspoodents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.
Correspondents should not mis up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.
Exhibiting Haedy Flowers (R. fl. C.).~Erythrinas, Sparaxes, Ixias,
Euoomis punctata, and Antlioljzas are not hardy. AU the other plants in
your list are hardy.

Geraniums Mildewed (Pelargonium). —The j require more ventilation
and a less damp air.

Roses and Geraniums (fl. B. H.)-— Wa cannot name them from cut
b-Iooms.

Unhealthy Cucumbers (A. B. C.).— Your plants appear to be quite use-
less, and we should therefore destroy them and plant others from a healthy
Btoak and in fresh soil.

Rose Leaves Blackened (Tyro). — Your Roses appear to be infested
with the black fungus. Dissolve 3 ozs. of Gishurst compound in a gallon of
water and syringe the trees, and then dust them with soot when the leaves
are wet. The solution will retain its strength " Xor a week or two" after
being mised.

Cabpet-bedding Plants (KiffJd).— You will find the information you
require in an early future issue of the Journal.

TuNGUs ON Peat (F. TT.).— "We could find no fun^s on the peat yoa sent.
It was all loose in the bos, and waa only a mass of dry powder. We should
remove the surface soil if much infested with fungus and replace with fresh
Boil.

Fungus on Roses {Surrey Qarde7wr).—Vfe think your Rosea are infested
with the orange fungus. Sponge the leaves with 2oz3. of blue vitriol (sul-
phate of copper) dissolved in hot water and added to two or tliree gallons of
ccld water.

South Kensington Show (Sussex Gardener).— The charge for admission
is Ss. 6d., but if you procure a ticket through a Fellow before the day it is
2s. 6rf. The gardens round London worth seeing are Kew, Chiswick, South
Kensington, Royal Botanic, and you should also look round Battersea, Vic-
toria, and Hyde Parks, and Kensington Gardens. If you study these well
you will take home a mass of instruction with you that may be of great
service.

Orchids for Importation (O. C. H.).— From Manilla several species of
PhaliPnopsis may be sent, but the beat are P. Schilleriana and P. amabilis,
but they will not travel safely unless they are established on native wood
before being sent. Cypripedinm la-vigatum is also found there, and is a very
choice and rare plant. From Rangoon may be sent Yanda caerulescens and
many t^pecies of Dendrobium, including D. thyrsiflorum, D. Bensonia?,
D. Wardianuo), D. crassinode, &o. Aeridea Scbilleriana is a rare species
found in Bormab.

Pbices of Fruit at Covent Garden ( ■).— The prices quoted for

Strawberries are prices obtained for those sent up from the country, which
never sell for prices equal to those grown near London. For the country fruit
there is very little demand, while good morning-gathered fruit are arriving
from the market gardeners near London, for this reason— the country fruit is
always gathered 0TL>rnight. It is quite unnecessary for us to quote the prices
of London fruit, as it would only mislead country readers and make them
dissatisfied. The prices quoted in TJw Tinus appear to be those of a very
exorbitant retailer, and such prices as are only made on veiy exceptional
occasions.

Cauliflowers Early in June [Manx CaO.— This is an unusually late
season, and the Cauliflowers you refer to have had the protection of glass for
preserving them through the winter, and have probably also been grown
under hand-lights during the spring. In order to have Cauliflowers at the
time you name the seed must be sown in September, the plants being
wintered in a cold frame, hand-glasses being further provided to grow them
under untU the heads are nearly ready for cutting. They may be cut in
early June in the midland counties without being grown under hand-lights,
but not in late seasons like the present.

Destroying Aphides on Markchal Niel Rose (A Subscriber).— Boil
4 ozs. of quassia chips for fifteen minutes in a gallon of soft water, strain and
add four more gallons of water and syringe your Rose. We think this will
destroy the aphides without injuring the blooms. The *' slimy substance "
will probably disappear when you have destroyed the insects, and especially
if you apply liquid manure to the roots of the Rose.

Grapes Scalded {SonifrseD.-The scalding in your case was the result of
the sudden outbreak of sun after a long period of dull weather. We think
with the treatment you are giving the Vines that the injury will not extend,
and that shading will not be necessary. Without knowing the size of the
bunches we cannot say whether your Vines are too heavily cropped or not.
With the number you have left on they should not average more than a pound
in weight.

Soil for Vine Border (J. W.). — Good Grapes have been grown without
the addition of bonsK in the border, yet we strongly recommend them. A
good compost for Vines is the following: — The soil should be porous and
moderately rich. The bulk of it ought to be chopped turf from an old
pasture; if neither too sandy nor too heavy this alone would grow good
Grapes. To ten barrowloads of this tnrf soil add two of broken oyster shells,
old lime rubbish, or a mixture of the two, which is preferable; one of horse
droppings, one of charcoal, and half a baahel of broken bones. Do not nse
quicklime, nor leaf soil, or decayed wood, which might breed fungi, so de-
Btruotive to living roots.

Black Beetles, Worms, and Centipedes (CIocA-s).— Beetles are injurious
to plants 'dy devouring their foliage, especially that of plants in the seedling

state. Earth worms are also injuriona to plants in pots; they choke the
drainage and displace the soil. Centipedes often do harm to plants. The
ns may be destroyed by flooding the pots with lime, 1 lb. of lime to three
gallons of water, well stirred up. Let it stand forty-eight hours, employing
the clear lime water. The beetles and centipedes must be captured.

Quicklime for Garden (Idem). — It is not injurious if used when cool
and in a freshly slaked or finely powdered state. A few applications at
weekly intervals will free the ground from slugs, but it must be applied in
the evening or early morning, best after rain.

Sea Sand for Plants— Gatllardi a hybrida grandiflora Seed not
Germinating { Jrfcr/i).- Sea sand is not suitable for mixing with the compost
for plants. River sand is suitable, but silver sand is more generally used.
The Oaillardia is not a hardy annual, but balf-hardy, requiring to be sown in
a hotbed in March. We should consider seed sown a month ago in a cold
frame to have perished. Perhaps the " scant productions " are not weeds but
plants of Gaillardia.

Fragrant Roses (S. iT.).- The following are twenty-four of the most fra-
giant of the Hybrid Perpetnals ;— La France, Charles Lefebvre, Louis Van
Iloutte, Alfred Colomb, Marie Baumann, Bessie Johnson, Rev. J. B. M. Camm,
Abel Grand, Senateur Vaimse, Camille Bernardin, Madame Knorr, Pierre
Notting. Richard Wallace, Madame Victor Verdier, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Jules
Margottin, Ferdinand de Lesaeps, Comtesse Cecile de Chabrillant, Franrois
Micheion, General Jacqueminot, Duchess of Edinburgh, Xavier Olibo, Duke
of Edinburgh, Madame FilUon, Madame C. Joigneaax, and John Hopper.

Marechal Niel Rose for Christmas (A. H,).— You will need to encourage
growth now, so that it maybe completed by the middle of July. Then keep the
plant dry, but not so as to cause the foliage to flag, and after about sis weeks
of dry treatment, air being very plentifully admitted, the weak and unripe
growths should be cut away, which is all the pruning necessary ; and moisture
being given, the plants syringed twice a-day, and water applied freely at the
roots, alternating with weak liquid manure, fresh growth will be made, and if
the wood be ripe every shoot will flower. Air should be freely given at all
times, but the house must be kept at a temperature of 45^ to 50'^ by night,
and 5=' higher by day from fire heat, and this with some air on, admitting air
freely in mild weather, but allowing the temperature to rise toC5"'or 75 from
sun heat. We presume the plants are well established.

CocuMBER Blossom and Tendrils (Wcni).— Unless seed be wanted the
male flowers are of no use and may be removed, also the tendrils ; but we do
not trouble about either, having no time for suoh minutire. The size of
plant desirable before allowing to carry fruit is not material. A plant a yard
high ought to show fruit, our ambition being to obtain fruit as soon as wo
can, and succeasionally with the increase of growth. We stop every shoot,
and expect to have fruit at every second or third leaf produced ; but then we
want them for table pm-poses, not for exhibition. If you want the latter you
must allow more foliage and take less fruit.

Tricolor Pelargoniums Losing Colour {Ncjporth).^lt is not uncom-
mon for plants struck in a propagating house aud gmwn-on in heat to lose
colour when brought into a lower temperatore. The cuttings should be struck
in a temperature very little higher than that in which the plants have been
grown, aud when struck they should be at once removed. The main point is
to secure progressive growth; whereas when the plants are grown in heat
they receive a check when brought into a lower temperature, growth ceasing,
and the colours go out because there is no new foliage produced. Another
causa of want of colour is growing too rapidly in shade, whereas it is light
that brings out colour. A light airy house and a temperature of 50° by
artificial means is desirable until the close of May, after which a cold pit or
frame is more suitable, air being admitted freely in wet weather when it is
desirable to keap on the lights toward off rains; and in bright weather a
light shading should ba given from powerful sun. In mild weather and at
nights in hot weather the lights may be drawn off, but the plants must bo
prntected from heavy rains. Be careful not to overwater, and avoid a too rich
compost, a healthy root-action being essential to progressive growth, upon
which depends the beauty of the plants.

Stopping Vines [0. E. J.). — You may stop the shoots when they reach
the top of the house, and subsequently the side laterals to within two leaves
of the main rod. Poat (one-third) is an useful addition to loam for Fuchsias,
but it is not required by Geraniums unless the loam is very strong.

Insects on Cucumbers (A Fifteen-years Subscriber). —The leaf sent was
quite withered, and we could not find any insects. As fumigating kills them
we can only advise you to persevere, and we think you will conquer the pest.
We should syringe also with a mixture of soft-soap water or Gishurst, 9 ozs.
to each gallon and mixed with quassia water, applying it warm, and should
not syringe with ck-ar water afterwards. You will tiod also that syringing
with perfectly clear aoot water will be beneficial to the plants and distasteful
to the insects.

Grapes Scalded (E. P.. A'., and Others).^ThQ result is principally due to
the burning influence of the sun suddenly following a long period of dull
weather. There may also be some deficiency in the root-action, for the
injury is more extensive when the ssp is insufficient to supply the loss caused
by evaporation. Grapes vary in the strength of their tissue, hence some
sorts scald mure than others, as, for instance, Muscats aud Lady Downe's
Seedling. Scalding is accelerated by keeping the vineries closed too long in
the mornings of sunny days and then opening the ventilators widely to
check the rising temperature. AS'ordipg adequate nouri-^hraent to the roots,
admitting air very early, increasing it gradually in advance of the rising
temperature, and sprinkling a little whiting over the glass where the Vines
are affected, are the means to adopt to prevent the injury from spreading.
When vineries are closely glazed a little air shoQld be left on all the night
— just an inch or so at the top of the houses.

Names of Plants (C. Hiicking).-~Vfe cannot undertake to name plants
that are not in bloom, the one that came was S" crushed it could not be
identified. You should enclose specimens in a box. (il/arta).— Probably ayoung
plant of Cystoptoris fragilis. (Co?is/rtn( Reader).— 2, Sibthorpia europipa;

3, Nephrolepis exaltata; 4, Rivina humilis ; 5 and 6, Pihva muscosa. The
tree is Pyrus pinnatifida, and is propagated by grafting on the Whitethorn or
Pear stock. {A Part Subscriber).— We cannot undertake ta name garden
varieties of florists' flowers, nor flowers of shrubs such as Ilht)dodendroD8
and Roses. {Elm).—1, Cheilanthes monophylla, an unusually scaly form;
2, C. hirta; 3, Tradescantia zebrina. (TV*. iV. .■!.).— The climber is Lonicera
branhypoda fol. aur. reticulatis. The Fern is Platyloma falcata. [J. H.
H..?(vinO.—The blooms of the Pelargoniums were all shed. Wedo not under-
take to name florists' flowers. (H. F. C.).— Acer cretioum. (A. Dumhrll).^
It is a Thalictrum, and we think T. medium, but cannot bo certain without

Jane 14, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICOIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

451

seeiDg a portion of the stem. {R. D. Daij). — Cratspgug coccinea. (Som':rset).
— I.Acer pseudo-platanus ; 2, Acer pseado-platanus variegata; 3, Ornitbo-
golam umbeUatam; 4, Clematis moDtaoa.

POULTEY, BEE, AND PIOEOK OHRONIOLE.

BATH AND "WEST OF ENGLAND SOCIETY'S
POULTRY SHOW.

CENTENAET MEETING AT BATH.
(Coiiliiiiied from page 431)

As we left the show gronnil last week we met one of the prin-
cipal poultry stewards, and we were delighted to hear from him
that there is a possibility of the Show next year opening on the
Wednesday instead of on the Monday. To poultry exhibitors
this will be a great boon, if not to all those in other branches of
the Exhibition, for it was sad to see how the light-coloured
birds had lost so much of their purity of feather after the Satur-
day travelling and the Sunday confinement. We also hear that
the next Exhibition will probably be for single birds in the hen
classes ; if so, then will pass away the last Exhibition which has
clang to the practice of pairs of hens. Doubtless single birds
■will bring more entries and be preferred by the main body of
exhibitors. As we left the show ground and made our way to
the station we passed over the bridge which but a few hours
afterwards caused such dire consternation and terrible fatality
to so many persons who had come up from distint homes to be
present at this centenary meeting. L'mg will the hundredth
anniversary of this Association be remembered from this terrible
accident, which brought desolation on many families and marred
the pleasure of hundreds more.

Before returning to our criticisms on tho remaining classes we
must state how the eight pens of Cochins (BuS, Black, and
White) came to be isolated by themselves on the first day of the
Show, quite away from their brethren, and without card or
honour in spite of their excellent quality. They belonged to
Mr. Alfred Darby of Little Ness, Shrewsbury, and were by him
duly entered in proper time with the amount of the entry fees.
It appears that his letter and its contents failed to come to Mr.
Goodwin's hands, and consequently there was no place for the
birds in the catalogue or pens prepared for them when they
made their appearance on the Saturday evening, and so they
were thus thrown liors de cuinbat. It is true Mr. Darby never
received the label-^, but then how many are there who have at
some time or other failed to receive their labels in time who,
however, knowing their entries had been duly made, have sent
on the birds to the Secretary's charge, when they have been
properly penned ? It has happened to ourselves over and over
again aa it has to Mr. Darby ; and he thinking this but one
more instance of such irregularity — conscious, too, that ho had
entered the birds and paid the fees, he sent on the birds with
the tiresome result as described above. It was unusually vex-
atious to him, for the birds would have won high honours, two
of them bein.L; the first Banbury White Cochin cock and the
cap Buff hen at the same show; in fact, we should not have
been surprised to have found three of the silver cups awarded
to these birds. Of the varieties which we omitted from want of
time to mention last week the

Hamhurghs come first. The entries were not large, but the
quality was very fair. In Golden-spangles each class had but five
entries. The first was a good cock, though a little pink in lobes.
The first pair of hens were well marked, and the plumage very
sheeny. In Silver-spangled cocks the first-prize cock had good
lobes (Eawnsley), but the second, perhaps, was the best in
coloar. To the Silver-spangled hens (Beldon) the cup was
awarded — a grand pen, one bird especially well marked, and the
bloom on both was very beautiful ; here again there were only
five entries. In Golden-pencils we liked the winner. He was
good in colour, and had capital comb ami lobes. The second was
a showy bird in appearance, but too brown in tail ; in fact, many
of the feathers were all bronzed over. Of hens there were but
three entries, where the first pair well deserved their place.
The cup for cocks was awarded to the first Silver-pencilled cock
<R»wn8ley), so "master and man" each took home a piece of
plate. The cup bird had a charmi')g tail, and was in fine
leather. The hens were few again, and of fiir merit. The first
were well pencilled and clear in colour iKawnsley), while Mr,
licldon's second-prize pen weru very much the same style of
birds.

Game had six classes and forty entries. The cup for cocks
was awarded to Mr. Matthew's Brown Ked cock ; he was in fine
condition and of viry bright colour, while the cup hen (Dutton)
was a splendid Black Red; she was prettily marked and had a
long head, though her appearance was slightly marred by her
comb, which was rather too much sprung; her carriage and
shape were excellent. ThefirstBlack Red cock (Matthew), per-
haps, ran the same owner's Brown Ked close- f(;r the cup, as he
was of beautiful shape and had a good head. In the Variety
classes of Game a Dackwing won in cocks (Stagg); a faifly

stylish bird of good coloar. Second also went to a Duckwing
(Matthews), as too did first in hens to a moderate pair of birds
(Thomas). On the whole the Game were good classes, though
the very hot day did not cause them to show to advantage.

The Variety collections formed two very large and interesting
classes. In cocks first went to a most lovely Black Hamburgh
(Serjeantson), beautiful in bloom, and with fine sickles, comb,
and face. Second went to a very large Malay (Lecher), but he
was in very bad feather and had bare patches on his back and
thighs. There was an Indian Game cockerel in pen 'JOS (Datton)
in good feather, and bred from a really imported hen by a
Montresor cock. Pen 201) (Stephens) had a La Flrche cock,
large, but now grown coarse and ugly in head. The pairs of
hens were excellent, and Minorcas were in great force. The
first prize went to a fair pair of Whites shown by Miss North-
cote, while second went to Mr. Aspden's Black Cochins, who
may feel thankful Mr. Darby's were out of competition. 271
(Boissicr) were a very highly commended pen of Black Ham-
burghs, verv neat in comb and iu fair condition. There were
other good Black Hamburghs and a fair pair of Sultans.

-^.ylesbury Ducks were only four pens iu number, the cup pen
large and good iu bills. The Rouens were one pen les=', and
were of no great merit, being rather out of feather. In the
Variety class a fair pen of Mandarins were first, and Black East
Indians second (Browne late Saiusbury).

Tiirheijs were excellent. We believe they were weighed. In
cocks an older bird than the second was first ; the latter, how-
ever, of grand bnne, and quite a chicken as his legs and head
showed. In hens the first was a grand bird and belonged to the
same exhibitor as the second-prize cock (Mr. Wykes). This hen
was very massive in shape and good in feather. Second also
good, but not so large as the winner. Geese with two pans made
Mrs. Radclyffe an easy winner in poor competition.

In Bantiims the cup went to a pen of Silver-laced (Serjeant-
son), beautiful in markings, though we fancied them just a trifle
large in body. This exhibitor seems to win with every breed
he takes in hand. In Black or White Bantams a charming pair
of Blacks were first, iu beautiful bloom and condition. Second
also went to good Blacks of lustrous coloar (Ludlow A: Rack-
ham). Mrs. Holmes had a good pen of Black-booted, only they
were rather large. In Game Bantams moderate Black Reds
were first, and Brown Reds second. Pen 32S (Anns), were an
excellent pen of Black Reds. In single Bantam cocks a good
Black Red won first (Anns), but there were only five pens in
the class, and beyond the winner nothing of very striking merit.
This latter class of single Bantam cocks of all breeds we fail to
see the use of, as the money would be batter expended in a
class for another variety.

This ends the report of the Bath centenary meeting, and we
hope at Oxford in 1878 to find the one hundred and first Show
as successful ia every way with the new classification and the
other needed arrangements. ^W.
The following are the awards : —

POULTRY. —Spavish.— Cock.— Cup and 2, E. Jones. Hens.— 1. Miss E.
Browne. 2. E. Jones. DoKKisGa.— Coiouri^rf.— Cocfc.— 1. Mrs. Radclyffe. 2,
T. C. Bnmell. Hem.—X, O. E. Cresswell. 2. Mrs. Radclyffe. Silver-Grey.—
Cock.-l, 0. E. Cresswell. 2, T. C. BurnoU. Hens —I, T. Moore. 2, W. Perry.
White or Biuc— Cock.-l, O. E Cresswell. 2. Mrs. H. .T. Bailey. Hfiis.-Cup
and 2. O. E. Cresswell. Cochins.- Bu#.— Cocfc.- Cup. H. Tonilinson. 2. Miss
J. Milward. Hens.— l.H. Tomlinson. 2,W. P.Ryland. Brown and Partridge-
feathered.~Gock.—l, R P. Percival. 2. T. Aspdeu. Hens.— I, R. P. Percival.
2. Mrs. Radclyffe. White— Cock —I. K. P. Perciyal. 2, Mrs. J. T. Holmes.
Hem.—l. G. Fortey. 2, R. A. Boissier. Brahmas —Dark—Cock —Cup, J. F-
Smith 2, D.Lane. Bciw.— Cup, J. F Smith. 2, H Lingwood. Light.— Cock.
— 1, R. P. Percival. 2. Mrs. W. C. Drummond. Hens.-i, P. Haines. 2. H.
Linfwood. Game —Black Reds— Cock.— I, S. Matthew. 2, T. D. E. Rawlins.
Hen. -Cup. Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton. 2, W. J. Pope, Broicn Beds.— Cock.—
Cup. S. Matthew. 2, T. Browne. Hen —1. J. Cock. 2, J. T. Browne. Duck-
ving and other Greys, Blues. Blacks, ajtd Whites.— Cock.— 1. W. H. Stagg. 2. S.
Matthew. Hcn.-l, D W. J. Thrimas. 2, 3. Matthew. Hamburghs.— Golden-
spangtcd.-Cock.—\, H. Beldon. 2, J. Jackson. Bens.-l. W. Driver. 2, H.
Beldon. .lilrersiynngled.— Cock.-l. ]. Haivaaley. 2, H. Feast. Hens.— I, a.
Beldon. 2. H. Fc-aat. aolden-penciUed.-Oock.—l, 3. Rawnsley. 2. A. P. O.
How. IIem.—\.W L Bell 2, J- Rawnsley. Silver-pencilled— Cock.— C\vp, 3-
Ri>wn3le.y. 2. H Beldon. Polish.— Coc*; —1, W. C. Drummond. 2. H. Feast.
Hf(w.—Cup, H. Beldon. 2. C Bloodworth. Hoddans.— Cocfc.— I. W. Hamlyn.
2. D. Lane. Hen.^.— 1, S W. Thomas. 2, W Hamlyn. CRB\l.-CtEaRS.— Cocfc —
l.H, Feast 2. M.Stephens H.nt.-l, H. Feast 2, J. J. Maiden. ANroTHr.E
Varietv.— Cock.— 1, Key. W. Serjcanisoo. 2. T Leotier. Hens —Miss ^■. H.
Northcote. 2, T. Aspden. Docks. - l^/^i(e Aylesbury.— GvLv and 2, J. Hedi^es.

2. Mii

1, C. Martin. 2. Mrs. Radclyffe. Any other uari'?(j/.— 1. H. Yardley.
E.Browne. Tobkeys —Co!fc.— I. H. J. Gunnell. 2. W. Wykes. Ben.—

1. W. Wykcs 2, RcT. N. J. Ridley. Geese. -1, Mrs Radclfffe. 2, C. B. Printer.
Bantams.— .9t'6ri(j)i(«.— Cup. Rev. W. -Serjeantson. 2. J. W.Lloyd. Blacker
White.— 1. L. G. Morrell. 2, Ludlow 4 Rackham. Oame —1, E. Morgan. 2, E.
Martin. S('i(;/e Cocfc.— 1, T. W. Anns. 2. T. F. Phelps.

PIGEOMS.— l^^!lKIKp,s.— Cocfc.-l.H. Yardley. 2. R. Fulton. Here— Cup and

2. R. fulton. P"UTBiis.-CM*:.-l and 2, R. Fulton. Jien.-l and 2. R. Fnltou.
RUNTS. -1, A. Miles. 2, H. Ya'dlev. Draqoons— 1 and 2, C. A. J. H. Pearson.
Favtails.— 1 and 2. Rev. W. Serjeantson. Trumpeters.— 1. R. Falton. 2. J.
James. Bards.- Cup. P. H. Jones. 2, J. G. Mitchinson. t'lic, H. Yardlev, P.
H. Jones. Aechanoels.— I. H. W. Webb. Tubbits.-I, C. Parsons. 2, W. B.
Rootes. vhc, J. Allen. Tumblers.- 1, H. Yardley. 2, 3. Rogers. Nuns.- 1, C.
Parsons. Owls.— R. Fulton. 2, A. J. Barnes. Jacobins.— 1, R. Fulton. 2, J.
James. Any other Variety.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, C. Parsons.

Judges. — Poultry: tilLx. E. Hewitt. Pigeons: Mr. Harrison
Weir.

Poultry-keeping. — A third edition of "How to Succeed in
Poultry-keeping for Profit or Exhibition, by G. W. Bacon," ia

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTOBB AND COTTAGE GAKUENEB.

[ Jane U, 1877.

jnst published. In the Appendix is an epitome of the chief con-
tents to facilitate reference.

A NEW HEN COOP.

I HAVE endeavoured to constrnct a hen coop which would
effectually shelter young chickens from the cold and wet. The
ordinary hen coops are useless for outdoor chicken-rearing ; the
rain drivicg in at the front of them thoroughly drenches the hen
and chickens, and in very heavy showers the wet runs in at the
bottom. In this coop these disadvantages are avoided, and with
it no shed is requited. It protects the chickens from vermin
when shut up, and at the same time allows them plenty of ven-
tilation. The roof projecting over the front keeps out the rain,
whilst a raised board placed under the coop (and which should
always be covered with dry sand or ashee) keeps the chickens
ont of the wet.

It is made from wood three-quarters of an inch thick. Fig. G3
shows the front side of the coop ; it is 2 feet long and 18 inches

Fig. 63.

high, a a a a are the apertures through which the chickens
pass, the openings being 12 inches high, 2J wide, and are divided
by thin iron rods a quarter of an inch in diameter, the middle
rod being loose, and when pushed up permits the hen passing
in and out; b is the slide which closes the apertures at night;
c c c are holes for ventilation three-quarters of an inch across :
these being under the eaves the chickens are not exposed to
cold winds, yet they always have plenty of ventilation.

Fig. 64.

Fig 04 shows the coop with raised floor placed underneath.
d is the door, which terms part of the front side of the roof.
The roof projects over about an inch at each end and S inches at
the sides. The end is 21 inches high at the highest point and
21 inches wide, e o are ventilating holes, which should only be
made at one end, thereby avoiding draught. — W. Smith, ton.,
Easthorpe, Bottexford, Notts.

THE ALEXANDBA PALACE POULTRY SHOW.

From the peculiar circumstances in which the directors of
the above building wore placed last year no show of poultry was
within their power, but a new company has since been formed,
and the second Exhibition is proposed to be held on October IGth,
17th, and Ifith. It will be entirely for chickens, and will, we
hope, be as successful as on the last occasion. There will be a
rule in the schedule to the following effect : that all exhibitors

discovered trying to obtain a prize by any dishonourable or
fi'.iudulent means will be disqualified and forfeit all other prizes
they may have won. This should at least act as a preventive
to trimming, showing old birds for young, or, in Pigeons, cocks
for hens. In making this rule the authorities will have done
their part, but we do hope the Judges will be very careful.
It would be a grievous wrong with this new rule if they dis-
qnalitied wrongly, as has been done, and quite as unjust to
others if they fail to disqualify because of any uncertainty
when the case really deserved exposure, as has been also done.
In a case where any real doubt or uncertainty exists a parlia-
ment of fanciers chosen from those present would be a good
thing, who would be able to confer with the Judge, and so not
throw all the onus on him. The birds will be admitted on
Monday, judged, and the Show opened the following day, closing
on Thursday. They will be dispatched the same evening,
reaching their homes on Friday. The Honorary Secretary is
Mr. W. J. Nicholls, who will be glad to hear from any person
who is wishful to advance any particular variety by providing
money for prizes or a cup. We hope he will gain outside
support, for we hear the promoters have not been met over-
liberally by the Palace Company. Within a few days after this
Exhibition will come the old-established and popular Oxford
meeting; but we do not think either Society will wish each
other anything but success, and we hope both Secretaries will
co-operate where necessary, as on a former occasion, so that in
spite of the close proximity of dates they may both be well sup-
ported and deserve the great fame and prestige which they have
hitherto enjoyed. To return, however, to the Alexandra Palace;
for their Show to be the success they deserve and wish for, not
only must they make their classes as palatable as possible to
all, but we hope to find that the name of each Judge with his
classes will be publiahed, that double baskets will be in use,
and above all that the promoters will set an example to the
ether metropolitan shows by placing on each class the prize
cards as soon as the awards are made. Neglect of this at the
Crystal Palace and the Aquarium has caused much disappoint-
ment to far-distant or busily-employed fanciers, who only come
up for the day and frequently have to leave utterly ignorant of
the awards in very many classes. — W.

PICKINGS FROM AN AMERICAN POULTRY
PAPER.

I HAVE somewhere read, where I know not, that an American
was talking to an Englishman, and in friendly converse the
former remarked, " One thing is, you Britishers don't speak the
English language properly." A smile of incredulity was seen
passing over the Englishman's face. The American perceived
it, and added as explanatory, " You see you speak English with
an English accent." The explanation was more odd than the
remark. If the English language can be spoken correctly it
must be surely in England — in its home, and an educated
Englishman has no accent at all. I have always held that there
is a most enjoyable, and piquant, and pleasing difference in
American English and cur own, and also in American ways and
our own. Thus American ways of advertising and our own
differ, and very amusingly too. Before me lies a recent copy of
an American poultry paper, and a very excellent one it is, paper
and copy. Some of the gems I must quote for the amusement
and profit of our readers. First comes a piece of poetry as a
heading to the exchange and mart portion cf the paper:—

" THE TWO MERCHAKTS.

" When trade grew slack and notes fell duo
The merchant's face grew long and blue;
His dreams were troubled through the night
With sheiift's bailiffs all in sight.
At last his wife nnto him said,
' Arise at once, get out of bed.
And say these words unto all men: —
My goods I wish to sell to yoo,
And to your wives and daughters too;
My prices they shall be so low
That each will buy before they gd.'
He did as his good wife advised.
And in the papers advertised.
Crowds came and bought of all he had,
His notes were paid, his dreams made glad,
And he will tell yon to this day
How well did printer's ink repay.
The other in a place as tiebt.
Contented was the press to slight.
And did not let the people know
Of what he had or where to go.
His drafts fell due and were not paid,
A levy on his goods was made ;
The store was closed until the sale.
And for some time he was in jail.
A bankrupt now without a cent.
At leisure he can deep repent
That he was foolish and unwise.
And did not freely .idvertise."
Who will say this is not both amusing and instructive ?
Let me now turn to extraordinary advertisements themselves.

Jano 14, 1877 ]

JOURNAL OF AoBTICUIjTOBE AND COTTAGE QARDKNER.

453

For the benefit of our lady and non-political readers generally,
it mnst be explained that of the two gentlemen who were
recently candidates for the highest office in the United States,
that of President, one wa^ named Tilden. the other Hayes. A
clever advertiser thas atili8e3 the names to attract attention: —

" Tilden ob Hayes, either can secure egea from premium stock. Houtlans,
Saltans, Brahmas, Cochins, W. C. ; Black, Golden, and White Polish ; White
and Brown Leghorns ; S. S. Hamburgbs ; B. B. Red Gam? Biutanii, &c."

It would never, I am sore, enter into the heads even of our
shrewdest Yorkshire dealers to connect the names of Lord

Beaconsfield and Mr. Gladstone with eggs, bo much a

dozen. It reminds one of the story of the Mohommedan crier :

— "In the name of the Prophet figs." But yet another

gem. A gentleman who ought to be a rival to old Parr as to
age, and in whose existence the world is deeply interested, at
least that portion of it who want to buy egi^e, inserts his ad-
vertisement as follows ; —

" 1 STILL LIVE and Bell eggs for hatching from two yards of choice Light
Brahmas; also Dark Brahma eggs direct from the Sharpless yards, acknow-
ledged by good judges to be one of the best strains of Dark Brahmas in this
country. Price, per sitting of 13, ■■?3.00, carelully packed."

I can only hope the gentleman for his own, and we will hope
his country's good, will yet live longer and — advertise.

The extreme iguorance and utter want of education in people
who do not advertise is thus hinted at;—

" The man who don't advertise has his store hung around with shingles
and pieces of barrel-heads, inscribed with lampblack, " Irish Pertaters,"
"Kom Meel," "Flower," "All kinds of kontury produce," "Kaikos and Kandies
for sail here." He says, " There aren't no oeos in noospaper advertising so
long as a man is smart ennff to tend to his own business and kin stand at the
door and hollow the fellers in."

One more extract, as amusing as its predecessors, though the
word "bulldozing" is a puzzler: —

"An honest count! no bulldozing or intimidation I 'Live and let
live ' is oar platform I We have, therefore, concluded to reduce the price of
eggs from onr first-class stock of land and water fowls (nearly 30 varieties) to
two dollars per sitting of fifteen. We guarantee our stock to be first-class, and
aecond to none in Arnerica I .Satisfaction guaranteed, as we will not under
any oiroumatances have the name of having one dissatisfied customer. Send
tor price list to ."

These extracts from our clever cousins across the Atlantic will
provoke a smile in sober England. — "Wiltshibe Eectob.

IMPEOVEMENT IN APIAEIAN KNOWLEDGE.

No. 5.

AuoNO the most notable improvements which have been made
in the profitable management of bees of late years should be
mentioned the production of honeycomb in saleable form by
means of supers email in size and easily removed; for, be it
observed, there is '" honey and honey," and enormous is the
difference between the ordinary, or even the best, run honey of
commerce and the delicious sweetmeat sealed up in the newly
made comb by the bees themselves. The one compared with
the other is " like Hyperion to a satyr ;" and as the object of
every bee-master should be qaality at a high price rather than
cheap and vulgar quantity, it is of importance that he should
study the best method of attaining the former profitable ex-
cellence.

A year or two ago I urged in these columns the adoption of
the American plan of sectional supers, or at least a modification
of it suitable to our climate. I do not suppose that it would
generally answer in Eogland to cover onr hives with the multi-
tude of tiny supers which envelope an American stock like the
brooms and baskets of our travelling "cheap jacks" (I think they
have often as many as thirty of ttiem), but the principle is a
Bound one, and a modification of it quite within our experience.
At this moment I have a splendid stock fully at work in a sec-
tional super which I procured from the Brothers Abbott. I
think this super somewhat too low and narrow, although its
capability of extension lengthwise is admirable, and limited
only by the length of the crownboard of the hive. As I am
using it, it consists of four sections, each section respectively
being 7 inches long inside measurement, 4 inches high, and
4 inches wide; the whole f rar, therefore, will be Hi inches long.
I should have preferred each section to be 9 or 10 inches long
and 5 or 6 inches high. Eich terminal section has a pane of
glass let into one side of it. With this exception all is open
Irom end to end, and thus, however numerous the sections in
use at one time may ba, the whole fit together practically as one
super. It will be seen that this arrangement secures a combina-
tion of the English and American plans of supering. It is
better than the former because of the power it gives for partial
deprivation at any time, as well as because it can be enlarged
or contracted to suit the wants of the hive, whether before or
after swarming, or whether in the height or at the wane of the
honey-gathering season. I am glad to observe that your old and
valued correspondent, " D., Deal," endorses fully the estimate
I have formed as to the excellence of this principle of supering,
which is new to English bee-keepers.

In a recent JoRi'nal (May 17th) Mr. Hunter approves of the

sectional supers used by a Mr. Root of Ohio, which are four-
sided — i e., closed-in on all four sides. This to my mind is an
objection. Bees like to work in an open space more or less
roomy, and will often decline working in small supers where
they cannot mass themselves. Such, doubtless, is not the case
in America, where the climate in summer is hotter and less
variable than in this country. The mean we have to strike here
is something between the old-fashioned single super of English
use and the sectionals of the Americans. It seems to me that
the Messrs. Abbott's are the nearest approach to the supers
required here. Each of the sections is supplied with two lines
of wax in grooves : thus each will hold twofeombs, which if well
filled and sealed up should weigh nearly 2 lbs. of honeycomb.
I cannot but hope that the exhibitions of all the apiarian socie-
ties in England will be well supplied with these sectional supers
in the coming autumn, and that they will introduce a new era
in the marketing of honey. At least twice the quantity of
honeycomb would be sold at remunerative prices in comparison
of that which now changes hands everywhere.

These sectional supers are very easily removed or added,
whether fall or empty. Tou have only to insert two pieces of
glass between the sections which are to be parted, also a piece
of zinc or glass may be slipped under the section which is to be
removed. After removal another section can be put in its place
directly and the slip of glass removed. These sectionals have
the merit of cheapness, as they can be procured for 2s. Gd. per
dozen, or they could be manufactured at home by anyone who
knew how to use a few tools adroitly. These sectional supers
will, I feel certain, supersede everything of the kind hitherto in
use. The marvel is that they have not been invented sooner.
— B. & W.

DO BEES REMOVE HONEY?

I PLACE on record the following circumstance, which con-
siderably puzzled me last year, with a view to invite the obser-
vation of my fellow bee-keepers during the present season on the
point in question.

At the end of last July I was watching the progress of a super
which a strong stock was finishing off with great rapidity ; but
what bafilid me was where the bees could procure the honey
from, the harvest, according to my knowledge ol the neighbour-
hood, being over.

Seeing that honey was still being stored in this super I did
not remove my other supers which did not afford facilities for
observation. I also advised a neighbour to return an incomplete
super, as, judging from my observatory super, the harvest was
not a' an end. My observatory super being completed, I re-
moved it and replaced it by another three pacts finished ; but
ttoring now ceased. I then proceeded to remove my other
supers, but to my surprise these had been partly consumed. It
was the sam^ also witti my neighbour's. Here was to my mind
a problem to be solved — viz.. How was it that whilst others
were emptying one was storing up ? I was beaten. Thanks to
our Journal light presently dawned. Not long after I there
read Mr. Pettigiew'a statement that bees do remove honey
above from below. I was convinced that this was the only ex-
planation of the circumstance in question.

If any of your readers can give a more satisfactory explana-
tion, or will make observations this season with that end in
view and record their experiences, they wiU oblige— 0. B.

FOUL BROOD.

About a dozen years ago I was the possessor of fifteen or
twenty stocks of bees doing fairly well, when I made au un-
lucky purchase at Windsor of a wholo apiary of twenty stocks
iu all sorts of hives, that had at one time belonged to the Rev.
Mr. Cotton, whose bees had died iu them of foul brood. The
infection had remained with the hives, and, of course, came to
me. At that time I was inexperienced in bee-keeping and knew
not whit was troubling me, but it will be sufficient to say I lost
all my bees ; still for some years I kept the hives and re-stocked
them, but prosperity never came, and eventually when I arrived
to more knowledge of bees and their ailments I destroyed the
lot. Still each year foul brood in one hive or more never failed
to make its appearance, but by constant and timely supervision
I was enabled to excise the diseased combs, and so for the time
eradicate the plague before the stock was harmed, until I began
to laugh at foul brood in my hives, the combs of which were
all constantly under my view, and where a few foul cells were
sure to be detected without delay. So little did I fear it that I
voluntarily more than once bought diseased stocks, trusting to
my skill that no harm should come of them. Vain trust! My
first trouble last year was with my queen rearing in nucleus
boxes. Scores of queens advanced as far as the sealed larva state,
but there they died ; not one in a dozen hatched, and my experi-
mental queen-raising was consequently a failure. The stocks,
however, last summer were healthy until September, when
some Hungarian brood became very bad, and I destroyed their
combs, adding the bees to a neighbouring colony. Then one

451

JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( Jane 14, 1877.

stock after another became sick, and I determined after excising
the diseased combs to try the new German remedy, salicylic
acid, which Hilbert and other coutiaental apiarians say is a
specific. Their instructions are that a solation »t the acid
should be made and the combs and bees sprayed or sprinkled
with it. This I did with a negative result. Again, I cut out
the bad combs, and having made a pailful of the solution
steeped the remainder in it and washed the inside of all the
hives. This was apparently saccesuful, and by stimulative feed-
ing breeding was actively set up and a good many young bees
hatched before winter. Two hives of bees I bought at the bee
sbovat the Alexandra Palace were also slightly affected with
foul brood, and they having undergone the same process became
immensely strong both in bees and brood. In January I ex-
amined the whole of the stocks, and although some were weak
I saw nothing more of the disease then; but within another
month it mads its re-appearance. The knife and the salicylic
acid were again brought into use, but they were useless. Al-
though the disease might be stayed, the germs were left only to
germinate on the first favourable opportunity. The whole of
my fifteen stocks became affected, and the matter became
serious. Few larvns ever arrived at maturity, and as the spring
advanced the bees died naturally of old age, until I found my-
self in the middle of May left with four Ligurian queens and
about half a pint of bees between them!

Thus I have learnt that there is foul brood and foul brood,
the one may be comparatively harmless, the other most virulent.
I have also learnt that salicylic acid is not the specific it is
vaunted. I spared no trouble or expense in my effort to effect
a cure ; few bee-keepers could have given more attention than I
did, and it was useless. All my beautiful straight worker combs,
nearly two hundred, have been consigned to the melting-pot,
the frames destroyed as well as bee litter about the place, the
hives scalded, washed twice with carbolic acid, once with sali-
cylic acid, and painted three times, and now June 1st, I have
made a fresh start with two purchased swarms. For the last
month I have felt like a fish out of water, and as if a good sting-
ing would do me good.

I am strongly inclined to think that the virulent disease came
to me from Italy with some of the Ligurian queens I have been
in the habit of importing, and was not my old acquaintance which
I have of late years always felt myself able to combat. I am
convinced that much of the ill-success in bee-keeping is caused
by the imknown presence of foul brood in the hives, and the
same hives being used again and again the disease is propagated
both at home and abroad, and I believe that as yet the only
remedy is to stamp it out like we do the cattle plague. Had
my hives been of an inexpensive character I would have burnt
the lot, and although I have taken every precaution to dis-
infect, I am not sure that I am acting wisely in not making
my loss a total one. Time will show. — John Hontek, Eaton
Bise, Ealing.

OUR LETTEE BOX.

Selling PouLTaY {Jane). — We aro unable to answer your question.

Eggs Unfertile (Comiant Subscriber).— The reason that has been
asBiRned as the cause of many of your eggs failing is not a saiticient one. If
it had any foundation its effects would have been aa perceptible in the early
part of the season as now. EgRS are never aa fertile at the end of the eeason
as at the beginning ; this is, we expect, the true cause of the falling-off. The
size of the cocks has nothing to do with it. The Bantam cock can do no
harm.

Gapes in Fov.xs (Smallwood). — The gapes are always caused by the
presence of red worms at the root of the windpipe. When they first come
they are very small {not larger than a thread) and have a very bright, almost
a vermilion colour. We have, however, taken them out of a half-grown
chicken so large as almost to fill the windpipe half of its leagth. They are
very active, and it is the tickling caused by their constant motion that causes
the ehort di-y cough and the gaping in the futile endeavour to get rid of the
peetfl. It is a disease cf youth, and attacks adults as seldom as the whouping
oougli does old people. The original treatment was to introduce a feather
into the windpipe, to turn it round very fast, and to withdraw it suddenly.
Worms, but not all of them, were found entangled in the feather. Another
method was to dip a feather in turpentine and pass it down. Another to
pass down horse-hair loops, twist them, and withclraw them. None of these
were effectual, because they always left some worms behind, and they increase
and multiply. A cure was required that could be used without interfering
•with the windpipe. It could only be done by using something sufficiently
powerful to pervade the system, and to reach by its odour both the seat
' ' ' " '■ Nothing was found to do it so effectually

3n to a fowl or a Pheasant must of uecesaity
in close neighbourhood to the windpipe. As
worms they die, and the disease ceases with
their death. Wherever premonitory symptoms are observed immediate action
should be taken. They may often be arrested by giving the birds no other
water to drink than that which is strongly impregnated with camphor, known
to our grandmothers as *' camphor julep," and believed to be a panacea for
most disorders, aud, more than that, a preventive. We speak from experience.
It will cure the gapes in fowls and Pheasants.

Feeding Chickens (M\ H. W.).—Aa they are sis weeks old you may give
them bailey meal mashed, aud oat grits.

Black Polands {Idem). — Black with white topknots. — Plumage, in both
sexes, uniform glossy black, with the topknot white, the feathers at the base of
the tuft iii front alone excepted, which are black ; the less of these the better;

and the cause of the diseas<
nphur. That which is giv(
some time in the crop j
} the odour reaches the

bat we have never seen a bird of this variety honestly possessed of a wholly
white topknot. The topknot of the cock to face regularly backwards, and
partially on the side, but not so much as to intercept the sight; that of the
hen to be firm, globular, and even. Form : comb of the cock minute, coa-
fiisting of two horns or spikes, which are still smaller in the hen; wattles
large, and brilliant in colour. Head concealed in a great measure by the crest,
bat rounded on the skull; eye prominent; body deep and fall, the breast being
very protuberant ; carriage erect and active. These last points refer to both
sexes. Legs short, clean, and of a dark slate colour. Weight of the adult
cock not less than 5 lbs., nor of the hen than 4 lbs.

Feeding Rabbits {Small Boy).— If your does were careful and thrifty we
should say a quarter of a pint of oats would do for each, with bran and green
food. Dandelion is good food, so are carrot tops and grass. In spite of every
contrivance Rabbits waste half their dry food. Wa always give ours oate
mixed with clover chaff. We also give them water twice per day. Owing to
the waste, large breeding does require half a pint per day.

Swarm Straying {A Part Sit&5cri6cr).— Your question is a difticult one to
answer, but wo fear you can have no claim to your bees that have " gone into
a neighbour's hive previously occupied by bees," even though " followed and
seen" to join them. If your neighbour is a man open to a fair representa-
tion, and there is no question on either side as to the alleged fact, he ought
we think to make you some compensation, varying from lOs. to 15s., accord-
ing to the size of the swarm. More you cannot expect.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Cauden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N. ; Long. 0' S' 0' W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 A.M.

Is TE

E DAT.

il>a

i-6

O.u

Shade Tem-

Radiation

.9

ter.

^.9

Q.'^'O

perature.

Temperatore.

a

S ^"^ ®

£^

BSii

Jane.

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

Max.
des.

Min.
deR.

sun.

grass.
dfltr.

Inches.

deg.

In.

80 036

62.3

53,1

s.

56.9

06.0

47.9

115.9

41.7

0.04S

Th. 7

30.175

59.7

52.0

s.w.

55 5

68.7

44.7

121.3

402

—

?ri. 8

31.135

68.9

54 1

s.

66.2

75 6

48.3

124.0

40.9

—

Sat. 9

30.097

65.3

59.6

w.

68.6

78.2

55.8

128.2

47.3

—

Sou. 10

30.129

65.8

66.6

w.

60.8

80.2

64.2

1S3.2

485

VIo. 11

31.101

67.9

61.6

N.E.

62.2

80.6

53.2

110.4

461

0.210

Tu. 12

29.856

68 6
64.8

64.4
67.3

E.

62.4

68.9

77.5
75.3

57.8
61.7

112.1

57.4
46.0

—

Means

30.076

118.G

0.263

REMARKS.
6th. — Rather dull morning, and generally overcast throughout the day;
rain began about 5.80 p.m., and lasted until 9 p.m., when the sky
cleared.
7th.— Fine throughout ; the range of temperature rather greater than yester-
day.
8th.— Slight haze in morning, but on the whole a fine warm day, but with a

good deal of clou<l.
9th. — Very fine warm sunny day.
10th. — .Another very warm and fine summer day.
lltb.— Hot and sultry, no wind; thunderstorm In S.E. and S S.W. 9 p.m. to

midnight; slight rain from 10 p.m., and heavy after 11 p.m.
12th.— Very wann in the eaily morning, but the rest of the day cloudy and

A week of wa
risen more than S'' bet
May 2yth it was 54-, June 5th 59.1-, and June 12th 64.8-.— G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— June 13.

A FAIR amount of business doing, with a better supply of hothouse fruits.

English Pines in demand. The first home-grown Peas have arrived dm-ing

s. a.

Apples i sieve 0 utc

Ai>rieots dozen 1 6

cWriea lb. 1 0

Chestnuts bushel 0 0

Currants J tieve 0 0

Black i sieve 0 0

Figs dozen 6 0

Filberts lb. 0 0

Cobs lb. 1 0

Gooseberries .. quart 0 4

Grapes.hotb.mie lb. 2 0

Lemons ^ lOi) 6 0

s. d.

Ai-tichokes dozen S ut

Asparagus ^ lOJ S 9

Beans. Jvidney.. 1*100 1 0

Boft. Ked dozen 1 6

Br..LO.U bundle 0 9

Cnl.h;i!;i- dozen 1 0

Ciirn .t s bunch 0 6

II, \v bmich 1 0

Capsieums .... *»■ iOO 1 6

CaiililluwerB.... dozen 2 0

11, w dozen 6 0

C.kry bundle 1 6

Cni.wiii-ts doz. bunches 2 0

Cut ambers .... each 0 6

Fii.hve dozen 1 0

Kiiiiicl bunch 0 S

Garlic lb. 0 6

Hc-rbs bunch 0 2

Lettuce dozen 1 0

I Lccka bunch 0 1

Melons each 3

Nectarines .... dozen 12

Oranges »- 100 10

Peaches dozen 8

Pears, kitchen., dozen 0

dessert dozen 0

Pine Apples .... lb. 2

Plmna J sieve 0

Baapberriea .... lb. 0

StrawbciTies .. lb. 3

Walnuts bushel 6

(htto ^100 0

VEGETABLES.

Mushrooms .... pottle

Mustard & Cress punnet

Onions bushel

pickling quart

Parsley.... doz. bunches

Parsnfps dozen

Peas quart

Potatoes bu'hel

Kidney bushel

New lb.

RadJBbcs., doz. bunches

Khubarb bundle

Salsafv bundle

Seorzouera . . . . bundle

Seakale basket

Shallots lb.

Spinach bURbel

Turnips bunch

new bunch

Veg. Marrows »■ each

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day I Day

ot of

Month "Week.

JUNE 21—27, 1877.

Average

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Eises.

Sun

Sets.

Moon
Rises.

Moon

tiets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock
before
Snn.

D.ay

of

Year.

21 Th 1 Koyal Society at 8 80 p.m. Linnean Society at 8 p.m.

22 F 1 Qneckett Microscopical Society at » p.m.

23 9 ; Boval Bot. So. at 3.45 p M. Crystal Palace EoBe Show.
'24 SCN J 4 Sc.NDAY AFTER TBlSITr.

25 M !

26 To Eieter Eose Show.

27 j W Buxton-on- Trent and Spalding Shows.

Day.

74.4
73.6
72-7
74 1
73.0
74.3
72.8

Night.
48.8
47.1
48.9
49.1
49.2
49,2
48.2

Mean.
61.2
59.9
61.5
61.1
61.1
61.7
60.5

h. m. h. m.
S 45 8 18
3 45 8 18
8 45 8 19
8 45 8 19
3 46 8 19
S 46 g 19
3 47 8 19

h. m

4 SI

5 51

7 6

8 10

9 0
9 35

10 0

h. m.
0 31

0 50

1 16

1 52

2 40

3 42

4 42

Days.
10
11
13
13
•
15
16

l' 31
1 43

1 55

2 8
2 21
2 33
2 4S

172
173
174
175
176
177
178

From observations taken near Lonaon daring forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 73.5= ; and its night temperature
48.6'.

SUMMER "WOEK IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.

N the last day of May we finished planting
our flower garden, and I daresay all your
readers both in early and late districts will
have finished by the time this appears in
print. Bedding-ont time is always a busy
period, especially where there is much of it
to do ; and although the heaviest of the
work may be done then, there are still many
matters requiring attending to, both shortly
after the plants are planted and onwards
throughout the whole of the season. Immediately after
planting the whole of the beds should be run through
with a Dutch hoe to level the soil, and at the same time
remove all stones and rubbish with the hand, which gives
the ground a tidy appearance until it is covered by the
plants. This is how we did our beds, and they were
hoed again the other day because the surface was begin-
ning to look close again after a splendid rain. With the
rain, and particularly the hoeing, the plants appeared to
have made great progress in one night, and as the soil
is now open and the plants in a free growing state we
shall concern ourselves no more about either watering or
hoeing, unless the latter be to kill weeds, and then I
prefer pulling them up with the hand.

But perhaps everyone may not have been so fortunate
in having rain, and in that case something else must be
done. When the beds are very dry and the plants at a
standstill for want of water, begin to overcome this by
hoeing all the beds and leave them very rough. Do this
in the forenoon, and in the .afternoon give them a thorough
and complete watering. I use these two words where
one might do in ordinary subjects to give an impression
of the great importance of a perfect watering, because if
the beds are not made as wet as they would be with ten
hours' constant rain the time and labour spent in water-
ing had much better be applied to something else. After
attending to this in the evening, next morning run the
hoe through the .surface and leave it all neat, as the
surface will not need to be disturbed again, because one
watering given in this way will make the plants grow
through a month of dry weather, and then, come what
may after that time, the plants will stand it without any
artificial assistance.

Plants, especially Geraniums, which have been planted
before they were thoroughly hardened, generally lose
their lowermost leaves, ihese must be picked-off as they
decay, as they are very unsightly. Verbenas, Trop;EO-
Inms, Petunias, and many other straggiing-growing plants
are very liable to be broken or injured by the wind after
they are more than 0 inches in length, and to prevent
this they must be pegged to the ground, and in doing
this arrange the shoots so as to cover as much of the
soil as possible. Tall-growing plants must be staked
according to their height of growth. I know some places
where Geraniums, Calceolarias, Stocks, &c., have all to
be staked, or they would be blown out by the roots ; and
where this is the case all this should be done when they
No. »47.-VoL. XXXIL, New Series

are planted, or very shortly afterwards. I always prefer
pegging to pinching. The latter I never practise unless
to keep a plant in its place.

Where herbaceous plants are growing in the flower
garden stakiug and tjiug must be attended to weekly
thi-oughout the season, and let the flowers be cut from
every plant as soon as they decay. It is wonderinl the
effect this has on the appearance of many plants. I
have seen many Geraniums which seemed entirely past
blooming, but when the dead top of the trusses were
clipped away the buds underneath opened with all their
original beauty. When the beds have a thorough over-
hauling in the way of cutting off dead flowers and remov-
ing withered leaves the surface of the soil must always
be hoed afterwards. Throughout the whole of the sum-
mer-bedding season cleaning and keeping clean must be
the order of the day. If the beds are on grass let that
be cut frequently ; if on gravel, then raking and rolling
must be regularly done. Never let a weed be seen near
a flower, nor an edge become rough. About the begin-
ning of August when the autumn propagation commences
the flower beds are often considerably damaged in appear-
ance for some time, especially if the plants have not
grown much and have to be out hard -in. To avoid this
as far as possible take all cuttings off with care, and trim
both iilants and beds as the cuttings are taken ofi'.

In carpet beds where miniature designs are wrought
out, attention must be frequently paid to pinching the
different plants to prevent them from covering one
another, and also to keep them from growing tall to
lose their effect. In the latter part of September and
throughout October no e.-certion should be wanting to
keep everything fresh and clean in appearance, as in
many instances it is at this time that the flower garden
is most desired to be gay. — A Flower Gardener.

FRUIT TREE CULTURE.

Various articles of great value have recently appeared
in the Journal on this important subject. " W. G." has
written from Kent, " W. 0." from Yorkshire, and Mr.
Abbey, also I presume from the north, have each con-
veyed welcome instruction. These writers all appear to
be in favour of dwarf trees ; while Mr. Kobson, on the
other hand, has borne testimony to the greater useful-
ness of standards for producing " tons of fruit " for the
markets. The law in reference to the planting of fruit
trees has also been alluded to in an able article by a,
Gloucestershire correspondent. That the law, as at pre-
sent established, has a deterrent effect on fruit culture-
few, I think, can deny; and I fear, too, that the legal
impediments will continue to exist since other questions-
more "pressing" are likely to absorb the attention of
our legislators for some time to come, and most of them
in the meantime can obtain plenty of fruit.

One of your correspondents has suggested that tenants
may well plant fruit trees tince they cost but little, and
when worked on precocious stocks, and well managed,
they quickly arrive at a bearing state. It is true that

No. HS9.— Vol. LVIL. Old Series.

45G

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURS AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 21, 1877.

many tenants would do wisely to plant frnit trees as many
have planted them and found the advantage of having done
so ; indeed were it not for the enterprise of the rent-paying
portion of the community the supply of fruit would not be
nearly equal to what it is at the present time. It is the
tenants, as a rule, and not the landlords who have planted the
trees which supply our markets with fruit : and yet the trees
which the tenants have planted are the landlord's property,
and for which, at the expiration of his term, the tenant has no
claim for compensation, even though the trees, which may have
cost him much, have yielded him nothing in return.

It is fortunate that, as a rule, English landlords are both
just and coueiderate and rarely disturb a good tenant ; but
that is not a sufficient reason that there should be a law of
tenant right for agriculturists and none under which planters
of fruit trees can obtain compensation for the outlay which
they have invested in trees — trees which they have to leave
behind them, and which enhance the value of the freehold to
which they belong.

" Wiltshire Rector" has taken a just view of the case, and
arrived at the conclusion that as the trees become the property
of the landlord the landlord should plant the trees. If they
cost but little to the tenant their cost is certainly not greater
to the landlord, while they add much to the value of a home,
however large or small it may be. In country districts where
tenants have planted trees their holdings are regarded almost
with envious feelings by their neighbours, and when a vacancy
occurs of such holdings there is no difficulty in letting them
at an increased rental. This fact is becoming more and more
acknowledged, which is a great advantage, for the evil of the
scarcity of fruit trees will be the more likely to cure itstlf.
Landlords are more disposed to plant a reasonable number of
fruit trees in the gardens of cottagers and others than was
formerly the case. This is a hopeful sign. Fruit trees im-
prove the freehold, and henea benefit the landlord ; they also
certainly benefit the tenant and make him more home-loving
and contented.

An instance not long ago came under my notice of the
benefit which a landlord received from his tenant — a cottager
— having planted a good collection of Apple trees. The tenant
died, and the holding was vacant. Applications were made
lor the holding, and double the original rent would have been
gladly paid for the home, but the landlord preferred to let it
at the old rent and reserve that portion of the garden con-
taining the trees to his own use. Those trees produce more
useful fruit than do the private garden and orchard of the
landlord, who is lord of the manor, and employs a gardener
and half a dozen assistants. The man who planted the trees
lived long enough to have received the reward of his enter-
prise.—the fruits of his labour, and the landlord neither did
him nor no one else any wrong in the course which he adopted ;
but had the landlord in the first instance planted the trees —
they would not have cost him £5 — he would have had a moral
as well as a legal claim on the trees which are yet so valuable
to him. An instance like the one quoted proves the great
value of fruit trees and of the advisability, if not the obliga-
tion, of landlords planting them, charging, of course, if they
choose, interest on the capital they have invested. Several
landlords, us I have before observed, do provide a reasonable
number of fruit trees for the gardens of their tenants, and
many others would no doubt do so if they could see their way
clearly as to the right kinds of trees to plant and the best
varieties.

On this point I submit that when a landlord plants a tree
in the garden of his tenant his object is to plant a permanent
and an useful tree — not an experimental and fancy tree. The
trees which are the most permanent and useful, I hold with
Mr. Robson, are orchard standards. They only require to be
well planted, securely staked, and they will bear immense
quantities of useful fruit without either summer pinching or
winter pruning. Those are the class of trees, I submit, which
should be planted by landlords ; and it any tenant has a fancy
for pyramids and is able to manage them, I think it is not
too much to expect that ho should plant them himself. They
may be the more profitable trets, or they may not : that is
not the question. They are artistic treep, while the standards
are natural trees. None can deny the usefulness of a fruitful
standard tree which nearly manages itself ; but there are many
who are nnable to keep a pyramid tree in a satisfactory
condition.

A few standard Apple trees of such kinds as Keswick Codlin,
Domino (the fruit of Led Pnfliold is often blown o3 standards),

Hawthornden, Stirling Castle, Beauty of Kent, and Dumelow's
Seedling ; and of such Plums as Rivers's Royal Prolific, Vic-
toria, and Gisborne's planted by landlords in the gaifdens
of their tenants could not fail to be of great value, and would
aSord satisfaction alike to those who planted them and those
gathering the fruit.

As summer is the best time for the discussion of such im-
portant matters as the planting of fruit trees I allude to the
subject now, trusting that it may receive consideration before
the time for planting arrives. Too often the considering part
of the question has to be done when the time for action has
arrived — that is, consideration begins at the wrong end of
the season. I ask that thought may be given to the subject
now. I think it was Nelson who attributed his success to
having always been " a quarter of an hour before his time,"
I trust, therefore, that my remarks are not premature. — A

NOKTHEEN GarDENEK.

SOME HAEDT PLANTS BAISED FROM SEED.

Fashion, ever fitful and capricious, may spurn what are not
novel, tender, or scarce, but it does not follow that hardy
plants are wanting in beauty. The great merit of hardy plauts
is their being at the command of a majority of cultivators.
Tender plants are of no use to those who cannot command
glass structures wherein to grow or protect them from the
rigour of our climate ; hence the claim of hardy plants upon
the attention of those with means only for growing such. But
fashion, it is said, like a prodigal returns, and certainly of late
years there has been more favour shown than formerly to old-
fashioned plants. Some of them, it must be said, have not
been entirely neglected, but, on the contrary, they have been
brought to greater perfection.

There are few plants which will bear comparison for quaint
beauty with a mass of Columbines in early summer, the flowers
of Aquilegia caryophylloides being beautifully striped, the
variety of striped and mottled flowers being a study ; and a
mass of the double varieties in mixture is superb, and the
single very singular. There is, of course, some very fine species
of Aquilegia which are grand, but I now allude to the common
Columbine, which will grow in any open situation and in free
soil. It will do admirably in the open spaces of shrubberies,
and spring up among shrubs, by the side of woodland walks,
on rough stony slopes and hedgebanks, yet no one who has
seen them in variety would care to be without amass of Colum-
bines in the garden. I will notice a few other useful plants
which ought not to be forgotten at this period of the year.

Rose Canqiioti (Agrostemma coronaria). — Showy and useful
is the least that can be said of this old-fashioned plant, the
flowers being deep pink or rosy purple, and varieties with
white centres and white with rose centres, some being a near
approach upon crimson. The Double Crimson is the only
double one that is cultivated. The single varieties are, how-
ever, very showy and useful for cutting. Any light soil suits
them.

Canterbury Bells. — Still favourites, now coming to the front,
and deservedly so, for when well grown no border plants sur-
pass them. But a bed or mass is what tells ; and as to variety,
we have blue, white, and rose or pink, and double forma of
the two first, with acquisitions in the new varieties having the
calyx of the same colour as the corolla both in the blue and
white flowers. These (Campanula Medium oalycauthema and
var. alba) are very distinct and beautiful. Then in Cam-
panulas there is the very beautiful C. lactiflora, white, flowers
in branched panicles ; C. bellidifolia, with a branching pyramid-
like spike of violet or blue-purple flowers ; and C. pyramidalis,
blue, and its var. alba. AH stately plants, fine for borders,
and desirable when grown in pots, in which, under good culti-
vation, they attain G feet in height.

Indian Pink. — The great diversity of colour, combined with
bril'iirey, peculiarly fit them for display in a mass. The
colours range from white to the deepest crimson, rayed and
blotched variously, and a bed of them is charming. There is
no need to single out varieties, all are beautiful, and ought to
have a place in every garden. The double kinds ought also
to be grown. They grow about a foot high, and should have
a well-drained soil and sheltered situation.

Foxglove. — Found in every hedge ! What if they are? Are
they not beautiful? Even the common varieties are better
than none at all, and yet there is no need for them, we having
such a variety of spotted and large flowers very little inferior
to those of Gloxinias ; in fact we have Gloxinia-Foxgloves

June 21, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTXAQB GARDENER.

457

(Digitalis gloxinioides) in variety. They are fine for borders or
open spaces in ahrabbories, thriving well in Rhododendron beds
and in woodlands, being partial to light vegetable soil, and
will grow in partial shade.

French Honeysuckle. — The red and white forma are seldom
seen. They are very pretty, and liJie a warm sunny sitaation
and light soil, deep but free from stagnant water. The flowers
are both attractive and fragrant.

Rocket. — Sweet, early summer flowering, in lilac and white
varieties. Very usefal for borders, preferring rich light soil.

Mule Pink (Dianthus hybridus) is simply superb, its lively
rosy crimson flowers being very beautifuj. It is known as
Brown's Male Pink.

Sweet Scabious. — These are having a return to favour. No
flowers are finer for cutting, and the dwarf varieties are superb.
They should be grown by everyone. They like a light soil and
warm eunny situation.

Stocks (Jaly flower, or Stock GiUiflower). — Everybody knows
Brompton Stocks, yet it is remarkable that so few grow them.
A mass of them in early summer is very beautiful, but the
Giant Cape is more continuous-flowering and larger in all its
parts, being had in white, purple, and scarlet colours, and is
nevertheless a Brompton. Qaeen Stocks have " gone out ;"
their fine branching habit, profuse flowering, and large double
flowers ought to have been sufficient to retain them.

Scarlet Lychnis (Lychnis Chalcedonica) has fine orange-
Bcarlet heads of bloom, borne by bold-looking plants, having a
striking effect in bordera and shrubberies. There is a white
variety.

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus vars.). — A mass of Snap-
dragons is very beautiful in early and mid-summer. The
plants continue a long time in flower, are indeed very showy,
and ought to be extensively cultivated. The colours of the
flowers are very varied, some being extremely delicate and
others very rich.

Honesty, purple and white; very gay during the late spring
or early summer months. Tlie seed vessels are semi-transpa-
rent, and when dried are useful for winter bouquets.

Stceet William. — This is one of the few old-fashioned plants
that come to us in improved guise. The Auricula-eyed variety
is a decided advance. Those, with the double varieties, must
supersede the old forms.

Wallflotrer is another of the old-fashioned plants always
prized for its fragrance, and one much improved alike in the
single and double varieties.

The easy mode of raising and growing these plants ought
to win for them extended culture. The seed should be
sown about this time (early June) in light moderately rich
soil in rows rather thinly ; the rows need only be S or 1 inches
apart. The seeds varying in size will need to be covered with
fine soil according to their size, it sufficing if covered about
the diameter of the seeds or a little more, watering as required
so as to bring the seedlings up quickly. When large enough
to handle they should be pricked-oS 3 inches apart in rows
6 inches asnnder, and in these they may stand until autumn
or spring, when they should be planted out. I would suggest
that, a good bed having been secured for the garden, any spare
plants be planted in shrubberies and in any open spaces by the
Bides of woodland walks ; in fact, where there is space for a
weed dig it up and plant a flower. — G. Abbey.

SPRINKLING WATER IN HOTHOUSES.
YonR correspondent, Mr. Taylor, states (page 379) that the
effects of sprinkling the inside surfaces of hothouses on dry
days, with the ventilators wide open, is " to lower the tempera-
tare, and almost certainly to make the atmosphere drier by
evaporation." May I tell him that if he will test the matter
by the aid of a hygrometer (a dry and wet bulb thermometer)
be will find he is entirely mistaken as regards evaporation ?
The direct effect of sprinkling the floors, &c., is to saturate the
atmosphere of the house and make the dry and wet bulbs
approximate. And why is this? Because evaporation and
radiation from the wet bulb is reduced, and its temperature
rises, while in the dry bulb it falls. What takes place on the
bulb of the thermometer takes place also on the leaves of the
plants — 'the strain npon them is reduced. Hence it follows
that sprinkling the floors on bright days is beneficial, for it
cools the air, reduces evaporation, lessens the necessity of
admitting great draughts of dry air (which is very undesirable,
particularly after dull weather), and thereby prevente scorch-
ing or flagging, to an injurious extent at least. This was

pointed out to me long ago by one of the best known Grape-
growers and authors on Vine culture of the present day, and
I have since found it to be quite correct in practice, though I
do not find sprinkling with the above object necessary, except
when the foliage is tender and dull weather is suddenly fol-
lowed by hot and bright sunshine.

Anyone may make a hygrometer in a few minutes'by tying
a piece of soft muslin round the bulb of a common thermometer,
and keeping it constantly moist by means of a piece of cotton
wick and a phial of water. If this is hung up beside a dry
thermometer the difference betwden the two will indicate the
dryness of the air and the evaporation that is going on. The
greatest disparity I ever recorded between the dry and wet
bulbs outdoors in the shade was 14" on a dry April day, while
in the vineries, freely ventilated and sprinkled, less than half
that figure was registered.

Mr. Taylor says, " Sprinkle as much as you like as sooa as
the house is closed." Ha may rest assured that the difference
between sprinkling an open and a closed house is only one of
degree, so long as he does not damp the foliage in the former
case, as he would then be turning the leaves into evaporative
purfaces as well, and chilling would then be the result, similar
to what one experiences when he dips his finger in ether and
then exposes it to the dry air. — J. S.

OLD ROSES.

I WILL endeavour to come up to the scratch as requested by
the " Pakson's Gardener," although I think I have always
done so in my letters to the .Journal, and that the last charge
that can be brought against me is that I do not speak m
mind.

The " Parson's Gardener " asks me to tell him the reason
why Roses like Paul Perras and Juno, which do so splendidly
in pots, should be despised in the open garden. I suppose
that the coachman to whom the " Parson's Gardener " alludes
would scarcely put his large cart horses, excellent in every way
though they may be, into the barouche in which he drives his
young ladies out. He reserves Boxer for the plough and
other suitable employment. So, many Roses which are ex-
cellent for garden decoration or pots are quite out of place in
the exhibition box. I know that the two Roses named are
splendid Roses for pots, but I can safely say that during the
years I have exhibited Roses I have never seen either ex-
hibited even in a nurseryman's seventy-two. And why?
Because so many other Roses of the same colour, and of the
same excellent qualities as to growth and habit, so far excel
them in form that it is useless to place them in the stand
unless when very hard driven for the last two or three Roses.
The nurserymen almost in despair may out one of these, but,
as I said before, I never knew one do so.

Your correspondent looks upon the Rose from such a very
different aspect to what I do that we can never agree. I look
upon it solely as the finest exhibition flower that we have. He
regards it as, I suppose, the finest flower for garden decoration.
I do not want numbers of blooms on my trees ; three or four
at the outside is all I want my plants to bear. He, on the
other hand, wishes for hundreds, aye, thousands of blooms,
that he can cut and come again and again and still find
numbers of blooms of some sort. Both these views as to the
value of the Rose are excellent, and I do not in the least
dissent from your correspondent's view if he will let me hold
mine.

Oar Journal circulates among all kinds of Rose-growers,
and in all probability the great majority of your readers will
agree with him and not with me, so by all means let him go
on and recommend garden Roses, Roses such as he says will
give thousands of blooms for hospitals and festivals, and if I
can possibly find room I will buy some next autumn and try
them once more. Bat what I contend i-s — and I do not think
the " Parson's Gardener " will dissent from this, but he may,
or at least his coachman will — that Paul Perras, Jano, Ch£n6-
dolc, &t., are not exhibition flower?, and that persons who
buy them hoping to combine free blooming with exhibition
properties will find that they have made a great mistake. —
John B. M. Camm.

THE SETTING OF GRAPES.
Seeing some controversy as to the varieties of Grapes setting
I have forwarded by train a pmall box, carriage paid, contain-
ing a bunch of Mrs. Fince's Muscat Grape, if yoa coneiider it

458

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTOBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ June 21, 1877.

deserving of notice. The said bunch is one of seven that was
at first left on a Vine plant»-d 12th of March, 187G. Before
flowering I further reduced them to four, and now to two.
The Vine was simply turned out with a ball and planted in the
centre of the inside border for fruiting last year, but then, I
suppose not having fire heat, it did not set any fruit. If
there be any secret worth knowing, it is plenty of water, plenty
of liquor, plenty of fnlmsp, ond an occasional rub-down with
a camel-hair brush. — Joseph Witherspoon.

[We never saw a buuch of Grapes more perfectly set than
the one referred to by our correspondent, nor a finer and more
healthy leaf of Mrs. Pince's Muscat than the one accompany-
ing it. — Eds ]

SEAKALB.

No donbt your correspondent " B. G." (who detailed his
practice on page H73) has had much experience in the cultiva-
tion of this useful vegetable, but perhaps laud in his district
may not be quite so valuable as it is in the suburbs of London.
" B. G." may depend on growers for the London markets making
the very best of tht-ir land. I have lately had some conver-
sation with one of the most successful growers of Ssakale near
London — namely, Mr. Bagley, Munster Frtrm, Fulham, who is
a grower of from ten to twelve acres of Kale annually, which
is mostly cleared o£f once a-year. Sometimes they leave an
acre or two for more than one year, but this does not occur fre-
quently. They never force old pKnts or crowns in the market
grounds. The Kile is earthed or " landed," as I previously
mentioned for late spring use. As to the time involved in
washing the Kale, I can say that I have seen some of the
finest produce that has ever been sent into the kitchen taken from
the beds without a scratch on it, and bleached with nothing
but the soil in which it was grown. I think if your correspon-
dent saw a load of this Kale he would say that it was a noble
sight to grace the market.

I may mention that the London market growers avoid
taking sets from old plants. They always secure the quantity
they require from the one-year-old roots. I have seen them
planting seta not much thicker than the stem of a tobacco
pipe, which often produce the best crowns. I have just been
through a fine piece of Seakale about four acres in extent, which
had been " sprouted " and looked remarkably well. What I
mean by sprouting is removing the weaktst breaks or shoots
and leaving the strongest one to form the future crown. This
is a very important point in Seakale culture to be attended to i
at the present time. In conclusion I must certainly adhere to
the annual cleai'ance system of growing Seakale. — J. P. M.

the south. Again, some flowers grow diii'erently in different
localities, according as the season may be. The year before
last I grew Mars, s E. ; had I gone by that season's growth I
should have discarded it, as it had no white with me at all.
Last season, however, it was beautiful, and I think it will take
the lead in its class.

I am afraid that "D., Deal," has not had sufficient experi-
ence of the Carnation to constitute him a teacher. Does he
not dress other flowers ? Then why not dress a Carnation ?

The process of dressing is very simple, and in my opinion not
at all opposed to any principle in horticulture. Let "T>.,Dial,"
procure a set of dressing instruments from my friend Ben
Simonite, and let the merest tyro try his hand at dressing a
flower, and if his hand is a steady one he will make some im-
provement in the flower. There is first the camel-hair brush
for brushing off the dust, &c. Is this opposed to any principle?
Then there are the ste*l tweezers for turning back the points
of the calyx, which in some varieties are very long and stiff.
Lastly, there are the finely-tempered ivory tweezers for arrang-
ing the petals, which are easily displaced by strong winds, or
may come with the colours not evenly distributed — that is,
with more flake or bizarre on one side than on the other.
From my situation, if not allowed to dress the flowers, I should
never be able to exhibit, as in the flrst place I have always in
dry weather a cloud of smoke and dust falling on my plants,
and if a wind blows the flowers are frequently blown off and
the petals always disarranged.

If " D., Deal," will pay a visit to Yorkshire in our blooming
time I shall be most happy (he being judge and jury) to dress
a flower or flowers in his presence, and I have not the least
doubt that he will go away convinced that dressing is not only
proper, but that he will go and do Hkewise. — Geokqe Eudd,
UndercUffe , Bradford.

DRESSING CABNATIONS.

I HAVE seen " D., Deal's," note on dressing Carnations, par-
ticularly the one where he refers to its taking days to dress
a stand of twenty-four Carnations and Picotees. Does he
mean dressing or making ? Upon looking back and taking a
bird's-eye view of my experience I find that the average time
occupied by myself and other growers superior to me is ten
minutes per flower, including carding, setting-up, &c. Of
course there are individual flowers which take a longer time ;
but, again, there are those whioh take less.

Aa to the quantity of petals a flower should contain, I myself
am not particular as to the number provided they are good.
In my opinion it matters little whether a flower is shown with
three, four, or five tiers of petals, as there is always room for
a large full flower in a back row, even if it lacks a little refine-
ment, for being placed further from the eye faults are not so
easily discernible. There are, however, now very few, if any,
flowers, which if well grown lack refinement, although they
may make a large flower. Jenny Lind, c.b. (Puxley), is a
type of the large full flowers. It being late prevents it from
being exhibited as often as it otherwise would be ; but when
caught the exclamation is, "How fine!" What premiers it has
won ! but now, alas ! in some seasons the ground colour is
hardly so pare as it should be. My friend Mr. B. Simonite
has let US have one in similar style, only earlier, and I am
greatly mistaken if we do not have a really good variety and
one that will take a lead in its class for years to come. Its
name is John Simonite.

My object in writing this is to prove that we northern growers
do not object to large full flowers provided that the individual
parts are good ; and it invariably happens now that any flower
we may complain of in the north is equally complained of in

FEETILISEES.
We all know how advantageous it is to have the use of some
artificial manures, as they are somewhat improperly called, to
push forward and strengtben our garden crops, and moat of
US know that they ought to be applied only during wet weather,
and that they are really thrown away and wasted if put on
the ground during dry and droughty weather. Many of us
could tell how often we have lost the benefit our gardens would
have derived by a sudden change of weather. Often have I
sprinkled guano, nitrate of soda, etc., when there was every ap-
pearance of rain, only to be disappointed by the weather clear-
ing up. I therefore beg to suggest that your able correspon-
dent who wrote last week on this very important subject,
" Top-dressing — Fertilisers," will favour us with the informa-
tion of the proper proportions of guano, superphosphate of lime,
nitrate of soda, soot, and salt, Ac, to be mixed or dissolved
in water ; say how many pounds or ounces should be mixed
in ten gallons of water, how many square yards of ground that
quantity should be applied to, and what crops will beneficially
absorb the ten gallons of mixture. I intentionally aek lor the
quantities in pounds and ounces per ten gallons of water
because measures vary very much in different parts of the
country, and strong manures require to be most carefully ad-
ministered, for they are powerful for good or evil as rightly
or wrongly used ; and I therefore think that instead of trusting
them to the chancea of a light or heavy fall of rain, the best
and most advantageous way of using them will be dissolved or
mixed in proper proportions with water. — G. 0. S.

THE RAMBLING NOISETTE ROSE.

The Rambling Noisette is not much known. It was found
in a bed of seedlings made in 1825 by Marie Noisette, a nursery-
man at Brie-Comte-Robert, and flowered for the first time in
1829. It is a variety with long shoots, attaining 10 to 12 feet
long, rambling on the surface of the ground like the shoots
of a Bramble. Its flowers are double, of a clear milk white, of
medium size, and exhaling an odour suggestive of that of the
Musk Rose, and produced in a corymb of five to twenty, issuing
from the wood of the preceding year.

" I had grafted some on Briars 12 feet high," says Marie
Noisette; " their drooping branches supported by a hoop pre-
sented an agreeable aspect. In fact, where those branches
were covered with thousands of Roses they were splendid, an
idea of the beauty of the flowers being suggested by recalling
those of Aimee Vibert, the pearl of white Roses."

No rambling Rose is more beautiful than this. It is valuable

Jaae 21, 1877. J

.JODRNAL OP HOSTIGUIiTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

459

for covermg bowers, arbours, rockwork, fences, garlanda, &a.
We repeat it is beautiful, more beautifal than a hundred others
Bent into commerce since, and it is surprising that a variety so
meritorious should disappear from gardens.

It would be diUijult now to procure the Rambling Noisette
Kose (Noisettiana repens). The greatest amateurs do not pos-
sess it, nevertheless a plant of this excellent queen of flowers
exists with M. Acbille Aubry, Mayor of Coubert, where M.
Coohet has lately discovered it. In a year the horticultural
eatabUshment of M. Coehet will be able to supply this varietj
to those who are desirous of possessing a beautiful and good
Rose, very vigorous, long-lived, and acquiring an enormous
growth. — (Journal des Roses.)

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GREAT
SUMMER SHOW.— JusE 19th.

When we remember bow successful the previous shows of the
Society have been during the present year, the Committee
meetings which have grown into exhibitions, the spontaneous
efforts made by the growers and exhibitors of plants for Covent
Garden, and the united display subsequontly made by those
growers and the chief nurserymen on the occasion of Her
Majesty's visit on May 2ad — when such a splendid example of
horticultural loyalty was exemplified — it was not to be expected
that on the occasion of the visit of the popular Prince and
Princess of Wales that other than a rich, varied, and extensive
display would be provided. As soon as it became known that
their Royal Highnesses had signified their intention of ailordiug
the Society the benefit of their patronage, it was certain that
efforts would be made both by the directorate and exhibitors
to render the Show worthy of the occasion. The result has
proved, as it was certain to prove, that those efforts have been
successful, for the exhibition on Tuesday was remarkable both
for its extent and bi^h quality.

It is noteworthy, particularly so, that during the whole of the
exhibiting term the displays have been of what may be termed
an honorary character ; and that they have been sustained in
the powerful way thay have been is the greatest compliment
that could have been paid to the old Society and its Couucil,
and have proved in a signal manner the vitality of horticultural
life even when its chief exponent was struggling with dilB unities
of a nature which many felt to be insurmountable. The season
hitherto has been a season of success ; it has been a success
of unity, not of contest. The Exhibition afforded a striking
instance of the resources of our pnncipal nurserymen. At show
after show they pour forth their treasures in all their freshness,
fulness, and beauty. On this occasion they appeared to be in
finer form than ever, and made a noble winding-up of the summer
shows of the preseut year — a grand finish to a successful season ;
a success in upholding the influence of the Society and the
object of it — the promotion of horticulture — rather than asuccrss
wnereby one exhibitor has triumphed over another, or where the
fight has been fur immediate gain, where prizes have gone to a
few and blanks to many.

That contested exhibitions have done much for British horti-
culture none can deny. They have perhaps done more than
anything else to promote high culture ; but the experiment,
dictated, wo presume, by circumstances and not adopted from
choice, of uncnuteatod exhibitions, has certainly proved that the
issue has not been an issue of degeneration. Larger plauts may
have been staged than those exhibited at Soutb Kensington tbis
year, but plauts of greater value, in greater variety, and in better
condition have not been witnessed during recent years. Com-
petition will cojne again, and it will be none the less enjoyable
and ardent for the year of grace that has been afforded ; and in
the meantime it is satisfactory to find that the extjibitions have
been so good ; and it is also satisfactory — and tbis must be placed
to the credit of tbe S iciety — tbat no one has exhibited worthily
without having received a meed of recognition. It has been a
year of modals not of money, and medals carry a value bejoud
their immediate and intrinsic worth. Medals were awarded
on Tuesday, aud well tbey were won. Let iis now look iu what
manner and with what materials ; first, however, giving a general
idea of the character of the Exhibition.

The comprehensive nature of the Show may be gathered from
the fact that the Society's schedule containecl forty-nine clanses
— twenty-four for amateurs aud twenty-five for nurserymen and
the trade; the PoUrJonium section twenty-four classes, and
twelve prizes were offered by Mr. William Bull, fur plants of bis
inroduction, comprising as many silver cups — four of hfiuen, f.>nr
of ten, and four of six guineas in value, together with money
prizes in two classes amonuting to i.'ll — iu all seventy-seven
classes. From the Council-room to the Exhibition the bro^d
walk, about 160 yards long, bad been covered with cauvas,

making the approach delightfully cool preparatory to the still
cooler reception which had been provided by Mr. Wills. The
Pelargonium tent, 1.50 yards in length, was placed directly
across the broad walk, and was entered from the north side
immediately in the centre ; and just at this point Mr. Wills had
blenrled winter with summer — the tropical with the frigid zone,
for a rugged pile of icebergs had been erected from the inter-
stices of which were a few graceful Palms, just suUioient for
affording relief to tbe glistening blocks of ice, and by contrast
intensifying, as it were, its cool appearance. The arctic-
torrid pile was further ornamented with Water Lilies fringed
with fresh green plants of Lysimachia Nummnlaria, and sup-
ported at intervals above it in ornamental vases were brightly
coloured plants of Pandanus Veitchii, with a base of Lycopods
and Isolepis gracilis. In the centre was a large terra cotta
fountain reaching nearly to the top of the tent. The vases,
fountain, *o., were provided by Messrs. F. Kosher & Co., King's
Road, Chelsea, London, and the ice employed exceeded six tons.
It was a bold and skilfully arranged example of advanced deco-
ration, and was particularly appropriate during the sultry and
brilliant day.

The Pelargonium tent was 120 yards iu length, and was filled
from end to end with an excellent display of these plants and
some extensive collections of Irises and Lilies.

The Fruit and Vegetable tent, which contained also table
decorations, ttc, was of nearly the same length as the Pelar-
Konium marquee, and was at right angles with it, and was also
quite filled. From the other end— tbe east end of the Pelar-
gonium tent — a covered way conducted to the large marquee in
which the principal collections were arranged. The reception
was here again appropriately cool, for Messrs. Dick Radulyffe
and Co. had erected a charmingly natural pile of artificial rock-
work. The stones were carpeted with moss, and from the
crevices sprang fresh greon Ferns, Begonias, itc. Spurting foun-
tains sent jets of tiny spray from the base-like miniature springs,
and from the top of the rock a gurgling stream of water poured
into the pool below. The whole had a very refreshing effect.
A short distance from the rockery and arranged in a semicir-
cular manner round it were a fine collection of Ivies in pots from
Messrs. Laue & Son, Berkhampstead, the plants being trained
as pyramids. These afforded an effective background to the
rockery. On either hand and affording colour were some fine
collections of " market plants," the Lilinms especially imparting
a delicious odour. Having noticed the entrance we will take
a momentary stand iu the centre of the marquee. In the very
centre where a group of plants were formerly arranged there
was on this occasion a simple circle of smooth lawn, the plauts
being arranged on elevated turf-covered mounds sufficiently
isolated to show their distinctness, and were rendered all the
more bright and effective by the neutral centre, which also
afforded additional room for purposes of promenade. The plan
adopted was unquestionably the right one from whatever point
of view it was regarded — whether for convenience or effect. The
first group at the end was Mr. WilUams's great collection. This
was flanked on the one hand by a fine collection of Cycads and
new plants from Mr. Bull, and on the other by the Orchid col-
lections, brilliant boxes of Irises from Messrs. Veitch, also
Japanese Acers, amoi>gst which the distinct white Hydrangea
Thomas Hugg showed conspicuously.

At the opposite eud of the tent was arranged a group resem-
bling a tropical forest, composed of immense Tree Ferns, large
Palms, and towering Cordylines, the group being fringed with
a bank of Lycopods, from which sprang bright flowering and
foliage plants, with here and there elevated above them fiue
specimens of Nepenthes — a fine group, about which it is not
necessary to say another word. It was flanked by a group of
great variety and richness from Messrs. Veitch on the one hand,
the opposite bank being crowned with fiue specimens of Ivies
from Mr. Turner, Slough ; tbe sides of the bank being occupied
with Ferns and hardy flowers from Mr. Parker, Tooting, aud a
large and good miscellaneous collection of plants from Messrs.
Rollisson & Sons. Such is the general effect of the central
portion of the Show. The opposite outer sides of the banks
were excellently filled, as was tbe marginal border surrounding
the marquee.

We may now look a little more in detail at some of the chief
collections.

Tbe collections of nurserymen and the trade were necessarily
the more extensive and important features of the Show, con-
sequently they first demand notice. The groups were un-
limited as to the number of plants; space of a given extent
having been appropriated to each exhibitor, which he occupied
with plants of his own choice, and arranged them, of course,
BO as to best display their attractions. This mode of exhibit-
ing undoubtedly possesses many advantages. According to
the arbitrary stereotyped plan of specifying the plauts an ex-
hibitor must necessarily leave many specimens at liome, which
whether they are large or small are highly attractive; but by
the plan here adopted opportunity was afforded for every plant
of merit being arranged, and the combinatiouB thna effected

460

JOURNAL OF HORTICDIiTURB AND OGirAGE GARDENEB.

afforded excellent lessons in grouping. The first class in the
nurserymen's section of the schedule was for a group of miscel-
laneous plants in or out of flower. Many Rplendid groups were
arranged , the largest perhaps, and composed of the largest plants,
being frem Mr. B. S. Williams. It occupied fully 100 square yards
of space. At the back were large Talms, and in front of them
specimen flowering and fine-foliaged plaDts, the whole being
fringed with smaller plants including some tine Orchids, especi-
ally Odontoglossum vexillarium, Cattleyas, and Cypripediums.
There were a few Pitcher-plants, also excellent Heaths, richly
coloured Pelargoniums (Capt. Eaikee) and many more HoUoway
treasures — a most imposing collection, and admirably arranged.
Messrs. Veitch's collection occupied less space, but not a less
number of plants. The group was almost indescribably rich,
and one over which hours might have been spent, and every
moment have found something fresh to admire. In the centre
of the group was a stately Tree Fern, at the front of which was
a fine new Alocasia Thibautiaua; at the front of this again was
the finest plant of Nepenthes sanguinea that has ever been
exhibited. Another grand Nepenthes was N. viUosa (lanata).
N. Hookeriana, N. Chelsoni, and N. hybrida maculata were also
admirably exhibited. The group also included brilliant Crotons,
Orchids, choice Ferns, and a wonderful collection of insectivorous
plants. A group of the latter elevated on a pedestal deservedly
absorbed great attention, as also did an elevation of tiny Orchids
at the opposite corner. A fine pan of Utricularia montana was
charmingly conspicuous, and not less so was a specimen of
Odontoglossum naavium with nearly thirty spikes. The Mas-
devallias had also a very rich effect. It was an extremely valu-
able and arti.sticaUy arranged group, quite worthy of the repute
of the exhibitors.

Mr. Wills's striking group above mentioned was exhibited in
this class. The collection of Messrs. Bollisson contained Palms,
Ferns, Dractenas, brightened with Lilium Szovitziannm, Tucca
filifera variegats. Orchids, Phloxes, double Pyrethrums, and
Nertera depressa. A good collection.

On the next mound Meesrs. F. & A. Smith, Park Eoad,Dulwioh,
exhibited a lively group of flowering plants. Ferns, itc, which
showed to great advantage near the fine first-prize collection of
hardy Ferns from Mr. Stone, gardener to J. Walton, Esq.,
Acton : — Onoclea sensibilis, Athyrium Filix-foemina Fieldingi,
A. F.-f. plumoBum, and Davallia bullata were very fine ; Mr.
Ley also exhibited well in the same class. Divided from those
by Mr. Turner's splendid Hollies was the capital collection of
hardy Ferns and flowers from Mr. Parker, which included col-
lections of cut blooms of PtBOuiea and double Pyrethrums. We
next came to an extensive and capital group of fine-foliaged
plants from Messrs. James Carter & Co., High Holborn, London,
the effect of which was considerably enhanced by a marginal
line of the charming low-growing hardy annual, lonopsidium
acaule. Some baskets of Coleus Duke of Edinburgh, surrounded
with Nertera depressa and edged with lonopsidium, were admired
in this group.

Following the walk, the back of the next central mound con-
tained Ericas, stove and greenhouse plants, and Orchids. For
Ericas Messrs. Jackson & Sons, Kingston-on-Thames, were
awarded the first prize, a gold medal, for specimens which have
been previously described. A gold medal was also awarded to
the same exhibitors for a very fine group of flowering plants
and Ferns. This collection contained a capital example of
Platyoerium grande, several Orchids, Aphelexes, &o., also strik-
ing specimens of Saxifraga ncpalensis, the white dense pyra-
mids of which were highly effective.

In the amateur Orchid classes the first prize was awarded to
F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Avenue Road, Eegeat's Park; and the
second to Mr. Perry, gardener to J. W. Miles, Esq., Shirehamp-
ton, Bristol, for well-bloomed specimens of medium size. Messrs.
W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, exhibited a bright and healthy
collection of medium-sized plants. Hedera canariensis aurea in
this group was very effective. The other plants consisted of
Heaths, Aphelexes, and other hardwooded plants and Palms.

Messrs. John Laiug li' Co., Forest Hill, arranged an extensive
and varied collection of ornamental-foliagtd plants, such as Pan-
danuses. Ferns, Caladiums, Dracicnas, Yuccas, and well-coloured
plants of Bicolor Pelargoniums. Of these Exquisite, The Czar,
J. J. Weir, Mrs. H. Weir, Earl of Rosslyn, and Mr. Horniman
are an excellent half-dozen.

A very extensive and v.aluable group of new and ornamental
plants were exhibited by Mr. Bull. 'The centre of the mound
was occupied with remarkable Cycads and a few Palms, note-
worthy amongst which were a fine plant of Kentia Moorei, and
the only plant in Europe of Pritchardia grandis. In fine con-
trast with the above was the richly-marbled Dracasua Goldieana,
Bomaria Carderi, several Crotons and Aralias, Regal Pelar-
goniums, &c. Marant-i Massaugeana was excellently shown, as
also was Bertolonia Van Houttei; but a plant which absorbed
much attention was the curious adhesive plant Marcgrnavia
paradoxa, which was selfallixed more closely on a deal board
than could have been doue by any manipulation ; the leaves are
dark green, cordate, about i inches broad and 5 inches long.

A splendid group of twelve fine-foliage plants were arranged
by T. M. Shuttleworth, Esq., to which the first prize was deser-
vedly awarded. Dasylirion gracilis in this group was in perfect
condition aud was greatly admired; Gleichenia semivestita was
about 7 feet in diameter, and Croton undulalum was nearly as
large and in excellent colour, while C. angustifolium was still
larger. Dion edule was very attractive, and Cycas revoluta and
Pandanuses were very large.

Mr. Wills exhibited an extensive collection of the Anerley
Dracaenas in admirable health and rich colour. D.Voluta ap-
peared to be better than ever, as also did D. Marginata,
D. Willsii, D. Bausei, and D. Alexandra; ; while Mrs. Bause
and Mrs. Wills arrested the attention of many visitors. Messrs.
Hooper >t Co., Covent Garden, arranged a choice collection o£
small Palms.

In the class for " Pelargoniums of any or all classes," Mr.
James, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., Eedlees, was easily
first with a very good display of well-grown show and fancy
varieties ; Mr. Lacy, gardener to C. S. Martineau, Epq., Wig-
more Park, Dorking, having the second prize. At the same side
of the marquee were collections of fine-foliaged plants from
Messrs. G. Lee & Son, Hammersmith, and one still more ex-
tensive from Messrs. Osborn & Sons, Fulham, to which a silver
medal was awarded. Messrs. Standish & Co., Ascot, exhibited
Filmy Ferns ; Taxus fastigiata aurea, very bright ; and a group
of well-flowered plants of the white Carnation Miss JoUiSe. For
a group of Palms and Cycads the first prize was awarded to Mr.
Wills for very good specimens.

We now come to the last, but not the least in effectiveness, of
the collections in the large marquee — namely, the classes for
decorative plants as grown for Covent Garden. ^Ir. Herbst,
Kew Nursery, Richmond, was awarded a first prize for an
admirable collection of Palms, the plants being perfectly clean
and in the best of health. Some young plants of Cocoa Wed-
delliana were extremely fresh and bright. A firat prize was also
deservedly awarded to Mr. J. Reeve, Acton, for a most effectively
arranged group of admirably grown plants. The front row was
composed of a rich blue Lobelia, the second of Mignonette, the
third of Rhodanthe Manglesi, Kalosanthes coccinea, double
Petunias, and yellow Calceolarias; the fourth of Adiantum
cuneatum, beyond which was a mixture of Balsams, Fuchsias,
Pelargoniums, Hydrangeas, Liliums, &c., all in the best of con-
dition— a most attractive group. The second prize was awarded
to Mr. Savage, Hyde Nursery, Edmonton. The plants were
arranged in rows from the walk up the bank; first a row of show
Pelargoniums, then one of Calceolarias, nest Heliotropes, fol-
lowed with Hydrangeas, and again with Calceolarias and dark
Geraniums. The bank was edged with blue Lobelia, and was
very bright.

We next came to a collection arranged by Messrs. Pounce and
Sons, 18, Wesibourne Grove, but to which we could not find any
card of honour attached. If this group was omitted by the
Judges we do not hesitate saying that a mistake was made. It
certainly met with a large share of approval from the visitors.
The front row was formed with Geraniums L'Elegaute, then
3 feet in width of the Cloud Grass, Agrostis pulchella, in which
the word '' Welcome " was distinctly brought out iu blue Lobelia;
beyond this were two rows of flowering plants, then more
grasses and more flowers until the top of the bank was reached.
It had cost much labour in arrangement, and was, as many
ladies observed, " really very pretty." Mr. Brown, florist. Hen-
don, exhibited groups of admirably grown plants of Pelargoniums
and Fuchsias.

A very attractively arranged rustic basket was exhibited by
Mr. Hopper, gardener to C. O. Ledward, Esq., The Elms,
Acton. It was filled with Pandanuses, Caladiums, and Crotons
round a central Palm, and edged with Cisaus discolor and Pani-
cum variegatum.

FBOIT AND -VEGETABLES.

There was a very good display of fruit arranged along the side
of the long tent, aud all the collections shown were of excellent
quality. In Class 21, for collections of fruit (amateurs), there
were several exhibitors, the first prize falling to Mr. Miles,
gardener to Lord Carington of Wycombe Abbey, Bucks. There
were excellent Pines ; Foster's Seedling Grapes not quite ripe,
and Black Hambureha, very fine ; Black Circassian and Elton
Cherries ; Violntte Hative aud Elruge Nectarines ; Stirling Castle
and Violette Hative Peaches; Cox's Golden Gem aud Reid'a
Scarlet-flash Melons; andSir C. NapierStrawberries. These were
far in advance of the other collections. Second honours going
to Mr. W. Cox, The Gardens, Madresfield Court, Great Malvern.
He had first-rate Sir Charles Napier and British Queen Straw-
berries, good Queen Pines, Black and White Grapes, Peaches,
and Melons. 'I'he third award was given to Mr. Goodacre, gar-
dener to the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle, for a col-
lection of similar fruits to the others.

In Class 22, for single dishes of Grapes, Pines, Strawberries,
Peaches, Nectarines, and Melons, or collections of any of these
fruits, the first prize wont to Mr. Coleman, gardener to Earl
Somers, Eastnor Castle, for a fine Black Prince Piae, Victory of

Jane 21, 1877 ]

JOURNAL OF HOBXICULTUEB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

461

Bath MelonB, Peaches, Nectarines, and Grapes. Second Mr'
W. Bates, Ponlett Lodge, Twickenham, for splendid Black and
TVhite Grapes, Queen Pines, &c. Third prize went to Mr. P.
Edwards, gardener to Mrs. Tristram, Liphook, Hants, whose
collection included good Muscats and Black Hamburgh Grapes.

Class 47 (trade growers), for a basket of Black Grapes, some
splendid-coloared Black Hamburghs with good bloom and fiuish
and Sir C. Napier Strawberries were exhibited by Mr. R. Far-
rance, florist, Shadwell Heath, Essex. These were the best-
coloured Grapes in the Show.

Veqet.ujles. — In Class 23 (amateurs), for a collection of
vegetables, there was fair lot shown. The first prize went to
Mr. Miles for a capital display, including Veitch's Asbleaf
Potatoes, excellent Asparagus, Tomatoes, Peas, Beans, Mush-
rooms, Carrots, Onions, Cucumbers, and Cauliflowers, in all
twenty-four dishes. The second prize fell to Mr. Pragnell, gar-
dener to G. Digby, Esq., Sherborne Castle, Dorset. These were
good in quality and consisted of thirteen dishes. The third
prize went to Mr. Iggulden, gardener to B. W. Baker, Esq.,
Orsett Hall, Essex, for a collection of twenty-four dishes.

In Class 48, for the trade growers, Mr. Harwood, St. Peter's
Street, Colchester, took a first prize; he exhibited very fine

CUT FLOWEK.S AND PLANTS.

In the class, for vases, baskets, and bouquets of dried flowers,
Messrs. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, showed a grand col-
lection, taking up one end of the tent. Messrs. Ivery & Sons of
Dorking came out well with about eighty kinds of hardy Ferns,
for which they received a first prize. In the amateurs' class for
a group of hardy herbaceous plants Mr. W. Roberts, gardener to
\f. Terry, Esq., Fnlham, was first with fine and well-grown
plants, including Campannlas, Liliums, PiEonias, Pyrethrums,
Delphiniums, &c. Mr. R. Dean of Ealing also exhibited a group
of similar plants in flower, and had the first prize in the nursery-
men's class. He also showed a splendid group of bedding plants,
for which he received a first prize. Mr. Roberts was again first
with a fine collection of bedding plants in pots ; also for a box
of cut blooms of Irises ; and Mr. H. Hooper was awarded a first
prize for a grand lot of cut flowers of Eannncalnses, Paueies,
Paeonies, and Pyrethrums.

Roses were not plentiful, but were very good in quality. In
the nurserymen's class for twelve boxes of cut blooms Mr.
Turner took a first prize. He had a fine box of Miss Hassard and
other popular sorts. In the amateurs* class for a collection of
cut blooms in boxes, J. Hollingworth, Esq., Turkey Court, Maid-
stone, took first honours with some good blooms of all the lead-
ing kinds. In the same class the second prize went to Mr.
Chf»rd, gardener to Sir Frederick Bathurst, Clarendon Park,
Salisbury.

A first prize was awarded to Messrs. Barr & Sugden, Covent
Garden, for cut blooms of double Pyrethrums. The same
firm also sent a box of cut blooms of various bulbous plants,
which were very effective. In the same class Mr. Turner sent
some splendid Piootees and Pinks. They were much admired,
and received a first prize. In the same class Messrs. Hooper and
Co. contributed a mixed collection of plants in pots and a box
of cut blooms of bulbous plants, and had a first prize awarded.

In the class for Liliums G. F. Wilson, Esq., was awarded first
honours for some rare and beautiful flowers, including L. elegans
" Alice Wilson," which received a firstclass certificate. H.J.
Elwes, Esq., was also a successful exhibitor in this class. Mr.
Elwes also staged a fine collection of bulbous plants, which were
greatly admired.

In the class for dinner-table decorations there were eight or
nine competitors; taking them throughout the tables were
light and elegantly arranged — an improvement on the heavi-
ness we sometimes see displayed. The first prize went to
Messrs. Pounce & Sons, W.i, Queen's Road, Bayswater, for a
very pretty design composed of a centre glass of cut flowers
of all the choice kinds that could be obtained, including Orchids
and other stove plants. The ends were filled up with similar
shaped glasses only smaller, and filled with similar flowers,
surrounded with small glasses filled with Stephanotis. The
second prize was won by Messrs. Wood, Parmley, & Co., 1'.),
Park Side, Koightsbridge; but appeared to be a design more
suitable for a larger table. The freshness of the flowers was
noticeable in all the exhibits.

A very handsome group of skeleton leaves, flowers, and Ferns
was exhibited by Mrs. M. Hodgkins, :J.5, Hyde Grove, Man-
chester, and attracted much attention on account of their orna-
mental and silvery appearance. A first prize was awarded. An
exhibition of glass in prismatic colours and decorated with
Ferns was submitted by John Gardner & Sons, 45a, Strand,

Bouquets (Brides'). — The first prize went to a most elegant
one composed of choice Orchids, Eucharis, Tuberoses, Bouvar-
dias, Spirseas, Gardenias, and Adiantums; it was exhibited by
Miss Moyses, 22, Stockbridge Terrace, Bclgravia. A collection
of twenty-four bouquets were exhibited by Mr. W. Stone, Centre
Row, Covent Garden.

Messrs. J. J. Thomas & Co., Paddiogton, exhibited several

examples of wirework, alsoHented garden seats appropriate for
hot weather ; and Messrs. Read & Co. had a stand of watering
engines, syringes, &c.

PBIZES OFFERED BY MR. BDLL.

The plants occupied a great portion of one of the sides of the
tent, and produced a rich and varied effect. The first prize in
Class A, for twelve plants sent out since the commencement of
1876, was awarded to T. M. Shuttleworth, Esq. (Mr. Thornber,
gardener), Howick House, Preston, who certainly exhibited the
finest group in this section of the Show. The plants were not
only in excellent health, but were very large specimens. The
back plants consisted of Encephalartos villosus ampliatns,
Astrocaryum fliiare, and Sadleria cycatheoides, very beautiful.
At the front of these were splendid plants of Croton majesticum
and Campsidium filicifolium ; and at the front of these again
were Arnlia elegantissima, Croton Disraeli, in admirable colour ;
Ixora regina^, very fine trusses ; Macrozamia plumosa, Lomaria
Dalgairnsinc, Maranta leopardina, and Bertolonia superbissima.
The second prize went to J. Warren, Esq., Handcross Park,
Crawley, Sussex (Mr. Rann, gardener). This was a capital group,
the most striking plants, perhaps, being Croton volutum and
Martinezia granatensis; but all were very good.

In Class B, for twelve new plants sent out by Mr. Bull since
the commencement of 1874, the first prize was awarded to Mr.
B. S. Williams, HoUoway, who staged good examples of Cycaa
media, Sadleria cycatheoides, Brahea filameutosa ; Crotons ma-
jesticum, Henderson!, splendidum, and volutum; Dipladenia
Brearleyana, Aralia elegantissima, Goniophlebium glauoophyl-
lum, Curmeria Wallisii, and Panax laciuiatus. The second prize
went to Messrs. J. &R. Thyne, Glasgow, for a capital group in
which Macrozamia Mackenzii was extremely fine, the rich dark
leaflets having each an ivory-white spot at their base— a charm-
ing plant. DiXimonorops ornatus was also very beautiful.

In Class D (twelve new plants), for nurserymen not having
previously won any of Mr. Bull's cups, Mr. Wills appeared the
only exhibitor and was awarded the silver cup, value ijis, and
£10 in money, for Crotons Rex and majesticum, Sadleria cyca-
theoides, Spathyphyllum pictum ; Aralias filicifolia, gracillima,
and elegantissima; Artocarpus Cannoni, Maranta leopardina,
Lomaria Dalgairnsiffi, Encephalartos Hildebrandi, and Cycas
media, all in excellent condition,

PELARGONIUM SHOW.
The prizes offered by the Pelargonium Society brought to-
gether a good competition, the flowers being peculiarly fresh
and good. Mr. Charles Turner was awarded the first prize for
six show Pelargoniums, his plants being of that excellence that
has always marked the Slough collections, and consisted of Prince
! Leopold, Corsair, Prince of Prussia, Highland Lassie, and Areh-
I duchess. The second went to Mr. J. Hodgson ; good plants,
but displaying a good deal too much of stakes and ties. For
four large-flowering v.arieties the first prize went to E . B . Foster,
Esq., Clewer Manor, for Illuminator, Ensign, Artist, and Despot ;
the second to Mr. Turner for Virgin Queen, Silvio, Toby, and
Purity. For six small-flowered Pelargoniums the first prize
was awarded to Mr. J. Hodgson for excellent plants of Fanny
Gair, Lucy, Princess Teck, and Lady Carington ; the second to
Mr. Charles Turner. For eighteen large-flowered Pelargoniums
of the show type, but including any French or other kinds, the
first prize was awarded to Mr. Turner for an excellent collec-
tion in which were many curiosities — Elegantissima, very old ;
Duchesse de Morny, bright pink; Madame C. Keteleer, each
petal with large spot on the edge; Alice, somewhat of the same
character ; Prince of Wales, Beauty of Hoxton, both fine speci-
mens of Regal Pelargoniums ; Boncharlet, very dark.

In the class for nine zonal Pelargoniums (florists' class), first
prize was aw.irded to Mr. J. Catlin, gardener to Mrs. Lermitte,
sen., Finchley, for some grand plants. Corsair especially was
one of the finest plants ever seen, it was one mass of flower;
Mrs. Catlin, salmon-coloured, almost equally grand; Maud,
Hebe, Enone, Remus, Laura, Lizzie Sayer, and Ellen Pearson.
For four Pelargoniums not in commerce (zonal), small plants
were shown, Mr. Burley taking first prize with four of Mr.
Postans' seedlings, Silvio being very fine, great stoutness of
petals; R. B. Postans, dark; Negro, and Freedom. Dr. Denny
was second with four of his seedlings, Marmion being the finest.
Mr. George was third. In the class for eighteen zonal Pelar-
goniums Mr. Catlin was first with some of the newer kinds,
amongst which Lucy Bosworth (Pearson), Birze's Mrs. Birze,
Charles Smith (Pearson), very dark; Irene (Denny), new colour;
Lizzie Sayer, good ; Rose of AUandale (Denny), beautiful soft
pink, large flower, fine truss; Mrs. Rogers (Pearson), fine rose.
The second prize was awarded to Mr. Birze, gardener to J. H.
Lermitte, Esq., Finchley.

For nine Pelargoniums (decorative class) the first prize W88
again awarded to Mr. Catlin for fine plants of Mrs. Turner, John
Gibbons, Thomas Adams, Miss Sanders, Rev. J. Atkinson, and
Matilda.

A very large collection of large-flowered show Pelargoniums
was exhibited by Mr. Charles Turner, comprising many of the

462

JOURNAL OF HORTIODLTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t Jane 21, 1877.

new varieties : amongst them Lilian, very soft pink ; Challenger,
brilliant in colour; Revenge, nearly scarlet ; Ambassador, soft
rose ; Rath, very soft pink, round and beautifully shaped flower ;
Rev. H. Matthews, large and fine ; Maid of Honour, an old but
beautiful flower ; Duchess of Cambridge, very fine scarlet ;
Troubadour, lovely soft salmon pink.

Amongst those not yet sent out the following were exhibited
in the show class — Covenanter, first-class certificate; Inflexible,
a large hue flower, first-class certificate; Despot, dark; Elo-
quence, fine painted flower; Fortitude (Foster), soft salmon
colour; Mrs. Pope (Turner), fancy, very good; Rebel, dark scarlet.

In the class for twenty-four cut flowers Mr. Burley was first
with fine blooms ; amongst them were Sultan, Mrs. Munster,
Charm, Snow, Silvio, Galileo, Tom Bowling, Squire Weald. Mr.
Mcintosh of Duneevaa was first in the class for twelve varieties,
with twelve varieties all of Mr. Pearson's raising : — Captain
Hodder, Lady Stanhope, Lady Sheffield, Mrs. ITunt, Lucy,
Mrs. Lancaster, Louisa, Wordsworth, Frederick William. Mr.
Burley had a first prize for a double white called Bridal Bou-
quet. In the class for Tricolor Pelargoniums there was but one
exhibitor— Mr. Meadmore of Romford, who had small but healthy
plants of some of the leading varieties, but they were hardly
worth the first prize awarded to them. In the double-flowered
varieties Mr. J. Catlin was first with small plants of no par-
ticular merit. For a collection of cut blooms of Ivies the first
prize was awarded to Mr. Parker of Tooting for a fine col-
lection, and to Messrs. Barr & Sugden the second. Some of Mr.
Parker's flowers were very fine, such as Mungo Park, Victoria,
Aspasia, Madame Sontag, Celeste, and Hortense.

A large gold Bauksian medal was awarded to T. M. Shuttle-
worth, Esq., tor fine-foliaged plants ; a large gold Flora to Messrs.
James Veitch & Sons for a collection of plants, and an extra gold
medal for Nepenthes sanguinea; a large gold Banksian medal to
Mr. Bull for a collection of plants, and small gold Banksians to
Mr. B. S. Williams and to Messrs. J. Jackson & Sons for groups
of plants ; to Mr. Wills for hybrid Drac^euas, and to Mr. Reeves
and Mr. Herbst for decorative plants. The remaining awards of
silver-gilt, silver, and other medals will be found in our adver-
tising columns.

The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at the Gardens
about a quarter past five. Their Royal Highnesses were ac-
companied by their children. Prince Albert Victor, Prince
George, and Princess Victoria, and were attended by Lord Col-
ville of Culross, Lady Suffleld, and Major Russell. The Royal
party were received and accompanied round the Show by Lord
Aberdare, President of the Society; Lord Alfred Churchill, one
of the Vice-Presidents; Henry Webb, Esq., Treasurer; Dr.
Hogg, Secretary ; and several members of the Council. The
Exhibition was greatly enjoyed by the Royal visitors, and the
Priuce expressed his pleasure not only at the beauty of the dis-
play, but at the improved position and prospects of the Society.
A very warm reception was accorded to their Royal Highnesses
by the thousands of visitors who crowded the Gardens. After
an inspection of the Show the Princess of Wales distributed the
medals which were awarded at the Exhibition on the 2nd May,
and subsequently accepted a handsome bouquet which had been
prepared for the Council by Mr. John Wills. The bouquet was
presented to Her Royal Highne^is by Mrs. Cochran, daughter of
the Secretary, Dr. Hogg. The Royal party took their departure
amidst hearty cheers from the exhibitors and visitors.

The Exhibition is admitted to have been the finest that has
been held at South Kensington since the " Great International "
of l&6*j, and it is a question if so many visitors have been seen in
the Gardens during recent years. The event may be fairly sum-
m»rised as follows — a briUiant show, a brilliant day, and a
brilliant company.

Fruit CousnTTEE,— Henry Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair.
Only a few subjects were brought before the Committee. Votes
of thanks were presented to Mr. W. Howard, Tho Gardens,
St Onyth's Priory, Colchester, for Broccoli Model. To Mr.
Gilbert, Burt'hley, for seedling Melon Excelsior, a cross between
the Shah of Persia and Turner's Scarlet Gem, but as exhibited
it was not superior to other good sorts in cultivation. To Mr.
Grieve, Culford, Bury St, Edmunds, for a dish of Royal George
Peaches.

FL0R.4L Committee.— W. B. Kellock, Esq., in the chair. First-
class certificates were awarded to Mr. E. Holmes, Whittington
Nursery, Lichfield, for Juniperus virginiana aurea alba spioa;
to Mr, Richard Smith, Worcester, for Clematis Madume Grange,
intense maroon, the richest of all Clematises ; to G. F. Wilson,
Esq., Weybridge, for Lilium elegans Alice Wilson, lUhuricnm
type, orange-yellow, very distinct and fine ; to Measrs. Jumes
Veitch & Sons for Gymnogramma Muelleri (Leeana), a singular
plant with large spotted pinnte; Clove Carnation Tom Tbumb
6oarlet,_very rich and not exceeding 6 inches in height ; Authu-
rinra Warcqueanum, with leaves 2 feet long and not more than
fliijches broad in the widest part, white veins and midrib — a
fine novelty; and Anthurium Veitchii, a grand plant with
green leaves nearly a feet in length, much corrugated, and with

a prominent midrib. To Messrs. J. Laing & Co,, Forest Hill, for
Besonia Oriflarae, a robust variety with brilliant flowers; to Mr.
C. Turner for Fancy Pelargonium Mrs. Pope, a light variety
with salmon rose upper petals, very chaste and good; to E. B.
Foster, Esq., for Show Pelargonium Invincible, a splendid
flower with very rich upper petals ; also for P. Fortitude, white
centre, salmon rose lower petals, upper petals maroon, very
smooth and superior — an improvement on Ruth, To Mr. B. S.
Williams for Pelargonium Dr Masters (as a dfcorative plant), a
very richly-coloured variety; Croton Prince of Wales, very bright,
a golden C. spirale ; and for Thrinax gracillima, very elegant.

A botanical commendation was awarded to Messrs. Veitch for
Pavonia Wioii. A cultural certificate to O. O. Wrigley, Esq.,
for Odontoglossum vexillarium with three spikes and twenty
grand flowers ; very vigorous. Votes of thanks were awarded
to Messrs. Veitch for extremely attractive bouquets of dried
grasses and flowers; and to Mr. Rose, St. George's Hill, Byfleet,
for Hajmanthus teuuiflora. Several other plants were exhibited,
but no awards were made to them.

Twenty-one new Fellows were elected during the afternoon.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

The following letter has been sent by H.R.H. the Prince of
Wales to the Rt. Hon. Lord Aberdare, the President of the
Royal Horticultural Society : —

" Marlborough Home, Pall Mall, 2Stli May, 1877.

" Mr Lord,— Ab President o( the Bc.yal Commission for tbe Paris UniverBll
Exhibition of 187.S, I beg to enclose herewith a translation of the general
regulations issued by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce in
reference to the horticultural section.

"Allow me to express tbe hope that your Society will aid in promoting a
due representation of British horticulture, by bringing the subject under the
notice of any horticulturista who may be likely to take part in the inter-
national competitions, a programme of which is attached to the regulations,

" I have appointed Mr. B. T. Brandreth Gibbs General Superintendent of
the horticultural and agricultural groups, and I Lave dtsired Mr, Cunliffe
Owen, tbe Secretary of the Royal Commission, to furnish you with any
further particulars you may require. — I have the honour to be, my Lord, your
Lordship's obedient servant, Albeet Edwaed P."

We are requested to state that in oonsequenee of the

Gardeners' Benevolent Society and that of the National Rose
Society taking place on Wednesday, July Itb, the usual
monthly dinner of the Horticdltukal Club will not be held
on Tuesday, July 3rd.

In our report of the Royal Botanic Society's Show last

week Mr. Ball was credited with having received a certificate
for Begonia Gloire de N.\Ncy; the plant was exhibited by
Messrs. John Laing & Co., Forest Hill. Gloire de Nancy is a
distinct double variety which was also certificated at the Royal
Horticultural Society on the 5th inst.

A dinner to Mk. F. W. Wilson has been arranged by

the Lindley Club, whose guest Mr. Wilson will be, at the
Criterion on Tuesday, the 3rd of July. The dinner is intended
as a complimentary recognition of Mr. Wilson's able and
courteous management of the exhibitions at the Crystal Palace
during the past five-and-twenty years. Tickets, 12s. each,
may be obtained of Mr. John McKenzie, 1 and 2, Great Win-
chester Street Buildings, E.G.

The Gardens of the Inner Temple, London, are

justly famed for the cultivation of the Chrysanthemum and
the treat which they afford to citizens and visitors during the
autumn. But even of greater benefit is the large and well-kept
enclosure during the summer, for the gardens are generally
thrown open to children from the hours of six until nine
o'clock in the evening. These children, who during the day
are pent up in schools and narrow courts, indulge in un-
restricted gambols on the grass, and derive thereby both whole-
some enjoyment and health. How much the privilege is
appreciated is gathered from the fact that when the children
were counted one evening the numbers were found to be 3304.
They do no injury beyond turning the grass brown a few days
before the sun would do so, and that cannot be called injury ;
and the extra work they make is more than compensated for
by the great benefit that the garden confers on the thousands
of little visitors. The flower beds are now gay, and the Chrys-
anthemums have just been placed in their blooming pots.
Long rows of sticks — after the manner of kidney bean sticks
— are firmly inserted in the ground and supported by cross
pieces, and near these rows the pots are placed, the plants
being tied to the sticks. It is a capital plan : the plants look
remarkably well. Indeed the state of the garden generally
reflects credit on the manager, Mr. Newtou.

In the British islands there are only thirty-nine species

of native Ferns ; but in the Fiji islands more than two hundred
species have been collected. The Potato Fern (Polypodium
spectrum) ia peculiar to Hawaii (Owhjhee), one of the Society

June 21, 1877 )

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

463

lalanda. Another of the Ferns found there is called the Pain
Fern ; its stem is clothed with a soft inzz which is much used
for staffing mattreaaes. All the wealth of vegetation — all the
superb plumage of the birds of these southern islands, cannot
be compared with the charms of an Eogliah home.

We have recently seen a monument erected to the

memory of a gardener who died in very indigent oircumBtances.
It reminded us of the following relative to the author of
" Hudibras:" —

" When Butler, needy wretch, was yet alive.
No generous patron would a dinner give.
See him, now lifeless and reduced to dust,
Presented with a monumental bust.
The poet's fate is here in emblem shown —
He asbed for bread, and he received a stone."

KOSES.

The Rose season ia opening very favourably in this neigh-
bourhood (Alverstoke, Hants). After a dripping and mild
early spring, succeeded by a cold and boisterous later spring,
we have had a fortnight or three weeks of genial weather, and
the Rosea are very fairlj' responding to it. I to-day counted
on the front of my house 105 fall blown Roses, besides a pro-
fusion of buds, consisting of Dnvoniensis, Gloire de Dijon,
John Hopper, Ch-vrles Lefebvre, Duke of Wellington, and, what
is especially gratifying, th?y are entirely clean. Thanks to
the treatment recommended by Mr. Rivers — of syringing with
qu.iseia decoction and soft soap, an infallible destructive of
aphis in any form or species — the other Eoses in the Rose
quarter are equally promising for a good show. Dwarfs ou the
ilanetti are especially good. — A Constant Scbscribek.

ME. BENJAMIN SIMONITE.

All florists, and others besides florists, will be glad to see
a Ufe-liko portrait of a worthy man engaged eo laudably and
succeeding so well in improving some of the most beautiful
flowers of earth— florists' flowers. Than gardeners, and those
engaged in gardening, none appreciate more fully the efforts
of those who make difficulties vanish by ardent love for an
object and steady perseverance in attaining a goal. Many
gardeners, in a hundred ways, fight uphill battles and win,
and all such will welcome a glance at one who has won against
Buch great odds so many honours. We did not intrude on
his modesty by asking of him to tell us of himself, and glad
are we, for we should have thereby been deprived of the follow-
ing biographical notes so fresh, full, and entertaining.]

Bemamix Simonite was born June 2o, ls34, at his present
residence. Rough Bank, Sheffield, while yet the fiery black
town had not yet spoiled the beautiful valley in which it lies.

Ita river, the Sheaf, used to flow in fresh from a oouree
through corn field and meadow ; country summer perfumes of
hay and Bean fields in blossom would steal at evening into its
outlying streets. Heights on the valley sides like Rough Bank
were breezy country walks, sprinkled with wild flowers and
gay with golden Broom and other shrubs. Many a garden
plot brightened the outskirts of the town. It was almost
wreathed in flowers, and there were probably more Auriculas
and other florist flowers grown forty years ago around Sheffield
than any other of our towns.

But now, like a monstrous illustration of maggot in a flower
bud, Sheffield as it grow has eaten out the natural beauties of
the shelter that has nurtured it, and turned everything to its
own purposes and use. The last man one would expect to find
there now in the thick of the grimy noxious air is a florist
with his flowers. Even then we should expect to find him
but a miserable lingerer, clinging to a spot not fit for him, like
a furnace-blasted tree that is dying out top first by inches — a
man disappointed of his hope, struggling but sinking all the
while, with every conceivable and some inconceivable odds
against him, but instead we find the wonderful reverse in see-
ing one brilliantly Buccesafnl where dismal failure would be no
shame.

Benjamin Simonite, and here let me add his father too, are
veritable heroes in floriculture. To hia father, a severe and
true and careful florist, he owes his cirly right training and
guidance in florist flowers; and the two istill work on at tho
old garden that has seen brighter and yet not better days.
They have bravely battled against the terrible destructive agents
around, and have had euch losses as would have carried down
most men's patience, and enthusiasm, and hope in tho sunlien
wreck. Even with all their ever-watchful and experienced

care one feels anxious for the floral treasures stored in such an
unworthy, unsafe, dingy, ricketty old casket.

There was nothing eventful in Benjamin Simonite's early
life except his intense fondness for a garden, and for this he
was always the one in the family taken wherever his father
went on floral excursions. What he calls " the little education
I got" wiis obtained before he was thirteen at the National
School, at which age he left to follow his father's trade; but
he did not make this the excuse for forgetting what he had
learnt or for not adding to it. He works at what is known as
a " two-handed trade" — (.<■., it takes two pairs of hands to
turn out hia work. It looks simple, for a skilled hand always
gives an illusion of deceptive ease, but it ia hard labour. I
have watched him at it many a time, and when we have shut
up shop — fancy my saying " we " for only looking on — and we
have gone down to the garden together, I have seen his strong
right hand shake strangely over a Carnation bloom ; and I
have known by the quiver of the pen in many a letter that he
had sat down to write fresh from the iron labour of the day.
The workshop is a little smithy next door to hia house, and
like a village blacksmith's in the music of the anvil, but with
an air of refinement and speciality about it in its more com-
plex tools and richer metals, for tho best steel and iron are
here in convenient rods and bars.

As for the curious tools, you might imagine he had success-
fully raised a quantity of seedling tongs and hybrid hammers,
and had interesting sports, curious strains, and double varie-
ties. They are all named of course ; and Ben Simonite, like
the printer, has his " devil," a vicious little thing that will
not touch cold steel, but must have it sparkling hot. Hia
particular department of cutlery work is the beating of table
knives out of steel bars, which he has been accustomed to
work up for Rodgere and other eminent Sheflield firms. His
mate will heat the steel bar in a fierce little fire and join in a
few heavy blows on the anvil. The blade is then rounded,
flattened, and shaped for the grinder by Ben Simonite, and
the haft is afterwards welded on from an iron bar. In the
Rough Bank smithy I first learned that the kind of thumb
mark visible in the metal close to the handle of every knife is
the ineffacaable junction of the pure steel graft upon the
commoner and perhaps more vigorous iron stock.

In 1860 occurred the event of his marriage, but he has been
a widower these fourteen years. Of hia three children two
curvive, and those of us who know him intimately recognise
the names that are dearest amongst those given to his favourite
florist flowers.

He first grew Pinks and Pansiea, and then the Dahlia, and
took them to the shows. Qaito aware that to thoroughly
enjoy, and indeed to do jastice to a florist flower he ought to
be able to make the best of a good thing when he got it, he
carefully studied the principles and practice of the science of
dressing-in such flowers as have beauties which Nature indeed
would be content to never show, but which a florist cannot
bear to leave hidden or obscured. There are many styles of
dressing, just as there are daubs and masterpieces in painting.
There is the round, the flat, the stifJ, the free, the loose, tho
laboured ; there is a peculiarity in each man's style. In Ben
Simonite's not a trace of anything artificial — a calm repose and
a very sweet simplicity. It is high art. You may make a Car-
nation look as vain as a peacock or modest as a Violet. He
will bring out every point of beauty, and the flower be ravish-
iugly unconscious of it.

At fourteen years old he took up the Tulip and sowed some
pods of seed with results akin to his well-known work with Car-
nations and Picotees. The Tulips, however, have suffered so
severely now for years from the horrors of the situation that
they only bloom to fall; indeed, they have frequently had to
go away for their health. Beds in the old garden have been
swept off, and the stock only kept up by otl'aets planted
elsewhere.

He commenced cultivating the Carnation and Picotee in
IS In, and, unable to keep pace with growers whnae means were
ampler, he patiently began to work up to them by a surer and
nobler power than that of money, and one that soon overcame
it. This was by studying careful crossing, and his seedlings
have simply turned the flower over and over again, and tho
rioheet and best in every class are his. He has worked up to
such form and substance here that twenty-four petals make a
completely full and large flower; but then they are petals, and
the area of four dozen of the old sort is not equal to the acre-
age of two do/.en in a Sheffield seedling, nor able to make half
such a flower. In neighbouring shows for Pinks and Picotees

4C4

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK.

[ Jane 21, 1877.

they actually at last would Hot allow Simonite to compete with
hia eeedlinge. They were too lazy to try and beat him in that
most splendid of all florist races, the race with seedling?, and
too mean to let him win what he deserved. I do not know
what shows these were, or who the sapient committees ; but I
Bhould like to gibbet them here, who dealt so ill with this
man and all the best interests of florist flowers. That there
were such unprincipled doings is a disgraceful fact, and it is
well if the small shows where they could be perpetrated are
extinct.

Latest but not least of the Rough iJank favourites are the
Auriculas, which were started with in 1860. These were for
long a sorely difficult flower to manage, and indeed will hardly
grow there at all in frames. House treatment of them is, how-

ever, a totally different matter, and in their span-roofed home
they really do appear at home and are a grand specimen of
culture. In these, as in the Carnations, Picotees, and Tulips,
the best are his own seedlings.

I wish in conclufiou I could describe the growing horrors
with which Ben Simonite and his father have had to contend
these forty years at Rough Bank. Nothing is safe now except
under shelter, and ordinary erections are perfectly futile. A
Tulip tent would be swept off the face of the earth in a wind,
and frame lights have been carried away like autumn leaves ;
bell-glasses must be wired down by their wood plates under a
flower as if they were soda water corka. Nothing but iron and
glass firmly secured will outlive the tempests that sweep
Rough Bank, Tulips are mown off this year, and I have seen

Fig 65 — "Vlr LENT\-\iiN =fm:)MTi

Carnation blooms blown literally in drifts into the hedge bot-
tom. It is a cruel place ; but now there are houses for the
Auriculas and Picotees, though the beds are still under tem-
porary shelter, tedious to erect and most curious in their way,
Take a stranger to see the bloom here and he would say.
" What do you call this? What have you brought mo here
for? Do you mean to insult me, sir?" For here is not a
flower to be seen, but a crowd of supports and sticks, bearing
an incongruous, motley, laughable bloom of old saucepans and
pot lids, decrepit earthenware, unsound tumblers, a foundered
teapot, castaway boxes that have contained somebody's pre-
eminent mustard, soap, or chocolate; a derelict kettle such as
would delight the hard souls of Sheffield boys to tie to the
tails of Sheffield curs ; all these and other like adaptations of
odds and ends make up a very nightmare dream of a breeder.
Yet under all these most uncouth and battered shells is some
fair gem, some spotless Picotee in inconceivable contrast to its
surroundings, and infinitely more to be wondered at as it
stands than a pearl in its native oyster.

All Benjamin Simonite's brother florists and friends, and
many stratigers will be glad to see here the image of his patient

face. He leaves every lover of a flower without excuse for
failure. Situation ! Look at his, though 1 cannot half describe
it. Time ! Look at his, largely not his own. Weariness !
Look at his, in a hot and heavy trade. Means! Well, look
at his. Ho is not ashamed if I say plainly they are small, and
I wish they were larger. That is the dark side ; but look how
perseverance, patience, and watchful care and love brighten
all of it up for him. A brave fellow, with indeed many a floral
misfortune, but never a grievance, and always at last success.
^F. D. HoBNEB, Kirkhy Malzeard, Ripon.

NEW EDITION.

The Orchid-Growers' 3fanunl. B. S.Williams, Victoria and
Paradise Nurseries, Upper HoUoway, London, N.
Had not this been a good and an useful volume it would not
have reached its fifth edition. It contains descriptions of up-
wards of nine hundred species and varieties of Orohidaoeous
plants with practical notes on their cultivation. The volume
IB not only useful but attractive, for it contains several en-
gravings and one of the finest-coloured plates of Oilontoglos-

Jaoc 21, 1877. 1

JODRNAL OF HORTICULTUaE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

•1G5

Bum vexillaiium that we have seen. Not only are rare exotic
Orchids described and intelligible modes of growing them
given, but there is a chapter on Orobius for the greenhouse,
cold frame, or pit, whfrtiu the author observee that — " Orchid-

growers too often set on one side all those which do not sue-
oeed under artificial heat. My object in introducing the snb
ject is to briog into notice eotne of those beautiful terrestria'
plants from the Cape of Good Hope, North America, the South

Fig. G3.-1, CVPRIPEDR-M ATSMOEI (Many-Icaved Japan Ladj blipp") 3, Cipbipedilm otjttatcm (Spotted floivcred Lady's Slipper).
of Europe, and Australia, which at present are only seen at j in one of his journeys in South Africa, in describi„gB^^^^
int^r^als, bat which when seen are always admired. It, | the rar.t.es he ""Ifltl^^fS" 7;^i^;„*;'„7«Xre a^^^^^

also opens a field for many not possessirg the advantages of [ numerous and very beautiful. In my opm.on ^ere are many
nn Fast Indian and Mexican Orchid houte, or, indeed, any here but little inferior to the most showy of the epiphytous
SL^ house L co~ce the stdy of this beautiful 'clasi. , kinds. _ Fancy a plant with the , general character oan^^

466

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ June 21, IS'iT.

some twenty bright yellow blossoms, having a deep stain of
crimson on the cucullate lip in the manner and of the size of
a Dendrobium. Again, another with fleshy leaves and an erect
stem of about 2 feet, supporting from fifteen to thirty large
yellow flowers, the lip lined and blotched with pale purple,
bearing the aspect of some robust Epidendrum.' Many of
these fine things would no doubt ere now have enriched our
gardens had Mr. Plant been spared to return alive. Wbat
can be more gorgeous than the Diaa grandi flora ? There are
numerous members of this family at the Cape, and though
they are not so large in the flower as the species just named,
yet they are exquisitely beautiful. Again, the elegance of the
North American Cypripediums is not surpassed by those which
inhabit the tropics. Now all these can be cultivated in a cool
greenhouse or frame, either planted out or In pots. Indeed,
many of the terrestrial kinds will succeed well in the open air
if a little care is bestowed upon the selection and preparation
of the situation. The number of species I have here enume-
rated is not extensive, but there is no reason to prevent us in
the course of a few years from largely increasing them it the
plant-loving ladies and gentlemen, as well as gardeners, will
encourage the growth of these beautiful plants ; and anyone
having friends at the Cape, North America, or Australia, should
strongly press upon them to send home the tubers of any
Orchids they may find. By this means we should have a
great many new additions to our collections.

" The terrestrial species must not be elevated above the rim
of the pot, as is the custom with the epiphytal ones, but there
must be a space of an inch or more from the rim to the soil to
allow of a sufficient quantity of water being given at one time.
The soil best adapted for their growth is a mixture of good
fibrous loam, turfy peat, and silver sand, adding more or less
of each according to the peculiar habitat of the particular
plant to be potted. They must all have good drainage, and
the addition of lumps of sandstone to the soil will have a
beneficial eilect, serving to keep the soil open and the roots
cool and moist. They are mostly all propagated by division
of the roots just as the fresh growth commences ; and though
they all require a season of rest, they must never be allowed
to become dry at the roots, nor must the temperature be
allowed to be lower in winter than from 35' to 40 , not but
some of the kinds will withstand some few degrees of frost,
but I believe they will all thrive far better if not subjected to
such extremes. In the gro:ang season abundance of water
should be poured round and about them to keep a moist and
cool atmosphere, in which they delight."

Mr. Williams then describes the Cypripediums, but we can
afford space for only two species; — Cypripedium Atsmori
(Many-leaved Japan Lady's Slipper). A leafy-stemmed hardy
perennial, growing about a foot high, with acute, lance-shaped,
plaited, smooth leaves, and about two flowers, of which the
labellum is yellow, slipper-shaped or calceiform, and the sepals
and petals rich purplish brown, the petals with purple hairs at
the greenish-yellow base. It is allied to the true C. caloeolus,
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 flowers being
altogether narrower and more meagre, in the base of the petals
being distinctly hairy, in the remarkable narrowness of the
sepals, in the less veutricose pouch, cleft rather than toothed
in front, in the lengthened trowel-like form of the sterile
stamens, and in the longer filiform base of the lateral stamens.
From Japan. Introduced by Dr. Von Siebold in 1S30 to Bel-
gium. Flowers in summer. Probably cultivated in the bo-
tanic gardens of Ghent and Leyden.

Cypripedium guttatum (Spotted-flowered Lady's Slipper). A
beautiful little herbaceous perennial. It has a short stem,
bearing a pair of ovate-elliptic, smplexicaul, plaited leaves,
with the margins and ribs hairy. The flowers, one to each
stem, are white, beautifully blotched with rose purple. The
sepals and petals are shorter than the lip, which is subrotund,
with a plain surface. The whole plant is under G inches high,
the flowers measuring about 2 inches lengthwise. It grows in
boggy places in cold countries, but appears shy under cultiva-
tion. From Siberia and North America. Introduced originally
in 18'28. Flowers in summer.

SUGGESTIONS FOR EXHIBITING TEA ROSES.

On comparing a stand of Tea Roses with one of Hybrid

Perpetuala I thmk one is struck with three peculiarities in the

former. First, the prevalence of yellow, light, and bewitching

half tints in the Teas ; secondly, with their large, graceful, wax-
like petals, not quite so compact and symmetrical as the Per-
petuals, but more artistic and picturesque in their outline ; and
lastly, their refined and peculiar fragrance. Now to bring out
these points to the greatest advantage by contrast of form and
colour, would it not be well at the Grand National Rose Show
and other societies to offer some gcol prizes, specified as
under :' —

For Nitrsenimen. — A stand of twenty-four trebles, consisting
of twelve Teas and Noisettes, twelve Hybrid Perpetuala and
Hybrids, three trusses of each, as far as poesible in different
stages of development. The Teas and Hybrids to be arranged
alternately.

for Amateurs. — Twenty-four singles, half Teas and Per-
petuals, arranged in like manner.

This would insure a bright and most attractive stand of
flowers, and would be appreciated by all rosarians. Tea Roses
should not be judged by so severe a test as Hybrid Perpetuals ;
but while many, such as Niphetos, Madame Hippolyte Jamain,
and others often throw their large beautiful petals beyond the
circular line prescribed by the florist, it is indispensable for
perfection that these should have high full centres.

Since wrilinr" the above I am happy to state that the Hon.
and Rev. J . T. Boscawen has kindly offered to test the merits
of the above suggestion by offering, as at Bath, two ten-guinea
cups for stands of alternate Teas and Perpetuals at the Oxford
meeting. Another interesting feature might be added to onr
Rose shows bv giving a prize for a stand of twelve tinted Teas,
such as Jean Ducher, Comtesse do Nadaillac, Marie Van Houtte,
Homer, David Pradel, etc. ; rich colour and distinct shading to
take the precedence of size in this class, thus encouraging the
production of these brilliant gems which are always so much
admired. — Henkv Cuetis, Devon Rosery, Torquay.

GARDEN ENEMIES.

As everybody but Mr. Huie and " A Mastek Gaedener " are
agreed that bullfinches are garden depredators, it would be
well it all would wage war against our common enemy, and
his forces would be speedily reduced. In the winter months
probably the readiest weapon is a double-barrelled gun, but in
these days everybody is not allowed to carry a gun, and the
law which prevents it is, for aught I know, a good one, even
though it is inconvenient to a few. But failing a gun there is
another and a more certain way of destroying them at this
time of the year. Of course it is cruel, but we cannot help it. It
is impossible to have both bullfinches and outdoor fruits ; nay,
the very existence of the trees is at their mercy where they are
as numerous as they are here. I have had fifty-nine of them
shot in and close to the kitchen gnrden this season, but still
they seem as plentiful as ever ; and if tlie remainder are allowed
to breed unmolested their numbers will be speedily increased
rather than reduced, for they are not content with bringing-up
one family in a season, but must needs have two or three.
Their nests are easily found by watching the old birds about,
and advantage must be taken of their well-known filial
affection by placing the young birds in a trap cage. The
simplest arrangement that I know of is a sort of double cage,
one compartment being underneath to hold the young birds,
and another which the old birds are obliged to enter to convey
food is at the top and closes immediately the perch is touched.
A piece of stout elastic stretched while the door is open holds
it sufficiently firm to prevent the bird's escape when closed.
Both old birds are certain to be caught within an hour or two
after the trap is set, as they never fail to attempt to feed the
young at whatever age they may be. Of course, it must be
rendered impossible to convey food through any other part of
the cage than the one intended.

The next great enemy which I have a word to say about is
the wasp. I know of a great deal of good which the wasp
does. He renders very efficient aid to the gardener, but I
had better not tell your more sentimental readers what it is,
or they may claim a close season for him, and as his bad
deeds more than counterbalance his good actions I would
rather have him destroyed. The year before last I paid tome-
thiug more than £40 for wasps and vermin ; ncarly>ll of it
was for wasps, and yet wasps there were by the million, so
tliat not even uniipe Apples were safe from their ravages. I
thought it was time to have a change. Even if I went back to
the old plan of letting them take their chance things could
Mot be much worse. . Queen wasps are always paid for ; that I
consider a most effectual way of keeping the numbers down.

Jnne 21, 1877. !

JODBNAL OP HOETIOULTUBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

467

This year they are less nnmerons than I have ever known them,
I having had only about 270brongbt in np to the present time.
Most people have au idea that if a wasp's nest is tffeotnally
destroyed at night with the queen in it there is an end of the
matter, and that the whole colony is destroyed. It is not so.
When a nest becomes strong the whole family is seldom or
never there at once ; many of them remain out for two or three
days at a time. I am not sure whether they take it in turns
or what their arrangements are, but acting on such knowledge
as I have, I never now pay for a nest unless the whole colony
is destroyed, and this is one of the simplest things possible.
In the early stage before tho insects are perfect the de-
Btrnotion of the queen answers every purpose, but when a nest
becomes strong something more is required. After the nest is
destroyed with its present inmates, a common wine bottle
with half a pint of water in it is sunk near where the entrance
to the nest was, and nobody who has not seen it would believe
that every wasp belonging to the colony would be foolish
enough to plunge into this bottle on his return, and there in
his anxiety to find out the fate of his brothers and sisters
would so work about that he either died of fatigue or was
drowned. I do not know how many a bottle closely packed
would hold — probably a thousand would be under the mark,
and I have sometimes had to put in a second bottle when the
first became full. This is not my invention, and it is not a
new one, bat I do not think its efficacy is sufficiently known.
Last summer I had comparatively no trouble with wasps,
although at most places they were more numerous than usual.
I have yet another enemy to denounce, and that is the small
black slug, which is too tough for the blackbird or thrush, and
even a dose of quicklime does him very little harm ; he merely
Blips off his overcoat and mocks you. His appetite is an
enormous one, and he is not dainty, feeding alike on young
Onions and Carrots ; even Potato stalks will be eaten through
by him when hard up. I have till this season found nothing
effectual but handpicking, and the worst of it was that the
slugs were busiest when it rained — pouring. Slug- picking is
not a pleasant occupation at any time, and least of all in a
pouring rain. Now, I have found that a few young ducks will
clear off the slugs much quicker than men can pick them, and
that they do not dislike to work in the rain. I have had some
entirely in the garden for three weeks, and they have done
nothing but good till to-day, when they took a fancy to some
blanched Lettuces. I do not think they are to be trusted after
they are about five weeks old, or at any time if the weather is
hot and dry ; but the amount of good they do so long as they
keep from their mischievous tricks is incalculable. I have
another sitting coming on, and those which have committed
themselves will now be banished from the garden and pre-
pared with all haste for the spit. — W. Taylor.

THE KOYAL NATIONAL TULIP SOCIETl'S
EXHIBITION.

This was held at the Botanical Gardens, Manchester, June
5th. The Exhibition was originally announced for Whit-Friday,
but a backward season made it necessary to postpone the Show.
About .i*jO were offered in prizes, and the list had attracted a
large number of exhibitors. The Tulips were well arranged on
a table running down the centre of the permanent exhibition
bouse, and made a very pretty show, although an unfavourable
Benson has left patent defects upon many of the specimens. The
following is the list of the principal awards : —

Cr.A33 1. — Five Ftandg of twelve Tulips, two feathered and twD flamed of
each class —1 or silver cap was won by W. Whittnker, with Mrs. Lea, rose-
feathered ; Masterpiece, bizarre-feathered ; Ajax, bizarre-flamed ; Sarah
Headle;, rose-flame l ; Beasie, bybl'omeu-featbeied ; ludustry, rose-feathered ;
Jno. Moms, Idzarre-feathered ; Bacchns, bybloemen-flamed ; Hir J. Paxton,
bizarre-flamed; Violet Amiable, byblojmen-feathered; Talisman, bybl«inen-
flamed;and Mrs. Lea. rose-flamed. 2, D. Barber with Heroine, rose; Mary
Barber, byb cemen ; Six J. Paxton, bizarre ; Dr. Hardy, bizarre ; Norval, byblo?-
xnen ; Seedling, bizarre ; Indastry, rose ; Duchess of Sutberlaod, bybIo;men;
Clara, rose; Trmmph Royal, rose; Sir J. Paxton, bizarre; Violet Sovereign,
byblffimen. 3, S. Barlow with Lady GroBvenor, rose-feathered ; Lady Seftoo,
rose-tlamed ; Ashinole's 104, bizarre ; Adonis, byblcemen-flamcd; Mrs. Lomax,
rose-flamed; Mattin'a 101, byblcemen-feathered ; Ajax, bizarre-flamed;
Modesty, rose-feathered; Bacchus, byblo^men flamed; Orion, bizarre-flamed ;
Bessie, bjbltemen-feathored ; and Tiny Tim, bizarre-feather.-d. 4, D.
Woolley, with Triumph Itoyal, Ajai, Lady Sefton. Sir J. Paxton, Masterpiece,
Cbftncellor, Bessie, Unknown, Talisman, Sir .1. Paxton, Heroine, and Bessie.
6, 3- Cooper, with Lady Crew, Saiali, Industry, Dr. Hardy, Queen of the
North, Sir J.Paxton, Delight, Mabel, .Modesty, Adonis, ApeLes, snd Sydney.

Class 2.^EiRht stands of six dissimiJar Tuiips, one feathered and one
flamed in each claee. — 1, C. Forman, with Duchess of Sutherlaud, bybla-men-
flamed ; Triumph Royal, rose-feathered; Jemima Furman. byblwmen-
feathered ; Here-ine, rose-flamed; Barlow's Paxton, bizarrc-flaraed; and Lord
Byron, bizarre-feathered. 2, T. Haynes, with Aglaia, rose-flamed ; Sir J.
Paxton, bizarre- feathered ; Heroine, roae-feathered ; Dachesa of Sutherland

byblcemen-flamed; Sir J. Paxton, bizarre-flamed ; and Mrs. Pickerill. bybloe
meo-feathered. 3, W. Whittaker, with Sir J. Paxton, bizarre-tlamed ; Master"
piece, bizarre-feathered ; Mrs. Lea, rose-flamed ; Sarah Headley, rose"
feathered; Talisman, bjbltemen-flamed ; and Bessie, byblcemen-feathered*
4, S. Barlow, with Annie MaoGregor, rose-flamed; Mrs Lea, rose-feathered »
Masterpiece, bizarre-flamed; Storer's Sa, bizarre-featheieil; John Peacock*
bybltamen-flamed ; and Martin's 101, byblu?men-feathered. 5, J. Thursfom
with Adonis, Paxton, Mabel, Sulphur, Heroine, and Talisman, t), J. Morris,
with Paxton, Ajax, Amiable, Dr. Hardy, Heroine, and Talisman. 7, D. Barber,
with Masterpiece, Heroine, Alice Grey, Dr. Hardy, Mrs. Lomax, and John
Daltou. 8, T. Mellor, with Mabel, Angelina, Duchess of Sutherland, Mrs.
Lea, Dr, Hardy, and Viceroy.

Class S. — Four stands of six dissimilar Tulips, one feathered and one
flamed in each class. For 10s. 6d, subscribers only. — 1. H. Houseley, with
Chancellor, bybkemeu-flamed; Paxton, bizarre-flamed; Aylaia, rose-flamed;
Masterpiece, bizarre-feathered; Mabel, rose-feathered; and Violet Amiable,
bjblffimon. 2, H. Hill, with Heroine, rose-feathered ; Mary Barber, rose-
flamed; Duchess of Sutherland, byblcemen-flamed; Dr. Hardy, bizarre-
flamed; Sir J. Paxton. bizarre-feathered; and Adonis, byblcemen-feathered.
3, B. Yates, with Masterpiece, bizarre-feathered ; Dr. Hardy, bizarre-flamed ;
Violet Amiable, byblcemen-feathered: Lord Denmau, bybla^meu-flamed ;
Lady Selford, rose-flamed; and Mrs. Lea, rose- feathered.

Class 4 — Six ttands of three feathered Tulips, one of each class. — 1, W.
Whittaker, with Mrs. Lea, rose; Masterpiece, bizarre; and Adonis, byblo>-
men. 2, C. Fotman, with Paxton, bizarre ; Adonis, byblcemen ; and Heroine,
rose. 8, T. Haynes, with Mrs. Pickerill, byblcemen; Sarah Headley. rose;
and Sir J. Paxton, bizarre. 4, H. Houseley, with Masterpiece, bizarre; Adonis,
byblcemen; and Mrs. Lea, rose. 5, D. Bai'ber, with Marquis of Hastings,
bizarre; Heroine, rose; aud Martin's 101, byblcemen. 6, S. Barlow, with
Bessie, bybloimen ; Mrs. Lea. rose ; and Ashmole's 104, bizarre.

Class 5. — Six stands of three flamed Tulips, one of each class. — 1, J.
Thurston, with Talisman, byblcemen; Paxton, bizarre; and Aglaia, rose.
2, S. Barlow, with Annie MacGregor, rose; Sir J. Paxton, bizarre; and
Bacchus. byblcT^men. 8, T. Haynes, with Paxton, bizarre; Duchess of
Sutherland, byblcemen ; and Triumph Royal, rose. 4, W. Wardle, with Car-
buncle, byblojmeu; Dr. Hardy, bizarre; and Triumph Royal, rose. 5, T.
Mellor, with Masterpiece, bizarre; Mabel, rose ; and Duchess of Sutherland,
byblcemen. 6, D, Barber, with Rose Celestial, rose ; Dr. Hardy, bizarre; and
Talisman, bybtemen.

Class 6.— Four stands of two Tulips, one feathered and one flamed of any
class. This class is for maiden grower.s only, and both the winning and the
losing stands may compete in following Class 7.— 1, H. Hill, with Lord Lil-
ford, bizarre; aud Duchess of Suthdrlaad, byblcTsmeu. The other prizes

J not a

rded.

Class 7. — Four f-tands of two Tulips, one feathered and one flamed, of any
class. — 1, 'W. Whittaker, with Masterpiece, bizarre ; Sir .Toseph Paxton,
bizarre. 2, Rev. F- D Horner, with Bacchus, byblcemen; Mrs. L"max, rose.

3, W. Wardle, with Aglaia, rose; Industry, rose. 4, D. Woolley, with Dr.
Hardy, bizarre; Talisman, byblcemen. 5, D. Barber, with Hugh Miller,
bizarre ; Heroine, rose. 6, C. Forman, with Duchess of Sutherland and
Heroine.

Class 8. — Single hlooms.— Flamed Bizarres. — 1, J. Turner, with Sir J.
Paxton. 2, T. Haynes, with Dr. Hardy. 3, J. Turner, with Sir .T. Paxton.

4, W. Whittaker, with Orion. 5, J. Hague, with Masterpiece. 6, C. lor-
man. 7, J. Thurston, with Ajax. 8, D. Woolley, with Captain White. 9, W.
Whittaker, with Aiiosto- 10, W. Whittaker, with Smitn's Prince of Wales.
Feathered Bizarres.— 1, H. Houseley, with Royal Sovereign. 2, W. Whittaker,
with Masterpiece. 3. W. Whittaker, with Sir J. Paxton. 4, H. Houseley,
with Lord Byron. 6, W. Whittaker, with Field Marshal. 6, !. Turner, with
Real Gem. 7, W. Whittaker, with Geo.ge Hayward. 8, W. Whittaker, with
Magnum Bonum. 9, C. Forman, with Demosthenes. 10, R. Yates, with Sir
Coliu Campbell. Flamed Roses.— I, D. Woolley, with Aglaia. 2, D. Woolley,
with Aglaia. 3. D. Mellor, with Mabel. 4, W. Whittaker, with Madame St.
Arnaud. 5, H. Houseley, with Triumph Royal. 6, W. Wardle, with Industry.

7, S. Barlow, with Lady Sefton. 8, S Cooper, Unknown. 9, 8. Barlow, with
Rose of England. 10, W. Whittaker, with Sarah Headley. Feathtred Roses.—

1, H. Houseley, with Mabel. 2, W. Whittaker, with Seedling. 8, Eev. F. D.
Horner, with Modesty. 4, W. Whittaker, with Mrs. Lea. 6, H. Houseley,
with Aglaia. 6, C. Forman, with Heroine. 7, H. Houseley, with Mabel.

8, W. Whittaker, with Industry. 9, S. Barlow, with Little Annie. 10, W.
Whittaker, with Mrs. Headley. Flamed Byblcemem.—l, W. Whittaker, with
Talisman. 2, W. Whittaker, with Duchess of Sutherland. S, S. Barlow, with
Talisman. 4, T. Haynes. with Clarke's Thalia. 5, W. Whittaker, with
Headley's Adonis. 6, D. Woolley, with Denman. 7. J. Morri.«, with William
Bentley. 8, T. Haynes, with Salvator Rosa. 9, H. Hill, with Chancellor. 10,
B. Barlow, with David Jackson. Feathered Byblwmens.-l, W. Whittaker,
with Headley's Adonis. 2, C. Forman. with Mary Forman. 3, W. Whittaker,
with Violet Amiable. 4, W. Whittaker, witb Headley's Adonis. 5, D. Woolley,
with Bessie. 6. D. Woolley, with Talisman. 7, J. Hague, with Mrs. AIlsop.
8. T. Mellor, with Angelina. 9, S. Cooper, with Sarah. 10, D. Barber, with
Mrs. Pickerill.

Class 9.— For the best feathered and the best flamed Tulips in the whole
Exhibition, 5». each, iu addition to any other prizes they have won. The
best feathered Tulip.— D. Barber, with Heroine. The best flamed Tulip, C.
Forman, with Sir J. Paxton.

BREEDER TULIPS.

Class 10.— Six stands of six dissimilar Tulips, two in each class.— 1, S.

Barlow, with Glory of Slakebill, byblcemen; Talisman, byblcemen; Lady

May, rose; Mrs. Bfirlow, rise; L'^rd Provost, bizarre; R. Yates, bizarre.

2, D. Barber, with Hepworth'w No. 14, Dr. Hardy, Adonis, Seedling. Queen o£
England, Mrs. Barlow. 8, J. H aiue, with Seedling, Seedling, Alice Grey,
Seedling, Dr. Hardy, Seedling. 4, W. Whittaker, with Mabel, W. Willison,
Sir J. Paxton, Maid of the Mill, Bridesmaid, Industry. 5, T. Hayes, with
Lord Eelper, Beauty of Lilchurch, Mrs. Bright, Dr. Hardy, Seedling No. 24,
Oliver. G, 8. Cooper, with Dr. Daltou, Rose Breeder, Her Majesty, Sir J.
Paxton, Adonis, Music.

Class 11.— Six stands of three Tulips, one nf each class.- 1, T. Haynes,
with Beauty of Litchnrcb, Mrs. Bright, Dr. Hardy. 2, S. Barlow, with Alice
Grey, Annie McGregor, Sir J. Paxton. 8, H. Houseley, with Sulphur, Mabel,
Duchess of Sutherland. 4, W. Whittaker, with William Wilson, Adonis,
Annie McGieiior. 5. T. Mellor, with Annie McGregor, Lothair, Sancta
Sophia. 6, J. Hoguo, with Richard Yates, Mabel, Adonis. 7, H. K. William-
eon with Juliet, Sir J. Paxton, Gem of Gems. 8, J. Thnrstono, with Sir J.
Paxton, Charlotte, William Beutley.

Class 12.— Single blooms.— Bicarrc Brcedtrs.—l, D. Barber, with Sir J.
Paxton. 2, W. Whittaker, with William Willison. 3, T. Haynes, with Dr.

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTDBB AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ June 21, 1877.

Hardy. 4, S. Barlow, with ExoelBior. 5, D. Barber, with Seedliog. 6,D
Barber, with Seedling. 7, D. Barber, with Seedling. 8, J. Hague, with
Richard Tatoa. Rose Brteders.—\, S- Barlow, with Mrs. Barlow. 2, T. Mellor,
with Annie McGregor. 8, S. Barlow, with Lady Groevenor. 4, H. Hill,
with Atkin's Seedling. 5, D. Barber, with Mabel. 6, T. Haynes, with Lady
May. 7, J. Hague, Unknown. 8, W. Whittaker, with Mrs. Bates. Byhlamen
Breeders, — 1, T. Haynes, with Beauty of Litchurch. 2, T. Haynes, with
Seedling. 3, S, Barlow, with As hmole. 4, J. Hague, Unknown. 5, J. Morris,
with Chancellor. 6, D. Barber, with Seedling. 7, S. Barlow, with Seedling.
8, D. Woolley, with Seedling.

Class 13. — For the best breeder Tulip in the whole Eihibition, 28. 6(1, in
addition to any other prize it may have won. — S. Barlow, with Mrs. Barlow.

The Northern Counties Tulip Society's Show was held at
Gorton on the 8th inst. ; but as the majority of the best flowers
axe named above it is not necessary to publish a list of them. —
{Communicated.)

MB. J. BOOTH'S FLOEISTS' FLOWERS,

POLE LANE, FAILSWOETH, NEAR MANCHESTEB.

It was not a propitious day when I set out to visit this home
of one of our northern florists, whose garden has long been
noted for some fine collections of florists' flowers. The rain
was coming down in torrents as it can rain at Manchester, and
I had but a vague notion in what part of Failsworth Mr. Booth
resided, and I soon found to iBy cost that this was a material
point. It is said the world knows but httle of its greatest
men ; and so, although I attempted to faithfully describe whom
and what I wanted, neither the omnibus conductor nor any of
his passengers could give me any definite account. One told
me of a Charley Booth who had a garden, and eo I concluded
this must be what I wanted ; so I got out in the rain to find it.
A young woman informed me, " Oh yes, he attends our chapel,"
and so I went into some back streets, to find, aias ! that I was
on the wrong scent. I then had to come back into the high
road and to walk a good mile or more before I came to the
right place, which I found out on inquiry from one or two
persons to be in Pole Lane, so called from a high pole with a
weathercock at the top of it. But when I found the place I
did not find the man. He was " gone down into Lincolnebire
about some colts ;" and although his brother kindly showed
me over the little place, yet I greatly regretted not having the
pleasure of seeing Mr. Booth himself. 'The garden is a small
one — a thorough florist's, containing two or three houses, a
number of pits, and a small piece of ground for planting out
Pinks, &e., in. It reminded me very much of some of the old
florists' homes I used to be acquainted with in Dublin, and
I felt confident that I should find much to interest me.

My first inquiry was about Auriculas. I knew that the bloom
was so very late that, although it was the 16th of May, I did
not despair of seeing some in flower. Nor was I disappointed.
I found them growing in a house, and the comfort of this was
apparent on such a day. Had they been in frames it would have
been wretched work pottering about after them and having to
lift up frames, li-c. ; and this has a great deal to do, I think,
with what seems to old florists an innovation. The house is a
span-roof 36 feet long by 8 feet wide, the height 7 feet. The
walk is about 2 feet wide, and is sunk 3 feet so as to give head
room ; this gives a space 3 feet wide on each side on which the
plants are placed. It is heated by hot-water pipes, another
innovation about which I must say a few words. I find that a
few growers, and but a few in the north, have adopted this plan,
which was utterly unknown to the older florists, and is still
by most modern growers considered needless, and seems to me
to have arisen from two causes. First the change which has,
I imagine, taken place in our springs for the last four or five
years. They have been so cold and cheerless that it has been
almost impossible to get Auriculas in in time for the shows. I
remember when there was no difficulty in having them in cold
frames in flower by the middle of April, but for the last four
years they have not really, under the same treatment, been in
flower with me until May ; and when in 1862 the National
Auricula Show was held on April 30 th the southern growers
considered it to be too late, but latterly it would have been
about right. Another reason is that to which I have alluded
above — the greater comfort to the grower. One friend writing
to me on the subject says, " I, when frosty, apply heat with hot-
water pipes to keep the house at, say, about 36° ; this I have
done for the last four years. All the other Auriculas in this dis-
trict (Halifax) are grown in cold frames. Many of the old hands
are opposed to having them in houses. My garden is a thou-
sand feet above the sea level, and I must consider myself aa
well as the plants." And although old George Lightbody or
Eiohard Headly never dreamt of heat ; also while my old friend
Dr. Plant, whose collection and style of growth I have never

I seen excelled, would as soon have thought of eating them as of
doing it ; and while Mr. Jeans or Mr. Bramhall never applied
I heat ; nor in the present day do Mr. Wilson whose Col. Taylors
, always are to the front in Manchester, Mr. Tymons who took
first prize in Dublin, Mr. Tandy whose collection was always
I in the winning place, and many others in the north, in Ireland,
and in Scotland never have given up the cold frame ;^yet I
must say for the grower the house has great advantages, and
I I am not at all sure whether, as one feels the years creeping
; on, I shall not myself alter my pit into a house.

So much for the house, and now for the plants. There was
an exceedingly good collection in it in capital health, and I am
inclined to think that ere long exhibitors will find Mr. Booth
to be what is called " an ugly customer." There were some
fine blooms of many leading varieties still in perfection — Lan-
cashire Hero, Richard Headly, Oliver's Lovely Ann (fine green),
Lord Palmerston, Heap's Smiling Beauty, &a. But I was
most attracted by two new flowers ; one, raised by Mr. Bead
of Market Easen, called Dr. Horner, a very fine grey edge,
which was exhibited last year at Manchester ; and another, a
seedling of Mr. Booth's, which if I mistake not is likely to
take a first place in its class — white edges. The tube is a good
yellow, a point in which some whites such as Taylor's Glory
are defective. The paste is very solid, ground colour black,
and the edge undeniably white. The whole flower is a beauty,
and as it seems to be a good grower I think that we shall hear
a good deal of it by-and-by when Mr. Booth has a sufficient
quantity to let out. Mr. Horner is a fine grey edge with good
paste and tube, and obtained a first-class certificate at Man-
chester last year. We have a good selection in this class, but
as good white edges are few that was to me the more interest-
ing ; and in the future those who succeed us may look forward
to a much better selection probably than that which we now
have.

Of Carnations and Picotees Mr. Booth has a very large stock
— upwards of 2400 pots, or " moogs " as they call them here.
Two and three plants are grown in a pot, so that the number of
plants is very large. It is found by Mr. Booth that the newer
varieties being more robust are displacing the old, it being true
of them as of many other plants, that after a time their vital
powers diminish ; and the object of raisers of seedlings is now
to obtain fine varieties with the vigour of constitution that
youth gives. And I suppose that plants which were originally
not of very strong constitution sooner give way ; for while they
apparently have little power of increase, there are others which
give plenty of grass. When therefore we find one raiser such
as Ben Simonite bringing forward in one season varieties
which obtained, I believe, fourteen first-class certificates, it
may readily be imagined that such a realisation is not far
distant. Carnations seem to be most difiicult in this respect,
far fewer good new varieties of them having been exhibited
than of Picotees. Mr. Booth is also an extensive grower of
Pansies and Pinks, especially Pansies. Here agaiu I think
some climatic change must have been at work, for it is in most
places most difficult to keep them, and yet in former years I
do not remember that we suffered as we seem to do now. Mr.
Booth's Pinks are grown in beds 2 feet wide, and bath in these
and Pansies his prices are most reasonable. Fine show Tansies
can be had from 3s. to 6s. per dozen, and Pinks at 6s. also —
I cheap enough to tempt anyone to try them. He has all the
, leading varieties both old and new, the raising of Pansies being
I now almost if not altogether confined to the Scotch growers,
whose moister climate seems so well suited for the Viola tribe.
[ —T>.,I)eal.

I

PBOPAGATING LEUCOPHYTON BBOWNI A^^D
KLEINIA BEPENS.
Leucophtton Browni. — This is a very novel and ornamen-
tal plant for decorative purposes, and where refined taste is
displayed in the flower garden it will be found invaluable. It
has a peculiar and attractive bright silvery appearance, and
can be pegged or out down to almost any required height ; but
its beauty is more striking when left about 6 inches high. I
regard it as a groat acquisition for carpet beds, both its habit
of growth and its colour making it well adapted for forming
divisional lines in beds of bright colours, and when used in
this way it is sure to win admiration ; yet with all those good
qualities it is seldom met with. This I think is owing to the
difficulty that is found in its propagation. In the first place
the plant does not like fire heat, which makes it grow weakly,
and cuttings taken off then are almost sore to damp-off ; bat

JoDO 31, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

469

if plants are grown withont fire heat with plenty of air they
will be strong and bnshy. From thoee healthy plants slip
off small sturdy shoots (do not out them), and insert them
in light soil with plenty of silver sand in it ; press them firmly
in the pots, and then plunge in a very gentle bottom heat of
leaves or dung; shade them from the sun's rays, bat not
densely — just suiSoient to prevent them flagging, and thf-y will
be rooted and ready to pot-off in a month. They should be
potted firmly. In the autumn I have found them strike well
under a hand-glass in the same way as we strike Pinks, &a.
Small plants planted out now in good ordinary garden soil in
a warm situation will aiiord plenty of cnttings during the sum-
mer and autumn months. They should be wintered in a cold
frame, and old plants can be taken up and potted and simi-
larly wintered, for they are not quite hardy. They winter
better in a frame than on the stage of a greenhouse.

Kleixia bepess. — This is a very distinct succulent plant.
It has a most peculiar shade of colour — greyish blue ; in fact,
it has more blue in its foliage than any other that I am
acquainted with. It is a very useful plant for artistic geometri-
cal designs-, for it makes a pleasing contrast with any colour.
No edging plant is more distinct, and few are more effective.
It is easily propagated. Every leaf may soon be made into a
plant without any difficulty. In the first place prepare some
pota or pans as follows : — Well drain them, nearly fill them
with soil, and place half an inch of silver sand on the top ;
then strip oS the little round-pointed leaves from the plant
(do not cut them) by gently pulling them downwards, beginning
at the bottom and working upwards. The top out off with
an inch of the stem will make a plant very soon if inserted
in the sand. June, July, and August is the best time for the
propagating of all succulent plants from leaves, and it is
necessary to expose them to the free action of light to prevent
damping and to induce root-action. The soil and the sand
should be watered previously to inserting the tops, and again
afterwards to make firm. Place the pots or pans upon a shelf
near the glass, and withont any more attention being given
them they will be on their own roots in a fortnight. The
leaves may be pricked-in in the sand in the same way, or they
may be laid on the surface. They will make roots in the air
and find their way down into the soil. A large stock of
Kleinia may thus be raised in a very short time. — N. Cole.

inflicted by Hercules, but does not tell us the properties of
the plant. It is said that the Daurians and Mongols boil the
roots of Pitonia edulis in their broth, and grind the seeds and
put them in their tea.

It is recorded that when the double red Pieony was introduced
at Antwerp in the sixteenth century it was sold for twelve
crowns a-root, but now they may be obtained for as many
pence. Our favourites are numerous and widely distributed,
for they are " at home " in Cbina, Siberia, Candia, the Levant,
North America, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and even our
highly favoured land is credited with one of the family, but I
rather doubt its claim to citizenship ; yet Pieonia coralhna is
no despisable border flower, but how seldom is it met with !
I venture the assertion, though reluctantly, that our Crowfoots
are among the neglected flowers. Coarse'.' Yes, we admit
that ; but look at them from a distance, and then tell us
whether their colours are magnificent or not. Lumpish ?
Granted ; but are not balls of crimson and other colours
desirable ? Give the plants an open space in a large shrubbery,
or any other place where you wish to have a blaze in summer,
trench up the space 2 or 3 feet deep, incorporate with it some
good friable loam, well-decayed manure, vegetable matter, and
coarse grit ; then let some of our vendors select twelve or
twenty-four varieties, and have them planted at good distances
and well attended to, and then tell me if they are not beautiful.
They will thrive in a moderately dry situation, yet should
I have water when required, and be secured with stakes to pre-
1 vent them being injured by the wind. When once established
I some of the smaller- growing kinds are suitable for the herba-
ceous border, and are highly effective in early summer. We
1 have during late years had some very choice additions to this
I family, and they only need to be seen to be appreciated.
! Paionia tennifolia flore-pleno is a real gem, and ought to be
! found in or about all gardens. P. fragrans should also have a
prominent place, and P.paradoxa,P.fimbriata,andP. anemonre-
; flora only need to be seen to gain a place in the estimation

of the lover and cultivator of border flowers.
I They are increased by seed, which is best sown as soon as
ripe in rich light soil placed in a cold pit or frame and kept
I moist. Patience must be exercised, as the seed may not ger-
minate for a twelvemonth or more ; they may also be increased
by division in the autumn, or in spring when growth has com-
menced.— Veritas.

GIVING AIR.

I HAVE no means of judging the result of "X.'s" practieei
but his theory (see page .S79) certainly does not commend
itself to me, and I have no doubt he is correct when he says
his lessons are hard to learn, and that he is obliged to supple-
ment them occasionally with what he terms a " slight wigging."
One reason why such men as " X." find a difficulty and accuse
their young men of inattention is that the young men of the
present day are shrewder and more intelligent than their pre-
decessors. While "X."has been standing still and fostering
his old master's exploded notions concerning " letting-off bad
air and vapour " from a forcing house, the world, and possibly
some of "X.'s" assistants, have been moving. Happily now
educated people are all becoming gardeners, and are scientific
too, and the reign of the old school is doomed.

I have on several occasions tried to put my ideas on paper
concerning air-giving (see this Journal lor February 4th, 1875,
and February .3rd, 1876), but it is not at all an easy matter to
write on. ■' A Northebn Gardener " has also at times written
on the anbject, and written well too, as he does on every sub-
ject he undertakes. — William Taylor.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS— CROWFOOTS.

What changes have come over us and the world since Miller
gave to the world that wonder of the age, his botanists' and
gardeners' dictionary ! Speaking of the Piieony, he says that
culture gives to this plant double flowers and alters their
colour into all degrees between a deep blood colour and white.
The leaves also become broader or narrower from the same
means. We readily admit that cultivation does a great deal
in producing fine foliage, but I am in doubt as to cultivation
producing double flowers ; however, we give credit to authors
that advance their experience for the good of others. Strange
stories are told about our border and other flowers. We are
told that " Paeonia " is derived from a physician named Pieon,
who was the first to use this plant in medical practice. The
Greek legend adds that he need it to care Plato of a woand

DRAC^NA AUSTRALIS.
Mr. Calvert, in his paper on Crotons and Dracsenas read at
the Darlington Gardeners' Institute, mentions Dracaena aus-
tralia as useful during winter months for indoor and conserva-
tory decoration. I quite concur in Mr. Calvert's views, but at
the same time we have Dracaena australis here now flowering
(June 12t.h) in the open air. It was planted out five years ago
in centre of a large flower bed at a great elevation above the
sea ; it has received no protection of any kind. The plant is
about 10 feet high to where the flower spike began to show.
The spike appeared early in April, and is now 4 feet high and
3 feet through at the bottom branchlets ; it is now opening its
beautiful white flowers.— S. Deadman, TIic Gardens, Gorwatj,
Teignmouth, Devon.

NOTES ON VILLA and SUBURBAN GARDENING.

The dull, cold, and sunless weather of May has been followed
near London by real tropical weather, accompanied almost daily
by strong and searching winds, 80 ihat in every department of
the garden there has been and is still much to do to keep all in
first-class order. . , , s

In the flower garden bedding-out, even m the most backward
of situations, ought now to be brought to a close. The latest of
spring-bedding plants are over, and subtropical plants will not
now foel their transition, but will take hold of the soil at once
and grow away freely. These and all other plants planted-oat
for the embelliahmeut of the garden should be encouraged by
every means to make a rapid growth and to cover the ground as
early as possible. Copious supplies of water are highly beneficial
to them. We generally, after planting, draw the soil away from
the base of each plant, forming litUe hollows, and then give to
each bed a good soaking of water, and afterwards run the hoe
through the beds to settle the soil around the roots.

Rhododendrons and other American plants— as well as most
of our bi-autiful flowering border shrubs, such as the many
varieties of Hawthorn, Lilacs, Laburnums, &c.— have bloomed
well, but their period of flowering was both late and of very
short duration, owing to the protracted cold suddenly followed

470

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ Jano 21, 1877.

by parching winds and hot snn. Pick og all dead flowera and
peed vessels from Rhododendrons, ifec, as fast as they go out of
flower, in order to enable them t:i make new growth without a
chance of swelling or perfecting their seed pods. They not only
snap off the easier and more readily while young and green, but
the plants are much benefited by their remov'il, as they are the
better able to perfect their new growths for next year's bloom.

Trees and shrubs which were trans(jlanted l.ito and are show-
ing signs of distress will require frequent supplies of water.
Many trees which a few weeks since looked both fresh and green
have not made suiiicient root-action to withstand drought, and
they will coneequentlv dwindle away and finally perish unless a
good soaking of water is given to them occasionally. If the sur-
face of the soil is covered with manure — mulching — immediately
after the water has been applied, its benefit will be the greater
and much labour will be saved.

Newly-laid grass lawns, if they show any signs of cracking,
should have some fine soil placed in the cracks, and have a
good soaking of water also and a thoroQgh rolling afterwards.
Neatly-clipped edges both to borders and paths, a smooth and
even turf, and an absence of weeds are indispensable to every
well-kept villa garden.

Amongst fruit trees much attention is now required, more
especially to trees on walls. Peaches and Nectarines are sadly
affected with blistered leaves, the result undoubtedly of the long-
continued ungenial spring. Picking ofl these malformed leaves
and giving the trees a good washing daily with a garden engine
is the best remedy, and about the only thing that can be done
to accelerate their growth. Stop all shoots growing straight
out, or as it is termed breastwood, and tie or nail-in all young
healthy shoots in their proper positions. Strawberries will
require thorough applications of both clear water and liquid
manure, or many of the fruit blossoms will be found to go blind
■or barren. When black or other flies appear on Cherries or
other fruit trees, syringing the attacked points with a solution of
soft soap and tobacco water is one of the best of antidotes.

To keep up a continual supply of gay flowers in the green-
house or conservatory it will be necessary to frequently clean
and change the plants ; decayed flowers and leaves must be
regularly picked off, and plants will not last as long in bloom
now as they did while the weather was coolnr. Draw down the
shading while the sun shines directly on the house, and keep
all pots scrupulously clean. Thorough cleanliness in this de-
partment is always important.

Nearly all plants used during the winter have either ceased
flowering or are fast going out of bloom, and must be removed
to make their summer growths. Pelargoniums, as soon as they
are past their best, should be removed to an open place out of
doors, where they may harden their wood and be cut down.
The tops strike very readily, and if potted-on make fine plants,
which will produce six or seven heads of flowers for next year's
supply.

Azaleas and Camellias which have bloomed late must be re-
moved to a pit where they can be shaded, syringed, and shut up
close in early afternoon, or to a vinery where th'^y can receive
the benefit of both shade and moisture. A great deal of next
year's success of blooming depends on having quickly grown and
well ripened new shoots.

Roses grown in pots have now ceased blooming, and must be
removed to the potting-bench there to uudergo the process of
ehaking-out and repotting. If larger-sized plants are not wished
for return them to the same sized pots as before. If a plant is
weakly grown reduce it to the smallest pot its roots will go
into ; but if strong and large plants are required shift them to a
size or two larger according to the strength of the plant. No
plants are more deserving of attention than Roses in pots when
well grown. They cost very little to purchase in the first place,
do not require great heat to force them in early, and are always
welcomed. They can be had (if judiciously pruned and grown)
in bloom from March to June. By this time Rosea out of doors
are fast opening, and therefore the Rose season is greatly pro-
longed. It is on the summer growth that depends in a great
measure their capabilities of bloomiug next season. A good
strong yellow loam mixed with a little decayed manure is a
suitable compost for potting all the Hybrid Perpetuala, but for
Teas a little leaf soil and sand is needful. When the potting is
completed plunge them to the rim of the pots in short dung or
cocoa-nut fibre, and water them overhead frequently when
the weather is at all dry. They will then make new and strong
growth, and will repay the cultivator another season for his
pains. — J. W. Mookjian.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WORK FOE
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN G.UIDEN.

Onn complaint two weeks ago waK of cold and wet, also the
difliculty of destroying weeds in such weather. There are some
sorts of soil in which weeds grow with great freedom, and
others where they are much less persistent. Every gardener

knows his own special work and difficulties, but the difficulty of
destroying weeds is solved when a person makes up his mind
never to allow them to appear above ground. Continual work-
ing with the hoe in the spring and early summer months will
keep everything clean and promote healthy growth of the crops.
Except two slight thunderstorms, during which over half an
inch of rain fell, but little more has fallen during the last two
weeks, and as the days have been hot with not much dew at
night the ground is now very dry, and during the last few days
we have hoed amongst nearly all the different crops.

The Pea ground has been hoed and the rows eartbed-up, after-
wards sticks were placed to them. Potatoes and Peas on the
early borders where they have had no artificial protection are
later this year than we have ever had them. This may be
attributed to the severe frosts which prevailed when the Potatoes
had grown a few inches out of the ground, and which quite
destroyed them. To be sure of Potatoes, even by the second
week iu Jun«, it is quite necessary to place some glass protec-
tors over the plants, even if frosts are not severe enough to
show their effects upon the leaves; still they do experience a
check from continued cold nights. The Peas will be ready for
picking in a day or two, whereas if we had been able to have
placed some glass ridges over the first sowing we should have
gathered Peas by the last week iu May.

The hot weather is forcing all sorts of crops on at a very
rapid rate. Cauliflowers faster than we can use them. Asparagus
is abundant and very good ; a portion of it has been allowed to
grow on while the other part is kept closely cut-in. If Aspara-
gus beds are closely cut-in every year untd the longest day no
wonder if the plants degenerate. Our plan is to let a portion
grow away while the other part is cut until Peas are plentiful ;
then the whole of it is allowed to grow away, although an occa-
sional dish may be gathered for two weeks longer. The beds
receive much benefit from a dressing of salt and guano in equal
proportions. If the weather is dry this may be washed in by a
good watering with clear water.

VINERIES,

This has been one of the most anxious seasons ever ex-
perienced by us for early-forced Grapes. It was our intention
to have the early Muscats in by the middle of May, and the
house was started suilioiently early for this. Never had the
wood been better ripened or the buds more promising. The
borders outside were protected by shutters, and a covering of
fermenting material was placed over the roots. All would have
gone on well, but the continued wet baffled us. The water rose
in the stokeholes to a depth of 18 inches, and we kuew that
the roots of the Vines were also submerged t3 that depth; so it
was quite certain that to keep-up a high temperature would be
doing injustice to the Vines, and they were allowed to grow-on
slowly until the waters subsided. Nevertheless, many of the
bunches in one house have berries disfigured with black spots,
which cannot be accounted for by any other cause ttian the
deluging with ice-cold water from beneath. The Muscat of
Alexandria has not suffered in any way, but Golden Cbampiiin,
Buckland Sweetwater, and some of the Black Hamburghs have
done 80. Duke of Buccleuch, though a noble-looking Grape,
has also a tendency to be easily injured. It is a great dis-
appointment to all Grape-growers that these two otherwise
noble Grapes are so difficult to manage. Our own opinion is
that they require certain treatment — for one thing, a drier atmo-
sphere than most other sorts excepting Canon Hall Muscat,
which would do with the same treatment. They might be
treated similarly to Black Hamburghs until the stoning was com-
pleted, and as soon as they took their second swelling we would
afford a temperature of 05" at night, with a rise of from 5° to 15"
by day. We would allow no water from evaporating troughs,
but would sprinkle the walls, paths, and borders of the house
twice daily in dull cloudy weather, and three or four times if
the weather was bright and the sun shone all day.

Many gardeners, especially those with little experience, do
their work too much by square and rule — so much damping-up,
and this at certain times, utterly regardless whether the outer
air is charged with moisture or the sky is cloudless with a dry-
ing east wind. A man who takes an interest in his Vines or
plants will study their wants, and watch anxiously for the
change of a wind from east to west, and will take proper steps
to meet it.

Ventilating and firing is equally if not of more importance
than atmospheric moisture. The main element of success is
to ventilate early in the morning; for instance, in a span-roofed
house running north and south the sun is acting upon the glass
at this season before 5am, and by an hour later than this the
temperature, if the house has been shut-up close, will have
risen quite 10' or 15'. We do not say that this will do any
harm, but it is better to ventilate as soon as the temperature
begins to rise, and to increase the ventilation as the suu riies to
its meridian. Most people think six o'clock early enough to get
into the gardeu ; if so, we would leave a little ventilation on all
night. Thou as to firing. This is scarcely required at all at
this season, as the temperature can be kept-up high enongb

June 21, 1S77. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

xpithont it. But should it be necessary when the nights are
cold, it is best to do with as Utile as possible. If Muscats are
not ripe and they are reqiired as speedily as possible, the night
tfrnper-itare should not fall below 70°, nor below 05*^ in the
Hamburgh houses.

We are now busy thinning in the late houses, but shall pro-
bably finish before this appears in print. See that no lateral
growths are allowed to run out after this, but pinch-out the
points as soon as it is possible to do so. If the Vines are bearing
a full crop there will not now be much growth. If the earliest
house has been cleared of its crop let the leaves be thoroughly
washed with rain water thrown with considerable force from a
garden engine, but not so strong as to cut the leaves into ribbons
as we have seen done sometimes.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.

The present is a very trying time for plants in these structures.
Insect pests will make considerable progress in a few days un-
less there are plenty of men to attend to everythiug just at the
right moment, which is very seldom the case. Mealy bag, red
spider, and green fly increase very rapidly indeed, but it is well
to make an effort and have them destroyed before the plants
are injured by them. If there is bng in the house it will find
out the Stephauotis, Ixoras, and Dipladenias. These it is well
to thoroughly clean, and it must be done with a sponge and
Boapy water, taking great care of the leaves.

Those who grow Ittr^e specimen plants for exhibition will now
be repotting those which require it, and which have finished
flowering. Careful potting is the foundation of successful cul-
ture. What is tbe use of keeping plants free from insects and
attending to all the various details of tbe work if the drainage
is defective or the compost not suitable? For large specimens
tbe drainage should be ample and composed of clean potsherds;
over these fibrous peat or loam from which all the tiner sandy
portion has been shaken should be placed, and the compost
should either be tjandy loam or turfy peat, each of tbe tough
fibrous top spit from old upland pasture. Possessing these tbe
maiu elements of success are obtained. Small plants intended
to make specimens should be potted-on as they require it.

Many species of Dendrobium, Cypripedium, Odontogloasum,
Jtij , are now stai-ting into growth and are making roots freely.
Some of them require repotting or rebasketing, and they are
now being attenc'ed to. We have often written of the mistake
in overpottiug Orchids, and it is still not an uncommon blunder.
If any Orchid-grower would study the effects of skilful manage-
ment in Orchids and the use of small pots for the size of the
plants they will see it in the nurseries of Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons, Chelsea. Looking over the collections the other day,
plants of Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, Ac, might be seen making
strong flowering growths in 3-iuch pots. Particularly fine were
hundreds of plants of 0. grande, with the finest foliage and
bulbs ever seen in such small pots. Who would be without
Orchids when the finest varieties can be obtained in healthy
plants at the price of bedding Pelargoniums ? After the plants
have been transferred into fresh pots it is well to keep the houee
closer for a few days until it is seen that the roots have tak'^n
hold of the new soil. We have very frequently described the
operation of potting, and will now only say that the work must
be done carefaily. In many instances it is better to break a pot
than it is to wrench a plant out of it when the interior is firmly
clasped round with active roots. Just so with baskets. A por-
tion of the basket or the whole of it may be removed, bat some-
times it is best to place it inside another one and to allow the
roots to work outwards.

Plants in flower ought to be removed to a house with a drier
atmosphere, as the flowers become covered with black spots of
decay in a close moist atmosphere. — J. Dooglas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Esecutors of the late John Harrison, North of England Rose
Nurseries, Catterick, Yorkshire. — Catalogue of New Hoses,
Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, dc.

Read & Co.. 35, Regent's Circus, Piccadilly, London.— Ca^a-
logue of Garden Watering Machines.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
•,* All correepondence should be directed either to " The
Editors,*' or to ** The Publisher. " Letters addressed to
Mr. .Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so eubjectd them to un-
jastifiable trouble and expense.
Books ( Iftwp).— Our '■ Garden Manual," price Is, 8d., free by post.
Tis Tbocgus [E. S. S.). — Any tinman can mabe them, and then they can
be had of the loDgtbe suitable.

EsHiBiTiNO Orchids {A Subtcriher). — AJthongh there ia a special prize
for Or«hids, that does not prevent them from forailog part, of a cuUection of
Btove at)d greenbouue plants In another clasti.

Climbing Koses (G. W.P.).—lt yon will send your queries here we wiJl
have them answered by '* A Pabsom's GAanENEB."

Bl.^ck Cdrrants Failing [IKFuUin). — The buds yon have sent indicate
a delicienc5 in tho sap supply. Have a trench between the rows of bashes,
and fill it daily wiih water during dry weather.

AiLANTDS Silkworms. — C. M. Major, Esq., Cromwell House, Croydon,
ioquireB where these can be obtained.

Grapes Scalded (T. P. K.). — It is the result of the sudden outbarat of
sun succeeding a lung poriod of dry weather. See replies to correspondents
on page 450 of our last issue.

Carpet-bedding Plants {E'ttie). — The best way to preserve Alternan-
theras is to tnke up the plants early in the autumn and pot tbem in a com-
post of loam, leaf soil, aud sand, and winter them near the glass in a warm
house. These plants will afford plenty of cuttings for striking in the spring ;
spring-stmck plants being preferable to plants struck in the autumn. They
csnnot be preserved and prepared withoot heat. Mentha Pulegium gibral-
tarioum is hardy, but it. has suffered from damp during tbe late wet winter.
It is advisable to protect it with hand-lights. Lobelia pumila is beat sown in
September and wintered on a shelf in alight greenhouse. Tou will find notes on
the propagation of Lancophy ton Browni aud Kleinia repens in another column.

CoLEUsES {South Devon).— \\e thiuk the leaves of the varieties yoa
enclose very good aud distinct.

"Weeds on Gkatel Walks tN. C.).— Salt strewed thicklr on them will kill
them, but if the walks have Bos edging this is liable to be injured by the salt.

Pansies (C. J. B.)' — We cannot recommend any vendors. You should
vifrit the nurseries and select for yourself, or write to some of the successful
exhibitors.

Camellia Leaves Spotted (J. H. B.). — We think your plants are not in
good health, and probably require fresh soil. We fhould repot them, using
ii comp Bt of equal i)art3 of turfy loam and peat, with a liberal admixture of
silver taud and charcoal. If you can secure active root-action and allow tbe
plants to make their growth in a shaded place, healthy unspotted fohage will
be produced. Before potting, carefully remove all of the old soil you can with
a pointed stick, not injaiiog tbe roots. Afterwards water the plants hberally
and syricge them freely until their buds are formed, then cease the syringing,
but they must not become dry at the roots at any time. If tbe roots are active
and still the plants appear stunted in growth, cut them down early in the
spring and place them in a brisk mJst heat, and healthy growth will proceed
from every portion of the old wood. By this plan you sacrifice flowers for
one sea-son, but you will be well compeusated by the increased vigour of the
plants and finer blooms iu after years. Shade and copious supplies of water
are essential in the cultivation of Camellias. We suspect that your plants
have had too little water and too much sun.

Mildew and Red Spider on Roses [Idem].— If you syringe your Roses
with soft-soap water oct-aMonally, made by dissolving 2 ozs. of soap iu a
gallon of water, it will benefit your trees. Frequent syringings with clear
water will keep tbe foliage free from red spider ; apply liquid manure also to
the roots. Ewiny's mildew wash is good. It can be obtained from Messrs.
Ewing & Co. at the Eaton Nurseries, Norwich.

Errata.— The report of the gardens at Duuecvau contains a clerical
error. The stem of Lilium auratum was stated to be 4 inches in diameter;
it ought to have been 4 inches in circumference ; and "Michael," not John
Waterer, is the name of the fine ciim^ion- scarlet standard Rhododendron
alluded to.

Mealy Bug on Grapes {E. T.).—lt you can syringe the bunohes with
spirits of wine, or even whiskey, it will kill the insects without injuring the

Emmets (John Hopper).— V^e do not think they eat Rose blooms. Do
they not come after green flies ? To drive away emmets gas lime sprinkled
over their nests wo have found to be effectual.

Beetle on Asparagus (C B. G.i— It is the Asparagus Beetle, Crioceria
Aspara^ii. The beet remedy is to hold a gauze bag-net under each plant,
shake the plant aud destroy ihe beetles that fall into the net.

Name of Tree {A Co7i$tant Reader).— Pstqb torminalis, the Wild Service.

Names of Plants |F. E. H.i.—Limnanthes grandiflorus. {.'uvcnile).—

1, Listera ovata; 2, Orchis pyramidalis. (C. iJ.).— Cicnta virosa, Water Hem-
lock, a very poisonous plant. (IT. W. A.).— The Dendrobium is probably
Dalbousieaoum, but the drawing does not show hairiness of the anterior part
of the labellum. (A. Boyle).— It is a Hednm, but the specied cannot be
determined from such a specimen. \E. Durrantt.—We cannot name Roses
or any other florists' flowers from a single specimen. They are legion. The
yellow flower was too withered to be identified. Send another specimen in
damp mess and a box. (E. L. Carr).— Tour tree is Pyrus torminalis. (E.
Knoxj.—l, Ulmusicampestris nana ; 2, 0. c. viminalis ; 3, too much shri veiled.
Send another t^pecimen in a bjK with damp moss. {Juily).—1, Pyrus Aria;

2, Ne^undo fraxmifolia.

POULTEY, BEE, AOTI PIQEON OHEONIOLE.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Do not trust to your memory. Keep a note-book, and use it.
Eecord tho common as well as the micommor occurreDces. Do
not burden your miud or memory with trities ; keep both free
for events. " Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," so jot
down the evils of tu-day to guard against them to-morrow or
next year.

If you make an experiment keep a record of all that concerns
it. If it is a success yuu can thea trace all the steps that led to
it. If a failure, when you try again you will kuow what you
have to guard agaiust. If you trust the dutails to your memory
the one little item that you will forget will, maybe, be the hinge
upon which the whole matter hung.

Keep also a "thaukful book," it is so hard to remember favours
received. Make the record with pen and ink, that you may
always know how much you have to be thankful for; but keep
the record of favours done with a lead pencil, that time may
l)lur and finally obliterate tho writing.

Bi-fore purchasing eggs for hatchiug inquire as carefully into
the character of the seller as into the merits of the birds he owna.
If the eggs come by express be careful to note how they are

472

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 21, 1877.

packefl. If shabbily make note of it, also of your donbts of their
hatching, if you have any. Write also at once the complaint you
have to make to the sender. Do not accept, then complain after-
wards. If packed as well or even a little better than you would
have done them yourself, and you have confidence in the man
you purchased ther" from, make up your mind that he has done
his best, and the- cause for failure, if you need to find one, may
lie in your hanJling or in the hen's mismanagement. Think cf
It ! You are going to trust these most delicate of fabrications for
twenty-one days to a senseless hen that has nothing but a httle
instinct to guide her. Is it not wonderful that so many chicks
are hatched ? Is it not unpardonable audacity that demands or
even expects the sitting to be duplicated ? Let the seller duph-
cate the order if he wants to, but do not expect to have two or
three sittings for the price of one. Look out for rats ! Cats or
dogs cau be trained to guard young chickens not only against
rats, but against stranger dogs and cats.

Feed yonng chicks often, either with broken grain or with
meal scalded. Do not give them meal of any kind wet with cold
milk or water. If yon buy corn meal for family use sift it, even
If it IS of best quahty, giving the coarser grains left in the sieve
to the chickens. Do not allow the bones from the table to be
thrown into the dust-bin or to uselessly adorn your door yard.
When the time comes to throw them away throw them on the
■t' S'^ j"^ "^® animal charcoal to your chickens. If anything
IS burned in the cooking do not fret about it ; it is only making
the charcoal your poultry are in need of, especially if they have
had the range of orchard and meadow, and have been obliged
after a fashion to pick up their living where they can and of what
they can find. Their eggs and flesh are apt to taste. Charcoal
in any form will remedy this evil.

At this season while eggs are plentiful and cheap do not trade
them off for groceries or use them extravagantly ; lay aside a
store for the days of famine. Eggs will not keep if the pores of
the shell remain open. If the egg contains the germ of life it will
die after a time and the air will act upon it, causing putrefaction.
If the egs 18 simply clear the air will absorb the moisture, and
time will had it a hardened mass. The secret of preserving eggs
IS m excluding the air, sealing the pores of the shell. This may
be done by dipping the eggs in melted tallow and afterwards
packing them m bran, layer upon layer, covering the uppermost
well with bran, or salt may be used instead of brau, or water
saturated with lime and salt is also good. An English lady, an
experienced poultry breeder, has preserved eggs in this solution,
ieeping them for several years without a single failure

If you have a garden spot plant sunflower seeds ; Mammoth
Jrtussian is best— the seed will prove most excellent food for your
poultry next autumn. The leaves will do well if saved next
aiituuin when dried for the chickens to scratch among during
the winter; while the stalks will, when dried, make the best of
light material for starting a fire. If your poultry yard lacks
shade a grove " of these Mammoths will afford it ; but protect
the young plants from the poultry by covering with brush or
protecting racks.

Do not exercise cruelty in trying to keep a hen from sitting
when eggs rather than chicks are in request. Better let her
take the nest for a few days, she will lay just as soon again. An
excellent plan is to tie a rope to one of her legs, fastening the
other end of it to a post or stake out of doors in the shade. She
will attempt once or twice to return t, her sitting, but will soon
give it up and busy herself pecking at the rope. At night, after
d^rk place her upon the roost if it is not convenient to leave her.
With us three days at the most has been the limit of such treat-
ment to effect a cure. Give a good supply of food and water.

Let us suppose that each day you extract a drop of blood from
each chick, and, say, about two from each adult bird, how much
laying or featheriug-out, or growing would you expect them to
do / Let us suppose that it was done by a thousand, yes, ten
thousand little suckers, one at each point of the skin. How
quietly would you expect a sitting hen uoder such treatment to
remain upon her nest ? You " would not expect it, would not
even think of such a thing ; " but you do if you harbour lice upon
your premises. Do not compromise matters. Do not permit
even one. Do not be tempted into receiving as a gift the best
bird that was ever hatched if with it you must accept vermin
and you do not know how to get rid of them. Cue day's work
a-mnnth w;ill not do. Keep a guard continually; use kerosene,
smoke, whitewash,fumigate, put tansy, ortobacco, or pennyroyal
in the nest boxes, sprinkle carboUc powder, chloride of lime,
lime or ashes freely. When you have gone through the role

suV°ct °™' **^*'°' ™°°^ ''^'"^°*' ^^ ^"''^ "'■ ^°^^ "P°° ''^'^

-^if?!,'"'''*®-?,''! ^,^^'"' '"''™ *^® <=^'^''s II™ four or five months
?v, V • ^iT^ do better apart. Do not feed too much bone meal-
inat IS, the raw bone pulverised, or meat to young birds, unless
yon wish to hasten maturity at the expense of size. Give green
feed regularly If your birds are cooped from it; if you hive a
garden, remembering that your birds will need their salad next
winter, prepare for a pnpply. A little patch of onions, a few
cabbages, turnips, and beets will save you mauy a dollar when

the snow is on the ground, and will cost yon but little of either
time or labour.

Do not force your hens to " lay themselves out " by givine too
much stimulating egg-producing food, especially if your birds
are worth anything. If kept for the eggs for sitting it would be
very nice, with orders coming in for eggs at three or five dollars
per dozen, to get all that could be had, but what sort of stock
can be raised from such forced producing? Would it not be
better if it were of less and of natural growth ? Feed according
to what you want. Corn will not produce eggs, but heat and
flesh instead while wheat contains the albumen which enters
Jm^]Sn composition of the egg.— [American Fanciers'

THE DUTCH BABBIT,

It is now our purpose to describe the smallest variety— the
Lnghsh Dutch and the French Nicard. This variety is pretty
but It IS absolutely useless except for nursing, so far as utility is
concerned, it being so small, sometimes no bigger than a good-
sized guinea pig. The body is well-shaped but small-boned, the
legs short and thin, the neck a trifle long, and the head, gene-
rally speaking, small with a broadish face ; the ears are short
aod erect, but not so strong in the muscles as those of Hima-
layan or Silver-Grey, still they should on no account lop, but
they should stand erect or fall slightly forward.

In this country but few really perfect specimens are found,
although the cultivation of the breed is rapidly increasing and
every encouragement is given to their exhibition. In France
and the Netherlands, however, the breed is cultivated to an
enormous extent, and the number that are annually sent to the
London market is exceedingly large. Of course these are not bo
small as the orthodox show specimen should be, but they gene-
rally run from 4 to 6 lbs. iu weight. They are reared in large
numbers, generally in houses with the temperature slightly
heated, and the breeding is said to be exceedingly profitable.
One article of food that is much used, and which is believed to
be very flesh-growing, is a ball of meal and potatoes dried in the
oven and given hard. Sometimes this sort is sent over alive
and if a fancier will frequent the markets early iu the morning
he can often pick up a couple of well-marked specimens at pot
prices. A larger majority are, however, skinned, and sent over
in quantities and sold as Ostend Babbits.

The groundwork of the Dutch Rabbit may be of any colour
black aod blue being perhaps the two best, as the most calcu-
lated to show oft the marking ; but grey, fawn, and lemon are
also common, and in some cases very handsome, although, ex-
cept in rare instances, the contrast between the two colours is
not so striking. Tortoiseshell is much admired by the fancy,
not so much because of its beauty as of its rarity, for it is not
nearly so much admired as the Black, which is, to our thinking,
the colour best calculated to show off the markings to advantage.
The modern or "new" style of marking is as follows :— The
body and rump of some self colour or tortoiseshell ; round the
neck a white ring varies in width, but tapers gradually as it goes
upwards ; from the summit of this collar a white streak travels
between the ears and down the face, increasing in width as it
descends ; the under portion of the chin is generally white ; the
toe of each foot is tipped with white. The tipping should not
exceed an inch in length, nor extend above the first joint. It is
not absolutely necessary that the tippiugs of the fore and hind
feet should be of exactly similar lengths, the front feet being
often considerably the longer; but it is necessary that the
tipping of each of the pair should be uniform, and we think that
most judges would be inclined to lean towards absolute uni-
formity m the four. This is what is styled the new style of
marking, and it is certainly by far the prettier. When a little
Black specimen is seen marked to perfection in this style the
totil turn-out is exceedingly good.

The " old " style of marking, though resembling the new in
some respects, is still essentially different. The groundwork is
of the whole colour, as in the new style ; the collar also is white,
but much wider than would be allowed in a specimen of iho
modern type— so wide is it that it includes the shoulders and
the whole of the front legs in its circle. In both styles the oars
should be of the darker colour, and no white hairs visible. It
should be distinctly borne in mind that any white hairs in the
body of the dark colour, if not an absolute disqualification, are
a great deterioration from value ; in fact, no Rabbit with such a
blemish could hope to win in any moderate class. The uncalled-
for tuft will, however, make itself apparent occasionally, and un-
scrupulous fanciers will not hesitate tj pluck it out. This prac-
tice constitutes the offence of " trimming," one of the most
demoralising of the fancy. It is occasionally done in other
varieties, especially the Lop, but more often in the breed now
under especial notice. The objectionable tuft is seized by the
thumb and finger and dragged out with a jerk, thereby causing
considerable pain to the little animal which is thus operated
upon. A good judge will at once distinguish a trimmed exhibit
in spite of all efforts to have it concealed, and if he be worthy
of his office will at once disqualify it ; so that if an exhibitor has

Juno 21, 1877. ]

JOOaHAIi OF HORTICOLTDBS AND COTTAGE GARDENBB.

473

\

a Babbit wiih aa ancoustitatioual appendage in the way of a
stray hair of white he had much better leave it as it is, for,
setting aside the fact that honesty is the beat policy, he may be
pretty sure that his pet may win if sent in a natural state, but
cannot do so if operated upon.

We have already adverted to the proverbial smallnesa of the
breed. _ It is not always that a specimen is bo very small as we
have hinted but a great many are seen at shows under 2 lbs. in
weight. Breeding does generally run about 3 and 4 lbs. in
weight ; 6 lbs. is too large, and in the eyes of most 5 would be
also considered so. The small size is produced by in-and-in
breeding, a practice that cannot be recommended, because — -in ad-
dition to lowering the weight, an objection in itself — it also tends
to we.iken the constitution and generally debilitate the system.

In disposition the Dutch is generally found to be gentle and
docile, exception being made, however, in the case of a doe with
a litter, in which case she will attack anybody or anything with-
ont the slightest hesitation. The Dutch doe is exceedingly
prolific, and, more than that, she is a very good mother. The
amount of nourishment a little doe will possess is simply extra-
ordinary, and hence they are frequently used as nurse does. A
strange, but by no means uncommon, sight is that of a little doe
of about 4 lbs. weight bringing up half a dozen little ones, all of
whioh are nearly as large as herself. It is as nurse does that the
breed is chiefly valued, although at most shows encouragement
is given for their exhibition. — Geta.

NEW BOOK.

" Foreign Cage Birds, containing Full Directions for Success-
fully Breeding, Rearing, and Managing the various beautiful
Aviary Birds imported into this Couutry," is an illustrated
little volume written by C. W. Gedney, and we recommend it to
those who keep foreign birds in confinement. It is a record of
the knowledge obtained by long experience. The author says : —
" Purchasers of newly imported birds run great risks of loss,
even when the specimens are healthy, as the climatic change
kills large numbers of those which recover the ill-effects of foul
overcrowded cages and dirty water. Birds with bad plumage
should therefore be rejected, as should those showing any signs
cf moult, for the first change of feathers here is a most critical
ordeal to those varieties which have been brought from hot
climates. For my own part I would rather have a bird imme-
diately upon its landing than take one whioh a dealer has had
caged in his shop several months. Such birds are all diseased,
and they are dear at any price. One of the worst symptoms
amongst newly imported birds is lameness, and I commend this
fact to amateurs who may venture upon such a risky speculation
as to rely on their own judgment and the dealer's word when
buying stock.

" I have kept birds under every conceivable difficulty, and
during the early years of my life as a sailor these bird-fancying
proclivities made me a great nuisance to my messmates. Cape
Pigeons, Penguins, Boobies, and Gannets were at various times
objects of my great solicitude; hot spite of the kindly indul-
gence of friendly captains I was reduced to the necessity of
keeping my pets in the ' chains,' or mizen top, for so great was
the prejudice of the crews that they resented the friendly over-
tures of these birds by throwing them overboard, declaring that
they had ' jaws like a pair of shears.' Then I took to Parrots ;
but this led to ofBcial complaints, that the ' watch below could not
get to sleep.' Quails were a great success. How I used to take
down my ' dickey box' of a morning and revel in the sight of
those chubby little fellows trying to scratch the print off an old
newspaper, and then demurely make-believe to pick up the tit
bits ! The loss of those birds nearly broke my heart ; they were
made into a pie during my watch on deck in honour of a birth-
day in our mess ! It was seme time before I ventured upon
introducing any successors to the Quail ; but the birds of Japan
demolished all my good resolutions, and I was once more the
owner of a collection which eclipsed all their predecessors."

SWABMING AND NON-SWAKMING.
Tour correspondent "A. A., Aberdeen," asks for "a few hints
on the non-swarming principle." Ha is doubtless somewhat
anxious to know what can be said in favour and against the non-
swarming system of managing bees. The question involved is
a very important one, which occupies the attention of many
intelligent bee-keepers during the swarming season every year.
It may be well to discuss the question here with a view to
multiply and spread ideas on it ; but no one can satisfactorily
and finally decide and determine for others whether the swarm-
ing or non-swarming system is the better and more eligible of
the two. The question so cvften put — viz., " Which system ia
the most profitable ?" cannot be easily answered, for the utility
and success of any system of bee-keeping changes with the
weather. Besides, the aims of one apiarian are different from
those of another. One wants to multiply swarms and increase
his stock; another wants to increase his stores by the multipli-

cation of supers of honeycomb. Some bee-farmers can sell
more readily and advantageously run honey than they can sell
honeycomb. Seasons, circumstances, markets, as well as the
differing aims of bee-masters, have to be considered in this dis-
cussion. We have perhaps considered the question as fully and
thoroughly as most people for a long period of time. In good
seasons the swarming system of management is the best and
most profitable to us ; in unfavourable seasons the non-swarm-
ing system answers better. We shall now notice both sides of
the question.

It is natural for honey bees to swarm. Swarming is an instinct
of their being, and tends to their health, activity, and preserva-
tion. As swarming is natural to them it is an easy matter to
multiply swarms in ordinary seasons. We have been frequently
told of one or two Italian or Liguriau stocks that yielded six
or seven swarms in a season, and that the common black bees
are not so prolific. Is it so ? Is the comparison or conclusion
correct ? In hot seasons it is difficult to prevent common
English bees from swarming too often. Frequently two swarms,
and sometimes more, are obtained from stock hives, and as many
from their first swarms the same season. Daring one favour-
able season for honey two courses of swarms were obtained from
stock hives — that is to say, after the stock hives sent off one
set of swarms they refilled their hives with bees and sent off a
second series of swarms. But such rapid multiplication of
swarms, either ut Lignriau or English bees, is no advantage,
and affords no proof of the superior breeding powers of their
queens. Ten swarms from one stock hive would not prove that
its queen produces more eggs than the queen of another hive
which does not swarm at all. The number of eggs laid by
queens (and not the number of swarms obtained from hives) ia
the only true test of their fertility. I wish the bee-keepers of
this country to remember that.

We shall now notice briefly some of the advantages and dis-
advantages of swarming and non-swarming. In the swarming
system we have, or may have, our hives filled with youus sweet
comb free from the pest of foul brood aud not overloaded with
pollen. Combs of this description are better for brooding and
storing purposes than older combs. Two or three swarms, after
filling their hives with combs, gather more hon?y than a stock
hive. Indeed, as a rule, an early good swarm works harder and
gathers more honey than a non-swarmer. At the end of a fine
season the mother hive as well as each of the swarm hives
contains, generally speaking, as many bees as a stock hive that
has never swarmed at all ; aud if the best of the three be
selected for a stock, and have the bees of the other two united to
it, we obtain for another year a stock hive of surpassing worth
aud power, far more eligible every way for keeping than one
which has never swarmed at all.

In the swarming system, too, we have, or may have, young
queens in our hives. Queens live four years only, and if they
die a natural death the bee-master sustains a loss. If the old
queens are not removed from hives and young queens put in
their places, five hives out of every twenty will annually become
queenless for a time and be greatly hindered in their work. If
the queens die at an untimely season when no eggs are in the
hives the disaster is as great as it can be — all is lost.

The disadvantages of swarming, as we have already indicated,
are most felt in unfavourable seasons. The partnership of a
firm, prosperous enough at the time, is broken up with a view
to work separately and establish other concerns. A ohange may
take place in the commercial world, causing bad trade and
blasting the prospects cf all the beginners. So in the bee world :
A prosperous community mutually agrees to separate as colo-
nies, and thus endeavour to multiply and spread establishments
everywhere. They, too, are often hindered by adverse circum-
stances. In a word, swarms are placed at a disadvantage for a
short time after being hived. The mother hives, too, cannot do
as much work after as before swarming till more brood be hatched.

On the non-swarming principle queens go on laying and bees
gathering honey without halt or hindrance but what comes from
weather and climate. While swarms are furnishing their new
homes and commencing life afresh, non-swarmers go steadily
on filling their hives or supers with honey. Supers of honey-
comb may be obtained from them while swarm hives are being
furnished with combs. Supers may be obtained earlier from
non-swarming hives than from swarmers.

The disadvantages of non-swarming are many. First, there
is the danger of losing swarms. Bees swarm readily with supers
00 them either empty or partially filled. While supering is
resorted to and progressing, no kind of hive yet invented pre-
vents bees from swarming. If first swarms are lost the results
of the season will be comparatively small. There is another
danger and difficulty with non-swarmers. They become in
good seasons too full of honey for keeping. Their combs become
loaded with pollen. In every sense they are too plethoric for
future health and prosperity. The non-swarming principle cau
be most successfully carried into practice among swarming
hives. By selecting a few stocks as non-swarmers, and having
them well filled with young combs and bees from swarming

474

JOOKNAL OP HORTIOULTOBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

hives with queens not more than two years old, very good, even
great resalta may be obtaiced in the coming season. No limits
can be put to the results of bee-keepiag if special efforts and
attention be given to a selected set of hives. What has already
been done may be thrown into the shade by some future special
effort.

But our correspondent "A. A." only asks for a few hints on
the non-swarming principle. If we were going to act partly on
this non-swarming principle in bee-keepiog we would have
lar.'e straw hives, say 16 or 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep,
well stored with bees at any cost in autumn. We would keep
them well and warmly wrapt up and covered during the winter
and spring months. We would super them on a modification of
the Stewarton plan and principle (which has been lately noticed
in this Journal), and take the honey from the hives as well as
the supers every season. We have always recommended the
two systems to go together, for the non-swarming principle
cannot be so well carried out iu the absence of swarming hives,
which furnish an apiary with plenty of young queens and an
abundance of bees from honey hives. In our own experience
we have found in the swarming mode of management less at-
tention and time are needed, less loss, greater average results —
i.e., more profits, and stronger better stocks obtained. If our
friend in Aberdeenshire intends to follow the non-swarming
system we commend to him the consideration of the Stewarton
hive and system. — A. Pettiorew.

DRIVING BEES.

I AM but a novice in bee-keeping, and know little of the ma-
nipulation the bee-master is every now and again called on to
undertake. All my experience about bees is what I have learned
from the Journal, and although this is only the second year
that I have given any attention to the subject, I think I have
on the whole been very successful in all I have undertaken. I
have several kinds of hives, but not one of them is on tbe frame
system, and I this year being desirous of trying one of these, I
procured from Messrs. Abbott a Woodbury storifyer, No. 12 in
their catalogue. When it arrived I set about driving a swarm
which had been for a week or ten days in a straw skep, having
been hived into it l)ecause of the non-arrival of the Woodbury
in time for the swarming. I adopted the usual system of invert-
ing the skep and placing the Woodbury upon it, tbe junction
of the two being enveloped by a sheet, as is recommended in
the books. I set to work drumming with two sticks on the sides
of the skep, and kept ou at tbis amusement for twenty minutes
or more, and on peeping in to see the result of my efforts I
found not a bee had risen to the Woodbury, but all were iu a
state of commotion in the skep. I saw it was hopeless to per-
severe, so I returned the skep, bees and all, to the floorboard,
and allowed them to settle down for the night, determining to
try again the following morning. I turned the matter over in my
mind all the evening; when I was in bed the thoughts of what
■was to be done on the morrow troubled me, and iu tbe morn-
ing when I awoke the driving of tbe bees was still present
in my mind. I had nobody near who could give me any advice
on the point, and so I was left to the resources of my own
ingenuity.

After breakfast, armed in my veil and gloves, and provided
with a table spoon, I sallied forth, accompanied by the old gar-
dener, determined that if the bees would neiiher be drummed
nor coaxed out they should be forced. We turned up the skep,
having first taken some of the frames from the lowest section
of the Woodbury, and then with the spoou I deliberately lifted
as many spoonfuls of bees as I could out of the skep and put
them into the Woodbury, which had been previously smeared
with honey. As soon as they were housed they set upon the
honey and became quite settled and subdued. We returned
the frames to their places, and then added the second section of
the Woodbury, put on tbe quilt, and surmounted the whole with
the roof. There were still a great many bees left in tbe skep,
and to induce them to join the commonwealth I placed the
edge of the skep against the entrance to the Woodbury, and
as soon as they found out where their companions had gone
they took that direction, and in a very short time the whole of
them were seen trooping into tbe Woodbury, their movements
being stimulated by gently tapping on the skep with a stick.
The bees are now safe in possession and hard at work, and I
flatter myself that by the exercise of a little ingenuity and per-
severance, I, though a begiuner, have succeeded in what some
suppose to be one of the difficult operations in bee-keeping. —

EOGEB ASHPOLE.

SECTIONAL SUPERS.

Eefereino to " B. it W.'s " article of June 1-lth, it is evident
he has not understood my description and drawing of Root's
American sectional super as in the Journal, May 17th. These
supers are not four-sided or closed-in on all sides; indeed, ex-
cepting the end supers, they have strictly no sides at all— simply

two ends, top and bottom. They are used exactly the same as
those " B. & W." describes he is using, and when on the hive
each row of sections form one long box. There is nothing to
prevent the bees massing themselves in sufficient numbers.
The sections are held together simply by a strip of paper pasted
along the sides, which a knife easily severs when the honey-
combs are sold. — John Hunter, Eaton Bise, Ealing.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Cath and West of Enoland Society's Show. — Mrs. W. C. Drummond ,
we are iofurmed, won the firat prize for White Cochin hena.

Bees (A Working Man). — The dead beeg and drones, also the queens in
the paper parcel, are of the common English kind. No Italian mark on any
of them. We are glad to learn you have Ijeeu succeasful with your bees, and
tbiuk your eucoees may be traced to the course of management you dot
follow.

Stung by a Bee (B. S.). — To have caused death, the gentleman stung
must have been iu a peculiar state of health. We hava known pernous etang
by twenty bees in their faces and bauds with no other incouveaience thaa
tbe pain and after-sweliing. The best application to a stung place is spirit
of hartshorn.

Stbayed Swarm (T. J. B.).— Unless a swarm is followed and had been
seen to issue from the parent hive it cannot be claimed.

METEOROLOGICiL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N. : Long. 0' 8' 0 " W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date.

9 A.M.

In t

IE Day.

it's

Radiation

.9

?9
O'o

perature.

Temper

atiire.

On

grass.

d^

a

Jane,

Dry.
dog.

Wet.

Max.
dee.

Min.
deg.

deg.

In.

We. 13

30 003

68.2

57 0

N.E.

61.3

67.3

—

Th. 14

8K.123

62 6

56.1

E.

69 0

70.6

49.1

Fri. 16

3 .166

t,7.6

60 0

S.

60.7

75 6

61.0

122 4

—

Sat. 16

30. 162

68.0

60 8

N.E.

61.8

78.9

49.2

124.8

—

Siin.n

3 1.038

68 4

61.3

N.

63.2

80,9

5-2.8

—

Mo. 18

S .041

73 8

6:).l

N.E.

64 2

83.4

51.3

123,7

—

Tu. 19

30.097

73 V

63.1

N.W.

65.7

84.7

66.3

128.0

—

Means

30.089

67.5

60.2

62.3

77.3

62.9

120.8

48.7

—

REMARKS.
13th.— Very cloudy and overcast in morning with drops of rain, clearer in the

afternoon, and fine at night.
X4th.— Fine bright day. bat not very warm, there being a gentle breeze.
15th.— Another fine bright da?, warmer, but not oppressive.
16th.— Fine day, bright and cloudless throughout.
17th.— Another fine bright day, and absolutely cloudleas; hot, but nob

sultry.
18th.— Fine and bright, but a little hazy in alternooa; lunar halo 10 to

10.30 P.M.
19th. — Fine and very hot.

A fine warm summer week, temperature above 80' on three days ; no
measurable rain.— G, J. Sysions.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— JuNE 1
We have no alteration to notice from last week.

Apples i sieve 0

Apricota dozen 1

Cherries lb 1

Chestnuts bushel 0

Cmruuta 1 hieve 0

bhuk 4 sieve 0

Fiu'M dozen 6

1-illHita lb. 0

Luba lb, 1

GooatibeiTies .. quart 0

Grape».hothou«e lb. 2

Lemons ^100 6

Artichokes dozen 3

Asparagus ^ lOJ 3

Ht-jins. Kidney.. !;►' 100 1

Bi^.t Ufd dozen 1

Kroiiiili bimdle 0

Cabbage dozen 1

Carruta bunch 0

new bunch 1

Copsicuma .... ^ OH 1

CauUflowera. . . . dozen 2

new dozen 6

Celery bundle 1

Coleworts doz. hunches 2

Ciu:uniberB .... each 0

KinUvij dozen 1

Fi-iincl bunch 0

Guilic lb. 0

Hcrbd bimch 0

Lettuce dozen 1

Lueka bunch 0

8. d.

Melons each 8 0to3

Nect.irines .... dozen 12 0 30

Oranges *^ 10 J 10 0 16

Peaches dozen 8 0 SO

Peara, kitchen., dozen 0 0 0

dessert dozen 0 0 0

Pine Apple* .... lb. 2 0 5

Plums i sieve 0 0 0

Raspberries.... lb. 0 0 0

StrawbeiTies .. lb. 3 0 12

Walnuts bushel 5 0 8

ditto I^-IOO 0 0 0

YEGETABLES.

Muahroomg .... pottlo

Mustard & Cress punnet

Onions buuhel

pickling quart

Parsley.... doz. hunches

Parsnips dozen

Heas quart

Potatoes bu-hcl

Kidney bushel

New lb.

Radishes., doz. bunches

i;hubarb bundle

Saisafy bundle

bcorzonera .... bimdle

Seakale basket

fahaUots lb.

Spinach bu-hel

Im-nips bunch

new bunch

Veg. Marrows .. each

Jane 2S, 1877. )

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day , Day

of of

Month Week.

JUNE 28-JnLT 4, 1877.

AyerdKe

Temperature near

London.

Sun
Rises.

Sun

Seta.

Moon
Rises.

Moon

Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock Day
before of
Sun. Year.

28 1 Th
39 F
30 1 S

1 SCN

2 M

3 1 Tn

1

Richmond, Frome, Harrow, and Torl>ay Shows.
Sudbury Show closes.

Alexandra Palace and Horsham Rose Shows.
5 Sunday after Trinity.

Wolverhampton Show. [mitteea at 11 A.M.
Eojal Horticultural Society— Fruit and Floral Corn-
National Rose Show at St. James's Hall.

Day.

73.7
73.2
73.1
74 8
78,4
74.0
76.1

Night.
49.1
48.8
48.3
50.8
51.3
60.2
50.2

Mean.
614
60.8
60.7
628
623
621
63.2

h. m.
8 47
3 47
8 48
3 49
8 50
3 51
3 61

h. m.

8 19
8 19
8 18
8 18
8 18
8 17
8 17

h. m
10 18
10 32

10 44

11 54
11 6
11 15
11 28

h. m.

6 5

7 19

8 31

9 41
10 61

0 a-a

1 15

Days.
17

18
19
20
21

c

23

"■ 68
3 10
3 82
3 33
3 45

3 66

4 7

179
180
181
182
183
184
18}

From obserratioDs taken near Londoa daring forty-tlareo years
49.8'.

the average day temperatare of the week is 74.0^ ; and its night temperature

EABLY SUMMER FLOWERS.
" Earth, in her rich attire
Consummate lovely, smiled."

A-ij^=pA HIS expression of the sublime Milton comes
i ' 'i^'IK^^ back to the mintl with peculiar significance

at this season of the year when everything
in nature is fresh, and bright, and gay. The
young foliage of deciduous trees now fully
expanded gives back to the landscape that
aspect of warmth and richness which de-
parted with the winds of autumn ; bright
shines the sun ; loud, clear, and sweet ring
the songs of the birds, and at no season of
the year is life in the open air quite so enjoyable as now.
But remember that all these sources of real pleasure spring
solely from Nature, the handiwork of man has nothing
to do with them ; and therefore it seems to me that the
present time, while the mind is fully alive to such in-
fluences, is most suitable for the inquiry. Do you turn
from the contemplation of natural scenery to the more
refined aspect of your gardens with feelings of real enjoy-
ment— of growing pleasure ? or do you, on the contraiy,
experience a sense of something wanting — of oppressive-
ness from the dull formal aspect of monotonous lines of
evergreens, unrelieved by any bright or softening in-
fluence ? In the latter case I shall but give expression to
your feehngs when I say that your garden is not what it
ought to be. Now, if ever, when Nature herself is so
genial, a garden should abound in beauty, and it is my
intention in this paper to show liow this beauty is mostly
derived from plants and shrubs that are permanent occu-
pants of the garden, and which once established become
more and more attractive as they increase in size.

If my readers will accompany me in a stroll about the
gardens I have no doubt we shall find many a floral gem,
for which I hope to induce them to find space in their
own gardens. We are attracted at our very outset by
the first opening flowers of that useful Tea Rose Safrano,
quite an indispensable variety from the exquisite beauty
of its half-opened buds, but so disappointing in the thin
ragged appearance of its expanded blossom that it ought
never to occupy a too promiuent position, for which rea-
son we find it trained upon one of the garden buildiogs ;
and it is well that the tree is large and vigorous, for it
will undergo a severe backing so long as it affords a
flower bud. Mark now a useful lesson here : this Rose,
with several otlirr Teas and Noisettes, is trained upon a
north aspect to afl'ord a supply of cut flowers in succession
to those earlier blooms which we obtain from warmer
and more sunny positions, and among such growing
upon a western aspect we find Narcisti laden with charm-
ing clusters of flowers of great fulness and perfect form,
combined with richness and extreme delicacy of colour-
ing, tlie shading from a golden centre to tlie most delicate
tint of yellow on the outer petals being so marvellous in
its perfection and finish as to be really indescribable. A
little further on upon the gable of a building is a flourish-
ing tree of Marechal Niel laden with its magnificent,

No. S18 -Vot. XXXII., New Seeies.

large, globular, deep yellow flowers. Grand alike in
foliage and blossom it most worthily takes rank as our
finest yellow Rose, which from its free rampant growth
covers a large area of wall- space quickly, and is quite one
of the best climbers for a lofty building.

As we pass along we notice occasional examples of
double yellow Gorse that have grown from nursery plants
of a foot high into large specimens in four years. They
have been perfect masses of rich golden yellow for the
past two months, producing an effect of such brightness
that some care and forethought as to future effects is
required when they are planted. With this care it is
found most useful, to relieve the monotony of a dense
growth of evergreens, to mingle-in the fringe of deciduous
growth ; to plant singly to form specimens among Conifers
or shrub masses on extensive lawns; to clothe the sides of
deep cuttings with perennial greenery while giving relief
to the steep, flat, wall- like aspect of the bare earth ; to
impart the charm of variety to shrub-growth among bold
masses of rock, and to form large clumps to give variety
to a landscape. I have only made one large clump, but
it has been so much hked that at least two more are to
be made next season. This clump, planted three years
ago upon the crest of a slope fully exposed, is now some
o feet high, anil quite impenetrable to cattle. When in
full bloom it is so bright as to attract attention at a
distance of more than a mile ; so that if not well placed so
as to harmonise with its situation and surroundings it is
quite certain to prove offensive rather than ornamental.

Leaving the now faded Goree flowers, we are attracted
by the gay appearance of an artificial bank made to con-
ceal a drying-ground and wood-yard and planted with
white Broom, Rhododendron ponticum, Weigela rosea,
Lilacs, and piuk Thorn. All these are now in full beauty,
and with them are mingled thousands of the rich yellow
flowers of the common Broom, a spontaneous growth
of which has sprung up in the freshly-stirred soil and
flourished so wonderfully that their flowers now take a
leading rather than a subordinate position ; and although
imparting a feature which was not intended the efl'ect is
really very beautiful — something like that of a Battersea
Park flower bed on a large scale. Here let me call especial
attention to the chaste appearance of the floweis of the
white Broom: borne as they are on long flexible brancbes
swayed by every passing breeze, nothing can be more
graceful or striking. They blend well with other shrubs,
and also make excellent irregular clumps on the sides
of steep elopes. The effect of a few large specimens in
clumps of Rhododendron ponticum is very pleasing, not
only in the contrast of white Broom flowers with the
various shades of lilac and pink which this Rhododendron
allbrds, but in the elegant feathery growth of the Broom
springing out of the dense compact greeuery of the Rhodo-
dendron. An island surrounded by a piece of ornamental
water has been so planted, and the effect is so charming
that I am induced to draw especial attention to it.

Too much cannot be said in praise of the Weigela
rosea, its pink buds and large clutter of apple-like blossom
forming an appropriate crest to its green foliage. It is
No. lEOO.— Vol. LVII., Old Seeies

476

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTOBB AND COTTAGK GAB1>ENEB.

[ June 2 i, 1877.

now in fnll beanty, as is also the deep pink, or rather crimson
variety, W. Desboioi, a very telling kind when placed among
shrubs of brighter hue. The variegated form of W. rosea,
though not BO robust as the green-leaved sorts, yet grows with
sufficient vigour to take a prominent position, the delicate pink
flowers clustering among the light yellow variegated foliage with
the most pleasing effect.

The subject is so seductive that it cannot receive due justice
in the compass of a single paper ; I must therefore reserve the
Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and other jewels rich and rare for
next week. — Edward Luckhubst.

FEBTILISEBS AND THEIR APPLICATION.

Very willingly do I respond to the request of " G. 0. S.,"
who on page 458 aeks for " information of the proper propor-
tions of guano, superphosphate of lime, nitrate of soda, soot,
salt, &c., to be dissolved in water — i e., how many pounds and
ounces should be mixed in ten gallons of water, how many
square yards of ground that quantity should be applied to, and
what crops will beneficially absorb the ten gallons of water."

I cannot, perhaps, answer these questions so clearly and
categorically as they have been submitted, yet I may possibly
refer to them in a mauuer which may be useful. I have had
much experience with fertilisers, and feel that I could not have
discharged my duties successfully without them ; but I must
candidly admit that I have never been at the trouble of wsigh-
ing them by ounces and pounds, and apportioning a given
quantity to a certain crop or area of ground. Long use with
fertilisers enables those to judge by intuition as to the right
quantities to apply — these quantities being governed by the
State of the crops and the condition of the soil. Let me give
an instance of this, and which also affords proof of the value
of liquid manure.

During the sultry season of 18G8 there was scarcely any rain
from April until August in the district where I was then en-
gaged. The soil was light and porous, and I was satisfied that
much water would be necessary to support the crops. In the
first place, to enablo the water to be applied effaotually the
crops were sown and planted in trenches, and in order that it
should be additionally sustaining it was fortified with guano
and common salt — guano to afford support, salt to promote
coolness and to cause the moisture to be retained. A large
old brewing tub was placed as near to the crops as possible,
and where it could be reached by the water-cart. This tub
would hold about a hundred gallons. When it was filled a
large shovelful of guano was mixed with it and less than half
that quantity of salt — say 10 to 12 lbs. of guano and 3 to 4 lbs.
of salt. This was stirrtd and applied immediately to the
crops, pouring it in the trenches as long as the soil could
" take it." I cannot say how much was applied to a square
foot of ground, but I am ct-rtain that in the case of Peas and
Kidney Beans it would exceed a gallon. As soon as possible
after watering an inch of dry dust from the surrounding soil
was spread over the moistened surface to arrest evaporation.
1 had no manure, but the dust answered capitally and kept
the roots quite moist for a week. Every crop, therefore, had a
thorough watering once a-wetk and no more. The result was
that I had a full tupply of vegetables duriog that long-to-be-
remembered year when many gardens around me were parched
and barren. No mildew appeared on the Peas, which I attri-
buted, and still attribute, to the salt; no disease appeared
amongflt the Potatoes, and no grubs amongst the Onions and
Carrots. Tho salt-aud-guano solution was applied to all crops
in the kitchen garden, to fruit trees and to flower beds, and
not in one instance did it fail to benefit.

That narrative of experience does not, however, answer the
questions of " G. 0. S." as he desires them to be answered ; I
■will therefore say that 1 lb. of guano and a quarter of a pound
cf salt dissolved in ten gallons of water will be a safe strength
for applying to all crops which are established in the open
ground, and it may be poured on (which is the oaly effectual
mode of watering) as long as the ground will " take it," after-
wards covering the surface, if possible, with dust, manure, or
Bome other mulching material.

The next question your correspondent requires to have
answered is in reference to superphosphate of lime and nitrate
of soda. Let him mix IJ lb. of the former and a quarter of a
pound of the latter in ten gallons of water, and he will have a
solution not easy to be surpassed for any established open-
ground crops which require support. Pour it on as long as
the soil absoiba it frooly.

As to soot and salt for ten gallons of water, my plan of
making would ba to tie about three quarts of soot in a piece
of old canvas and suspend it in the water for three or four
days, and add also a quarter of a pound of salt; or, if that
process were (oj slow I should moisten the soot — making into
a mortar, and then thoroughly mix it with the salt water.
That solution cannot be applied wrongly to any growing crops,
it will benefit all requiring support in dry weather.

I have now answered as well as I am able all the queries
submitted by " G. 0. S.," except the measurable quantity to
apply to 80 many square yards of ground. I cannot answer
that question to my own satisfaction. I can only say that I
have never hesitated pouring a gallon on a square foot of
Celery row. Pea row, or Onion bed if it passed away freely ;
but often half that quantity is sufficient, according to the
nature of the soil and the state of the crop.

That may be considered an extravagant manner of applying
manure, I will therefore tell how the fertilisers may be econo-
mised. It is very simple. First, nearly saturate the ground
with clear water, and then apply immediately half the quantity
of liquid manure that you would give had no pure water been
used. Fully half the manure is then saved, and abont the
same I-snefit is, I think, imparted to tho crops. When soil is
very dry much of the liquid manure passes through it and
past the roots of the plants. Scientific people have told mo
that this is not so, bnt I do not believe them. I have great
respect for the laboratory of the chemist, but greater for the
laboratory of nature. I know if guano water is poured on
the soil in a flower pot when that soil is quite dry, that guano
water passes out of the aperture of the pot in a moment ;
but if guano water is applied to a pot wherein the soil is moist
the superfluous water passes away in a clear state, so that
moisture certainly increases the power of the soil in appro-
priating the virtues of manure. This fact has, I believe, been
turned to account by Mr. Cannell, who has made provision for
collecting the water which passes from the pots and using it
over again, and which he considers superior to fresh clear
water. Tho most economical way, therefore, of using liquid
manure is to apply it when tho soil is moist.

The strength of the liquid manure above mentioned is only
suitable for established crops in the open ground. Crops
which are not established — that is, crops recently planted, do
not require such liquid ; and to plants in pots it should only
be applied at a quarter or half the strength named, according
to the nature of the plant and its condition. A Cbtysanthe-
mum can take stronger liquid support than a Geranium, a
Geranium than a Primula, and a Primula than a Camellia. —
A Retired Gardener.

EOSES.

To write of Roses during the time that they are in full bloom
may seem to some superfluous, but not so to the Editors of
our Journal, nor to many I hope and think of its readers. For
what can be more appropriate than that everything should be
in harmony at such a time as this ? Before these Imes see tho
light the Crystal Palace Show will be a thing of the past, and
Exeter and other places will have held their shows. Let us
talk, then, of Roses, read of Roses ; let us drink (those at least
of us who are still non-abstainers) La Rose. We cannot well
go on and recommend Rose leaves as articles of food, for here
at least we require more substantial diet ; but let the Rose fill
all our thoughts during her brief season of blooming, and
whatever else we do let us love our Roses.

This has been a very trying season indeed for Roses, and I
do not know any one where we have had more difficulties to
contend with. I have had letters from large growers in all
parts of the country, and they all say the same thing — no
growth. The cold spring kept our trees back at the growing
season, and now the fierce heat of summer has come down
upon them and is swelling the buds before the shoots have
had time to grow. I have Roses in all aspects and under all
conditions, and the only plants (for my Roses are not " trees ")
that are doing at all well are those that are sheltered by some
hedge. My main rosery, which is in a very good position but
a little exposed to the east, is very backward, and the Hybrid
Perpetuals will not give me a bloom for the shows. I am
stioDgly of opinion that where practicable it is highly advis-
able that Rose plants should be placed in different positions
in tho garden. I am sure, if it were not for my adopting this
plan, tiiat year after year I should have been left without
blooms of some of the most famous sorts, notably Xavier Olibo,

Jane 28, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Louis Van Hontte, Marquise de Mortemart, and other weak
growers. My experience proves to me that these sorts will not
grow at all unless in some sheltered spot.

But the longer I grow Koaes, and the more I travel to shows
and visit various nurseries and gerdens, the more am I con-
vinced that certain Roses of the Hybrid Perpetual class will
only succeed in certain soils. The Roses above named will not
grow wiih me; even with the shelter I name they only just
mannge to exist. I purchased last autumn fifty dwarf plants
of Xavier Olibo, and there are now only about six alive, and
these are on their last legs ; while such a Rose as Edouard
Morren, which so many growers complain will not open with
them, does splendidly here. Yet many of the Roses I have
named are classed in the catalcgaes as vigorous growers.

I feel convinced that the beet way we amateurs can hope to
succeed at the shows is to find out from experience what Roses
do well with us and what do not grow freely, and then to
discard the latter altogether and cultivate the former in large
numbers. There are always good substitutes to be found for
any Rose which will agree in form or colour, and sometimes
both. For instance, take Marquise de Mortemart. I had at
least fifty or sixty plants of this variety last year, and I had
only one bloom all the summer. It is, then, hopeless to grow
such a Rose here ; but I have a lovely white Tea Rose called
variously Madame Bravy, Sertot, or Alba Rosea, which suc-
ceeds splendidly here, and this is quite as good in a stand
between a bloom of Charles Lefebvre and Marquise de Gastel-
lane as would be the other. I own that dark Roses such aa
Horace Vernet, Louis Van Houtte, and Xavier Olibo are diffi-
cult to replace, but here Jean Glierpin often gives good blooms.
I electrified Mr. Baker with one bloom of this variety last
year, and even such a comparatively unknown Rose as Black
Prince or the better known Baron de Bonstettiu will sometimes
give me a bloom which will answer my purpose. For years I
have struggled to grow these lovely but weak-oonetitutioned
Roses, and for years I have spent my money and time and
patience all in vain ; and now if alter one more trial on a
stock which I have not yet made use of — viz., the seedling
Briar, they still refuse to grow here, I shall give them up as
hopeless.

This year many of the Teas have done splendidly, particu-
larly Souvenir d'an Ami and Rubtns. This seaBon, too, has
suited Homfice and Niphetos, but Marie Van Houtte and
Catherine Mermet have not been up to the mark here at all.

Let me warn all your readers against a most arrant impostor
— viz., Marie Gnillot. This Tea grows freely, has numbers of
buds (I have it here on dwarf and standard with east and
south aspect), but not a single bud will expand.

If ever a seapon was in favour of Roses the buds of which
are hard and diificult to open it surely is this. I never saw
Monsieur Noman half so fine as he is here this year, and all
rosarians know what a fair-weather sailor he is.

One of your correspondents reminds me that I have not
mentioned Gloire de Dijon as a grand grower. This variety
rarely gives me a bloom fit to placi in a stand, so that I do
not cultivate it largely, but I am bound to say that last Sunday
I had one of the finest blooms I ever c-aw in my life ; and I
humbly bfg that Rose's pardon, and all those rosarians too
whom I have offended by my railings against it, for I see now
by experience that sometimes Gluire de Dijon will give you
a bloom that you may safely place even in your back row.
Though the Rose has been out four days it is as fresh as ever,
and I send it you in the hope that it may reach yon so that
you may at least Eee the form. It is indeed rare even for
Gloire de Dijon to have any form when expandad but flat and
coarse, but here you will see there is a real globular form.
[Yes, very fine\ The same correspondent asks me a question
as to the growth of Duke of Edinburgh. With me that Rose
grows freely, not strongly, for the habit of the Rose is some-
what slender and pendulous ; but Mr. George Paul's grand
Rose is always a good free grower. For colour and the same
class of Rose I would recommend your correspondent to grow
Mr. Paul's novelty Sultan of Zanzibar. This is a very great
acquisition, and so far as I can judge from one Cheehunt plant
a grand grower.

I have been much interested in " A Herefordshire Inccm-
best's" letter. It is certainly most true that we rarely eee
Charles Lefebvre, or John Hopper, or the old General so good
as they nsed to be, and his reason seems the best of any I
have heard advanced. I never for one moment thought that
the love of Roses was growing cold, but only asked if the desire
for Rose shows was not abating with the general public ; and I

still fear that it is so, and' I think Mr. Balmer of Hereford's
experience will bear me out. — Wyld Savage.

FRUIT BLOSSOM NOT SETTING— INCIPIENT
FRUIT DROPPING.

Although much blossom was produced little or no fruit is
to be seen in many gardens. The cause of this may be found
in the long-continued cold dull weather, and froet prevailmg
during the blossoming period. Projecting copings and canvas
or other coverings have been in many oases equally ineffectual
in preserving the blossoms, yet I can record instances where
protection has bfen useful. I have some Apricot trees against
a south wall. Two-thirds of these trees — Moor Park, Royal,
and Blenheim — were protected and one-third were exposed.
Upon the unprotected trees there is not any fruit, whilst the
protected trees are carrying a sufficient crop, the conclusion
arrived at being that Apricot blossom is liable to injury from
frost much in the same way as shown by " W." in respect of
Apple blossom at page 399. Though frost or cold injuriously
affects, and in some instances destroys, fruit blossom, yet, aa
pointed out by Mr. Douglas, there is some difference in the
hardiness of blossom, not only as regards different fruits bat
as respects varieties of the same fruit. There is also great
difference in the hardiness of blossom of the same kind, due
entirely to position. A tree may blossom early from being in
a warm situation and have the blossom destroyed, whereas
another tree iu a higher more exposed situation may escape
injury. Yet apart from the positions they occupy, trees vary
much in the hardiness of their blossom and incipient fruit,
which I hope to note in a subsequent communication.

Much of the disaster to the fruit crops this year rests not
more upon the cold of the present season than upon the cold,
wet, sunless weather of last autumn, which was very unfavour-
able to the ripening of the wood. I confess to never before
having paid so close attention to the blos?om of fruit trees as
this season. The appearance of the blossom of Apricots, and
afterwards of Peaches and Nectarines, struck me as singular.
Many of the flower buds did not expand but dropped off when
showing colour, and these buds were on the front of the branches,
and for the most part were confined to the strongest and
longest growths of the previous year. Upon dissection these
buds had healthy stamens and anthers, but the pistil was very
puny, frequently twin, and devoid of ovary. The expanding
blossoms, especially those on the front of the branches or
furthest from the wall, were very short, the petals small, the
stamens twisted and curled outward away from the pistil
instead of rising boldly over it, the anthers devoid of pollen,
the pistil small and short, its stigma not viscous, and at its
base no ovary. They were barren. These remarks apply
equally to Apricot, Peach, and Nectarine blossoms. What fruit
there is, is borne quite close to the walls, and in the Apricot
upon the short spurs only, and in the Peach and Nectarine
upon the short-jointed wood only. I anticipate that all the
incipient fruit of the two latter will drop, a not unfrequent
occurrence when the wood is imperfectly ripened, the fruit
falling when the size of a pea or larger, also when the stoning
period approaches.

Very slight climatic change is sufficient to cause failure.
The Apricots 1 have on a south wall have fruit — an ample crop,
but those on a south-west aspect arc an almost total failure ;
yet one tree is notably weak, having made last year very stiff
short wood, and this (Kaisha) has most fruit.

In the matter of Plums and Pears, which with Cherries are
tho only other fruit frown against walls, and in every instance
the most vigorous fruit trees are those most deficient of a
crop of fruit, not that there was a paucity of bloseom, but they
suffered most from the cold. Would they have set and re-
tained the fruit to maturity if the weather had been favour-
aide ■/ I think not, for the trees with etiffer shoots and thorter
spurs have set and retain the incipient fruit. The case is not
dissimilar with bush fruit. The kinds growing most freely —
having made much wood last year — have in the case of Goose-
berries dropped the fruit, whilst those having made little wood,
but having formed spurs instead, are loaded. Currants are
masses of fertility. They made very little wood last year,
and when this is the case light and air obtain access to the
foliage.

It is always pleasant to record a suooess. It is equally in-
structive, if not more so, to point ont a failure, especially if
we see in it means of its future avoidance. What more to the

478

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ Jans 28, 1877.

point than Mr. Gilbert's terse article on " Apricot Failure —
Pruning," at page 419 ' Close pruning has enabled him to
rpoord a suoeess when a majority have nothing to tell of but
failure. No better evidence could possibly be given in favour
of the " ehort-spur yonng-shoot system of pruning Apricots."
Those who have practised the two systems — i.e., long-spur
and short-spur practice in respect of Apricots, will coincide
with Mr. Gilbert's excellent remarks. I thank him. The best
possible means of preventing failure iu setting fruit blossom
and the incipient fruit dropping is to secure tbe thorough ripen-
ing of the wood. It is of more coneeqaence than protection
from frost in spring, for, however good in itself, protection in
spring can hardly make good the defects of last season — im-
perfectly ripened wood. I remember a Peach wall being
covered with glass in winter iu the hope that the blossom
would set safely. Tbe chagrin of the owner was great — the
trees set fruit badly ; but the increased warmth and immunity
from autumn rains secured the well-ripening of the wood, a
heavy crop being the result in the following year.

Too much stress cannot be placed upon the injunction to
keep o£f insects. If tbe foliage be kept healthful it will better
cater for the buds and spurs that bear blossom in the coming
season. Nothing short of this can be expected to give well-
ripened wood and plump well-developed buds.

Another very important consideration is that of admitting
light and air — exposing thi foliage to the sun's influence, not
keeping the spurs of pyrumid trees any more than trees against
a wall crowded and overshadowed with useless spray, but by
early and constantly attending to stopping seonre for the pro-
spective fruiting parts full exposure, so that the leaves which
cluster around the base of a bud may have the sap duly
elaborated, the wood rendered firm, and the buds perfected.
A tree may of course be closely pinched, and yet from over-
crowding of the spurs or shoots be in a worse plight than an
unpruned, unaided tree — a very common case with Peach and
Nectarine trees, the shoots being !aid-in so thickly that the
leaves overhang others beneath them. Some leaves are ex-
posed partly or fully, but a majority are shaded; hence the
sap is imperfectly elaborated, and the consequence is that the
blossoms drop without setting, or fall when in the incipient-
frnit state. When the wood is thin, every leaf receiving a full
share of exposure, the buds attain to an equality of develop-
ment, and scarcely any blossoms fail to set. — G. Abbey.

JUDGING BOSES.

The Bubject of judging Roses is a difficult one to define on
paper, nevertheless it is one of great importance to exhibitors,
and should be more accurately defined than it has been of late
years. Under the old method of judging Roses by the points
of shape, size, and freshness I have found it difficult to give
the true numerical value to these single points or qualities, so
dependant are they upon each other when in the exhibition
stand. For instance, size might be counted by two points,
but unless combined with shape it is not of that value, being
coarse and worthless; then, again, shape if valued by three
points would be incorrect without size ; while freshness must
he everywhere present, or all the other points would be
marred.

The way in which I have been accustomed to judge Roses
for many years, though savouring a little of the rule of thumb,
will, I think, be found useful to beginners in the art and
mystery of judging the queen of flowers, therefore I will en-
deavour to give the value points.

Every good exhibition Rjse must have three qualities —
shape, size, and freshness; these maybe represented by the
one term " good." Now, yon may often see at a glance over
tbe stands about to be judged which is first; but it is, never-
theless, best to go over your stands, roughly noting down those
which have the greatest number of good flowers, and bringing
two or three of the stands tof^ether for general comparison as
well as for closer judging. You will then critically examine
the good flowers in these best stands, dividing them into three
classes, which for convenience may be noted as : — Good or X,
two points ; extra good or XX, four points; and XXX, or six
points. The first I have described ; the second class, or XX, are
selected from among these good flowers as possessing superior
outline with size and quality of petal, high full centres with
good colour (not dull or muddy), fragrance, &o. You will then
have an easy task to run the eye over the whole and crown a
few of the grandest high-centred prominent flowers with XXX.
This last effort encourages the prodnction of these grand high-

centred Rosea, the glory of our stands and the focus of every
good exhibitor's eye.

I have hitherto only treated of the good Roses in these three
best stands under censorship. Y'ou will observe there are two
other classes, happily small iu our present exhibitions — bad (0)
and medium (1). The bad are damaged or stained, often the
finest flowers unfortunately : one-sided, ragged with bad outline,
showing an eye, too small — under 2 inches in diameter — rough
and hollow. These you must blackball. The medium Roses
are small, but well shaped ; large, but with hollow centres ;
poor dull colour, though good in other respects ; and all under-
sized flowers not up to the standard previously given as good.
To these one point is given. I would add another remark to
help the tyro in difficult cases where a long-trained compara-
tive and discriminating eye and memory cannot well be relied
on. Provide a number of small strips of card, printing on

them the letters

X XX XXX

Then, as the censors j udge each

flower by the above rules, place its value card by it. These
may most quickly be gathered up and counted by the secretary.

In the winning stands it is necessary to see that no two
Roses of the same kind are staged through incorrect labelling.
While a single specimen incorrectly named might be winked
at by the judges, the same Base under two different names
would disqualify the stand. If the prize is for " distinct "
varieties, two Roses named as Exposition de Brie and Ferdi-
nand de Lesseps, Climbing Devoniensis and Old Devonieusie,
Alba Rosea and Madame Bravy, il'C, cannot be admitted in
the same stand.

Very much more might be written on this all-important
subject to the exhibitors, and I hope for their sakes the Grand
National Rose Committee will thoroughly take this subject
up. I will not tire your general readers more, but subscribe
myself — Devon.

BRITISH QUEEN STEAWBEEEIES IN A COOL
VINERY.

I SENT you last season a note detailing my treatment and
suciiess iu growing British Queens in a cool vinery. As I have
again succeeded at least equally well I think it may be of ser-
vice to my fellow amateur gardeners to give the results of this
year's experience. The British Queen is, I presume, admitted
at all hands to be the best of our Strawberries when grown in
suitable soil and climate. It does well with me in the open
ground. I grow berries equal iu size and flavour to any I have
ever seen elsewhere ; but it is under glass that my success is
greatest. I think I mentioned last year that from eight dozen
pots I gathered hundreds of berries — lam sure I may say from
two to three hundred, weighing each a full ounce, and not a
few that turned the scale at IJ oz., and these of a flavour,
colour, and fragrance I have never seen equalled. This year
the berries, equally good in all other respects, have not been
quite so large, though many weighed a full ounce. This I
attribute to the fact of my not having thinned so closely. Last
year I left on the average six berries to each plant, this year
I allowed to ripen from eight to twelve. I brought in the first
on May 6th, I finished June 11th, gathering nearly every alter-
nate day from one to four dozen handsome fruit. I observed
stated in the Journal that during two weeks of that time
Strawberries were selling iu Covent Garden at from Cd. to Is.
an ounce ; and as mine were certainly first-rate, had I been
within reach of the London markets I might have realised a
small fortune. I believe, however, I have been better pleased
in affording an occasional treat to half a dozen invalid friends
and in feasting my wife.

Now, though iu the Journal and elsewhere I have seen named
different varieties as desirable for cultivation under glass,
mention is seldom made of the British Queen. Therefore I
send you this statement with the hope of encouraging others
to follow my example. The trouble of cultivation is not very
great: suitable soil may be formed anywhere; and success,
so far as three years' experience can assure it, is certain. —
C. A. B,, Sandoicn, Isle of Wiijht.

[We have grown this good old variety iu a similar manner
to our correspondent, and the produce was highly superior and
much esteemed. — Eds.]

EENDLE'S GLAZED HOUSES.
Few men in the world of horticulture have worked harde'
than Mr. Rendle, and few hortioaltaral buildings have ha

Juno 28, 1877. ]

JODBNAL OP HOBTIODLTUBE AKD COTTAGE GABDENEB.

479

Buoh abase aa his. I was told when erecting them here that
the first high wind woald blow ont half the glass, and the
straight laps would allow the honso to be flooded during heavy
Tains. However, no glass has moved, and I can testify that I
aa well as my foreman have watohed the roof on wet days, but
a single drop we never saw. Watertight houses alone are
worth something.

The house roofed ia a vinery, the Vines in which are sixty
years old. They have always borne fair marketable fruit, so
that they are retained. The Grapes, principally Hamburghs,
are now fast approaching maturity, and if it were the custom
of the Boyal Horticultural Society or Messrs. Veitch & Sons
to award prizes for whole vineries instead of for three bunches
I fancy that the garden at Bnrghley would be decorated. — E. G.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE EOSE SHOW.

"The Great Eose Show," "The Show of the Tear," "The
Bine Eibbon of the Garden." Such are some of the terms
which roaarians once employed when speakiue of this Show,
bat this year how is the scene changed ! When I arrived at the
far-famed building I found empty boards and exhibitors to be
counted on the fiogers. " Ten little niggers " indeed, I said to
myself as I set to work at my boxes ; and soon if the Palace
people continue to fix days for their shows irrespective of
weather, heedless of exhibitors' warnings, negligent to a really
culpable extent of financial considerations in limiting both the
number of prizes and the value of them, there will not be ten,
or nine, or one exhibitor. On this occasion, in spite of all
warniegs, of remonstrances, and of earnest expressed desires
which the would-be exhibitors addressed to the General Manager,
■the Directors refused to alter their day, and the Show was of
course a failure. How could it be otherwise 1 When Mr. Baker,
who lives in snnny Devon, could not show; when I from Dorset
was only able to show twelve trebles, twenty-seven of which
'blooms were Teas; when Meesrs. Curtis, Granatin, Cant, Prince,
Keynes, Fraser, and a host of others could not show, can it be
wondered at that in the place of famous stands bare boards were
to be seen ? The amateur exhibitors consisted of Messrs. Jowitt,
Eidout, Davis, Chard, Hollingsworth, and myself; the nnraery-
men of Messrs. George Paul, Charles Turner, Mitchell of Pilt-
down, and Piper. Instead of words of admiration and delight
only exclamations of astonish tnent and regret were heard that
the day had not been changed. In some years the Saturday
next to Midsummer-day (the usual fixture of the Palace) may be
the best of all days, but it is very seldom ; and the Directors,
or General Manager, or whoever it may be that fixes the day,
may take it for granted that the last week in June is quite early
enough.

And now, having relieved my mind of this grievance, let me
"turn to the Show. There were some very good blooms there
no doubt, and conBid>?riDg the year and the lateness of the
eeaaon it was astonishing how so many varieties could be brought
together. The nurserymen's seventy-two were very fair stands,
but no more to be compared with what they were last year
than is a wild Rose to a MarOchal Niel. The stands were fresh
and the colour was fair, but the blooms were very uneven.
What we have been accustomed to see at these great shows in
a nurseryman's seventy-two is an even lot of grand blooms
fill through the stand, only broken by a lovely Tea here and
there introduced for the sake of contrast ; but on Saturday it
was impossible to look .at any box without finding a small, or a
rough, or a dull bloom. Mr. May of Btdale, Yorkshire, showed
seventy-two Roses which he cut entirely from under glass, and
.considering that fact they were fine. To these were awarded the
-first prize. But may I be allowed to point out that dullness of
colour and a general washed-out look about the blooms ought to
go as much against a stand as any roughness, or uuevenness, or
any other blemish 1 Mr.May had certainly some very fine blooms,
notably Madame Therose Levet, Madame Lacharme, La^lia, and
May Turner; but tbere were some very coarse overblown
blooms in hia fr.jnt row which to me, at least, entirely destroyed
the symmetry of his stand. However, he came a long way, and
did a wonderfully plucky thing, and no one will grudge him his
great success. Messrs. Paul of Cheshunt were second. Well,
Mr. George Paul was not up to hia old form, but he was in good
company ; he brought with him at least the " Ijrigbtuess of
Cheshunt," and much needed it was at Sydenham, also the
MarchioneB3 of Exeter. I beg mv lady of Burghley'a pnrdon, but
I am alluding to a Rose named af fer her. And from Afric's sunny
shores he produced the Sultan of Zanzibar. Of older varieties
he showed one or two marvellous blooms, notably his own
Cheshuut-rained Rose Princess Mary of Cambridge. " Jost the
weather for Princess Mary," said the exhibitor, and so it has
been, but I doubt if, whatever the seasons may hereafter be,
I shall ever see auottier such Princess Mary. M"npieur Neman
was, as all rosariaus will well understand, grand here and
throughout the Show. Once more true to his colours, Mr. Paul
.again electrified ua with hia particolai pet Centifolia Eoaeaa

He also in his forty-eight showed remarkably fine trusses of
ttiat old and rarely-to-be-seen variety, Jean Cherpin. It is a
little strange that the weather which suited so well Mods.
Neman and Marie Cointet should also have been favourable to
that capricious Rose the "Auld Jiueral," as the Torkshire-
men call General Jacqueminot, which was very fine, as was the
despised Julie Touvaia. In fact, Mr. Paul's stand waa full of
surprises. He showed a marvellous bloom of the novelty La
Rosiere. This is a very dark Eose, q:iite as deep in colour aa
Jean Cherpin or a fine Camille de Rohan, and I do not think
many amateurs as yet have it. I think it will prove a great
acquisition if it turns out to be a good grower.

Mr. Turner's seventy-two also contained some very fine blooms,
notably one of a Eose which he introduced about seven years
ago — Lord Napier. He had a splendid Marechal Niel in hia
stand which did wonders for it, also very fiue blooms of the
little-known Souvenir de William Wood and La Frani^oia. The
former of these is very dark ; the latter a blush rose, somewhat
like (in form and colour) Madame Vidot. His Madame Lacharme
was magnificent, and bitterly do I regret ever having written a
word against that pure white beauty. Mr. Turner also had a
very good bloom of the novelty Dnchesse de Vallombrosa ; and
all I see of this Eose confirms me in the belief that in 1875 one
Eose at least was sent ont which will always be esteemed aa a
grand exhibition Eose. Mr. Turner had also some very fine
Teas in his stand, including Niphetos and Souvenir d'Elise, and,
strange to aay, Marie Guillot ; but this Rose came from indoors,
and Mr. Turner, jun., agreed with me that it is too double to
open out of doors. A third prize waa awarded to Mr. Turner.

I must not omit to notice Mr. Mitchell's (Piltdown Nurseriea,
Maresfield), seventy-two, to which was awarded an extra prize.
He had some beautiful Teas iu this stand, one of which I neither
grow nor know— viz , Jean Pernet. This is a light canary yellow,
deepening in the centre something like Perle des Jardina or a
amall bloom of Cloth of Gold, the only bloom of which variety
was in the button-hole of "D., Deal." Mr. Mitchell's Marie
Van Houtte, Alba Rosea under the name of Julie Mauvais, and
Comte de Paris were very fine ; but hia Hybrid Perpetuals were
uneven, thongh he had very fine blooms of Edouard Morren,
Mdlle. 'rherese Levet, and Fisher Holmes.

In the forty-eif^ht trebles Mr. C. Turner was first and Messrs.
Paul & Son second ; and for twenty-four trebles Mr. Piper, Uck-
field, and Mr. Meadmore, Romford, Essex, \tere placed first and
second respectively. I need not go through the blooms in the
treblea, aa the aame varieties which were conspicuous in the
seventy-two were to be found equally good iu the treblea, but I
will pasa on to the Teas and yellow Roses. These were neither
very good nor numerous. Mr. Mitchell waa first in the class for
twelve varieties, and Mr. C. Turner second. Mr. Mitchell's
twelve consisted of MarCchal Niel, Jean Pernet, Madame Wil-
lermoz. Souvenir de Paul Neron, Marie Van Houtte, Elise
Sauvafje, Josephine Walton, creamy white, good; Bougt^re, fine;
Julie Mauvais, lovely ; Madame Margotlin, and Cheshunt dybrid
— a very attractive stand. Mr. Turner had Mens. Furtado,
Belle Lyonnaise, Marie Van Houtte, Catherine Mermet, Presi-
dent, Marechal Niel, Cheshunt Hybrid, Lamarque, Madame
Falcot, Rubens, and Gloire de Dijon.

Messrs. G. Paul & Son were first for Roses of 1875 and 1876,
among which in fine form were to be seen their own seediinga
Emily Laxton and Marchioness of Exeter. Mr. Turner waa
second ; the best Eose he showed throughout hia stand was his
own seedling, Eoyal Standard. This has both good form and a
soft rosy pink complexion. If it has fragrance like my namesake
(which was not so good to-day aa it ought to have been; per-
hapa Mr. Turner expected to meet me, and was careful not to
hurt my feelings by drawing too unfavourable a comparison
between the " Wyld Savage " in the flesh and his Rose), it will
be a great acquisition. He showed also several boxes full of
R'lyal Standard. For six trusses of auy Rose of 1875 or 1876
Messrs. Paul & Son won with Marehiouess of Exeter, Mr.
Turner being second with Misa Hassard, which waa rather too

And now let ua turn to the little folka of the parsonage
and the country houses. We are but little in comparison with
the giants, but we do our little best, and the choicest blooma
we have we cut without a murmur. In the class for forty-eight
there were two exhibitors. In thirty-six I believe only tfiree.
In twenty-four trebles only two, and in twelve trebles just
three. Hear it, ye great men of Devon and Essex — you who
conquered ten times these numbers last year— for the Crystal
Palace amateurs to be counted iu units. Well, it had one
advantage — we most of us won something, and very few had
to go sopperless to bed, and we cannot say that often after Rose
shows. Mr. Davis, Wilton, Wilts, was first for forty-eight
single blooms with a rather small lot of blooma, and Mr, Cbard,
Clarendon Park, SaUsbury, second. Mr. Jowitt, The Old Weir,
Hereford, was easily first for thirty-six blooms with some very
line Roses. He had the most exquisite bloom of Belle Lyon-
naise I ever saw, also Madame Fuitado, that shy beauty, which
he cat fiom a maiden (the only way of blooming her). Mr.

JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTDBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t Jane 28, 1817.

Hollingworth, Turkey Court, Maidstone, was placed first in the
class for twenty-four trebles. The blooms were rather irregular,
and his stand contained a Rose which he called Clt-meutine
Victor Verdier, but he also showed Victor Verdier. As the two
were identical in colour and form it is humbly suggested that
Clementine is a refined way of spelliog climbing. He had
beautiful trebles of Devoniensis, Souvenir d'Elise, and Madame
The Sse Levet. Mr. Davis, Wilton, had the second prize.

And now I have done, and have endeavoured to bring before
roB^rians who have not seen the Show some of its salient points.
On Wednesday the 4ih of July we shall have a show and no mis-
take, but I doubt much whether Roses will be in full bloom
before that day. — Wyld Savage.

Our able amateur correspondent has done well, and has left
very little to be said in the Rose classes. He has, we presume
purposely, omitted mention of Class 9, for twelve varieties, three
trusses of each. The winners in this class were Mr. Ridnut,
gardr-ner to T. B Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch Lodge, Reigate,
and Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Mouckton Wyld, Charmouth. Mr.
Ridout's blooms were the most fresh and regular of any in the
Exhibition. They consisted of Edouard IMorren, Beauty of
Wallbam, La France, Duke of Edinburgh, Tbeiese Levet, Marie
Baumann, Abel Grand, Charles Lefi^bvre, Marquise de Castel-
laue, Madame Victor Verdier, John Hopper, and Reynolds Hole.
AU the blooms were good, a few excelleut. Mr. Camm's blooms
were all of Tea Roses except three — Mons. Neman, La France,
and Etienne Levet. The Teas con>isted of Belle Lyounaise,
Perle des Jardins, very bright; Souvenir d'uu Ami, Catherine
Mermet, Marie Van Houtte, Bubeus, Madame Bravy, and Marfi-
chal Niel — an attractive stand containing some lovely blooms.

For twelve blooms of Maiechal Niel Mr. Turner was first with
very fresh and highly coloured examples; and Mr. Munday,
Kennington, Oxford, second with fine blooms, but a tride too
much expanded.

For a collection of yellow Roses, not less than four varieties,
three trusses of each, Messrs. J Mitchell & Sons were first, and
Mr. Chard second, with some of the varieties named in the pre-
ceding classes. Mr. Turner secured the first prize for a vase or
eper^ne of Roses; and Mr. Soder, gardener to W. O. Hanbury,
Esq , Weald Hall, Brentwood, the second. The exhibits were
fairly good of their kind, but were necessarily heavy and formal.
A class of this nature is scarcely worthy of retention in any
important schedule, and we observe it has no place in the pro-
gramme of the National Rose Society.

Mr. Bolton, gardener to W. Spottiswoode, Esq., Coombe Bank,
Sevenoaks, had the first prize for eighteen bunches of cut
flowers of stove and greenhouse plants, and Mr. Bones, gardener
to D. Mcintosh, Esq , Havering Park, Romford, the second
prize. Mr. Bolton's tlowers consisted of Begonia Royalty, very
fine; ClerodendroLs Balfourianum ard fallax, Ixoras Williamsi
and Prince of Orange, Statice profusa, Dipladenia amabilis,
Gardenias, Stephanotis, Aerides odoratum, Brassia verrucosa,
and Oncidium flexuosum — a very good collection. Mr. Bones'
flowers were also good, but they were arranged without moss or
fern, and did not appear to the best advantage.

TABLE DECORATIONS.

This department of the Exhibition was very good both in
extent and quality. Third prizes were offered, which was not
the case in the Rose classes. In the open class for the best
decorated table, Mr. Chard, gardener to Sir F. Bathurat, Claren-
don Park, won premier honours. In the ceotre was a healthy
plant of Cocoa Weddelliana, the pot being hidden with choice
flowers and Grasses. This was flanked by two tall glasses each
containing a spike of blue Delphinium and drooping Grasses,
the base of the glasses being filled with Orchids, Water Lilies,
and Ferns. Sundry smaller glasses of flowers completed the
arrangement. The second prize went to Mr. Burley, Brent-
wood, for a similarly arranged table, but the bases of the glasses
were generally more heavy than Mr. Chard's. The remaining
prize went to Mr. Soder, gardener to W. O. Hanbury, Esq , for
a table arranged with great taste, and which many good judges
considered merited the first prize. In the amateurs' class the
prizes went to Mrs. E. Sperling, Grosvenor Road, South Nor-
wood ; Mrs. W. Seale, London Road, Sevenoaks ; and Mr. W.
Soder, gardener to W. 0. Hanbury, Esq , Weald Hall, near
Brentwood, Essex, in the order named. In the class for ladies
only, Mrs. Soder was placed first; Mrs. W. Seale second; and
Mrs. E Burley, Brentwood, Eafex, third. All the tables were
noteworthy for light and tasteful arrangement rather than for
lavish and overdone ornamentation.

Mr. S. Moyses, 23, Stockbridge Terrace, Belgravia, had the
first prize for a wedding bouquet; and Mr. C Hepburn, Deco-
rative Florist, Crystal Palace, was placed second. In the class
for opera bouquets Mr. C. Hepburn was first, and Mr. S. Moyses
second. None of the bouquets wete of special merit. Mr. C.
Turner, Slough, had the first prize for four but tnn-hole bouquets;
and Miss Segelcke, Elfinrtale Lodge, Heme Hill, Dulwicb, the
second. Mr. Turner's exhibits in this class were far in advance
of those of the other competitors.

In the miscellaneous class extra prizes were awarded to Mrs.
M. HodgkiuB, 35, Hyde Grove, Manchester, for a collection of
skeleton leaves and flowers, very beautiful ; to Mr. C. Turner,
Slough, for a fiue collection of R 'ses (Miss Hassard), and
Pinks ; to Mr. R. Park'ir, Exolio Nursery, Tooting, for out
flowers and herbaceous plants, vari- d, extensive, and good; to
Mr. C. Burley, Nurseries, Brentwood, for cut Pelargoniums;
and to Mr. W. Corp, 54, High Street, Oxford, for cut Roses.

Some very fine trusses of Geraniums were exhibited by Mr.
Cannell ; there were twenty-four varieties. The best scarlets
were Eros and the Spencer. Crimsons — Sir H S Stanhope and
Dora Charlton. Salmons— Ellen and Marechal McMahon.
Rose — Lady Emily and Dreadnought; Jealousy and New Life
were also conspicuous. The bett doables were Madame Thi-
baut, Wonderful, Lucie Lemoine, Louis Burtard, Madame A.
Balttt, white; and C. H. Wagner. Mr. Cannell also exhibited
an attractive stand of Verbenas. The varieties consisted of
Lady of Lome, Willie Eckford, Ida Brunton, Lady Cowley,
Jupiter, La Lovie, Annie, Madame Gumpier, Ensign, Sparkler,
Emblem, and Star of Erin.

At the May Show we had to record a feeling of dissatisfaction
that prevailed amongst the exhibitors that the customary break-
fast tickets were withheld, and on this occasion — the Rose Show,
we a.e requested to state that in place of the usual excellent
dinner provided for the Judges a cold luncheon was to have
been their fare ; against this they rebelled, and eventually
" something warm " was forthcoming, bat none of the Directors
honoured the board with their presence.

KOMFORD AND ESSEX HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY'S SHOW.

This was held on Thursday last by the kind permission of
D. Mcintosh, Esq., in what is known as Marshall's Park, about
ten minutes' walk from the centre of the town. As regards the
quality of the plants and fruit exhibited this Show compared
favourably with any held by the Society. The large well-grown
plants of the late F. G. Wilkius, Esq., were but slightly missed,
as some very fiue specimens were staged by Mr. Bones, gardener
to D. Mcintosh, Esq , of Havering Park, who gained the principal
prize, or rather would have done so but for the fact that a plant
of Stephanotis floribunda in the collection had been grown with
three stems instead of two. Our own opinion is that the Judges
did wrong in disqualifying the collection, for this reason espe-
cially, as it was so far in advance of that which was awarded a
first prize. For all practical purposes the Stephanotis was one
plant and not three as decided by the Judges, and the exhibitor
never attempted to conceal the fact that the plant had three
stems.

The best Ferns, foliage plants. Orchids, Selaginellas, Cala-
diums. Grapes, Strawberries, vegetables, and cut flowers were
sent from the gardens of Francis Whitbourn, Esq., of Loxford
Hall. Mr. Bones had the best Heaths, Pelargoniums, also col-
lection of fruit, and Peaches and Nectarines. Mr. W. North,
gardener to T. Hill, Esq , Brentwood, had excellent Fuchsias
and Gloxinias; he also had the bfst hand bouquet. Mr. Wood-
hams, gardener to C. P. Matthews, Esq., had excellent Coleuses.
Mr. and Mrs. Soder and Mr. and Mrs. Burley arranged exceed-
ingly chaste stxnds for the dinner-table, and the prizes were
equally divided amongst them. Roses were not nearly so good
as we have seen them at this Show ; but Jlr. Meadmore had
good blooms in the trade class, and Mr. Harrington, gardener to
J. H. Pemberton, Etq., had even better flowers in the amateurs'
classes.

The cottagers' classes were not well filled, the prizes being
awarded to about three or four exhibitors. It is a great pity
that there is no greater emulation amongst cottagers, as the
managers are very anxious that they should exhibit, and would,
although they are not in a flourishing state as regards funds,
give better prizes if the cottagers would do their best. Mr. O.
Matthews of Noak Hill received the award of 20s for the best
kept garden; and Mr. J. Washington of London Road the second.

ANNUALS AT REGENT'S PARK.

On a former occasion an Exhibition of Flower Beds was pro-
jected in the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society as one of the
novel attractions of the season, but the idea was too fanciful and
unpractical to he carried into effect. This year an innovation
in exhibiting has been made by the well-known Holborn firm of
seedsmen, Messrs. James Carter & Co., who have carried it out
successfully. On the day of our visit more than 10,000 pots of
annuals in flower were arranged in the long corridor, and they
produced a display both varied and gay, novel and attractive.
The Exhibition remains open fcr about a fortnight— other 10,000
pots of annuals being in store to roplace those which fade.

■The plants are arranged on a sloping stage, and occupy the
whole length of the corridor. The front row consists of the
charming annual lonopsidiura acaule. The seed was sown in
April, and about a dozen seedlings were transplanted into eaob

Jano 28, 1877. 1

JOURNAL OF HOBTIOOLTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

48-8iz6ii pot ; every plant represents a cashion of pinkish-white
flowers, and the long row is extremely chaste. The plant re-
quires a considerable quantity of water at the roots, but not
much on the foliage, to have it in the good condition in which
Messrs. Carter exhibit it: it will become popular, for at the
Eoyal Horticultural Society's Show on the lyth iust. we noticed
that this annual fouud many admirers. The uext row consists of
Hhodanthes in several varieties, and very attractive these Ever-
lastings are when well grown; like the lonopsidium — or rather
with the Rhodanthes the matter is still mure important that
water must not be carelessly sprinkled over the foliage, bat
Bhoald only be applied to the roots. Everyone who requires
attractive decorative plants in early summer should grow Rho-
danthes. The most effective varieties in the Exhibition under
notice are Manglesii, raaculata, very fine ; Prince Biamarck,
deep pink; atro-sauguiuea, the richest of all; and Alba, an
attractive white variety. Other plants of the same nature are
AorooliQiumi, rose and white, very pretty; and Waitzia acumi-
nata, bright yellow.

The other plants in the collection are arranged in panels —
squares of dwarf sorts being divided by annuals of taller growth
— Sweet Peas, Canary Plants, Lupines, ChrysauthemumB, white
and yellow, very telling, and admirably adapted for distant
effect; Clarkias, Larkspurs, and Cyanus minor, brilliant azure
blue, very beautiful for bouquets, but has a singular habit of
fading in water.

Amontist the more effective of the dwarfer plants are the
dwarf Nasturtiums (Tropaeolums). The darkest variety of all is
King Theodore, intense velvety maroon ; but very rich and
floriferous is Tom Thumb, crimson. Extremely bright is an
orange-scarlet variety named Beauty : this and King of Tom
Thumbs are the best of the scarlets, the latter being distinct on
account of ita small bluish-green foliage. There is a bright
yellow variety without a spot, and another with maroon blotches
on the petals. Those varieties nimed are amoug^t the most
effective of annuals, which grow fi*eely and flower profusely in
any ordinary garden soil ; they possess an advaotage over many
other annuals, inasmuch as they are seldom eaten by slugs. A
few other annuals to note as being very effective are Silene
pendula compacta — a dense mass of glowing pink, valuable alike
for lines, beds, and for cultivation in pots : a pure white
variety would be an acquisition — the one known as Alba being
tinted with rose, and a more correct name for it would be Alba
rosea. The CoUinsias are charming when well grown in pots.
The best variety is probably multicolor, but marraorata nearly
approaches it. Bartsitefulia and its white variety are smaller,
but very attractive. The Centrauthuses — Asperula (Woodroffo)-
likrt plaiiti! — are chaste annuals, the varieties of C. macro-
Biphon aff )rding pretty flowers for catting. Another annual
which yields acceptable soft scarlet flowers for bouquets is
CoUomia coccinea — the trusses resembling those of miniature
Boavaidias. The Kaulfussias are effective, especially atro-
violacea, which is extremely rich in col .ur. The Leptosiphons
are amongst the most effeo ive of dwarf growing sorts, the
colours being yellow, lilac, rose, and white. Gilias are also
pretty, lacinata and capitata major being very distinct. Showy
and useful are the varieties of Convolvnlus minor: one of the
best varieties being Tricolor splendens. It is a little singular
that while slags attack Convolvulus major so persistently, they
seldom tonch C. minor. Another showy annual is the yellow
Sphenogyne speciosa. Mignonette is of course represented, the
variety named " Pyramidalis bouquet " having very fine spikes.

Amongst the curious annuals may be named Cenia turbinata
fliva — a dwarf Lasthenia like plant with orange-yellow flowers.
C^rinthe major is also singular: in growth it is not unlike some
of the taller-growing Sedums in habit, and has drooping flowers
like those of Correas; and Clintonia pulchella is both carious
and beautiful : it resembles a brilliantc-iloured Lobelia— yellow,
purple, and white, nnd is well suited for cultivation in pots.
The Nemophilas— all of them— are charming annuals for pots
and beds, but those at the Regent's Park are jnst passing their
best, and in a few days their beauty will have vanished.

Annuals are so varied in habit and colours — so easy of culture
and BO cheap, so admirably adapted for producing a pleasing
effect iu early summer both outdoors and under gla^s, that they
are worthy of more c.ira being bestowtd on them than is often
given. Too often the seed is sown in poor soil, and the plants are
not thinned, conseqaently they are adjudged as being " weedy."
Weedy indeed they are when thus neglect-d, but when pro-
perly cultivated they are as certainly charming flowers.

lists for the election (fifteen kitchen and fifteen dessert Apples).
I should like to have many more lists before finishing, and if
they could be sent during the next fortnight I should feel
obliged.

I have had many interesting letters from fruit growers, and
have no doubt they are anxious to see the result in your
Journal. Mr. Record introduced the subject at the last meet-
ing of the Maidstone Gardeners' Society, and many present
promised to send lists. Some of your readers who belong to
kindred associations may perhaps assist in the same way. —
Lewis A. Killick, Lan^jley, Maidstoiw.

THE EOSE ELECTION.

The prospect of a good Rose bloom having qnieted-down
our good friend " Wyld Savaoe," I venture to take time by
the forelock, if he has any this forcing weather, and pro-
pound the question which, with the permission of onr Editors,
I propose for this year's solution.

It is to be essentially an exhibition election.

Name the forty-eight best exhibition Roses in your esti-
mation, placing them if possible in order of merit. If not
thus placed, mark the best twenty-four out of the number,
and further distinguish by some ether mark the best twelve of
these. Any list having Roses unmarked will be considered as
named in order of merit.

QuiLiFicATioN FOR ELECTORS. — Eich elector must have been
on some occasion a priz taker at one of the leading exhibitions,
or a frequent prizetaker for several years at local Rose shows.

From any Rose-growers in this poll-book I shall be glad to
receive replies by the 31H of August. I will then strive to
publish the state of the poll as soon after this date as possible,
so as to be in time for those intending to order plants. —
Joseph Hinton, Warminster.

APPLE ELECTION.
I QUITE agree with "A NoRinEBN Gardener" that the
Bnmmer time is the best for discuasiog the planting of fruit
trees and also the sorts to plant. I al»o think that the result
of the Apple election would be a good basis on which to start.
I think there are many contributors, whose letters on Apple-
cnltore have appeared in your Journal, who have not forwarded

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

At a general meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society,
held on Tuesday 19ih inst., Lord Alfred S. Churchill, V P., in
the chair, the following can'iidatea were duly elected fellows
OF THE Society— viz. , H. S. B irtleet. Miss Bowden, W. J. B mty,
Philip Butler, Mrs. Joseph W. Chitty, W. W. Dnffield, F. W.
Fisher, Herman Gwinner, David Hartley, Chas. F. Horn, Mrs.
C. W. Howell, Mrs. Jameson, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Edward
Johnston, J. Norman Lockyer,F.R.S., Lieut-Col. Page, Cha". J.
Perceval, W. S. Prichard, A. C. Sollar, H. D. Seymour, Hon.
Lady Stapleton, Mrs. Stapylton, Dr. Topham, Ac. A list of
five one-guinea Members elected by the Council was also an-
nounced.

A GREAT Internationai. Fruit Show is annonnoed to

be held at the Alexandra Palace on the 13th, 14th, and 1.5th of
September, when prizes amounting to upwards of £3-50 will be
offered for fruits, vegetables, table decorations, and cut flowers.
The schedule is in course of preparation and will shortly be
ready, when it may be obtained on application to Mr. John
A. McKenzie, 1 and 2, Great Winchester Street Buildings,
London, E.G.

The annual Exhibition of the Richmond Hortichl-

TDBAL Society, which takes place this day, the 28th inst., will
doubtless be worthy of a visit. The Exhibition of last year
was an excellent one, and this year the schedule is very com-
prehensive, no less than 134 classes being provided, including
many special prizes by H.S H. the Duke of Teck, the Countess
RuBsell, Lady John Chichester, Sir Arthur and Lady Rugge
Price, Lady Alice Peel, Lady Trevor Laurence, Lady Parker,
&e. A silver cup is also offered by Metsre. James Carter and
Co. for a collection of vegetables. The premier class in the
schedule is for a collection of plants arranged for effect lu aa
area of not more than 100 fe' t o{ space, fur which prizes of
£.5, £4, £3, and £2 are oliaod. This with some others of the
principal classes are open to all exhibitors.

The arrangements for the forthcoming International

Fudit and Flower Show, to be held in Carlisle in September,
are now progressing apace. The Committee have already good
reason to believe that the handsome prizes offered— amounting
to about £1300— will attract exhibitors from all quarters.
Many eminent horticulturists in England and Suotlaud have
signified their intention to compete ; it is expected that con-
tinental exhibitors will make an appearance in the contests ;
and some very interesting collections of fruits, &a., will come
from the United States and Canada. The marquees will be

482

JOUENAL OP HORTICULTUBB AND OOTTAQE GABDENEB.

t Jane 28, 1877.

erected in the Castle Sauceries, which will be enclosed and
specially devoted to the purposes of the Exhibition.

— — The gakdens of the Rotal Botanic Society, Regent's
Park, are in excellent order. The shady walks are always
enjoyable during the summer months, and the beds and
borders are gay with flowers, the object being to provide an
early summer rather than a late autumn display. A new
flower garden of an attractive design has been laid out by Sir.
Coomber ; it is near the American garden, and is effectively
planted. It is refreshing to find that many old-fashioned
perennials, and even annuals, are cultivated in these gardens,
and produce a pleasing effect. Especially cheerful are such
old plants as Foxgloves, Delphiniums, Campanulas, Pyrethrnms,
Irises, etc., as planted in the open spaces between newly planted
shrubs, the contrast of the colours with the surrounding
greenery being very telling. Foxgloves are particularly suit-
able for planting amongst shrubs, as the plants require little
or no care after being planted. Seed should be sown at the
present time, and if selected from a good strain noble spikes
of finely spotted flowers will be produced in a year from the
date of sowing.

We understand that H.R.H. the Princess Mary Ade-
laide and H.S H. the Duke of Teck have expressed their wish
and intention, if possible, to honour the Show of the National
Rose Society with their presence at St. James's Hall on
July 4th. The Exhibition is expected to be a very fine one,
and quite worthy of Royal patronage.

Newcastle Flower Show. — The Botanical and Horti-
cultural Society of Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle-
on-Tyne, continues, we are informed, rapidly to increase in
popularity and annual subscribers. The latter now number
about 2700, including the M.P.'s, Mayors, many of the Magis-
trates and leading families of the two northern counties, being
an increase of 2300 members during 1877. The summer show
will be held in the Leazea Park on the 13th and 14th Jaly,
when prizes of the value of upwards of £500 will be awarded.
The recent spring show was attended by 4905 visitors, in ad-
dition to 3000 school children who were admitted free. The
Society has recently been admitted into union with the Royal
Horticultural Society of London.

The Herefoed Rose Snow, which is to be held on

July Cth, is expected to be a very good one, the date being
favourable for the present rather late Rose season. £200 are
provided in prizes. Entries close on July 3rd. Rev. C. H.
Bulmer, Creilenhill Rectory, Hereford, is the Honorary Secre-
tary of the Show.

Mr. B. S. Williams has sent to the Oporto Exhi-
bition a choice collection of his new and rare plants, including
Ferns, Crotons, Palms, Drac£enas, and Ixoras ; also a col-
lection of Orchids.

Double Geraniums are not generally popular for bed-
ding purposes in consequence of their disposition to produce
vigorous foliage, gross shoots, and a corresponding paucity of
flowers when planted in the open ground. A few of the
dwarfer growers, notably Wonderful, which may be described
as a double Vesuvius, may flower with tolerable freedom in
beds, but the stronger growers are seldom satisfactory as
bedders. In order to check their exuberance and to foster a
low habit of growth a plan we saw the other day at Fnrzedown
Park, Tooting, the beautiful residence of C. Seely, Esq., MP.,
is noteworthy. Mr. Laing, the gardener, had planted a bed
of the ordinary double varieties in mixture — old tall plants,
the stems of which he had pegged close to the surface of the
bed, distributing the points of the shoots regularly. They
were showing flowers freely, and there is a prospect of a dwarf
and floriferoua bed resulting; at any rate the mode adopted of
utilising old plants of strong-growing double Geraniums is
worthy of mention.

There are now about five hundred blooms of Cypri-

pedium spectabile in a bed 9 feet by 4 feet at the Newton
Nurseries, Chester (James Dickson A' Sons), where this beauti-
ful North American Orchid is cultivated most successfully as a
perfectly hardy plant.

We have received from an amateur, " Respice Finem,"

a collection of flowers which he has grown in his greenhouse.
They consist of Stephanotis, Gardenia, Achimenes, Cleroden-
dron Balfcurianum, Paspiflora, and Gloxinias, with Ferns and
Panicnm variegatnm. The flowers are extremely fine, and
reflect much credit on the cultivator. They arrived also as
fresh as if just gathered. The stem of each was wrapped in a

little damp wadding, which was surrounded with tinfoil to pre-
vent evaporation. Oar correspondent proposes sending us an
account of his " three-years experience in a greenhouse." We
wish he would do so, for if he can teach other amateurs to
grow similar flowers to those which he has sent ua he will
afford them much satisfaction.

Me. Gilbert, Burghley, writes to us as follows on tha

FRUIT crop in Northsmptonshibe : — Gooseberries and Currants
are a first-class crop of good-sized clean fruit, not at present
spoiled with honeydew. Apples and Pears, both bushes,
standards, and on walls, must be called a failure almost entirely.
Apricots and Plums, the former a very fair sprinkling, but the
trees have been badly affected with grubs, and I never remem-
ber so much of the wood going dead. Plums are but few and
far between. Peaches and Nectarines are a fairly good crop ort
south walls, but on the west where we generally have them
fine there are none. The most perplexing to me is the failure
of my orchard-house Peaches. The flowers set by thousands,
'out the fruit dropped when the size of Peas. I notice others
have done likewise. This ought to form a subject for the
Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. I£
they could tell us the reason of this failure they would com-
mand our hearty thanks.

" Some time ago," writes a correspondent, " Mr. Har-
ding, in an interesting communication on Campanulas, directed
attention to the attractiveness of Campanula Cymealaria when
well grown in pots. It is indeed a charming plant for placing
in the front row of a conservatory or greenhouse, also for
vases and general decorative purposes. Some plants of this
Campanula are now dense masses of lovely bright blue flowers,,
and which are much more admired than well-grown plants of
blue Lobelias, effective as are these popular edging plants.
This Campanula is of easy culture. The plants can be wintered
in a cold frame and growu-on in the same structure, the chief
requirements being sound generous loam and an abundant
supply of water daring the growing and flowering season. I
can recommend it with confidence where graceful fringe planta
are required daring the summer months. The colour of the
flower is particularly bright and pleasing, and can hardly fail
to be admired by all visitors; such, at least, is my experience,
and I am sanguine it will be the experience of others who will
grow this dwarf Campanula well."

For the decoration of large conservatories and for

associating with Ferns, Palms, and other " foliage " plants in
the ornamentation of halls, staircases, &c., plants of the old
white Lily, Lilium candidum, are extremely suitable. W©
recently noticed some good examples of this Lily in the con-
servatory at Furzedown, where they produced an excellent
effect. When cultivated in pots and are afforded slight pro-
tection they flower early, affording a good succession to Lilium
longiflorum, and continue until L. laucifolium in variety,
L. auratum, and other late-flowering Lilies are in beauty.
Common as the old white Lily may be, not many of the tribe
are more really beautiful in the month of Jane, and none are
more easily cultivated.

The Akeria Quinata which was recently alluded to by

Mr. Lnekhurst grows, says the American Cultivator, in wild
luxuriance in Japan, running over tall trees and festooning them
with its long slender stems and neat trifoliate leaves, completely
covered with small clusters of dark brown flowers delightfully
fragrant. For some time after its first introduction it was
cultivated as a greenhouse plant, but it was found subsequently
to be quite hardy in England, and a trial of it in our gardens
has proved it to be as hardy as own Virginian Creeper. When
first planted, like most nursery plants, it makes shght pro-
gress ; but as soon as well established it grows with great
vigour, making annual shoots 10 to 15 feet long. The foliage
somewhat resembles the Clover leaf, of about the same size,
and about the last of May the flowers appear at the axils of
the leaves in remarkable profusion. They are small in size,
of a novel dark-brown colour, and deliciously fragrant. Its
hardiness is really remarkable, even the smallest plants ma-
turing without covering without the loss of a single branch.
For covering arbours or trellises it is one of the most desirable
of our climbing plants.

The American " Gardener's Monthly," in quoting from

the Joiininl ()/ Horticulture the heights of the Wellinotonias
at Poltimore, Killerton, Cotlands, and other places, says it is
provoking to read of the fine trees of Sequoia gigantea which
they have in England, when we cannot grow it here in its
native country. The only placs we ever knew it do well was

Jane 28, 1877 ]

JOURNAL OP HORTIOUIiTDRE AND COTTAaB GARDENER.

483

at EUwanger & Barry's of Kocheeter, N.Y. We eliall be glad
to know whether it still remains satisfactory with them, and
whether of the bandxeds that have been planted in the east
dnring the past twenty years anyone else has a good specimen.
[We sympathise with oar American friends ; few Conifers
thrive more satisfactorily in England than the Wellingtonia
(Sequoia) of which there are thousands of splendid specimens.
It is remarkable that it refuses to flourish in the Eastern
States of America, aud the information that it does not do so
will surprise many in England.!

SiiMrixa Out Insect PLAonES. — Mr. Hurray desires

to stamp out the wireworm, crane liy, cockchafer, and other
of the more notorious plagues by a direct nystem of catching
and killing promoted by Act of Parliament. Let us not be in
haste to take an unfavourable view of any such proposal, for
the loss inflicted on the country by these and kindred pests
must be reckoned by millions annually. Every man pays his
share, although the farmers and gardeners are the first and
heaviest sufferers. The discussion of the subject at the Society
of Arts on the 5th inst. did not result in any strikingly prac-
tical conclusions, but we are bound to expect some benefit
from so well ordered a debate on so important a subject. There
is one thing to be done — wo must educate public opinion. We
must begin with the young, and in place of cramming them
with book knowledge, encourage them in the observation of
nature. For example, every ignorant boy is now, and for some
time past has been, hungering after birds' nests ; but well-
taught boys do not touch birds' nests. To repress bird-catch-
ing altogether, and so spoil the fowlers' art, will soon be recog-
nised as necessary; and when birds are properly protected the
wireworm and crane fly will be stamped out by the songsters
of the grove ; and as for the cockchafer and the other larger
enemies of our peace, the ignoble hawks and the smaller owls
will take care of them, for all our smaller predaoeous birds
have a great fancy for beetles ; and as for their fat grubs that
haunt the Wheat field and the Potato crop, ask the rooks if
they are not as nice as whitebait, and wanting neither cold
punch nor cliquot to wash them down. — [Pictorial World.)

The Eucalyptus. — M. Planchon has published some

items of interest relating to the Eucalyptus, now extensively
planted in California and in eome of the Southern States of
America ; he says, " While the Eucalyptus amygdalina attains
a height of 145 to 152 metres (473 to 496 feet), the dome of
the InvaUdes in Paris is only 105 metres high, the Cathedral at
Strasburg 142 mitres, and the Pyramid of Cheops, 140 metres.
The Eucalyptus globulus, although not attaining to the height
of E. amygdalina, is still taller than the celebrated California
tree, the Sequoia gigantea. It is cultivated on a large scale at
the Cape of Good Hope, the southern coatts of Spain and
France, the Island of Corsica, and especially in Algeria. In
Paris it is customary of late to place young specimens of the
tree in public squares as a moveable summer decoration ; and
so much is its peculiar form and blue colour admired, that the
inhabitants are quite sorry when, as winter approaches, the
plant has to be returned to the greenhouse. In Valencia (Spain)
the vulgar name for it is the Fever Tree. A few years ago a
Spanish gardener visiting Paris was shown the tree as a novelty.
He remarked that it was already a popular specific against
fevers amongst the peasants of Valencia, and that it had even
been found necessary to plant a guard at the Fever Tree to
prevent its leaves from being stripped."

ROSES AND THEIK CULTURE.

Eo9E3 here (Cirencester) are about a fortnight behind the
usual time, and hardly any standards are out yet (18th of June).
The Maruchal Niels make a grand display against walls, but
are not quite up to the standard of some years. I have cut
two or three fine blooms with stems as large as one's little
finger, but there are not as many as usual of that size. The
frost in the early part of May was a great check. Ought the
Marfchal to be protected ? I am never afraid of the severest
winter: it is the spring that is trying. I have a tree on a south
aspect which is beginning to get rather bare at the bottom ;
next year I intend to cover the lower part with fir branches to
preserve the foliage, and will let you know the result. Young
trees I certainly think ought to be protected with something
the first year alter removal. If the season is favourable all
will go well in any case, but in others they will most likely
not live.

With regard to manure for Eoses, I generally use well-
decayed stable manure, but Mr. Cranston says his manure is

the best. Why cannot your correspondent, the Rev. J. B. M.
Camm, keep pigs? they ought to pay for their own keep, and
he would obtain his manure for nothing. Perhaps there is a
little difficulty about straw, but I should think that might be
easily arranged. I regard guano water as a stimulant ; if a
man has a glass of champagne now and then he requires a
little beef as well. — Amateur, Cirencester.

[Notes on the degeneration of Roses will appear next week] .

SPBINKLING WATER IN HOTHOUSES.

I AM quite aware that I have most of the gardening com-
munity against me when I say it is ustlefs as a restorative to
drooping plants to sprinkle the inside surfaces of hothouses
on hot dry days while the sun's rays are unobstructed and the
ventilators are wide open. I never denied that it " cools the
air," and I think all the benefits " J. S." enumerates (see
page 457) are from this cooling of the air after the houses have
been allowed to get too hot ; but prevention is better than
cure, and it is advisable when practicable not to allow the air
to become so heated as to require cooling. That it is not always
practicable owing to changeable weather, or to the weather
turning out different to our anticipations I grant, and I have
sprinkled for the express purpose of cooling the air, but that
is not what people usually sprinkle for. I have also in times
past sprinkled with the idea of reviving drooping plants, but
unless the said plants were shaded or had the air around them
pretty much confined, or the water affected their roots, they
never looked much better for it ; and if they did look a trifle
better for a short time it was all owing to the cooling of the
air preventing their moisture beirj;; sucked out of them quite
so fast for a few minutes, and I venture to think that a lump
of ice placed in the house would have had a precisely similar
effect. The benefit, if any, was from a lowering of the tem-
perature, and not from the imaginary saturation of the atmo-
sphere.

It is possible for surfaces to be saturated and yet for the
atmosphere to be comparatively dry, or why should well-
established Cauliflowers and other tender very succulent plants
droop so much in sunshine after a good rain ? I have noticed
them droop more at such times than they often do after a
month's dry weather. If you were to put a hand-light over
one of the plants of course it would revive instantly, as evapo-
ration would be checked. I am not speaking of plants which
have ceased to grow for the want of moisture for a time and
then become suddenly re-invigorated by a shower, but such as
have received every possible attention and have never known
a check ; neither do I allude to bright sunshine after a spell
of dull weather; but say. it may be bright to-day, the plants
do not flag, and they are not dry at the roots. During the night
or early to-morrow morning wo may have two or three hours'
refreshing rain, and yet as toon as the sun comes out the
plants may droop badly and remain drooping till the evening.
This phenomenon may be often witnessed, and if it is not the
effect of a dry atmosphere I do not know what it is. Of course
other plants besides the Cauliflower and such-like suffer, the
foliage of fruit trees, and even that of some of the larger-leaved
forest trees become flabby. A similar effect on indoor plants
at the same time is produced in proportion to the amount of
air admitted, and no amount of damping-down will entirely
prevent it without shading or closing, because the air of the
whole country about you is sucking away Uke a red-hot brick
at the moisture in your little structure.

" J. S." says " that the difference between sprinkling an open
and a closed house is only one of degree." Granted; but if
the outer atmosphere is dry, in the latter ease you are moisten-
ing the atmosphere contained in your little house, and in the
former you are attempting to moisten that of the district, and
perhaps the country in which you reside. " J. S." also says
damping the leaves in an open house would lo " turning them
into evaporating surfaces as well, and chilling would be the
result." The leaves are evaporating surfaces at all times in
proportion to the quantity of light and dryness of the atmo-
sphere reaching them. Damping them with a close house
would check evaporation, and damping them with an open
house would of course have a chilling effect. I also maintain
that damping-down the house while the ventilators are wide
open, the bright sun's rays unobstructed, and the outer atmo-
sphere parched, has also a chilling effect, although in a less

Concerning the use of the hygrometer I have not quite so
high an opinion of it as " J. S." has. 1 do not think it is

484

JOURNAL OP HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENBE.

[ June 28, 1877.

infullible any more than the thermometer. Plants, if we learn
to read their indioatione, are much more aeneitive than ordi-
nary scientific instruments. On the morning of the loth inst.
the tops of Tomatoes, which had been outdoors a fortnight,
were severely injured by frost, while a registering thermometer
which works fairly well with half a dozen others, and is not
200 yards from the Tomatoes, did not fall below 40'. It must
have been frost which injured the Tomatoes, because when I
first saw them they were only a little drooping and not much
discoloured, but as soon as the sun shone full on them they
turned black, just as Potatoes do when frozen. They are
about 2 feet high. I have frequently observed frozen leaves
in early summer while the thermometers were far above the
freezing point ; but it is but fair to add that here where the
ground is very undulated the temperature often varies con-
siderably in a few yards.

Oar Apple crop, I am sorry to say, has gone the way of most
other fruit-tree crops, and we shall be worse oft for hardy fruits
this year than wo were last. — William Taylok.

PSIDIUM PYEIFERUM.

Of the several Guavas grown in the West Indies the White
Guava (Piidium pyriferum) is esteemed the best, and is the

Fig. C7.— Psiaium pyriferum.

most abundant. In its wild state it is more of shrub than a
tree, but when cultivated in pardens it attains the dimensions
of a tree, with a stem about (J inchfs in diameter and a head
of the tize of a mediumfiztd Apple tree. The wood is very
hard; the leaves ore from 2 to .'1 iuchos long, in pairs; the
flower is whilo; and the fruit, which in as large as a hen's egg,
is Eulphur yellow, vfiy snooth acd perfumed. The pulp is
flesh-coloured, arorualic, and grateful to the palate. This
Guava is upf d as a deesert fruit, and is also preserved with
sugar; and (luava jelly is fstetmed one of the finest couBetves
that corue from the West Indies.
The lied Unava (Psidium pcmiferum) is a much larger tree

than the White. The fruit is shaped like a Pomegranate, and
when ripe has an agreeable odour. It is considered, however,
to be inferior to the White Guava, but is much improved by
cultivation. The Mountain Guava, which is found in the
woods of Jamaica, is of no value as a fruit tree, but the wood
is in request on account of its dark colour and the fine degree
to which it may be polished.

But the Guava which is considered of the greatest value in
this country is Catley'a Guava (Psidium Cattleyanum). This
fruit was first described by Mr. Catley of Barnet in a paper
read before the Eoyal Horticultural Society, and it has since
been cultivated in many gardens in this country. The fruit is
about tho size of a small Walnut, is nearly round, of a deep
claret colour, and possesEes somewhat the flavour of the Straw-
berry. The ekin is of the oonsistenoe of that of the Fig, but
thinner. The plant is also ornamental. It is propagated
freely from cuttings. It is a native of China, and is more hardy
than the Indian species, and it ripens its fruit in greenhouses
in this country, frequently producing two crops in a year.

PEACH BLISTEE.
In investigating a subject we are apt to confound cause with
effect. Take a case of Peach " blister." Fungus is found
upon the blistered leaves and spreads to the healthy foliage,
fungus is therefore regarded as being the cause of the blister;
but we may carefully remove every trace of the fungus, re-
move every blistered leaf and gouty nhoot, and yet find the
evil has not been removed. But if Nature smiles, affording
warmth in place of frost and cold, the real cause is removed
and we have healthy foliage; the fungus remains at a stand-
still, spreads not to the leaves or shoots formed during warmtr
weather, but prevails only in those formed during cold and
frost, the disorganised tissues of which present a nidus for
the luugus. We have no blistered Peach leaves under glass
because we remove the cause — oold ; but if we take a tree from
the warm house to the open air we may calculate upon having
blii-ter the spring following if the weathtr be cold and the pro-
tection ineufficient. If we introduce a blii-tertd tree from the
open air it will not communicate it to the other unblietered
trees, nor continue to produce the fungus itself. It is so with
trees ogniust walls. They blister only in a cold spring, pro-
duciug foliage free from blister when the weather becomes
warm. Warmth, then, is the remedy for Peach blister, the
opposite (cold) being its cause. We know that the black
fungus on the leaves of the Orange, Msrtle, &c., is an effect,
the cause being the scale which infests the trees, and that
mildew is the ttleot of drought upon Peas. It is not sufficieLt
to remove the black futifjus from the Orange leaves, nor to
destroy the mildew upon the Peas. Wo may remove the
fungus, destroy the mildew, but if the cause remain it is cer-
tain to produce its effect. Destroy the scale, apply water, and
keep moist, and there will bo no black funpus nor mildew.
" The ouree causcleEs will not come." — G. A. G. P.

DRESSING CARNATIONS.

I STATED in my " Notes from My Garden in 187G " that I
should not notice any criticisms made on my remarks on dress-
iug Carnations, but the courteous and kindly reply of Mr.
Rudd induces me to break silence; not that I intend to enter
into any controversy, but lest be should imagine that my
silence was disconrteons. He and I view thiugs differently,
and I fear we are not likely to come any eloper in agreement ;
and although I may not be in accord with him or many other
florists, yet I cannot but think that I have eome weight of
argument on my side. I fear I cannot hope to take a lesson on
dressing from Mr. Endd as I shall be away in Scotland, and for
the same reason shall he unable to see the show of the National
Society at the Aquarium, but I none the less thank him for
his good intentions to enlighten my ignorance. — D., Deal.

SHOBDON COURT.
The name of Shobdon figures in Domesday as Soepedune
(Sceopdun -- Sheepdown), and its early ecclesiastical and
parochial bihtory connects it with the Mortimers ; whereas the
family of Wigmore were farmers of the manor, and their de-
scendants fold it to John Handford in 1«55, from whom it
paefod to Robert Chaplin, and by him in 1705 was fold to Sir
James Batcman, Knight and Lord Mayor of London, wtoee
ton William was raised in 1725 to the peerage of Ireland, and

Juno 28, 1877. 1

JOUaNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

485

in 1735 made a K.B. His son the second Viscount dyiDE with-
ODt is&ue in 1802, the estates passed to bis cousin William
Hanbury of Kelmareb, Northamptonshire, who was created
Baron Bateman in 1837, and was succeeded in 1845 by his
eldest son the present peer.

The mansion, erected by the first peer, has lately undergone
such alterations and improvements as to have been almost re-
built, and the application of the most correct taste in modern
landscape gardening has done justice to the noble timber.
Two splendid Chestnuts (Spanish) , one 15 feet in girth, another
15 feet 2 inches ; a gigantic but decapitated Cedar, one of the
finest in England ; two very luxuriant and exquisite Occidental
Planes, and one or two very fine Beeches stand within the
lawn and near the flower garden ; while round and about in
calculated proximity are still finer Spanish Chestnuts, Cedars,
English and Evergreen Oaks, bespeaking a venerable but hale

old age, and standing out amidst lesser coniferous and deciduous
sojourners in a park of remarkable beauty. In that part of
it nearest to the mansion and drive is a memorial of the old
church of Shobdon, a rare sample of three connected Norman
arches which have so much beauty and grace about them that
they have been frequently associated with the Norman work of
Kilpeck.

It seems that in the middle of last century the old church,
which was close to the Court, was pulled down to make way
for a domestic chapel, so to speak. The modern church serves
its parochial as well as its domestic purposes undeniably, but
it does not prevent one from regretting that fate of its pre-
decessor. Part of the three old arches (which with the excep-
tion of the lower part of the church tower with its very inter-
esting windows) are its sole souvenir set up in the home park.
The visitors ascended an extensive and well-timbered slope,

affording at each stage the loveliest views of the valleys of
Lugg and Arrow, of the lands towards Ludlow beneath the
Glee, of the Malverus, the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacon,
and tho Abergavenny Hills. They reached at last a very high
point which led to the woods and coverts of Shobdon Hill, at
the top of which (1000 feet in height) an entirely different
view towards liadnorphiro and Shropshire was gained, and the
Longwyndo, the! Carafluc, the High Yynals, Bridgewood Com-
mon, Croffambury, and other interesting points were cited.
In the immediate foreground from this hill, on the opposite
bank of the river Lugg is the camp of Uecrfold Forest,
913 feet above sea level, so interesting from being the place in
■which the eloquent Swinderby and some other Wyclifiites hid
themselves to escape the persecution which set in against them
after the death of John of Gaunt.

It was impossible to pass by some Cedars of Lebanon of
truly remarkable size; one trunk broken short oB by some
dire calamity at about 25 feet high, but with a yet perfect bole,
gave a fnir measurement of no less than IB feet 2 inches in
girth at 5 feet from the ground. Eat even this tree was sur-
passed by one in muoh more perfect condition on the lower
ground, for this absolutely girthed 21 feet 10 inches at 5 feet
from the ground, though lower down it was somewhat less.
These trees are certainly the finest Cedars in the country, and
there is some reason to believe that they were planted about

the year 1688, when tho Cedar tree seems to have been first
introduced into Herefordshire.

As to Shobdon church, it stands near the mansion on the
site of the former edifice, which was built by Oliver de Merly-
lord, steward to Hugh de Mortimer, about the year 1140. He
likowisB founded near it a small priory lor canonf , which was
afterwards removed to Eye, and theneu finally to Wigmore.

Shobdon Court is the seat of tho Bight Hon. Lord Bateman
(Lord-Lieutenant and Custoa Rotnlorum of the county). It is
a brick mansion in the style of Louis XIV., and has a beautiful
entrance-hall. The Park is three or four miles in extent.

G. B. Lewis in his "Ancient Church of Shobdon" (1852),
in which every carved stone remp.iuin':' is shown by lithographs,
says, " The style of its architecture and tho peculiarities of
its sculpture differ from tho general character of that which is
known to bo Norman. There is much more refinement in the
design generally and more truth in the sculptured forms of
the different living beings than is seen in the churches of tho
Norman period, and there is a high artistic feeling in tho com-
petition of tho whole, as well as in all the loadmg features,
which would induce us to conclude that it has more of the
Byzantine character than is generally observed in the remains

of this period The style of the' arches Uaves no

room for doubt that they are part of the church built in the
reign of King Stephen by Oliver do Merlylord."

486

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jane 23, 1877.

Thos. Wright, " History of Lndlow and its Neighbonrhood,"
says, " lu the reigu of King Stephen (a.d. 1135-1154) Hugh de
Mortimer gave Shobdon to his Chief Steward, Oliver de Mer-
lylord, and that the latter immediately proceeded to build a
church. We are assured that a little chapel of wood was the
only ecclesiastical building which had previously stood there."

The pleasure gardens are laid out in the Italian style, after
plans by the late Mr. Nesfield. They are upwards of seven
acres in extent, and lay all round the house. The north front
is the principal entrance, and the west front the private
entrance from the stables, and both of these gardens are laid
out as lawns and shrubberies. On the east and south fronts
are the flower gardens. The former is in the shape of a Maltese
cross with fountain in the centre, and the south consists of
two gardens on separate terraces, which are overlooked by the
terrace on a level with the west-east front and orangery, and
command a view of a lake to which they gradually slope. On
the north, east, and south-east are the tennis courts and croquet
ground, and on the south-west the rosery. Sixty thousand
plants are annually used to fill these beds. The kitchen
garden is five acres in extent and well walled-in.

The glass consists of five good houses and .300 feet by 7 of
cold pits, the latter being used in winter for salads and in
spring for hardening off bedding plants. In the houses there
are some tine Orange trees, some excellent old Muscat Vines, a
good collection of stove plants, &a. The gardens at Shobdon
are under the able management of Mr. S. Yinney.

patient's brow relaxed as he gloated over it, another chuckled,
a lady patient smirked, another sighed. I take it to my bed
with me. Every Rose-grower should read it.

Aphis is best removed by soft soap and quassia chips, a
quarter of a pound of each to eight gallons of water, boiling
the chips for fifteen minutes. — C. C., Convalescent Home, Kent.

PRUNING ROSES.

Do we prune Roses too hard? I follow Mr. Hole's in-
structions upon pruning as set forth at pages 290 and 294 in
his capital " Book about Roses."

My neighbour never prunes. His bushes are large, 4 feet
high, 4 feet across, but full of Roses in bloom and in bud. He
has twelve trees and is always pointing to their beauty. He
could cut " fifty grand blooms, and has hundreds coming on."

I have 183 trees, healthy, pruned a. la Hole and Paul's
works, and I could only cut twelve blooms this morning.
Neighbour says, "You're so fond of the knife. Why don't
you put that knife away ? Think of the blooms you are cut-
ting off." This was said to me over the fence in October and
March. I manure highly, the orthodox " whack " as recom-
mended by the reverend Canon. Neighbonr never manures.

1 give liquid manure. Neighbour never does.

Soil here, loam with chalk subsoil. We have at least 2i feet
of " good Rose soil resting on chalk." " One of the oldest
Rose gardens in Hertfordshire, that of Dane End near Mun-
den, in which Roses have for many years been most success-
fully cultivated, has a subsoil of chalk," writes Paul. So soil
is not the cause of want of bloom. My trees (in their third
year), are on their own roots, on Manetti, and the Briar, but
all dwarf, Hybrid Perpetuals of the first class, as decided by
the Rose elections in your Journal.

At page 202 Mr. Hole selected in his list of forty-eight
Roses as the most suitable for exhibition the following Roses :
— Alfred Colomb, 2 ; Baroness Rothschild, 5 ; Charles Lefebvre,

2 ; Dr. Andry, 20 ; Devonieneis, IG ; Emilie Hausburg, 25 ;
La France, 5 ; Maruchal Niel, 1 ; Marguerite de St. Amand, 25 ;
Marie Baumann, 4 ; Pierre Notting, 21 ; Souvenir d'un Ami,
31; Celine Forestier, 82; Countess of Oxford, 11; Due de
Rohan, 71; Duchesse de Caylus, 52; Etienne Levet, 10; John
Hopper, 18 ; Mdlle. EugCnie Verdier, 14 ; Madame Victor
Verdier, 9 ; Marquise de Castellane, 8 ; Souvenir d'Elise, 38 ;
Xavior Olibo, 17; Abel Grand, 47; Camille Bernardin, 27;
Comtesse C. de Chabrillant, 77 ; Exposition de Brie, 61 ; Fer-
dinand de Lesseps, 31 ; Madame C. Joigneaux, 64 ; Francois
Michelon, 13; Victor Verdier, 36; Annie Wood, 50; Horace
Vernet, 19; Maruohal Vaillant, 84; Maurice Bernardin, 41;
General Jacqueminot, 03; Jules Margottin, 69; Madame Victor
Verdier, 9; Monsieur Noman, 53; Paul Neron, 55; Senateur
Vaisee, 15 ; and Souvenir de la Malmaison, 43. The numbers
after each represent the positions of the several Roses in your
last Rose election list. Out of forty-eight selected by Mr. Hole
the following only were unnoticed when the poll lists were
gathered in : — Centifolia Rosea, Elie Morel, Leopold Hausburg,
Madame Caillat, Devienne Lamy, Felix Genero, Louise Pey-
ronny, Madame Boutin, Madame Rivers, and Kubens ; and as
I have grown all selected by Mr. Hole, I may be allowed to add
my humble tribute of unqualified praise of the Canon's selec-
tion and of the value of his " Book about Roees," decidedly
the most delif^htful work and the best to follow. My oldest

CLEMATISES IN MB. SMITH'S NURSERY,
WORCESTER.

One may well exclaim, What becomes of all the Clomatisea ?
Perhaps few hardy ornamental plants have within the past
twenty years grown so much in public estimation as these
have. Although the Clematis is rapidly and successfully pro-
pagated, yet in its earlier stages it requires a good deal of care
and practical knowledge, else however good the means at com-
mand may be, the plants are liable to damp-oiif, and especially
if under very close confinement and in damp heat.

Last season close on 35,000 Clematises were grown in Mr.
Smith's nursery ; very few of these are now on hand, and thus
encouraged they have gone into propagation of the Clematis
this season even beyond the last year's number, great as it
was. C. Jackmaui still holds its ground, and perhaps one-
half of this year's number of plants are bearing the above
name. Like the Hamburgh amongst the Vines (for amidst all
the new — " wonderful" — competitors the Black Hamburgh for
real usefulness has no rival) ; so Clematis Jackmani, when
we consider the colour of the flower and the substance of the
petals, along with continued profusion of bloom, makes it a
great favourite. For indoor culture it may be some others are
more attractive, some are so that are not so well suited for
outdoor culture. Those having very large petals are very liable
to be spoiled by the wind when grown outdoors. Again, some
are of so dark a colour they do not tell well outdoors, even at
a moderate distance, and yet when grown under glass they are
better appreciated.

The number of their petals varies much in the different
varieties : some have not more than four, some five, some
seven, and even eight petals to a flower. A description of the
Clematis however correct cannot be so satisfactory as paying a
visit to see them when in flower, especially where they are
grown in such quantities and varieties as they are in Mr.
Smith's nursery. — Geokge Dawson.

WEIGELAS.

These lovely natives of China, now classed as Diervilla, are
the most charming of modern shrubs. It is only about thirty
years since Mr. Fortune brought them, in joyous company
with the Foreythias, to gladden us " outside barbaiiane."
They have since, principally, I suppose, through crosses of the
rosea and amabilis, bred a wonderful family, of varied growths
and tints of leaf and bloom. Yet one rarely sees any but the
old rosea outside the grounds of the rich, the nursery, or the
public park. This comes a good deal from their tame and
stingy treatment in our catalogues and dearth of effort in our
salesmen. A little more of just and generous rhetoric would
hasten every flower lover in the land to invite their smile.
They are almost all so hardy, all so quickly root from slips
and cuttings, and have such rich variety of flower and leaf tint
and of style, that the routine which invites and posts tiny
rootings of the Rose to our door-steps would soon people every
tasteful homestead with these tasteful Weigelas.

Their need of some brighter-tinted word-painting takes form
when a leading catalogue sets down the Weigela nana varie-
gats, the Dwarf Striped Weigela, curtly as " a variety with
variegated leaves and pink flowers," and the larger old varie-
gated with still tamer and more stingy note. These tintlesB
words but faintly present the maidenly grace and purity which
robe this Weigela nana at the season of its bloom. Then its
leaflets daintily varied in white and bronze and green, from
among which lift gently blushing florets of an airy evanescent
pink, give it semblance to such a divinely chaste bouquet as
might have fallen from out the garden of the sky. On leaf,
in gentle tint of green, and in its dainty rosy bloom, it rivals
those limpid lingering lines that faintly tinge the far-off float-
ing clouds of morn or eve. It is cruel to slight such a plant
with word-tinting either terss or tamo.

Again, the Weigela Desboisi, one of our foremost catalogues
merely notes as a " deep rose-coloured variety." Another of
high standing only tells us of its " immense numbers of very
dark rose-coloured flowers." Such dim portraiture brings out

June 28, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

487

bnt faint likeness of one of the most brilliant of Sowering
plants. In lavish, lasting, radiant bloom it rivals every hardy
shrub. Deep reddish roey bells robe its whole spray and load
it into graceful droop. It is a glory in the noontide radiance.
In the rich hces of parting day it seems ablaze with absorbed
brilliancy.

For many years a plant posted well to the front of my
grounds has won more lingering gaze and question from flower
lovers than any other bloom. And in those grounds there
stands pretty much every hardy blossoming plant. Tet this
Weigela Desboisi carries off the palm. It counts as warm ad-
mirers not only those who cherish a few choice plants, but
those whose conservatories store the wealth of the floral world.
Such eager look and quest following this lovely variety more
than hints that a brighter word-pencilling of the plant might
have made many purchasers of those who thus admiringly in-
quire its name and nature,

I shall note only one other of the slighted and rare visitors
of this tribe — the Weigela versicolor. I find no description of
this plant anywhere, nor its name in any but the Flushing
catalogues. Doubtless our leading nurserymen know it well,
but that they give no more note or place to a plant so wonder-
fully endowed " passeth all understanding." This Latin name,
" Weigela versicolor," bespeaks almost to the eye of any, as in
translation, a plant " of changeful hue."

A cluster of its flowers is of itself a bouquet of divers tinted
blossoms. A branch glories in blooms of every varying shade,
from white to deep red, and crimson darkening to maroon.
Till the flower drops its tint is ever changing; awhile to-day,
to-morrow shows a pink or salmon. A flower blooming out a
pink day by day deepens into dark crimson. Thus, onward
through an endless maze and interchange of colour, covering
pretty much the whole spectrum. A plant so robed in a coat
" of many colours," wearing flowers of such changeful hue,
surely deserves wide and special note as one of the wonders of
vegetation.

The aptness of the Weigela to take upon its seedlings a new
and better style of growth and bloom promises most happy
results from judicions crosses. That varieties of such rich tints
on leaf and flower, so diverse therein and in their style of
growth, have descended from parents without such traits
marks a wonderful floral evolution. It is only rivalled by that
tireless flow of rich and lovely blooms which owe their parent-
age to only a few species of the Gladioli. The Weigelas have
already shown floral possibilities promising a rich future.
Some bloom bnt once, some twice, some thrice, and some,
like varieties of the Rose, are hardly ever without a show of
blossoms. A plant holding on its roll such wide-apart colours
as the deep dark crimson of the floribunda, the white of the
alba, the clear pink of the amabilia, the change from white to
many shades of pink as the isoline, and with a quiver full of
assorted tints like the versicolor, added to the clear yellow of
the old Diervilla, betokens the likely advent of still more
notable excellence to come out of judicious crosses.

I look upon these commingled hues of bloom before long to
glow in endless interchange of complexion, from the big bell-
shaped flowers of their descendints. Fiery scarlet throats
sweeping into golden rims ; borders of maroon looking down
into throats of yellow and crimson. Then, as to the promise
of their foliage, out of the nana and others of such divers
tinted leaves shall come zonals and all the ceaseless round
of variety which skilful florists learn so surely to evolve. I
look to see this journal yet record double-flowered Weigelaa
of every shade and commixture of colours ; to send out chro-
molitha of new Weigelas, zonaled and chenayed on big leaves
through every shade of green and bronze, of white or golden
tinge. Why not ? If not in our time, still it is coming soon.
That taste for flowers, that thirst, so readily supplied but
never quenched by the facilities of the mail ; that joy in floral
home adornment and the gardenesque, so indexed by our rich
and well-thumbed catalogues, by paths richly stored with floral
wealth — a joy becoming every day so spoken in a thousand
ways over the advent of new blooms and plants of mark — tells
me that sure welcome will beget the coveted advance.

One thing let every lover of the Weigela note. The bloom
of this plant is so profuse that it thirsts when in flower for
abundant water. Not only the richness but the lasting of its
bloom is wonderfully aided by a perfect deluge. Not a pail
or two dashed around, but if possible, where you cannot call
on the public water, a barrel full on end, slowly yielding its
supply, and again and again renewed, will well repay all your
trouble. Around that Desboisi when in bloom I soak the

ground wide out from the spread of its limbs. This is partly
the cause of its lasting and brilliant show. Most flowers love
abundant moisture, but the Weigela is a perfect glutton in
drink. — [American Gardener's Monthlij.)

ABTIFICIAL MANURE FOR ROSES.

Mr. Cajim asks what he can substitute for farmyard dung,
which he cannot get for money. The answer is furnished by
considering what dung is. If Mr. Camm were to procure a ton
of the very best quality and burn it all he would obtain a
few bushels of white ashes, which would contain the whole
mannrial virtue of the dung with the exception of one in-
gredient. What he would lose would be three-fourths of the
whole ton, which consists of simple water, about one-fifth of
the ton which consists of carbon, and about one thousandth
part of the ton which consists of nitrogen. Of these the water
is valueless, the carbon almost equally so, for it serves only to
lighten the soil and in some slight degree to attract and fix
nitrogen, and therefore the nitrogen alono would need to be
added to the ashes to give the full value of the ton of dung.
Now, great part of the ashes being silica and alumina, are them-
selves of no practical value, since they are found in every soil
in ample quantity. What in the ashes is really valuable is the
phosphoric acid, of which there would be about 0 lbs., and the
potash , of which there would be about 10 lbs. So if Mr. Camm
will make up a manure containing phosphoric acid 9 lbs., potash
10 lbs., and nitrogen 12 lbs., he will have an exact representa-
tion of the manurial constituents of a ton of dung ; but he
must in fact use only about one-sixth of the above amount of
nitrogen, for he can obtain it only in an immediately soluble
form, and in that form a ton of dung contains only 2 lbs. o£
nitrogen.

Now, to obtain these ingredients in the cheapest form he
must mix together the following " artificial manures," taking
care to obtain them from a dealer of the highest standing,
since unfortunately there are more tricks in the manure trade
than even in horse-dealing: — Superphosphate of lime (Jd.
per lb.), 36 lbs.; sulphate or muriate of potash [Id. per lb.),
25 lbs. ; nitrate of soda (Ijrf- per lb.), 12 lbs. ; but these are
the wholesale prices (or nearly so) for lots of a ton or
upwards. Mr. Camm will have to pay perhaps twice the price
for small quantities, which would bring the cost of the equiva-
lent of a ton of dung up to 10s. or 12s. ; but, on the other
hand, he has the advantage that he knows exactly what he is
applying, and can alter the constituents to suit the seasons,
the different stages of growth, or the peculiarities of his plants.
For instance, if he wishes to promote fibrous roots, early ripen-
ing, and close texture of wood, let him increase the proportion
of superphosphate ; if he wishes for deep green foliage and
succulent shoots let him increase the nitrate of soda. Bones
are excellent as a substitute for superphosphate, but are of
slower action and must be used in larger quantity. Night soil
dissolved in water is of little value ; urine would be much more
efficacious. If the soil is not calcareous a little quicklime
may be added to the above mixture with advantage. It would
be otherwise if the mixture contained ammouiacal salts instead
of nitrate of soda, for in that case the lime would drive off the
ammonia, but it does not affect the nitrogen in nitric acid.

Lastly, let Mr. Camm keep in view that the above mixture
contains the essence of dung in a form instantly available to
plants, whereas dung contains the same ingredients to some
extent locked up in combination with organic matter, and
therefore set at liberty only by slow degrees as it decomposes ;
hence it would be advisable that he should apply the mixture
in smaller proportions than he would administer in the shape
of dung, and that these should be repeated so as in the course
of the season to bring up the total amount to what would be
found in the usual dressing of dung. 1 oz. of the mixture to
2 square feet (not feet square) would be about equivalent to
20 tons of dung to the acre ; but if we suppose for the sake of
example that Mr. Camm would allow a quarter of a hundred-
weight of rotten dung to each of his Roses, then the equivalent
of this would be about 1 lb. of the mixture, and this should be
administered during the season in doses not exceeding 2 ozs. at
a time. I hope if he tries the experiment he will not fail ta
communicate the result. — J. B. K.

MR. CHARLES LIDQARD.

It will be, I am sure, a grief to many to hear that their good
old friend "Charley Lidgard" is gone, and that one of the few

488

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

r Jane 28, 1877.

remaining old school of florists will no more be Been scrntinis-
ing with his patient and discriminating gazs those flowers in
which he especially delighted. He was one of those whom one
used to meet in the " salet days" of one's youth, when the
growth of florists' flowers in the metropolis was a reality ; and
wherever there was a meeting of florists — at Tlie Hums, Keu-
nington, at Worton Cottage, or at his own house, there he was
Bure to be fonnd. Quiet and unobtrusive in his ways, some-
what slow in his movements but always sure, he might
ever be depended npon for a cartful examination of every-
thing submitted to him, and for an honest opinion on its
merits. In former days he was a sucoessfal exhibitor cf
Pansies and Auriculas, and deplored the falling-off in their
culture around London, which few could speak of so well as
he. He had not entirely given up the latter, for only a few
years ago he had added to his little stock, but incrsasing in-
firmities made him less ardent than he used to be. There
may have been many more extensive florists than our good
friend, but no truer or heartier one could be found. He died
on the 20th inst., at the age of sixty-seven, and will be largely
and sincerely regretted. — D., Deal.

THE OLD MARKET GARDENS and NURSERIES
OP LONDON.— No. 17.

The highly respectable, and even yet semi-rural, suburb of
Hammersmith cannot, as it seems, claim a venerable history
as a distinct locality. For many centuries it is undistinguished
from Fulham, of which it is still a hamlet, that extensive
Tillage being considered to extend over a district about five
miles in length by two in breadth. It may be surmised, there-
fore, that the peculiarities of Hammersmith did not much
incline men to settle there, although a main road ran through
it to various places in West Middlesex. Doubtless until com-
paratively recent times the land in Hammersmith was ill
adapted for cultivation. Water flowed over its marshes from
the adjacent Thames on manv days, while the district received
water also from the forest of Middlesex above it, which stretched
along the hills to the north near Shepherd's Bush and Worm-
holt Scrubs. Apparently, when Sir Nicholas Crispe took into
his head to build himself a house at Himmersmith, there
was not another habitation in the place, saving, perhaps, a
hovel or two erected for thn occusional use of the peasauts who
attended to the cattle that grazed here. No doubt it was the
richness of Hammersmith in clay which led Sir Nicholas to
his experiments in brick-making there during the reign of
Charles I., and down to this hour bricks have been made in
the locality.

Like other suburbs, Hammersmith has grown rapidly in the
Victorian era, for when Brewer wrote about it sixty years ago
the number of families living in the hamlet was about 1500,
and as out of this population 210 families were connected with
the cultivation of the ground, it was evidently an important
suburb as contributing fruit and vegetables to the Loudon
markets. Though the times have changed since the rail has
opened up an easy commuoioation between London and places
more remote than Hammersmith, the district has slill much
garden ground ; but here, as in other suburbs, the orchards
have rapidly decreased in number, partly perhaps owing to the
discouraging effects of Lon.ioQ's smoky atmosphere, partly, it
may be, through the difficulty of guarding the fruit sueceas-
fnlly from depredators. In the reigo of good old Gvorge III.,
however, it was quite a sight in the autumn when driving
through Kensington, Himmersmith, and Turnham Green, to
notice the quantity of fruit ou both sidas of the road. D jubtless
the orchards were clustered near the main road for convenience
of transit, and also in several parts the ground is higher than
towards the Thames. Same garden produce was, until the
beginning of this century, sent to town by the circuitous route
of the river from the fields in Hammersmith and Fulham
that were handily situated for the transfer of Cabbages and
Potatoes to barges, and the growing of vegetables in Ham-
mersmith appears to have preceded the cultivation of fruit;
nor did the farmer at once withdraw when the market gar-
dener came upon the scene; so that here and there during the
eighteenth century fields of corn were interBpcrsed among the
market gardens, and the plough mialit have been seen at work.

Faulkner, in his description of Hammersmith published in
1838, indulges in some rather amusing observations on the
taste for vegetables developed in modern times, these being
snggested, eeemingly, by his suburban perambulations. "As

to the produce of a garden," says he, "every middle-aged
person may observe within his own memory how vastly the
consumption of vegetables has increased. Green stalls in
cities now support multitudes in a comfortable state, while
gardeners get fortunes. Our Saxon ancestors certainly had
some sort of a Cabbage, because tbey called the month of
February ' Sproutcale ;' but long after their days the cultiva-
tion of gardens was little attended to." In this assumption
our philosophising friend is not quite correct. London citizens
at any rate had quite a fancy for greens before the times of
the Stuarts, and, as stated in a previous article, when the
growth of the metropolis interfered with the citizens' gardens
in Holborn and Cheapside many of them took plots for ihem-
selves out at Finsbnry or towards Islington. Vegetable soups,
indeed, played no unimportant part in the cookery of our
ancestors. Then, as to the fortunes supposed to have been
made by market gardeners, it has, I believe, been rather the
exception than the rule in most London suburbs. Fortunes
are and have been made by nurserymen, especially by those
successful in the introduction of exotics before the calling be-
came, like most other callings in our day, considerably over-
stocked. But Faulkner may be quite right when he attributes
an increased taste for vegetables to the influence of the monks
in the middle ages, who came, many of them, into England
from Italy, and having little to do took up with gardening
pursuits. And, quoting from the venerable Ray, Faulkner
remarks that the Euglish seem to have been especially de-
lighted with the introduction of Endive and Celery. The latter,
however, they were at first so far from appreciating that they
ate it with oil and pepper, dressed somewhat, I suppose, as we
dress Lettuce salad.

Returning to Hammersmith from this digression, it should
be noticed that when the locality was at its best, so far as gar-
dening interests went, more than 250 acres were under culti-
vation ; at present perhaps not half as much through the up-
springing of new streets. Methods, too, have been altered,
generally for the better, and it is curious to compare with
modern modes the style pursued by tbe grandfathers of our
present horticulturibta. In the Hammersmith orchards was
exemplified the plan of having an upper and an uudur crop of
fruit, the upper being Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, and
Walnuts (the soil of the district, however, was long regarded
as unfavourable for the growth of the Pear), while the under
crop was Currants, Gooseberries, and Raspberries. This fashion
of planting has not jet gone out, and plenty of illustrations
may be found in the fruit-producing districts of Kent ; but
forty years ago the London gardeners began to find it had
grave objections, so they set fruit trees in rows, giving a suffi-
cient space between the rows to allow of the occasional culture
of vegetables. The gardeners depended much on the crops of
Bsans and Ptfas,mauyof them preparing banks sloped towards
the south for early P^as. Onions were also grown largely,
and the bulk of them sown in February. The land, which
was gradually cleared of Cabbages during the winter, was
usually sown with Carrots or Peas for a later gathering. Cu-
cumbers were frequently put in amongst the rows of early
Cabbages for the sake of succession, as also Spinach. At
Hammersmith Cauliflowers, Broccoli, and Parsnips were not
much attended to in Faulkner's time, but the gardeners sent
to markat large supplies of " small salad " raised under glass,
and they were famjus for their Lettuces. Through their
plentiful use of manure three or four crops of vegetables were
had from the same land during one year, and the chronicler
hints tbat the gardeners had a practice of making what were
called " muek holes" for the fermentation of their manure, to
which persons with sensitive noses might perhaps object. And
he seems to regret that the " old orchards" were already gra-
dually disappearing, because by the culture of vegetables a
steadier income was attainable.

But Hammersmith is bast known to fame, not through any
market gardener of the place, although it had many of some
repute. The mention of it at once reminds one of the " Vine-
yard Nursery ;" necessarily, however, the increase in the num-
ber of nurseries has changed the position of an establishment
deemed almost unrivalled in the reign of George III. I could
give more credence, I must confess, to the statement that the
nursery was once considered the " first in the world " if I had
not discovered the same assertion is made about Loddige'B
and Brompton Park Nursery, very probably about others also.
Undoubtedly Messrs. Lee & Kennedy do occupy high rank
amongst the pioneers of horticultural and even of scientific
progress, for those who have devoted their energies to the

Jana 28, 1877. J

jjoaj^iL OF aoartoooTORE a^d carriGS gabdemer.

work of procuring and cnltivating exotics have largely aided
in the advance of botany and physiology.

To James Lee belongs the honour of having established the
Hammersmith Nursery, and Caledonia claims him as her
offspring, for ha was born at Selkirk in 1713. Receiving
encoaragfment from the Duke of Arayle, he ohtained emplov-
meut at Syon, and eubaequently at Whitton ; and during 1760,
being acquainted with Mr. L. Kennedy, then gardener to Lord
Bolton at Chiswick, the two commenced a nureery at Ham-
mor^mith on a fine piece of land with a substratum of gravel,
wh' re there was at the time a vineyard, from which the esta-
blishment took its name. A little earlier in the century this
vineyard had produced annually a quantity of wine which was
sold as "Burgundy" in an antique thatched house attached
to the premises. Lee, however, had aspirations beyond wine-
making or Vme-growing simply. He had become acquainted
with Linnaeus and other botanists, and he opened-up com-
mnnications with persons resident in various countries, who
forwarded to his establishment new and rare plants ; he also
kept hia eyes open for the chances of getting specimens from
occasional travellers. The story has recently been reprinted in
this Journal about James Lee's purchase of the first Fuchsia
from the sailor's mother at Wappiug, and the celerity with
which he made some hundred guineas out of a small invest-
ment on the solitary plant he saw in a window in that un-
savory locality. That there was once a doubt appears from
Faulkner's hint that the story is apocryphal, and that the
Fuchsia was sent home in the ordinary way by a collector in
the employ of the firm. From personal inquiries I am now
able to confirm the narration so often published, which is
exceptional, since so few anecdotes are true. One curious
circumstance in the history of the Vineyard Nurseries was that
at one time, in partnership with the Empress Josephine, the
proprietors had a collector in Africa who sent to England many
new Ericas, Ixias, and other plants of tropical regions. It
belongs also to the history of the nnrserv that the first China
Rose was there exhibited in 1787 or 1788 ; from this also a
handsome sum was realised.

The worthy nurseryman James Lee, sen., lived to the age of
eighty, surviving his partner Mr. Kennedy ; but the establish-
ment was carried on under the joint names by descendants of
the two founders until 1818, when it became the sole property
of James Lee, jun., and it is still in the hands of members of
the family. Nor can it be said that its horticultural fame has
declined since it has passed its centenary, but it remains the
head-quarters of an extensive industry. — C.

EXETER BOSE SHOW.

June 26th.

"Abe there any Rose shows in November?" was the question
put by an amateur on a certain occasion to Mr. GeorRe Paul.
" Well," answered that genial rosarian with a knowing look,
"not, as a geueral rule, but perhaps there may be this year."
"Ah! I am glad of that, for perhaps my Ma: eltis may be in
bloom by then." I am sure this question, absurd though it may
appear at first sight, is not so very wide of the mark, Lr many
rosariaus have no blooms out. I saw Mr. Caut when in Lon-
don, and he had scarcely a bloom ou his maidens. In the large
piece that I mainly relied for my show blooroB this year I only
cut one bloom this morning, and that "was a Tea. So I was in
fear and trembling for the success <i the Exeter Ruse Show ;
and a first view <A the tent increased my forebodings, whilst
the gloom by the weather, which at one time was very threaten-
ing, deepened them. But happily as soon as thn time for judg-
ing came on all one's fears were dissipated. The rain left oil, the
sun fhone out, and the covers were taken off a glorious lot of
Roses.

I do not say that we have not had larcfr and perhaps better
shows at Exeter, for the year of the contest for Mr. Baker and
my prize no less than seven nurserymen c inpeted, whilst to-
day there were only three, but I do not think that ever fresher,
cleaner, prettier stands of blooms were exhibited here than on
this occasion. The Showws infinitely better than the one at
the Crystal Palace, and I do not think that any future show
will sarpasa it in excellence, provided that numbers of exhi-
bitors and stands are excluded from comparison.

The inrserymen exhibitors were Mr. Charles Turner, Mr.
Curtis of Ti rquay, and Dr. Woodman, or, as perhaps we ought
to say, " Messrs. Lucombe it Pince." The last-named gentle-
man has not competed before, and gladly do I for one welcome
the advf nt of a new nurseryman to our Rose contests. He, how-
ever, did not compete in the larger classes, only for twenty-four
single blooms, where he had no competitors, and for Tea Roses,
which were very fair.

I was very much pleased with Mr. Turner's seventy-two. I
do not for one moment wish it to be understood that these were
up to that great rosarian'a usual form, but they were very good
indeed when the season is taken into consideration. Many of
the blooms he showed, which were pre-eminently good, are the
tame as those shown at the Crystal Palace, and it is not neces-
sary to repeat their names. Ho was first both for seveuty-two
and flirty-eight trebles, and showed some blooms of older varie-
ties which were extra good. Among others I must name Ma-
dame George Paul, which wa^ equal to Camille do Rohan or any
of the darker varieties. Julia i'ouvais, again, was exceedingly
fine, as were Monsieur Boncenne and Souvenir de William Wood.
He showed all his own setdliugs vt-ry fine, and a new one which
I had not seen IJefore — the Dean of Wibdaor. Mr. Curtis (Tor-
quaj), who was second in the two clasbes, had some lovely Teas,
but he was not op to Mr. Turner's form. Hia boxes pleased me
exceedingly; but they were uneven, and some blooms, notably
Madame C.emence Joigoeaux, were all abroad. But he made
up for all shoitcomings in his box of Teas. This was a superb
Bland, quite equal to Mr. Mitcht U's at the Crystal Palace last
Saturday. Mr. Curtis's blooms of Devouieusis, Catherine Mermet,
Homere, Souvenir d'un Ami, Maruchal Niel, and Socrates were
glorious; he had also a flue bloom of the old Tea Victoria, which
was hke a novelty to most of us. Mr. Baker (Hercules the
second) was second for Teas, and hia box undoubtedly contained
the bloom of the Show. Its name was (hear it, ' Parson's Gab-
DENEH,") Marie Van Houtte. Mr. Curtis said of this bloom that
if the Queen of England could only possess it, and I added if
some fairy could preserve it from decay, it would be a far finer
oruament than the koh-i-noor. It simply was perfection both
in form, delicate colouring, freshness, and every good quaUty
which a Rose could possess. Dr. Woodman was the only other
competitor in Teas. He had some fine blooms, but one or two
were very ragged.

Mr. T. Jowitt of Hereford was first for forty-eight. He had
some splendid blooms, mostly cut from maiden plants. He had
a bloom of General Jacqueminot which was a perfect wonder,
and Marie Baumann, Maile. Marie Coiniet, Mons. Noman,and
a little gem of a Tea rarely seen— Reine du Portugal, were all
coDspio lous for their excellence.

For thirty-six Mr. Baker was first with some splendid blooms,
including Charles Lefebvre, Marguerite de St. Amand, Xavier
Olibo, Madame Lacharme, Marquise de Castellane, Madame
Bravy, Duke of Edinburgh, and numbers of others, all spleodid.
This gentleman surpassfd himself in the class for twenty-Jour
blooms of one variety. He actually put up twenty-four blooms
of Marie Van Houtte I Think of ihatl All splendid; not of
course equal to the one in his box of Teas, for I do not think
he will ever have such another, hut only second to it. " That
stand," said Mr. Curtis, who was competing in the same class,
"ought to have had a double first prize." It was glorious. Very
interesting to "A Parson's Gakde.nek," too, besides the above
fact, will be the information thai the Rose which was se-
cond in this class was Jules Margottin, shown by Mr. Curtis.
These were remarkably fineaidheld their own against anything
in the Show except Marie Van Houtte. The same firm were
first lor new Roses, which were mostly good. The best were
Mdlle. Emilia Verdier, and which is very like Marie Baumann;
Ahel Carnfire, a grand dark Rose, somowhat like Camille de
Rohan; Duchesse de Vallombroaa, and Henry Bennett, which,
however, is too like Lord Macaalay. Mr. Baker showed also
lovely stands of Charles Lefebvre and Duke of WeUington. He
was the making of the Show. All his blooms were fresh as the
mcruing dew, set up aa if still growing on the plants, and to
whatever part of the tent you turned tnere you found Roses of
his to delight your eyes— Rosea to think of by day and dream
of by night— Roses which prove more than anyihiug else that I
have seen how grateful a mother ia Nature, how kindly she re-
sponda to our labour and care, and with what blessings she
covers the heads of those who, like Mr. Baker, throw heart and
soul into the glorious work of cnltivating ihe queen of flowers.
— Wyld Savaoe.

DOINGS OP THE LAST AND WOBK FOB
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HABUY FRUIT GARDEN.

The recent hot weather has caused a luxuriant and rapid
growth in all trees, especially in those against walls. It is a
sign either of bad management or want of time to have the
young wood dangling about owing to neglect in thinning and
nailing Than that nothing can be more untidy; and besides,
the superfluous branches shade the fruit and otherwise injure
the trees. Ou a wall facing west Knight's Early Black Cherry
is approaching the ripening atag.s and ihe birds attacked them
long I.efore they had any flavour. We thought it best to cut
off the eupeifluous young wood and to nail-in the remainder
to the wall, afterwards fastening a net to the wall at top and
bottom, placing sticks to tighten the net about a foot from the
wall. If the net ia left to hang near the Cherries the birds wiU

490

joubnaij op horticoijTURb and cottage qardenbb.

[ Jane 28, 1877.

take them throagh the mesbc? : indeed they will sometimes fly
Bgiinst the netting, and bo foiceit against the wall, and thas
reach the fruit. We shall attend to the Pear and Flam trees as
soon as we possibly an. Those that are horizontally trained
will not reciuire much attention except to cut out the young
wood, leaving only two or three eyes at the base.

Frait trees in the open garden may be said to be a failare.
"We did fancy that as the Apple blossoms were not open when
the frost came they would not suffer much from its effects, bat
in this we have been disappointed. Soma of the shy-setting
Borts are almost without fruit; on none of them is there a full
crop, and a larger proportion than usuil seems inclined to drop
off. A few of those which have mopt fruit on them are Kentish
Codlin, Cellini, Hawthornden, Cox's Orange Pippin, Court Pendu
Plat, and Cockle's Pippin. These are usually free-setting varie-
ties. Plums and Pears are worse than last year. The Plam
crop especially may be said to be a complete failure : even Vic-
toria and the Ballaos are bare of fruit. The Strawberry crop
promises to be an unusually good one, and the earliest sorts are
now coming in. A thorough good watering will have a magical
effect upon the fruit. As soon as the water has been applied
a mulching of manure prevents evaporation. It is necessary to
net the beds entirely to save the crop from birds, for it is very
annoying to find the best fruit crushed with the beaks of thrashes
and other birds, which not unfrequently destroy more than they
carry away.

PINE HOUSES.

The nights have been so warm that we have done without arti-
ficial heat in these structures for some time. The thermometer
seldom falls below 63^ at night, even if a little ventilation is
left on at the highest part of the house. There are now plenty
of Queens ripening in the small house started about the first
week in the year, and seldom have we had them of such good
quality. The atmosphere is kept rather dry, and for some time
the temperature from sun heat has ranged about 85° or 90°.
The fruit keeps good two or three weeks after it is ripe, even
during hot weather — a sure sign of good quality. Queens do
not seem to receive any injury even if they are allowed to ripen
fully exposed to an almost tropical sun, but Charlotte Rothschild
and Smooth-leaved Cayenne suffer if tbe fruit is caught by a
fierce glare of sunshine : the symptDms are discoloration of the
i'ruit, and decay sets in as soon as it is ripe. The Queens for
fruiting next year in June have now been potted into their
fruiting pots. Ten and 11-inch pots are sufficiently large for
Queens ; 12 and 13-inch for those of more vigorous growth except
Jamaica and Montserrat, which may have the same sized pots
as Queens. It is necessary to press as much rich turfy loam as
possible into the pots, as the plants like firm potting, and it is
surprising to the uninitiated to see how much material can be
pressed into an 11-inch pot. After potting a bottom heat of 95°
or even 100° will be desirable to start the roots into active
growth.

PEACH HOUSE.

Just a word as to the treatment when the frait has been cleared
from the trees. The house must not be neglected even now.
In previous numbers the importance of clearing the trees from
insect pests was urged. Even if the trees are free from aphis
it is very unlikely that red spider is not present, and this pest
alone will soon cause the leaves to fall to the ground. It can be
cleared off by syringing with the gard>)n engine and applying
the water with considerable force. It is not easy to eradicate
aphis in this way, but two fumigations with tobacco smoke when
the leaves are dry will effect their destruction. The borders
must also have a good watering to plump up the buds for next
season's crop. If all gross leaf-growths have not been cut out
this ought to be done without delay. It is a great mistake to
allow them to remain. Very weak growths where they are
wanted to fill up a space ought not to be stopped, else they will
not have auy leaf buds. The only leaf bad usual on weakly
growths is that at the end.

Late houses where the fruit is stoned may be closed early in
the afternoon, syringing the trees with water about the same
temperature as the house. A high temperature and moist atmo-
sphere suits the Peach when the fruit is swelling off.

The new early Peaches, beginning with Rivers' Eirly Beatrice
and other sorts, such as Halo's Eirlyaud Early York for suc-
cession, are a boon to Peach forcers ; but there is also this dis-
advantage, that there is so long a period between the ripening
of the early and latest sorts, such as Walburton Admirable, that
justice cannot be done to both at the same time. The ripening
fruit requires a moderately dry atmosphere, and that just com-
mencing to swell ought to have it moist with a higher night
temperature. We do not reo )mraend planting later sorts than
Grosse Mignonne with the earliest sorts.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

Now that there are plenty of flowers in the beds and borders
ont of doors we are not quite so anxious to have an abundant
display in the greenhouse. Of course there are plenty of places
where it is expected that a good display should be kept up all
the year loaud; bat, aa we have frequently hinted, this cannot

be done unless there are a proportionate number of smaller glass
structures wherein to grow-on the plants, both hard and soft-
wooded, when they are not in flower. We have been engaged
picking off the withered flowers from Azaleas, Pimeleas, and
other hardwooded plants that have done flowering, and also
stopping the growths of some of them for the last time. We
have urged the importance of stopping the vigorous growths of
fruit trees ; it is equally or perhaps more important to do so in
regard to hardwooded plants. To form good specimens constant
attention mast be given to tying the growths into the be».t posi-
tion, and also tj stopping them, so that the specimen may be
equally balanced throughout. You most not stop the growths of
fruit trees after July, and we would not stop the growths of any
flowering hardwooded plant after that month. Some specimens
are also much liable to the attacks of red spider, and this must
be carefully watched for, and the plants that are infested must
be laid on their sides and be thoroughly syringed with soapy
water. This must be allowed to drain oS, and then the plants
in two or three hours should be syringed with clear rain water.
Syringing with clear rain water daily will prevent red spider
from doing auy injury. Many plants are subject to mildew, and
this parasite does great damage if it is not destroyed in good
time. Many species of Cape Heaths are extremely susceptible
to its attacks, and we generally know which of them are likely
to be attacked, and are on the outlook for it. A dusting with
dry flowers of sulphur destroys it in its early stages, and the
plant does not suffer. We are not over-particular as to times
and seasons for potting, but generally perform the operation
when the plants need it; and if it is carefully done and the
plants are subjected to a proper course of treatment afterwards
they do not suffer any check. Pelargoniums are in full flower,
and as the trusses fade they are removed, as nothing is more
unsightly than decayed leaves or flowers on plants in a green-
house or conservatory.

In a shady corner of the house are Filmy Ferns and terrestrial
Orchids. The Ferns require to be further protected by a glass
enclosure, so that a very moist and rather close atmosphere may
be provided for them. We have tried the American Pitcher-
plants in the space with the Todeas, Hymenophyllums, &c., but
find it rather too close, and the open stage suitable for the
Orchids is rather too dry. Cypripedium speotabile is one of
the most lovely of the species, and should be in every collection
of plants, as it is so easily grown. Orchis foliosa requires the
same treatment, and as a background to them some of the
Gleichenias grow most vigorously and form handsome speci-
mens with a temperature even in winter just a little above the
ordinary greenhouse, and they require to be syringed twice
daily.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

The hot weather has brought on the Finks, Carnations, and
Ficotees at a very rapid rate. The Pinks are now fully in bloom,
and are finer than we have ever had them. The lacing on some
of the best sorts is perfect, and such varieties as Dr. Masters,
Shirley Hibberd, and others of that type have flowt-rs quite as
large as the bestgrown Carnations and Picotees. Letters from the
north state that the Raunncnlus is in fine bloom, and those who
wish to retain it as long as possible will shade with light canvas.
The Tulip bloom is now over, even as far north as Kirkby
Malzeard. See that the beds do not become overrun with
weeds, and when the leaves wither the roots must be lifted and
storeil in the usual way. A box of blooms has arrived from
the Rev. F. D. Horner containing some charming new breaks,
especially in bybloemens and roses. The ground colour is pure
and transparent like the finest porcelain, and free from spot or
bar, and the petals are beautifully feathered. — J. Douglas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
',* All correspondence should be directed either to "The
Editors," or to " The Pablisher." Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
jastifiable trouble and expense.

Books (Pur;).— " The Fera Manual" and "Indoor Gardening." They are
published at our office.

Turnips Running to Seed (H. F. C). — Daily copious watermg is the
moat effectual preventive.

Nitrate of Soda (Wr^t. C. W.). — It would benefit the lawn. Apply it
now, and in the quantity we Bpecified.

Rose Show tJ. Browat't — We can give no more infurmatiou than th»t we
have already pnblishol. Write to the Rev. H. Honeywood Dombrain, West-
well Vicarage, Ashford, Kent.

PaoPAOATiNO TitiuoLoR Pkt.argoniuhs (A. S. C). — We would plant
them uat in rich li,<ht ,»oil. and tike the cuttings bs soon as thpy are largo
eaoQgh. Lift tbe plants in September and grow them on during winter in
Ilea*, and a great number of cnttioga will be produced, which jou might
strike and have r^-Mdy for planting by beiding-out time.

Roses IN THE House {C. C).— We fancy, notwithstanding all tbe care
you have bestowed upon yooi plants, that the want of light and probably all

JOURNAL OF HORTIOaLTDRB AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

is the reason of the buds not opening. The Roee, above all other plants,
requires abundance of air and lisht. The plant SHhould be place 1 oat of doors
DOW, and the leaves to be kept free from insect pests. Water when the plants
require it.

Empty Entelope. — We have received one with the Bristol post mark
npon it. There are aleo the words *' from Somerset " written.

Onion Plants Curled [A Suhscrihcr). — We never before saw Onions
similarly twisted, bat we have had a whole crop destrojed by severe spring
iroBts, aud the Onions were somewhat affected like yours.

Mushroom Culture (F. Jellica). — Tour plan is good and will sncceed.

Grapes Ulcerated {J. Mackenzie). — Gardeners call the disease " The
epot." It ia a gangrene, and is probably occasioned by an irregularity ia the
fiopply of moisture and vicissitudes of temperaturu. but especially if one of
the eitremes is much below the degi-ee of heat most favourable to the healthy
growth of the Vine.

PoNTONiA (G. M.). — There is no genus so named. We have no doubt your
plant is Panlownia imperialis.

Quassia Solution for Boses {Maria). — Boil a quaiter of a pound of
quassia chips in a gallon of soft wpter for ten minutes, strain and add to the
water a quarter of a pound of soft soap. If this ig applied to your Roses
just before the blooms expand they will be free from the aphis during the
blooming season. It will not injure the blooms, especially if used in a tepid
state.

Vine Leaves Many-lobed IB. Smith). — The leaves that become exposed
at the top of the bou^e seem t) be lauiniated to adapt themselves to the
exposure. The leaves of some aquatic plants are entire wheu growing in still
water, but become digitato when in a stream, evidently thus lessening the
hold the ^ater takes of them.

Cucumbers for Two-lioht Frame (J. J.I.— Two plants will be snflicient
in a space 6 feet by 6 feet. The same number of Melon plants will also be
eufficient.

Spavtning Mushroom Bed (Id^m).— The spawn should be inserted in the
manure, and the soil to the depth of 2\ inches be placed over the surface
afterwards.

Storing Potatoes (Alverstoke).—We know of no better mode of storing
than placing them in alternate layers with sand in a dry outhouse, taking
care that frost is excluded.

To Phocuee Moss at Holloway (Tyro).— Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria
and Paradi'^e Nurseries, Bolloway ; or Mr. Cutbash, Highgate Nurseries,
would give you the information you desire.

Analysis of the Melon (H. C. Taylor).— 'We know of no ohemica^
analysis of the Melon. Thu best detail of such analysis ia in Dr. Thomson's
*' Organic Chemistry— Vegetables."

La France Rose (J. S. TTi/^on).— In the "Rose election,*' carried on in
oar pages daring 1875, is this return from Mr. Cartis.the Torquay rosarian:—
'* La France (Hybrid Tea-scent), the most deliciously-scented Roee known."
The majority of voters agreed in this, but Mr. Hinton said he did not detect
its exquisite perfume.

Annuals foe Flqwerino in Spring IN. C). — Myosolis arvensia, sow at
once; Silene pendula, sow early in July ; Sapouaria calabrica, sow in August;
Limnanthes Douglasei, Venus's Looking-glass, and Nemophila insignis, sow
early in September. As you do not state the heights which you desire the
annuals to grow, nor the time of floweriug, we have named half a dozen of
dwarf growth, hardy, and varied in colour. The latest to flower ia Venus'a
Looking-glass. An eoiUer-fio waring bright blue dwarf annual is Verenica

Pbeservino Plants (Idem). — Double Rockets if cut down will
gro-A-ing again, and will flower next year. Sweet Williams will also do so,
tut it is preferable to raise ycung plants by sowing need at the present time.
Primulas are also best when raised from seed annually, although we have had
old plants flower freely a second year. Try them ; but sow seed also without
delay.

Raising Begonias and Gloxinias from Seed (West Groi'c).— To raise
plants succeFsfuHy from seed it is desirable that the pots or pans in which
the seed ia snwn be placed in a hotbed, sowing in March; and though the seed
would no doubt germioate a*: this senson in a cold close frame, the plants
would not a'tain strength snfHcient to form bulbs before winter, especially aa
you have no artificially heated structure. Sow in a hotbed next spring.

Scented Petunia (WemK— Some Petunias are odoriferous, hut not as a
mle, the odour of some nut being remarkable, and often not agreeable.

Aerial Boots on Vines (White Rosc).-'lt is chiefly due to the roots of
the Vine being in a cold and probably wet border unfavourable to their
healthy action, at^rial roots being usually emitted from the stem of the Vine
through it being in a warmer and more congenial medium. The at-rial roots
will do no harm to the Vine. They will shrivel when the roots in the border
are euflicieutly active to meet the reqturements of the foliage ; the aerial roots
may then be cut away close to whence they proceed. The " surplus water
irom the tank running into the ground clnse to the Dutch Sweetwater" is
enflBcient to accnutt for the " rootlets at the jointe." The wat^^ should be
conveyed clear of the border by a proper overflow pipe without delay.

Double Tellow Pbimbose (Idem). — A double pale yellow or sulphur
Primrose is not uncommon — about equal in that respect with the double
white.

Heating Greenhouse (T. R.). — We should not heat the honee with a
flue, but have a boiler and i-inch hot-water pipea, which, thouj^h costing
rather more at the commencement, is a more safe, certain, and serviceable
mode cf heating. Ton nill reqture two 4-incb pipes along the front of the
bouse and at one end, having the boiler in a shed at the back. A flow am!
return pipe along the front and one end will be safflcient to maintain in nil
weathers a greenbonse temperature, aud as wt; presume you are an amateur
we shi'Uld have a bollt^r that would c.ntinue at work Rcveral hours without
requiring attention, of which several are advertised. W cannot recommend
any in particular, but you will probably have your reqmi ents met by con-
sulting our advertising columnB. The main thing is to e a boiler fully
equal to its work, as when the work is above the capability o. I- tboiler much
trouble and waste results.

Destrotino Mealy Bug (A liegulat Su'^Ncrifccrl.— Dissolve a uarter of
ft pound of foft eoap in a gallon of water, and add thereto a wine-^ fcelulof
parafllu oil, and ase with a sponge, waabiog yoor plant thoroaghlj. cyriog-

Name of Fruit (Qeorge E. Crict).— London Pippin.

Names of Plants (Student, Hadlow).—\, Aspleninm Adiantnm nigrum >
2, Stachys sylvatica; 8, Melampyrum prntense; 4, Hypericum humifasum-
lO. C. H.I— Cirrbiea viridipurpurea. <A. F. Gorfirarrfi.— Helletiorus fwtidus-
(J. Doirn).— Prunus lusitanica, Portugal Laurel; a fine specimen. (A. F. B.)-
—The specimen is Gioriosa superba. We are sorry we cannot tell you what
theFlordel Fuego is. (J/mer).— PLdemonium caruleum. {T. J. fl.l.— It is
an Achiments, and no one could name the species or variety from single
flowers. {H.). — It is either an Allium or an Ornithogalum, but the speci-
men is too fragmentary to determine.

POULTEY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHEONIOLE.

WATERFOWL AND TURKEYS.

We have often thought of late that exhibitors of Dacks, Geese,
and Turkeys are badly used by the poultry journala. They
generally come off in a very meagre way in the reports of shows;
and although at the chief exhibitions we have especially tried
to make our notes on the Waterfowl more fall than usually is
the case, still we feel they have not had the share of criticism
which they frequently deserved. We will try to make amends
for the future, as we hope will others of our correspondents in
this department.

The custom of weighing Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys when
awarding the prizes still exists. There are things to be said for
and against the pl.an. Of the latter the following have always
seemed to us to require consideration. When a class of Turkeys,
for instance, is to be judged by weight the adjudicator generally
walks along the class aud ticks upon a piece of paper the numhers
of those pens which he wa'jts to be weighed. Very often thia
process takes place while the judge is at work over some other
part of the show, aud the birds are weighed by a committeeman
or some attendant. At such a time we believe mistakes are
made, some perhaps wilfully, and some by accident ; the former
when anyone engaged in the operation is interested for himself
or some friend, and so could purposely manage that a certain
pen should weigh a little over or a little under the just weight;
the latter when from hurry or want of interest in the matter
the attendants at the scales are not quite accurate in the weights
they record. Both of these cases we are assured can take place
and do take place. We consider, then, that the judge should
himself see weighed the three pens which are said to bo the
heaviest, for the sake of accuracy, nnd also cause to be weighed
for his own satisfaction some other pen or two of those he
marked, that he may test the weights at his own discretion
iPithont spending the time in seeing all weighed which he could
often more profiubly use in judging some other class. The
greatest drawback, however, to weighing these birds is the
opportunity it aiJordsvery frequently to an exhibitor who brings
his birds with him to stutf them up to the moment of judging.
This most assuredly puts other exhibitors at a disadvantage.
Birds lose weight in their journeys, aud often refuse to feed
heartily wheu they reach a show, partly from excitement and
fatigue, and partly from the unaccustomed food. Now, he who
can cram his birds with heavy food on the very morning of the
show has a most unjust pull over distant exhibitors, and for
this reason above all other reasons should committees of ex-
hibitions forbid the entrance of attendants with the large breeds
of Ducks, Geese, or Turkeys until the awards are made ; and
they should be as particular about enforcing the delivery of
such specimens on the night before the show, and not allow
them to come in after a hearty breakfast on the same day as the
judging, so that birds attended and without attendants may be
placed upon the same footing. Were Dorkings, Cochins, or
Brahmas judged by weight we should recommend a similar
mode of proceeding. We are afraid from what we hear that
there is a great tendency among one or two unprincipled ex-
hibitors to show adult birds in chicken classes, in Turkeys we
mean most especially, where possibly a judge may often make
an unintentional mistake. In such classes, consequently, we are
asked by one or two influential Turkey exhibitors to beg the
judges to take most especial regard to the heads aud legs of the
would-be poults. We remember last year at the Crystal Palace
hearing grave charges against certain birds, and if we remember
rightly called attention to the same in our report in these

While we are on the subject of our edible feathered friends of
Cbristmastide we cannot but call attention to the sad loss which
Mrs. Wykes experienced at the last Hirmingbam Show. We
only heard of it the other day, and since then have had an
opportunity of seeing the whole correspondence on all sides, and
the various reports of the gentlemen who "viewed the body "
and reported upon it. Vague rumours cortaiidy did reach us
of foul play at the Show mentioned iu the said class, but until
we saw last week the printed circular of ,i"20 reward to anyiuie
who would give information concerning the death of the bird
in pen 1376 we had uo idea of the facts concerning ita decease.

492

JOURNAL OP HORTIOULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jttno 28, 1877.

We shonia imagine from the letters and certificates before
VLB that tLe bird had met its death from the hands of some
perpon or persons unknown ; and while we much f-ymph.thitie
with the owner we should, apart from that, have immensely
liked to have found the murderer. We should imagine he
ppspihly was connected with a family of such evil workers, a
member of which possibly Mr. Hewitt has met when he tells
ns ttiat highly amusing tale of the "foightiu"' birds in a chapter
of tl e " Illustrated Book of Poultry."

We know fall well that all kinds, of dodges and ruses are made
UFe of by exhibitors to obtjiin entrance to the building where
their birils are penned before the judge goes round, that with a
sponge, or a little oil, or toilette vinegar combs may be brightened
up and ruffled feathers put in order. There is a story told,
wliioh we believe to be true, nf one attendant on a celebrated
exhibi)( r's birds sleeping all night in a big exhibition bayket
that he might be ready in the early moroiog to put these last
tnucbes of beauty, which he otherwise would have been unable
to do, as no one was admitted to the building previous 1 1 ttie
jiirlgingon the morning of the show. In a big place, consequently,
like Piugley Hall, at least two or three men shuuld be told off
to look aftt-r the birds at night. This, possibly, is always done;
but if the said bird in pen 1976 met its death at the bauds of
some rogue this could only have happened at night, for the bird
was seen safe and well in its pen at 3 p M. on the night btfore,
while it was dead at G .\.M. on the next morning " through pres-
sure or strangulation," as one veterinary surgeon certified. In
this case we must say, however, that the Committee were most
anxious to have the matter sifted, and spared no pains to do
BO. We only wish more successful results had attended their
endeavours.

In conclusion we mast speak one word about the fancy and
ornamental Waterfowl. We have long tbonght that they have
too frequently had the lion's share of the prizci. We know a
Mandarin or a Carolina drake is a lovely bird, but the more useful
Pekins or East Indians are so often shelved for the sake of the
more showy little Waterfowls. We should like to see some
shows give more clasFes for Ducks, so that Cayugas, Muscovies,
Eist Indians, and Pekins should not have to meet in the same
department as the fancy breeds. We fally believe with such
improved classification the numerous entries would dtfray all
the consequent extra expense of prize money. — W.

THORNE SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

The twenty-fifth Show of the above Society was held on
Wednesday, the 20th iust. This Society is fortunate in its selec-
tion of grounds for the Show, for if these had been laid out ex-
pressly for the purpose they could not have been more perfectly
arranged, the huge forest trees forming a most welcome shade
for many of the exhibits. The classes in poultry were numerous
and the prizes good, and the entries were consequently excellent.

The first section was for Dorkings and Spanish — the former
well placed, the cup going to a well-known Spanish cock, though
in our opinion inferior to the second (from the same exhibite.r),
and which is extremely tine in face and drop, and has a beautiful
comb. These outdistanced all ttie rest. Hens were a grand
class, among which were some of extremely fine quality, notably
the first and second. Cochins were good atd well placed in
every class, but the same cannot be said of the Brahmas, in
both of which we noted errors oi judgment — viz., in cocks the
second, while equal in shape, was better marked and had more
of a Brahma carriage of tail than the first; and in hens the
second, while equal in shape, was much better in pencilling.
Game were, however, the chief section of the Show. Black Rod
cocks a fiir lot. First a grand coloured bird, a little open in
tail; second a stylish cockerel, but a little faded in colour. In
hens there were some good birds, hut they were not in superior
condition. Brown Ked cocks, a good lot in grand order. First-
and-cnp for Game a substantial bird, good in all points and in
faultless condition, and a clear win against the field ; second and
third also good. The Crowle cup cock, lookiug quite as well,
was only commended, and very properly so. In hens we would
have placed pen 5 in the first position (Sales), being a substantial
bird if the rii^ht stamp, and in finer order than toe rest. The
first was good, but slack and broody. Second a grand pullet ;
would have been a better first. Duckwing cocks — first a grand
bird, but a little diseased ; the second best being in our opinion
pen 12 (Staveley). The third had a very heavy tail. The
second a fair bird. Hens a fair lot, and in moderate order.
Piles only four entries, but these good and well placed. Hens
five, and all good; the first a pullet in fine condition. Ham-
burghs were badly used, there being cnly two classes for them,
and in consfqueuce very few entries. In the Variety class
Polish won the [.rizea with one excepiion, where a White Cochin
was awarded third, there being a class for that variety. There
were some good birds in the Bantam section, and tUese were
generally well placed, the cup going to a handsome Pile cock.

Pigeons were not numerous, but there were some very good
birds in all the classes. Carrier cocks came first. Blacks first

and thiid, but we preferred the second (a Dan), which was
better in both eye and beak wattle than the first. Hens. — Black
first, and Duns second and third. The first a gem ; young but
tirand in every poit^t. Pouter cocks a good lot of four. First
Blue, and second and third Blacks. Heus three ; first and third
Black, and second Blue; the third beat if in good order, bat
rather low here. Tumblers (Short-faced) we preferred the
Almond hen thira for first position, the first coramg second in
our est'mation, and second third ; but this may be matter of
taste, as all were good. E xtra third a Black Jfottle. Long-faces
a good lot, and Baldpates the winners .Jacobins. — The winners
were all Reds, and well selected. Turbits a grand class, and
nearly all noticed. First a most exquisite Blue ; second also a
Blue, very go jd ; but third a mistake, being foul on flight. In
Barbs the winners were all Blacks, and a good lot. Dragoons a
very good class. First the Leeds cup hen, second a capital Blue,
and third also Blue. In Antwerps Red-chequers won the first —
a grand all-round bird. The Variety class was large. First a
Turbiteen, second a Blue English Owl, and third a Satinette, au
extra second being given to a Satinette.

Babbits were a poor entry for the amount given, the point
prize going to Mr. Oldfield. Lop Bucks were — first a Fawu-acd-
white, 23t by .5; second a well-known Sooty Fawn, 23J by 5.
In does the first was of extremely fine quality (Blue-aud-white),
22J by 5 ; second 22 by 5J. Angoras poor ; the first very coarse,
the second being far the best all round. Himalayans a pretty
good lot, and properly placed. Silver-Grey a moderate lot; the
first greatly improved was a clear win. Dutch poor. In the
Variety class first was a good Belgian hare ; on second we have
no note. Pen 4, a Silver-Cream, was good in ground oolonr,
and well worthy of position.

POULTRY.— DoiKivGS.—Cocfc.-l. J. Walker. 2. J Chester. 3, B. Smith.
vltc.l. Stott. W. Roe ('21, W. H. King. Hen.-l, J. Walker. 2, W. H. Kinjt. 3,

E. Snell. vhc. E. Snell, J. Stott. Spanish -Cup, 1, and 2, J. Powell. 3, J.
Boulton. vlie. H. A. Hawkins, R. Newbitt &)■ Ben —1 and 2, R. Newbitt. 3,
J. Thresh, jj/ic, J. Boulton, J. Powell (2), J Pitt. T. Rippingale. Cochiss.—
Cinnamon or Buff —Cock— i,.1 Walker. 2. R P. Percival. u/m;, W Miionell.
W. A Bindley. Hen.-l. J. Walker. 2, H Tomlinson. 3, G. W. Henshall.
vhc, R- P. Percival. Any other variety - Cock —1 and 3, R. J. Wood 2. H.
Tomlinson. tiftc, R. P. Percival Hen -1 and 3, R. J. Wood. 2, H. TomlmBon,
vkc, R. J. Wood, B. P. Percival B&kUUks.—Dark or Liqht.— Cock.— Cap and I
J. Walker. 2 and 3, l. F. Smith. vliC, E. Snell, G. W. Henshall, J. Rawnslay.
G. Pounder, w. Sehofield, H. Beldon. Hen.-l and 3, J F. Smilh. 2. H. Beldon,
Game. Black Red— Cock.— i.R.C & W. J. Mason. 2, J Young, uhc. VV. and
H. Adams, J. Waddington, R. Hemingwav. Hen.-l, W. Roe. 2, Sales and
Bentley. 3. W. Kudd. vhc, A. Cameron. J. A. Nelson. Broirn Bed.— Cock.—
Cup. I,and2, W. & H Adams. 3. E. Winwood. Hen.-l, W. S H. Adams. 3,
H E. Martin. 3, W. Sohotleld. jifec, A. Cameron. Duckwing, or other Orey or
Blu! -Oock.-I, Holmes & Destner. 2. Sales & Bentley. 3. W. Rubb. vhc. J.
A. & H. H. Staveley. Hen.— 1, .sales & Bentley. 2, A. Cameron 3, E, Win-
wood. White Pile, or any other variety.— Cock.— I, B. C. 3S W. J. Mason. 2. J.

F. Walton. 3. R. Walker, vhc. ^ales & Bentley. Hen.-l, R. Walker. 2. J.
and J. Wright. 3, H. C. & W. J. Mason. HAMBOROHS.-fioWen or Silver-
tt>ringled—\. H. Beldon. 2 and vhc. J. Rawnsley. 3. Fawcett S Anderton.
Oolden or Siliier-peiicilled—l and 2, E. Snell. 3. H. Beldon. vhc, H. K. Hob-
son. FaKNCH FowLS.-l. H. Beldon. 2, E. Snell. 3. T. M. Derry. Any otbee
VARiETV.-Cocfc— 1 and 3. A. 4 W. H. Silvester. 3, J. Rawnsley. Hen.-l, A.
and W. H. Silvester. 2. H. Beld n. 3. .1. W. Plowea. Game Bantams.— Bfacit
Red. -Cock.-l, E. Walton. 2. J. Blamlres. 3. J. A. Nelson. Hen.-1, i. S.
Sugden. 2, J. Clifton. 3, G. Bell. Any other varitty.— Cock.— Cap, 1, and 2,

G. Walton. 3, W. F. Entwisle. vhc. R Newb.tt. Hen.— 1 and 3, W. F.
Entwisle 2, R. Newbitt vhc, W. F. Entwisle. H. W. Illingworth. Bantams.
—Any variety not Oame.—l and 3, J. W. Crowther. ■!, H. Beldon. Sellino
CI.ASS.- Coc*.— 1, Sales 4 Bentley. 2. A. & W. H. Silvester. 3, R. Newbitt
vhc, G. W. Henshall. W. Roe. O. Pounder. H. Heldon. Hen— 1, R. Newbitt. !,
E. Snell. 3, H. Beldon. vhc, J. Powell, R. Walker, Q. B. C. Breeze, 0. F.
Copeman.

PIGEONS.— CABEiEsa.-Cocfc.-l and 3. R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. Hen.-l
and 3, K. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. vhc, G. E. Beaumont. Poctebs.— Cocfc.— 1
and 2, R. FuUon. 3, C. Wroot Hen.— 1 and 2, E. Fulton. 8 0. Wroot.
ToMBLERS.— S/iort-/acea.— 1. S. and vhc, a. Yardley. 2 and 3, R. Fulton. Long-
faced —1, R. Woods. 2, J. Thresh. 3, A. Smith, vhc, H. Beldon, H. Yardley,
A. Smiih, Jacobins.- 1, T. Holt. 2, T. S. Strphenson. 3, R. Fulton, vhc, J.
E Piatt, R. Falton. NoNS -1 and 3, H. Beldon. 2, T. Green, vhc, W. Rudd.
TaDMPFTEBs.-l and2, R. FuUon. 3, J. E Piatt. Tckbits.- 1, G. Saiiler. 3,
R. Woods. 3, R. Fult n. i;lic, G. H. Pickering, H. Yardley, R. Woods, T. E.
Stephenson (2). R. Fulton. Fantails.- 1 and 2, J. F. Loveraidge. 3. H. Yard-
lev, vhc, H. Beldon, T. S. Stephenson. Barbs.— 1, S. Dvson. 2, R. Fulton. 3,
J. Thresh. Draooons.- 1, 2, aiul 3, R. Woods. Antwerps.— 1 and 8. U Yard-
ley. 2, J. Keudrick. Any other Variety.-I, R. Falton. 2. H. Yardley. J.
Thresh 3, A. & W. H, Slvester, A. Bew vlic, J. E. Piatt, S. Dyson (i). H.
Beldon. H. Yardley (2), R. Fulton. Selling Class.- 1, H. Beldon. 2, T. S.
Stephenson. 3, S. Dyson.

BABBITS.-Lnp-EARED —Buck —1, T. Moss. 2, E. E. Thompson, vhc, .T. S.
Robinson. Doe — 1. T. 4 E. Fell. 2, H. Featherstone. vhc, D. Oldfleld.
Angora— 1, D. Oldfleld. 2, W. Lumb. vfie, R. A. Boissier. Himalayan.— 1, D,
Oldfleld. 2, E. Robinson, o/w, T 4 J. E. Fell. Silver-Grey.— 1, A Hudson.
2. W. Lumb. Extra 2. T. & .1. ". Fell. DoToH.-l, C. Oldfleld. 8. S. Ball. E.
Robinson. Jj'ie, T 4 J. E. Fell. T Lomalh. Any other Variety.- I.E. Robin-
sou. 2, A. Atkinson, vhc, J. T. Codling Seluno Classes. Lopears —1, J.
Graham. 2, T. 4 E. Fell vhc, D oldfleld, E. Robinson. Except Lop-ears —
1, D. UMfleld. 2, J. T. Codling. Extra 2, H. Duck, vhc, D. Oldfleld (2). Points
for Rabbits, D. Oldfiell.

3 vitar.si.— Poultry : Mr. J. Dixon, North Park, Clayton, Brad-
ford. Pigeons ; Mr. W. Cannan, " Adolphus " Chemical W,irks,
Bradford. Rabbits : Mr. W. .\llison, 7, Cheney Row, Shefiield.

LEEDS COLUMBARIAN SOCIETY'S SHOW.

The first Show of the season was held in Mr. Hughes's ware-
house, Nile Street, kindly lent for the occasion, on the 19th
inst , and for a start a wonderfully good lot was brought together.
The pens used were new, and these wore well arranged oa jf4
boards provided to fit each exhibitor's pens, which were two iu '
number. Many of the specimens were of this year, the Nuns

JOUKNAL OF HOaTICULTORE ANii OOTTAGB GARDENEB.

and LoDE-ficed Tumblers especially, and these were very good.
As usual Mr. Binus arrived too late with his exquisite Euglish
Owls, and the honours feil to other exhibitors. Carriers good ;
and the first in Pouters a yonui; Blue hen, very good in all
points, lu Turbits a grand Yellow was to the front; and in
Short-faced Tumblers an Agate of capital head qualities was
placed first. Antwerps were very good, and mostly Medium-
fuces, though the first, a Silver Dun, was a capital headed Short-
faced cock.

At the close of the Show a meeting was held, the President,
Lieut -Col. Child, in the chair, when it was decided to hold
another Show on the 2ud of August for young birds only.

PIGEONS.— Carriers —1, W Hnches. 2, E. Horner. Poctees— 1. E. Mnw"
son. 2, W. Hughes. Tumblers.— S*iorJ.—l. E. Mawson. 2, W. Hughes. Lrjng-
—1, 2. ana S, G. Lister. Daiooosa.— I, A Battye. 2. J. H. Roberts. Antwekps'
—1. 2, 3, and 4. T. Kell. vhc.J. Pollard, E. .Wawson. OwLS.-l, E. Mawaon-
2, J. Pollard. Tdrbiis.— 1 and 2. T. Kell. jjjic, A. Battye BiRBa.—l, E. Maw-
aon. 2. W. Hughes. Nuns.— 1 and vlic, a. Lister. 2, T. KeU. Swallow or
Magpie.— 1, T. Kell. 2. E. Mawson. Foreign Owls.— I and 2, C. Atkinson.
Abcbangels— 1, E. Mawson. 2. T. Grainger. Any other Vaeieiy.- 1 ana
vIk, Lieat.-CoL Child. 2, W. Grainger.

JtjDGES. — Messrs. Hatton and Beldon.

• CANARIES.

I THINK the majority mate their birds too early in the season
to be successful. My way was to keep the females by themselves
in a room where they had as much suu as possible, but no arti-
ficial heat. This made them close in feather and later in coming
in, and were not apt to moult out of seisou, their health being
good. I raised more birds by August tbau many of my fi-iends
did who began in February. I uevtr put mine together before
the last of April. Others by that time would have one or two
nests of eggs at least, if not young birds. I believe in wire
nests with cotton flinnel liniug and plenty of material for build-
ing, the best thing for that purpose that I have seen being
horsehair, such as they use to mix for plastering purposes.
Clean it well, and it makes a nice soft neat.

Of course you have to feed your biids extra when you put
them together. I found it best to give them a small piece of
hard-boiled egs mised with coarse oatmeal. No sugar at all nor
cracker. I always gave a small piece of dandelion root once or
twice a-week ; this I f )und very good if the hen got egg-buuud,
almost always setting her right. When the young came I gave
a little green feed every day, continuing the meal and eggs, aud
When I could get plantain and dandeli' n seed ripe gave it freely,
also grass seed and millet, in fact any seed that the wild birds
feed on, believing that the nearer nature I went the more suc-
cessful I was.

To know whether the young are male or female examine them
about the tenth day. If they are clear-coloured birds yon will
find as the feather begins tu come out of the quill on the head
near the root of the bill, that it will be quite yellow on the male,
even if he is buff. A yellow hen will be bufi on that part. I
never knew this to fail me. One particular thing in this as in
all other breeding, was keeping them free from vermin. This I
eacceeded in doing by rubbing a very little white precipitate
powder around the nest, and sprinkling a very little on the hen
while hatching. To sum all up, health aud cleaulineis will give
you saccess and profit. I breed fancies always, Bt^lgians aud
Antwerps, and have raised as many on the average as if they
were common, usually raising ten birds from one pair in the
season. As soon as the young could feed themselves I preferred
a small room with plenty of ventilation, ^.ire in the one half of
the window, plenty of clean water aside from their bathing dish,
with seed of all the different weeds. By October my birds are
all in good feather and quite able to stand the winter. — Niel
ThjUPSun (in Afnerican Fanciers' Journal).

MODES OF ENLARGING HIVES.
By enlarging hives more space is given to the bees inside,
which they may use either for storing honey or for breeding
purposes, or for both. In spring and early summer bees are
naturally bsnt on spreading brood widely and thus multiply
population as fast as possible. At the present time hives are
filled with brood from top to' bottom and from si'le to side.
Hives so filled, whether tbey be stnck or swarm hives of the
onrrent season, will speedily ripen up to the swarming point.
All bee-keepers should bear in mind that the storing of honey
day by day virtually contracts the hives, for bees do not cover
thickly combs filled with honey. In fine weather how fast
hivoB are filled to crowding and repU tion ! Nothing but swarm-
ing or enlargement can prevent this. In ordinary seasons we
encourage swarming, and ttke swarms till the end of June —
Bometimes till the 10th of July. Afterwards we prevent swarm-
ing by enlargement of hives. For many reasons wo prefer the
BWarming system of management. Two reasons only may be
mentioned here : first, it is the most natural to bees, and secondly
most profitable to as. But we are rather differently placed to
man; bee keepers, for we can never procure stocks or hives of
bees enongh to meet the orders that are sent to aa for them.

All our best hives are taken away yearly by purchase. Last
year we had orders for about ^£100 worth more than we had to
sell. Every year the passion for bee-keeping increases. It is
somewhat amusing to us to read what is said about the straw-
hive system going out of fashion, and that it will come tu an
euil as soon as Mr. Pettisrew is removed from " the paildie-box
of the Journal of Horticulture." So far as we can discover
straw hives are but coming into fashion and use in many parts
of England. Wbere do the hundreds of Scotch straw hives go
to which we see annually in Mr. Yates's warehouse before the
swarming season '? I thought he had enough tbis year, but all
were sold before the swarming time was half over. Mr. Yates
has told me that he must be prepared with a far greater supply
nest year. Straw hives I am certain will never go out of fashion
while this country bears the name of Great Britain. If any
clever man cuuld invent a machine for making straw hives I
think Mr. Yates would willingly pay him handsomely for the
invention. Doubtless hives of other materials aud descriptions
are also in great demand.

There are various modes of enlarging hives, most of which are
pretty well understood by a large section of apiarians. In our
practice we are guided by circumstances and resort to all known
ways of enlargement exct-ptiug the collateral syttem. The
hives we use are not adapted for collateral operations. ■ In
honey seasons we have recourse to eking, supering, aud nadiring
in various forms and modifications. Some eight or nine years
ago we snpered a great many hives, and the bees filled most of
the supers; bat unfortunately honeydew abounded that season,
aud much «.-f it was gathered into our hives, and which polluted
aud spoiled the honey in all the supers — made it quite unsaleable
aud nnfit for table use. Oar fears are a little excited this season
by the shining glistening leaves of the sycamore trees. "When
bees are gathering the nasty substance called honeydew super-
ing should be avoided. Honeydew collected or gathered by
bees is darker in colour than the coarjtst molasses, and pollutes
and discolour.s all the honey it touches.

Eking is the simplest form of enlarging hives, and is perhaps
the best wbere run honey is the object aimed at. It is the most
certain mode of preventing swarming, for bees with an eke
below them cannot fail to understand that they have house room
aud scope enongh for progress. In good seasons a swarm may
fill it:* hive and two or three ekes besides. The straw hive, the
Stewarton, and some other kinds of hives admit of ekes at all
st-iges of progress. The bar-frame hive and that of Neighbour
and Sons are not made for eking; they are made and used for
suporieg. I never but once (nine years ago) alluded publicly to
the hives of Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, when I suggested the
desirability of making them larger, also the holes in the crown
of the hive to be larger to facilitate supering. Their hive should
be about double its present size with larger crown holes. Their
hive is about the size I like to use as a super — viz., to hold about
30 lbs. of h >neycomb.

Nadiring consists in placing one hive below another, say an
empty one below a full one. Both the Stewarfcon hive and bar-
frame hive are suited for nadiring. The bar-frame hive has not
been much used on the principle of nadiring, but I fancy it
could be very advantageously used in this way. By taking the
crown board off a bar-framer and placing it ('he hive without
the crown hoard) beneath a full hive, what scope and play room
would be given to the bees ! what full and free access between
hive and hive the workers would have! One bar-frame hive
with empty hives of its own kind placed above and below it
without the partition crown boards would be the Woodbury
hive Sfevtartnnised,or worked with advantage on the Stewarton
principle. This hint is thrown out for the benefit of the bar-
frame school of apiarians, at present a pretty large school. My
first swarm, whicti tilled its hive in fifteen days, was nadired
on the 19th of June. I placed an ly-iuch hive below it. If the
fiue weather continue for three or four weeks the swarm hive
will be well filled with honey aod the nadir with combs and
brood. Nadirs do not always prevent swarming, neither do they
always make good stacks for keeping. Sometimes tbey contain
too much drono comb. Hives filled or partially filled with
combs may be used as nadirs with advantage, provided the
combs be young and sweet.

The Nutt or collateral system of enlarging hives consists in
adding box to box on the same level or floorboard. A cottage
with two rooms only and both on the same floor is termed in
Scotland " a butt and a ben ;" so a Nutt hive has sometimes a
'' ben" on either side of the butt hive.

Supering is the mode of enlarging hives when pure honeycomb
in a separate form im sought. Wo all admire supers well filled
with pure honeycomb. A bit of pure white empty comb should
bo fixed in every super before it is placed on a hive to induce
the bees to enter it at once and commence work We use, aud
advise others to use, a sheet of paper between hive aud super,
so that the combs of the super do not get fastened to the crown
of the hive. Supers thus fitted on may be gently lifted off at
any time for examination. They could be weighid every night
and morning, aud thus be made the iustruments of teaching us

494

lOUBNAIi OF HORTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ Jano 28, 1877.

■whether most honey is carried up into them during the day or
during the night, feees are more apt to swarm with supers on
them than with nadirs under them. — A. Peitigkew.

ARTIFICIAL SWARMING.

We have practised two methods of artificial swarming in our
apiary. First, by removing one frame of brood with the queen
to an empty hive and filliugit up with empiy frames; then move
the hive which the queen was taken from to a new place, and
set the empty hive in its place. This should be done at a time
of day when the largest number of bees are away at worL As
they retnrn they will enter the empty hive, and, finding their
own queen, will remain. The old stand loses its queen and all
of the bees that have been flying out to work. It will have
brood and eggs and will raise another queen.

I was amused last summer by hearing a novice in bee-keeping
telling of a visit that he had made to a neighbouring apiary, and
while there the proprietor made a swarm as described. When
he was through he said, "Now you see in what a short time I
made $10." We have never practised this method excepting
the first season that we kept bees, did so then by the advice and
assistance of a friendly bee-keeper. We do not thiLk highly of it,
as all the old bees are in the new hive, and all the young bees are
in the old one. A natural swarm has bees of all kinds, and of all
ages, from the downy infant to tbe old veteran with ragged wings.

Second Method. — Take frames of brood and adhering bees
from different hives until the requisite number is obtained to
fill a hive. The bees will be so confused that they wiil not fight.
Care should be taken that no queens are taken from the hives.
All the bees that are old enough to work will return to their
former hives ; but as bees are all of the time gnawing out of the
cells enough will remain to care for the brood. Water should
be given in a sponge for a few days to the new swarms. If a
queen was given to them when formed it will soon be a prosper-
ous colony. If it has to raise its own queen it will have plenty
of means of doing so, for bees will raise one if tbey have eggs or
larvffl not over three days old. It is a very good way to increase
if one has worker comb to fill the vacancies in the different
hives, but if these are filled with empty frames the bees invari-
ably fill them with drone comb. — Mrs. L. Harbison, Peoria, III.
(in Prairie Farmer).

ABUNDANT SWARMING.

I HAVE an old German hive (reed and wood). It sent off a very
large swarm on Thursday, May 31st, but the bees retarned to
the hive. Swarms issued with similar results on Saturday and
Sunday, June 2nd and 3rd. A flue swarm safely hived on June
7th. June 10th, the hive threw off a good swarm at 8.15 am ,
safely hived. Just now, 1130 a.m., a small swarm thrown off,
which has joined the swarm hived yesterday. I have been a bee-
keeper since June, 1832, but I never heard of so many swarms
being sent off from a parent hive in so short a time. I can
vouch for the above facts, as I was an eye-witness to each suc-
cessive swarm leaving the parent hive. — Adam Fitch.

[We do not think your account of your bees at all extra-
ordinary. After all, though the hive appears to have thrown
off six swarms in ten days, for as the first three reiurned home,
you really obtained but three swarms between the 7th and 10th
June. It seems probabte that the queen was lost (as actually
happened to us in a like case), when the swarm issued on the
Slst for the first time. The subsequent issues were probably
led off by young queens in succession. — Eds.]

TO PRESERVE EGGS.

If yoa wish to keep eggs fresh for six months take 4 ozs. of
the best glycerine and 2 ozs. of the best olive oil, sbake well up
together and rub on the eggs. I had some eags for breakfast
that were put down last January in a cool cellar that were treated
with a coat of this egg-preserver, and packed the large ends
down in fine sand or salt, and you could not tell them from
freshly-Laid eggs. Out of twenty-four dozen that we have used
this month that were put down in that way in January and
February, five only were bad, and they only had a strong musty
Bmell. — [American Fanciers' Journal.)

Honey Show at Edinburgh. — The Caledonian Apiarian and
Entomological Society having successfnlly memorialised the
Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland to teach a more
humane aod improved system of apiculture on a national basis,
tbe first conjoined Show will be held at Edinburgh on the 21tb,
25th, 2Gth, and 27th days of July; and from the ample accommo-
dation provided by the Highland Society on the meadows for
bees at work, hives, and all bee appliances, together with the
great beauty of the northern capital, it is to be hoped that such
attractions will cause all British bee-keepers to combine and
make the exhibition a truly international one. — R. J. Bennett,
Vice-PresidoU.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Stobino Eggs (A Segular Subscriber).— The mislnre yoa inquire Jor,
meDtioned in Mr. Wright's bo.,t, in which to store eggs is made as foliowa :
— io four gullons of boiliug water acid half a peck o( new Ume, stirring it
some httie time. When cold remove any hard lumps by a coarse sieve, add
10 ozs. of salt and 3 ozs. of oiesm of tartar, and mix the whole thoroughly.
L,et the mixture stand to temper for a foitnight before use. The eggs are to
be pacted as closely as possible, and to be kept closely covered up. We do
not Jiuow where the bone dust for poultry food is to be had.

Bees Filling Super with Brood (Brnj. CromjreU).~Ae you put a
super on the straw hive when you hived them, and fed them at the same
time, they naturally took to the super and began operations there; of course,
the combs as fast as made were occupied by the queen for brood immediately,
llad we been on the spot we should have advised you to replace the super till
the brood was hatched out. What you actually did with it you do not say.

i SECTION4L Supers {Augustus Foster).— It you write to Messrs. Abbott,

I l^ros., Fairlawn, Southall, near Loudon, and etite your -''-- " ■■

1 doubtlofs supply you with the larger kind of sectional i

[ by '• B. & W."

ArLANTDs Silkworm.— Wo are informed it may be had from Mons. Wailly,
T.^^w '.? '^^°*'° '^"Pi'ioP'era, HO, Clapham Road, London; also that Mr.
11. w. Marsden, of Kegent Street, Gloucester, supplies foreign silk-prodac
mg Bombyces. o f

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVlTIONS.

Camden Sqoabe, London.

Lat. 51° 82' 40" N. ; Long. 0° 8- 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

-. ifhes they

uper as recommended

Date.

9 A.M.

1ST.

IE Dav.

1877.

|2tJ5-3

Hygrome-

0-6

"o^

Shade Tem-

Radiation

.9

ter.

t^

iii

perature.

Temperature.

«

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass.

Inches

dee.

deg.

dpg.

dcK-

deg.

deg.

deg.

In.

We. 20

SO OSS

H.S

69 S

E.

66.5

78.7

.55 0

117.1

51.3

Th. 21

29 912

67 5

68. <

■&.

65.8

77.9

61.2

123.1

17 6

0.013

Fri. 23

29 63

15.7

59.2

S.

65.9

72 8

68.1

1215

51.1

0.O4O

Sat. 23

29.736

66.9

51.7

S.W.

64.8

66.1

56.3

111.8

62.5

—

Sun.24

3J.122

611.0

612

N.W.

62.7

70 6

46S

1218

403

Mo. 25

S .168

63.5

51.8

S.

63 7

73.7

47.0

129 4

417

—

Ta. 26

30.1U8

61.9

68 6

s.

63.9

68.7

50.8

110.0

40.8

0.035

Means

20.966

C3.S

66.3

61.7

72.7

62.1

120.0

47.7

0.118

KE MARKS.
20th.— A very fine day, bat cocBiderably cooler than yesterday; cloady about

Doon, aud a few clouds in the evening.
21st.— Bright in the moniiBg, bat cloaded thickly over in the latter part of

tbe afternoon; threatening rain in tbe evening, and slight rain from

9.S0 P.M.
22nd. — Dall in the morning, with one or two heavy showers and occasional

glimpi^es of bright sunshine; brif^bt and line in the afternoon ; wtt

again in the latttr part of the evening.
23rd.— Fine throughout.

24th.— Fine throughout; sun very warm in the afternoon.
25th. — Fine in the morning ; rather cloudy in tbe afternoon, but fine again in

tbe evening, and a beautiful moonlight night.
26th. — Cloudy and rather dull, bat with occasional glimpses of sunshine in

tbe morning ; rain for about an hour at noon ; dull and cloudy in th&

afteraoon, aud flue io the evening.
Mean temperature generally about 5'^ in excess. Tbe mean masimnm in
Bun is below that of la^t week, as might be expected from the dullness of the
early part of the week.- O. J. Symons.

COVENT GAEDEN MARKET.— June 27.

Business being somewhat quieter prices have not ruled so good during the

past week, Peaches ak-ne being in full demand. Strawberries are now in,

aud in the course of a day or two will be in full supply, tho west of England

fruit having had a very poitr time of it. Outdoor vegetables are now plentiful,

FRUIT.

B. d. a. a

each S 0to8 0

dozen 12 a 30 0

(H lOu 10 0 16 0

dozen 8 0 SO 0

dozen 0 0 0 0

dozen 0 0 0 0

lb. 2 0 5 0

ieve 0 0 0 0

lb. 0 0 0 0

Apples i sieve 0 0

Apricots dozen 1 6

Cherries lb. 1 0

ChLstiuita bushel 0 0

Ciii-rants j tieve 0 0

hhuk i sieve 0 0

ri-s dozen 6 0

tUbc-rta lb. 0 0

Lobs lb. 1 0

Gooseberries .. 1 bushel 8 G

Grapeti,hothoucic lb. 2 0

Lemons 'I*' lOJ B 0

9. d

Artichokes dozen 8 u

Asparacus ^ lOJ 8 9

Beans, JCitlney.. 1* IHO 1 U

Beet Ked dozen 1 6

Broccoli bundle 0 9

Cabbage dozen 1 0

Can-ots bunch 0 C

new bunch 1 o

Capsicums .... ^lOO 1 6

Caiiliflowera dozen 2 0

Celery bundle 1 6

Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0

CncumberB each 0 6

F nthve dozen I 0

Funnel bunch 0 3

GarUc lb. 0 6

Herbi bunch 0 3

Lettuce dozen 1 0

Leeka bunch 0 4

Mushrooms .... pottle 1 6

Melons

Mectarinea ....

Oranges

Peaches

Fearo, Idtcben..

dcftbert

Pino Apples ....

Plums \

Faspberriea ....
Strawberries

lb. 0 6

1 6

4 6.

10 0 Walnuts bushel

10 0 1 ditto ^►lOO 0 0 0 0

VEGETABLES.

8. d. B. d

Mustard & Cress punnet 0 fltoO 4

Onions bubhel

pickling quart o

Parsley.... doz. bunches 2

Parsnips dozen 0

Pcaa quart

0 0

0 G

_ _ _. lb. 0 2 0 6

Eartisbes.. doz. bunches 10 16

i.bubarb bundle 0 6 10

SaUafv buntUe 0 9 10

tcorzonera .... bimdle 1 0 0 n

Seakale basket 0 0 0 0

Shallots lb. 0 8 0 6

Spinach huvbel 2 G 4 0

lumipa bunch 0 0 0 0

new buucli 0 9 2 0

Veg. Marrows .. each 0 0 u O'

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